#NewMusicFriday Guide - 04/29/2016

You Wont - Revolutionaries

My two new favorite goofballs put out an album today! You Won't isn't officially #SKOAfam yet, but don't worry, it will happen soon enough. Maybe at one of their two shows in NYC next week? Talk about being #blessed! Anyway, this record could not have come out at a better time. The winter is finally leaving us, it's getting warm out, and you'll find yourself reaching for this record when the sun is sittin' pretty on your face. It's got the right amount of twang that will make you shake your groove thang just like this: 

Aesop Rock - The Impossible Kid

I have been thoroughly looking forward to this album since the second I heard "Rings" a few months back. The payoff for patiently waiting was certainly worth it, especially with last week's album stream, which was the most excellent of previews/"spoilers". ICYMI, it's a shot by shot recreation of The Shining and you absolutely have to see it for yourself if you haven't already because it's amazing. 

I will be counting down the minutes till I get to hear this live at Irving Plaza on June 13th, that's for sure. Nice work, Aesop! 

Brian Eno - The Ship

Our electro-lord has released more music today. Do I really need to tell you about this? You should know about this already. I am just making sure because our, um, Views are a little obstructed right now on the internet...if you know what I mean. 

I really liked Ghost Culture's self-titled album from last year so I was pleasantly surprised to learn that he had a couple of new tracks out today. These just further confirm that I need to own the self-titled on vinyl. I thought micropennies were enough love for this record, but his craftsmanship on both releases shines through enough that this is worth the shelf space for me. 

Calvin Harris - "This Is What You Came For" 

The jury is still out for me as to whether or not this is going to be *The Song Of The Summer*. This is subtly very awesome. It's really quite lovely. Rihanna's vocal is great. There is a reason why Calvin has a messload of sales plaques on his walls and it shows in the production value for this track. People will certainly listen to this a lot this summer.

All that said, it just... ehhhhhhh. I don't think lightning is going to strike twice for him + Rihanna. I will probably listen to this to get ready to go out, but not trip over myself to make sure I dance to it. 

Zedd (feat. Kesha) - "True Colors"

Okay we need to have a discussion about this. I have seen too many people say that they're disappointed by this track considering this is Kesha's big return post- Dr. Luke drama. 

Seriously? Shame on you. That just further shows how real the struggle is going to continue to be for Kesha because she was launched into stardom courtesy of some party anthems. You really think she was going to step out with a banger the second she was able to legally open her mouth?

Sit. Down. 

Please take a moment to reflect on what she is saying and be grateful that she was able to create her way through a lot of pain. Also, let us be thankful that Zedd knew better than to try to make this about him by going big on the production. Sure, her return is more understated than was anticipated, but she even says so herself: "I've escaped my captor and I have no master." 

Kesha, I'm glad you're back, bb. 

Man Power - Planet Cock EP

You should know by now that in addition to trying to not be completely crushed under the weight of what goes through my inbox that I also just like skimming AllMusic to see what might look interesting. The pairing of an artist called Man Power with an EP called Planet Cock... I am clearly a grown up who did not laugh to myself at all...heh. That's a lie, obviously. 

Clearly I had to give this a spin just for the sake of my sanity and it's actually pretty great. I've since had a look around at his catalog and intend to check out more of it in the weeks to come. I will probably start with his 2014 EP, Flacid Trax.... 

Sorry, it's Friday. I can't be an adult today to save my life. lmao 

Magic Sword - The Legend EP

Holy shit I forgot this was even happening and now it's happened and I'm just a wreck. Apparently there was a little bit of darkness in me because The Seeker and The Keeper aka Magic Sword just SLAYED ME with this EP. Wow. Wow. Wow. I really have zero chill about this right now, jfc. This is the first of a series of EPs that also will have a correlating comic to continue to tell the Magic Sword saga. You can find the first one for their debut album, Volume I over on their website. 

Holy good #Sheezus in heaven the guitar solos on "The Curse" quite literally have me unable to do anything other than shout, "GOOD LORD!" at the moment. WOW.

These guys were still one of the most fun interviews I ever did for #SKOARadio (not to mention the most hysterical meetup arrangements for an interview). I should probably not leave that committed to audio indefinitely. 

Matt Lange - Patchwork

#SKOAfam Matt Lange has followed up last year's Emphemera LP with another gorgeous heady string of dark dancey tunes. It would appear the mau5trap has continued to be good for Lange from the sounds of this EP. This is *ABSOLUTELY* a record you listen to first with your good headphones because the homey has very meticulously pieced this all together, so this is me looking out for your your first play through to be the best it can be. 

(This is terribly awkward that I'm realizing that I just featured two artists back to back with interviews that I aired on #SKOARADIO but never transcribed and shared through. I guess I know what I'm doing over the weekend....)

Holy Ghost! - Crime Cuts

Holy! Ghost!! is! back! I almost forgot this EP was coming out today but Twitter fam is always lookin' out for my ears, which I guess means they're looking out for yours, too. Anyway, YAY Brooklyn bands! This EP is solid. I really wish that Panorama weren't their only upcoming show in NYC at present. That is kind of like saying you can only have hot dogs inside Yankees Stadium in the summer or something imo. I'm sure more dates will be announced soon. Fingers crossed anyway. 

Panty Raid - After Glow

lol I know why this record is called After Glow. It's because the album is pure sex and by the end of it you will be feeling the afterglow of what it did to you. I guess you could say the overall theme that Panty Raid is going for is being executed well. 

[Listen] Jessie Ware - "Diamonds" (Rihanna Cover) in Radio One's Live Lounge

Today during the weeks ongoing Best Breakthrough act Live Lounge sessions Radio One has been holding all week, the wonderful Jessie Ware stepped up to perform. Now as we know by this point the Live Lounge can result in some rather odd songs being covered by artists, but today, Jessie covered something which fitted her voice beautifully. It was what she says is her "...favourite pop song of last/this year" and it originally came from Rihanna's 2012 album, Unapologetic. She covered "Diamonds" and the results were breath taking from start to finish. We've given Jessie a lot of love over the past year, and I think this just goes to show how great of a live performer she is. Listen again below and for some more pics and video check out the official BBC website here.

[Watch] Jay-Z Performs at BBC Radio One's Hackney Weekend feat. Rihanna, M.I.A. and Kanye West (FULL SET)

Every now and again you see a live performance that simply knocks your socks off. This was one of those sets. On Saturday evening I sat at home watching Jack White perform prior to Jay-Z's performance being broadcast. Apparently Jay's set was delayed so much because he too was watching Jack White and thoroughly enjoying the set. When the time came, Hova took to the stage with a surprise guest of Rihanna before the crowd seemed to well and truly loose their minds. 

As the set progressed, it was hit after hit and for such a large stage he managed to make it look like he was performing in a bedroom. Seriously, how can he do it so effortlessly? A surprise guest in the shape of M.I.A. took to the stage mid-set to perform "Paper Planes" and "Bad Girls" but mic problems meant no-one heard a word of "PP" and "Bad Girls" was pretty lackluster in all honesty. Everything was building up to something. Everybody hoped Kanye would make an appearance but he wasn't announced. The set finished, the stage went black and then "Otis" drops. From here on in it was pure madness. During the second run through of "Niggas In Paris" Jay stopped the set to ask people to open up a "Circle", by which I think he meant a pit but the crowd didn't seem to understand how to do this so well! Still, a great set that can be enjoyed, in full at the top. Look out for Beyonce loosing her mind to "Niggas In Paris" right at the end. Priceless.

[Listen] Rihanna - "We Found Love" (Star Slinger Refix)

On Christmas day we offered up the great sounding refix from Star Slinger of Mount Kimbie's "Before I Move Off". It would appear the Manchester man likes to keep himself busy over the holiday period and has offered up yet another track for fans to enjoy. Mixing up Rihanna's hit "We Found Love" he turns it into a sunshine filled mix that will put you on the white beaches of Ibiza in just over 3 minutes! Magic. 

Rihanna - We Found Love (Star Slinger Refix) by Star Slinger

[News] 54th Annual Grammy Nomminations Announced

It's that time of year again where we all bicker and complain about how the Grammys are no longer relevant and that the music industry continues to be nothing but a big fat failure. That's right, kiddies: the 54th Annual Grammy nominations are in and the band bashing is already in full swing.

Leading the nominations this time around are Adele (shocker), Kanye West, Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, Rihanna and Lady Gaga. The Electronica and Dance categories were relatively well represented with nods for Cut/Copy, David Guetta, Robyn, Duck Sauce, Deadmau5, Skrillex, and Swedish House Mafia.

Skrillex and Bon Iver were included in the noms for Best New Artist along with The Band Perry, J. Cole and Nicki Minaj, which seemed to rattle the internet quite a bit. It's a little random that Bon Iver is in this category considering they released their first album in 2008, but we will be happy for them all the same. Skrillex seems to come out of left field in this category, but I guess if Ryan Seacrest is excited for Skrillex then we really shouldn't be all that shocked. Kudos to him for getting electronica/dance music into more categories other than their own, though. Bon Iver also received a nomination for Record of the Year with "Helocene" alongside Mumford & Sons, Katy Perry, Adele, and Bruno Mars.

Butch Vig, Danger Mouse, The Lonely Island, The Black Keys, Foster The People, Radiohead, The Decemberists, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings of Leon, Wilco and many more were among the nominees tonight. Make sure you have a onceover on this years list of nominees and get ready to fire your tweets off with us on February 12, 2012 during the awards ceremony.

[Listen] Rihanna - "Talk That Talk" Feat. Jay-Z

The Jigga Man jumps on Ri Ri's title track from her upcoming album Talk That Talk set to drop November 21st. Check out the new album cut "Talk That Talk" in the player below courtesy of the folks over at Hypetrak. Not much more to say about it, just listen.

[Listen] 2 New Drake Tracks: "Crew Love" Feat. The Weeknd x "Take Care" Feat. Rihanna (Prod. Jamie xx)

While the world eagerly awaits the release of Drake's Take Care LP, more and more tracks seem to be sneaking online. First up we have the dope sounding "Crew Love" which came together with a little help from the smooth vocal tendencies of The Weeknd. The result is incredibly nice sounding track.

Second up is the equally nice sounding, Rihanna featuring, "Take Care". The track also comes with the handy work of none other than a man that likes to keep himself busy during his every waking minute, Jamie xx. After just announcing him and the other xx members are to begin work on their second studio LP and already collaborating with everyone I can think of not to mention his LP with Gil Scott Heron, this boy knows how to get his music heard! His skills on production definitely bring an xx kind of vibe to the RiRi featuring track. It's a good thing. Hat tip to Listen Before You Buy and HipHop-N-More for the heads up.

Give both tracks a spin below and start your week off with two dope sounding tracks. Take Care drops on November the 15th.

"Crew Love"

"Take Care" Feat. Rihanna (Prod. Jamie xx)

[Listen] Coldplay - "Paradise" x "Hurts Like Heaven" x "We Found Love" (Rihanna Cover) in BBC Radio One's Live Lounge

Yesterday we got to hear Kasabian covering Lana Del Rey on the 2nd to last stop on the BBC Student Tour and today the week of University shows finished up with a performance tonight from Coldplay. They dropped into Fearne Cotton's show and the moving 'Live Lounge' to put in a performance of "Paradise" and "Hurts Like Heaven" from their recently released fifth studio album Mylo Xyloto. In between though they put in a cover of Rihanna's "We Found Love" and the results can be heard below! Not too shabby, and I'm not a huge fan of the band so kudos to them.

In case you missed it yesterday, Coldplay visited Jool Holland on Tuesday evening and you can have a catch up and watch two live renditions of MX tracks over here.

"Paradise"

"Hurts Like Heaven"

"We Found Love" (Rihanna Cover)