[Listen] The D.O.T. - 'Diary' (Full Album Stream)

I think we all were a bit bummed when Mike Skinner called an end to The Streets. That's probably why we've been a little antsy about getting hold of the second album from Mr. Skinner and Rob Harvey, previously of The Music. Under their moniker of The D.O.T, Next week they'll finally release Diary, but as is the norm these days, you can stream the album in full prior to release next Monday (May 6th) on Cooking Vinyl. Check out the record that mixes together a bit of this and a bit of that below via NME. 

[Listen] The D.O.T. - 'And That' (Full Album Stream)

After keeping a close eye on the Rob Harvey and Mike Skinner project, The D.O.T., today marks the release of their debut full-length titled And That. I'm currently on spin number three of the entire album and simply can't get enough of it. There's this delicate balance between Skinner's beats roughhousing with my ear drums and Harvey's vocals making a punching bag out of my heart throughout the course of the record that keeps me connected and in tune with their whole vibe in a way that I haven't felt about a new album in months. Not to mention that the subtle changes to songs like "And A Hero", "Like You Used To" and "You Never Asked" were all the right choices as they take the tracks to a whole new level.

Don't take my word for it, have a listen to the album in its entirety below. Make sure you grab it on iTunes if you like it.

[SKOA Presents] Some Kind of Mixtape: April 2012

Honestly, where is this year going!? It feels like last month we were doing our end of the year write ups and making plans to party on New Years Eve, but here we are nearly halfway into the year already. That means it's definitely time to start making all of your festival plans and start picking songs to listen to on the way to the beach. This month's tunes that have been hand selected by us for Some Kind of Mixtape: April 2012 are sure to point you in the right direction. As always, we've left you some tidbits about each song via our "liner notes" below and be sure to have a listen below via our 8tracks player. Our other mixtapes from earlier in the year are all over on 8tracks as well.

We luvah you facez,

Kibbe, Shey, Adrian & Rocko

Some Kind of Mixtape - April 2012 from skoablog on 8tracks.

Animal Kingdom - "Strange Attractor"

It's been hard to take this song off of repeat ever since I saw the rather bizzare video to accompany the track, but "Strange Attractor" one of those kinds of songs that you want to put on while driving at sunset with the windows down so that the glimmering guitars and airy vocals can echo up into the sky and bring the stars out more quickly. This lovely gem comes from London outfit Animal Kingdom who are a week away from releasing their sophomore album The Looking Away that's packed with their unique blend of indie pop. Keep your eyes peeled on May 8th and be sure to grab a copy of the album for yourself. - Kibbe

Jai Paul - "Jasmine" (Demo) (from the Jasmine (Demo) Single)

Somehow, with only two songs to his name, Jai Paul has managed to remain in music conversation for years. His premier track "BTSTU" initially released in 2007 as a demo, and has since been reworked several times and sampled by the likes of Drake and Beyoncé. "Jasmine," Jai Paul's second outing, delivers an even more enticing package than, with deep, pounding basslines, catchy guitar riffs and echoey, reverb-heavy vocals combining seamlessly. Despite having only two tracks, Jai Paul deserves all the hype given to him. Bragging rights are acceptable with a track record such as his. - Adrian

PINS - "Eleventh Hour"

Seeming to have come from nowhere, PINS have emerged like a butterfly, fully formed and dripping in an undeniable beauty. This, their second track with thumping anthemic drums paired with the distant yet bright guitar makes a great combination. The chant like vocal work also adds to the mystery. A lot darker than the rhythm of "Shoot Me" but just as moreish. I've had this on repeat a lot this last month so maybe you'll enjoy it just as much? - Shey

El-P - "Oh Hail No" Feat. Mr Muthafuckin eXquire and Danny Brown

One of my personal anticipated records of the year, El-P delivers yet again with his forthcoming 3rd LP (no pun intended), Cancer For Cure. And what better track to represent a sharper wittier El than the banging "Oh Hail No" which features 2 of the most current hyped wordsmiths, Mr Muthafuckin eXquire and Fool's Gold's Danny Brown. Although, the guest features on this track (and the album) stray away from El-P's old Def Jux partners, the trio deliver without mercy over El-P's destructive backdrop. C4C hits shelves on May 22nd, preorder here and make sure you check out El's upcoming tour featuring Mr Muthafuckin eXquire, Killer Mike and Despot. - Rocko

Norah Jones - "After The Fall"

Danger Mouse x Norah Jones = Awesome. That pretty much sums up Norah Jones' new album, Little Broken Hearts (which actually dropped today) to a T. After Jones teamed up on Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi's Rome album last year, it was on inevitable for things to come back around and have Jones and DM work together on a full LP together. Aside from the leaks and single releases ("Happy Pills", "Say Goodbye" and "Travellin' On") the track I have currently on repeat is "After The Fall" which displays that classic Danger Mouse sound combined with the amazing vocals and lyrics from Norah Jones. Check it out and pick up the album today. - Rocko

Jack White - "Missing Pieces"

No-matter what band/group/project he's working on at any one moment, Jack White can make it his own. Now, when it came to his solo project it's hard to deny that we all, yes even you there in the back, we all got excited. A man of many talents but we all wanted to see and hear what direction his very own solo album would take. "Missing Pieces" is the opening track from Blunderbuss and it encompasses everything Jack is. Multiple instruments all prominently yet carefully placed resulting in an engaging piece of music. Just listen, stop reading. - Shey

The D.O.T. - "And A Hero"

I discovered The Streets and The Music back in college. I remember being so fascinated by the tone of Rob Harvey's voice on The Music's self-titled album and chuckling to myself at how clever I thought Mike Skinner's lyrics were on Original Pirate Material. Years went by and I watched their careers unfold and was pretty upset as both bands dwindled around the same time. Little did I know at the time that the brief collaborations on The Streets' Computers and Blues album would transition Skinner and Harvey into a new project which we now know as The D.O.T. I wasn't sure what to expect at first, but after hearing "And A Hero" I could not be more excited to see this next chapter unfold for these two. The production on this track is like a breath of fresh air into Skinner's signature sound and Harvey's vocals on this track make my eyes water just a tiny bit every single time. I absolutely cannot wait to hear more - Kibbe

Major Lazer - "Get Free" (Feat. Amber Coffman)

What can I write about Major Lazer that hasn't already been said? I could try to make up some off the cuff word to describe their sound. But why should I? We all know by this point that the combination of Diplo and Switch is a beautiful one and by adding in Amber Coffman of Dirty Projectors for vocal duties just takes it up another notch of ever growing greatness. No doubt we'll be having more Major Lazer treats over Summer, Diplo doesn't know how to take a break. - Shey

Purity Ring - "Obedear" (from their forthcoming album Shrines out July 24th via 4AD and Last Gang)

Edmonton duo Purity Ring are swiftly and gracefully establishing themselves as a favorite throughout the blogosphere, dropping select songs here and there. The difference? Each and every song they release is absolutely fantastic. "Obedear" is the best track they've delivered so far, and makes the July  24th release of their debut album Shrines even more anticipated. Pulsating gothic synth sounds surrounding ominous chanting and the spine-tingling vocals of Megan James, "Obedear" is the kind of song that, despite leaving you with goose bumps, has you desperately wanting more. What's not to love? - Adrian

White Fence - "Green Balloon" (from the Green Balloon 7" Single out May 22nd via Sexbeat)

Being a huge fan of Ty Segall, the psychedelic stylings of White Fence stood out immediately. "Green Balloon" is a great example of what makes the '60s-inspired psychedelic rock revival so appealing, as drowned out vocals and fuzzy guitar riffs pound in your ears like a flashback to a decade where music was at its finest. In every way, this song evokes the feeling of freedom and experimental creativity that was so prominent in the '60s, and all with a refreshingly carefree attitude. With his collaborative LP with Ty Segall out and volume one of his two volume Family Perfume LP released, 2012 is proving to be a good year for White Fence and the psychedelic rock revival. - Adrian

The Uncluded (Aesop Rock x Kimya Dawson) - "Bats"

Rhymesayers always knows how to deliver big on Record Store Day and this year was no different with the release of the 2012 RSE picture disc featuring new music from RSE flagship artists, Atmosphere and the debut of Aesop Rock and Kimya Dawson's collaborative project, The Uncluded. We've been excited for this collaboration ever since the announcement of the two working together on Kimya's recent LP Thunder Thighs and last year's Daytrotter Session. And after hearing the studio version of "Bats", we can't wait to hear more from two of music's most eclectic artists. The duo's album will drop later this year, but you can expect Dawson to guest feature on Aesop Rock's forthcoming album Skelethon this July. - Rocko

Ladyhawke - "Sunday Drive"

Relationships are such complicated things. A lot of times the central issue in a troubled relationship is a lack of communication. I really doubt that this was the case when Ladyhawke penned her latest single, "Sunday Drive". She really lays her heart bare in front of all of us as she details a relationship that is clearly not doing so well. Not only do her lyrics speak to just about anyone who's ever had a tough love life, but her delivery on this song was very well thought out. She doesn't come off sounding too miserable, but there's just a twinge of pain in her voice as she sings, "Please don't go / I need your love" from the chorus. Typically by the end of the song I feel the urge to hunt down Ladyhawke down myself to give her a hug because the song has shaken me that much. - Kibbe

[Download] The D.O.T. - "And A Hero"

On the heels of dropping his memoris about The Streets last week, Mike Skinner gave Annie Mac an exclusive download of a track from his new project The D.O.T. that he's doing with The Music's frontman Rob Harvey. The track, "And A Hero" clicks, semi-glitches and pulsates its way into your eardrums while Harvey beautifully belts until he gets ahold of your heartstrings. I cannot emphasize enough how powerful his delivery is on this track. Holy wow. He is really singing his heart out on this one.

For those of you across the pond, Mike Skinner will be playing a DJ set at AMP @KOKO on Saturday April 14th, so be sure to head out to that.

The D.O.T. also just posted a new video diary for March. You can check that out over on their website.