Welcome to the next edition of the not-so-weekly music fix. This week in music, The Smashing Pumpkins announced a new album and then Aussie rockers Jet broke up. Put your hand up if you were aware that Jet were still a band. Thought so. These other things happened as well:
New Music From Brandi Carlile
Good news, Brandi fans. A US radio station is streaming a slightly angsty new piano heavy track called “That Wasn’t Me”. I’ve listened to this song more times this week than I’ve accidentally referred to Brandi as Belinda in the past few years, which is a lot. Let me know what you think!
Brandi’s fourth studio album is Bear Creek, which is the name of the studio barn she recorded it in. It will be out June 5. Soon after Brandi will be playing some shows around the US, check out the dates here.
New Music from Azealia Banks
Azaelia Banks, the young emcee who doesn’t live on anyone’s terms, has dropped a new track called “F*ck Up The Fun.” It’s produced by Diplo and is about b*tches on social networks and such. Have a listen.
You should probably definitely watch this video that a reader linked me to, it’s of cute kids reviewing Azealia’s hit “212”.
Tegan & Sara Watch
From the month-old newsdesk: Tegan and Sara have started recording their new album!
Still no word on what the album will be called or when it’s gonna be out, but here’s a tip from Tegan on what to expect:
“Sara and I are trying to step outside of our comfort zones and push ourselves to the extreme with this one so get ready for a whole new T+S sound! We strive to keep things fresh and exciting with each new record and I definitely feel like we’re accomplishing that so far.”
In case you’ve missed it, Tegan & Sara have started an online web series called “Carpool Confessional,” which documents the car ride to and from the studio each day. Banter guaranteed. Check out latest below.
A Look At Ladyhawke’s New Album
New Zealand singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Ladyhawke has put out a video preview of her upcoming album, Anxiety (out late May). It features snippets from a heap of new tracks including “Black, White & Blue” and has made me very excited about the future.
On Tour: Missy Higgins and Gotye
Two Australians who do good overseas, Missy Higgins and Gotye, will be playing some shows together in April, one in Los Angeles and one in San Francisco. The reason I’m mentioning this tour specifically and not every other tour that’s happening right now is because I really really want one of you to go along and report back. K?
The Making Of “Bad Girls”
Ever wondered how M.I.A made all of those crazy stunts happen in her “Bad Girls” clip? This 13-minute ‘making of’ video doesn’t really go into the specifics, but it’s an interesting watch nonetheless. It turns out that ‘drifting‘ is a really big thing in Saudi Arabia and inspiration for the music video came from youtube clips of people drinking tea and smoking hookahs as their car speeds on two wheels. The more you know, huh.
Get Behind Record Store Day
April 21 is Record Store Day! The special day where everyone around the world is encouraged to go visit their old friend, the local independent record store, and purchase a CD/record like they used to in the olden days.
On Record Store Day you can pick up some great exclusive releases from your favorite artists, including but not limited to Arcade Fire, Amanda Palmer, St Vincent, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Florence + The Machine, Foster The People, Garbage, Kimbra, Regina Spektor and Sara Bareilles. You can even get your hands on a vinyl version of Tegan & Sara’s Get Along, if you want.
Visit the Record Store Day website for the full list of exclusive releases and participating stores.
At first I was all “Missy Elliott is touring with Goyte?! Best/worst idea ever!” And then re-read it. Missy Higgins is quite cool too.
That MIA making of is pretty sick.
I’ve heard “that wasn’t me” live a few times, with just Brandi playing piano and singing. I definitely prefer that version, but the radio version is beautiful too. I’m super excited for her new record, although “Rattle my bones” isn’t going to be on it, which I’m really bummed about. There are only a couple crappy recordings of it on youtube, but it’s one of my favorite songs. Here’s one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewcuYWNDDeM
And of course I can’t wait for the Tegan and Sara record!
I was impregnated by watching her perform “rattle my bones” on youtube. she is pure sex.
My neighborhood is Bear Creek, I now feel as though I must go listen to that album.
Brandi & Amanda Palmer mentioned in the same article! My Friday is now made! (It don’t take much, people.)
The new Ladyhawke is awesome. Sounds like Garbage, who is also putting out a new album (!!!)
The La Sera album came out this week too, it’s really good, spesh if you’re a huge Vivian Girls fan
I just want to point out that this might be the only time saying “Sounds like Garbage” is a super compliment! : )
LADYHAWKE
I AM ALSO EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE
Not going to lie. Back in 2009, I had no idea who Brandi Carlile was. Then Jason Scavone of The Noises 10 told me he was going to be touring with her and Amy Ray, and he invited me along for a few of the shows. I was beyond impressed. She was amazing. And Amy Ray..OMG..OMG..OMG..Anyway, Brandi and Jason recorded one of his songs, “My Repair” and I’ve been an avid fan ever since. She is just amazing.
Really digging the new Azealia Banks track. Also loving the Tegan + Sara updates. Will I ever stop loving them? Probably not.
Crystal, if you haven’t already, check out THEESatisfaction’s debut album awE naturalE. It’s incredible. You can stream it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C87RzA1yyYs&ob=av2e
I swear I don’t work for Sub Pop or anything haha. I’m just really loving this right now.
I love this list. I’ve been listening to The Gossip’s new song like crazy. Perfect world truly is perfection!!