Top Ten Best New Music ... all released within the past 60 days

  • 1. "Somebody I Used to Know" - Gotye
  • 2. "I'm on One" - DJ Khaled, Lil Wayne, Drake, R. Ross
  • 3. "Motivation" - Kelly Rowland
  • 4. "Well OK, Honey" - Jenny O.
  • 5. "The Adventure of Rain Dance Maggie" - RHCP
  • 6. "I Stand Alone" - Theophilus London
  • 7. "Sey and I KNow It" - LMFAO
  • 8. "Oh Why" - Balam Acab
  • 9. "That's My Bitch" - Kanye West, Jay-Z
  • 10. "Lights" Remix - Bassnectar, Ellie Goulding
  • 11. "Wait in the Dark" - Memory Tapes
  • 12. "At Home" - Crystal Fighters
  • 13. "Feel So Close" - Calvin Harris
  • 14. "Amor Fati" - Washed Out
  • 15. "All I Ever Wanted" - Toxic Airborne Event


WHAT DO YOU THINK???

... Roll, the radio show host of Revel without a Pause at KOTO FM in Telluride, is interested in your remarks, thoughts and ideas and encourages comments below ...


Tuesday, July 21, 2009

RollnSmokeRecords Presents: Best Songs Released in Past 60 Days

1) “Feel Like Taking You Home” – Brendan Benson [to be released 8-18-09]. The singer/songwriter and member of the Raconteurs delivers an alt-rock solo set on Dave Matthews’ record label.

2) “Shining Down” – Lupe Fiasco featuring Matthew Santos [7-7-09]. The lead single from his forthcoming album is a slightly different sound for Chicago-based Muslim hip-hop MC which adds a twist of rock in with the R&B.

3) “Million Bucks” – Maino featuring Swizz Beats [6-30-09]. A feel-good rap track from latest album – an I-wanna-give-away-a-million-bucks away – from Brooklyn rapper who’s made his name on the mix-tape circuit.

4) “That Look you Give that Guy” – Eels [6-2-09]. A lot like the 70’s track “Alone Again, Naturally,” this pitiful ballad is irresistible.

5) “Dimestore Diamond” – The Gossip [6-23-09]. This alt-dance number – spare and gritty -- is a major label debut for this indie garage band.

6) “Make Her Say” – Kid Cudi feat. Kanye West [6-9-09]. A star-packed, somewhat theatrical and typically off-tune hip-hop duet with Lady GaGa moving “Poker Face” as the background backbeat.

7) “Successful” – Drake feat. Yung Chris and Trey Songz (promo single). An experimental new rap sound from Weezy protégé, Drake – a Toronto-born MC -- that pairs Kanye West-sounding raps against harmonic Trey Songz, all with an avant garde dissonant backbeat with poetic vibe.

8) “Whiskey Hangover” – Godsmack [6-30-09]. You’ve got to go in for the harder alt-metal rock, but if you can, then hold on to your socks! This guy is partying and you’d better get out of his way because he’s alright with his whiskey hangover.

9) “Dirty Robot” – The Lemonheads featuring Kate Moss [6-23-09]. An abstract, somewhat punk cover from post-Hukser Du rock band out of Boston.

10) “Mama Do” – Pixie Lott [6-8-09 in UK]. Keep an eye out for this emerging young siren out of the UK – forthcoming album called TURN IT UP -- in the vein of Amy Winehouse and Duffy, with a rich, bold, ballad-worthy voice. Of note: The Linus Love Mix of this song is particularly cool in a club-electronica way.

11) “So Fine” – Sean Paul (5-26-09). Latest hit from Jamaican dancehall superstar features big, danceable beats and Paul’s signature vocals.

12) “Back Again” – Reflection Eternal (unreleased). After a decade hiatus DJ Hi-Tek and Talib Kweli make spare, fringe poetry raps.

13) “Pale Horses” – Moby [6-30-09]. Also released as an EP in advance of his latest album, this lead track is a short, sulky, mellow number with farmed-out female vocals and familiar haunting repetition that is all Moby.

14) “Fences” – Phoenix [5-26-09]. Original alternative sound from French indie-rock band who recently gained pop cred a la SNL appearance.

15) “Periodically Double or Triple” – Yo La Tengo [leaked]. Kooky and retro-sounding issue with groovy organs and smooth percussion from one of indie’s longest-running, most beloved acts.

16) “Craigslist” – Weird Al Yankovic [6-16-09]. Weird Al jumps on today’s sordid headlines and comes up with this track, an Ode to Craig’s List, done a la The Doors.

17) “All Up to You” – Aventura [6-9-09]. A danceable rural Dominican sound mixed with pop and hip-hop from Bronnx-based bachata group.

18) “One Red Thread” – Blind Pilot [6-9-09]. An earnest, indie acoustic rocker from duo out of Portland, Oregon.

19) “One Day” – Matisyahu [to be released 8-29-09]. Typically classic reggae sound from Hasidic Jew out of West Chester, Pennsylvania.

20) “Fire” – Kasabian [6-5-09]. An alt-indie tune from Brit rock band who switches multiple gears in the course of just over 4 minutes.

21) “It’s Alright” – 311 [6-2-09]. An easy, listing pop track from the band out of Seattle with big, encouraging choruses and electric guitars shot through with a distant reggae motif.

22) “Paradise Cove” – Pete Yorn [6-23-09]. With his most recent album produced by Rick Rubin, Pete Yorn’s got his game back, especially on this pretty, primarily-acoustic, bossa-nova-like track.

23) “Don’t Upset the Rhythm (Go Baby Go)” – Noisettes (un-released). A disco-flavored track by UK pop-rock band from their forthcoming sophomore album to be released this summer.

The Following Tracks are Among the Best Tracks Released in the Past 60 Days but are currently unavailable on Playlist.com …

1) “Lagerfeld Lady” – Fritz Helder and The Phantoms [7-6-09]. Part of the Dance Club tracks scene, this off-beat, quirky number from Canadian collective has been released on the new Best of Album and is sure get your groove on.

2) “The One” – Mary J. Blige feat. Drake [6-9-09]. The R&B Groove Goddess from The Bronx joins Drake’s rap to give it all she’s got, demanding that her man stop lookin’ elsewhere.

3) “Brothers” – Smashproof (lead single, yet to be released in US). Funky R&B single from New Zealand group, layering female vocals with hip-hop from debut album which refers to a recent controversial case in which a business man stabbed a teenage grafitti “tagger” to death.

4) “Auditorium” – Mos Def [6-09-09]. Gritty, underground hip-hop that’s really musical stream-of-consciousness but at the same time pulls off a curious and compelling harmony.

5) “First Time” -- Josh X-An-Tus [7-14-09]. Sweet, spare love ballad off forthcoming debut album from emerging, young R&B artist – native New Yorker, Julliard-trained – discover this fresh, new voice.

6) “Diaraby Magni” – Vieux Farka Toure [5-26-09]. Enchanting contemporary dub reggae from distinctive Malian guitarist and rising West African star.

7) “I Ain’t Hidin’” – Black Crowes [to be released 9/1/09]. A great vintage-Rolling-Stones-like-rock number, heavy on guitar riffs and packed with roaring vocals by Chris Robinson.

8) “Listen to the Darkside” – Charlie Mars [6-9-09]. A pretty and simple song -- as the refrain suggests -- “if you want to come over, come over and get high, and listen to ‘The Dark Side of the Moon.’” And why not? With this handsome crooner who sings rock-soul (think Jason Mraz) from Oxford, Mississippi.

9) “Califonia’s Burning” – Dave Alvin and The Guilty Women [5-26-09]. Cali roots rocker turns in a spirited rush of new folk and bluegrass-inspired tracks with big back-up from first-rate, all-female cast of groove goddesses.

10) “The Sufferer” – The Aggrolites [6-9-09]. Good, contemporary, dirty-reggae-ska from seasoned group out of L.A.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

RollnSmokeRecords Presents: Best Songs Released in Past 60 Days

1) “Million Bucks” – Maino featuring Swizz Beats [6-30-09]. A feel-good rap track from forthcoming album – an I-wanna-give-away-a-million-bucks away – from Brooklyn rapper who’s made his name on the mix-tape circuit.

2) “Sun Come Up” -- Baby & Rick Ross Featuring Glasses Malone [5-12-09]. An easy hip-hop collaboration led by a gritty Ross with Malone carrying the harmonious hook.

3) “That’s Not My Name” – The Ting Tings [5-20-09]. A sassy girl-tune by indie British pop duo insists on getting her name right. But what IS her name???

4) “Make Her Say” – Kid Cudi feat. Kanye West [6-9-09]. A star-packed, somewhat theatrical and typically off-tune hip-hop duet with Lady GaGa moving “Poker Face” as the background backbeat.

5) “Mama Do” – Pixie Lott [6-8-09 in UK]. Keep an eye out for this emerging young siren out of the UK – forthcoming album called TURN IT UP -- in the vein of Amy Winehouse and Duffy, with a rich, bold, ballad-worthy voice. Of note: The Linus Love Mix of tise song is particularly cool in a club-electronica way.

6) “Fences” – Phoenix [5-26-09]. Original alternative sound from French indie-rock band who recently gained pop cred a la SNL appearance.

7) “So Fine” – Sean Paul (5-26-09). Latest hit from Jamaican dancehall superstar features big, danceable beats and Paul’s signature vocals.

8) “Craigslist” – Weird Al Yankovic [6-16-09]. Weird Al jumps on today’s sordid headlines and comes up with this track, an Ode to Craig’s List, done a la The Doors.

9) “Successful” – Drake feat. Yung Chris and Trey Songz (promo single). An experimental new rap sound from Weezy protégé, Drake – a Toronto-born MC -- that pairs Kanye West-sounding raps against harmonic Trey Songz, all with an avant garde dissonant backbeat with poetic vibe.

10) “Back Again” – Reflection Eternal (unreleased). After a decade hiatus DJ Hi-Tek and Talib Kweli make spare, fringe poetry raps.

11) “Feel Like Taking You Home” – Brendan Benson [to be released 8-18-09]. The sinbger/songwriter and member of the Raconteurs delivers an alt-rock solo set on Dave Matthews’ record label.

12) “Pale Horses” – Moby [6-30-09]. Also released as an EP in advance of his latest album, this lead track is a short, sulky, mellow number with farmed-out female vocals and familiar haunting repetition that is all Moby.

13) “Periodically Double or Triple” – Yo La Tengo [leaked]. Kooky and retro-sounding issue with groovy organs and smooth percussion from one of indie’s longest-running, most beloved acts.

14) “Light My Fire” – Mr. Capone-e featuring Snoop Dogg [5-12-09]. An easy hip-hop duet by Chicano rapper out of Southern Cali teaming up with Big Snoop who brings on the star power.

15) “That Look you Give that Guy” – Eels [6-2-09]. A lot like the 70’s track “Alone Again, Naturally,” this pitiful ballad is irresistible.

16) “Dimestore Diamond” – The Gossip [6-23-09]. This alt-dance number – spare and gritty -- is a major label debut for this indie garage band.

17) “Shadows” – Au Revoir Simone [5-19-09]. Contemporary-sounding track from Brooklyn indie-pop outfit features dreamy-sweet, female vocals.

18) “All Up to You” – Aventura [6-9-09]. A danceable rural Dominican sound mixed with pop and hip-hop from Bronnx-based bachata group.

19) “One Red Thread” – Blind Pilot [6-9-09]. An earnest, indie acoustic rocker from duo out of Portland, Oregon.

20) “One Day” – Matisyahu [to be released 8-29-09]. Typically classic reggae sound from Hasidic Jew out of West Chester, Pennsylvania.

21) “It’s Alright” – 311 [6-2-09]. An easy, listing pop track from the band out of Seattle with big, encouraging choruses and electric guitars shot through with a distant reggae motif.

22) “Paradise Cove” – Pete Yorn [6-23-09]. With his most recent album produced by Rick Rubin, Pete Yorn’s got his game back, especially on this pretty, primarily-acoustic, bossa-nova-like track.

23) “Don’t Upset the Rhythm (Go Baby Go)” – Noisettes (un-released). A disco-flavored track by UK pop-rock band from their forthcoming sophomore album to be released this summer.

24) “You’re Goin’ Down” – Sick Puppies [5-19-09]. Alternative rockers from Australia lay it on hard in this big sounding, riffing track.

The Following Tracks are Among the Best Tracks Released in the Past 60 Days but are currently unavailable on Playlist.com …

1) “I’m The One” – Mary J. Blige feat. Drake [6-9-09]. The R&B Groove Goddess from The Bronx joins Drake’s rap to give it all she’s got, demanding that her man stop lookin’ elsewhere.

2) “Brothers” – Smashproof (lead single, yet to be released in US). Funky R&B single from New Zealand group, layering female vocals with hip-hop from debut album which refers to a recent controversial case in which a business man stabbed a teenage grafitti “tagger” to death.

3) “Alleye Need” – Tanya Morgan [5-12-09]. A smart, fringe indie hip-hop track from [all-male] hip-hop group that came from a Cincinnati-Brooklyn internet music connection.

4) “Auditorium” – Mos Def [6-09-09]. Gritty, underground hip-hop that’s really musical stream-of-consciousness but at the same time pulls off a curious and compelling harmony.

5) “Diaraby Magni” – Vieux Farka Toure [5-26-09]. Enchanting contemporary dub reggae from distinctive Malian guitarist and rising West African star.

6) “Listen to the Darkside” – Charlie Mars [6-9-09]. A pretty and simple song -- as the refrain suggests -- “if you want to come over, come over and get high, and listen to ‘The Dark Side of the Moon.’” And why not? With this handsome crooner who sings rock-soul (think Jason Mraz) from Oxford, Mississippi.

7) “Fire” – Kasabian [6-5-09]. An alt-indie tune from Brit rock band who switches multiple gears in the course of just over 4 minutes.

8) “Califonia’s Burning” – Dave Alvin and The Guilty Women [5-26-09]. Cali roots rocker turns in a spirited rush of new folk and bluegrass-inspired tracks with big back-up from first-rate, all-female cast of groove goddesses.

9) “The Sufferer” – The Aggrolites [6-9-09]. Good, contemporary, dirty-reggae-ska from seasoned group out of L.A.

RollnSmoke Recommends Narrative Magazine

RollnSmoke Recommends Narrative Magazine
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