JayeL Audio

I haven’t mentioned San Francisco-based alt country rock outfit Or, the Whale nearly as much as I should on this site. Their hit “Call and Response” was #7 on my Favorite Tracks of 2009 list and their second album, Or, the Whale received solid reviews on sites like allmusic and Pop Shifter.

Their most recent claim to fame is a slowed down, countrified cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic”. The steel guitar and eerie background vocals cascade lead vocalist Alex Robbins in dramatic fashion. This reworking emits just enough emotion to make this pop hit feel poignant. For some reason, it kinda reminds me of Stone Temple Pilots’ “Big Empty” (that was a great MTV Unplugged btw).
Or, the Whale – Toxic (Britney Spears cover)

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out “Datura” and “Rusty Gold” from Or, the Whale. Both are great tunes that I’m not sure why didn’t they make it on to a mixtape.
Or, the Whale – Datura
Or, the Whale – Rusty Gold

Keep up with Or, the Whale happenings:
The Whale’s Tale blog
http://twitter.com/orthewhale
http://www.orthewhale.com
http://www.facebook.com/orthewhale

Pick up Or, the Whale’s self-titled second album here.

I haven’t had time for a proper post, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be up to date with everything in the music world.

A) Brooding Scotland natives, We Were Promised Jet Packs debuted a new single from their EP, The Last Place You’ll Look. Its kinda like what the Editors should still be like. Head over to Stereogum for a free download of “A Far Cry”.

B) Kyle Lucas has been hitting up ustream to preview tracks from his upcoming mixtape, Its Always Sunny In Marietta. Last week, he showcased most of the mixtape, including stand out cut, “So High” featuring Dungeon Family affiliate Slim Cutta Calhoon. Yesterday, Kyle showed off a bangin’ freestyle over David Guetta’s “Sexy Bitch”, a reworking of a Danger:Radio cut and a track I’ve been eagerly waiting for produced by Nobody Famous. It definitely sounds like Kyle is highlighting his versatility on this one. Click the videos below for videos featuring “So High” and the aforementioned Nobody Famous production.

C) I’ve been telling everyone I know (and annoying Laura) about Aziz Ansari‘s comedy album, Intimate Moments For A Sensual Evening. Definitely, one of the funniest comedy discs I’ve heard since Patton Oswalt’s, Werewolves and Lollipops. Ansari’s next venture is a mixtape helmed by his alter ego Raaaaaaaandy and Dave Sitek of TV On The Radio. See below for a link to a rant from Raaaaaaaandy regarding rappers not getting him his verses and a video basically applying the standard hip-hop rule that he’ll put the mixtape out, whenever he wants. Pitchfork has the link here.

D) I’ve been addicted to Hot Chip‘s latest album, One Life Stand for most of the week. 4 O’clock T Time has a great, encompassing review of the record and he’s right, its basically a “soul album”. “Hand Me Down Your Love” and “I Feel Better” have pretty been on repeat. I would have probably gave it a 4/5, but oh well.

E) Rap Genius is an amazing site I discovered this week. It explains rap lyrics via snarky comments and photos. So far, Birdman’s “Money to Blow” and The Clipse “Popular Demand” are my favorites, but the classic Jay-Z cut “D’evils” is well explained too.

F) Finally, I do my best to keep up with all the latest festival news, but turns out I don’t have a writing staff to manage updates constantly. Luckily, Consequence of Sound does. Head over to their “Festival Outlook” page for all the latest announcements and additions for the music festival of your choice.

…and don’t forget to download my latest mixtape, Edge of Narkness here.

What: The Hangout Music and Arts Festival
When: May 14th-16th
Where: Gulf Shores, AL
Headliners: Trey Anastasio and Classic TAB, Zac Brown Band, John Legend, Alison Krauss and the Union Station, The Black Crowes
Line-Up: A.A. Bondy, ALO, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Brett Dennen, Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam, The Flaming Lips, Funky Meters, Girl Talk, Gov’t Mule, Guster, Jerry Jeff Walker, Keller Williams, Mat Hires, Matisyahu, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Moon Taxi, North Mississippi Allstars, OK Go, Orianthi, Ozomatli, The Pnuma Trio, Rachel Goodrich, Ray LaMontagne, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Toubab Krewe, The Whigs
Tickets: 3 day passes $171 (including fees), VIP starts at $500, 1 day passes $82 (not yet announced)
Accommodations: Camping should be your first option. Gulf State Park is 2 miles from the fest and there are multiple RV parks near. Not the camping type? Might I suggest renting a beach house or condo? Check out this great vacation rental site. Hotels are also available on Hang Out’s site, under “Travel”.

Again, not on Bonnaroo’s massive pop or Wakarusa’s jam band level, but Hang Out Fest isn’t trying to be. Hang Out organizers managed to secure Phish-legend, Trey Anastasio, Ben Harper and his latest band, Ray Lamatagne, and psych-friendly vets The Flaming Lips. I was almost willing to sign up based on the initial line-up and this announcement just about put me into 100% attending territory. I’m a little disappointed by the lack of hip-hop, but I understand its not that kind of party. If there aren’t any hip-hop acts on the roster after the final line-up is in place, I guess I’ll turn to Girl Talk for some hip-hop mash-up fun. Besides, how can you argue with a music festival on the sunny shore’s of the Gulf of Mexico?

A group of us already have a placed a security deposit down on a beach house, so I’m all but signed up. I’m down for a 3-day pass, while some in the crew are holding out for a 1-day pass. At an attendance cap of 35,000, I’m starting to wonder if there will even be any 1 day passes available. Time will tell.

Looks like Bonnaroo will have to wait until 2011.

Hit the following links for more info on Hang Out Music Festival
http://www.hangoutmusicfest.com
http://twitter.com/hangoutfest
http://www.myspace.com/hangoutmusicfest

What: Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival
When: June 3rd – 6th
Where: Mulberry Mountain, Ozark, AK
Headliners: Widespread Panic, STS9, Umphrey’s McGee, The Disco Biscuits and The Black Keys
Line-Up Highlights: John Butler Trio, Blues Traveler, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Bassnectar, JJ Grey & MOFRO, Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears, Fishbone, Todd Snider,
Tickets: 4 day passes $151 (plus fees), VIP passes $395 (plus fees)
Accommodations: This is really a camper’s festival with multiple options, including primitive camping at $29 (plus fees) and mainstage camping costs $79 (plus fees)
My Take: I’m not even going to act like I know most of these bands. This appears to be jam band central this festival season. I can tell you that Athens, Ga natives Widespread Panic and STS9 headlined Rothbury and drew rave reviews. I can also tell you that The Black Keys are well worth seeing and I’ve heard nothing but good things about Robert Randolph. Atlanta based band The Constellations also make an appearance. I guess its good that Wakarusa’s site has videos from past years.

Have you been to Wakarusa? Any past experiences you care to share?

Back at it again. This is my interpretation of whats good in the land of hip-hop and rap since the last round. I was pretty psyched the first time I heard Lil’ Wayne and Eminem on “Drop the World” over Christmas break, but I didn’t have enough material for a new mix then. “Home Run” is possibly more lyrically deficient than “Money to Blow”, but its too damn catchy too ignore. Jay Electronica seems to be on quite a roll with “Exhibit C” (aka the new go to freestyle track) and his guest appearance one “Just Begun” (J. Cole shines as well). The Great Hangover Tour alumni represent well on “Highs and Lows” and “F*** The Money”, while Pill (“Thoughts”) and Freddie Gibbs (“Crushed Feelings”) continue to show they are the grittiest emcees in the game right now. And lets not forget the returns of Black Milk (“Keep Going”), Nappy Roots (“Ride”) and Rhymefest (“How High”). Wait, did People Under The Stairs just mention album number 7 on “Step Off”? Yep.

I was really hoping for “Follow Us” from Big Boi‘s never-dropping solo and “So High” from Kyle Lucas‘ next mixtape, Its Always Sunny In Marietta, but couldn’t wait any longer. Hopefully, they’ll be on the next round.

Edge of Narkness: http://www.sendspace.com/file/8nhafb (.rar file)
1. SMKA – Right Away ft Outasight, Kyle Lucas & Jay West
2. J. Cole – Unabomber
3. Alley Boy – Tall ft Young Dro
4. Lil’ Wayne – Drop The World ft Eminem
5. Jay Electronica – Exhibit C
6. Kid Cudi – Highs and Lows
7. Rhymefest – How High ft Little Brother
8. Gucci Mane – Solider ft Pharrell
9. Black Milk – Keep Going
10. Laws – Hold You Down
11. People Under The Stairs – Step Off
12. Freddie Gibbs – Crushin’ Feelin’s
13. Pill – Thoughts
14. Nappy Roots – Ride
15. B.o.B. aka Bobby Ray – F*** the Money ft Asher Roth
16. Juelz Santana – Homerun ft Lil’ Wayne
17. Reflection Eternal – Just Begun ft Jay Electronica and J. Cole
18. Snoop Dogg – That Tree ft Kid Cudi
19. Kevin Rudolf – I Made It ft Birdman, Jay Sean and Lil’ Wayne
20. Damian Marley and Nas – Strong Will Continue
21. Game – Better Days ft Static Major

Kid Cudi‘s blog has been all but a ghost-town since he announced the “scene-listing” for mysecond favorite album of 2009, Man On The Moon: The End of Day. Needless to say, I was shocked to see a new post from Cudder himself pop up on my RSS feed.

Sounds like he’s busy with acting in “How To Make It In America” on HBO, shows and working on the follow-up album. See for yourself below:

Sorry for the ridiculous amount of years between posts but we were havin some log in issues that were recently resolved haha. Jus wanna say wut up, long time no speak, blahzzay blahh and all that good shit. If you havnt checked it out yet, the first episode of HTMIIA is available on HBO On Demand aswell as iTunes along with behind the scenes interviews and other sneak peeks. Im mad happy to be apart of the show, its a dream come true to be acting and everyones showed me nothin but love and support. I cant wait to get back to filmin.

Lately ive been busy doing shows, hanging with family and friends aswell as recording the new album and focusing on my acting career. I really only make music for my fans to have suttin real to vibe to and I wanna say Thank You to everyone who has connected with me through song and understands my thoughts and story. U def help me stay focused. A lot of artist say stuff like that but on some real shit i mean it. Me and the rest of the G.O.O.D. music fam make Art. Money doesnt motivate us to create our music. You can tell in the lyrics, the production, and the quality of our records. I wasnt plannin on makin a new album so soon but I was inspired so why not?? U understand my records and I got a lot more to say. I promise I work hard to not let any one down. I know a lot of artist say that TOO but on some real shit I mean that also. Really, not fuckin around. I Love All. Goodbye

A hip-hop artist who actually appreciates his fans, pretty rare these days.

Until the new album, check out Kid Cudi on the festival circuit at Bonnaroo and Sasquatch! so far…

I was crushed to hear indie popsters Georgie James broke up in August ’08. Their one and only album, Places was one of my favorites of 2007 with gems like “Need Your Needs” and “More Lights”.

Georgie James singer/guitarist John Davis returns with his solo project, Title Tracks. Davis played almost all instruments on his debut album, It Was Easy and has guest vocals from Camera Obscura’s Tracyanne Campbell. Early offerings from the album like “Steady Love” and “No Girl” echo the catchy, fun nature of Davis’ past work, but also bring welcome grit on “Every Little Bit Hurts” and “I Can’t Hide”. See below for the video of “Steady Love” and 2009 tour dates (including a stop at ATL’s Drunken Unicorn). Thanks to JRC of Eat This City for the heads up.

Pick up Title Tracks – It Was Easy here or here.

Title Tracks 2009 Tour Dates
Feb 18 2010 8:30P The Hideout Chicago, Illinois
Feb 19 2010 9:00P Der Rathskellar at Wisconsin Union Madison, Wisconsin
Feb 20 2010 8:30P The Firebird St. Louis, Missouri
Feb 21 2010 8:00P Hi Tone Cafe Memphis, Tennessee
Feb 23 2010 8:00P Rubber Gloves Denton, Texas
Feb 24 2010 9:00P The Mohawk Austin, Texas
Feb 26 2010 8:30P Club Downunder @ FSU Tallahassee, Florida
Feb 27 2010 8:00P Will’s Pub Orlando, Florida
Feb 28 2010 8:00P Drunken Unicorn Atlanta, Georgia (buy tix here)
Mar 1 2010 9:00P Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Mar 2 2010 7:00P Gallery 5 Richmond, Virginia
Mar 3 2010 10:00P Golden West Cafe Baltimore, Maryland
Mar 4 2010 8:00P Kung Fu Necktie Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mar 5 2010 7:00P The Middle East (Upstairs) Cambridge, Massachusetts
Mar 6 2010 8:00P Union Hall Brooklyn, New York
Mar 7 2010 8:00P The Cake Shop New York, New York
Mar 10 2010 8:30P Black Cat WASHINGTON, Washington DC
Mar 11 2010 8:00P The Grog Shop Cleveland, Ohio
Mar 12 2010 8:00P The Crofoot Pontiac, Michigan (buy tix here)
Mar 13 2010 7:00P Bottom Lounge Chicago, Illinois
Mar 14 2010 7:00P High Noon Saloon Madison, Wisconsin
Mar 15 2010 7:30P First Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota

What: Sasquatch! Music Festival
When: May 29th-31st
Where: The Gorge Amphitheatre, George, WA
Headliners: Saturday – My Morning Jacket, Vampire Weekend; Sunday – Massive Attack, Pavement; Monday – Ween, MGMT
Line-Up Highlights: The National, The New Pornographers, Craig Robinson, Aziz Ansari, A-Trak, Nada Surf, Public Enemy, Brother Ali, Garfunkel and Oates
Tickets: 3 day passes $170 (plus fees), 1 day passes $70 (plus fees)
Accommodations: Weekend Camping passes are $99 (1 per vehicle), “Premier Camping” passes are $170 (includes a roomier site, clean showers and shuttle to the fest). Hotel options are listed here.
My Take: Bloggers and indie music fans alike, I think we have a winner. Sasquatch! organizers passed on traditional crowd-pleasing pop reunions, were nice enough to tell you the line-up by day, and for the most part went with what the internet says is hot right now. Sure Pavement, Ween and Massive Attack all will be in action, but they aren’t the household names the other fests are after. You will see acts like The National, MGMT, Vampire Weekend and LCD Soundsystem other places this summer, but I haven’t seen a line-up yet that has a combo of The New Pornographers, Public Enemy, Brother Ali, Fool’s Gold, Kid Cudi, Booka Shade, Yes Giantess….lets just stop there. Sasquatch! also features a great list of comedians with Rob Riggle, Craig Robinson and Garfunkel and Oates (MOKB did a great post on them last year here). By the looks of the surroundings, Sasquatch! has a picturesque view of the Columbia River Gorge. The real question is, why wouldn’t you go?

Enjoy it West Coasters. If you’ve been before, feel free to leave your experience below.

Last year also spawned one of my favorite you tube videos of 2009:

What the what? I love when people surprise me with artists I’ve never heard of before. Becky Bohn was nice enough to refer me to Phantogram’s album, Eyelid Movies, when it was streaming on NPR’s First Listen. Kind of reminds me of M83 mixed with, well, hip-hop. “When I’m Small” is fronted by eerie bass guitar amid singer Sarah D. Barthel smoky vocals, while “Running From Cops” is infectious with vocal distortion, reverb-like keys and well time guitar plucks.

Phantogram – When I’m Small

Scoop up Phantogram – Eyelid Movies here or here

See Phantogram with tour another JayeL Audio favorite, Junk Culture:
Feb 16 2010 8:00P THE TREEHOUSE (w/ Junk Culture) Columbus, Ohio
Feb 17 2010 8:00P SCHUBAS TAVERN (w/ Junk Culture) Chicago, Illinois
Feb 18 2010 8:00P 7TH STREET ENTRY (w/ Junk Culture) Minneapolis, Minnesota
Feb 20 2010 8:00P THE DRAKE HOTEL (w/ Junk Culture) Toronto
Feb 21 2010 8:00P II MOTORE (w/ Junk Culture) Montreal, Quebec
Feb 22 2010 8:00P MONKEY HOUSE (w/ Junk Culture) Burlington, Vermont
Mar 3 2010 8:00P Rickshaw Stop San Francisco, California
Mar 4 2010 8:00P Bordello Los Angeles, California

On another note, most of the full albums I’ve previewed at NPR First Listen (Dan Deacon, Vampire Weekend to name a few), I’ve ended up purchasing. I’d also recommend this week’s stream of Local Natives’ Gorilla Manor. NPR happens to have very good taste.

Thoughts on Phantogram? Has anyone used NPR’s First Listen?

What: Pitchfork Music Festival
When: July 16th to 18th
Where: Union Park, Chicago, IL
Headliners: Modest Mouse, LCD Soundsystem, Pavement
Line-Up Highlights: Raekwon, St. Vincent, Lightning Bolt, Cass McCombs, Here We Go Magic, Sleigh Bells
Tickets: 3 day passes were a paltry $90, but sold out 2 months earlier than last year. Daily passes are $40. No VIP as far as I can see.
Accommodations: Its Chicago, so hopefully you can crash on someone’s couch. Pitchfork also lists hostels and hotels here.
My Take: Pitchfork is pretty much CNN for the “indie” music world, so its not a surprise at the line-ups they have assembled over the years (’09 featured Built to Spill, The National, Yeasayer, Matt and Kim, The Antlers, Grizzly Bear, Flaming Lips, M83, and much more). Apparently, people liked the initial line-up so much that there is no need to wait for the rest. I would have to agree, Modest Mouse, LCD, Raekwon and St. Vincent alone is worth it. If I was purchasing 1 day passes, I guess I would choose Saturday, but its a tough call for sure. Look for an update once the rest of the line-up is announced.