The Roots Release First Single and Video from Upcoming Album ‘undun’
On December 6th, legendary hip-hop crew The Roots will release their 13th studio album undun. If “Make My”, the album’s first single featuring Mississippi emcee Big K.R.I.T., is any indication, we can safely expect the same genre bending beats and thought-provoking rhymes that have served as the foundation of this group’s storied career.
“Make My” is an immediate repeat listen, opening with a shaky, ear-tingling synth hook that dissolves into a simple, sleepy snare-driven back beat. The album is the group’s second release since becoming permanent residents of NYC. The Roots perform nightly as the house band for Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. However, the show’s afternoon tapings allow ?uestlove and friends to immerse themselves in the city’s music scene in the evening.
undun follows Wake Up!, their 2010 collaboration with R&B singer John Legend. Though I enjoyed this effort thoroughly, I’m excited for a return to the original formula. The Roots released a video this week that featured the first glimpse of the undun cover art and a black and white Manhattan photoshoot. Check out the new video and stream the first single “Make My” below:
Written by Rob Peoni
IndyMcGrath: Juggling Musical Sources in the Digital Age
I never learned how to juggle, but I have always admired the skill. I always viewed it as the perfect mix of maintaining composure while overcoming distraction. Focusing in on the touch, building routine, gaining speed and then ultimately mastering the art. Muscle memory serves as an essential element in the skill set of any juggler. Memorizing the patterns, the feel, and the object is primary. Often, jugglers challenge themselves to handle different objects with opposing size and textures. These are the true pros. They are sincere risk takers, always looking for a challenge. These artists never settle, absorbing innovative ideas and experiences. The “like riding a bicycle” perspective is truly impressive as I build a true appreciation for the composed multi-tasker, the juggler.
In an era where music can pump through our speakers in a matter of seconds we all have to be jugglers. The searching, downloading, streaming, spinning, Spotifying, Turntabling, etc. makes it a constant challenge to maintain routine and memory. So many awesome avenues to discover artists and reaffirm our relationships with existing bands is truly amazing. We now reside in an era where our listening experience is not directed, but merely suggested. The choice to tune in or out is ours. Technology has created a new type of personal DJ. We are the hunters, we are gatherers, and we are jugglers.
Keeping a notepad by my computer, taking pictures of my Sirius radio, and texting recommendations to myself are all methods I must juggle in order to document the firestorm of tuneage that pours down upon me each day. My advice is to focus on a documentation process that works for you. Gradually add a new blog or online stream source while building your personal documentation process. This musical juggling might not be as impressive as hurling a flaming bowling pin in a circular motion to the average outsider. However, we musical jugglers can appreciate the art that comes with constantly unearthing new sounds.
My latest documented success came courtesy of a fellow Turntable.fm user. I introduce you to the Belgian-Australian experimental rocker Gotye. When I heard “Somebody That I Used to Know” blare through my headphones in some indie turntable hotspot, I fell immediately n love. This song was a perfect mix of sadness and rhythm. Add New Zealand singer-songwriter Kimbra on the second verse/harmonies and I was hooked. Discovering this one beautiful song caused me to immediately purchase his 2011 release Making Mirrors from iTunes. While this song is truly the gem of the album, the rest is certainly something to take note of. Upon further discovery, I found out by my local record store that this was not cut on vinyl and is only available in the U.S. for a $33.00 import fee. This truly marked an occasion where the avenue of digital download proves its value.
Please take the time to watch this radical video for “Somebody That I Use to Know”. Your avenue is Thought on Tracks and your platform is YouTube. Grab your pen, legal pad, and write this down. Congrats, you are now a juggler.
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 
Fresh Track: Guided By Voices “The Unsinkable Fats Domino”
I currently have 1.2 days worth of Guided By Voices (GBV) content in my iTunes. The collection consists of full-lengths, EPs, live performances, and demo sessions. As time passes, my fondness for the group of lo-fi drinking buddies from Dayton grows. Most of their songs are brief snippets from the mind of front man Robert Pollard. GBV has spanned multiple decades while hosting a roulette of lineups. Somehow with all of their moving pieces, GBV has been oddly consistent. Throughout this constant transformation, Pollard has never let go of the core values of their band. GBV has always been loyal to their attitude and sound. Partying in basements until the crack of dawn while banging on electric guitars might seem juvenile, but the results have remained brilliant over the years. It is this loyalty to youthful behavior that has been embraced by their followers. Their “last” tour was suppose to occur in 2004 and many host cities, including Bloomington, Indiana dedicated their final tour stop as “Guided By Voices Day.” This is the type of influence that could make Pollard the easy vote for mayor in many progressive cities throughout the country, or at least everyone’s favorite bartender.
Pollard has always managed to maintain GBV’s authenticity while creatiting some of the best titles for songs that I have ever come across. “Gold Star for Robot Boy”, “My Valuable Hunting Knife”, “Zoo Pie”, and “Deathtrot And Warlock Riding A Rooster” are just a few of my favorite titles that come to mind. Please visit Jeff Warren’s Guided By Voices Database to gain a sense of the staggering size of the band’s catalog. The site also showcases the rabid dedication of GBV’s fan base. This database currently lists 1739 GBV songs in existence, most of which will grab your attention just by reading their titles. Their latest song “The Unsinkable Fats Domino” not only holds a spot for possible favorite title, but also gives GBV nation a special gift. “The Unsinkable Fats Domino” release displays the first new song by the original lineup since their last release in 1996 “Under the Bushes.” This brilliant, witty track is the lead single from their upcoming release Let’s Go Eat the Factory. While the title of the track is appealing, its story is even better.
Pollard and the gang decided to do what they do best and use current events to tell an amazing story. Legendary musician, Fats Domino was born, raised, and has called New Orleans home since 1928. A dedicated man not only to his music, but also his home, Fats was one of the many Crescent City residents who refused to evacuate during Hurricane Katrina. Because Fats’ home was completely flooded in one of the worst areas hit many dedicated fans thought Fats had been taken by the storm.
Initial reports indicated that Fats Domino had died. CNN quickly straightened things out with a story that brought relief to masses of music fans around the globe. Contrary to previous reports, Fats had been rescued by the Coast Guard along with the members of his family. A brilliantly buoyant story told to us by GBV.
I think this story is absolutely amazing and I honestly never heard about it until GBV chose to document it. Fats persistence and loyalty made him unsinkable despite one of the most awesome hurricanes this country has ever seen. GBV gives us an unbelievable story with an amazing name. This song is an anthem. This is an ode to the fight and desire of a living legend. While Pollard might not be held in the same breath as Fats Domino by most, I recognize him as such. After countless beers, thousands of cigarettes, and dozens of releases, I hope someone writes a song about him. “The Unsinkable Robert Pollard.”
Written by Brett McGrath