Video: Dirty Projectors “Gun Has No Trigger” (Live at Williamsburg Music Hall)
Today marks the release of Dirty Projectors‘ sensational new LP Swing Lo Magellan on Domino Records. Yesterday, Pitchfork posted Grayson Currin’s phenomenal review and named the album “Best New Music”, proving that the music blogging behemoth still, occasionally, gets it right. Last night, The Bowery Presents, offered fans the opportunity to live stream the band’s performance at Williamsburg Music Hall via YouTube (watch the entire show). I watched, slack-jawed, from my computer in Indianapolis, struggling to comprehend how the vocals could be so pitch perfect throughout.
Below, watch Dirty Projectors’ rendition of Swing Lo Magellan‘s lead single “Gun Has No Trigger.” The video is just a snippet of what has quickly become one of my favorite releases of the year. Watch as frontman Dave Longstreth careening vocals wobble confidently over the hypnotic siren’s call of the background singers.
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Written by Rob Peoni
Video: Roc Marciano “Change”
Roc Marciano is an artist I’ve mentioned at least a couple of times on Thought on Tracks. Marciano is a veteran of New York’s hip hop scene who came up under greats like Busta Rhymes and Pete Rock. Roc’s always been a special MC, but ever since his long awaited, self-produced solo album Marcberg dropped in 2010, he’s emerged as quite possibly the best rapper on the planet. Although his follow-up album Reloaded was delayed and has no current release date, Marciano has stayed busy, working extensively with producer The Alchemist, as well as outshining several of the best MC’s in the business on their own tracks. “Change” is the first track off the Double Feature EP from the UK producer The Purist. While rappers often submit throwaway verses for producer compilations, Marciano seems intent on proving he’s the best with every single verse, spitting intricate gangster-isms like- “I jump out of the Porsche and spray, till your complexion pale four shades”. His laid back, detail oriented style shines over The Purist’s minimalist beat, making “Change” an addictive track that can be listened to repeatedly. Check out the video and get a feel for what a rapper in a creative zone sounds like in 2012.
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Written by John Bugbee
Thought on Tracks 
Tonight: First Friday music in the Murphy Building
First Fridays have blossomed into some of Indianapolis’ most exciting summer evenings for local art lovers. Originally established to bolster the city’s under-appreciated visual arts scene, First Fridays have grown to encompass a variety musical events as well. Two intriguing offerings will take place at Fountain Square’s Murphy Building this evening.
The new Do317 Lounge will play host to local singer and multi-instrumentalist KO Noel. Formerly of Slothpop, KO has quickly established herself as one of my favorite new Indy artists of 2012. It has been fun to watch her confidence as a solo performer quickly grow since her Record Store Day debut at LUNA Records. Listen to “i will run while it’s dark” for a taste of the sensational vocal loops that will be on display in the intimate new space. The show is free, and Upland Brewery will be on hand serving frothy beverages, and work by local artist Mandy Steinbeck will be on display. Find more info at Do317.
Just down the hall, local label Joyful Noise Recordings will double as a performance space for singer-songwriters Richard Edwards, of Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos, and Adam Kuhn. Edwards always puts on a terrific show. The show will also feature artwork from Kat Johnson. Check out Edwards’ acoustic take on Margot track “New York City Hotel” from 2010 below. Both shows kick off at 8 and space is limited. Visit Do317 for more info on the show.
Written by Rob Peoni