Video: Killer Mike “Untitled”
I haven’t really written about Atlanta rapper Killer Mike’s amazing album R.A.P. Music that was released back in May for Thought on Tracks, but that’s not because it isn’t one of the best albums of the year. The album’s bombastic production from El-P fits like a puzzle piece with Mike’s booming delivery, giving R.A.P. Music a sound as heavy as its message. Mike has already released a short film for “Big Beast” , which features verses from Bun B and T.I. as well as a crew of zombie strippers that make the video unlike any you’ve seen this year. A few weeks back I selected the live, studio rendition of “Untitled” for my video of the night on Twitter, as it’s one of my favorite songs on the album. Well now “Untitled” has gotten the official video treatment and the visuals are equally dope. The moving pictures concept is well done and contains graphic religious and historical imagery that match Killer Mike’s vocals perfectly. “Untitled” is also the first video I’m aware of that depicts the decapitation of the artist who made it, that’s gotta count for something. Peep the vid below and grab your copy of R.A.P. Music here.
Connect with Killer Mike via Facebook | Twitter
Written by John Bugbee
Fresh Track: Lord Huron “Time to Run”
If you haven’t heard Lord Huron before, well, scratch that. You have heard Lord Huron before. You just might not know it. Back in 2010, Ben Schneider released a solo EP called Into The Sun that was composed while Schneider spent time in his home state of Michigan while at, you guessed it, Lake Huron. After recruiting a band to perform live, a second EP entitled Mighty was released that same year featuring a great little song called “The Stranger” that made it’s way into an advertisement and into the ears of America. And while the majority probably didn’t seek out who or what that thirty second clip was, I happened to, and I’ve been waiting for more ever since.
That wish was granted a few weeks ago when word came that a debut LP was forthcoming on 10-9-12 from Schneider & Company entitled Lonesome Dreams along with the first single “Time To Run”. Schneider’s music is a folky trip out west with every song you hear. Much like a sunset – or rise over the mountains, it’s uplifting and inspiring music with an aura of beauty all around it. Midwesterners can catch him in person on Thursday evening of the MidPoint Music Festival in Cincinnati along with me. For now, start your day off right with “Time To Run” below.
Connect with Lord Huron via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Greg Dahman
Thought on Tracks 
Saturday: Purity Ring at Mayday – Cincinnati
If you’re a regular reader here on Thoughts on Tracks, you know my love for Purity Ring. And if you aren’t a regular reader here on our fun little blog, well then, I’ll just be honest and say you probably should be. In any case, if you’re within a short car ride, megabus trip, riverboat or even walking distance to Cincinnati then you need to get yourself here this Saturday night for when Purity Ring blows the lid off Mayday in the eclectic Northside neighborhood. Having gotten the opportunity to scope them in person earlier this summer, I honestly can’t think of a better way to get some fun on with a Saturday night and can promise some fun electronic vibes to go along with a killer light set. Saturday Night. “Fineshrine”. A few beverages. And maybe even one of Mayday’s famous hot dogs? Yes, please, and thank you.
You can catch up with my review of the debut LP Shrines from early July if you missed it and check out a video below of my personal track of the summer live along with an interview with the duo. Tickets are still available for pre-sale via Ticketfly and will also be available at the door for just $10.
Connect with Purity Ring via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Greg Dahman