Video: The xx “As I Am”
Back in 2009, we were treated to simplistic, dark thought provoking pop from a band of teenagers hailing form London. A foursome at the time, their simple guitar and drum beats underneath masterful back and forth vocals inspired an album that would come to be, and still is, an all time favorite of mine. From “VCR” to “Basic Space” to “Heart Skipped A Beat”, every song was a masterpiece in it’s own right. Then, four became three, and we were left to try and figure out what was next. Sure, the band lived on and toured these fantastic songs, but a new sound had to emerge at some point.
And thankfully, that time is sooner than later. The xx have been playing new material at their live shows recently for an album that is expected to drop later this year. Below, you can watch a video for “As I Am” caught from a recent gig at the Battersea Arts Centre. An natural extension from the first album, the same simple musical charm emerges forth with those same heartbreaking lyrics. Hopefully, the rest that is still to come is as good as this. Happy Monday.
Connect with The xx via Facebook
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The xx Announces U.S. Tour Dates via Consequence of Sound
Written by Greg Dahman
Album Stream: Ab-Soul ‘Control System’
Most of my favorite rappers these days are in the 30+ age bracket, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of young artists that I’m excited about, quite the contrary. Ab-Soul has been overshadowed by Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolBoy Q in their L.A. based “Black Hippy” crew to this point, but his outstanding new album Control System looks to change that. What Ab-Soul lacks in technical proficiency and lyrical dexterity, he makes up for in atmosphere and thoughtful creativity. Control System follows up on several of the ideas and themes displayed on ScHoolBoy Q’s excellent album Habits & Contradictions released earlier this year, proving that while the collective may be moving up to the majors with Dr. Dre and Interscope soon, they will try to maintain their aesthetic and creative control. Ab-soul’s skeptical, druggy vibe is on full display in these two excellent music videos. Peep the full album stream and purchase from iTunes if you dig.
Connect with Ab-Soul via Facebook | Twitter
Written by John Bugbee
Thought on Tracks 
Outside Thoughts: 1
This is the first of what I plan to make a weekly wrap-up post. We are a small, albeit passionate blog. As such, we cannot possibly cover all of the artists that strike our fancy. Nor would it prove healthy to attempt to do so. I will use this weekly post as an opportunity to share quality content from other blogs and musical sources. The posts will typically be features, in-depth interviews, etc. In other words, you likely will not find any “New Hot Song” posts here.
There will be no rhyme or reason regarding genre or order of the selection. Just hoping to pass along some of the more interesting articles that I read each week. My mother always told me to share with my friends. With that in mind, check out the links below.
1
Link: Interview: Richard Lloyd on CBGB, Pringles
Author: Kelsey Simpson
Source: NUVO
Description: Humorous interview with Television guitarist Richard Lloyd. The strummer speaks on the definition of “punk” and his role in one of the genre’s most influential bands. Catch him this Friday at The Melody Inn in Indianapolis. Highly recommended start to race weekend.
2
Link: Changes at WLFY
Author: Zach & Hank
Source: We Listen For You
Description: WLFY might be my favorite music blog. This week, the authors announced that they will be changing the blog’s format. As a duo, WLFY has decided that they are finished “playing the blog game.” Beginning Monday, they will only publish one post per day, in the hope that quality trumps quantity. I am thrilled to see where this shift in focus takes these cats.
3
Link: CoSign: Conveyor
Author: Harley Brown
Source: Consequence of Sound
Description: An interview/preview of Brooklyn’s Conveyor, surrounding the release of their debut, self-titled LP. Interesting look at a band worthy of your attention.
4
Link: Underscore: The Quiet Storm
Author: Eric Harvey
Source: Pitchfork
Description: An in-depth look at Smokey Robinson’s underrated 1975 album The Quiet Storm. The writer attempts to assess The Quiet Storm‘s position in the pantheon of all-time great R&B and Soul albums. The piece offers insight into the state of popular African-American music in the middle of the 1970s.
5
Link: Weird and Wild: Chicago Bulls Hat “Step by Step on a Weeping Floor”
Author: Jon Rogers
Source: Musical Family Tree
Description: MFT has begun a new series of posts entitled “Weird and Wild.” The first installment takes a look at the “experimental, digitally manipulated soundscapes” of Chicago Bulls Hat. This Indiana-based electronic duo offers up some auditory food for thought at an alarming pace.
6
Link: Scratch the Surface :: KISS, Alive!
Author: M. Garner
Source: Aquarium Drunkard
Description: I’m a big fan of this semi-regular installment on Aqua Drunkard. “Scratch the Surface” examines the influence that album art has on the listening experience. KISS has always been a band that is as interesting to watch as hear. Their 1975 album Alive! is no exception. Don’t miss the comment section beneath the post, where AD reader Nelson offers up an interesting rock n’ roll factoid.
7
Link: [Abby’s Road] The Happiest Melancholia
Author: Abby Ross
Source: Knox Road
Description: A short think-piece on the use of music as self-medication.
Curated by Rob Peoni