Cranberries Are on The Move

After ten years of no newly release material. Ireland's Celtic Alternative masters, the Cranberries are in the process of releasing their 6th studio album "Roses". The albums has released on single on iTunes called "Tomorrow" and if you visit the band's Facebook page you will be provided with an opportunity to download another track for free.

The band maintains their sound that has made them a true force within Alternative music. There is no doubt that there is a maturity in the groups song writing approach. The Cranberries continue to maintain the integrity of their Irish Culture making "Roses" a much anticipated release for 2012. Be sure to look for the band's new LP in February 2012.  If you are interested in t getting your hands of their two singles, hit up the iTunes Store and go to the band's Facebook page and select the "Free Download Tab". You can also obtain some samples of two other tracks by viewing The Cranberries webpage at, www.cranberries.com. Be sure to take some time to listen to them for your self.

Best Week of Music Thus Far!

Today was one of those days, that I must say arrived with much excitement. The new releases of some awesome material by artists Robin Thicke, The Roots, The Black Keys, and the late Amy Winehouse truly set my day in motion for some musical consumption that really made today AMAZING! So let us begin, shall we?

The first album on the list is Robin Thicke's fifth record, "Love After War". The first track on the album is really poppie and has a great head bobbing groove while maintaining that soulful style that has defined Robin as a true R&B sensation. His duo with Lil' Wayne on "Pretty Lil' Heart" is the first single on the album that wets fan's appetite for this new masterpiece. "Love After War" really offers a relevant message that is focused on hope and perseverance in the midst of hard times. There is no doubt that Robin maintains the integrity of soul music. I my opinion Robin Thicke is the modern day Marvin Gay, bringing raw emotion, sensuality, and magnificent metaphorical storytelling that set R&B in motion. This is a must have album, so do yourself the favor and get it. Moving on...

...While driving to work yesterday I was informed by one of West Palm's local radio personalities, that The Black Keys were releasing another album. With a Grammy under the duo's belt for their third album "Brothers", the Black Keys managed to bring a fuller sound to their increasing Alternative Rock approach to music. "El Camino" encompasses strong blue-grass and classic rock influences that clearly distinguish the groups very eclectic approach to song writing. You can hear the intense Zeppelin influence in "Little Black Submarine" to heavy Stevie Ray Blues guitar riffs throughout the albums entirety.  For me I wish nothing but further success for these guys and hope that "El Camino" brings another Grammy their way this year. Another must for your collection.

The Roots have another album? YES AND IT IS AWESOME! ?uestlove, Black Thought and the gang are back and bringing their uncanny musical approach to Hip-Hop in full motion with their new release "Undun". I don't know if it is the guys time on Jimmy Fallon or what, but The Roots are on a roll and doing it well. This album (like all the other Roots LP's) maintains the true story telling approach that Hip-Hop was intended to provide listener with. There is no question that The Roots continue to offer a breath of fresh air in music. "Undun" offers a great fusion of neo-soul and old-school hip-hop that will make you begging for more. Another must for you collection in my opinion.

Finally, we remember the late great Amy Winehouse. The idea that she is no longer with us due to her own inner demons silenced by her addiction, has left the music world a little short. Comprised of unreleased material, "Hidden Treasures" offers a very clear vision of the late singer's appreciation for Soul, Reggae, and old school jazz vocal styles of legends like Ella Fitzgerald and many more. With the help of Winehouse's family, "Hidden Treasures" offers greater insight to the artist's desire for hope, perseverance, and progress so needed in recovery/life. This is how Amy should be remembered.

Unlike past posts, these selections were bought outright. I knew they would be great, however if you are following "The Down Beat" and are interested in hearing these amazing albums before investing in them yourself, be sure to connect with Spotify to get a taste. 

Deep Hip-Hop...

...I mean from the moment I hit the play button to the very end, "Watch The Throne" had me thinking. Hip-Hop giants, Jay-Z and Kanye West collaborated to bring forth one of the most amazing compilation within the Hip-Hop genre to date. This is what this Hip-hop was intended to sound like right from the beginning. "Watch The Throne" embodies the relevant story telling of legendary Hip-Hop groups such as Tribe Called Quest, and De-la Soul.

The intense provocativeness of this duo really get's you thinking of all the events that have impacted people over the course of these difficult times and how those who struggle can rise out of their difficult times. Jay-Z and Kanye really push the envelope with their opening track, "No Church In the Wild". The song challenges faith and theological concepts that bring about hope, and meaning. The two are quick to address how confrontation and chaotic existences, are easily masked with such beliefs simply masking certain unwanted truths while leading towards hypocrisy.


When I say that this is an intense album, I mean it. For the first time in a long time I am presented with a true piece of urban mastery. If you have not yet heard this album, be sure to hook-up with Spotify and get your taste of what I think is the best Hip-Hop album of the year.

Boy Bands Were Cool in the Mid 90's

So, just when you thought the boy band craze had vanished into mid air, some how they just keep popping up. The only difference is that they package them a little differently.

One such group is Pop-emo looking quartet Hot Chelle Rae. Long hair and tight fitting jeans are used to present a different package, but the reality is that they are just another boy band. Here is the thing...

...See I may come across critical, but I'm a musician and love hearing progression and evolution in music. This stuff is the same thing. The band's full length album "Whatever" is exactly what it is. It's teenie-pop centered on simple concepts. The most notable track on the album is "Tonight Tonight" which hit the Top-40 station several months back. The groups music is fun and will get you moving a bit. For me it is definitely lacking. If this is your sort of thing go for it. To me it's like listening to a Disney Channel Compilation of the Victorious Cast. I know you are asking yourself...
..."How does he know about the Victorious Cast?" Well I have a 3 year old niece and my roomie's little one loves the show too, so I'm around it more than I'd like to be.

The album is designed to capture the attention of a more younger audience, but has the potential of drawing in some grown-ups through the group's somewhat maturer content on some tracks.

If you are interested in listening to Hot Chelle Rae's album, be sure to check out Spotify and get an account. You can hear the guy's whole album along with many others.

"Sexy and I Know It!" Finally Someone Had Enough Sense to Write a Song About Me...

"Thanks LMFAO for really offering the world a glimpse of who I am.  I mean when I look at myself I like what I see. How about you? Okay don't get your panties in a bunch. I'm just having a little fun. LMFAO has made looking like a nerd and a complete idiot cool. There latest single "Sexy and I Know It" has been holding the number 2 spot on the Bill Board Digital Songs Chart for 12 weeks. These nuts must be doing something right.

There Dubstep Club Style really gets you excited. I mean look at the rock'n hamsters in that cool Kia commercial. I mean there couldn't have been a more amazing promotional use of a song than, seeing a bunch of rodents dressed in street gear jamm'n to "Party Rock Anthem". It was that cool, I met one of the hamsters at a bar here in West Palm on Halloween. You should have seen how he shaked his little nub of a tail. All kidding aside this is a fun album with an over emphasis on Rock'n stuff.

If Eminem is The Jedi Master Yoda, and Yelawolf Was My Pupil, I'd be Pissed...

Look, I'm not a hater of Hip-hop. In fact I like it, but I'm not that nuts about a lot of the commercial stuff that is out there. I mean how many times can you write tracks about whoe's, bling, picking up whoe's at clubs, big booties, and fake grills. Isn't there more to that style of music than just that? Honestly!

That brings us to the latest creation of that Eminem's tutelage Yelawolf. Now before I commence with my review of his debut album "Radioactive"-which was produced by none other than Slim Shandy-I need to give you a little more background. Not on Yelawolf, just how I got the album.

So I was at Tar-gzey (that's the cool was of saying Target) and was combing through their CD section when I came across "Radioactive" for $10. Now amidst my moment of impulsivity, I stopped myself and thought...
..."I can listen to this new album on Spotify to see if I like it before I buy it." DUH! So here I am now previewing this new little album of the supposed next White Rapper Superstar. Hmmmmmmmmmmm...
...Look I don't doubt that the guy is talented in some way, and I think that it's really cute that Slim took on a big brother role and helped this kat break out, but the truth of the issue is that this album is really the same old rhymes that really make me not like a lot of commercial hip-hop.

The first half of the record is like a like a Dirty South super reunion. I mean really! Dirty South was the worst thing to happen to the hip-hop movement. The same fast pace beat free of cool samples (provided you have legal permission to use the sampled track :) ) and some lame, lame lyrics. I mean if this kid was to be the next big thing, I have to say that I'm not really impressed. For me the best song on the album was "Hardest Love Song in The World". That track had a cool guitar riff looped throughout, and really gave a cool authentic Hip-Hop sound. Clearly there was no expense spared in hyping this album with celebrity. "Radioactive" features rhymes by Kid Rock, Lil John, and Eminem himself.

If there was a rating scale on my blog I would provide Yelawolf's breakout album with 3 stars. It's really not all that great. If there is something that I'm missing in this whole thing, please let me know. I'm willing to learn. Thanks again and if you haven't yet, check out Spotify.com to set up an account and sample new releases of all your favorite and undiscovered artists.

Adele Live at the Royal Albert Hall

When I found out that they were planning on making a DVD recording of this show, November 29th, 2011 could not come any faster. I was quick to venture off to my nearest Best Buy on my lunch break and grab a copy. Once I reviewed the packaging I was even more thrilled to learn that my cool "Blu-ray" version of the concert came with a CD recording of the concert itself. "HOLY CRAP!"

Okay so let's get serious, shall we? This concert experience was something to behold. The Royal Albert Hall is the crème-de-la-crème of venues in the UK. It is a historic site that has housed the musical genius if legends and pit's pretty posh. As usual, Adele drops you on your butt the minute she opens her mouth and you hear the power of her magnificent voice. To me she is the modern day reincarnation of R&B Divas, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. Her music connects with you in a way that so few performers are able to do in today’s fast paste music market.

The show offers listeners and viewers a delightful assortment of Adele’s two albums ("19" and "21"). Her brilliant performance of "Someone Like You" is highly emotional for not only Adele herself, but for all those listening in attendance at Albert Hall and at home. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! If there is anything to criticize is the fact that there was a lot more banter in between songs than there should have been, however, Adele's commentary provides you with a closer look at the roots of her lyrical content for her music. Not only that but, you really get to enjoy her "cheeky" quips and personality that make her such a loveable person.

If you have not seen this show I would strongly recommend that you do so. Make it a "Block Buster Night", grab your friend, loved ones, and some wine and lose yourself in the angelic vocals of one of today's brightest stars.