The Black Keys + Hip Hop = BlakRoc

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‘Tis the year of side projects and my man, Dan Auerbach, is on fuego. Filter Magazine has just announced that The Black Keys and some of the biggest names in hip hop will release an album under the name BlakRoc on November 27.  The band has teamed up with rapper-producer Jim Jones to create an eclectic new rock-infused hip-hop project and will feature a star-studded roster of guest artists, including the RZA, Raekwon, Q-Tip, Mos Def, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Right now anything Dan touches turns to gold.  I’m keeping my eye on this one.

Stuck in my Head: Noah and The Whale – “Five Years Time”

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What a Smile, Mergui

With all the buzz surrounding London-based Noah and The Whale’s much anticipated sophomore release, “First Days of Spring“, I couldn’t help but get nostalgic for this track that I love so much from their debut album released last year. It’s such a sweet song – joyous and childlike – that it makes me nostalgic everytime I hear it for this place and time five years ago, sailing the Mergui archipelago off the coast of Burma. A trip of a lifetime that still holds the title of ‘best trip’.  And I’ve been to some cool places.
But there’s nothing like meandering through a chain of 800 completely isolated, undeveloped, uninhabited and breathtaking islands.  The only people we encountered during that trip were the local sea gypsies, like this little girl who was so vivacious and infectious she charmed me out of every possession on my body. Who knows how her life has unfolded, five years later, but I’m sure she’s still skipping along, doling out love and smiles where ever she goes…..“There’ll be love, love, love where ever you go.”
Noah and The Whale have just announced a limited US tour next month in support of their new album, “First Days of Spring”, that hits October 6.  Lucky for me, they’re heading our way!
OCTOBER
20 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ The Roxy Theatre
22 – San Francisco, Calif. @ Swedish American Hall
24 – Seattle, Wash. @ Crocodile Cafe
25 – Portland, Ore. @ Doug Fir Lounge
29 – Chicago, Ill. @ Lakeshore Theater
30 – Pontiac, Mich. @ The Crofoot’s Pike Room
31 – Toronto, Ontario @ The Horseshoe Tavern

SF Spotlight: LoveLikeFire

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LoveLikeFire - Photo credit Rhetts Wood

Photo credit - Rhetts Wood

LoveLikeFire – “Signs”

Meet LoveLikeFire – a San Francisco indie rock group whose classic Britpop sound could have one easily mistake them as a UK band.  In fact, the first time I heard lead singer Ann Yu’s voice I thought I was listening to Delores O’Riordan from The Cranberries. Not a bad thing.  So it’s no wonder the group is taking their brand of dream pop across the pond on a full UK tour promoting their latest release, Tear Ourselves Away – releasing September 14 in the UK and expected to hit in the US sometime next year. I unfortunately missed their Pacific coast tour, so I’ll expect a full report from you UK readers!

Alberta Cross Covers John Lennon’s ‘Steel and Glass’ – Free MP3

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Alberta Cross – “Steel and Glass” (John Lennon Cover)

If you read this blog at all on a regular basis, you already know how much I love this band – Alberta Cross. They’re gearing up to release their debut album, “The Broken Side of Time”, on September 21.  It’s a spectacular album and one of my favorites for 2009.  Be sure to get it.

In the meantime, they’re keeping the momentum going with the a free MP3 download of the band covering John Lennon’s “Steel and Glass”.  Enjoy.

Stuck In My Head – Washed Out, “New Theory”

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Washed Out – “New Theory”

File Washed Out under ambient electro pop extraordinaire. The latest release (Life of Leisure) from the Columbia, SC-based group, loops nicely with the easy listening pleasures of The XX this week. Couple that with my latest obsession XKCD (thanks Too Much Happiness) and you’ve got yourself a another full-fledged addiction. Sigh.

Album of the Week: The XX

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Artist: The XX
Album: XX
Recommended if You Like: Night Music – a la Burial, Four Tet
Featured Track: “Crystalised”

Admittedly, for a blogger, I’m way late to the game on this one.  The album actually came out an entire month ago (gasp!) and is one of the more hyped bands on the blogosphere right now.  But that’s the way I tend to be, the music snob that I am. Get too much hype and I tend to get turned off.  But I succumbed happily to this West London group’s debut, XX, whose brand of nocturnal pop has me thoroughly entranced.

Melding an unsuspecting blend of contemporary R&B with reverb-soaked guitars and down-driven beats, these innovative 20-somethings have created a most delightful and intoxicating album. Atmospheric, intimate, sexy and half-drunk, XX is the perfect headphone hypnotica experience….and mood-maker. Players take heed.

San Francisco, The XX will be playing The Independent on November 23.

Concert Pick ‘O The Week: Cass McCombs + Papercuts + Girls

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Girls – “Hellhole Ratrace”

Papercuts – “Future Primative”

Cass McCombs – “Lionkiller“

Whew, a great line up of music is waiting to be had this Wednesday at The Great American Music Hall featuring two local acts co-headlining – Girls and Papercuts – along with Cass McCombs closing out the bill. All three bands have spectacular releases out this year that will vie for many a ‘best of’ list.  This is one show you don’t want to be late for.

[New Music] Apteka – “Traitor”

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Apteka, “Traitor”  

Hey, wake up!  The long weekend’s over.  And what better way to dust off the cobwebs than a little shoegaze rock from Apteka for your Tuesday back to work blues.  If you haven’t checked out the Chicago-based band yet here on The OCMD, here’s another chance to do so. The psyche rockers impressed the hell out of everyone earlier this summer at The Rumble in San Francisco.  And it appears they’re up to it again with a new single, “Traitor“, sent to me late last week for your listening pleasure.  Very MBV meets Jane’s Addiction. Enjoy!