Jay-Z :: On To The Next One

Jay-Z's new video for "On To The Next One" might just be the dopest video I've seen in awhile. It takes the hip hop video genre into a whole new realm, with stark black and white images coming at you in groups of 3's. Was that a crystal skull getting doused in black paint? A sneaker overflowing with white paint? A dude vaguely resembling the Joker? 3 bullets? 3 milk jars? What the fuck is going on? Is it high concept art? You bet your ass it is. Hova, we salute you.

Has it really been a year? It still feels like yesterday that I was compiling my best of 2008. But what can you really say about the music of 2009? There were some definite hits, and some pretty awful ones too. In a year that took from us the King of Pop yet gave us Beatles Rock Band, we all experienced this year of music in our own way. And what better way to sum it all up than to do the quintessential year end round up of great albums! These are the top 20 that really stood out for me, and made this year's soundtrack very, very listenable.

20. Blakroc – Blakroc
Even though this album was very recently released, you can tell from the first few songs that this isn't just any old hip-hop album. An 11 day collaboration between the Black Keys and various hip hop artists such as Mos Def, Q-tip, RZA and Raekwon, its beats and lyrics make anyone within earshot take notice.
Highlights: Ain't Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo), Dollaz & Sense, What You Do To Me

19. Girls – Album
A fantastic, lo-fi pop album that makes you wanna grab a six pack and your surf board and relax on the beach all day. This is how pop music should be.
Highlights: Hellhole Ratrace, Laura, Lust For Life





18. St. Vincent – Actor
Not only can she sing with a subtle beauty that few possess, but she can shred like a madwoman on guitar as well. With pixie-ish beauty to boot, Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, is a force to be reckoned with. Her follow up to the awesome Marry Me doesn't disappoint.
Highlights: Actor Out Of Work, Black Rainbow, The Party



17. Discovery – LP
What started off as a side project from Vampire Weekend's keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij and Ra Ra Riot lead vocalist Wes Miles has slowly turned into a full-time gig of sorts. With songs like these, they don't have to quit their day jobs, but it certainly couldn't hurt.
Highlights: Can You Discover?, Osaka Loop Line, I Want You Back



16. The pAper chAse – Someday This Could All Be Yours Vol. 1
To truly grasp this band's musical genius, one only needs to appreciate the dysfunction of our society, and then imagine that interpreted into sounds. Yes it may creep the living shit out of you, but you'll be tapping your toes and enjoying every minute of it.
Highlights: I'm Going to Heaven With or Without You (The Forest Fire), The Laying of Hands, The Speaking in Tongues (The Mass Hysteria), The Common Cold (The Epidemic)

15. Neon Indian – Psychic Chasms
Another side project which has developed a life of its own, Neon Indian is the brainchild of musical do-it-all Alan Palomo. What started out as a few songs released on the internet has turned into an electronic music phenomenon, garnering attention from all over the globe.
Highlights: Deadbeat Summer, Terminally Chill, Should Have Taken Acid With You


14. The Mars Volta – Octahedron
The Mars Volta are one of those polarizing bands that people can't quite figure out. You either love them fanatically, or you simply can't stand their progressive style of music. I for one recognize their genius, and in their latest offering, they've decided to get back to doing what they do best: Eclectically rocking your face off.
Highlights: Since We've Been Wrong, Teflon, With Twilight As My Guide


13. Fanfarlo – Reservoir
This little album snuck up on me out of nowhere, and man did it ever impress. Led by Swedish vocalist Simon Balthazar, Fanfarlo sounds like an indie stew made up of equal parts Beirut, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Arcade Fire. If that sounds tasty, it's because it is.
Highlights: The Walls Are Coming Down, I'm A Pilot, Comets



12. jj – jj N˚2
Another Swedish band to come out of the gates with a surprising release is jj. Not so much for their lo-fi blend of Afro-pop and electronica, which is fantastic, but for the fact that no one knows a thing about them, including who is in the band or where they're located. Seriously. Look it up.
Highlights: Things Will Never Be The Same Again, From Africa To Málaga, Masterplan


11. Passion Pit – Manners
You would be hard pressed to not have heard at least one song by this group in the past year. With their catchy dance beats and infectious vocals, these fellas from Cambridge, Mass. should be rocking crowds for quite some time to come.
Highlights: Little Secrets, Sleepyhead, Eyes Like Candles



10. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Self-Titled
What looks like a rag-tag band of hippies and gypsies is, well, a rag-tag band of hippies and gypsies. But they also happen to be a band of merry music makers to boot, with a sound that could fit in the 60's just as easily as today. And on that note, flip that record and light another one up.
Highlights: Janglin', Carries On, Home



9. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It's Blitz!
Karen O and her boys are back this year, and they're out to make you get up and dance your ass off. With a collection of rocking dance tunes and catchy sing-alongs, they're not looking to relinquish their hold on you anytime soon.
Highlights: Zero, Heads Will Roll, Hysteric



8. Blind Pilot – 3 Rounds And A Sound
Originally released in 2008 to little fanfare, their debut album was re-released in 2009 to a larger audience. With unbelievably catchy, heartfelt lyrics and an unplugged, grassroots sound, these Oregon natives are finally taking off into clear skies.
Highlights: The Story I Heard, One Red Thread, 3 Rounds And A Sound



7. The Avett Brothers – I And Love And You
Hailing from North Carolina, Scott and Seth Avett have it figured out. Along with their bud Bob, these 3 guys produce some of the catchiest Americana-style music out there, with lyrics that put most songwriters to shame. If you see a year end list that doesn't feature this album, it's probably wasn't compiled by a music lover.
Highlights: I And Love And You, January Wedding, And It Spread


6. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Phoenix really has it all. Clever, if not sometimes nonsensical lyrics, catchy hooks, driving beats, all held together with that unmistakable voice. Another highly used album in all forms of advertising this year, these Frenchmen left us dancing in the aisles with smiles from ear to ear.
Highlights: Lisztomania, 1901, Lasso



5. Dan Auerbach – Keep It Hid
As the lead singer of The Black Keys, Dan Auerbach unleashes his powerful mastery of bluesy rock and roll to the masses. But with this solo album, he has a chance to really showcase his ability as a songwriter and true master of his craft. With a full backing band behind him, you can't help but feel the music in your soul.
Highlights: I Want Some More, When The Night Comes, The Prowl


4. KiD CuDi – Man On The Moon: The End Of Day
One of the few MC's that's actually impressed me in quite some time, Kid Cudi is on the verge of major stardom. With smart and original rhymes and beats, along with some fantastic collaborations with both Ratatat and MGMT, this is one hip-hop album that has legs to last for awhile.
Highlights: Soundtrack 2 My Life, Day N Nite, Pursuit of Happiness



3. The Dear Hunter – Act III: Life and Death
This may be one of the only albums to come out this year that I honestly can put in and listen to from beginning to end and truly be amazed. That's a good thing, considering it's only the third act in a six part concept album, based around the story of a 20th century boys birth, life and eventual death. Epic in scope? Very. Epic in sound. You bet your ass.
Highlights: In Cauda Venenum, The Tank, Saved


2. Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest
Can these guys make an album that isn't going to be regarded as beautiful in scope and visionary in nature? Didn't think so. Once again, Grizzly Bear construct a fantastic example of how music should sound. Ethereal and haunting, this is one for the ages.
Highlights: Two Weeks, Cheerleader, While You Wait For The Others



1. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
Holy hell, what an album! For something that literally came out at the beginning of 2009, it damn sure never let go of it's hold of the number one spot this year. With ass-shaking catchy beats, carefree lyrics and a generally upbeat attitude throughout, it has gone on to become not only the best album of this year, but quite possibly a landmark album of this decade. Yeah, I went there.
Highlights: My Girls, Summertime Clothes, Brother Sport

And there you have it. Here's to a another great year in music, and great expectations for 2010!

Happy listening.

KiD CuDi feat. Ratatat - Pursuit Of Happiness

Here's the new video from KiD CuDi feat. Ratatat for the single Pursuit of Happiness. Be warned: This video could melt your face off. And in case you're wondering, yes, this is how every one of my parties goes down.

Happy In Paraguay

God, this is genius. If you don't at least cry a little bit while watching this, you can just keep right on surfing, buddy. We probably wouldn't get along very well anyways.

Let's Start The Holidays Right

Yeah, yeah...I know it's been a while, but hell...I've just been waiting for my favorite pumpkin-head man to return with some fresh new dance moves and get me into the holiday spirit. And boy howdy, did he ever.

Happy Halloween!

If this little ditty doesn't get you in the mood for some Halloween hijinks, then just keep on surfing, friends. This site is not for you.

Let The Wild Rumpus Start!

Shit yeah...it's about damn time! Today is a very good day, folks. Where The Wild Things Are finally makes it long-awaited premiere in theaters, and I for one am completely and utterly stoked. If you haven't read this book at least 20 times by now, do yourself a favor and take the 2 minutes and 38 seconds to read this book. It's 10 lines of copy, people. But dammit, if those 10 lines aren't some of the best shit ever written, I don't know what is. It makes anything by Judy Blume look like Ulysses. I can't even imagine how great this flick is with Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers on board. And for all those parents who think the film is too dark and frightening for their children, heed this advice from Maurice Sendak, the book's author - "Go to hell." Nicely done, sir. Now, where's my wolf suit and crown?

You've Been Warned

Here's 11 tips you should always remember about pederasses. Be careful out there, and watch out for potential traps. Or else I'll kill your dog.

Ladies, You're In For A Treat

Damn! I don't know how any of you ladies out there won't get at least a little hot and bothered by this video. The lineup of studs gathered here is enough to make even the most picky of women swoon in ecstasy. I mean, it's not everyday a viking comes knocking down your door for a date now, is it?

The Worst Way To End Your Week

Normally, I like to end the week on a positive note. You can't help but feel good heading into the weekend. But holy Christ, I just had to bring everyone down with this little diddy right here. The musical genius behind this one here is none other than Tom O'C, or you're run-of-the-mill typical douchebag. The fact that he even thinks this is remotely in the area of being listenable is beyond me. Hey maestro, auto-tuning a rambling, incoherent piece of shit does not make you the next T-Pain. 2-Pac must be rolling over in his grave right now.

The Greatest Show On TV Is Back!

That's right, my fine friends. The one show to bring me out of my blogging slump is finally back, and it's about damn time. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia is back on FX tonight, and bringing with it all of the depraved, senseless and downright fucking hilarious hijinks I've come to love. I need to laugh at something more than shit like 2 and Half Men and Jay Leno's lame ass attempt at humor. Give me Charlie whacked out of his gourd decked out as Green Man. Give me Dennis and Mac attempting to scheme their way into money and/or women. Give me Sweet Dee getting shit on by the guys and Frank drunk as shit, hairpiece and all. It truly is a wondrous time, people.

Really?

Guuuuuuhhhhhh.... I'm sorry cat people of the world, but this is whole new level of crazy. Cat massage? Really? And you wonder why I can't stand cats. If anyone needs me, I'll be over here wanking it dismissively.

The Most Disturbing Thing You'll See All Day

That's right, folks. It took this one video to break my lengthy slump of entries. Words can't even begin to describe what the fuck is going on in this video. This hits an all new plane of "Whaaa?" While you're watching this, just remember this one thing: Brrrreeeeaaaathheeeeee

Yeah Yeah Yeahs :: Heads Will Roll

Here's the new video for "Heads Will Roll" from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs new album It's Blitz! Interestingly enough, it's quite timely considering a certain someone's very famous death. This video exudes awesomeness. It screams homages to MJ's Thriller throughout, and is very creatively done. Not to mention the song rocks ass on the dancefloor. Kudos once again you oddly entertaining, weird and fantastic hipsters, you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go wolf-out now.

The King Has Fallen

This is history in the making, folks. The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, dead at the age of 50 from cardiac arrest. It's surprising, yet it's not. It's just really fucking sad. Say what you will about all his craziness, not to mention all the accusations of pedophilia and shit, the man is a legend. He's this generation's Elvis. I don't know if he did or didn't do the crimes he was accused of, but you cannot dispute that this man single-handedly changed the landscape of music as it stands today. He practically made MTV! He's gone platinum more times than most groups could ever dream. The dude broke boundaries everywhere. I don't give a shit if you were black, white, brown, rich, poor, male or female...you knew his tunes, and they rocked the house. Sure he was a whack job, but I honestly believe he didn't realize what we all saw as the actions of a sick man was just that. I don't think the guy ever really grew up. He was lonely, broken down and no more than a shell of the legend he became over the years. There's no telling what sort of details will come to light now that the facts are being gathered around his death, but the fact remains the throne in the world of music sits empty now. Below I've included a classic live performance from 1987 of his hit "Thriller". Tell me that man didn't know how to entertain a crowd. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go blast "Rock With You" as loud as I can.

St. Vincent Is Good At Music

The lovely Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, played to a hushed and thoroughly awed crowd last night in Dallas, proving once again that she's pretty good at this whole music thing. Playing hits such as "Marry Me" and a kick ass solo version of "Paris Is Burning", as well as new hits "Actor Out Of Work" and the slowly building raucous jam "Black Rainbow", it was a night sure to please for everyone in attendance.
She's like that cute, quirky, artsy chick you knew in high school - the one that you weren't too sure about because she was always sitting by herself at lunch writing sonnets or some shit, but something about her was so mesmerizing. With those looks and that voice, combined with her shreddin' skills on the guitar, you can't help but have a little crush on her. Unless you're attracted to lazy trolls who play the clarinet, in which case I don't want to be around you. Ever. That's just gross.

Predator...Is...FABULOUS!

Who doesn't love the classic flick Predator? Now take that film, add a little Wham!, some lube and a few bitch-slaps and what do you get? Cinema gold, my friends. Cinema fucking gold!

Grizzly Bear Pwns Dallas

Sorry to disappoint, but no one was seriously maimed, unless you count some dirty hipster minds being completely blown by awesomeness. Grizzly Bear played Dallas last night, and once again dazzled the fucking shit out of the crowd. Their brand of indie rock jams, combined with the Granada's consistently phenomenal sound system (ed. note: suck on that, Crystal Castles!) made for one hell of a show. New hits such as "Two Weeks" and "Cheerleader" were met with as much applause as fan favorites "Knife" and "Little Brother". I have to say, it sure was nice night to be aurally mauled.

Grizzly Bear :: Two Weeks

Yeah, so it's been a while since I've posted anything, but what better way to get back into the swing of things than with Grizzly Bear's new video for their first single "Two Weeks", off of the brand new album Veckatimest? Sparkly, exploding heads and all.

The Slap Chop Remix

Vince is breaking it down and coming correct these days. Who needs hookers when you got funk?