Thursday, July 11, 2013

New Video: Bajofondo - Lluvia


Bajofondo have a new video for their latest single, Lluvia off their album, Presente. To me the real beauty of this song are the poetry of the lyrics, about life's up and downs, and how we wait for the rain to cleanse the streets of city and get rid of the darkness.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Gw7ZNifhqmo

If you live in the Los Angeles area, they will be in town at the  House of Blues Sunset Strip with Shuggie Otis on August 29th, 2013. 

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

New Video: Janelle Monáe - Dance Apocalyptic


Okay, I am not obsessed with Janelle Monáe or maybe I really am? This just happens to my third post on her in a week. To me she is one of those artists that has been able to tap into the soul of music and uses it to create fun and magical moments even when delivering a message through her lyrics. 

Take this song for instance, it is about the end of the world and dancing all the way until it ends. When you hear the song, you think it's a peppy, happy-go-lucky song. There is always more to her music, you just have to listen or pay attention. I love how serious she takes her craft. 

Why worry about the end? Just dance until it ends! And now please enjoy this video: 

 

New Song: M.I.A. - Only 1 U


M.I.A is teasing us with a new track that premiered on a London radio show and has M.I.A. and it has fans everywhere clamoring to hear it. There is no word if the track, Only 1 U will be part of her new album MATANGI due out later this year.

M.I.A. tweeted instructions on how to listen to the track:

So now that you have the listening instructions, here you go:



Monday, July 1, 2013

Video: Janelle Monáe closes BET Awards


Janelle Monáe closed out the 2013 BET Awards last night with a great performance of her funky big bass and empowering anthem, Q.U.E.E.N, she was joined onstage by Erykah Badu who's featured on the single.

Monáe delivered a message without being preachy, was sexy but classy without being obvious & flashy about it and there was no need to lyp-synch unlike some other performers before her. This was and is the real deal.

All you other so called "artists" need to take notes on how it's done or just step aside and let Ms. Janelle Monáe do her thing.

I can't wait to hear this song live, but until then enjoy the live version. 

Be warned your booty may shake just as the lyrics state, "the booty don't lie."

Friday, June 28, 2013

New Song: Janelle Monáe - Dance Apocalyptic


My favorite ArchAndroid, Janelle Monáe is teasing us with a new song titled Dance Apocalyptic from her upcoming album The Electric Lady due out Sept 9th, 2013.

The song is very peppy and fun and out just in time for summer bbq's.


There is also a video in the works: 

New Vid: M.I.A. - Bring The Noize (2 editions)


M.I.A. is back with not just one but two editions of her video for her latest single, Bring the Noize off her upcoming album MATANGI.

Version one everyone in the video is wearing white and only a few pops of color appear like her hot pink wig, some club lights and some gold plated scenes.


Version Two is the Matangi Gold Edition - Everything is gold plated and it all looks embossed.


Either way, I am glad to have new music from M.I.A. just in time for summer!

I am back to posting!!!


Hello again!

After not posting much for almost over a month, I realized that I still want to do this and I will change the format slightly to include events in the L.A. area. 

At one point I will be switching to something else perhaps a website with a new more encompassing name but for now I will continue to post periodically. 

I do enjoy doing this and while the time away was good. 

There is just way too much good music out there that needs to disseminated.

Hope you are having a great summer. 

Regards, 
El Güido 

New Vid: NIN - Came Back Haunted


Nine Inch Nails are back with a new video for their single Came Back Haunted from their upcoming album Hesitation Marks due out September 3, 2013.

The video was directed by king of odd, David Lynch. Enjoy and try to not have a seizure while watching it.



Friday, May 24, 2013

New Video: Café Tacvba - Aprovéchate


Fresh off their latest album El Objeto Antes Llamado Disco, Café Tacvba are back with their newest video for their single Aprovéchate.

The video was directed by Rubén Albarran (lead singer of the group.) The black and white video features a party with the awesome rockabilly-pin up-cholo-pachuco stylings of the attendees and a cross-dressing Rubén, cool low-rider bikes, old cars and lots of bad ass girls with pompadours. The band members are all dressed like an old school prom band. I have to say that I love Meme's vocals on here more than other tracks he has sung on before, he is quite the crooner on this track.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

New Vid: Q.U.E.E.N by Janelle Monáe feat. Erykah Badu


Janelle Monáe is back with a new video for her single, Q.U.E.E.N. that features Badoula Oblongata aka another one of Erykah Badu's alter egos. Q.U.E.E.N. is the first single from Monáe’s upcoming album The Electric Lady, which doesn’t have a release date yet. It’s the follow-up to Monáe’s critically-acclaimed and amazing album, The ArchAndroid. 

The video is very stylish and Monáe even dons a chic new hairdo which looks great on her but I still love her with her iconic pompadour. Looking forward to hearing more from this album. 

For now, turn up the bass on your speakers and shake it because as the lyrics say, "the booty don't lie."

You can buy  Q.U.E.E.N on iTunes here
Enjoy & support! 

New Video: Bowie - The Next Day


David Bowie returns with a controversial new video for his title single, The Next Day that YouTube has already censored. It is still up on Vevo and after watching it I still can't determine why it is deemed inappropriate other than the subject matter of a church being a bloody nightclub, literally. Sure there is Gary Oldman playing a bad ass priest, a monk flogging himself, and a prostitute played Marion Cotillard that has projectile stigmata but there is no blatant nudity that violated YouTube's terms. I'm not saying that the images are not unsettling to some people but to be censored and banned seems a bit much. 

Take a look for yourself while you still can:
  

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Collection of my published Remezcla articles (March 2013)


Here is a collection of articles that were published in Remezcla (March 2013)

Video: Bomba Estéreo - Caribbean Power
Below is an excerpt from the article published March 12, 2013:

Few bands come on to the music scene with so much intensity that the whole world notices and even fewer are able to build on that intensity and continue to create innovative music that transcends cultures. Colombia’s Bomba Estereo is one of these few bands. On their video for their second single, Caribbean Power, off last year’s excellent  Elegancia Tropical, they feature a live performance of the song that really captures the ferocity of their live shows and their new found love for the synthesizer.

You can read the rest & watch the video here:
http://music.remezcla.com/2013/latin/video-bomba-estereo-caribbean-power/

___________________________________________________________________________________

Video: Carla Morrison - Disfruto
Below is an excerpt from the article published on March 12, 2013:

Carla Morrison is back with a music video for her new single Disfruto from her Grammy winning album, Dejenme Llorar. The video features Morrison singlehandedly acting out the feelings of the lyrics. The concept is very simple yet effective in its invocation of emotions. It begins off focus and in black and white where we see Morrison’s blurred silhouette sitting in front of a blank wall. As the focus adjusts she begins to act out and gesture the sentiments of the lyrics. When the camera zooms in to Morrison’s eyes, slowly color begins to appear on her lips and face and soon everywhere else. It’s a creative effort that really works especially when Morrison’s intense direct stare pierces the camera and connects with the viewer.

You can read the rest & watch the video here:
http://music.remezcla.com/2013/latin/video-carla-morrison-disfruto/ 

___________________________________________________________________________________

Free Download: Royal Highness - Sakala Mois EP
Below is an excerpt from the article published on March 22, 2013:

Royal Highness mix big bass beats, tribal, kuduro, cumbia, and trap music in such a way that I guarantee they will get you bobbing your head and dancing on their inventive new EP, Sakala Mois. The EP features four brand new tracks from the Austin-based duo. The first track, Screwbal is a blend of 90’s era “chopped and screwed” music and tribal. The combination sounds odd but it works very well, it’s a jarring big bass track that demands to be heard at a loud volume to truly appreciate its grandeur. PuroPari features the vocals of NYC based Zuzuka Poderosa and is a great quirky dance song that pays to tribute to “el puro pinche pari.” The track Extra Large Kids is a full on electro kuduro banger that will get your heart raising and your hips shaking to the upbeat African inspired groove that dominates the track. The final track Fiesta Colombiano mixes many samples, merengue sounding beats and big bass music to create an aural experience unlike no other. It is a mash-up of cultures that seamlessly collides on the dance floor. Fiesta Colombiano is a prime example of the continuous evolution of the Latino sound that fuses traditional elements in innovative ways to create a musical identity for a new generation.

Read the rest and download the EP for free here: 
http://music.remezcla.com/2013/latin/free-download-royal-highness-sakala-mois-ep/

___________________________________________________________________________________

Song Review: Los Macuanos - El Camotero
Below is an excerpt from the article published on March 26, 2013:

Los Macuanos are part of the Ruidosón revolution that exploded in the local Tijuana music scene and became internationally known for its brooding themes and big bass beats that coalesce the past and the current to create a fresh sound that represents the present and looks forward to the future. Los Macuanos have been making clever political statements and social commentary through their music.

You can read the rest and hear the song here: 
http://music.remezcla.com/2013/latin/listen-los-macuanos-el-camotero/

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Monday, March 25, 2013

Hello, blogosphere!


I have been busy taking care of my friend and just being caught up with writing that I kind of neglected this blog for a bit. But stay tuned for new posts very soon. Thanks for your patience and for your support.

Monday, March 11, 2013

My latest for Remezcla: Maria y José


Ever heard of Ruidosón?
Meet and listen to María y José, the king of ruidosón & learn about the cultural phenenomenon coming out of Tijuana.
Below is an excerpt of my article published in Remezcla on3/11/13
 
Ruidosón is a cultural phenomenon that has taken over Tijuana and it can’t be mentioned without people associating it with Tony Gallardo aka Maria y José who has been at the forefront of this groundbreaking genre. Some of its creators go as far as describing it as a way of life rather than a genre. It picks up where Nortec left off.

Ruidosón is rooted in the dark sensibilities and noise of the modern city. It samples the sonic influences of yesteryear and melds it with the contemporary experiences and circumstances that many live in Tijuana. It is noisy, big bass beats and dance rhythms that were birthed by a new generation from the sinister bloodshed that has plagued the country for years. In a way, it could be said that ruidosón is a response to the violence and a way to cathartically release the frustration that many feel but don’t know how to express. It is a collision of cultures that explodes through the speakers rather than through weapons.

Click on the link below to read the rest & hear the new single, Ultra:
http://music.remezcla.com/2013/latin/listen-maria-y-jose-ultra/?=nocache4949

New Video: Empire of the Sun - Discovery


Empire of the Sun teases its fans (Empyereans) with a brand new video shot at the Bronson Caves in Griffith Park. 

Empire of the Sun's second album is due out in June 2013. 
Until then, the Empyreans can enjoy Discovery

 

Thursday, March 7, 2013

My Latest Remezcla Article: Review - La Santa Cecilia's EL Hielo (Ice)


Here's an excerpt of my latest article for Remezcla. This time it was a song review on the latest single for one of my favorite L.A. bands, La Santa Cecilia beautiful new single, El Hielo (Ice).  




from the article published in Remezcla on 2/7/13: 
 
There are an estimated 2.8 million immigrants living in the U.S. Many left their home countries in hopes of a better future and in pursuit of the illusive “American Dream.” These immigrants are part of a shadow workforce that faces daily barriers, live under persecution and with constant fear of being deported just to provide for their families. On their moving new single, “El Hielo (Ice),” La Santa Cecilia brings into the limelight some of the people that strive to survive, day in and day out. The tragically beautiful and melancholic track uses some of these stories as inspiration to address this poignant issue in a melodious way.

You can read the rest of the article and hear El Hielo (Ice) here

 http://music.remezcla.com/2013/latin/review-la-santa-cecilia-el-hielo-ice/ 

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Meet: DIIV (Coachella 2013 Artist)


DIIV (formerly known as Dive) feel like a throwback to the indie scene of the 90's and it is even somewhat reminiscent of The Cure at times. They have one album out, Oshin which you can listen to in its entirety below.

I've compiled some of their videos and songs for you to get to know them better. 

DIIV play Coachella on Sunday April 14 & 21





Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Meet Divine Fits (Coachella 2013 Artist)


Divine Fits was formed after Spoon's Britt Daniel suggested to Wolf Parade's Dan Boeckner and it wasn't long before their first performance came about and then their first album, A Thing Called Divine Fits

Divine Fits play Coachella Friday April 12 & 19. 

Below I have compiled a link to hear their first album and some videos to get to know them better. 




Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Listen: Bajofondo - Presente


Bajofondo's new album, Presente is not out until March 5th but NPR has an exclusive first listen to their full album. Take a listen to it and enjoy!

 
The NPR link may no longer be working but you can listen to Presente on Soundcloud below: 
Si no funciona el enlace de NPR pueden escuchar Presente en Soundcloud aqui abajo:
Track Listing for Presente:

  1. Intro
  2. Código de barra
  3. Segundos afuera
  4. Pide piso
  5. Nocturno
  6. Pena en mi corazón
  7. Caminante
  8. La trufa y el sifón
  9. Sabelo
  10. Patrás
  11. Oigo Voces
  12. Cuesta arriba
  13. Rendezvous
  14. Lluvia
  15. Noviembre
  16. Circular
  17. A repechaje
  18. Milongón
  19. Así es (Propergol)
  20. Olvidate
  21. Outro

Friday, February 22, 2013

Meet Robert DeLong (Coachella 2013 Artist)


Billboard describes Robert Delong's story very well: 

“Here’s a story you don’t hear much anymore in this YouTube sensation(!), social media era: Aspiring musician practices for hours daily and plays live shows until he’s spotted by a label exec, who signs him to a record deal. That’s what happened for Robert DeLong, the Los Angeles multi-instrumentalist whose striking debut album “Just Movement,” comes out on Feb. 5 through Glassnote Records. Trained as a drummer, DeLong has created a sound that reflects his dance music influences and an indie-rock sensibility that’s as club-ready as it is headphone-friendly. Its release is just days away, but stream the full LP exclusively on Billboard.com”

—BILLBOARD.COM

Click here to stream the new album ‘Just Movement’!


Below are some additional songs and videos to get to know Robert DeLong better. 
He plays Coachella April 14 & 21st



Thursday, February 21, 2013

Birthday Tribute: Nina Simone


Happy 80th Birthday to the High Priestess of Soul, Ms. Nina Simone. Thank you for the musical legacy you left behind. Thank you for using your music to criticize the injustices you saw in society.  

Most of all, I am grateful for your incomparable voice that carried in its beautiful tone the pain and lament of your ancestors and your own. A voice that you later used to become a beacon for the civil rights movement. 

Your piano playing was graceful and tender at times and sometimes tumultuous just like the era you were living under. Each note being delivered with urgency and contempt, demanding attention and respect. 

Your lyrics were mirrors you held up to a world that was backwards and every now and then we can also hear your own reflection in these mirrored lyrics. Many of your lyrics are still poignant and relevant to this day as there is a lot injustice in the world but your music is part of the soundtrack in our lives that makes this reality bearable and reminds many of us to fight for what you believe in.

Thank you and Happy Birthday!

Below is a video tribute to Nina Simone's legacy:        




























Below is a documentary on Nina Simone: 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

New video: Miguel - Candles In The Sun


Fresh from a stellar performance at the Grammys, Miguel just released his latest beautifully shot and powerful music video for Candles In The Sun from his Grammy winning album, Kaleidoscope Dream.


Meet: Kids These Days (Coachella 2013 Artist)


Chicago based, Kids These Days have a funky mixture of hip hop, soul and jazz with live horns, several singers, MC's and everything. 

You can say they are kind of like a younger version of The Roots but not they are not strictly hip hop.

Their excellent album Traphouse Rock produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy is available as a free download.  
Yes, absolutely free! What are you waiting for? It's free music!



They have a popular song, Doo-Wah where they use the music of The Pixies in a very interesting way.

Kids These Days play Coachella Saturday, April 13 & 20.

Below is a compilation of their songs and videos to help you get to know them more. Enjoy!





My latest Remezcla article: Mueran Humanos


Mueran Humanos (Die Humans) make some really trippy post-apocalyptic music and they have a new single

Read my review for Remezcla and you can listen to it their song on there as well:


Arte de Mueran Humanos

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Stream: How to Destroy Angels' Welcome Oblivion


Trent Reznor's latest project with his wife Mariqueen, How to Destroy Angels have released an exclusive full stream through Pitchfork of their upcoming album Welcome Oblivion due out March 5th. 

It sounds great from what I have heard so far and it is perfect for the rainy day we have in L.A. at the moment.

How to Destroy Angels play Coachella in April.


If the stream is no longer working, you can listen to Welcome Oblivion on Soundcloud below:

Stream: Atoms for Peace's AMOK


Atoms for Peace have made their new album available as a stream.


You can preorder AMOK as well. Take a listen to it today! Enjoy!

Friday, February 15, 2013

Meet: Vintage Trouble (Coachella 2013 Artist)


Vintage Trouble (VT) are a rock & soul band that formed in Hollywood. They have one album out, The Bomb Shelter Sessions. This is perfect for fans of Jimi Hendrix and classic rock and roll and soul done just right. They are one of my favorite lineup discoveries and I am excited to see them live!

Their electric performances have made Vintage Trouble rise to the top and they are currently the opening act for The Who's North American tour.

Their fans have become known as Troublemakers and are considered a key component to their success and live shows .

Want to become a Troublemaker?

VT play Coachella on Saturday April 13 & 20.

Take a listen, feel the groove and become a troublemaker:    









Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Meet: Purity Ring (Coachella 2013 Artist)


Canadian electronic synth-dream-pop duo, Purity Ring formed in 2010 and is made up by vocalist Megan James and Corin Roddick who does the music.

Their music has an electronic synth-pop that has described by some as indietronica.

They have one full length album, Shrines. Recently, they released a cover of the song Grammy by Soulja Boy.

Purity Ring plays Coachella on Friday, April 12 & 19. 

You should get there early for them.

Below are some songs and videos to get to know them better whether you are going to the festival or not:










Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Meet: Local Natives (Coachella 2013 Artist)


Local Natives are an indie rock band from L.A. They have received critical acclaim for their first album, Gorilla Manor and they just recently released their 2nd album, Hummingbird. They are the kind of band that get better with each listen. It's hard to categorize them as only indie rock as their sound expands into psych-folk, they use afro-pop guitar licks, and are very percussion driven. 

Take a listen for yourself and you decide
Local Natives play Coachella on Friday April 12 & 19




Here are some videos of theirs:











New Video: Bajofondo - Pide Piso


I previously put up Bajofondo's new song, Pide Piso and now there is an official video for the song. 

Bajofondo's new album in five years titled Presente will be released on March 5th, 2013. 

The video is released just in time for Valentine's Day, it is like an 8-bit video game about love and dance. Check it out:
 

Monday, February 11, 2013

Watch the 2013 Grammys Best Performances


The Grammys were held last night and I must admit that this year the performances were rather blah. Even the much anticipated and overhyped return of Justin Timberlake to the stage was underwhelming. Other performers relied on the theatrics and production more to put on a show but there were a few performances that I felt stole the show and revived it for intervals the few minutes they were on. 

The performance that was my favorite of the night was Jack White's who wore an awesome suit and brought some good old energetic rock and roll to the Grammy stage and performed Love Interruption and Freedom at 21 from his nominated album Blunderbuss. This is how it's done! Others take note!



The next performance that was memorable was the Grammy tribute to Levon Helm, the drummer/singer for The Band.  The tributes at the Grammys even though they mean well usually come off as trite and contrived (like the horrible tribute to Bob Marley) but this one included an all-star band of legends and soon to be legends covering The Weight: Elton John, Mavis Staples, T. Bone Burnett, Zac Brown, Alabama ShakesBrittany Howard, and Mumford & Sons.

Another performance that revived the show was The Black Keys who was joined by Dr. John and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band for a great rendition of their hit "Lonely Boy." It definitely felt like Mardi Gras came a week earlier to L.A. I hope The Black Keys consider recording with them as it sounded great.


One of the surprises of the night was Miguel who I had heard recorded but had no idea what he would sound like live. He performed Adorn with Whiz Khalifa (who was just there for me and was unnecessary) but Miguel's voice live was just amazingly smooth! He's definitely an act to watch out for in the next few years.
 

New video - Beck epically reimagines Bowie


This amazing feat was pulled off last week at 20th Century Fox Studios and you can now see the full live performance of the song not even a week later. This is a great concept for covering songs and perhaps in the near future it will become a series of recordings by Beck or even other artists doing renditions in such an epic and innovative way. The musicians were conducted by Beck's dad, David Campbell.

text from youtube video:

The Hello, Again performance started with an idea -- Beck would reimagine David Bowie's classic, "Sound and Vision." But it became more than another cover. It became an experience that presented a fresh take on the possibilities of the once familiar, for both the audience and the performers.

In collaboration with Beck and a "band" of more than 160 diverse musicians, Director Chris Milk created a concert experience that was fully immersive for both the audience and the performers. By capturing the concert with 360-degree cameras and binaural microphones, online viewers will have the opportunity to experience the show from any and every seat in the house. 

Coming soon to www.hello-again.com.

Watch the full performance below with out the 360-degree that will come soon:





Below is the original version by David Bowie if you want to compare it to Beck's reimagined rendition:



New Song - The Postal Service - A Tattered Line of String


The Postal Service have a new song, A Tattered Line of String from their forthcoming 10th Anniversary deluxe reissue of their only album Give Up.

The song features Jenny Lewis who will be also joining them on the road in their upcoming reunion tour that includes both weekends of Coachella in April.



Thursday, February 7, 2013

New Video : Café Tacvba - Olita Del Altamar


Café Tacvba have a new music video for their song Olita Del Altamar, a modern take on South American Andean rhythms. The single is off  their excellent seventh studio album, El Objeto Antes Llamado Disco.

Check it out:



New song: Mala Rodríguez - La Rata


One of my favorite MC's ever, Spain's Grammy-winning La Mala Rodríguez has a new song out from her forthcoming new album. Check it out:

Mala Rodríguez - La Rata:

Meet: The Lumineers (Coachella 2013 Artist)


There are quite a few roots revivalists acts out now and I am pretty sure that by now you have heard The Lumineers. Their music particularly their song Ho Hey has been used in several commercials, movie trailers and can be heard just about anywhere there is a radio nearby.

Chances are you already know them, but here's an opportunity to get to know them even more or to get to know them completely if you haven't hear of them yet. 

The Lumineers may not have the most original sound. In fact, they have said that they are not trying to reinvent the wheel. They are really good at what they do, writing simple and relatable songs. These songs along with their old-time instrumentation adds personality and gives each song their own vibe.

The Lumineers are set to play Coachella Sunday April 14 & 21

Below are some songs and videos for you to listen to and get to know them: 



Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Meet: Allen Stone (Coachella 2013 Artist)


Allen Stone describes himself as a hippie with soul and some have called him the hipster with soul. Either way, wow does he have soul indeed! He's been one of my Coachella lineup discoveries that blew away on the first listen. His voice is pitch-perfect and emits so much emotion.  I also love that he has some social commentary in his lyrics. Take a listen, I am sure you'll be pleased.

Allen Stone plays Coachella on Saturday April 13 & April 20, 2013.

Below are some songs and videos for you to listen to and hear what I am talking about. Enjoy: