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. 

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: 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaMBagakSdM#at=20

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."

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.

https://soundcloud.com/atlanticrecords/janelle-mon-e-dance 

There is also a video in the works: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcwsCugjU0g

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.

http://youtu.be/cCkIYkaLBGs

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJPS40yBKWk

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

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.

http://youtu.be/1RN6pT3zL44

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!

    

 http://youtu.be/N9eroXvvCiI

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! 

 

http://youtu.be/tEddixS-UoU

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:

  

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/

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

 

 http://www.vevo.com/watch/empire-of-the-sun/discovery/AUEI91300001

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

http://youtu.be/KI79GPXAICM

http://youtu.be/L702zw6Ilqs

http://youtu.be/nSjXQJeVrtU

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’!

http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/code/1537551/robert-delong-just-movement-exclusive-album-premiere

Below are some additional songs and videos to get to know Robert DeLong better. 

He plays Coachella April 14 & 21st

http://youtu.be/nnSyu4eZkZ4 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzQa7eIoMgU

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:        

http://youtu.be/fB-oM5A1ohs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6cSl1_5EEQ&feature=share&list=PLg4blegEv8ZcYuQkcPRQOdAQfx4w2AQVM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COuiq9exayw&feature=share&list=PLg4blegEv8ZfhNU4ziU2e00dHxH4Dif9Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jgHOcXTr50&feature=share&list=PLg4blegEv8Zfaji3j8AtTV6Nm8A9RM52b

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4selPbFHW4E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1xWFo8xEu8&feature=share&list=PLg4blegEv8Zdqk4LqwiSQp72FWhy9n23j

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoOnMgMV3UA&feature=share&list=PLg4blegEv8Zc94BI0EKQvDGFFUsr_NbRo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd7pW3Ndd-4&feature=share&list=PLg4blegEv8ZeHHQuKGChVxaanxUNbBxGQ

http://youtu.be/ddmzI8wLYTw

http://youtu.be/4sAbW0ONRBU

http://youtu.be/YFRiVCQ-cvg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2aQIyz8B7Q

http://youtu.be/Nf9Bj1CXPH8

http://youtu.be/CJA69C6SlRk

http://youtu.be/GUcXI2BIUOQ

Below is a documentary on Nina Simone: 

http://youtu.be/TdXxd3M3lTA

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.

http://youtu.be/Jjm_HNynwis

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:    

http://youtu.be/6fbMmrDItSg 

http://youtu.be/cqnfXq6o_Fo 

http://youtu.be/5pDr7cQgTHk

http://youtu.be/ThZZnS4Jvwc

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:

http://youtu.be/Xqw4wo8vdY8

http://youtu.be/PmRraoL9v7k 

http://youtu.be/wVcOwVD4V30

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:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHv_IgOk7Ic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pZkZguPAPs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmefFcRJbXE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnTacC1qUmE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1dFjloBZYo

http://youtu.be/h2zWfxW60z0

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:

 

http://youtu.be/M8SVYDvMVzY

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!

Jack White - Love Interruption & Freedom At 21... by IdolxMuzic

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 Shakes’ Brittany Howard, and Mumford & Sons.

Zac brown Band Elton John Mumford Sons Mavis... by dm_51181cced0274

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.

The Black Keys - Lonely Boy - Grammys 2013 by IdolxMuzic

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.

 

Miguel Adorn Live at the 2013 grammy's by f1533382024