Passion Pit - The Reeling (Manners)

If you have similar taste to mine then Sleepyhead was on your favorite list of 2008. Having seen them during last years CMJ festival, I quickly fell in love! The EP "Chunk of Change" was released in September 2008 but there first full length album called "Manners" will be released on May 26, 2009. The band, hailing from Cambrige, Massachusettes is indie rock with a bit of elctro. Cute and fun, what more do you need. I hope that this album brings them much deserved success and some kind of touring so I could see them again!

Kid Cudi - I Poke Her Face (feat Lady Gaga, Kanye West, and Common)

Yes, Lady Gaga is everywhere! While I am completely over the 3 songs on the radio, remixes are popping up left and right. Kid Cudi, an Ohio native who's current single "Day 'n' Night" is all over the radio has taken some acoustic verses and made it his own. The beat is super sick but how are women going to respond to such vile lyrics? What do you think?

Fischerspooner - Entertainment

Electroclash duo Fischerspooner is back with their third album. I'm pretty sure that you have heard some of the songs off this album since they have been released sporadically since sometime in 2008. The album "Entertainment" officially comes out on May 5 (Tuesday). This album brings us a more mature and sophisticated sound but still emerges as a great dance album. Having expanded there sound past the whole "electroclash" movement, they are still Warren Fischer and Casey Spooner at the core. I am anticipatingly awaiting there show next month at Webster Hall.

Tracklisting:

1. "The Best Revenge"
2. "We Are Electric"
3. "Money Can't Dance"
4. "In A Modern World"
5. "Supply & Demand"
6. "Amuse Bouche"
7. "Infidels Of The World Unite"
8. "Door Train Home"
9. "Danse en France"
10. "To The Moon"
11. "Fascinating" [iTunes bonus track]

Gossip - Heavy Cross

Beth Ditto and the Gossip are back. New album isn't due out until mid-June but in the mean time they have given us this jam to remember why we love them. They are working with super producer Rick Rubin so be prepared for a wider sound and a wider audience. All I know is that I am loving this song and am excited to hear more! Hopefully this really nice I guy I know, can make that happen sooner rather than later (wink wink).

Tinted Windows

Newly formed super group, Tinted Windows (middle Hanson brother Taylor Hanson, Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger, former Smashing Pumpkin James Iha and Cheap Trick drummer Bun E) releases their debut album. I had extreme mixed feelings about them. Being a huge fan of James Iha (Pumpkins and solo), but despising the Hanson brothers, I was put in quite a predicament. I said to myself let the music speak for itself as I hit play. It all started to sort of make sense after the first few songs. A few songs which i have dubbed "Power rock" have stayed in my head all day and can't say that I'm upset about it. Lyrics aren't all that great, like in there first single "Kind of Girl", where Hanson sings "She's the kind of girl that can shake up your whole world" and leaves you wondering how.


Tracklisting:

1. "Kind of a Girl" (3:13)
2. "Messing with My Head" (2:55)
3. "Dead Serious" (4:13)
4. "Can't Get a Read on You" (2:53)
5. "Back with You" (3:43)
6. "Without Love" (3:01)
7. "Cha Cha" (2:21)
8. "We Got Something" (2:34)
9. "Nothing to Me" (3:23)
10. "Doncha Wanna" (4:02)
11. "Take Me Back" (3:29)

Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

Fantastic Scottish band, Camera Obscura is back with their 4th LP, "My Maudlin Career". Although its getting rave reviews all across the board, after a few listens I don't find it as good as their previous work. That being said, I still find it better than most of the crap that I have listened to in the past week. Its indie pop at its core and with lyrics like “You make me go ‘oooh’ with the things that you do,” you will find it hard not to sing along and still find it quite charming.
There first single "French Navy" emulates a sort of 60's sound with a twinkle-twinkle little star feel and I wonder just where you are.


Tracklisting:

1.	"French Navy"	3:19
2.	"The Sweetest Thing"	4:23
3.	"You Told a Lie"	3:45
4.	"Away with Murder"	4:08
5.	"Swans"	4:09
6.	"James"	3:50
7.	"Careless Love"	4:35
8.	"My Maudlin Career"	4:19
9.	"Forests and Sands"	4:16
10.	"Other Towns and Cities"	3:59
11.	"Honey in the Sun"	5:45

The Obvious

The Obvious is def punk rock music at its best. Having two attractive female singers puts them aside from all other punk rock bands that I have ever seen/heard. They were voted best indie rock band of Asbury park. The lead singer Surojanie, can go from pretty girl to F.U. girl in 3 seconds. I heard screams come out of her mouth that would put most screamo bands to shame. I look forward to hearing them again, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Grand Alto

I went to Asbury lanes this Saturday to see a live show and I was actually very impressed with the bands, especially Grand Alto and The Obvious. Grand Alto's lead singer (Mike) was kind enough to take a picture with me (see right). I later learned that not only does he sing and play guitar but that he also is an artist whose work is put out under the same name as the band. Check out the music and art on there myspace page.

Art Brut vs. Satan

Oh Art Brut, you make the music that has me dancing around in my underwear! Lead singer Eddie Argos has the most delicious accent that makes me want to move to South London and perfect mine. There first single "Alcoholic Unanimous" has lyrics that all of us can relate to after a night out drinking.

"Slept on my face, and woke up confused
A bit concerned about what I've been up to
There's so many people I might have upset
I apologise to them all with the same pretext"



Track listing:

1. "Alcoholics Unanimous" - 3:36
2. "DC Comics and Chocolate Milkshake" - 3:28
3. "The Passenger" - 2:59
4. "Am I Normal?" - 2:44
5. "What a Rush" - 3:33
6. "Demons Out!" - 3:41
7. "Slap Dash for No Cash" - 3:13
8. "The Replacements" - 4:10
9. "Twist and Shout" - 3:11
10. "Summer Job" - 2:56
11. "Mysterious Bruises" - 7:24

Goldie Looking Chain (GLC)

Its not a secret by now that I love music from the UK. At first any overseas rap music made me want to vomit. As more and more artist continue to step to the plate, only a few are able to produce any real songs with substance. Goldie looking chain is a rap group from Newport, South Wales (Welsh) who have been around for quite some time. I haven't heard of them until now and I'm quite glad I did. The new album ASBO4Life has integrated indie rock and rap very successfully. My favorites thus far are "By Any Means Necessary" and "Mister Faharenheit".

Track listing:

1. "Mister Faharenheit"
   
2. "Everybody is a DJ"
3. "Disguise"
4. "By Any Means Necessary"
   
5. "Welcome To Germany"
6. "Apathy"
7. "3D"
8. "Nothing Ever Happens"
9. "Space Police"
10. "Rollin"
11. "Strobe Lights"
12. "Unemployed and Over Drawn"
13. "Garlic Bread"
14. "New Day"

Q-Tip - We Fight/We Love (remix) feat. Kanye West & Consequence

Q-Tip released an album entitled 'Renaissance' last year in November. I didn't feel that this was one of the better songs on the album but this remix really works for me. Its a mature release for the former Tribe Called Quest member.

Which do you like better?


Remix (feat Kanye):


Original (feat Raphael Saadiq):

Metric - Fantasies

Metric is a Canadian new wave/indie rock band. Fantasies is there 4th official album release. They are preparing for a North American tour so expect to see them in a town near you! There first single "Help, I'm Alive" has been out for a few months now and an accoustic version is also available as a bonus track on there website.

Tracklisting:
1. Help I’m Alive
2. Sick Muse
3. Satellite Mind
4. Twilight Galaxy
5. Gold Guns Girls
6. Gimme Sympathy
7. Collect Call
8. Front Row
9. Blindness
10. Stadium Love

Original album version:


Accoustic version:

Green Day - Know Your Enemy

Green Day is back! There first new album in about 5 years '21st Century Breakdown' will be out on May 15, 2009. The initial single 'Know Your Enemy' has been selected to kick off NCAA finals. I don't know much about sports but I do know that having a song in any sporting events is huge.

Silversun Pickups - Swoon

L.A. indie rock band Silversun Pickups releases there sophomore album entitled 'Swoon'. The first single "Panic Switch" was released last month and continues to clime the charts. Two songs off this album will appear in the next release of Guitar Hero.

Del Marquis - Character Assassination

Lead guitarist for the Scissor Sisters, Del Marquis releases his second EPin the series. The first CD, 'Hot Head' was released in December 08. The EP features guest appearances from Vula and Sharlene (Basement Jaxx). In a TV interview on Logo's New Now Next, he states that he wanted to put out some music just to see if he is really supposed to be doing this (he was in fashion prior).

The sound is very diverse and has a very 80's throwback with clever lyrics.

Telepathe - So Fine (My official song of the month)

NMftM first 'Official' song of the month is Telepathe's 'So Fine'. They are performing on the first day of the All Points West festival (7/31 - 8/2). There album Dance Mother was released in February 2009. They will be doing a record release show at The Annex on April 15th (anyone interested in going with me?).

Peaches - I Feel Cream

Canadian born singer Peaches (Merrill Beth Nisker), who is known for the sexual energy will release her fifth studio album entitled 'I Feel Cream'. Release date is set for May 5 in North America. Before she became Peaches, Nisker was an elementary school music and drama teacher.

I have tickets to see her on May 16th in NYC and am excited to see what a Peaches show entails (I've heard some crazy sh*t). If anyone is planning on going to this show, hit me up!

Tracklisting:

1. "Serpentine"
2. "Talk to Me"
   
3. "Lose You"
4. "More"
5. "Billionaire" (ft. Shunda K of Yo Majesty)
6. "I Feel Cream"
7. "Trick or Treat"
8. "Show Stopper"
9. "Mommy Complex"
10. "Mud"
11. "Relax"
12. "Take You On"

Asobi Seksu - Hush

Asobi Seksu which literally means fun sex in Japanese, releases there 3rd CD 'Hush'. Lead vocalist/keyboardist Yuki Chikudate has been doing recitals and getting standing ovations since the age of 8. James Hanna and Yuki both studied at the Manhattan School of Music.

Tracklisting:

1. "Layers"
2. "Familiar Light"
3. "Sing Tomorrow's Praise"
4. "Gliss"
5. "Transparence"
6. "Risky and Pretty"
7. "In The Sky"
8. "Meh No Mae"
9. "Glacially"
10. "I Can't See"
11. "Me & Mary"
12. "Blind Little Rain"
    

Trentemoller - Harbor Boat Trips

Fans of super DJ Anders Trentemoller and Danish producer is about to release his first mix-CD ever in May 2009. You remember him from remixes by The Knife and Royksopp. ‘Harbour Boat Trips - Copenhagen by Trentemøller’, the CD will be released on the new label HFN Music. It's going to feature artist's like The Raveonette's, Softcell, and Beachhouse.

Tracklisting:
01. Grouper - Heavy Water/I'd Rather Be Sleeping
02. Gravenhurst - I Turn my Face To The Forest Floor
03. Emiliana Torrini - Lifesaver
04. I Got You On Tape - Somersault
05. Beach House - Gila
06. The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Anenome
07. The Raveonettes - Aly, Walk With Me (Nic Endo Remix)
08. The Hypothetical Prophets (Proroky) - Back To The Burner
09. Suicide - Cheree
10. Muscleheads - Phosphorescence
11. David Garcet - Confidence (New Wave rmx)
12. Rennie Foster - Devil's Water
13. Caribou - Melody Day (Four Tet Remix)
14. The Raveonettes/Trentemoller - She's Lost Control
15. A Place To Bury Strangers - I Know I'll See You
16. Suicide - Ghost Rider
17. Khan - Fantomes
18. Trentemoller - Vamp (Live Edit)
19. Two Lone Swordsmen - Kamanda's Response
20. Copenhagen Collective - Copenhagen (Trentemoller edit mix)
21. Soft Cell - Tainted Love

In the meantime here is is remix of Depeche Mode's 'Wrong':

N.A.S.A. - Gifted feat. Kanye West, Santogold, and Lykke Li

NASA is back? They are a Swedish band that apparently has been around since the 80's. What I want to know is how they managed to get Kanye, Santogold, and Lykke Li on this song?

YYY - It's Blitz

I know that this album came out a few weeks ago but It was originally set to be released today (April 14th). Of course it got leaked and well you know the rest. This is the third official release for the YYY's and it is outstanding. The first single "Zero" is getting plenty of airplay and with a MSTRKRFT remix and Animal Collective cover, I'm pretty sure you've heard it by now.

Tracklist:

1.	"Zero"	4:25
2.	"Heads Will Roll"	3:41
3.	"Soft Shock"	3:53
4.	"Skeletons"	5:02
5.	"Dull Life"	4:08
6.	"Shame and Fortune"	3:31
7.	"Runaway"	5:13
8.	"Dragon Queen"	4:02
9.	"Hysteric"	3:50
10.	"Little Shadow"	3:57

Here's a mix that I found quite entertaining in lieu of the MSTRKRFT version:

Client - Command

Client is an electroclash British musical group who have been around awhile but have only reached commercial success in Germany. They were the first act signed to Depeche Mode's keyboardist Andy Fletcher's indie record label Toast Hawaii (they are now signed to Metropolis Records). They also have toured with Depeche Mode and and Erasure. The first single "Can You Feel" is awesome and I hope they finally get the succes they deserve.

Track listing:

1. "Your Love is like Petrol"
2. "Can You Feel"
3. "Don’t Run Away"
4. "Make Me Believe In You"
5. "Lullaby"
6. "Ghosts"
7. "Satisfaction"
8. "Son Of A Gun"
9. "Blackheart"
10. "In My Mind"

I Love You, Man Soundtrack

I went to see I Love You, Man over the weekend mainly because I love Paul Rudd, but also because the trailer featured one of my favorite songs of the Pixies. While the movie was hilarious, I kept hearing songs that I loved. The band Rush was greatly featured in the movie and there even is a cover of "Limelight" sung by Paul Rudd and Jason Segel.With albums like, "Now That's What I Call Music" selling a gazillion copies of songs that you hear a million times a day, I figured we must really love compilations. Although the Pixies are not featured in the soundtrack, it still contains gems from the likes of Beck, The Black Keys, Santogold, Vampire Weekend, and Matt Costa.

Track listing:
1. Good Times - Latch Key Kid
2. Oxford Comma - Vampire Weekend
3. Tom Sawyer - Rush
4. Set You Free - The Black Keys
5. Lights Out - Santogold
6. Soul Of A Man - Beck
7. Limelight - Rush
8. Let The Good Times Roll - The Cars
9. Campus - Vampire Weekend
10. Mr. Pitiful - Matt Costa
11. Dancing With Myself - The Donnas
12. Waterslide - The Bonedaddys
13. Limelight - Paul Rudd & Jason Segel
14. Ain’t That A Kick In The Head - Dean Martin
15. Peter and Zooey - Teddy Shapiro

Here is the video to Santogold's "Lights Out" which is featured in the movie. If you think you've heard this song before it was in a Bud Light commercial.

New No Doubt - Stand and Deliver

No Doubt is back and there first single is a remake? Is Gwen Stefani tired of writing music? The original song was released by Adam Ant in the early 80's. I'm not crazy about it but I still love Gwen and No Doubt. The album isn't expected to be released until the end of the year so I'm assuming that this was just put out to keep up entertained. I do look forward to seeing them in tour beginning next month including there gig at the Bamboozle festival here in NJ.

The Decemberists - The Hazards of Love

This indie rock band from Portland has been around for a while and getting better with every album they put out. This one is actually a concept album telling a story of a woman named Margaret. The first song "The Rake Song" was released back in February but the album was not released till the end of March. The video was shot entirely in NY in one day!

Track listing:

1. "Prelude" - 3:04
2. "The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won't Wrestle the Thistles Undone)" - 4:19
3. "A Bower Scene" - 2:09
4. "Won't Want for Love (Margaret in the Taiga)" - 4:07
5. "The Hazards of Love 2 (Wager All)" - 4:26
6. "The Queen's Approach" - 0:29
7. "Isn't It a Lovely Night?" - 3:39
8. "The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid" - 6:27
9. "An Interlude" - 1:40
10. "The Rake's Song" - 3:16
11. "The Abduction of Margaret" - 2:07
12. "The Queen's Rebuke/The Crossing" - 3:56
13. "Annan Water" - 5:12
14. "Margaret in Captivity" - 3:08
15. "The Hazards of Love 3 (Revenge!)" - 3:22
16. "The Wanting Comes in Waves (Reprise)" - 1:31
17. "The Hazards of Love 4 (The Drowned)" - 5:57

She Wants Revenge - Animal Attraction

She Wants Revenge is currently in the studio working on a new album but in the meantime they give us this gem to hold us off. In a interview they stated that this will be their best album and from the sounds of it I believe it! I love these guys and if you've never heard of them you are seriously missing out!

Royksopp - Junior

Great Norwegian electronic music duo releases another masterpiece. You may not have heard of them, but you definitely have heard there music. Allot of there songs have been used in commercials for the likes of Apple, T-Mobil, and Geico. I'm certain that we will be hearing songs from this album in commercials too (they just have that happy feel sound). This album brings us plenty of guest vocals from the likes of Lykke Li, Robyn, and Karen Dreijer Andersson (The Knife/Fever Ray). The first single "Happy Up Here", was released back in February. If your from my generation, you'll notice a certain character from the original space invaders (ATARI 2600). Second single "The Girl and the Robot" feating Robyn was just released and we should expect a video real soon.

1. "Happy Up Here" – 2:44
2. "The Girl and the Robot" – 4:28
3. "Vision One" – 4:59
4. "This Must Be It" – 4:41
5. "Röyksopp Forever" – 4:59
6. "Miss It So Much" – 5:01
7. "Tricky Tricky" – 5:59
8. "You Don't Have a Clue" – 4:33
9. "Silver Cruiser" – 4:36
10. "True to Life" – 5:50
11. "It's What I Want" – 3:06

Fever Ray

Fans of The Knife will be happy to hear that one half of the Swedish duo (Karen Dreijer Andersson) has released a solo album. Her first single "When I Grow Up" is amazing. I hope that she makes her way here to the states! She was interviewed by Marc Hogan at Pitchfork and you could read the interview here.

Anjela Canalese - Pressing Bodies

Anjela Canalese - Pressing Bodies

This is a song I feel everyone will enjoy. Its sexy, its danceable, and the choreography in the video is hot! I don't know much about her but I did find her blog. I hope that we see/hear more from her!

Ida Maria - I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked

How can you not like a song called "I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked"?

But I won't mind
If you take me home
Come on, take me home
I won't mind
if you take off all your clothes
Come on, take them off

Its an infectiously fun song that makes you want to go out and find some one to take home.

You can watch the actual video here, but since I'm a huge live music fan I posted a live version!

Bat for Lashes - Two Suns

Bat for Lashes aka Natasha Khan comes out with her second album titled "Two Suns". She is an amazing artist and if you haven't heard her first album "Fur and Gold" I suggest you go pick it up and indulge yourself in some greatness. If you like artist like Tori Amos and Fiona Apple, then this is right up your alley. Her dark and subtle voice gives me goosebumps and makes me want to get naked and run through a rainstorm! Yeah, its that intense! My favorites thus far are, Glass, Moon and Moon, and of course the leading single, Daniel.

Track listing:
1. Glass
2. Sleep Alone
3. Moon and Moon
4. Daniel
5. Peace of Mind
6. Siren Song
7. Pearl’s Dream
8. Good Love
9. Two Planets
10. Travelling Woman
11. The Big Sleep

Eminem - We Made You

Speaking of Eminem, the new video for his single "We Made You" came out today! Yes its got a catchy hook, hilarious antics, and even cameo's from Dr. Dre, 50 cent, and Bobby Lee, but is he still relevant? He pokes fun by referencing Kim Kardashian, Sarah Palin, and Jessica Simpson in his typical chicken little kind of way. I don't think that I will waste any more of my time with it.

Lady Sovereign - So Human

So many people have yet to hear of Lady Sovereign and I can not fathom why. She is from London and has been hailed as the female Eminem. She started in the UK underground about 6-7 years ago. Her older stuff is much more hard core than this but I still like it. The sample is from The Cure's song "Close to Me".

I've been waiting hours for this
I've made myself so sick
I wish to stay and sleep today (yeah yeah)
I'm so human (yeah yeah)
and it's ok for me to feel this way (yeah yeah)

Depeche Mode - Sounds of the Universe

Since the title of my blog is an homage to Depeche Mode, its only right that my first post is about them. There new album, titled "Sounds of the Universe" will be out in stores on April 21st (that's next week)! There will be several release versions: Standard, Special Edition (CD & DVD), and Deluxe Box Set Edition which includes three CDs (album, bonus songs, and remixes).

The track listing is as follows:

1. "In Chains" – 6:46
2. "Hole to Feed" – 3:56
3. "Wrong" – 3:13
4. "Fragile Tension" – 4:08
5. "Little Soul" – 3:32
6. "In Sympathy" – 4:54
7. "Peace" – 4:28
8. "Come Back" – 5:15 (Gahan, Eigner, Phillpott)
9. "Spacewalker" – 1:52
10. "Perfect" – 4:35
11. "Miles Away/The Truth Is" – 4:13 (Gahan, Eigner, Phillpott)
12. "Jezebel" – 4:43
13. "Corrupt" – 5:03

Here is the video for the first single "Wrong"

Welcome/Bienvenido

Welcome to my new music blog! This blog will focus on new music releases such as albums, singles, and remixes or covers. I have been on a musical journey all my life stemming from my days as a classical piano player at age 8. I refuse to live my life on repeat, and with so much music in the world, why should we?

I am tired of both spectrum's of the music industry and just wanted to create a balance between both the overplayed, and the never heard. I will try to introduce new music without sounding condescending like other elitist blogs. I have named the blog "New Music for the Masses" as sort of an homage to one of my favorite bands of all time (Depeche Mode). I am not an expert but I do believe that I have an ear for good music. I am not a writer and at times my grammar will have plenty of errors but I will try my best.

Music for the Masses is the sixth studio album by Depeche Mode. Released by Mute Records on September 28, 1987, it provided the band with mainstream success in the United States for the first time since Some Great Reward, and the new styles of music that appeared on the album and its predecessor Black Celebration formed the foundation for their breakthrough effort, Violator.