A lot of news has been released recently about the film based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy story, The Hobbit. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a two part prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, will be released December 2012. The biggest piece of news is the unveiling of the film’s first trailer. Watch the new trailer below:

“Radiohead premiered their hour-long episode of From the Basement — featuring the band performing selections from The King of Limbs, along with two new tracks — on British television in July. But it has not been available online (it was quickly yanked when it hit the web on July 10) until now. Watch the gorgeously-shot episode for a limited time on their YouTube page — or below.

The set offers one of the most intimate looks at the band ever: It’s a blast to watch them discuss the setlist and take breaks in between filming. The music ain’t bad either. Highlights include Yorke debuting the mournful ballad “The Daily Mail” — as gorgeous and haunting as classics like “You and Whose Army” — and the groove-oriented Limbs stunner “Separator,” which sends the singer into some of his trademark, goofy-looking convulsions. Big-ups to Radiohead for finally sharing!”

-via Spin

It’s not the best song ever, it’s not the best video ever, but I’m super impressed with Jeff Bridges. The guy is a class act and very diverse in his interests. Music, photography, acting, etc.–these are all areas you’ll find the talent of Jeff Bridges. Check out his Web site for more. The dude abides.

> Check out the Trailer Here.

“THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE 1967-1975 mobilizes a treasure trove of 16mm material shot by Swedish filmmakers, after languishing in a basement of a TV station for 30 years, into an irresistible mosaic of images, music, and narration chronicling the evolution one of our nations most indelible turning points, the Black Power movement. Featuring candid interviews with the movements most explosive revolutionary minds, including Angela Davis, Bobby Seale, Stokely Carmichael, and Kathleen Cleaver, the film explores the community, people and radical ideas of the movement. Music by Questlove and OmMas Keith, and commentary from and modern voices including Erykah Badu, Harry Belafonte, Talib Kweli, and Melvin Van Peebles give the historical footage a fresh sound and make THE BLACK POWER MIXTAPE 1967-75 an exhilarating, unprecedented account of an American revolution.”

- via iTunes.

“That’s right – weezer is hitting the open seas. It’s going to be our own floating music festival on a cruise ship. … All of the bands will be performing in stages around the ship, festival style, so you can catch any or all of them during the entire trip to Cozumel and back.”

- via the weezer cruise.

It pains me that I’m just hearing about Jon Thurlow. Hands down this is one the most incredible albums I’ve heard this year. Where did this guy come from? Why is there so little about him online? Not even an artist website. Sure, he has a Facebook page with a mere 3600 fans and an “info” tab that reads “Hey friends, the CD will be released early December!” That was last year. From what I’ve gathered he’s an unassuming white guy from Kansas City, Missouri. But trust me when I tell you that this guy is going to blow up.

His album Strong Love was released in December of 2010 and has a 5 star rating on iTunes with only 71 reviews. Even the most recent comments on iTunes are months apart from each other. Other than that, he’s got a Christmas album released around the same last year, another record from 2006, and a new release from April (just 4 months later than Strong Love). From what I’ve gathered he’s a piano playing worship music leader for IHOP (International House of Prayer), a ministry in Kansas City that runs a 24/7 prayer and music room where he plays live regularly. Many of his songs are lyrically straight from the Bible, but he also keeps it simple with many repetitive lines and choruses. But stylistically is where Jon wins the day. His music is like a blend of jazz, gospel, and chilling in a New York cafe. I really don’t know of a single Christian artist like him. Again, where did he come from? The mystery surrounding this album peaks my curiosity. How could something so good just show up with very little fanfare? It’s beyond me. What’s even more strange is that his follow up record Songs About Jesus doesn’t even come close to the awesomeness (sure, that’s a word) of Strong Love.

No doubt his piano playing is beautiful and the soul of this album is just incredible. Some tracks I just can’t get enough of include: “John the Baptist”, “Jesus, You’re Beautiful”, and the hands down my favorite “Your Faithfulness”. The simplicity of that song, coupled with the buttery smooth harmonies is like heaven on Earth. The drums are raw, not just in their style, but in the production as well. It sounds like you’re sitting in a studio with the musicians and it’s a great balance against the simple piano and melodies. Forget it. There’s no use in me continuing to rave. This album is simply brilliant. Just go buy this record.

This EP is $6.99. Go buy it–it doesn’t disappoint. Don’t believe me? Listen to it for yourself, right here:

> Download Here

The Autumn Film are no strangers to evade. Last year I wrote of a full review of their album The Ship and the Sea, and I still enjoy that album. In fact, I would argue it’s one of the most under-appreciated albums of 2010.

Lately, it looks like The Autumn Film have been spending some time in the studio, and they would like to release their new album but are short on dough. They’ve begun a Kickstarter project (video above) in hopes of bringing in $8,008 to complete a new album their calling 8-Track Tape. If you have enjoyed their music and think this is something you could help out with, then head over to the project page and pledge them some cash. If you’ve never heard them before, head over to www.theautumnfilm.com and download some of their free releases.

Follow the Autumn Film on Twitter, Facebook, and Kickstarter.

The band Dream Theater has had an interesting year. In September, Mike Portnoy, the founding member of the band and world-renowned drummer extraordinaire announced he would be leaving the group to pursue other projects. The band announced they would continue on. They still planned to record an album in January, and they still planned a tour to support the new album. They would just have to find a new drummer before all of that could take place.

On April 29th, a post on the band’s website announced that Mike Mangini had been chosen to fill the void left by Portnoy. Since the announcement, Dream Theater has been putting the final touches (and I assume recording the drum tracks) on their newest album, appropriately titled A Dramatic Turn of Events. The album is scheduled to be released on September 13th (five days after the anniversary of Portnoy’s departure).

A month ago, the first single from A Dramatic Turn of Events was released on Roadrunner Records’ YouTube page. Entitled On the Back’s of Angels, the song runs nearly 9-minutes, and is classic Dream Theater (think Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory and Images and Words). On this song at least, Portnoy’s influence (or drumming) isn’t missed.

Dream Theater is described as a “progressive metal” band and has been creating music for over 25 years. The group is comprised of James LaBrie (vocals), John Myung (bass), John Petrucci (guitars), Mike Mangini (drums), and Jordan Rudess (keyboards). A Dramatic Turn of Events will be their 11th studio album.

Listen to On the Back’s of Angels below: