Beat Lawrence Music Blog

New Music: The Blakes

2009-07-14T14:35:00.003-05:00

After touring the world with everyone from The Gossip to the Kills to Brian Jonestown Massacre, reaching #1 on KEXP, garnering Top 10 album of 07 on iTunes and performing at US festivals from Lollapalooza to Bumpershoot to Sasquatch, The Blakes release full length Souvenir on October 13th.

Listen: The Blakes - Basket mp3

The Blakes rock, looks like they'll be playing in Seattle on July 24th.

New Music: Anna Ternheim

2009-07-13T13:01:00.003-05:00

Having already won 2009 Swedish Grammys for "Best Female Artist" and "Album of the Year", Anna Ternheim'sLeaving on a mayday is definitely an album to look forward to this summer. Produced by Bjorn Yttling (of Peter, Bjorn, and John), Ternheim has recorded a set of songs with a new self-confidence and rough authority that she hasn’t displayed in the past.

Anna Ternheim - What Have I Done mp3

Best Michael Jackson Tribute Remix

2009-07-02T15:29:00.004-05:00

In my opinion, Don Diablo's Song for MJ (Remember the Time) remix is the best tribute song I have heard, although I'm sure there will be plenty more tributes to pop up over the next week. It's kinda got this creepy vibe but rocks out and doesn't drag on and on.

Listen: Don Diablo - Song for MJ (Remember the time) mp3

New Music: Sugarplum Fairies

2009-07-02T15:15:00.003-05:00

Comprised of Vienna natives Silvia Ryder and Ben Bohm, LA's Sugarplum Fairies draw influence from French cultural icons such as Françoise Hardy, Anna Karina, and Jean-Luc Godard, as well as the Velvet Underground, John Lennon, and Lee Hazlewood. Sugarplum Fairies’ latest release Chinese Leftovers veers from sleepy shoegaze pop to bouncy D.I.Y. indie rock, all with a subtle infusion of country-noir and the occasional hint of eclectic Vaudeville.

The band teamed up with Joey Waronker (Beck, REM) on drums, Gus Seyffert (The Bird And The Bee, Sia) on bass, Jebin Bruni (P.I.L., Aimee Mann) on keyboards and Martin Tillman (Dark Knight, Rickie Lee Jones) on cello. The CD was mixed by Todd Burke (Belle & Sebastian, Ben Harper) and mastered by 3 time Grammy winner Gavin Lurssen (T Bone Burnett).

Listen: Sugarplum Fairies - First Rate Show mp3

Bjork Releases Voltaic

2009-07-01T15:42:00.002-05:00

Bjork's Voltaic is in stores now via Nonesuch Records in the U.S. (One Little Indian in the UK, and Universal worldwide.) Voltaic a lovingly packaged celebration of the past two years of Björk’s Volta activities.

Listen: Bjork - All is Full of Love mp3

New Music: Divisible

2009-06-30T12:00:00.004-05:00

Divisible unleashes its addictive brand of Peter Gabriel and Talking Heads influenced afro-punk. Consisting of singer Shola and drummer Albert Sadia, Divisible is pleased to present its debut album Less Than Lion, a collection of songs (including a reinterpretation of Radiohead’s “Exit Music [For A Film]),” that explores Shola’s journey from the halls of Harvard to a West African reconciliation with her father, who lives in Ghana via a propulsive mixture of rock, electronica, and world music sounds.

Listen: Divisible - Love is the Cost mp3

Alberta Cross Debut on ATO Records

2009-06-23T00:32:00.001-05:00

“Channeling Neil Young and My Morning Jacket, the sound of deliverance.”—Esquire

Alberta Cross are poised for the release of their much-anticipated full-length debut, Broken Side of Time, set for release September 22 on ATO Records. The album arrives on the heels of their acclaimed EP The Thief & the Heartbreaker, which earned the band U.K. touring slots with Oasis, The Shins and Bat For Lashes, and widespread critical praise, including PopMatters, which declared, “The seven-song EP is one of the best you’ll be lucky enough to pick up, resembling a full album’s quality but leaving one wanting a lot more.” Alberta Cross is coming off noteworthy performances at Bonnaroo, Coachella and SXSW and is slated to perform at Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and more. Details on upcoming tour dates will be announced soon.

Metric at the Granada this Friday!

2009-06-09T22:00:00.002-05:00

Friday, June 12, 8pm
Cost: $15 (and worth every penny)

Emily Haines and band mates are sure to put on an awesome show. Their latest album Fantasies will probably give them the success that Live It Out should have so be sure to catch this one because the next time they're in the area will be at a bigger venue.

New Music: Elizabeth and the Catapult

2009-06-09T14:23:00.002-05:00

"The song ‘Taller Children’ is an ode to all of the adults who just never quite figure out how to grow up. On a grand scale, that can sometimes be a pretty scary concept, especially when it's regarding people in power who can't handle their responsibilities,” says Elizabeth Abby Ziman, Elizabeth & The Catapult's vivacious singer-songwriter. "But on a lighter and more personal note, I'm just owning up to the fact that I still can't manage to cook a decent omelet- and I'm not afraid to laugh about it".

Today, June 9, Elizabeth & The Catapult's debut album Taller Children is in stores everywhere. Taller Children reflects the unique blend of pop playfulness and grown-up introspection that defines Ziman's distinctive songwriting. In addition Elizabeth Abby Ziman, the Brooklyn trio also includes guitarist Pete Lalish and drummer Danny Molad.

Listen: Elizabeth & the Catapult - Taller Children mp3

New Music: De La Soul

2009-06-01T16:49:00.001-05:00

De La Soul's groundbreaking record, ARE YOU IN?: Nike+ Original Run is the group's first released original material in five years. With additional production by Chicago-based DJ/Production-duo Flosstradamus, ARE YOU IN?: Nike+ Original Run is a unique album written specifically for runners, but its allure extends to all music fans.

ARE YOU IN?: Nike+ Original Run is a continuous full-length body of music that reflects the arc a runner experiences during a run. Commissioned by Nike, this is the fifth release in the Nike+ Original Run series following releases by artists such as A-Trak, Aesop Rock, LCD Soundsystem and Crystal Method.

ARE YOU IN?: Nike+ Original Run iTunes link

Listen: De La Soul - Big Mouf mp3

New Music: The Phenomenal Handclap Band

2009-06-01T11:09:00.003-05:00

"With an old-school Sly &The Family Stone funky shuffle multiplied by a Tom Tom Club New York sass, you don't need to do any maths to know to know this is ace." -- NME

The Phenomenal Handclap Band is a tight-knit aggregation of musicians and artists from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Live, The Phenomenal Handclap Band is distilled to an eight-member powerhouse, an eye-popping spectacle that overwhelms the senses.

Pre-order Phenomenal Handclap Band's Album

Listen: Phenomenal Handclap Band- 15 to 20 mp3

Giveaway: Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood "Live at MSG" CD

2009-05-28T11:53:00.003-05:00

The CD covers the first concerts Winwood and Clapton played together since their days in Blind Faith in 1969.

Drop us an email beatlawrence@gmail.com to enter or...

-Follow Beat Lawrence on Twitter. Send us an @reply letting us know you want to enter

-Blog this giveaway and link back to us. Let us know your link is up!

-Tweet this giveaway and let us know!

Must be located in the US to win. Will pick a winner on Friday June 5th.

New Music: Robert Gomez

2009-05-26T17:11:00.002-05:00

“Beck's softer moments, Grandaddy's playful pastoralism and John Lennon's melodic shifts haunt these songs beautifully.” — The Guardian

Listen: Robert Gomez-On This Day mp3

Also, using a revamped antique pedal organ, David Byrne, of Talking Heads fame, has transformed New York's empty Battery Maritime Building into a musical instrument that visitors can play. After hearing of this inventive musical creation, Robert decided to sample some sounds and employ them on his song, ‘Hunting Song’. The folks at www.DavidByrne.com have posted the song and more info about ‘Playing the Buliding‘ so be sure to check it out!

New Music: Thrasher

2009-05-22T13:04:00.004-05:00

Thrasher is what's going down on the West Coast. A fusion of alt rock, pop, and hip hop, Thrasher and crew have been playing gigs around LA and plan to tour this summer. Look out for him in years to come as he and his music grows.

Thrasher-Ray Banz mp3

Download EP here http://www.amazashow.com/thrasher

New Music: Hill Country Revue

2009-05-12T16:29:00.004-05:00

Today, May 12, Hill Country Revue is releasing their new album Make A Move via Razor & Tie. This 10-track, 45 minute album was recorded at Jim Dickinson's famed Zebra Ranch Studio, as well as at Young Avenue Sound in Memphis, with Cody Dickinson in the producer's chair and father Jim Dickinson (who has played with Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, The Flamin Groovies, among others) as "director".

Listen: Hill Country Revue-Alice Mae mp3

New Music: Pretty Lights

2009-04-29T14:19:00.002-05:00

Pretty Lights is the musical vision of the ultra-versatile Colorado based producer Derek Vincent Smith, accompanied in the live setting by drummer, Cory Eberhard. Together these two achieve a raw energy rarely reached in the realm of electronic music.

Listen: Pretty Lights - The Time Has Come mp3
Listen: Pretty Lights - Hot Like Sauce mp3

New Track from the Sounds

2009-04-22T22:00:00.002-05:00

Over the last few years, The Sounds have garnered a massive fanbase built upon non-stop touring, two acclaimed records, great film/TV and video game placements and an organic word of mouth response. Renowned for their intense and exuberant live shows, The Sounds have captivated fans around the world by playing more than 500 shows in support of their last album, selling out major venues in over 25 countries worldwide, including the legendary Hollywood Palladium (to the delight of 4000 fans).

They'll be hitting up the Bottleneck May 15th! They release their newest album, Crossing the Rubicon, on June 2nd.

Listen: The Sounds-Dorchester Hotel mp3

Giveaway! Matt and Kim, Cool Kids Flosstradamus vinyls

2009-04-17T11:47:00.003-05:00

We are giving away a Matt and Kim "Daylight" 7", the Cool Kids "Delivery Man" 12", Flosstradamus feat. Caroline Polacheck "Big Bills" 12" and a "Big Bills" tote bag:

You can download all of the songs for free and check out the videos as well at GreenLabelSound.com.

Drop us an email beatlawrence@gmail.com to enter or...

-Follow Beat Lawrence on Twitter. Send us an @reply letting us know you want to enter

-Blog this giveaway and link back to us. Let us know your link is up!

-Tweet this giveaway and let us know!

Must be located in the US to win. Will pick a winner on Wednesday April 22nd.

Metric Remix by the Twelves

2009-04-15T14:34:00.003-05:00

Check out the exclusive premiere of Metric's "Help I'm Alive" (The Twelves Remix).

Yesterday, April 14, Metric's fourth studio album, Fantasies, was available in US stores. Propelled by its first commercial hit in the US, "Help I'm Alive", Fantasies has already claimed the top spot on Billboard's Heatseeker's Chart and Soundscan's Top New Artists Chart. Making the #1 ranking more extraordinary is the fact that the album's official release date is not until April 14, but a global iTunes exclusive starting on March 31st had fans gobbling up downloads as soon as the digital store had Fantasies available (launching the album into the Top Ten Rock Albums charts on iTunes worldwide).

Listen: Metric-Help I'm Alive (The Twelves Remix) mp3

William Fitzsimmons - The Sparrow and the Crow

2009-04-07T16:19:00.002-05:00

Fitzsimmons has a haunting sound that evokes references to Iron & Wine,
Bright Eyes and Elliott Smith. His forthright album tells the true
story of two people who didn't make it: William conceived 'The Sparrow
And The Crow' as an apology and a confessional to his former wife...and
then set those words to music. The result is a hushed and heartbreaking
collection of songs that charts a path from regret to reconciliation.

The Sparrow and the Crow is out today.

Listen: William Fitzsimmons - If You Would Come Back Home mp3

New Black Lips Video

2009-04-03T11:06:00.001-05:00

Amidst the frenzy drummed up from their on-stage collabos with Wu Tang impresario GZA at SXSW earlier this month, The Black Lips have premiered a brand new video for "I'll Be With You," another standout from their latest Vice Records offering, 200 Million Thousand.

Download "I'll Be With You" From The Black Lips' 200 Million Thousand
http://www.viceland.com/vicerecords/black_lips-ill_be-with-you.mp3

Stevie Nicks CD/DVD Giveaway! Soundstage Sessions and Live in Chicago

2009-03-25T17:41:00.005-05:00

We're giving away one cd/dvd package of Stevie Nicks' new "Live In Chicago" DVD and "The Soundstage Sessions" CD releases, both released on March 31st.

Pre-order at http://www.jammfactory.net/wbr/stevienicks/pre-order.html

Drop us an email beatlawrence@gmail.com to enter or...
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-Follow Beat Lawrence on Twitter. Send us an @reply letting us know you want to enter

-Blog this giveaway and link back to us. Let us know your link is up!

-Tweet this giveaway and let us know!

Must be located in the US to win. Will pick a winner on Monday March 30th.

Featured Music: Guilty Hands

2009-03-23T19:27:00.003-05:00

The Guilty Hands, are a 4 piece from London. They are currently recording tracks including their single “Gregory and the Birds” (recorded with Foals / Go! Team producer Gareth Parton) to be released soon.

For now enjoy their new track "Guilty Hands"

Listen: The Guilty Hands - Guilty Hands mp3

Music DVD: I'm Rick James! The Definitive DVD

2009-03-22T12:41:00.002-05:00

A must buy! Comes out March 24th. Approximately 135 minutes in length, and in digital surround sound, I'm Rick James!: The Definitive DVD, produced by Joe Lauro and Historic Music, the same team who have brought you the Four Tops: Reach Out and The Supremes: Reflections, brings together 26 performances from 1978 to 1985, from popular television shows most of which having not been seen since their one initial broadcast 25 to 30 years ago, to all eight of his promotional videos, three of them previously unreleased: "Throwdown," "She Blew My Mind (69 Times)" and "Hard To Get," all from 1982. Sprinkled throughout are excerpts from rarely seen interviews with the charismatic star.

Medeski Martin and Wood are back with Radiolarians II

2009-03-20T09:01:00.004-05:00

Restlessly inventive improvising trio Medeski Martin & Wood are set to release the second installment of The Radiolarian Series on April 14th, 2009. Recorded last summer, Radiolarians II demonstrates MMW's bold and wild side. Strong rock riffs and hooks butt up against noise, and classic jazz seamlessly.

Listen: Modeski Martin & Wood-Amber Gris mp3

Pre-order Radiolarians II

See Live:
04.17.09 – Smith Opera House – Geneva, NY
04.18.09 – B-Side Jazz Fest – Minneapolis, MN
04.19.09 – Loyal Earth Festival – St. Louis, MO
04.23.09 – Congress Hall – Warsaw, Poland
05.01.09 – Beale Street Music Festival – Memphis, TN
05.02.09 – The Studio at Colton Theater – New Orleans, LA
05.23.09 – Summer Camp – Chillicothe, IL
06.04.09 – Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden – Richmond, VA
06.06.09 – 3 Rivers Arts Festival – Pittsburgh, PA