Schoolboy Q - Man of The Year / Collard Greens (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)

Feels Like: Pac Div, A$AP Rocky, Kid Cudi

Here are a couple we've been spinning quite heavily on the weekends. The videos probably are NSFW but it's the weekend so... Check it out. Schoolboy Q's Oxymoron is gearing up to be a pretty amped-up debut given these two high energy singles.

Under the Covers: Grouplove - Spiderhead [Cage the Elephant]/Johnny Cash "Ways to Go" Remix

Feels like: Just a whole bunch of awesomeness

Yo Nashville: Amerigo Gazaway - Inner City Travellin' Man (Yasiin Bey x Marvin Gaye)

Feels Like: J Dilla, Thievery Corporation, Grand Analog

Nashville's Amerigo Gazaway, the man behind the excellent mashup mixtapes Fela Soul (follow the link to cop it for free)and Bizarre Tribe, is gearing up for the release of his next project, which laces together the awesome sounds of Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) with the also awesome sounds of Marvin Gaye. The first drop "Inner City Travellin' Man" hints that he's done an amazing job.



Yo Nashville is a segment in which we highlight local acts from right here in Music City U.S.A.

Make the Girl Dance - Baby Baby Baby

Feels like: Justice

Yeah, it's just 3 naked chicks walking down the street singing the lyrics.  And yes, you're gonna love it.

Yo Nashville: Mikky Ekko - Stay (Original Demo)

Feels Like: John Legend, Adele, James Blake

Most people have heard Mikky Ekko's "Stay," that is the Rihanna-led, Grammy-nominated version. Now, the Nashville-based producer/singer/songwriter/soon-to-be-electro-phenom has unveiled the original demo accompanied by some pretty abstract new visuals. The stripped-down version just shows what a powerful song "Stay" is and that his upcoming debut album might just mean Nashville has a huge star on its hands.


Yo Nashville is a segment in which we highlight local acts from right here in Music City U.S.A.

Phosphorescent - Ride on / Right on

Feels like: Silent Rider, Timber Timbre, Dirty Gold, The Antlers, New Villager, Gardens & Villa, Vacationer, LCD Soundsystem, Painted Palms

Something about Athens just brings out musical talent, and Phosphorescent is yet another shining example of this.  Check him out, I'm sure you'll agree.

Isaiah Rashad - Soliloquy

Feels Like: Pusha T, Joey Bada$$, Earl Sweatshirt

Isaiah Rashad has just dropped his TDE debut EP/Mixtape ‘Cilvia Demo,' and accompanying the launch, we have received the visuals for "Soliloquy," a bass-heavy thumper that brings to mind "Hip Hop" and "Trouble on My Mind." . Rashad also proves he's a lyricist to watch weaving in and out of the dense production with some heady stream-of-consciousness wordplay. "Damn that Vince Vaughn is a funny cat."

Warpaint - Love Is To Die

Feels Like: Jagwar Ma, Wye Oak, Tame Impala

Warpaint makes atmospheric indie rock with a distinctly late-night feel. Their freshly release self-titled 3rd LP is a solid listen and might make you feel like Ryan Gosling's character in Drive, cruising around a neon-drenched LA deep into the night. Think of them as Haim's moodier, older sibling.

Liam Bailey - Please Love Me

Feels Like: Charles Bradley, Moses Sumney, Mayer Hawthorne

Some more smooth-sounding soul to cap off the week, this time it comes from across the pond. Liam Bailey has been grinding for a while now, but with a debut album due out, 2014 mights be his year. While the genre is undoubtedly soul, Bailey mixes in some reggae and early rock influences that keep things fresh.

Joey Dosik - Running Away

Feels Like: Mayer Hawthorne, Jamie Lidell, Magnolia Sons

Joey Dosik makes an effortless-kind of soul. "Running Away" has the kind of charm and heart as classics like "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" or "A Little Bit of Love,"which is only amplified by the lo-fi aesthetic of the video. Dosik is loosely associated with LA's Vulfpeck collective, who seem to just churn out jams at a Motown-like clip. It seems a scene is brewing.

Hurray for the Riff Raff - St. Roch Blues

Feels Like: The Lone Bellow, Houndmouth, Shovels & Rope

Hurray for the Riff Raff hail from New Orleans (check) and are friends with the dame and lass that make up Shovels & Rope (double-check). They serve up some comforting soul food for your ears as is evident on the beautiful "St. Roch Blues." So dig in and let these six minutes stroll on by.

Brian Wright - We Don't Live There

Feels Like: Tom Petty, Jason Isbell, Father John Misty

Texas-raised Brian Wright released one of the best albums of 2013 and it flew a little under the radar. I didn't find it until a good three weeks into 2014. Rattle Their Chains is full of crystallized nuggets of Americana. His style floats from Petty-styled rockers to quieter, folk meditations. "We Don't Live There" has the lived-in feel only the most road-worn tunes seem to have. Wright is playing at Station Inn tomorrow night (1/22). We'll see ya there.

Moses Sumney - Replaceable / Everlasting Sigh

Feels Like: tUnE-yArDs, A capella John Legend, Graceland-era Paul Simon with a loop machine

Moses Sumney creates some pretty amazing things with just his voice and a loop machine. While digital loopers have been utilized in a number of genres, LA-based Sumney's brand of smooth-listening soul by way of Ladysmith Black Mambazo seems fresh and incredibly inventive. Be on the lookout for big things from him in 2014.

Bad Rabbits - Can't Fool Me/We Can Roll

Feels Like: Prince,  Kool & The Gang, George Clinton

With a healthy blend of gospel, funk, disco, and rock what is not to like about Bad Rabbits? Having said that, functionally fusing all of those genres is a lofty aspiration, but the Bad Rabbits have found a sound that takes hints from all to arrive at their euphoric R&B dance groove. Consisting of some of the members of Slick Rick's part-time backup band, the Elective Collective, five of the group's members came back together with the aspiration of taking a rock approach to old school R&B music. Judging on the footage in the below videdo, their live shows are a spectacle and hopefully we can see them slide through Nashville sometime soon.

Under the Covers: Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires - Mutineer (Warren Zevon Cover)

Feels Like: The Civil Wars, The Belle Brigade, The Lone Bellow

Here's a mellow cover for your Sunday recovery. It features EB-favorite Jason Isbell and his wife/awesome-artist-in-her-own-right Amanda Shires covering Warren Zevon's "Mutineer." I'm pretty sure this is what pirates listen to when they're hungover.

7Horse - Meth Lab Zoso Sticker

Feels Like: The Black Keys, Two Gallants, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Got another movie song for ya today. This one comes from The Wolf of Wall Street, and was the song accompanying Leo's walk to accept his Golden Globe. Not sure how Scorsese stumbled upon this one, but we're glad he did. 7Horse is 2/3 of LA-based rock band dada and recorded their 2012 debut album during leftover dada studio time. Pretty amazing that it ended up into Scorsese's latest opus.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - Run

Feels like: Kishi Bashi, Born Ruffians, STRFKR, Painted Palms, Reptar

Check out Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.'s newest video for "Run".  It's got everything you ever wanted and never needed.  And killer tunes to boot!

The Cool Kids - Computer School

Feels Like: The Pack, Clipse, Tyler the Creator

The Cool Kids are back! For real this time. Their sophomore album, titled Shark Week, is due some time this year and as a taster, they've let go a new track "Computer School." Although it's quite short, it does highlight all of their best qualities: heavy, minimal drums, cool synth stabs, and great wordplay. Good to have them back.

Tokyo Police Club - Hot Tonight

Feels Like: Free Energy, OK Go, The Generationals

Tokyo Police Club have released plenty of music since their debut EP A Lesson in Crime in 2006., but none of it has had the immediateness or experimental, Radiohead-does-punk quality of songs like "Nature of the Experiment" or "Citizens of Tomorrow." While "Hot Tonight" isn't fully in that vein, it does bring back the urgency of their earlier music and it's one hell of a pop-punk single.

Painted Palms - Falling Asleep/Too High

Feels like: Tanlines, Reptar, Neon Indian, Kishi Bashi, Savoir Adore, Talking Heads

Trippy. Happy. Kind of like The Talking Heads singing over the top of Neon Indian tracks.  You are gonna like this one if you are in the mood for something a little bit more experimental.  Do yourself a favor and give it a try.

George Ezra - Budapest

Feels Like: Johnny Flynn,  Laura Marling, William Elliott Whitmore

George Ezra recently showed up on BBC's Sounds of 2014 list placing 5th. The British singer-songwriter hasn't released an album yet, but if his Did You Hear the Rain EP is a benchmark, then he may be making one of the bigger debuts of 2014. "Budapest" is the kind of rollicking folk made for road trips, and the melodies are subtle earworms that catch you on repeat listens. But Ezra's voice is the secret weapon here. It's distinct gravellyness brings to mind William Elliot Whitmore.

Jose Gonzalez - Step Out

Feels Like: Of Monsters and Men, Jonsi, Arcade Fire

You may recognize Jose Gonzalez's "Step Out" as the music soundtracking The Secret Life of Walter Mitty trailer, which sees Ben Stiller skating down mountains, jumping from helicopters, and generally doing things you're not used to seeing Ben Stiller do. The inspirational movie trailer song is nothing new, but it does seem to be creeping into more and more cuts. We've posted Gonzalez work before as lead singer of Junip, but his solo work is equally impressive. "Step Out" is markedly different from earlier Gonzalez tracks which, while great, all seemed a bit foreboding. The uplifting, epic folk-look works well for him though and hopefully signals a new direction.

The Family Rain - Binocular

Feels Like: The Weeks, Two Gallants, Arctic Monkeys

The Family Rain have that authentic bluesy sound reminiscent of the original British Invasion of Rock n Roll. The sound isn't over complex, but the execution is spot on. The three brothers (Ollie, William, and Timothy) hail from Bath, England and have been steadily releasing a stream of quality EPs, starting with 2011's "Trust Me... I'm A Genius". Check out my favorite release of theirs so far, "Binocular", in the below Black Cab Session and stay posted for the release of their debut album, Under The Volcano, on February 3rd. 

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - All Wash Out

Feels like: Jose Gonzalez, Family and Friends, Typhoon, Local Natives, Run River North

Check out Edward Sharpe's newest video for "All Wash Out".  A little background on this video:

Starring: Sophia Glaser
Directed by: Lizzie Shapiro and Sophia Glaser
Cinematography and Editing by: Matthew Morgan

"Dear Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Thank you for your incredible music. I first heard your songs, when my sweet sister Sophie entered a music video contest producing a video for your song: "All Wash Out". The combination of your beautiful music and her great talent has left an eternal imprint on my mind. 
Sophie, my little sister was just 20 when she entered the contest. This Sunday we played the video at her memorial service. She passed away recently during an exchange semester in Prague. She suffered from a brain hemorrhage and just never woke up from her sleep one night. 
I find the description (which went along with her video); "A girl goes on a journey to wash away what's behind her leading to her rebirth" incredibly moving as she would have no idea that she would soon leave this earth. Sophie was not meant to act in the video, but due to incredible karmic circumstances, the actress who was supposed to participate was prevented to come (last minute) and Sophie stepped in. Both acting and directing. 
It gives indescribable joy and comfort to be able to turn to this video, during this period of grieving and to know that it will stay with us. She spread such an unbelievable amount of joy and light during her -- much too short -- life. And has left the world forever richer. 
I realize that it is a long shot, but it would mean very, very much to us if there were any way you would be able to help share this last memory of Sophie. 
In any case, I truly thank you for having been a catalyst in Soph leaving the world this beautiful video. 
I apologize that my English is not sufficient to express my emotions (I am from Denmark), but I hope it has made sense. 
Thank you again, Luna."

Jason Isbell - Cover Me Up (Live at Austin City Limits)

Feels Like: Willie Nelson, Wilco, Ryan Adams

Southeastern is amazing and in my opinion, the best album of the 2013. Now Jason Isbell and his 400 Unit are set to be featured on their very own Austin City Limits episode. The first song to trickle out from the performance is Southeastern opener "Cover Me Up." While Isbell has released some great songs in the past, both solo and with the Drive-By Truckers, "Cover Me Up" just hits all the right motions. As an opening track, it sets a high bar, but thankfully Southeastern delivers and is about as cohesive and brilliant as any songwriter could hope for. The full episode of Austin City Limits airs this Saturday on PBS at 10PM EST/9PM CST.

King Krule - A Lizard State/Easy Easy

Feels like: The Weeks, Rizzle Kicks, Typhoon, Menomena, Portugal. The Man, Lucius, Los Campesinos!, Darwin Deez, Oberhofer

Alfred Hitchcock approved! But seriously, pretty awesome video, and another song below that is definitely worth a listen.

The Hood Internet - It's Still About Falling (Haim x Robotaki)

Feels Like: Justice, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Star Slinger

Haim just got a high voltage mash-up courtesy of the ever-prolific Hood Internet. This Frankenstein of catchy meoldies and hard-sleeze synths is probably what Haim would have ended up sounding like if they were raised in a Berlin basement lounge. Although I prefer the original, it never hurts having a more workout-friendly alternative.

Silversun Pickups - Cannibal

Feels like: Menomena, Alt-J, Pinback, Cold War Kids

Check out this one, a B-sides delivery from Silversun Pickups.  Fits in line with their previous gooders and definitely worth playing.  It's a cold one out there, you better bundle up!

Chromeo - Come Alive (Feat. Toro Y Moi)

Feels Like: Metronomy, Capital Cities, Cherub

With the impending release of White Women and a string of awesome leaks so far, "Come Alive" has just fallen on our laps. Any song that starts with the line "I asked your boss for your number" is alright by me and production is all the slap bass and smooth synths we've come to expect from the odd duo. You know it when you hear it. Good shit.

Family and Friends - Rust and Bone

Feels like: Mumford and Sons, The Head and The Heart, Local Natives, Run River North

I am so excited for this one!  Guys, this is one helluva band from Athens GA and you will surely love them.  This is the first single off their debut EP coming out soon after a successful kickstarter campaign.  Listen. Enjoy. Repeat.

Yo Nashville!: The Whistles and the Bells - Mercy Please

Feels like: Alt-J, Electric Guest, Django Django, Everything Everything, Portugal. The Man

Check out this killer single from Nashvillians the Whistles and the Bells! And trust us, you will "get it" for sure once you have a listen.