Kings of Leon - Temple

Feels like: Friday

Just sit back, relax and press play.  Another gooder from you boys back down south.

Yo Nashville: Wild Cub - Thunder Clatter

Feels Like: Lord Huron, Passion Pit, The Hawk in Paris

We've posted about Nashville electro-pop kingpins Wild Cub quite a bit. While their album Youth is a great example that indie pop bands can make amazing album-length statements, "Thunder Clatter" still stands out among some truly great songs. Like an indie-rock Walter White, Wild Cub has distilled catchiness to its purest form and released it in the form of a four and a half minute pop song. You may have heard the song before; it's been bouncing around for a while now. But now we get the official visuals, and the hazed-out, muted look of the multiple vignettes on youth fit the track all too perfectly.



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

Yo Nashville: Daniel Ellsworth and the Great Lakes - Sun Goes Out

Feels Like: Delta Spirit, Lord Huron, Grouplove

Daniel Ellsworth and the Great Lakes have been on the indie grind in our fair city for a handful of years now, but it's this new release that has us really excited. "Sun Goes Out" has all the elements of an indie radio darling: the uptempo verses, the shout-along chorus, and even some Passion Pit-y squealing synths. Their next release, Kid Tiger, is due out this coming Tuesday, and it couldn't get hear soon enough.



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

RAC - Tear You Down [Featuring Alex Ebert]

Feels like: Paul Simon, Allosaurus, Cayucas

Just an all around gooder from the guys behind some of the best remixes in the game.  O and that guy from Edward Sharpe.  Give it a listen, trust me it's worth it!

Nick Catchdubs - Bizness Feat. IAMSU! and Jay Ant

Feels Like: Diplo, Pac Div, A-Trak

Nick Catchdubs is one half of the all-star duo that started indie-hotspot Fool's Gold (the other half is A-Trak). He's also an amazing producer with some dope friends (including those featured on this track, Bay Area rappers IAMSU! and Jay Ant). I'm not sure why "Bizness" slipped under our radar. It is three minutes of pure energy and given its release date, it should have been the jam of summer. Add to all of this a Workaholics-worthy video and an emphasized Lion King reference, and we're looking at a couple weeks of heavy rotation.

Future Unlimited - Haunted Love/Golden

Feels like: Painted Palms, Tanlines, On An On, DWNTWN, M83, College, Kavinsky

Ok, so this is kind of a bizarre coincidence, but I as I was looking for new material for a chill-out playlist...I ran into this song.  I really liked it, so of course I looked for a music video.  Well...turns out Shia LaBeouf created it.  So, love it or hate it, this video is hauntingly beautiful, and fits the song perfectly.  Also check out
"Golden", as it is quite catchy and has that "Drive" style to it that everyone loves.

Kongos - Come With Me Now / Escape

Feels Like: Tame Impala, The Cat Empire, Kings of Leon

The question is not if, but when Kongos will break in the States. The South African rockers have already had beaucoup success in their native land and it's only a matter of time before their infectious jams storm our seas. "Come With Me Now" and "Escape" are unabashedly pop-y rock songs, but don't let that stop you. I only say that because they're arranged for maximum listenability. Whether it's the Graceland-era accordion in "Come With Me Now" or subtle variations in "Escape," they're much more than simple alt-rock radio fodder. Kongos aren't trying to be your neighbors' garage band. They're aiming much, much higher, and I wouldn't be  surprised if they reach those heights.

Statik Selektah - Bird's Eye View Feat. Raekwon, Joey Bada$$, and Black Thought

Feels Like: Action Bronson, Nas, Big L

What happens when the gritty hip hop coming out of mid-90s New York collides with the soul-sampling Chicago of the early aughts? Something like this. Static Selektah is primarily a producer and radio DJ, but he does find time to drop an LP every couple years. If 2013's Extended Play proves anything, it's that the man has a seriously stacked rolodex. "Bird's Eye View" features three of the best and the album's feature list reads like a who's who in the NY rap scene.

Lord Huron - She Lit a Fire

Feels like: Timber Timbre, Typhoon, Of Monsters and Men, The Lumineers

Brand spanking new video from Lord Huron for "She Lit a Fire".  These guys are very skilled at capturing the essence of adventure.

Portugal.The Man - Modern Jesus

Feels Like: Broken Bells, Modest Mouse, Arctic Monkeys

Evil Friends, Portugal. The Man's seventh album, came out almost a year ago and somehow I missed this track. "Modern Jesus" bears more than a passing resemblance to Broken Bells' "Holding on for Life" and that could very well be because Danger Mouse produced both. While "Holding on for Life" clogged the air streams, I don't remember this one getting much play. It definitely deserved it though, as it is an equally catchy and moodily immersive track. The AG Rojas-directed video is a hodgepodge of beautifully shot images of life on the fringes of society.

Sylvan Esso - Hey Mami

Feels Like: Bear Hands, tUnE-yArDs, Cults, Imogen Heap

I never really know what to say when it comes to write ups on Electronic music. It's not, as many have tended to protest, that the songs are not of equal merit or individuality. Sylvan Esso's "Hey Mami" is exemplary of that very fact on its own. Vocalist Amelia Heath's voice bounces gently down the melody, falling upon your ears in delight in a manner reminiscent of a schoolyard hopscotch song, or some modern version of the sort. All the while, electronic musician and master manipulator of the music knobs, Nicolas Sanborn eases into the scene with a surprise in store that will put this whimisical sound on its back. I am really fighting an urge to describe the division and build of the song along with time signatures to look out for, but nobody like a spoiler. Check it out for yourself.

London Grammar - Hey Now

Feels Like: The xx, Banks, Rhye

Man can these female-led electro acts be a bunch of moody Tuesdays, but in their defense they totally ace the vibe. London Grammar might be the most-hyped in the the second wave (let's call The xx first wave), and that hype is well-deserved. Their debut If You Wait is amazing throughout, and "Hey Now" is just as seductive as anything released in the past year. In the very cool stop-motion video, light orbs join forces in a forest to create Hulk Hogan's hair and go to a Ghostland Observatory concert. It's great.

The Griswolds - Red Tuxedo

Feels like: The Elwins, Dirty Gold, Alex Winston, Jinja Safari, Husky, Saintseneca

Just a short and sweet song. Oh, and a really awesome video that pretty much sums up my childhood, from pikachu to legos.

Jr. Hi - Trillion Girls Feat. Childish Gambino

Feels Like: The Weeknd, Jai Paul, Cherub

Jr. Hi is Pop Levi. Pop Levi is known for scuzzy garage rock. Jr. Hi is not scuzzy garage rock. "Trillion Girls" is the kind of syrup-y R&B that has been everywhere recently, but it is really well done. What caused Pop Levi's dramatic style switch? Who knows, but it seems like it might be a better fit for him. Added bonus: Gambino shows some renewed focus after the scatterbrained because the internet.

J. Cole - She Knows Feat. Amber Coffman and Cults

Feels Like: Kanye West, The Roots, Kendrick Lamar

Props to Cole for not falling into typical rap video tropes. "She Knows" is one of many highlights from Born Sinner and the video does not disappoint. What could have been an R. Kelly/Shaggy-style visual tale of adultery goes in a different direction proving once again that J. Cole is far from your average rapper.

Vulfpeck - Wait for the Moment feat. Antwaun Stanley/Outro

Feels Like: Joey Dosik, Saturday Night Live opening theme song , The Greyboy Allstars, Orgone

Earlier this year another brother of the blog posted some solo work by Joey Dosik. As was mentioned in that older post, Dosik is loosely tied to L.A. based Vulfpeck group. Well here is that group in all of their grooved out glory. The first track, "Wait for the Moment", starts with the incredible story of Antwaun Stanley, the impressive vocalist featured on the track who seemingly laid down this super soulful track on whim. If you enjoy that, you have got to check out the instrumental intro to their previous album, the ironically named "Outro". Dosik keeps his sax hand strong and produces a killer performance. These are both MUST SEES for any soul/R&B brethren out there.

Under the Covers: Kyle [from Typhoon] and Danielle [from Wild Ones] - In Spite of Ourselves [written by John Prine]

Feels like: Rayland Baxter, Langhorne Slim, Justin Townes Earle

Aww, it's Valentines day!  I hope it finds you well.  Here's a good one to enjoy with the one you're with.

Tourist - I Can't Keep Up (Feat. Will Heard)

Feels Like: Flying Lotus, TNGHT, Four Tet

Subtlety isn't something you hear in EDM much these days. It's usually an all or another affair complete with bells, whistles, and blaring sirens. I strongly believe Tourist has the ability to change all this. He strips away the massive drops and mandatory builds for a more calculated approach to EDM. And it's still addictive. Scratch that, it's more addictive because it presents the listener with something completely unexpected in EDM, good songs.

Hurrah! A Bolt of Light! - Bones/Devil on my Shoulder

Feels like: Walk the Moon, The Killers, Youngblood Hawke, Tiny Victories, Ra Ra Riot,

Hurrah! A Bolt of Light! is releasing a new album this March, and in pure jubilation and excitement, here is the first single off of it.  Also check out their previous hit "Devil on my Shoulder" below.

Back Again: YZ - Thinkin' of A Masterplan

Feels Like: De La Soul, Static Selektah, Public Enemy

If the dreads and bright colors weren't enough of a tip-off, YZ released "Thinkin' of a Masterplan" smack in the middle of the Native Tongues (Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul) era. Containing an amazing sample of Average White Band's "Person to Person" (the sample starts at 2:00), "Masterplan" is old school hip-hop at its finest. While YZ would release several more albums and even start his own record label, "Masterplan" will go down as his touchstone.



Back Again is a segment where we bring you funky jams which you can once again funkify yourself to.

Conor Oberst - Hundreds of Ways

Feels Like: Father John Misty, Phosphorescent, Dawes

Turns out Conor Oberst snuck into Nashville and recorded himself a country album with producer Jonathan Wilson (Dawes, Father John Misty). "Hundreds of Ways" is the first cut and while not really country (except for some nice pedal steel touches), it is a great first taste. Conor Oberst has released a couple great solo albums since dissolving Bright Eyes and it looks like this next one (titled Upside Down Mountain) will be a worthy entry into his canon. While Bright Eyes tended to veer toward the depressing side of things, Oberst has a knack for writing an upbeat song (even if some of the lyrics go against that grain) and "Hundreds of Ways" has a walking-on-a-sunny-day vibe that is infectious. Oberst will be playing the Ryman with Dawes on June 6.

Mos Def - Ms. Fat Booty (Louis Futon Remix)

Feels Like: Tourist, Viceroy, The Hood Internet

Last week we offered up an excellent Mos Def/Marvin Gaye mash-up for your listening pleasure. This week, we have another Mos Def refix, albeit from a different source. Louis Futon are two 20 year-old mischief makers from Philly and they seem to be doing a mighty fine job in the dance game. This remix has all the smooth edges and tasteful layers of the best lounge-y EDM.

Metronomy - Love Letters

Feels like: Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, Yuksek, Chairlift

Happy Valentines week everybody! Here's a good one to get you started right

Klaxons - Children of the Sun

Feels like: Silversun Pickups, Bloc Party, Kill It Kid, Typhoon, Nine Inch Nails, Lady Gaga

I'm just gonna say it: I get a pretty strong Lady Gaga/Nine Inch Nails feeling from this song.  But just the perfect amount of creepy and catchiness to keep me tuned in.  Give it a listen.

Saintseneca - Uppercutter / Visions

Feels Like: Mountain Goats, R.E.M., Arcade Fire,  The Decemberists

Saintseneca tend to play it loose and even their happy songs have a slight darkness to them. Much like an early Arcade Fire, you get the feeling that they could pull off some pretty grandiose tricks. All of this is amplified by the fact that lead singer Zac Little has the kind of voice only heard in indie rock heaven. Equal parts Mountain Goats' lead singer John Darnielle and Win Butler, it is the perfect compliment to the ramshackle instrumentation.

Chance the Rapper - Interlude (That's Love)

Feels Like: Kanye West, A-Trak+Cam'ron, Common

Chance the Rapper's Acid Rap was one of the best albums released last year. And depending on what you though of J.Cole's Born Sinner, it was hands-down the best hip hop album. It seems that Chance has a live show that easily matches the hype of his music. The live version of "Interlude (That's Love" with a full on horn section is amazing, and shows that Chance is a true performer. If Common kicked off Chicago conscious rap, and Kanye took it to the masses, Chance is definitely going to be the one to bring it to new generations. Can't wait to see what comes next.

Under the Covers: Moses Sumney - Lindisfarne (James Blake Cover)

Feels Like: Bon Iver's "Up in the Woods," Mikky Ekko, How to Dress Well

I posted a couple songs by Moses Sumney a little over a week ago but when I stumbled across this cover, I knew I had to throw it up as well. Sumney takes James Blake's "Lindisfarne" and using only his voice, creates a chorus of mellowness. This cover is definitely for late nights or early mornings, and its effect is only enhanced by headphones.

Cam'ron & A-Trak - Humphrey

Feels Like: Kanye West, Rhymefest, Fabolous

I guess it comes as no surprise that the person to release the most old-school Kanye-style beat is none other than Kanye's old DJ A-Trak. Bringing in Cam'ron to spit bars over it is another stroke of genius. Combined, we have quite possibly the best hip-hop track thus far this year.

Yo Nashville: The Hawk in Paris - Freaks

Feels Like: Say Hi, Caribou, The Generationals, Phantogram

The amount of synth-pop coming out of our fair city is pretty low. If you take away Cherub, it's basically non-existent. Enter The Hawk in Paris, a supergroup of Nashville writers/producers whose credits include work for Paul Van Dyke, The Band Perry, and Jars of Clay. "Freaks" exemplifies a perfect mix of euro-thump and a cartoonish eery vibe that separates it from all the throwaway electro that has been clogging the musical byways recently. The video has a pretty cool, hipster Eyes Wide Shut-vibe and even ventures into Fiona Apple "Criminal" mode near the end.



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

J. Roddy Walston and Shovels and Rope - Boys Can Never Tell

Feels Like: Father John Misty, Phosphorescent, Hurray for the Riff Raff

It's always great when some of your favorite artists get together. It's even better when they do so in a backyard. The vibe is right, the song is great, just some friends getting together and playing some music.