This week, we have reviews for a number of new rock albums released this week. Whether the artist or band is writing about terrible break-ups, crooning in high-pitched vocal stylings over pop and techno beats, or rocking out hard on the bagpipes, we’re certain that you’ll find some interesting releases in new rock music, so check out what critics have to say below:
The Oscars just released a statement revealing which songs are nominated for the golden statue. As usual, the list is very lengthy in correlation to the many films released this year. What we find pleasing about this year’s list is the amount of indie artists who are nominated.
We all knew Karen O got her Grammy nod for her work on Where the Wild Things Are when Miley Cyrus got booted, but the Yeah Yeah Yeahs‘ front lady has also been nominated for an Oscar. Other notable mentions include Jack White‘s “Fly Farm Blues” from It Might Get Loud, Lykke Li‘s “Possibility” from New Moon, and Jarvis Cocker‘s “Petey’s Song” from Fantastic Mr. Fox. Check the entire list out below!
The official soundtrack for The Twilight Saga: New Moon won’t hit stores until tomorrow, but several critics have already had the opportunity to hear it. We’ve rounded up the latest reviews of the soundtrack, so you can read the highs and lows of the album.
Check out what the critics have to say…
We’ve picked out favorite artists of the week. Now it’s your turn to pick yours!
Do you prefer Sweden’s latest and quirky indie pop sensation, Lykke Li (listen here)? Or do you enjoy unpredictable and free form rock sounds of Brit & the Cavalry (listen here)? Is your pick the new pop-rock band, Runner Runner (listen here)? Or do you like the acoustic sounds of blusey folk artist, Fink (listen here)?
The number one voted artist will receive a special BeatCrave feature at the end of the month. So support your favorite band and vote for them in our BeatCrave Fav Poll!
Which BeatCrave Fav Is Your Favorite?
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Surely you have heard (or read) about Sweden’s latest sensation before today—Lykke Li. She’s young, attractive, and has the ability to carry any tune because she is just that cool! Early in 2008, Peter BJorn and John, helped Li release her debut album, Youth Novels (but I like to refer to it as her masterpiece). Her songs are filled with lyrics of love, loneliness, and frustration, all written to touch the soul. Her mixture of instruments, from the piano to the saxophone, all go together in perfect harmony; even her song “Complaint Department,” which is more of a techno song, is tolerable because the lyrics and her voice keep it from being too much.
It should come as no surprise that Li is just as good (if not better) live. The first time I saw Li, her hair was pulled back and she wore all black and ripped nylons. On stage, she carried herself with much confidence; wildly beating the drums and dancing. That night I left the Glass House unsatisfied—I wanted more. Thus, fellow reader, it is time that we honor Lykke Li by naming her one of our favorites. She deserves it for giving us great music to listen to.
We’ve got a “First Listen” available for you of the track “Whachadoin” from the new N.A.S.A album The Spirit Of Apollo’s. While N.A.S.A is technically only Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon the new track features guest appearances by M.I.A, Santogold, Spank Rock, and Nick Ziner. Previous track guest on the album include Kanye West, Santogold, Lykke Li, Tom Waits, Karen O, David Byrne, RZA, Method Man, George Clinton, Chuck D, John Frusciante, and Ol’ Dirty Bastard.
The album is expected to drop in the UK on February 16th. Check out “Whachadoin” after the break:
Say what you want about Josh Schwartz’s television series (The O.C., Gossip Girl, Chuck), the man has given some much-needed exposure to a lot of Indie bands. Back when The O.C. was still on the air, he gave acts like Death Cab For Cutie, The Killers, Modest Mouse, Rachel Yamagata, and more a chance to reach a broader audience on a national scale by having them appear on the show, and even perform their songs.
It looks like he’s returning to that formula with his new web series, Rockville, CA, which will run exclusively on TheWB.com. We mentioned it a few months ago (and maybe some of you even turned up to be an extra in it!), but now it’s finally nearing completion. Set in the fictional nightclub Rockville, the show will feature live performances from bands every week. Though only 15 to 30 seconds of the performances will air during the 4 minute episodes, fans will be able to see the full two-song sets as well as interviews with the artists online.
Swedish singer Lykke Li will bring her arty electro-pop North America in early 2009 to support her debut album Youth Novels. The album was released in the US in August via LL Records. The tour will kick off in Washington, DC at Sixth and I on January 31 and wrap up in Austin, TX at Antone’s on February 19.
Lykke Li also performed at the recent mtvU Woodie Awards which will air on Wednesday, November 19. She performed the song “Dance Dance Dance” with a backing band including Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John and Au Revoir Simone. Spoiler alert! Q-Tip will join her on stage to perform A Tribe Called Quest’s “Can I Kick It?” before launching into a medley of “Move,” “Vibrant Thing” and “Gettin’ Up.” It should be quite a sight to see.
