Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child. (Trailer)

A new doc about Jean Michel Basquiat, The Radiant Child shot in real time friend by a real friend director Tamra Davis. The Radiant Child captures never-before seen footage of the prolific artist painting, chatting about his art, and simply living, two years before his untimely death in 1988. The cultural icon, art legend, tragic figure and American original Basquiat. Basquait was many things to many people, among them, to me he was the Godfather of the b-boy/punk-rock generation. Look closely for a Basquiat cameo in video for Blondie's breakout genre-mashup "Rapture". The "Rapture" video featured Fab Five Freddy in a cameo role painting graffiti art in the background. Grandmaster Flash, who was also name-checked in the song, did not show up on the day of the shoot, Basquiat took his place behind the turntables.

Thom Yorke -"Give Up The Ghost (Live)"-mp3

Thom Yorke helps out the UK's Green Party last night at the Cambridge Corn Exchange with a solo performance. In the process he debuts 3 new songs "Give Up The Ghost", "Mouse Dog Bird" and "The Daily Mail". Shout out P4k and a-reminder

Thom Yorke -"Give Up The Ghost (Live in Cambridg)"-mp3
Thom Yorke -"Mouse, Bird, Dog (Live in Cambridge)"-mp3
Thom Yorke -"The Daily Mail (Live in Cambridge)"-mp3
Thom Yorke -"Lotus Flower (Live at Cambridge Corn Exchange)"-video

Rusko -"Woo Booost"-mp3

Leeds,UK's uber producer, dubstep wonderkid Rusko (M.I.A.) makes his debut on Diplo's Mad Decent with the twerkin', car crash soundtrack "Woo Booost". Lookout for upcoming collaborations with Switch, 
Diplo , Santigold, Trouble Andrew, Hot Chip and remixes galore.

Major Lazer
Rusko
Apr. 11th
First Avenue

Rusko -"Woo Booost"-mp3

Jose James -"Code (prod.by Flying Lotus)"-mp3

Where's D'Angelo? No worries, the new school of left field soul vocalist is Minneapolis jazz/soul virtuoso Jose James. James collaborates with Flying Lotus for the first track off his sophomore release BlackMagic. James is an vocal technician who was discovered by chance by Giles Peterson, who signed him to his imprint Brownswood Recordings. via blindiforthekids

Jose James -"Code (prod.by Flying Lotus)"-mp3

Thom Yorke & Flying Lotus to tour

Radiohead's ever busy Thom Yorke has finally named his solo band project, Atoms For Peace. Atoms For Peace will knock out a handful of dates with Flying Lotus. It only makes sense as Yorke is featured on Flying Lotus's upcoming Cosmogramma. While there's no Minneapolis date for Yorke, Flying Lotus will visit the Twin Cities April 3rd at BarFly Loft. Shout out Blackraptor and blahblahblahscience

Atoms For Peace with Flying Lotus
Apr.05 New York, NY – Roseland Ballroom w/ Flying Lotus
Apr.06 New York, NY – Roseland Ballroom w/ Flying Lotus
Apr.08 Boston, MA – Citi Wang Theatre w/ Flying Lotus
Apr.10 Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom w/ Flying Lotus
Apr.11 Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom w/ Flying Lotus
Apr.14 Oakland, CA – Fox Theatre w/ Flying Lotus
Apr.15 Oakland, CA – Fox Theatre w/ Flying Lotus
Apr.17 Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl w/ Flying Lotus
Apr.18 Indio, CA – Coachella

Thom Yorke -"Feeling Pulled Apart By Horses"-mp3
Flying Lotus -"Computer Face/Pure Being"-mp3

Lookbook -"Yesterday's Company" -mp3

Minneapolis electro-pop darlings Lookbook hit the road in advance of SXSW where they'll be playing all over the place. You can also hear the sensual vocals of Lookbook's Maggie Morrison and Grant Culter on the upcoming Ryan Olson (Digitata, Building Better Bombs) helmed Midwest indie collective Gayngs record Relayted alongside Bon Iver, Solid Gold, P.O.S., Megafaun, the Rosebuds and half of Minneapolis on Jagjaguwar May 11th. Gayngs 10cc inspired record is already Pitchfork approved. shout out the homie ATF for the image.

Feb. 24 – Chicago, IL - Schuba’s
Feb. 25 - DAYTROTTER
Feb. 26 – Iowa City, IA – Public Space
Feb. 27 – Minneapolis, MN – Cedar Cultural Center w/No Bird Sing & Kill The Vultures

Lookbook -"Yesterday's Company"-mp3
Lookbook -"Surprise"-mp3

Inspectah Deck -"The Champion"-mp3

Wu-Tang's Inspectah Deck goes solo on "The Champion", the first single from his upcoming long player Manifesto, out March 23rd. Manifesto will have assist from Raekwon, Cormega, Cappadonna, Kurupt (Tha Dogg Pound) and Billy Danze (M.O.P.). "The Champion" is very minimal to say the least, yet the old dark Wu-spirit is in effect with Deck throwing darts all over the place with nice production from Alchemist. cheers to NahRight and The Smoking Section.

Inspectah Deck -"The Champion"-mp3
Inspectah Deck feat. Raekwon -"The Big Game"-mp3
Masta Killa Feat. GZA –"Duel of the Iron Mic (Live)"-mp3

Madlib- "Tones for Larry Young"-mp3

New improv & jazz flourishes from J Dilla disciple/associate Madlib, going all Deep Space 9 via Mile Davis fusion classic Bitches Brew. It's the producer & arranger's first jazz release since his group Yesterdays New Quintet. From his new The Last Electro Acoustic Space Jazz & Percussion Ensemble - Miles Away with sexy packaging influenced by the culture of 60s-70s jazz vinyl. The double LP is also gatefold, cover painting by Radek Drutis, design by Jeff Jank. Glookin miss mpls & Stones Throw

Madlib -"Tones for Larry Young"-mp3

Beach House -"The Arrangement"-mp3

As if delivering one of the year best records in Teen Dream already wasn't enough. Baltimore's slow core lovelies Beach House will release their Zebra EP on Record Store Day , April 17th. The Zebra EP will include "UK Radio Edit" of "Zebra", "Baby", "10 Mile Stereo (Cough Syrup Remix)" plus the stunning new track "The Arrangement".

Beach House -"The Arrangement"-mp3

Major Lazer "Bruk Out (Destructo & Uberzone Remix)"-mp3

A new remix of Major Lazer "Bruk Out" by Destructo and Uberzone. Destructo is the founder of HARD fest. Diplo is much better at the high energy club tracks than straight hip-hop, he recently did a Pharrell imitation on the incredibly underwhelming Snoop Dogg ft. Kid Cudi track "That Tree".

Major Lazer
Rusko
Apr. 11th
First Avenue

Major Lazer -"Bruk Out (Destructo & Uberzone Remix)"-mp3
Major Lazer ft. M.I.A. -"Sound Of The Siren"-mp3

GZA to play Triple Rock + Avenging Eagles mixtape

The author of the classic Liquid Swords, from Wu-Tang's sharpest GZA, makes an appearance in Minneapolis on a brief tour. In light on the upcoming Wu Massacre project with Method Man, Ghostface & Raekwon that will actually see the light of day Mar. 30th on Def Jam. Also check must have compilation from DJ Mathematics - Meth Ghost Rae: Avenging Eagles mixtape below. From the gfolks at NR

GZA
Triple Rock
Mar. 11th

GZA, Masta Killa & Inspectah Deck -"Steppin' 2 Me"-mp3
Method Man, Ghostface & Raekwon -Avenging Eagles

The New Pornographers -"Your Hands (Together)"-mp3

Canada's other indie collective, Vancouver's The New Porngraphers, who I've never really cared for, however I did check for Dan Bejar's solo jump Destroyer. The New Pornographers brilliant lead single "Your Hands (Together)" is easily the coolest Who tribute heard in quite some time. Their new Together comes out May 4th on Matador, wowzer, same day as Canada's premier indie-conglomerate Broken Social Scene. via MBV

The New Pornographers -"Your Hands (Together)"-mp3

Grey Granite - Lust Poisons Pride

New from Heavy Gun contributor, Indiana party starter Grey Granite makes his full length debut with Lust Poisons Pride which combines his love of Crystal Castles, Prince and Nine Inch Nails.

Grey Granite -Lust Poisons Pride

Flying Lotus -"Computer Face//Pure Being"-mp3

"Computer Face/Pure Being" the paranoid inducing first track from Flying Lotus highly anticipated Cosmogramma, dropping May 4th on Warp. Spotted at blahblahblahscience

Flying Lotus -"Computer Face//Pure Being"-mp3
Flying Lotus -"Quakes"-mp3

Broken Social Scene -"World Sick"-mp3

Toronto's indie conglomerate Broken Social Scene unveil the first track, the sprawling, glorious, 7 minute "World Sick" from their Forgiveness Rock Record, out May 4th on Arts & Crafts. Expect contributions from their posse including Feist, Sebastien Grainger and members of Pavement, Metric, Stars, Do Make Say Think, the Sea and Cake, and Tortoise. Tortoise' John McEntire co-produced and recorded in Chicago and Toronto last year. Shout out P4k.

Broken Social Scene -"World Sick"-mp3

Julian Casablancas - "I'll Try Anything Once"-mp3 + First Ave date

Mr. Strokes, or the only one that really matters, at least as a solo artist, off the heals of his impressive solo jump Phazes For The Young, Julian Casablancas will be touring. He hit's Minneapolis with a date at First Ave in April. Interesting that after his solo record, now the band wants to get back in the studio. Below is a non-album demo of "I'll Try Anything Once" via JP

Julian Casablancas
Funeral Party
Apr. 8th
First Ave

Julian Casablancas -"I'll Try Anything Once"-mp3

Jonsi (Sigur Ros) -"Kolniaur"-mp3

Sigur Ros frontman, Jonsi gives another preview into what his magical solo debut jump Go will sound like. Here's a b-side from his "Go Do" single. cheers to sunset in the rear view

Jonsi (Sigur Ros) -"Kolniaur"-mp3

M.anifest -"free. 99 (Freeway & Jake One -Stimulus Intro)"-mp3

Minneapolis' Ghana export M.anifest yanks Freeway & Jake One's "Stimulus Intro". "My taste buds Black, opposite John Mayer". M.anifest will be celebrating the release of A.R.M.'s debut ep Two Africans and a Jew with assist from Slug (Atmosphere), Bamboo (Kenya), Muja Messiah & Dodi Phy. There's also my review of Freeway & Jake One's The Stimulus Package, posted over at Above The Fold, check it in the cut.

A.R.M. (M.anifest, Krukid & Budo)
Bamboo
I.B.E.
Hosted by Maria Isa
Mar. 5th
7th Street Entry

M.anifest -"free. 99(Freeway & Jake One-Stimulus Intro)"-mp3
M.anifest -"Hubris"-mp3
Freeway & Jake One -The Stimulus Package-review

One For The Team -"Every Little Thing"-mp3

Minneapolis charming pop connoisseurs One For The Team, led by multi-tasker Ian Anderson (Afternoon Records/Minneapolis Fucking Rocks) make adorable pop, stacked with delicious boy/girl harmonies. From their brand spankin new Ghost, out March 16th. "Every Little Thing" rings with everything great about 90's indie pop. via You Ain't No Picasso

One For The Team -"Every Little Thing"-mp3

Red Pens -"Baby Alligator"-video

Minneapolis' fantastic duo, Red Pens make their debut video for "Baby Alligator", directed by guitarist/singer Howard Hamilton III. City Pages Picked to Click 2009 winners Red Pens head out for a brief East Coast swing. Check out their Pitchfork approved single "Weekdays" off their fuzzy debut Reasons, they're so much cooler than your other favorite duo's.



Red Pens
Total Babe
The Bombay Sweets
Feb. 19th
Sauce Spirits & Soundbar

Red Pens -"Hung Out"-mp3

Raekwon -"Pioneers"-mp3

An unreleased new demo, "Pioneers", a slow burn from Raekwon that finds the Chef reminiscing in that crime narrative flow. Rae's been putting in work, he also connects with Capone N Noreaga over a Luther Vandross sample and Freeway & Jake One off that new, hard hitting contender Stimulus Package on Rhymesayers. shout out NR.

Raekwon -"Pioneers"-mp3
CNN ft. Raekwon -"Luther"-mp3
Freeway & Jake One ft. Raekwon -"One Thing"-mp3

Major Lazer ft. M.I.A. -"Sound Of Siren"-mp3

Diplo is calling in favors for his and Switch's Major Lazer project upcoming ep. They've recruited assist from M.I.A., Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, Buraka Som Sistema, folk singer Lindi Ortega and Collie Budz. Here's what sounds like a draft/demo of new jump "Sound Of Siren" featuring M.I.A. and Jamaican rhythm ridah Busy Signal.

Major Lazer
Rusko
Apr. 11th
First Avenue

Major Lazer ft. M.I.A. -"Sound Of Siren"-mp3
M.I. A. -"There's Space For Ol Dat I See (Space Odyssey)"-mp3

Nas -"It Ain't Hard To Tell (J Dilla Mix)" -mp3

In honor of the late great J Dilla, although they never actually worked together here's a track from the Squeek Boogie Presents: Nas & J Dilla mixtape DILLmatic. I'm not too sure how it would've worked out, since Dilla had done much of A Tribe Called Quest last record The Love Movement, which was considered somewhat of a fail. peace to NahRight.

Nas -"It Ain't Hard To Tell (J Dilla Mix)"-mp3
Nas & Damian Marley -"Strong Will Continue"-mp3

Yeasayer -"Ambling Alp (Alan Wilkis Remix) + "One (XXXchange)"-mp3

While the single from Brooklyn's Yeasayer, "Ambling Alp" was great, and "Madder Red" equally cool, their latest Odd Blood is a letdown as a long player, the second half of the record goes in on Erasure and Pet Shop Boys like they simply ran out of their own ideas. Word is their live shows rock. shout out Off The Radar

Yeasayer
Sleigh Bells
April 27th
First Ave

Yeasayer -"Ambling Alp (Alan Wilkis Remix)"-mp3
Yeasayer -"One (XXXchange)"-mp3

Charlotte Gainsbourg -"Trick Pony"-mp3

Another swanky lounge core track from royalty, Charlotte Gainsbourg from her collaboration album IRM with Beck on deck, recording, writing and producing. cheers to OCMD

Charlotte Gainsbourg -"Trick Pony"-mp3

e.g. bailey ft. M.anifest -"American Afrikan (Manifestations Remix)"-mp3

With a co-sign from none other than Amiri Baraka and The Last Poets' Umar Bin Hassan, Minneapolis spoken word artist/curator/educator/producer, e.g. bailey, who's full length debut, American Afrikan, is a sprawling concept record spanning the middle passage and beyond. With glimpses of jazz, hip-hop, soul, electronica and Fela Kuti, bailey's words soar, without being preachy. A powerful record that deserves your full attention. Now that Gil Scott-Heron has returned in splendid fashion with the engaging, I'm New Here, the timing couldn't be better.

eg. bailey
El Guante
Sha Cage
Mankwe Ndosi
Ibe Kaba
Feb. 20th
Bedlam Theather

e.g. bailey ft. M.anifest -"American Afrikan (Manifestations Remix)"-mp3

Erykah Badu -"Window Seat"-mp3

Erykah Badu returns with a slow-jam burner, the second leak and first "official single" "Window Seat" from New Amerykah pt.2: Return of the Ankh, which drops March 30th. Produced by Erykah Badu and James Poyser, featuring Roots drummer and omni-present cultural critic ?uestlove. Shout out 2dopeboyz.

Erykah Badu -"Window Seat"-mp3
Erykah Badu -"Jump Up In The Air"-mp3

Flying Lotus 'Cosmogramma' Tracklisting with Thom Yorke + "Quakes" mp3

Winnetka, California's experimental beatmaker,laptop musician, producer Flying Lotus long awaited follow-up to 2008's critically praised Los Angeles. The spirit of his famed aunt, Alice Coltrane is weaved throughout the record, mostly with the powerful collaborations with relative Ravi Coltrane, and then there's the Thom Yorke assisted "..And The World Laughs With You". More info and live dates at Warp. His third full length, Cosmogramma is out May 4th, on CD/Digital and Double Gatefold Vinyl. Check out Flying Lotus non-album new jump "Quakes" off Warp's 2010 compilation.

Flying Lotus Cosmogramma Tracklisting
01. Clock Catcher
02. Pickled!
03. Nose Art
04. Intro//A Cosmic Drama
05. Zodiac Shit
06. Computer Face//Pure Being
07. ..And The World Laughs With You ft. Thom Yorke
08. Arkestry
09. Mmmhmm ft.Thundercat
10. Do The Astral Plane
11. Satelllliiiiiteee
12. German Haircut
13. Recoiled
14. Dance Of The Pseudo Nymph
15. Drips//Auntie's Harp
16. Table Tennis ft. Laura Darlington
17. Galaxy In Janaki

Flying Lotus -"Quakes"-mp3
Radiohead -"Reckoner (Flying Lotus remix)"-mp3

Jonsi (Sigur Ros) -"Go Do"-mp3

The second track of glorious pop from Sigur Ros' Jonsi. Glook via at WAWS. Update: P4k has the video premiere of the Bjork like "Go Do".

Jonsi (Sigur Ros) -"Go Do"-mp3

Massive Attack -"Splitting The Atom"-video

The debut clip from Massive Attack's "Splitting The Atom" directed by Edouard Salier,from their upcoming Heligoland, out Feb. 9th. "Paradise Circus (Gui Boratto Remix)" via P & P

Massive Attack -"Girl I Love ft Horace Andy (She Is Danger Remix)"-mp3
Massive Attack ft. Hope Sandoval -"Paradise Circus (Gui Boratto Remix)"-mp3

Broken Social Scene announce new record, tour dates

Toronto's indie-juggernaut Broken Social Scene finally announce the info for upcoming record May 4th, enlisting producer John McEntire (Tortoise/Sea & Cake). No title yet but expect usual comrads Fiest, Amy Millan, Emily Haines & James Shaw (Metric), Sebastian Grainger(ex-Death From Above 1979) and members of Do Make Say Think. BSS capo Kevin Drew chats with P4k about the record. This will be epic. cheers to DayBowBow

Broken Social Scene
05-01 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
05-03 Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theatre
05-07 New York, NY - Webster Hall
05-13 London, England - Brixton Academy w/Pavement
05-14 Minehead, England - All Tomorrow's Parties
05-17 London, England - Heaven
05-18 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Melkweg
05-19 Cologne, Germany - Burgerhaus Stollwerck
05-21 Paris, France - La Maroquinerie
06-19 Toronto, Ontario - Toronto Island w/ Pavement

Broken Social Scene -"Ibi Dreams of Pavement"-mp3

Mike Swoop -"Spread It Thin"-mp3

From Minneapolis a new slight left turn from a fresh talented kid to watch: multi-instrumentalist,producer, new jack Mike Swoop previewing tracks from his debut New Love. Influenced by A Tribe Called Quest and Dosh, the instrumental hip-hop is soaked in smooth jazz excursions with a nod to funk, dub and wink at soul with assist from Big Quarters and Toki Wright (Rhymesayers). shout out MWB. Bonus: New music from FranzDiego's crew Illuminous 3, with the melodic "High Water", in the cut.

Mike Swoop
FranzDiego
Booka B, DJ Espada
Sauce Spirits & Soundbar
Feb. 5th

Mike Swoop -"Spread It Thin"-mp3
Mike Swoop -"No Go Die!"-mp3
Illuminous 3 -"High Water"-mp3