Spin looked into their crystal ball and found 10 artists we'll listen to in 2010

PREVIEW: DOWNLOAD Spin’s 2010: A Look Forward

With 2009 finally coming to a close, it’s time to look ahead to the glorious future of flying cars, moving sidewalks and public teleportation travel. Ok, since none of that is likely to happen next year Spin has done the next best thing by graciously showing us ten artists that are bound to make it big in 2010. Among others Spin is showcasing The Soft Pack, Cold Cave and J. Cole. Along with their analysis of each artist Spin made a mixtape featuring a song from each artist. Oh, did I mention that the mixtape can be downloaded for free? So, there’s no reason not to get this. When you’re rocking out at your New Years Eve party why not impress everyone by showing them what they’ll be listening to in 2010.

- Eric Hoffman, Features Editor

As we all know, music is probably the most awesome thing created…ever. And now-a-days, most singles have an awesome music video to go with them.  I’ve watched a lot of music videos in my day, but none of them have been as epic as Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros’ 12-part music-video series,  SALVO!

The L.A.-based band–lead by Alex Ebert, vocalist of power-pop group Ima Robot–has acquired quite an eccentric reputation since the release of their first full-length album, Up From Below, this summer. It’s no surprise that they’ve taken on such a wild project that hasn’t been seen since R. Kelly’s “Trapped in the Closet” series. But I assure you, Edward Sharpe’s videos are actually good–better yet, they’re pretty f-ing amazing.

The band, which has been described as alternative-experimental-psychedelic folk-indie-rock (phew), has released two out of the twelve music videos so far. Not only are the songs great, but the cinematography is absolutely beautiful. The imagery is so eerie and moving that it may as well be a mini film-series.

I could go on and on explaining how great I think these videos are, but it would be a lot easier to just let you watch them and see for yourself. So kick back and watch the first installment, “Desert Song,” above, and keep a look out for the rest of the series over the next few months!

Psst…want to see the second video now? Lucky for you, it’s right here: “Kisses Over Babylon.”

–Dana Mikaelian, Communications Director

So, last night I decided to watch that nature documentary Disney released this past year called Earth. I wasn’t expecting much considering I have a deep and personal relationship with BBC’s borderline cult series Planet Earth. Though Disney’s Earth does feature clips from Planet Earth, I was still on the fence considering the film is only 90 minutes in length. Within the first 60 seconds of watching the Disney experimental doc, however, I was hooked.

You know when you see an exceptionally good movie and can’t stop thinking about it? Well that’s pretty much how I’ve felt all day. Needless to say, I’ve been scanning YouTube trying to find clips of some of the incredible, jaw-dropping moments the crew at Disneynature somehow captured. After a few minutes of searching, I stumbled upon quite possibly one of the most epic videos on the web: Planet Earth clips set to Sigur Rós’s “Hoppipolla”. I guess it’s only fitting for such a beautiful song to accompany a short yet intimate tour of such a beautiful planet.

–Elizabeth Vogt, Assistant Front of Book Editor

Tokyo Police Club, Will Currie and The Country French, Born Ruffian, Tin Star Orphan and Chemical Sound collaboration

PREVIEW: Free Download from the Artist HERE

So seems like awesome indie artists will never run out of out cool side project ideas. At least this time around it’s free. Tokyo Police Club’s Graham Wright, Will Currie of Will Currie and The Country French, Luke Lalonde of Born Ruffians, Dean Marino of Tin Star Orphans and Jason Sadlowski of Chemical Sound got together one night and pulled a 24 hour non-stop recording session, which resulted in a project titled Novels, a 5 song EP. The entire process was captured by the film maker Wade Vroom in a 35-minute documentary, screened at this year’s Pop Montreal festival. But here is the most interesting part: the EP is not for sale. It is offered to the public as a free download–well, sort of. The authors do ask for something…

Here are the steps:

Step 1:Click to download the whole Novels album.
Step 2: Listen to all the songs.
Step 3: Give this link to your friends.
Step 4: Burn the Novels songs to some CDs.
Step 5: Share those CDs with strangers: hide them at the supermarket! Leave them at your doctor’s office! Have fun with it!
Step 6: Send an email with a photo and the city of where you hid the CDs. Send a photo of the random person you shared a disc with!

Talk about worldwide music connection.

–Irina Dvalidze, Multimedia Editor

PREVIEW: Watch Brett Erlich and Ellen Fox (The Rotten Tomatoes Show) perform “An Ode to the Indie Film”

If you’re anything like me, right after you finish watching the latest indie flick (i.e. Juno, [500] Days of Summer, Whip It, Away We Go) you go home and download the soundtrack, that is, if you didn’t spring for the CD (remember those?) while you were at the mall. Since most of the tracks are featured in the film (with those extra special ones thrown in for the credits), the whole soundtrack was certainly available for sampling during your movie watching experience, so the investment is certainly a safe one.

Again, if you’re anything like me, you’ve realized that these indie films, with the cool soundtracks and dark humor, all kind of look and feel the same. And while they feature awesome actors and kick-ass scripts, pausing and looking at all of the similar traits they all share is a pretty enlightening experience. Brett Erlich and Ellen Fox, hosts of The Rotten Tomatoes Show on Current TV, made up a tribute – an ode, really – to “the indie film” sung to (of course) the tune of The Moldy Peaches‘ “Anyone Else But You,” famously featured in the movie Juno.

– Isabel Alcantara, Photo Editor

On Monday night’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Strokes’ frontman Julian Casablancas covered the Saturday Night Live classic “I Wish it Was Christmas Today.”  Originally performed on SNL by Fallon, Chris Kattan, Tracy Morgan and Horatio Sanz, Casablancas received help from both Fallon and Sanz, as well as the Roots.  While it may seem like Casablancas is taking the silliness out of the song with his uber serious shades and characteristic fierceness, once the two funnymen join him on stage, the rockstar cracks a smile and all is merry again.  The song is available for purchase via iTunes, except today actually is Christmas…so there’s no need to wish.

– Carly Wolkoff, Front of Book Editor

Urban Outfitters offers up some free tunes

PREVIEW: DOWNLOAD LSTN #7 from Urban Outfitters

During the holidays we all search for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. The search usually takes days, if not weeks, and we always end up spending way too much money. Well, here’s the perfect reward–some free music courtesy of Urban Outfitters.  Their newest mix, LSTN #7, features tracks from Vivian Girls, Free Energy, The Dodos, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and many more. These 25 tracks are perfect for any music lover, and they won’t cost you a dime.

–Eric Hoffman, Features Editor

With every classic comes a classic spoof. For West Side Story there was West Bank Story. And Web Site Story. And about a million others. For the classic Christmas song “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” there is Dirty Boyz‘ Christmas Song. I don’t know about you, but all I want for Christmas is to get crunk.

–Kelsey Bennett, copy editor

Mos Def

PREVIEW: WATCH Mos Def’s Flow On Chappelle’s Show on ebaumsworld

Whether he’s demolishing Kanye in a rap battle or traveling the galaxy with Martin Freeman and Zooey Deschanel, Mos Def is a legend. As one of the most well-known MCs in the entertainment industry, Mos Def has garnered friends such as Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, Talib Kweli and Dave Chappelle. The recent viewing of a clip of Mos Def on the latter’s show, however, was when Mos Def, for me, became not only one of the most respected MCs but also one of the most talented.

When the episode premiered on Chappelle’s Show in 2003, Mos Def had not yet released his third album “The New Danger”, which includes the song “Close Edge” that Mos presumably “freestyled” on the show. Even if you thought the rap was pre-meditated, it wouldn’t matter. I rewound the two minute segment at least four times in one sitting because I couldn’t stop watching Mos. Even when he’s casually driving around with an incredibly goofy comedian, his flow is absolutely flawless.

–Elizabeth Vogt, Assistant Front of Book Editor

PREVIEW: Visit Eigenlabs website to purchase or learn more about the Eigenharp

For us simple music lovers, the digital age has found countless ways to confuse the crap out of us with digital downloads, portable devices and now, new and foreign instruments. This year Eigenlabs has unveiled the new Eigenharp, available in two models, the fully featured Alpha and the less pricey Pico. Numerous electronic instruments have been created over the years like the still popular Mellotron, but none bear the crown as “the most revolutionary instrument in 60 years” like the Eigenharp. It is a musical controller that allows the musicians to play and sequence, and it’s the first of its kind. It can play and record loops, change scale and key, transpose, alter tempo, program beats, create arrangements, switch and layer multiple sounds, and all live. The instrument hooks up right to your Mac, and a PC compatible model has been promised in the near future. The Eigenharp has been played by names such as Moby and other musicians are still learning their way around this “sci-fi bassoon.“

-Jen Littman, Fact Checker

The Static Jacks Offer Free Download of 'Laces'

PREVIEW: VISIT The Static Jacks MySpace

Previous Coverage: 20 Watts Video Interview with The Static Jacks

So, school’s out and you are stuck at home, probably snowed in. Well, here is a little treat to brighten up your day. Our favorite New Jersey five-some, The Static Jacks are giving away their latest EP laces for FREE via their official web page. Talk about some Christmas loving for their fans.The band came to visit SU barely over a month ago, performing a stellar set at Funk ‘n’ Waffles, certainly grabbing our attention. The EP is nothing short of spectacular, including tracks “Whoa Whoa Whoa” and “My Parents Lied.” The offer expires on Dec. 21st, that gives you barely a few hours to get your hands on it, so make sure you don’t miss out.

–Irina Dvalidze, Multimedia Editor

Check out Pitchfork's top 100 tracks of 2009

PREVIEW: VISIT Pitchfork and check out their Top 100 Tracks of 2009

So, I’m officially done for the semester. Now I just have to find something to occupy my time for the next month so I don’t die of boredom at home.

As luck would have it, I found the perfect thing: Pitchfork’s Top 100 Tracks of 2009. You can listen to each song right there on the site, and if you’re like me, you can judge its worth and try to come up with a better song that they could’ve included. It might seem like a lame game to you, but I find it entertaining and time consuming, so leave me alone.

If you’re really ambitious, you can do the same for their Top 50 Albums of 2009 list.

–Kelsey Bennett, copy editor

Pandora Radio=Musical Genius

PREVIEW: CREATE a Sufjan Stevens Station on Pandora

Finals. Finals. Finals. That is basically all anyone here at Syracuse has been hearing for the past few days. Whether it’s Chemistry or Design History, some extreme studying is going on practically everywhere you look. One study sesh necessity: a solid playlist that will get you focused. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to what type of music is being blasted through their earbuds as they voraciously finish that last Calc problem or skim through yet another chapter in their Astronomy textbook. My best friend through these stressful times, however, has been my Sufjan Stevens Station on Pandora.

Although I have at least 15 different stations on my Pandora account, the best I have ever come across is by far Sufjan Stevens. Even if you’re not into folk, this station is seriously amazing for studying. With recurring artists such as Iron & Wine, Damien Rice, Nick Drake, Elliot Smith, Sigur Ros and Andrew Bird (to name a few…), I never want to stop listening. Strangely enough, I actually can’t wait to crack open the books because I know that I will soon be pressing play and letting the angelic voice of Sufjan calm my stressed head.

So if you’re about to rip out your hair while studying for final 4 out of 6, go to www.pandora.com, type in Sufjan Stevens, and prepare for some enjoyable studying. Didn’t think it was possible? Well, with Sufjan, anything is possible.

–Elizabeth Vogt, Assistant Front of Book Editor

Take a trip down memory lame…lane…sorry, and experience the worst songs that plagued your radio and school dances, not to mention all the impromptu sing-alongs you had to endure through middle school, sung by anyone who found deeper meaning in the latest pop sensations. You’re welcome.

Riki Lindhome (Garfunkel) and Kate Micucci (Oates) are a pair of comedic musicians who, aside from being straight up hilarious, tell it like it is. Some of their popular songs include, “This Party Just Took a Turn for the Douche,” “Pregnant Women are Smug” and “I Would Never (Have Sex With You).” They have a recorded album available on iTunes, but they also upload videos and songs to their site and YouTube.

– Isabel Alcantara, Photo Editor

Nat King Cole: an oldie but goodie

PREVIEW: VISIT AOL Music and listen to a Christmas album of your choice

So Thanksgiving is officially over, and the snow is starting to pile up here in Syracuse, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to bust out the Christmas music.

To me, the holiday season just isn’t the holiday season without the old school Christmas albums from people like Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and the Beach Boys–feel free to disagree with me (I know plenty of people who do). So, as a holiday treat, AOL Music has provided us with these very same albums that we can listen to in their entirety for free. I personally have been listening non-stop since I found out about this Christmas treasure.

–Kelsey Bennett, copy editor

"Da Da Da" is a song off Lil Wayne's album Rebirth

PREVIEW: DOWNLOAD “Da Da Da” by Lil Wayne

If you’re worried about not getting enough Weezy before he heads to prison, the Internet is leaking enough of his music to hold you over. Just over a month ago, Lil Wayne’s No Ceilings mixtape was released days before it was intended to, and now, exactly two weeks before his latest CD Rebirth’s December 21^st release date, a track off the album entitled “Da Da Da” was leaked.

While I’d like to know whether Weezy’s music is really being leaked or if it’s a sneaky marketing ploy, what I’d like to know even more is what he was thinking when he recorded this track. For those of you who don’t know, Rebirth is filled with tracks that are overly synthesized with guitar riffs that pale in comparison to Jay-Z’s “99 Problems.” I hate bashing on Lil Wayne, but when he raps about doing the “funky monkey,” I have to wonder if he was tripping on codeine when he wrote these lyrics.

However, around the two-minute mark Weezy raps a verse that could potentially save the song, and the rapper’s reputation. This thirty-second blurb features the clever similes and catchy beats Lil Wayne is best known for and will probably hook people enough to make the song another hit. It will be interesting to see how people react to the song overall, however. I have a feeling if this was a single released by a new artist people wouldn’t give it the time of day, but since it’s Lil Wayne, I wouldn’t be surprised if rap fans cut him a lot of slack. The only way to decide for yourself is to preview “Da Da Da” and figure out if you’ll be happy listening to this song- and the rest of Rebirth- on repeat for a year until Weezy is no longer a jail-bird.

–Dana Mikaelian, Communications Director

Daft Punk

PREVIEW: SIGN The petition to bring Daft Punk to EDC 2010

I know I know, I’m sure after reading this title the first thing that came to mind was “Oh yeah sure…” but read on and let it all marinate for a second…

Electric Daisy Carnival is a huge electronic dance music festival held at the USC stadium in L.A. every summer. Last year, EDC featured some of the  biggest names in the electronic dance music genre such as Thievery Corporation, David Guetta and Boys Noize. According to the lovely World Wide Web, there is a possibility of Daft Punk playing EDC this year. Although Daft Punk has not performed live since the 2008 Grammys, the duo did state on their website that they will be playing a world tour in either 2010 or 2011. Could EDC be one of the stops on that tour? I think it is a great possibility.

If you are as psyched about this as I am, click the link above and sign the petition to bring Daft Punk to EDC 2010. It may be a ploy to sell more EDC tickets and I may be a complete idiot for believing Daft Punk would actually play a music festival but I signed the petition regardless. If nothing else it will get Daft Punk’s attention and let them know the world is ready for the crazy, helmet-wearing team to start performing live again.

–Elizabeth Vogt, Assistant Front of Book Editor

Yann Tiersen scores Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain

Preview: Stream La Fabuleux Destin d’Amelie Pulain Soundtrack on Youtube

It is hardly a mystery that contemporary French film scene has produced some of the most visually spectacular pieces to date. Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain or simply Amélie, as known to the US audience, remains to be one of top favorites as it nears the decade mark since its release date.

One thing that every good filmmaker knows is that a film is nothing without an appropriate sound. Amélie just happens to have one of the strongest and most emotionally charged soundtracks we have come across. Whether it is tapping into vintage french classics or employing an entirely original composition produced under Yann Tiersen’s genius, every note is heartwarmingly touching. Each melody permanently cements itself in your mind with a shimmery jingle and bellowing accordion chords.

So your chore for the day? Go give it a listen and sink into harmonious relief. Frankly, while you are at it through an in-house Amélie screening while you eat chocolate fondue.

–Irina Dvalidze, Multimedia Editor

After 33 years, The Muppets still find ways to stay culturally relevant

PREVIEW: Watch “The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody” video on YouTube

Ever since “The Muppet Show” premiered in 1976 Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Animal, The Swedish Chef and the rest of the gang have brought joy to the entire world. On November 23, Muppets Studio jumped into the viral video age when they posted a video on YouTube called “The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody.”  That’s right, all your favorite Muppets make an appearance when the gang covers one of the greatest songs ever (no exaggeration): Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” I guarantee this video will have you cracking up. I’ve watched it about five times, and overall the video is approaching nine million views.

–Eric Hoffman, Features Editor

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros have come out with some interesting videos...to say the least

PREVIEW: WATCH  the videos on Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros’ MySpace

While trying to complete my endless amount of work piled into the last two weeks of the semester, I have found some very interesting new ways of procrastinating. I’d have to say my favorite so far is finding the weirdest music videos possible. Two of the weirdest happened to come from the same band: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

The two videos posted on their MySpace, “Desert Song” and “Kisses Over Babylon”, feature both incredibly captivating and insanely creepy images throughout. Combined, they seem more like a short film than any music video I’ve ever seen. To be honest, I’m not even sure how to go about describing them, so just trust me and watch.

–Kelsey Bennett, copy editor

PREVIEW: LISTEN to Free People’s “Wintry Mix”

Well, we almost made it through an entire semester with no snow, but according to this week’s weather forecast, that dream will soon become a distant memory. I don’t know about you, but Syracuse’s constant gray skies and inches of snow blowing in my face sort of put a damper on my day. If you’re the same way, pop in your headphones and listen to Free People’s “Wintry Mix” playlist. The 15 winter-themed tracks will help you actually enjoy the mounds of snow, and make you feel as though you’re living in a winter wonderland- not a sub-zero ice box.

What’s best about the playlist is that it’s a truly eclectic mix of music. There’s classic rock, indie rock and even a bit of 90s and Bob Marley thrown in. And what’s even better than the array of artists? Free People made sure to put together songs that represented the winter season in general, as well as the holidays. So instead of going crazy listening to the same Christmas songs over and over again on the radio, listen to “Wintry Mix” on your way to class and enjoy the extreme weather that you’ll be experiencing until April.

–Dana Mikaelian, Communications Director

Asthmatic Kitty Records wishes you a merry Sufjan Christmas

PREVIEW: STREAM Sufjan Stevens’ Songs for Christmas

Let’s face it, society has convinced us that the day after Thanksgiving is officially the first day of the holiday season. Am I complaining? Of course not! The lights, the music, the festive spirit… what’s not to love about Christmas?

Asthmatic Kitty Records are being put on Santa’s “Nice List” this year because of the very generous gift they have recently bestowed upon the online world: free access to all things Sufjan Stevens holiday-style. The ultimate Sufjan fan will be elated upon discovering that they can listen to the entire Songs for Christmas collection, make a Sufjan-inspired holiday e-card, play Sufjan Stevens‘ Christmas Game, and more! It’s about time Sufjan replaced Santa and became the new face of Christmas.

– Elizabeth Vogt, Assistant Front-of-Book Editor

PREVIEW: WATCH Stefani Germanotta at an NYU talent show

Ragging on Lady Gaga is a sport many have adopted. It seems that she can’t do anything without catching a sizable amount of grief from the media and the general public, which – to be fair – is well deserved most of the time, given her lyrics about her “bluffin’ muffin,” her crazy outfits and the mere fact that’s she’s batshit crazy. While those are all valid reasons for critique, most people fail to grasp the fact that Lady Gaga is a real world version of a superhero. Alright, don’t panic, just hear me out.

When she’s on stage at the VMAs, wearing her red face-mask-body-suit-dress (what the hell is that?), and talking about God and the gays, she’s the character we’ve all grown to appreciate (Poker Face was stuck in your head for a solid hour once, don’t lie), but when she goes home and puts on her PJs, she turns into her version of Clark Kent: Stefani Germanotta.
I was recently shown Lady Gaga in her non-Lady Gaga form, and was pleasantly surprised, not because of the songs (they’re..meh), but because of the secret identity we so seldom get to see.

– Isabel Alcantara, Photo Editor

New album Contra out Jan. 11

PREVIEW: WATCH Vampire Weekend’s “Cousins”

Unless you really have been under a rock for the past year or so, even if you don’t follow the indie music scene, chances are you have heard of Vampire Weekend. This extraordinary foursome released a self-titled  debut in early 2008 and immediately grabbed nationwide attention.

Finally, after what only seems like forever, they will be releasing their sophomore piece Contra. Due out in January the band has released a free download of the first track “Horchata” available on their official web page. Like the deal wasn’t sweet enough already, just a few days ago Vampire Weekend released the video for their first single “Cousins.” Full of bells, confetti and motion sickness, the video has Vampire Weekend written all over it. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.

– Irina Dvalidze, Multimedia Editor

Weaver at the Loom

PREVIEW: STREAM Weaver at the Loom’s I Was Searching and Then I Found on their Myspace

Everyone loves Explosions in the Sky. As one of the most innovative bands in the current music scene, Explosions has inspired multiple artists to delve into the world of musical epics. One brainchild of the band is Weaver at the Loom.

Like Explosions, Weaver is comprised of four members who each contribute their musical talents. The difference between the two bands: Weaver features vocals in every song. As was described on their Myspace, Weaver masterfully combines “atmospheric elements of groups like Explosions in the Sky and The Album Leaf with the songwriting grace of compositional masters Death Cab for Cutie and Coldplay.” To add to this wonder, the lyrics of every song on the band’s only album, I Was Searching and Then I Found, flow together to make a story that could be comparable to Eliot’s The Waste Land. Much like Explosions, the album is meant to be listened to from start to finish.

With some of the most beautiful vocals I’ve ever heard and simple yet emotional instrumentation to compliment, I Was Searching and Then I Found could easily be classified into the coveted “album that I could never get tired of listening to” category. If you are listening to the album for the first time, here is what I recommend: play the album all the way through while reading the lyrics. It is honestly a spiritual experience.

–Elizabeth Vogt, Assistant Front-of-Book Editor