_Rebirth_of_the_Cool_

Gorillaz Create New Album "The Fall" Entirely On an iPad and Release it For Free

2010-12-29T12:35:00.005-05:00

It's safe to say that Gorillaz had a really good year in 2010. Damon Albarn released the groups third album Plastic Beach in March of this year to pretty much universal acclaim, the album sold boatloads, and the tours sold out. So how do you cap off what turns to be a career best year for a band? Well, if your Daman Albarn you record 15 new Gorillaz songs on your iPad over the the span of a 32 day North American tour(Reportedly they used 20 different iPad applications to put the whole thing together). You then release the songs as brand new Gorillaz album for free on Christmas Day, calling it The Fall because of the time of year it was recorded.

Our initial thought was probably not at all unlike everyone else's. "How great can an album be that was entirely written and recorded on an Apple iPad?". Don't get us wrong though, the prospect of new Gorillaz material, add on top of that it's FREE has us salivating at the mouth. We've only given the album one good listen front-to-back, and it is sort of what we expected given the limitations of how The Fall was recorded. There's some stand-out material to be found here, but a lot of the ideas found here, are exactly that, demos and ideas that given the proper treatment could be fleshed-out more. It's because of that we're reluctant to consider The Fall an official follow-up to this year's Plastic Beach.

To actually obtain MP3's of the new album, you have to be a member of the Gorillaz fan club. Now, I am not. And I'm guess a lot of you are not either. So here for you is the new Gorillaz album, The Fall. Enjoy, and have a safe and happy new year.

(DOWNLOAD - Gorillaz "The Fall")

Rebirth Of The Cool's Top Albums Of 2010.

2010-12-28T12:24:00.025-05:00

Here we are, sifting through all the bullshit to deliver you our top music choices for twenty-ten. Now, this was something that most didn't happen, because "Top Ten" lists over the years, have become quite cliche. Resulting with a lot up arms spewing forth "Where's this musician?!" and "Whatta ya' mean you liked THAT?!". I've said it before, and I've said it a million times; it's all subjective people.

How does one compile a proper "Best Of" list? I've been down this road dozens of times, but for me personally it all boils down to mileage. The the albums that get the most spins on the record player. The albums that engage you keep you coming back to the songs that you have to listen to over, and over, and over again.

So, without further ado, I give you the music of 2010.

1. LCD Soundsystem This Is Happening
How bitter/sweet it is. That is, James Murphy is returning with his third and final album under the LCD Soundsystem moniker. He's always stated in interviews that he wouldn't carry the LCD moniker past the third album and/or reached the age of 40. So here we are. James Murphy is 40 years-old, and in 2010 he unleashed the third and final LCD Soundsystem full-length. Hopefully Mr. Murphy can move on to producing those Arcade Fire and Spoon albums he's so desperately wanted to work on(No really, his prior comments to LCD Soundsystem prevented him from producing the most recent Spoon and Arcade Fire albums). This Is Happening is nine tracks and sixty-five minutes of the thinking man's dance music. Nothing else this year was listened to more, and rightfully so.

2. Matthew Dear Black City
The former Texan/Michgander now New Yorker Matthew Dear, released the ten song Black City in 2010; a career best for the electronic aficionado. Black City sounds exactly like it's title would imply; it's dark. But don't let that mislead you because this is definitely an album you can move to. Black City exudes sexiness throughout all ten of it's tracks. For a prime example look no further than the album highlights "I Put A Smell On You" and "Monkey".

3. Gorillaz Plastic Beach
Dear Damon Albarn, please quit releasing such brilliant pop albums. You're making everyone else look bad. XOXOX Rebirth Of TheCool. So some might say that Plastic Beach is the Gorillaz at their creative best(this writer included). And while that surely is debatable, there is no arguing that Plastic Beach does sound like the next logical progression after 2005's brilliant Demon Days. Plastic Beach is the album where where it truly feels like Albarn pulled out all the stops. The guestlist alone is enough to get anyone's attention. You have appearances from Lou Read, Mark E. Smith, Gruff Rhys, Snoop Dogg, Little Dragon, Bobby Womack, and two, count 'em, TWO former members of The Clash, Mick Jones and Paul Simonon. Both of which perform together on the album's title-track.. It's one thing to have all these amazing musicians(and more) together on one album, but it's another thing when the actual songwriting is there to match it. It's an album that delivers on many levels, making for an extremely satisfying listen front-to-back.

4. Surfer Blood Astro Coast
First of all, these young lads from Florida sound nothing like their name might imply. Surfer Blood brings to the table one of the best power pop debuts of recent memory; recalling all the best elements of college rock's past. You got your Weezer, you're Pavement, you're Big Star, and you're Replacements, and more. All melded together to form one super hybrid of a debut rock/pop album. All the while, still coming off 100% original and fresh. Surfer Blood's ten song debut album was released in January of '10. Almost one year ago to the day, and it's yet to grow old and miss a beat. Now what more can you ask for from a debut?

5. Holy Fuck Latin
Latin is not the grand departure from 2008's LP some might've been hoping for, but what it does is stick a formula that works, and works well. Now whittled down to a four piece, this Canadian band has a knack for composing infectious and compelling instrumental electronic pop. Latin is nine songs of noisy, schizophrenic melodies that burrow so deep into you're brain they will refuse to leave for months.

6. Free Energy Stuck On Nothing
Not at all unlike Surfer Blood, Free Energy delivered one of the most compelling and infectious debuts of the year. Do you like your pop music in the shape of Cheap Trick, T.Rex, Big Star and The New Pornographers? Because that's exactly where the members of Free Energy draw their influences. This album landed on our radar most notably because the album is produced by LCD Soundsystem/DFA main-man James Murphy. Murphy brings all his production skills and friends (including Jerry Fusch, R.I.P., and LCD drummer Pat Mahoney who lends a hand with his mad drumming and percussion skills), making for a love letter to 70's glam and power pop.

7. Sleigh Bells Treats
If there was an award for an "It" band of 2010(and I'm sure somewhere there is) Sleigh Bells would very much deserve that award. It's hard to swallow a band that has so much preconceived hype around them. But what's not difficult is admitting how fantastic and engaging the duo's 32 minute debut album Treats is. What you get here are short, wonderfully crafted songs, which feature infections drum machines with distorted and compressed guitar riffs; which at the right volume sound like they may destroy your speakers. One can only wonder how the boy/girl duo plan to follow up such an engaging debut. Then again, with the songs on Treats being as good are they are, one can't spend too much time wracking their brain over it.

8. Vampire Weekend Contra
I don't know if anyone could have expected Vampire Weekend's sophomoric LP to match, and some might say surpass, the band's self-titled 2008 Afro-Pop centric debut. Because by all accounts, the odds were not in their favor. Amiright? But low and behold, Contra is a fantastic follow-up to what was an already solid debut. The songwriting and production(slightly more polished than the debut) are top notch, all leading up to a fantastic eleven track album. The album highlight "Giving Up The Gun", might be the greatest thing the band has put put to tape.

9. Arcade Fire The Suburbs
It's the Arcade Fire. There's not a whole lot I can say about this album that hasn't already been said. I feel like the minor quips I have with this album are just that, minor. I can legitimately understand why some might arguing this not the Arcade Fire at their best, but there's no denying The Suburbs is already poised to be the bands first commercial breakout release(The album debuted at number one on the Billboards, and it's already received a number of Grammy nods). While The Suburbs is a tad too long for my taste, most of the album is on par with almost anything found on the Canadian band's first two now-classic LP's, 2004's Funeral, and 2007's Neon Bible. Album highlight include "City With No Children" and the Kate Bush inspired "Sprawl II(Mountains Beyond Mountains)".

10. Caribou Swim
There's no easy way to describe Caribou's(aka Dan Snaith) 2010 full-length Swim. It's pretty much a mixed bag, dare I say cornucopia, of sonic sounds and stylings. The nine songs contained here are difficult to pin down, especially when each song seems to be an equal and opposite reaction to the track previous. It's not a dance album, but songs like "Odessa" and "Leave House" wouldn't at all sound out of place on any well-made electronic or party mix. Released back in April of this year, Swim is an album that has yet to lose any sort of momentum and is still in constant rotation. Thus the true sign of any album with true longevity.

Six additional albums from 2010 burrowed deep into our brains and earholes:

-BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE Forgiveness Rock Record
-CHAROLETTE GAINSBOURG IRM
-GOLD PANDA Lucky Shiner
-THE NATIONAL High Violet
-SPOON Transference
-THE WALKMEN Lisbon

Simon Pegg And Nick Frost Reunite For 'Paul'

2010-10-18T13:06:00.003-04:00

Here is the first teaser-trailer for the film Paul, due out in theaters next Spring. The film was written by and stars long-time friends Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and directed by Greg Mottola(Superbad, Adventureland).

Pegg previously co-stared with Frost in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Both of those films were co-written by Pegg and director Edgar Wright(Spaced, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World), but Paul is the duo's first venture out sans Wright. The film also co-stars Bill Hader, Kristin Wiig, Sigourney Weaver, Jane Lynch, Jason Bateman, and Joe Lo Truglio. Check out the teaser trailer below.

Ta-Dah! We're back.

2010-10-18T11:09:00.003-04:00

If you're still with us we thank you. It's been a brief hiatus, to say the least but we finally feel we're ready to hit the ground running. If you haven't forgotten about us, thank you. We're gonna try to get this thing up on the ground again. Again, thanks for all the love and support.

x0x0
R.O.T.C.

Arcade Fire "The Suburbs"; A Track-By-Track Review Of The Canadian Troop's Third LP

2010-07-25T12:50:00.007-04:00

Welcome to our track-by-track review of the Arcade Fire's third LP, The Suburbs. This is an album that everyone and their mom is anticipating in 2010, so we'll waste no time getting down to the nitty gritty. Scroll down to the bottom for a download of the album, as well.

1. The Suburbs
Not to start things off on a negative note, but it's a shame that the album's title track has to be one of our least favorite songs on the The Suburbs. There are a handful of songs on this overly-lengthy album that sound like a slight variation of this opener, which in the end hinders the album's overall flow.

2. Ready To Start
Alright folks, THIS is how you open an album. A fantastic song that ushers in the album much better than the aforementioned lackluster track. This is a song that will get you excited at the prospect of a new Arcade Fire full-length.

3. Modern Man
A mid-tempo song that is the first of two cuts to bring to mind, surprise, surprise, a very Springsteen-esque vibe to the record. This should come as no surprise fans, because they've always worn their influences on their sleeve.

4. Rococo
A song that opens beautifully with an acoustic guitar. This is tune that would not at all sound out place on their last two full-lengths. Consider this a good thing, because we certainly do.

5. Empty Room
At first it sounds reminiscent of "No Cars Go", found on their debut EP and Neon Bible, but quickly heads in the guitar-drenched My Bloody Valentine/shoegaze territory.

6. City With No Children
Upon our first listen of The Suburbs, this was very much a stand-out track, and instantly a song we fell in love with. An insanely catchy guitar riff, beautiful lyrics, and a hand-claps. What's not to love?

7. Half Light I
This song gives the feeling or sense of closure. But it works because it's towards the end of side one. Definitely one of the weaker songs on the album.

8. Half Light II (No Celebration)
Although the title suggests it's a part two of track seven, musically it really couldn't be any further from "Half Light I". This is how you properly close out a "Side One" of your album, folks. Arcade Fire dip their toes in the synthesizers just a bit, and it works wonderfully, making for one of many, many highlights on The Suburbs.

9. Suburban War
Unfortunately, like the opening track on side one, side two opens with a song that just doesn't strike us right away. It's not a terrible song by any stretch of the imagination it just lacks the "oomph" found on the rest of the album. Still, a mediocre Arcade Fire song, is still better than 99% of everything else on your iTunes playlist. Amiright?

10. Month Of May
The closest thing to a punk rock song as you get with the Arcade Fire. This uptempo song, is not at all unlike track three, "Modern Man" where the lyric-delivery brings to mind Bruce Springsteen. Again, no surprise there, but the song works really well. The Boss would be proud.

11. Wasted Hours
This is where the album starts to trip over itself; where we get a song that arguably sounds too reminiscent of the album's title track. A sort of middle-of-road, mid-tempo song that gives me too much of a "Been there, done that" vibe. See tracks one and nine.

12. Deep Blue
At the risk of sounding redundant, we get another semi-forgettable mid-tempo rocker, that sounds strikingly similar to tracks one, nine, and eleven. I don't wanna end up with foot-in-mouth syndrome but these songs are the album's weakest links.

13. We Used To Wait
The album starts to get back on track with "We Used To Wait". Not a stand-out, but definitely a great song that has Arcade Fire "written" all over it. Great male/female shared vocal harmonies.

14. Sprawl (Flatland)
A shorter tune, that's probably the most somber and morose song to be found on The Suburbs. It actually brings to mind, dare I say, Jeff Buckley

15. Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) It's almost a shame that the best song on the The Suburbs gets tagged on towards the album's close, but whatevs. This song is arguably Regine Butler's finest moment in the Arcade Fire's history. It instantly brings to mind a Kate Bush-vibe, and for a second time on this album the band dabbles with the use of synths, and works beautifully. This is a song we find ourselves going back to again and again and again. Classic.

16. The Suburbs (Continued)
Sharing lyrics found on the album opener, this is a brief(minute and a half) closer. Nice way to tie up the theme that runs through out the album.

Final thoughts:
Another solid contribution the Arcade Fire catalog. There are a lot of great songs to be found here, make no mistake about it. With the record's biggest flaw being that it's suffers slightly from being arguably too long, and slightly bloated. If we could shave off the four songs that sound all-too strikingly similar, you'd have twelve classic Arcade Fire cuts, back-to-back; not at all unlike their two previous efforts, Funeral and Neon Bible. Again, this is minor quip, but in the past we've always been fans and firm believers of the "less is more" philosophy. We don't want to dwell on the negative, because this album truly does shine and is far and above one of best albums you'll hear all year. There are a lot of fantastic songs that are just waiting to become classics. Seeing how the band dabbles very loosely in usage of synthesizers on The Suburbs it just makes us all the more curious and anxious to see where Win Butler and company head next. Although, not ones to get ahead of ourselves, The Suburbs is a fine addition to the Arcade Fire cannon, and is sure get many more spins for months and months to come. Look for The Suburbs on many a year-end "best of" lists.

(Arcade Fire "The Suburbs")

Download A Brand New Beck Song From The 'Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World' Soundtrack

2010-07-22T11:56:00.010-04:00

Only two more weeks and you wont ever have to hear(read?) us talk about Edgar Wright's(Shaun Of The Dead, Hot Fuzz) highly anticipated third film, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. But in a Summer of mostly lackluster box office boffo, Pilgrim seems to be one of the few beacons of light.

So we all know about the soundtrack; it features many high-profile musicians performing songs for fictional bands portrayed in the film. Most notably, Beck, who provided a handful of new songs that are written by Mr. Hanson himself. In the film, Beck's songs are filling in for Scott Pilgrim's band fictional Sex Bob-Omb. We also know while all the instrumentation is written by Beck, all vocal duties are handled by the cast, aka. the member of Sex Bob-Omb. This is where things get interesting though. If you pre-order the 'Scott Pilgrim' soundtrack from iTunes, you can score three bonus tracks not found anywhere else. These three songs are Sex Bob-Omb tunes but with Becks vocals fully intact. See where I'm going here?

Well, I have one of those songs to share with you today, and it comes in the form of the Sex Bob-Omb song, "Summertime". And we're all in luck, because if this song is any indication Beck fans are in for a treat. Mind you, this is the bonus track version of the tune and it features Beck on lead vocals. Where as the film version, the one found on the standard soundtrack features actor Mark Webber, who portrays Sex Bob-Omb frontman Stephen Stills(a nice little homage to Crosby, Stills, & Nash) on vocals.
On a sidenote, uber-producer extraordinaire, aka. Radiohead's sixth member, Nigel Godrich will get to see his score for the film released on August 10, the same day as the standard soundtrack. Unfortunately it looks like right now it's a standard digital-only release via iTunes with no release for the physical CD. It's worth mentioning to all you audiophiles out there that Amazon has a pre-order for vinyl edition of the standard soundtrack, too.

Going back to the film's score, at this point it looks like Mr. Godrich pulled out all the stops because the film's score features a handful of high-profile contributions to his score; including Beck(surprise, surprise, right?), Cornelius, Brendan Canning and Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene(who also provided a handful of tunes for the fictional band Crash & The Boys on the standard soundtrack), Dan "The Automator" Nakamura, David Campbell (Beck's orchestral arranging father), and Supergrass' Danny Goffey and Gaz Coombes who with the assistance of Nigel Godrich recorded a version The Legend Of Zelda theme song featured during a dream sequence.

Alright, enough of the jibber-jabber. Check out the MP3 below to hear the musical-stylings of Sex Bob-Omb aka. Beck. Does not disappoint.

(DOWNLOAD - Beck "Summertime")

"I don't want any more bullshit from anyone, and that includes me!" Jack Rebney Is The 'Winnebago Man'

2010-06-29T13:03:00.004-04:00

Hot on the heels of David Fincher's return with The Social Network, we bring you another fantastic trailer for a film that's on a completely different end of the spectrum. Odds are that if you're not familiar with the Youtube video that Winnebago Man is based off, you probably know someone who is. Essentially the clip is a hilarious montage of outtakes and unused footage, in which Jack Rebney is seen losing his shit while trying to sell Winnebago's via a commercial/infomercial.

Like many others we first familiarized ourself with Jack Rebney and his Youtube exploits years ago(the clip is closing in on two million views via Youtube) . Our reaction was not at all unlike every one else: "Was this just a bad day for the guy?", "Is he always an asshole?", and "Why do I feel the need to watch this again, and again, and again?".

There's a strange line Jack Rebney walks and we don't know if we should be completely intimidated by the man, or if we want to sit down with him and have a beer. In Spring of 2010 a documentary on the man and his infamous exploits premiered at South By South West. The doc' follows a group of strangers as theyattempt to find a man that doesn't necessarily want to be found, and what happens when they do find him.

Winnebago Man opens July 9, 2010 in New York, and will expand to more theaters in the following weeks. A DVD release for the documentary has been penciled in for the for Winter/holiday season. We wholeheartedly insist you check out the fantastic trailer below, and the Youtube video on which the documentary is based.

David Fincher Returns This October With 'The Social Network'

2010-06-29T02:09:00.006-04:00

The new teaser trailer for David Fincher's upcoming film The Social Network has it the web. It stars Jesse Eisenberg of The Squid And The Whale and Zombieland fame, who portrays Mark Zuckerberg, one of the creators of Facebook.

The Social Network is based on the book The Accidental Billionaires, which documents the early history of Facebook when it was founded in 2004. While we were skeptical at first, the film's theatrical poster and debut trailer(which features no actual footage, only film dialogue) has us kinda won us over. Chalk it up to Eisenberg's turn away from the neurotic, Michael Cera-esque character he's become known all too well for. We'll be the first to admit that after this trailer it sounds like the guy could truly pull off this much darker, devious role.

While some may be weary of a drama, courtbased film about the origins of Facebook, we're not going to be so quick to dismiss it. Knowing Fincher's previous work this could play off as a very dark comedy and we are glad that the man is stepping way from another serial killer(Se7en, Zodiac) or Forest Gump/feel good oscar film(Benjamin Button). Keep in mind it is David Fincher, so color us intrigued.

'Scott Pilgrim' Soundtrack Tracklisting Announced

2010-06-21T12:25:00.004-04:00

Well the fine folks over at Pitchforkmedia have the scoop on the highly-anticipated soundtrack to Edgar Wright's third feature-length film Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World(You may have read a thing or two about it ROTC). And it looks like a we're in for a serious treat.

For two years we've been gushing about how potentially fabulous the Scott Pilgrim soundtrack could be, and surprise, surprise, it's looking to be the best soundtrack of 2010. Sorry Twilight: Eclipse. Ever since rumors started swirling about that Beck, Nigel Godrich, Broken Scene were potentially collaborators with Shaun Of The Dead and Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright, we've itching for any sort of news of who else is going to have a hand in what could be a potentially amazing soundtrack.

Well, on August 10, just three days shy of the film's August 13 release, the 'Scott Pilgrim' soundtrack will see a release. Included on the epic soundtrack is four Sex Bob-Omb songs(this is music instrumentation by Beck and vocals by actor Mark Webber, who in the film plays Sex Bob-Bomb singer/guitarist Stephen Stills), two new Broken Social Scene songs, one new Metric song, and a cavalcade of classic cuts by Frank Black, Beachwood Sparks(they provide a PHENOMENAL cover of Sade's "By Your Side"), The Black Lips, T.Rex, and The Rolling Stones(Wright seems to be taking a page from the book of Scorsese and Anderson). The album closes with "Threshold 8 Bit" by Beck collaborator Brian LeBarton, which we assume forms part of the score. Tis safe to say, anticipation for the film has reached an all-time high.

It's also been revealed that film's Nigel Godrich's provided score, which was done in collaboration with David Campbell aka Beck's father, will see a digital release in the near future.

Wright has said that there's enough leftover music for a second volume, but we're sure the folks at Universal are waiting to see how well the first batch of songs does before they decide invest any more money on releasing a volume two.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World soundtrack:

01 SEX BOB-OMB (Beck): "We Are SEX BOB-OMB"
02 Plumtree: "Scott Pilgrim"
03 Frank Black: "I Heard Ramona Sing"
04 Beachwood Sparks: "By Your Side"
05 Black Lips: "O Katrina!"
06 Crash and the Boys (Broken Social Scene): "I'm So Sad, So Very, Very Sad"
07 Crash and the Boys (Broken Social Scene): "We Hate You Please Die"
08 SEX BOB-OMB (Beck): "Garbage Truck"
09 T. Rex: "Teenage Dream"
10 The Bluetones: "Sleazy Bed Track"
11 Blood Red Shoes: "It's Getting Boring by the Sea"
12 Metric: "Black Sheep"
13 SEX BOB-OMB (Beck): "Threshold"
14 Broken Social Scene: "Anthems for a Seventeen-Year-Old Girl"
15 The Rolling Stones: "Under My Thumb"
16 Beck: "Ramona (Acoustic)"
17 Beck: "Ramona"
18 SEX BOB-OMB (Beck): "Summertime"
19 Brian LeBarton: "Threshold 8 Bit"

First Trailer For Sofia Coppola's "Somewhere"

2010-06-14T21:04:00.001-04:00

And it stars Stephen Dorff? Yes, Stephen Dorff(Give yourself a pat on the back if you've ever seen 1987's The Gate, by the way). Dorff stars as a celebrity who's life of excess is put on halt once his 11 year-old daughter(Elle Fanning) enters his life. The trailer does look very Lost In Translation, but you might wanna consider that a good thing after 2006's forgettable Marie Antoinette.

It should come as no surprise that Coppola's ear for music spills onto the trailer. French band Phoenix are providing new music for the film, as confirmed by credit in the trailer below. In which shape or form remains to be seen. Also prominently featured is "I'll Try Anything Once" by Julian Casablancas, which is a demo version of "You Only Live Once" by The Strokes.

Sofia Coppola's Somewhere hits theaters on December 22, 2010.

We All Scream For Primal Scream, It's 'PRML SCRM Live In Japan'

2010-06-02T22:48:00.012-04:00

This is an album that's been sitting on our backburner for quite a while, ie. we've been wanting to share this gem of an album with you for a while but alas never found the time to fit in in.

Back in 2002 Scottish rock n' roll veterans Primal Scream, a band you very well may or may not be familiar with, recorded what is currently their only official live album. What's significant and equally fantastic about this album is that it catches the a band arguably at their peak.

In the late 90's Kevin Shields, of My Bloody Valentine fame, because a member of Primal Scream. He went on to join the band on the road, and in the studio helping co-produced many of the songs found on 2000's XTRMNR and 2002's Evil Heat. This lasted until 2003 or '04, when Shields jumped ship to work on other projects. But it was in November of 2002 when the Scream recorded and subsequently released their only live album PRML SCRM Live in Japan. The kicker is, this album, which finds the band in the company Mr. Kevin Shields on guitar, was only issued in for the Japanese market ie. it's import only unless you live in Japan.

Here for you today, is that live album I speak so highly of; sixteen tracks of dirty, guitar drenched, and often psychedelic, rock n' roll. Not only are Primal Scream an all around fantastic band, but throw a mastermind like Kevin Shields into the mix and you have a force to be reckoned with.

(Download - Primal Scream "PRML SCRM Live In Japan")

Edgar Wright Says 'Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World' Soundtrack Will Be A Double Album

2010-05-26T14:42:00.012-04:00

Director Edgar Wright has posted a message via the Twitter universe alluding the possibility of the Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World soundtrack being a double-album. We could only be so lucky.

To break things down for you, here's a list of who's who with the Scott Pilgrim soundtrack:

-Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich is serving as the soundtrack supervisor and producer.

-Beck is providing the music for Scott Pilgrim's fictional band Sex Bob-Bomb and you can hear possible excerpts in the trailer(watch below). As it's been confirmed that the music in the trailer is in fact original new music from Beck.

-Since the film takes place in Canada, it's essentially a love letter to the musical community of Toronto. Metric is providing at least one song, a song written for the film, "Black Sheep", for the fictional band The Clash At Demonhead, and Broken Social Scene will filling in for fictional band Crash And The Boys.

-Chris Murphy, frontman for legendary Canadian rock and roll band Sloan is playing musical consultant to all the actors; ie. making sure they look and play like really musicians. Also, Sloan is heavily referenced in the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels, so for us to see a Sloan track appear on the soundtrack would not be a surprise at all.

- Dan "The Automator" Nakamura, of Deltron 3030/Handsome Boy Modeling School/Gorillaz fame is contributing original music to the soundtrack.

-Japanese electronic-pop musician Cornelious and Montreal turntablist Kid Koala have both contributed original pieces to the film.

This only accounts for the original music in the film which already feels like three times the amount contained in your average movie. O'Malley's original Scott Pilgrim graphic novels have an overflow of pop culture and musical references including a recommended soundtrack-to-the-book tracklist near the end of each volume. Even Nigel Godrich even once said, "There are real bands in the story that we had to call upon too," and some of those bands include(but not limited to), Spoon, Fleetwood Mac, Sloan, Neko Case, Joel Plaskett, Thrush Hermit, Uncle Tupelo, and Be Your Own Pet.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World opens in theaters on August 13, 2010.

Sleigh Bells' Debut Album Will Destroy Your Speakers

2010-05-11T14:09:00.009-04:00

It's no well-kept secret that we've been following Sleigh Bells for quite some time now. It wasn't too long ago we dropped their utterly fantastic demo e.p. on you. It's only now that we get our first taste of the motherload, that being the duo's debut album. Treats, which is officially released today courtesy of the fine M.I.A. owned N.E.E.T. imprint.

Yes, you can hop, skip and jump over to NPR where the entire album is streaming in full. Or you can check it out right here, via Rebirth of the Cool. That's how we roll, folks. If you're at all like us, you'll need to own a physical copy of said album. Well fear not because Treats will be released on vinyl and compact disc this Summer. Until then, indulge.

(Download - Sleigh Bells "Treats")

Add Michael Winterbottom's 'The Killer Inside Me' To Your Most Anticipated Films Of 2010

2010-05-05T18:31:00.005-04:00

The recent teaser-trailer for Michael Winterbottom's(24 Hour Party People, 9 Songs) premiered online recently and it's one of the finest trailers we've see this year, being that it really draws you in like few trailers ever do. Based on the Jim Thompson novel of the same name and stars the criminally underrated Casey Affleck. The film takes place 1950s where Affleck plays a murderous sociopathic sheriff in small town.

The Killer Inside Me premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival to glowing reviews and equal amounts of controversy based on the violence portrayed against women. Either way, if this film wasn't on your radar before, it should be now. The Killer Inside Me is out June 18th in limited release.

Spike Jones Directs New LCD Soundsystem Video; Collaberation With Arcade Fire On The Horizon

2010-04-20T12:23:00.008-04:00

Look no further than below to sample the musical-stylings of James Murphy's latest opus This Is Happening, out 5/18 on DFA. But it's this past weekend we got our first visual taste, with the album's first single and video. "Drunk Girls" is a delicious, mean slice of new-wave pop that is now accompanied by a mostly one-shot video co-directed by LCD/DFA mastermind James Murphy, and another guy you may or may not heard of, Spike Jonze.

The video is shot largely in one take and features James Murphy, Pat Mahoney, and Nancy Wang(two touring members behind LCD Soundsystem) being ambushed and tortured by group of people in panda outfits. While the song is largely muffled out by all the chaos and shenanigans going it does very much make for an enjoyable viewing. Definitely a huge element of Jackass found here. Which comes as no surprise be cause Jonze is a longtime producer of the Jackass franchise. Spike Jones is currently collaborating with Arcade Fire with some sort of visuals or video for their forthcoming, HUGELY anticipated third LP. Also to note: Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem toured together circa-Neon Bible and issued a split seven-inch single. Just saying.

Arcade Fire's third LP is rumored to be in the can, and is do out sometime this year. We here at Rebirth Of The Cool can verify that their new album should be expected in July or August, seeing as the Canadian group are lined for for a handful of Summer dates and festivals including Lollapalooza. One can only speculate that a new album is on the horizon. Until than we're just sitting on our hands.

Prepare Yourself, "This Is Happening"

2010-04-14T21:41:00.019-04:00

We're still nearly a month away from the official May 18th release of LCD Soundsystem's third LP This Is Happening, but it's already found it's way on the interwebs. Nine songs in length and clocking in at a whopping sixty-five minutes, This Is Happening is hard evidence that the long-playing album as an art form is still very much alive. After 2004's brilliant self-titled debut, James Murphy and co. went on to release 2007's equally brillaint and now-classic Sound Of Silver. Cut to 2010, where all is quiet on the LCD Soundsystem front. That is until now.

This is an album that reaches a cornucopia of genres. Epic album opener "Dance Yrslf Clean" welcomes listeners in with a largely Talking Heads/David Byrne influenced percussion beat, but the song only really takes off once the drums enter the equation at the three minute mark. "All I Want" features Neu!-esque drumbeat and a guitar that's taken straight from the book of Brian Eno. It's difficult to tell if this is the greatest song Brian Eno never wrote or if it could pass as a remix of "Here Come The Warm Jets". It's no secret that James Murphy wears his influences on his sleeve. For evidence of this, look no further the fantastic lyrics to LCD Soundsystem's 2002 debut single "Losing My Edge"(lyrics here, listen here).

What is clear is that This Is Happening is album of a lot textures. It's refreshing to hear an album that reveals itself more and more with every listen and Happening is of that variety. Is it dance? Is it punk? Is is pop? Is it the Summer album of 2010? At the risk of sounding cliche, the answer is to all of these questions is a resounding "Yes", but it's a lot more, too.

Like all great music, we strongly suggest you purchase the physical product. Is This Happening is out May 18th on DFA Records.

(DOWNLOAD - LCD Soundsystem "This Is Happening")

Toronto Based Band Holy Fuck Return With Third Full-Length "Latin"

2010-04-11T13:58:00.008-04:00

Do you recall Holy Fuck's phenomenal 2007 album, the minimalistic titled LP? We do. If you know us well you'll recall it was one of our favorite albums of 2007. For a while we couldn't keep our mouths shut about this fantastic band with neo-psychedelic and prog-rock tendencies(now whittled down to a solid four-piece).

Now, we'd love to tell you that their highly-anticipated follow-up not only matches the levels of quality reached by their sophomore 2007 release, but surpasses it. But truth-be-told, be haven't had the chance to sit down and full absorb Latin. We have listened to it once, front-to-back, but that's hardly gives us enough breathing room for a full evaluation. We can tell you that based on one listen, it is quality. The album doesn't stray too far from the the formula or blueprint laid down on their previous album's worth of material, but that shouldn't necessarily be seen as a bad thing.

The nine track album opens unusually with a four-minute Stars Of The Lid-esque ambient track "MD"; which than segways into much more familiar territory beginning with track 2, "Red Light". From there on, the album features seven more tracks with a number of highlights, including "Stilettos", and the album's first single "Latin America".

We're sure Holy Fuck will be making the festival and touring circuit this Spring, Summer, and Fall. So if you get the opportunity we highly suggest catching these crazy Canucks live. As they're truly a musical force to be reckoned with.

(DOWNLOAD - Holy Fuck "Latin")

The La's Seminal Debut LP Is One Of The Greatest Pop Albums Of The Past 25 Years

2010-04-05T12:22:00.010-04:00

The La's are a now legendary band formed in Liverpool, who are mostly known stateside for their single "There She Goes". Believe me when I tell you that's just the tip of the iceberg because there's so much more to this band than just a brilliant single. Active through the early 80s to the mid-90s, the band is known for releasing one classic album and than breaking-up before reaching any sort of real fame. Simply put, listening to The La's debut album is like an emotional punch to the gut but in best way imaginable. This isn't an album that ages, so much as an album that becomes more and more relevant time passes.

The La's meticulously recorded and re-recorded their debut album over the span of three years(1987-1990), scrapping session after session after session. The band had several failed attempts at recording their debut LP with a cavalcade of amazing producers, including, but not limited to, John Porter(The Smiths), Mike Hedges(Manic Street Preachers, Travis) and John Leckie(The Stone Roses). Unfortunately the band's desired sound eluded each of the producers, and at one point it's rumored that frontman Lee Mavers rejected a vintage mixing desk, claiming it did not have the right sound because "it hasn't got original Sixties dust on it". When you've written songs as brilliant as "Way Out" and "Timeless Melody", you could tell me these compositions were handed down to you from God himself and I'd believe it.

In 1989 the band entered the studio one final time with producer Steve Lillywhite(what's referred to as the "Eden Sessions"). These sessions would prove to yield one last attempt at recording the band's debut album. The band still found the end results not to their liking, but due to contractual obligations the album was eventually released by and disowned by the band.
Here's the real kicker: final product released in 1990, is twelve songs of pop-brilliance. One can listen and only wonder what Lee Mavers and co. found so unsatisfactory of these recordings.

Cut to 2010, the band has now semi-reformed(they played a few shows in 2005) and cashed in on a long over due(and well deserved) legacy. While we'll probably never get to hear The La's debut as intended by the band, we should be content with what we did get: twelve songs and thirty-five minutes equaling one of the greatest pop albums recorded over the past 25 years.

In 2008 the album was remastered and reissued as a two-disc Deluxe Edition, and that's what we have for you today. Not only can you find the original full-length here(fully remastered and sounding better than ever), included on the second disc is a completely alternate recording of the band's debut(with Mike Hedges behind the board), along with scrapped sessions from legendary producers John Leckie and John Porter, and then some. And, if that's not enough to get your mouth watering, how about all the radio sessions you can shake a stick at?

Just a heads up, these are 320kbps MP3s, meaning they're practically CD quality. To put things in perspective, when you buy an MP3 off say iTunes, it's at 256kbps. Meaning, it'll take a little bit of time to download this giant zip file. Regardless, we spared no expense for you great people. This is an album for the times.

(DOWNLOAD - The La's "S/T Deluxe Edition")

'Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World' Trailer Arrives, It Genuinely Looks Like Nothing We've Ever Seen Before.

2010-03-25T12:47:00.012-04:00

UPDATED: It's been confirmed that the two songs featured in the Scott Pilgrim trailer, are in fact, two brand new Beck songs, written, and composed by Mr. Hansen himself, for the film.

The countdown has begun folks. We're in the homestretch for Edgar Wright's third film, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. Out August 13. We've know for a while that the soundtrack is going to be killer, but now we have confirmation on the film itself.

And with that trailer we our first proper glimpses of a potentially scene-stealing douchebaggy Chris Evans as pro-skateboarder turned movie star Lucas Lee (who looks incredibly spot on from the graphic novels), Brandon Routh as vegan/psychic/bassist Todd Ingram, Mae Whitman as Roxy Richter(frankly, the George Michael/Anne reunion should make Arrested Development fans a little bit giddy), and even Jason Schwartzman as the hipster head evil ex Gideon Graves.

P.S. If you haven't already started to read Bryan Lee O'Malley's Scott Pilgrim series(there are five so far, with the six and final volume to be released July 20th, right in time for the film's release) we highly advise you make you're way to your local comic book store.

Hear The First Single From The National's Forthing Coming LP 'High Violet'

2010-03-24T19:04:00.005-04:00

It was only a few weeks ago The National performed a brand new song, "Terrible Love" on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, but only today we get a our first really studio taste of the new material. That taste comes in the form of the first single "Bloodbuzz Ohio".

The new album by The National, entitled High Violet, will be released on May 11th courtesy of 4AD Records. We can all breath a sigh of relief folks. Both songs we've heard thus far, "Terrible Love" and "Bloodbuzz Ohio" are all around fantastic. There's no deny Matt Berninger's distinctive croon, that can be described as falling somewhere between Ian Curtis and Leonard Cohen. All signs point to The National crafting another solid winner.

You can download a high quality 320 MP3 of the album's first single at Highviolet.com. That MP3 also comes accompanied with artwork, too. All it takes is an e-mail address and you're solid gold.

Josh Homme Wants You To Know Record Store Day Is Coming

2010-03-24T17:58:00.003-04:00

This year Record Store Day falls on Saturday, April 17th. And for all the info you can shake a stick at look no further than here.

Also it's worth noting that when Mr. Homme suggests you should listen to the Old 97's and The Frogs, it's because you should.

Are You Listening? Sleigh Bells Will Be Big

2010-03-24T14:54:00.007-04:00

I've already preached at length about the greatness that is Sleigh Bells, so at the risk of sounding redundant, I will continue to do so. It was only six months ago we brought your attention the New York/Florida duo that is known as Sleigh Bells. With no official releases under their belt yet(short of a four song "demo" EP, see below), word has recently broke that they've now signed to M.I.A.'s label. On May 11th the duo will release their debut album Treats via M.I.A.'s owned N.E.E.T. imprint.

Expect the full-length to feature at least two or three, if not all four, of the fantastic songs featured on their debut EP. You can download that four song EP that we speak so highly of, right below. Check out the truly mind and speaker-blowing, hard-hitting, distorted beats of "Crown On The Ground". You can then firmly remove your jaw from the floor.

(Download - Sleigh Bells - Four Song Demo EP)

Phoenix Release Free Live Album

2010-03-24T13:00:00.004-04:00

Remember Phoenix's phenomenal LP Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart? It was our number one album of 2009. Simply put, it's nothing short of stunning pop brilliance. Well, the fine French boys from Phoenix are still out promoting the shit outta that Grammy winning, modern classic of an album. That's right, I said it. It's going to remembered and listened to twenty years from now; a classic. But luckily for us(the fans) they're throwing us a bone. And that 'bone' is in the shape of a free eight song live album.

All you have to do is go to their site here, and download the zip file. Not at all unlike downloading one of our albums or mixes. Honestly, who doesn't wanna here a twelve minute live rendition of Wolfgang centerpiece "Love Like A Sunset"?

"Oracular Spectacular Pt. 2" This Is Definitely Not

2010-03-19T18:37:00.007-04:00

The new LP from the duo known as MGMT, entitled Congratulations. Co-Produced by MGMT and Pete Kember aka. Sonice Boom (formally of Spacemen 3). There's no "Kids" or "Time To Pretend" to be found here, so you may find yourself sorely disappointed. As this is something that's definitely taken in as whole. The album is officially released April 13, 2010. Click on the album artwork above for the download.

Glitter From The Litter Bin: 20 Junk Shop Glam Rarities from the 1970s

2010-03-19T13:04:00.006-04:00

"Let's clap our hands and let's stomp our feet/doin' the dance that just can't be beat".

That's the line that's featured prominently in Daddy Maxfield's fantastic tune "Rave 'n' Rock" track three of the ab-fab comp Glitter From The Litter Bin: 20 Junk Shop Glam Rarities But to me it's a line pretty much epitomizes and encapsulates everything there I love about the Glam Rock genre.

Glitter From The Litter Bin is a fantastic compilation of twenty glam rock stompers. I wish I could have come up with more info and/or stats on this fantastic compilation, but short of a tracklisting and album cover art, there's essentially no info on the web to found anywhere. All the artists featured here are relative unknowns, but what little I have learned and do know is that it was originally released in exclusively in the Europe in 2003, and it is now long out of print. If you look it up on Ebay you'll find one copy going at the rate of $90.00. Effin' crazy, I tell you.

So, assuming you're a fan of the T.Rex, Bowie, Slade, or the New York Dolls(and you're reading R.O.T.C. so odds are you might), you should definitely check out this gem of an album. Below are two songs I could dig up on Youtube.

(Download - Glitter From The Litter Bin: 20 Junk Shop Glam Rarities From The 1970s)

If There's A Better Album To Listen To This Spring I'd Like To Hear It

2010-03-17T13:03:00.013-04:00

Based on a first listen, my initial reaction to She & Him's sophomore album was that Zooey Deschanel sounds a lot more confident in her singing. M. Ward's Phil Spector production duties have returned, placing this albums sound outside today's norm. My initial concern after falling in love with Volume One was "Can Deschanel and Ward actually deliver another set of 70's AM gold nostalgia?"

Well, Volume One was not a fluke nor was it lightening in a bottle, because on their follow-up nothing here sounds forced or contrived for that matter. M. Ward's production duties are as beautiful and natural sounding as ever, and Deschanel's layered vocals and songwriting sound just as gorgeous. It's a perfect pairing, these two. Turn this one up folks, you're gonna have Volume Two in heavy rotation for at least the next couple months.
(She & Him "Volume Two")

First 'Scott Pilgrim' Poster Surfaces; Teaser Trailer Rumored To Appear Soon

2010-03-17T12:24:00.011-04:00

I know folks, we're still six months away from it's release and it already feels like ROTC has turned into the full-on boner site for Edgar Wright's Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World. Part of us is sorry, but mostly we don't care. As the August date gets nearer the waiting gets harder. On the plus side, marketing for the film appears to be warming up. This is bodes well for the film because it's typically a sign that the film company, in this case Universal, has a lot of faith in the film.

Right above is the first poster released for the film, and if you're at all familiar with the source material, it notice immediately how it borrows quite heavily. The text and pose is essentially taken directly from the the first page, of the first volume called "Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life". Which hopefully is an indication of how faithful Wright stays to the graphic novels.

While the aforementioned Scott Pilgrim teaser trailer is heavily rumored to be hitting any day now, the book's creator Bryan Lee O'Malley announced on Twitter over the weekend that "There is a "Scott Pilgrim Vs The World" teaser trailer. It will give your brain a heart attack. It's coming... eventually,".

First Song Leaks From The Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World Soundtrack, Film Is Slated To Hit Theaters August 13, 2010

2010-03-15T23:27:00.014-04:00

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World is Edgar Wright's third film. He previously co-wrote and directed Shaun of the Dead(2004) and Hot Fuzz(2007), and directed the brilliant British TV series Spaced. Wright also wrote and directed the faux trailer "Don't" featured in the theatrical release of 2007's double feature Grindhouse. Simply put, "Shaun" and "Hot Fuzz" got everyone's attention, but Scott Pilgrim might bringWright into mass notoriety.

Pilgrim is based on a series of graphic novels, and is co-written by Edgar Wright and Michael Bacall, who sidelines in acting. Bacall had very minor roles as in Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof and as a Jewish "Bastard" in Inglourious Bastards.

The film carries a pretty terrific cast including Michael Cera, Jason Schwartzman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead(Death Proof), Kieran Culkin(Igby Goes Down), Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick(Up In The Air), Alison Pill(Milk), Aubrey Plaza(Parks And Recreations, Funny People) and Brandon Routh(Superman, yo), and has recently been test screened to universal acclaim. Those have seen the film are tight-lipped and sworn to secrecy, but we've read that the film is somewhere between Freaks & Geeks, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and... The Matrix.

Which brings us to the film's soundtrack. How about some Beck, Broken Social Scene, Metric, Sloan and Cornelius. All the while under the supervision of Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. A lot of the film revolves around three things: music performances, dialog, and fight sequences, and sometimes all three at the same time. The first taste of music we're getting is a song provided by the Canadian band Metric(the graphic novels and film both take place in Toronto, hence the BSS, Metric, and Sloan). The Metric song, called "Black Sheep" was written specifically for the film, and is "performed" by the fictional band The Clash At Demonhead.

The film's official teaser trailer is rumored to be hitting any day now, so we'll be sure to get that to you.

Fun Fact: Arrested Development's Will Arnett provides the narration for the "Don't" trailer

Help Usher In The Warm Weather With Rebirth Of The Cool's Spring Mix

2010-03-14T12:51:00.008-04:00

"Let's do this"

Here in in all its 320 kbps quality, is a brand new mix from Rebirth Of Cool. What you'll fine here are some 100% quality songs, that will hopefully evoke a Spring time state-of-mind. A few of the songs are obvious choices, some you might already be familiar with; where is others are of the more subtle variety. But every song is cherry-picked from my personal record collection.

This compilation is book-ended with two fantastic tracks. It starts off with the fantastic single "Radio #1" from the French band Air's second full-length 10,000 Hz Legend. That album, released in 2001, was received with mostly mixed and lukewarm reviews. This can seen largely as a result of the strength of their debut, 1998's Moon Safari, which today is arguably one of the most important electronic/pop records of the past twenty years. What I'm saying is that Moon Safari was a tough act to follow. But based on recent listens, 10,000 Hz Legend really held up well and has quite simply, aged like a fine wine(especially in contrast to the duo's most recent album Love 2 which is mediocre at best).

Dig a little deeper and you'll find some classic cuts and hidden gems from the likes of Pixies(*Ahem* not THE Pixies), The Magnetic Fields, Sebadoh, and Electric Light Orchestra. The mix closes out with an insanely catchy "Nature Anthem"; a non-album track from the now defunct, Jason Lytle fronted band Grandaddy.

In the end, all the songs found here are ideal for that Spring time run or walk, or to help make that commute to and from work a little more bearable. We hope you enjoy it half as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.

Tracklisting:

01. Air "Radio #1"
02. Kid Koala "Fender Bender"
03. Joseph Arthur "Enough To Get Away"
04. The Kinks "Animal Farm"
05. Sparklehorse "Shade And Honey"
06. Neon Indian "Should Have Taken Acid With You"
07. Dennis Wilson "Rainbows"
08. The New Pornographers "Chump Change"
09. Spiritualized "Lay Back In The Sun (Single Version)"
10. Electric Light Orchestra "Calling America"
11. Pixies "Wave Of Mutilation"
12. The Magnetic Fields "I'm Sorry I Love You"
13. Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich "Hold Tight"
14. Sebadoh "Brand New Love"
15. Grandaddy "Nature Anthem"

(DOWNLOAD - Rebirth Of The Cool: Spring Mix 2010)

The National Debut New Song On Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

2010-03-11T01:45:00.006-05:00

Yup. Headline pretty much explains it all. The song is called "Terrible Love" it's the first taste we're getting of their forthcoming LP High Violet. The good news is the song is fantastic. The bad news is the album isn't released for another two months on May 11th, on 4AD Records.

Spring Is Almost Here, And With That Comes The New She & Him Video

2010-03-09T13:51:00.003-05:00

Winter got you down? No worries, Spring is in the air, folks. And what better way to usher in the new season than with a new video from She & Him, "In The Sun"? The song is the first single from their follow-up to '08's wonderful Volume One, entitled... wait for it... wait for it.... Volume Two.

One can only assume that Mr. Ward and Deschanel will spend a good chunk of their Spring/Summer promoting the album. If this single is any indication, we're all in for a treat on March 23rd when Merge Records releases the shit outta She & Him Volume Two.

I'm admittedly very keen on their first album so the anticipation is high. Check out the video below.

Get Your First Taste Of The New MGMT Album "Congratulations"

2010-03-09T12:41:00.005-05:00

Head on over to www.whoismgmt.com to download the first song(single?) from MGMT's extremely anticipated sophomore release Congratulations, due April 13.

The album will be worth checking out come April for a number of reasons, namely because 1.)the duo of Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden released one of the most solid debut albums of the past ten years, 2008's Oracular Spectacular, 2.)the follow-up Congratulations is co-produced by Sonic Boom aka. Peter Kember, one half of the now defunct classic Spacemen 3, and 3.)Look at that fucking album cover.

The song, called "Flash Delirium" is nowhere near the ballpark of say, songs like "Kids" and "Time To Pretend", and more in the realm of the psychedelic tunes on found on side 'B' of Oracular.

Who's excited? This guy.

R.I.P. Mark Linkous, You Were A Real Artist.

2010-03-07T02:11:00.002-05:00

Has It Been Five Years Already? Gorillaz Make a Sunny Electro Return With Their "Plastic Beach"

2010-03-03T13:38:00.014-05:00

As far as our "Most Anticipated Records of 2010" go, there's going to be a lot of ground to cover this year(ie. LCD Soundsystem, Arcade Fire, Panda Bear, The National), but high up on that list is the third full-length from Gorillaz.

Since the group's "formation" twelve years ago, the Damon Albarn led pop-vehicle that is Gorillaz has churned out two quality records of hip-hop/pop ingenuity. And based on a first listen of the group's third full-length Plastic Beach, Albarn has delivered the best party/chill record of it's kind since, well... the last Gorillaz album Demon Days. And not unlike past Gorillaz efforts, Plastic Beach is a melting pot of collaborations.

It's worth mentioning the first two Gorillaz albums sold more copies in America than all the of Blur's albums combined. 2005's fantastic Demon Days also saw the group receive it's first Grammy win for the stand-out single "Feel Good, Inc.". Some might cry blasphemy with Blur still not quite getting the Stateside commercial recognition they deserve, but this writer is getting too old to worry about artistic semantics. If there's anything Damon and co. have proven is that Gorillaz is NOT a side project, nor a flash-in-pan fluke experiment.

Gorillaz has always been a revolving door of musicians from album to album, and Plastic Beach is no different; at the risk of repeating myself, this album doesn't disappoint. Plastic Beach might be the most ambitious, yet commercially pop album Damon Albarn has put to tape in all of his years. If 2005's Demon Days saw Gorillaz coloring in their sound and focusing more, Plastic Beach the sound of a band becoming fully animated(pun intended).
As far as guest musicians on the album, there's no shortage of notable names here, folks. Albarn has once again dug deep into his bag of tricks, and pulled out all the stops. Guest musicians include, but not limited to, Lou Read(!!!), Mos Def, De La Soul, and Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals/Neon Neon fame. Mick Jones and Paul Simonon are featured together on the album's title track making for a pseudo-Clash reunion that sounds nothing like The Clash but still succeeds on every level.

Check out the fantastic video for the record's first single, "Stylo". Also, note the cameo from John Mcclain himself Bruce Willis. Unfortunately the Youtube site does not allow embedding the song's video, so to view it look no further than here.

The album's second single is rumored to be a terrific pop gem called "Supefast Jelly Fish" which features a Gruff Rhys/De La Soul collaboration. I'm pretty sure this song is about sugar cereal, or the toys you find in a cereal box. Either way, the sounds found here are just as sweet.

(Download - Gorillaz "Plastic Beach")

The Brian Jonestown Massacre Offer Up Their First Quality LP In 10 Years. Has Anton Newcombe Finally Gotten That Chip Off His Shoulder?

2010-02-16T13:04:00.015-05:00

It can be argued that The Brian Jonestown Massacre, as prolific as they once were, are not churning out the quality or ratio of good music they once did back in the mid to late nineties. Chalk it up to the band burning out, or past their stride, or BJM frontman Anton Newcombe just being the unstable, loose cannon of a songwriter the media has made him out to be. One thing remains, and can't be denied: the man has written some fan-fucking-tastic songs.

So here we are, 2010, the dawn of a new decade. Low and behold, after ten years of releasing nothing noteworthy, short of their two-disc retrospective collection; which this journalist will tell you up until now, is essentially the only BJM you REALLY need in your collection. Their last album, 2008's My Bloody Underground was almost so offensively terrible.

Now we have the new BJM album, due out Feb 23rd, the not surprisingly titled, Who Killed Sgt. Pepper? The shocker is, get this, it's actually really good. The band's often sporadic lineup now includes ex-Spacemen 3 bass player Will Carruthers, and see's ex BJM guitarist Matt Hollywood's return the fold. All this bodes very well for devotees of The Brian Jonestown Massacre.

What does this mean for us, the longtime fans? Well, the album itself is not at all a return to form, but feels more like a record the band could've, should've made seven or eight years ago. Long gone are the self-indulgent, folksy, Beatles-esque jam sessions. They've been traded in for fuzzed out wall-of-sound guitars, and Primal Scream Vanishing Point/XTRMNTR-era drum-loops. The results, are shockingly good.

Recorded in Iceland and Berlin, with Who Killed Sgt. Pepper? the Brian Jonestown Massacre have made the closest thing to an actual dance record. Also, it'd seemed Newcombe has phoned in a few favors, because the record boast a list of guests, including a few relatively unknown Icelandic musicians. Also, look for the prominently featured sample from Joy Division's "She's Lost Control".

While the album's biggest fault is that the collection of songs found on Pepper don't really flow well together. I feel like given the opportunity I could rearrange the songs in a much more concise manor. Which as a result would probably make the entire album more stronger as a whole. A few of the songs share the same strikingly similar DNA and song structure, and too often these songs are placed back to back in the sequencing.

Alright, but I don't wanna deter yourself anymore from listening to this, so give it a healthy click below for some instant gratification. Enjoy.

(Download - The Brian Jonestown Massacre "Who Killed Sgt. Pepper?")

Bill Hicks Was Totally Right About You, Jay Leno

2010-01-15T02:29:00.000-05:00

Almost Two Years To The Day, We Get Our Second VW Full-Lenth

2010-01-07T20:47:00.004-05:00

We're glad to hear that these guys aren't making gigantic leaps and bounds in terms of song writing on their sophomore full-length. Don't get me wrong, it's surprising how great these ten songs are but Contra stands as a prime example of how to successfully follow up your break-through first album. They've taken all the basic ingredients that made their first record so great, and fleshed it out; coloring in and creating some fantastic songs. I believe if they were to force anything as far as changing their sound, the results would be disastrous; the proverbial 'plane crashing into the mountain', if you will. But if they do it right(and so far, they have), I think they can take the proper steps to evolve into a really consistent, great band. Contra is the follow up to the New York band's self-titled debut and it's a solid effort to say the least.

As an added bonus to these 320 kpbs MP3s, I tacked on an eleventh song "California English Pt.2" which is a B-side to the album's first single "Cousins" and can also be found as an itunes bonus track. Enjoy.

(Download - Contra)

First Official Photos From Edgar Wright's Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

2010-01-06T21:52:00.004-05:00

Our most anticipated film of twenty-ten is creeping up on us folks. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is based on a a series of graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley. And it's about ... well, you know what it's about(But just in case, a young Canadian slacker-musician must battle the seven evil ex-boyfriends of a certain Ramona Flowers in order win her love). In the distant background you can spot Jason Schwartzman brandishing a white sport coat as uber-hipster villian Gideon Graves.

Featured in the film is a handful of fictional bands. It's been revealed that said music for these bands is being provided and compiled by Beck, Broken Social Scene, Sloan, Cornelius, Metric, and all at the helm of Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich.

The film stars Michael Cera, Anna Kendrick(who steals every scene in last year's Up In The Air), Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Chris Evans, Kieran Culkin, Brandon Routh, Alison Pill, and Jason Schwartzman. If it's U.K. release is any indication, Scott Pilgrim will see a release stateside come August.

File Next To Vampire Weekend and Weezer

2010-01-04T17:57:00.006-05:00

The headline pretty much says it all, but may be misleading. This five piece from Florida was relatively unknown before 2009. It wasn't until the band played twelve shows at the 2009 CMJ Marathon that a buzz began to build. Yeah, that's definitely one way to get your band heard. Luckily for us, musically these guys deliver all the goods. And if they weren't on your radar, they sure as shit will be now.

Their debut full-length entitled Astro Coast is released physically on January 19.

(Download - Surfer Blood "Astro Coast")

Decades

2010-01-04T17:47:00.002-05:00

Our fine affiliates over at the Aquarium Drunkard have taken the task of highlight some of the decades notable and important albums. They cover a lot of ground including terrific albums by Wilco, The National, and Spoon, to name a few.

I suggest you head on over to Aquarium Drunkard and check it out. And if you aren't already a follower of their fine blog, I suggest you get on that. Check it out here.

Great Music Knows No Annual Boundries, But Here's Our Top Ten Albums Of 2009 Anyways....

2009-12-14T21:40:00.011-05:00

If you're a follower of Rebirth Of The Cool, than this list might be predictable, but we'd be lying if it were any other way. These here are the records of 2009 that we spent to most time with, absorbed, and enjoyed the most. Don't take the numbering to heart, it's completely arbitrary and off-the-cuff. To download each album just click on its respective link; and there ya' go, instant gratification (FYI, not all of our 2009 "honorable mentions" are available to download yet, just a heads up).

1. Phoenix Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
2009 was in fact the year of Phoenix. The French four piece released their breakthrough fourth album back in May to critical praise and commercial success. All the while, they seemingly appeared everywhere promoting Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix; including, but not limited to Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, The Late Show With David Letterman, and The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien, PHEW! And for the first time since their inception in 1999 have since seen their popularity explode stateside. It's been a long time coming but it seems that to us State side folks, the fine Frenchmen of Phoenix have finally arrived. Oh, it's well worth mentioning that in December the group received their very first Grammy nod for Wolfgang. Well played boys, well played.

2. Bill Callahan Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Released back in April of this year, "Sometimes..." was the first album of '09 that I knew would be sitting pretty at the top of this list. While taking a break from his (Smog) moniker, Bill Callahan released his second solo album this year. What separates a (Smog) album from a Bill Callahan record? Well, I'd like to think (Smog) carries a lot more experimental aspects, where is his solo albums are, well, just that. A few people have been quick to point out that this album is a reflection of Callahan's break up with Joanna Newsom(apparently that chick gets around). Honestly, I don't hear that at all, but that doesn't really mean a damn thing, now does it?

3. Super Furry Animals Dark Days/Light Years
Neon Neon was our favorite album of 2008, so is it any surprise that SFA landed on our list this year? What is surprising is that the Furries latest effort is their strongest and most cohesive group of songs since 2001's Drawing Rings Around The World. And that's saying a lot, especially when it can be argued that Super Furry Animals have never released a bad album. Dark Days/Light Years is melting pot of genres.

4. The Flaming Lips Embryonic
Simply put, Embryonic is the best The Flaming Lips album since 1999's game changer The Soft Bulletin. Yes, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots is a a very good album, there's no debating that. But The Soft Bulletin was a major step for the band and everyone of their fans. It wasn't until Yoshimi's follow-up, 2006's At War With The Mystics where the Lips lost their way. Embryonic isn't necessarily a return to form, because this doesn't sound like anything else they've done in the past. It's more of a return to the weird. Look(listen?) for guest spots from Karen O. and the gentlemen of MGMT. Make no mistake, this is definitely a Flaming Lips album; their fingerprints are all over the damn thing. Best enjoyed at maximum volume.

5. Wilco Wilco(the album)
Former Wilco member Jay Bennett died this year of drug related causes, which makes this effort all the more bittersweet. Taking the sound they perfected on 2007's Sky Blue Sky, Wilco expands it with the self-indulgent titled Wilco(the album). Album highlights include a song about killing a girlfriend and hiding the body in the trunk of a car entitled "Bull Black Nova"and the the George Harrison influenced "You Never Know". Honestly, is there's any more reasons to explain ourselves with this album? We think not. Viva la Wilco!

6. The Big Pink A Brief History Of Love
Here's a NME-hyped band that's actually, wait for it.... deserving of said praise. Hints of My Bloody Valentine shoegaze with a pop/electronic sensibility. This is a group that could easily follow-up this debut with something stronger and better, or just as easily follow it up with a turd of an album. Fingers crossed for the former.

7. A.A. Bondy When The Devil's Loose
Minimal acoustic/folk/pop. Much like 2007's debut album American Hearts, Auguste Arthur Bondy follow-up takes a page out of the book of Dylan and Springsteen and channels it into something relevant for today's audience. If this music doesn't break your heart just a little bit, than you're doing it wrong.

8. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart
Are we aloud to make up our own sub-genre of music? I mean, everyone else these days is, so sure, why not? That said, The Pains Of Being At Heart is what I like to call "John Hughes pop", meaning they're a band that would sound right at home on any classic John Hughes soundtrack of the 80's, ala "Pretty In Pink", "Sixteen Candles", and/or "The Breakfast Club". Another band that could easily fit this category would be M83(Case in point, last year's equally fantastic Saturdays = Youth).

9. M.Ward Hold Time
Matt Ward is easily one of today's most prominent Merge artists. Whether he's playing the proverbial "Him" to Zooey Deschanel's "She" in the country/folk/pop duo She & Him(Volume Two is out March 23 on Merge Records), or his acting duty as a member of supergroup Monsters Of Folk(along side Mike Mogis, Jim/Yim James, and Conor Oberst), it's always been Matt's superb solo albums that have really seen set him apart. 2006's Post-War set the bar insanely high, and it might be argued that it's proper follow-up Hold Time does not surpass the quality of songwriting found on that album. That's not to say Hold Time doesn't hold its own, because it does. M.Ward brings a distinct sound and production to his albums you can't find in anything he's involved in. Case in point, his cover of Buddy Holly's "Rave On", which surprise, surprise, features backup vocals from Mrs. Deschanel herself.

10. Choir Of Young Believers This Is For The White In Your Eyes
The debut album of 2009. Essentially a one-man project of 26 year-old Jannis Noya Makrigiannis, and whom ever he chooses to bring along. This year Denmark's Choir Of Young Believers seemingly came out of nowhere. You get ten songs that flow so seamlessly together, it's difficult to imagine this is the the brainchild of one man. This is album is so brilliant and so fantastic, one can only wonder what will be in store for a proper follow-up. Blending melancholic(although, often quite uplifting) pop melodies with the vocal harmonies somewhere between Robing Pecknold and Wayne Coyne. When Jannis sings "Next summer I will return/I’ll be back/I’ll break your heart/I’ll break your heart/When next summer starts", you can't help but believe him.

Honerable Mentions(Some albums that are equally as fantastic as anything you'll find in our top ten):

-Andrew Bird Noble Beast
-Animal Collective Merriweather Post Pavilion
-BrakesBrakesBrakes Touchdown
-Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse Dark Night Of The Soul
-EELS Hombre Lobo: Twelve Songs Of Desire
-Health Get Color
-Jarvis Cocker Further Complications
-Monsters Of Folk Monsters Of Folk
-Pearl Jam Backspacer
-Yacht See Mystery Lights

Check back with us in the coming weeks, as we'll highlighting our favorite reissues, songs, and films of 2009.

We Here at Rebirth of the Cool Wish You a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T00:52:00.004-05:00

It's no secret. We anticipate Wes Anderson soundtracks almost as much We anticipate the films themselves. Almost. After all this talk of the Fantastic Mr. Fox, it's only fitting I share its accompanying soundtrack, with you wonderful people.

Like past Anderson soundtracks, you have your obligatory Rolling Stones tune ("Street Fighting Man"), and a couple wonderful Beach Boys tracks, "Heroes & Villians" and "Ol' Man River"(Ever wonder where Fleet Foxes got some some their influence, look no further than this tune). Although, personally, I find the album's highlight is the final tune, the Bobby Fuller Four's "Let Her Dance". The tune is prominently featured in the trailer and also plays over the film's end credits. To say I've had that song on loop as of late, would be an understatement.

It's also worth noting the Jarvis Cocker tune is wonderful, as well. Originally Jarvis was slated to be the film's narrator, but reportedly after a few test screenings, audiences found his accent a little too hard to follow and didn't really fit(a reminder that this IS a childrens's film).

That said, I've heard really great things about the film, including that it's a "return to form" for Anderson. Whether or not that's true remains to be seen. But as of now, the film is currently sitting pretty at Metacritic.com with an score of 88(that's considered "Universal Acclaim"). Until next time, I hope you all stay safe, warm, and have a great Thanksgiving!

(Download - Fantastic Mr. Fox soundtrack)

Spacemen 3's Last Studio Record Makes A Good Starting Point

2009-11-09T17:53:00.008-05:00

It could be argued that this album is the birth of Spiritualized. As the two masterminds behind Spacemen 3, Jason Pierce aka. J. Spaceman and Peter Kember aka. Sonic Boom were so at odds with each other that neither could stand be in the studio with one another. This resulted in the final Spacemen 3 album, 1991's Recurring. The album's first half is entirely written and recorded by Sonic Boom, while Recurring's second half is written and recorded by Jason Pierce. The one song that features both men, is a cover of a Mudhoney song called "When Tomorrow Hits".

Jason Pierce's second half of Recurring basically laid the blueprint for what is now Spiritualized. For evidence of this, look no further then the beautifully, psychedelic haze of a song that is "Hypnotized". This isn't to say the first half of Recurring is lacking, quite the opposite. Just check out the ten minute epic album opener "Big City(Everybody I Know Can Be Found Here)", and the bluesy shuffle of a tune, "I Love You".

If you dig this record it's worth checking out Spacemen 3's 1987 Perfect Prescription(which is often hailed as their "classic" album), and 1989's Playing With Fire. Both are pretty terrific.

Obviously Jason Pierce has gone on to do wonderful things, including such classic Spiritualized albums as Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space, and Let It Come Down. Sonic Boom has kept a relatively low profile, touring the UK and the States under different bands and names. I should mention that it's been confirmed that Sonic Boom is in the studio right now producing the new MGMT album Congratulations which is scheduled for a release sometime in 2010.

(Download - Spacemen 3 "Recurring")

New Jarvis Cocker Video "Further Complications"

2009-11-06T22:02:00.003-05:00

So I've found a lot of people are on the fence about Jarvis Cocker's latest solo record Further Complications. Me, I really dig it. Not quite on the level of his past efforts, but I've humbly feel that everything the man releases is worthy of your hard earned dollar bills. It's good to see that he's not retreading on old ground and bringing something new to the table. How well this album ages remains to be seen.

That said, when Jarvis isn't the go-to-man for contributing songs to soundtracks, he's busy filming promo videos for singles of said latest solo album. Which brings us the video for Further Complications' title track. As of right now there's no way to embed it on to Rebirth of the Cool, but you can check out the video right here courtesy of the fine folks at Vodpod. Enjoy.

Whether You Like It Or Not, The Holiday Season Is Upon Us

2009-11-01T15:45:00.005-05:00

Here's some holiday music to get you through the next couple of months.

New Trailer For Jason Reitman's "Up In The Air"

2009-10-10T15:49:00.003-04:00

...and the film is shaping up to have quite a bit of potential. As the buzz around the film builds, the reviews coming in so far have been nothing short of extremely positive.

Nick Lowe "Pure Pop For Now People" aka "Jesus Of Cool"

2009-09-28T15:04:00.010-04:00

Nick Lowe has written some of my all time favorite pop songs, including but not limited to "Cruel To Be Kind", and "(What's So Funny 'Bout)Peace, Love, & Understanding"; the latter of which was obviously made popular by Elvis Costello. Just need to get that out there. And I suppose one way to to describe Lowe's prolific, yet criminally underrated, solo career would be to that of Brian Eno. What I mean is that Nick Lowe is to Elvis Costello, almost the same way Brian Eno is David Bowie. Lowe and Eno's earlier work share what some might describe as parallels. Eno produced three of Bowie's late 70s solo records(Low, Heroes, and Lodger), where as Lowe produced Costello's first five solo records. Both Lowe and Eno sort of lived in the shadows of artists they've collaborated/produced with earlier in their solo careers. Make sense?

That said, a true testament to Nick Lowe's terrific songwriting abilities as evidenced in his first two solo albums(both of which serve as ideal introductions into his catalog), 1978's Jesus Of Cool and 1979's Labour Of Lust.

There are in actuality two versions of Nick Lowe's debut album. You have the UK version, and then you have the US edition. Not at all unlike The Clash's self-titled debut, each version carries an alternate tracklisting. Although, when Nick Lowe's debut was issued in the United States, the title was changed from Jesus Of Cool, to Pure Pop For Now People. While both versions share the same bulk of songs, there are a few choice omissions to each version, much like the UK/US versions of The Clash's debut.

Where is often the UK version of The Clash's debut is referred to as the superior of it's two editions, as far as Nick Lowe's debut, I'd say I have to say the US version has the better tracklisting of the two. Now, I understand this is totally debatable and up the listener's opinion, but the few songs that are omitted from the UK version and included on the US completely make the difference. The most obvious to me is the terrific song "Heart Of The City", which was never included on Jesus Of Cool in the UK, and only as a one-off single.

Another notable difference is that the UK edition opens with the tune "Music For Money". And while it IS a great song in it's own right, the song works on a much better level when it is instead used to close the album like it is on the US version. Instead of "Music For Money" opening, Americans get the opener "So It Goes" which to me works a lot better in the front of the album. "So It Goes" is too great of a song to bury deep in the the middle of the album(which is where it's placed in the UK version). It works so much better to me as album opener. It is then followed up by the song "I Love The Sound Of Breaking Glass"; and those songs combined together make for an excellent one-two punch opening. It's also worth mentioning that Jesus Of Cool was remastered and reissued last year in the United States, with all the omitted US tracks tacked on at the end(with loads of unreleased bonus material as well).

That said, here's the original US version of Nick Lowe's debut album, Pure Pop For Now People. If you enjoy this, I highly recommend picked up last year's CD reissue of Jesus Of Cool. You might be saying "Well, what about Mr. Lowe's second LP you mentioned, Labour Of Lust?" Well, it's an album that is equally as brilliant, but I'll save that for another time.

(DOWNLOAD - Nick Lowe "Pure Pop For Now People")

Essentially a Modern Day Equivalent of The Traveling Wilburys

2009-09-23T12:09:00.002-04:00

click on the artwork for the download

Jarvis Cocker Contributing A New Song To "The Fantastic Mr. Fox". Fine, I'll Buy Another Wes Anderson Soundtrack.

2009-09-21T13:30:00.002-04:00

Out November 3rd digitally and in compact disc form, is the soundtrack to Wes Anderson's animated The Fantastic Mr. Fox. And, while some of the songs that make the cut aren't not surprising (the Rolling Stones!? What are they doing on an Anderson sountrack?!), it makes for a pretty listenable mix at first glance.

You got aforementioned Stones tune, "Street Fighting Man"(which is pretty terrific I'd imagine thrown into the context of a children's story such as this), some Burl Ives(most famously known for the songs from classic Rudolph The Red Nose Raindeer stop-motion Christmas classic), and a couple of Beach Boys classics("Heroes and Villians"!!!) thrown in for good measure.

Oh, and lest we forget the inclusion of an original Jarvis Cocker tune written specifically for the film. Originally we were under the impression that Cocker had more a hand in the composure of the score but it would appear not. In interviews of past, Jarvis noted he was working on a couple songs for the film. So why only one turning up on the soundtrack? Kinda disappointing, but I'll take one new Jarvis Cocker song over none.

You can check out the film's entire tracklisting right here, via the fine folks at the The Playlist.

"Imma let you finish"

2009-09-17T13:09:00.000-04:00

The Stone Roses Debut Turns 20

2009-09-14T12:33:00.005-04:00

We're just hopping from one anniversary to another, aren't we? This one though is much, much more monumental though. One for the books.

This reissue of The Stone Roses seminal debut album has been remastered and sounds absolutely phenomenal. It sounds so amazing clean so goes to show how the original American pressing of this album completely missed the mark. Where as the UK version had it so much better. Not any longer though.

There's a terrific article by the fine folks at Popmatters.com you should definitely read. It basically says everything you should know about this fantastic, well overdue reissue. This is one of the great landmark records of our time. Don't miss out.

Popmatters.com:

"Imagine if you will: an album re-release that actually gets everything right, making an already-classic album sound even better than before, deepening our understanding as to what made it so iconic".

(Download album here)

For my dear friends

2009-09-12T14:27:00.003-04:00

Click on the artwork

Ten Years of "Knock Knock"

2009-09-11T01:25:00.009-04:00

The other night I got to thinking about what albums are turning 10, 20, years-old this year and one record that stands out in my mind is Smog's classic LP Knock Knock. Turning 10 this year, Knock Knock is a collection of ten songs beautifully crafted and sequenced. Produced by Jim O'Rourke, it's an album that has aged gracefully like a fine wine.

Rumored to a be a break-up album from Bill Callahan's relationship with Chan Marshall aka, Cat Power, it's really is a great example of a truly solid album, front to back. Smog's Knock Knock is arguably flawless in the way that its songs sit so comfortably next to each other. When you to split the ten songs right down the middle, you have a record that begs to listened to via Side-A and Side-B. For example, I will occasionally listen a record which I love but also think might suffer because of it's poor track sequence. It's a minor quibble but it does happen. This is quite opposite here.

Also I think it's worth mentioning that one of favorite albums of 2009 is in fact Bill Callahan's second "solo" album(Smog is essentially a Bill Callahan solo project) Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle. But if you're a follower of us then you probably already know that.

Track listing:

1. "Let's Move to the Country"
2. "Held"
3. "River Guard"
4. "No Dancing"
5. "Teenage Spaceship"
6. "Cold Blooded Old Times"
7. "Sweet Treat"
8. "Hit the Ground Running"
9. "I Could Drive Forever"
10. "Left Only with Love"

(Download - Smog "Knock Knock")

"Hitler is angry with Inglourious Basterds"

2009-09-04T02:03:00.006-04:00

Non-nerds take note, this contains what is often referred to on interwebs as "Spoilers".

Another Great Record From 2009

2009-09-02T22:45:00.004-04:00

In fear of having this album removed by the powers-that-be, I will say this: listen to the song below, and for the download click in the image above. Somewhere between The The Flaming Lips and Fleet Foxes. It's good.

Warning: This Song Contains The Word "Fuck" About 100 Times

2009-08-30T12:53:00.005-04:00

This year, the Welsh band Super Furry Animals released what I find to be their finest collection of songs in years, Dark Days/Light Years. It's an album that will undoubtedly make our year-end best of list. They've always been a fascinating band to me, because the Furries always teetered on the edge of commercial success but never really got there. Fun fact, mega soft-drink conglomerate Coca-Cola reportedly offered the band £1,000,000(that's nearly $2,000,000!) for use of the band's 2003 single "Hello Sunshine" in an advertising campaign. The band said 'no'. Seriously folks, try wrapping your head around that one.

That said, I know the Furries are very much a cult band, so I'm not expecting a lot of you to actually check this out(prove me wrong?), but I'm gonna put it out there anyways. It's a 22 minute(and 31 seconds, to be exact) live recording of the Super Furry Animals B-side "The Man Don't Give A Fuck". The original studio recording clocks in at about the five minute mark. This live version was recorded at London's Hammersmith Apollo, and was released as a limited edition CD single back in 2004. It had a limited pressing of 5,000 (if you were wondering, I have number 4,916 to be exact) and is quite the gem of a find if you're a fan of the band like myself.

This live version starts almost note-for-note the same as the original studio recording(although this one kicks off with a stellar Bill Hicks recording looped). It's roughly the five and a half minute mark though, where the song takes a turn and branches off into what is best described as a ten to twelve minute psychedelic/electronic rave up. The song then goes full-circle, bringing it back home, again. My advice to you, the reader, is to download this single track and give it one good listen, all the way through. And if you can, play it as loud as possible.

Download - Super Furry Animals "The Man Don't Give A Fuck[Live From London's Hammersmith Apollo]"

The Big Pink

2009-08-25T12:16:00.008-04:00

I'm Calling It Now; The Big Pink Will Be Big In 2010

2009-08-24T19:25:00.011-04:00

London duo The Big Pink have released their debut single "Dominos", from their forthcoming debut LP, A Brief History of Love(and nope, it hasn't leaked yet) which is being released by 4AD Records.

The band has filmed a video for another album cut, the equally terrific tune "Velvet". Although, it's worth noting "Velvet" hasn't been released as a proper single. Check out the videos for both cuts below, and because we're so generous, we posted a download a high quality MP3 of "Dominos".

A Brief History of Love will be released 9/22 on 4AD Records

Update: Yep, It has leaked. I'll post it here in 24 hours or so.

Download - The Big Pink "Dominos"

New Pearl Jam Video, "The Fixer"

2009-08-24T14:02:00.009-04:00

So I imagine this is the video, which is directed by Cameron Crowe(really cool if you ask me, but not surprising given the long friendship shared betweenn the filmmaker and band) that will air in shorter, probably 30 second segments as a commercial for the new album(out September 22). Luckily for us, Pearl Jam are still maintaining a sense of artistic integrity and control over their music and image, and not churning out anything like this abomination, *shutter*.

I mean, they're on the eve of releasing their ninth studio album and they still look like your average, everyday dudes you could see walking down the street. They're not dressing up in goofy civil war uniforms or anything *cough*Coldplay*cough*. I guess I'm just not a fan of theatrics. Some bands can pull it off, others not so much.

Also tagged on is song off the forthcoming album, called "Supersonic". I'd say I'm digging it even more so then the single, which is still slowly growing on me.

Possibly a new Radiohead EP called "Wall Of Ice" is out on Monday

2009-08-14T19:42:00.014-04:00

Edit: Nope, no new EP. Radiohead did release "These Twisted Words" through their official site, though. One new Radiohead tune is better than nothing.

A week or two ago, Radiohead made for purchase a brand new song "Harry Patch(In Memory Of)". You can you read about that song right here via the BBC. "Harry Patch" isn't really a great representation of Radiohead as band but still enjoyable as a whole.

Moving on, Radiohead have always been a pretty cryptic band, especially when it comes to releasing new music to the proverbial feeding frenzy that is their ever growing fanbase. Even their artwork can be dissected, examined, and totally appreciated any way you see fit(thank you Stanley Donwood).

It wasn't only a few days ago though, another new song appeared online almost literally out of nowhere. The tune is called "These Are My Twisted Words" and, it's really good. Very krautrockish Now everyone's goin' batshit crazy saying "Twisted Words" is set to appear on a possibly new Radiohead EP, to be released to the masses on Monday, August 17th. All signs indicate to this to be true, so fingers crossed. Until Monday arrives, here new Radiohead goodness to tide you over. One of which("Twisted Words") reportedly appears on that new EP. Enjoy.

"Harry Patch(In Memory Of)"

"These Are My Twisted Words"

Moby Grape

2009-08-08T14:05:00.007-04:00

Moby Grape are a terrific folk/rock/psychedelic band that was primarily active during the 60's to the early 70's. Although they released five albums, it's the eponymous 1967 debut that's almost always referred to as their "classic", or "essential" album.

My ears were first introduced to Moby Grape through the solo work of frontman Skip Spence. More specifically, through Greg Dulli's cover of Spence's solo cut, "Dixie Peach Promenade(Yin For Yang)". Dulli recorded that song for a Skip Spence tribute record, back in 1999 when he and The Afghan Whigs were still together. Long story short, I loved Dulli's rendition of the song so much, it resulted in me digging up Skip's solo work, and thus discovering, Moby Grape.

This album, for my money, is one of the best records of the 60's, and is an often overlooked classic. Also, it's worth mentioning that Cat Power covered the song "Naked, If I Want To" for her 2000 release The Covers Record. So on that note, here's the self-titled debut album by Moby Grape, and Gregg Dulli's rendition of Skip Spence's "Dixie Peach Promenade(Yin For Yang)".

Download - Moby Grape "Moby Grape"

Download - Greg Dulli "Dixie Peach Promenade(Yin For Yang)"

Edgar Wright Confirms Jason Schwartzmen's Role in "Scott Pilgrim"

2009-08-08T13:56:00.003-04:00

Say Hi To Your Mother For Me, Okay? It's The Trailer For Peter Jackson's "The Lovely Bones"

2009-08-05T03:08:00.009-04:00

Warning: I'm about to fall asleep. I haven't read this book, but I hear it's supposed to be pretty good. I think Oprah probably liked it. Ryan Gosling dropped out something like three days before shooting, and the best they could get was Mark Walhberg. Ouch. Some scenes look like a little too Charlie And The Chocolate Factory for me, but we'll see.

The Album That Never Truly Was (or quite possibly never will be)

2009-08-01T13:07:00.011-04:00

You'll recall a couple of months back, that whole Dark Night Of The Soul record(Danger Mouse/Sparklehorse with a butt-load of terrific collaborators) that never was, yes? Shitcanned at the very last moment by EMI based on some legal disputes, yadda, yadda, yadda. Yeah, its a super bummer indeed to not be able to own a proper, physical copy, but it is what it is is, ya know? Doesn't that seem to only increase the desirability factor? I suppose we'll just gonna have to wait for twenty-years down the line when some higher-up at EMI decides "Oh shit, we could totally cash-in by officially releasing this bad boy, now". Not only do the guests come out to sing on the record, but all of them helped in the production of the individual songs they contributed vocals to.

So until recently the only version out there on the web has been a crappy 160 kbps rip. That's far less then CD quality folks. Really, it's embarrassingly terrible. That's like listening to your favorite record through toilet-paper roll. I ain't havin' it. No anymore. You can breathe a sigh of relief. For I've found a high-quality 320 kbps rip(near CD quality) from an official promo copy of the album.

I've checked out E-Bay and it turns out there vinyl pressings of the guest-heavy Danger Mouse/Sparklehorse/David Lynch collaboration album floating around. Whether or not these things are legit is unknown to me, but if they are... damn. It'd be a fine addition to any record collection. They're going for the upwards price of $60, $70. Which isn't too bad if you think about how much they'll probably be fetching a few years down the line.

A couple of the standout tracks are "Just War" featuring Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals fame, "Jaykub" featuring Jason Lytle(former frontman for Grandaddy), "Insane Lullaby" featuring James Mercer aka The Shins frontman, and "Star Eyes" which features, yes, David Lynch. The only two songs where the album seems to trip over itself are the Frank Black and Iggy Pop tunes. That can easily be forgiven and overlooked based solely on the quality of the rest of the album.

That said, take this record and run folks. I have a sneaking suspicion it might end up on many year-end lists, it is just that good. As noted on the official website, Danger Mouse is “hugely proud” of the album and “hopes that people lucky enough to hear the music, by whatever means, are as excited as he is.”

(Download - Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse Present Dark Night Of The Soul)

Jarvis Cocker "Complicates" Things On Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

2009-07-31T12:10:00.006-04:00

Jarvis Cocker appeared on Jimmy Fallon last night and brought the title track from his second solo album, Further Complications, which was released earlier this year. Complications as an album is definitely that of a grower; as I find myself liking it more now then I ever expected. Repeated listens, folks. Don't judge a record on a the first listen, ever. Or you run the risk of painting yourself in a corner. Foot in your mouth. Egg on your face.

Cocker does make great albums. And what I mean is, he makes terrific pieces of music that are best listened to as one cohesive listen, front to back. As is the case with Further Complications. So check out what is a stellar performance on Jimmy Fallon; Jarvis doesn't feel the need to hold back in front of audiences who are in all likelihood not as familiar with his solo career, Pulp, and and that whole Michael Jackson controversy of 1996.

Morphine "Yes"

2009-07-31T01:18:00.007-04:00

Where do I being with the band Morphine? A band that's so difficult to put into words, but so easy to fall in love with. Well, this album is entitled Yes. It's the trio's third album, originally released in 1995 on Rykodisc(that means it came in the green tinted jewel case, if you knew that you can give yourself a pat on the back). I remember first hearing Morphine (as is the case with a lot of bands from that era for me) on MTV’s 120 Minutes. I did choose this album, in particular because it was the first Morphine album I'd heard(age 16) so for obvious reasons it's very near and dear to me.

I can in all honestly say that for me Yes represents Morphine as a whole. Although it can be debated that their first two albums are as equally engaging and classic, if not more. It was Yes that absolutely floored me. To be that young, and I'd never heard anything quite like it before. From that point on and I had to hunt down everything I could find by them. If there ever was such a thing as blues-pop-rock-jazz outfit, Morphine would fit that description to a 'T'. Frontman Mark Sandman's vocals are best described as somewhere between Stephin Merrit of The Magnetic Fields, and Leonard Cohen(and Nick Cave comparison might not be too far off, either).

In 1999, at the age of 46 Mark Sandman died of a heart-attack. By that point in the band's career they'd released two more full-lengths and built a pretty huge fanbase. If I remember correctly they were set to play what is now The Fillmore in Detroit only a couple of months before Mark Sandman had passed away.

(Download - Morphine "Yes")

Trailer For Wes Anderson's "The Fantastic Mr. Fox"

2009-07-30T17:38:00.008-04:00

Alright, I gotta be honest here folks, this trailer is sort of disappointing. Only because I can't tell if this film just looks "blah" or if it just has a terrible trailer. Every time I hear George Clooney's voice I think of Danny Ocean. Regardless, I'm gonna see it, but I do think it's gonna be a difficult film to market come Fall when it's released. That said, I do think some commercial success for Wes Anderson is well overdue.

Unlike something like Spike Jonze's Where The Wild Things Are film which is already building great word-of-mouth based on the trailer alone(and it's features a terrific Arcade Fire song, to boot). I feel it's easy to compare the two films because 1.)they're both based on classic children's books 2.)they're both released this Fall, and 3.)they're both being helmed by left-of-the-norm directors.

It is worth mentioning that Jarvis Cocker(former Pulp frontman) will providing a music for the film. Which is great because a Jarvis Cocker/Wes Anderson already seems like such a painfully obvious collaboration. That said, the trailer is worth taking a look at and feel free to leave some feedback.

Watch The Entire Series Of Spaced Online

2009-07-29T01:40:00.010-04:00

Both seasons(14 half-hour episodes) of Edgar Wright's brilliant television show Spaced are available to view online for free in their entirety. All you have to do is scroll down below. Wright has recently completed filming in Toronto on Scott Pilgrim vs. The World , which stars Michael Cera, Kieran Culkin, Jason Schwartzman, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead(of Death Proof fame).

The Scott Pilgrim soundtrack, which is being curated by Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, will likely be pretty terrific. So far word has gotten out that Beck, Cornelious, Broken Social Scene, Sloan, and Metric, all have a hand in it. So if Scott Pilgrim vs. The World isn't on your radar yet, it certainly should be now. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is slated to hit theaters next Summer. Don't act all shocked when the buzz for this film starts a buildin'.

Sorry about the lack of updates....

2009-07-17T12:44:00.003-04:00

...you guys deserve better, but it is it what it is. I've been quite busy with work and life and general, but I haven't abandoned you! You know these things, they come in spurts.

But anyways, Jim James, Conor Oburst, M. Ward, and Mike Mogis(whom you may or may not be familiar with, but he's a producer from Nebraska, most know for his work with Bright Eyes, M. Ward, and She & Him) have formed the collective supergroup, wait for it... Monsters Of Folk. The four long-time musicians have crossed many a paths over the years, and while doing so have slowly chipped away at what is now their self-titled debut album.

The collection of songs is slated for a September 22nd release in North America. But you can get your first taste of the Monsters Of Folk right here, and the the tune is called "Say Please". Which in all fairness is more of a classic rock type song, as opposed to what I'd describe as folk.

All you have to do is say the magic word. No really, go the website and and type "please" for a free MP3.

Red Band Trailer For Judd Apatow's "Funny People", Now With 100% More Wilco

2009-07-08T18:51:00.008-04:00

Comedian mogul Judd Apatow releases his third writer/directorial effort "Funny People" later this month. So far, the man is two for two, so the odds are in his favor. This trailer, which now has me officially sold on the film, features the classic Wilco cut "Nothingsevergonnastandinmyway(again)", off 1999's equally classic Summerteeth album.

The film's official score is done by fellow "Funny People" cast member Jason Schwartzman, who is obviously no stranger to music composition. Also, it's worth a mention that the film's final run time is a rumored two hours and twenty-six minutes. Whoa.

You can check out the R-rated trailer here.

And I recommend checking out a very cool Q&A with Judd right here.

Trailer: Patton Oswalt in "Big Fan"

2009-07-07T13:26:00.005-04:00

Patton Oswalt, for my money, is one of the funniest comedians out there today. And short of voicing the rat in Pixar's uber-popular Ratatouille, and the founding the Comedians of Comedy tours, Patton has never reached that level of recognition I always thought he deserved.

Hopefully that will change with the film Big Fan, which is the directorial debut by the writer of last year's The Wrestler, Robert Siegel. The film centers around a lonely inept New York Giants fan in his mid-thirites played by Oswalt, and how he deals after he's beaten up by his favorite player. Sound like a comedy? A little, but not so much. Big Fan also co-stars the criminally underrated Kevin Corrigan. The film opens in limited release August 28.

Bob Dylan Handpicks Beck To Cover "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat "

2009-07-07T12:42:00.005-04:00

I'm thinking that maybe it's time, we at Rebirth start highlighting some individual songs. And we can't think of a better way to do that then to bring a terrific cover song to the table.

There are a lot of benefit/compilation albums that get released every year, and pretty forgettable more often then not. Luckily we live in the digital age, so we can easily sift through all the bullshit songs and find the real gems. For instance, this year there is the War Child Heroes comp. Now, the entire compilation features a lot of high-profile musicians picking their favorite music artists or groups to cover their songs. Luckily, Bob Dylan is who he is, and had the smarts to hand pick Beck to cover one of his tunes. And when Dylan comes to you, asking to cover one of his songs, you do not say no.

So here we have a terrific song; it's Beck covering Bob Dylan's "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat" which can originally be found on 1966's Blonde on Blonde. Beck does a terrific job of making the song completely own, while still maintaining that electric/Dylan-esque gallop found in the original.

Download - Beck "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat (Bob Dylan Cover)"

Three Songs From The Flamings Lips Forthcoming Double Album, "Embryonic"

2009-07-05T14:21:00.005-04:00

Yep, this Fall the Flaming Lips are set to release their their 12th album. And it has been confirmed that the follow-up to 2006's At War With The Mystics, will be a double album(!!!) and is entitled Embryonic. While Embryonic wont be out until this Fall, a purchase of tickets to any of the band's shows this Summer will get you a download containing three songs off the forthcoming double LP.

So of course, I'm here once again to cut out the middle-man for you, and deliver the goods myself. Here is our first taste of new Lips music in a couple years(not counting last year's Christmas On Mars, of course). Like almost every Lips record to date, they find new directions to head in and new territory to cover in a way only The Flaming Lips can. The three songs contained here are pretty solid, but it'll be really interesting to see how they hold up in the context of the entire record.

So give 'em a listen and let us know what you think.

(Download - The Flaming Lips "Songs From The Future Album Embryonic")

Music From The Motion Picture 'Sunshine'

2009-07-04T20:02:00.004-04:00

2007 saw the released of a criminally overlooked film, director Danny Boyle's brilliant sci-fi/Stanely Kubrick-laden effort, Sunshine.

The film's soundtrack, not unlike most Danny Boyle ventures, is a unique one. It's mostly a joint-effort between electronic band Underworld and film composer John Murphy. Both artists have a history with Boyle, as Underworld was featured prominently in Trainspotting, A Life Less Ordinary, and The Beach. While John Murphy composed the scores to 28 Days Later and Millions. Also contained on the soundtrack to Sunshine, is one choice cut from the English band I Am Kloot.

So that said, there's a bit of history to the soundtrack of Sunshine. While the film itself was released in 2007(to generally positive reviews but bombed in the States), its accompanying soundtrack never saw a proper release due to "unspecified legal reasons". There were also many official sources who would go on to say the soundtrack wouldn't ever get a proper release. The only thing fans like myself could track down was a fan-made bootleg of the soundtrack entirely composed of the film's music ripped straight from the DVD. That was until recently.

In November of 2008, whatever legal issues there were, they were finally resolved and the film's soundtrack was officially released digitally, exclusively through iTunes. I'm sure that Danny Boyle becoming a household name with Slumdog Millionaire didn't hurt matters either, maybe lighting a fire under someone's ass.

And by the way folks, the film is suspenseful, intelligent, and thought-provoking, so you haven't seen Sunshine, I suggest you get on it and Netflix that shit. Like, now.

(Download - Music From The Motion Picture Sunshine)

Five Records in Five Days: Day 5

2009-06-26T16:27:00.004-04:00

Editors Note: Sorry this is such a short testimonial, but believe it or not, I do have a life. I'm actually shocked I posted the five in five days. You guys rock.

Alright, looks like we've arrived at day five. This is the debut album by husband/wife duo Dean & Britta(2007), Back Numbers. Dean Wareham is more well know for fronting his former band Luna, of which Britta played bass. In 2005 when the members of Luna called decided to call it a day, the duo starting writing and recording songs under their own likeness. These songs would go on to form an EP, and eventually Back Numbers.

That said, I can easily say this is an album that lands in my top ten of 2007, if not top five. So I'd say that's grounds enough to at least give it a listen.

(Download - Dean & Britta "Back Numbers")

Five Records in Five Days: Day 4

2009-06-25T15:18:00.003-04:00

Here's another one from the vaults. A stone cold classic. It's The Feelies debut album Crazy Rhythms.

Yes, I have shared this album with you maybe a year or so ago, so why am I revisiting it? Why's this a big deal? Well, the difference here is that this is a full blow high quality CD rip(320kpbs MP3s) of their classic debut, and that's a difficult thing to track down.

The Feelies debut, originally released in 1980, has been out of print since the early 90s. This September will see The Feelies revisit Crazy Rhythms, performing the brilliant album in it's entirety at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival. We can all collectively hope that this possibly means a proper, maybe even, deluxe reissue of what is a full-on classic gem.

(Download - The Feelies "Crazy Rhythms")

"You Never Know" With Wilco and Conan

2009-06-25T14:00:00.003-04:00

Last night Wilco pulled on through The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien to perform a cut off their new album, Wilco (The Album), which is out on Tuesday. The new record has a very much uptempo-vibe going it for it, retaining very much the pop elements in their earlier Summerteeth-days, while still sounding like a natural progression of their last effort, 2007's Sky Blue Sky.

Five Records in Five Days: Day 3

2009-06-24T13:16:00.003-04:00

I want to switch things up for you, and bring to the table and older cut. Not much of a testimonial is needed for this one, folks. It's the Jesus and Mary Chain.

While their debut album, 85's Psychocandy is the album often herald as their "classic"(and by all accounts, Psychocandy truly is a landmark record), I gotta say my favorite JAMC record would be their third full-length, 1989's Automatic. Their first four records are pretty terrific, in my opinion. And even their post-Honey's Dead(1992) material is arguably fairly decent.

Automatic consists solely of the two Reid brothers(the two core-members of the JAMC), their guitars, a synthesizer, and a drum machine. It's twelve songs, that when combined make for a dark party-type atmosphere. By all accounts the Jesus and Mary Chain are a pop band, and out of all their albums, Automatic would probably be the most poppy, and dare I say, upbeat of the bunch. No that that's saying a whole lot because, well... it is the Jesus and Mary Chain.

Since I couldn't find a proper video from the album on YouTube, here's the Pixies covering a song found on Automatic, the terrific "Head On".

(Download - The Jesus and Mary Chain "Automatic")

Five Records in Five Days: Day 1

2009-06-22T14:22:00.011-04:00

Editors note: I'm going to attempt to post a new album every day this week for the next five days, Monday through Friday.

I'm always a little reluctant when it comes to checking out a band or record with any sort of massive hype surrounding it, and rightfully so. It's not because I don't want to buy into any hype, in fear of looking like I'm hopping on the latest musical bandwagon. That's not the case at all. You do that and it's musical suicide, and like it or not you run the risk of missing a lot great music. Needless to say there have been a few occasions where I've landed my foot in mouth. The reality of the situation is that you're kinda setting yourself up for the possible let down and disappointment.

Enough of the jibba-jabba. This brings us to the much hyped debut LP from The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. Released earlier this year to much acclaim, I've finally gotten around to checking out there self-titled debut, and it doesn't disappoint. I probably shouldn't even tell you that Pitchfork absolutely loves these guys. And I probably shouldn't mention that they hail from New York, too. Have I lost you yet? Hope not.

Anywho, these guys(and girl) are in fact a very talented group of cats, who write insanely catchy pop songs. While they are very much a modern day band, their tunes often reflect elements of Ride, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Echo and the Bunnymen. Some have even cited The Smiths as an influence, but I've never been a fan of the Moz and Johnny Marr, so I have no real basis for comparison. We'll save that for another day, shall we?

So on that note, here's the debut LP by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, in full 320kbps MP3 quality. A few choice cuts include the tunes "Young Adult Friction" and "The Tenure Itch". Check out the video below for a preview. Enjoy, and hopefully we'll see you tomorrow.

(Download - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart)

Happy Father's Day! It's the Trailer For 'World's Greatest Dad'

2009-06-21T13:17:00.005-04:00

Okay, I know I have been leaving you guys hanging as far as the music goes lately. But these things, they come in spurts. I promise you some good tunes later this week though. As I've been sitting a few really great records these passed couple of weeks and I'm quite excited to share them with you.

Until then, here's the new trailer for what might be the first Robin Williams film in a long while that's actually held any potential. It's a dark comedy entitled World's Greatest Dad and is written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait. The film's screened a few times on the festival circuit and has received some pretty glowing reviews so far.

"I love the smell of weed mixed with Axe body spray"

2009-06-21T13:11:00.003-04:00

Will Arnett('Arrested Development') & Pete Serafinowicz ('Shaun of the Dead')

2009-06-16T14:12:00.002-04:00

Great To See You Feat. Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Peter Serafinowicz and Sarah Alexander from Will Arnett

300 People Just Got Paid As "Extras" To Watch Pearl Jam Play New Music

2009-06-01T01:56:00.007-04:00

...at least according to the folks at Stereogum. I've also heard mentions of a documentary on the band being filmed by Cameron Crowe, which wouldn't be surprising at all.

Also Pearl Jam will be be performing tonight, presumably a new song, on Conan O'Brien's inaugural episode of the Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien. Now new album announcement has been made I can only imagine it's probably on the horizon.

The band also recently did a reissue of of their debut Ten, and you can check out an interesting EPK right here.

"Man Vs. Wild" Exists Simply As A Vehicle For Bear Grylls To Drink His Own Urine On Television

2009-05-31T12:30:00.002-04:00

New EELS album

2009-05-28T12:33:00.010-04:00

I don't want this post to be removed or taken down, so I'll avoid any any sort red flags like mentioning the album's title, songs, and whatnot. Been waiting for this record for a long time, hope it doesn't suck, but odds are it'll still be better then 95% of the crap out there. The album is labeled as being "12 Songs of Desire", something I'm sure we can all relate to in some shape or form. Sounds like a far cry from the themes explored on the last Eels record, Blinking Lights And Other Revelations. We'll see what that's all about.

Mark Oliver Everett is a lyrical genius. This is definitely an album that's been on my radar for quite some time now, as the Eels and I share a very long and personal history together. It is only at 160kbps quality-wise, but that's what leaked so that's I give you today. If you like it, buy it. You can pre-order the album in CD or vinyl formats via the Eels' official site.

Click on the album's artwork and the let the rest do itself. Cheers.

Definitely One of the Better Videos Floating Around. Love Keith Olbermann

2009-05-27T00:55:00.002-04:00

R.I.P Jay Bennett, November 15, 1963 - May 24, 2009

2009-05-26T02:13:00.010-04:00

Former Wilco member Jay Bennett passed away in his sleep last Saturday night at the age of 45. Not sure why, but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. Ironicly enough, Bennett was in the midst of suing Wilco over royalties owed.

Summerteeth is the second of three Wilco albums to feature Bennett as full-fledged member(This is post 96's Being There, and pre 02's Yankee Hotel Foxtrot). That said, I think Summerteeth is the Wilco record that bares the biggest Jay Bennett "stamp", considering most of the album was co-written between him and Jeff Tweedy. It is in my eyes a classic record, from front to back.

We'll miss you Jay. You've made some damn find contributions to a couple of our of all-time favorite records. Love you, man.

To download the respective album in MP3 click on the LP's artwork

Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse Present: Dark Night of the Soul

2009-05-16T02:35:00.003-04:00

Earlier yesterday morning it was announced that the album Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse's Dark Night Of The Soul album would no longer be released. I'm going to save myself time and just redirect you here for a back story on the album why it's been put on "indefinite hiatus". You can also stream the full album there, too.

From my perspective this is pretty bad news, but for all you it basically means you have permission to download the album illegally.

Here's a a link to a sub-par MP3 (160kpbs) format. To give you some perspective, that's the same quality Radiohead initially released In Rainbows during the whole pay-what-you-want thing, so it is definitely listenable. I've check out the first two songs and so far it's pretty fantastic. Enjoy.

Tracklist:

01. "Revenge" (featuring The Flaming Lips)
02. "Just War" (featuring Gruff Rhys of The Super Furry Animals)
03. "Jaykub" (featuring Jason Lytle of Grandaddy)
04. "Little Girl" (featuring Julian Casablancas of The Strokes)
05. "Angel's Harp" (featuring Black Francis)
06. "Pain" (featuring Iggy Pop)
07. "Star Eyes (I Can't Catch It)" (featuring David Lynch and James Mercer of The Shins)
08. "Everytime I'm With You" (featuring Jason Lytle of Grandaddy)
09. "Insane Lullaby" (featuring James Mercer of The Shins
10. "Daddy's Gone" (featuring Nina Persson of The Cardigans)
11. "The Man Who Played God" (featuring Suzanne Vega)
12. "Grim Augury" (featuring Vic Chesnutt)
13. "Dark Night Of The Soul" (featuring David Lynch and Vic Chesnutt)

Download - Dark Night Of The Soul

Attention 'Garden State' And 'Juno' Fans, I Got Yer' New Favorite Movie Right Here

2009-05-15T14:12:00.004-04:00

Away We Go stars The Office's John Krasinski, and former SNL alum Maya Rudolph(who's the daughter of Minnie Riperton and is now expecting her second child with There Will Be Blood, Boogie Nights, and Punch Drunk Love director Paul Thomas Anderson).

The Nick Drake-esque song featured in the trailer is called "All Of My Days" and it's by Scottish singer/songwriter Alexi Murdoch.

The film itself is directed by Sam Mendes who recently directed American Beauty, Road To Perdition, Jarhead and most recently last year's Revolutionary Road.

Away We Go hits theaters this June.

File This Under "Most Anticipated Albums of 2009"

2009-05-13T14:19:00.008-04:00

It's been a solid two years since Wilco released their terrific LP Sky Blue Sky. Tweedy and company return with their new album, Wilco(The Album). Yep, that's records proper title. If you're a follower of the band you know they've officially debuted two songs off the follow-up to Sky Blue Sky, "Wilco(the song)" which they premiered last October on The Colbert Report(you can check that out right here). And then there's "One Wing" which made its official debut at last Summer's Lollapalooza. The new LP, which also features a duet between Jeff Tweedy and Feist on the song "You and I", hits stores June 30.

Wilco, as per usual, will be hitting the Summer touring circuit so go check them if and while you can. The band is pretty well known for bringing top notch opening acts on tour as well, be it Yo La Tango, Andrew Bird, Bill Callahan, or Fleet Foxes. Start making your Summer plans now, folks.

Download - Wilco(The Album)

David Letterman Likens Animal Collective To Wallpaper

2009-05-08T13:43:00.004-04:00

Music From The Motion Picture "Trees Lounge"

2009-05-07T21:37:00.007-04:00

Trees Lounge is Steve Buscemi's directorial debut that he also wrote and stars in. A film that hardly made a blip on the cinematic map when it was released in 1996. The filmed gained mainly positive reviews when it played the festival circuit and art house theaters, but beyond that never panned out.

The film's premise is about mid-thirties character played by Steve Buscemi, who is forced to reassess his life after his girlfriend of eight years breaks up with him. It also stars Chloe Sevigny, Seymour Cassel, and Anthony LaPaglia. Much of the film takes place at the town's dive bar of which, you guess it, is called Trees Lounge.

Enter the film's terrific soundtrack, much of which are songs originally housed in the bar's jukebox. These include classic songs by Brenda Lee, The Inkspots, and bringing us full circle, Hayden; who sings the soundtracks title cut(You remember him from a few days ago, don't you?).

If you haven't seen Trees Lounge I recommend you Netflix that shit. You can actually check out a short video of Steve Buscemi explaining the idea behind Trees Lounge right here.

(Download - Music From The Motion Picture "Trees Lounge")

Track listing:

1. "You Always Hurt the One You Love" Brenda Lee
2. "I Never Had a Dream Come True" The Ink Spots
3. "I've Been Hurt" Bill Deal
4. "That Woman's Got Me Drinking" Shane MacGowan & the Popes
5. "Tellin' the Dice How to Roll" Patrick Tuzzolino
6. "Mudslide" Craig Ross
7. "Korea/Career" (Dialogue by Steve Buscemi and Bronson Dudley)
8. "Break It to Me Gently" Brenda Lee
9. "I Don't Know Enough About You" The Mills Brothers
10. "I Understand (Just How You Feel)" The Ink Spots
11. "Trees Lounge" Hayden
12. "Tommy Blues" Evan Lurie
13. "Color of Your Eyes" Eszter Balint & Smokey Hormel

Vincent Gallo in Francis Ford Coppola's "Tetro"

2009-05-06T01:12:00.007-04:00

Looks like it could be pretty great. The film, which is written and directed by Coppola, is due out June 11.

Because We'd All Rather Live in Canada Anyways, It's Hayden.

2009-05-04T20:50:00.008-04:00

Here's a very personal album for me because it will always harken back to the Summer of 2002, more specifically a certain Summer day. It was doing a lot of driving that day and this an album that I had on repeat much of the afternoon and evening. It's actually a bit more complicated than that, but I digress.

That shouldn't be any cause for you to not give this album a proper listen. It's Canada's very own folk singer/songwriter Hayden, and his 2002 album Skyscraper National Park. "Skyscraper" is arguably best album in the entire(and already quite solid) Hayden cannon. I recently put this album back into full rotation as of late, and like a fine wine has aged gracefully. Need even more convincing? Upon the LP's release it received almost universally positive reviews from Popmatters, Allmusic, and Pitchfork.

Just click on the album's artwork for some instant gratification. The video below is what I'd guess you'd call the album's "single", but it's hardly radio friendly material by any stretch of the imagination. That's not to say it's not a terrific song. Because, ya' know, it is.

Lack of Posts....

2009-04-28T15:53:00.002-04:00

We have not abandoned you, this much I promise! I've just been suffering from a terrible case of writers block(is there really any other kind?). Maybe it's just lack of inspiration? I don't know for sure, but I just gotta shake this stale frame of mind. Regardless, I refuse to half-ass Rebirth of the Cool. If I'm not feeling it, I'm not going to post anything that I can't 100% get behind. I refuse to "phone it in". You the reader, deserve much better then that; us just posting material just for the sake of posting it, won't cut it. So I will return, as early as tonight, as late as... I dunno. But for those of you who care, our readers, we thank you for staying with.

Much Love Always,
Rebirth of the Cool.

Easily One of My Favorite Records of 2009, So Far.

2009-04-19T14:02:00.004-04:00

And the record I speak of is Bill Callahan's latest LP, Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle. Bill has almost always worked as a solo artist in the past, but Eagle is only his second full-length under his real name. Over the past 15 plus years, Bill has released albums under the moniker Smog, or sometimes (Smog).

Released only last week, I promise you Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle is as beautiful and heartbreaking of a record you will hear all year. At the risk of sounding redundant I'll just leave it at that and hope curiosity will get the best of you. Just give that link below a little click.

(Download - Bill Callahan Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle)

Red Red Meat

2009-04-18T02:47:00.007-04:00

Sub Pop has bestowed upon us well deserved deluxe edition of Red Red Meat's Classic 1995 album Bunny Gets Paid. The deluxe editions comes with a bonus disco of B-sides, outtakes, demos and so forth. The album sounds more relevant today than ever, so if you haven't had the opportunity to hear this gem of an album, I highly recommend it. Just click on the album cover and your ready-set-go.

John was asked to name his favorite American artist. He replied, "Nilsson". Paul was then asked to name his. He replied, "Nilsson".

2009-04-11T23:25:00.009-04:00

Harry Nilsson has a lot of great material, there's absolutely no way around it. But these two albums, 1971's Nilsson Schmilsson and 1972's Son of Schmilsson, were the first of Harry's I'd ever fell absolutely head-over-heals in love with. And to this day they still floor me with every listen.

Unfortunately, the man himself passed away in 1994. As of right now, and there is a documentary about Harry that's currently sitting in limbo. It screened back in 2006 at a few film festivals, but still hasn't received any sort of proper theatrical/DVD release. The trailer does make it look like your run-of-the-mill documentary where a bunch of musicians and friends talk about how great some artist is or was. You can view that trailer here. Based on his music alone I'd probably choose to read a written biography of some sort, had I the option. But I digress.

Here they are in high quality 320 MP3s(just the original albums remastered albums). Just click on the respective album's cover for the download.

Mike Judge Returns With 'Extract'

2009-04-08T23:42:00.003-04:00

Mike Judge, the man behind Office Space and Idiocracy has a new film coming out in this Summer. Hopefully it wont end up on the straigh-to-DVD route like the underrated Idiocracy did back in 2006.

What Extract does have going for it is Jason Batemen, Mila Kunis, Kristen Wiig and host of others. Unfortunately the trailer doesn't make the film look that spectacular and tends to underwhelm. But Judge does get the benefit of the doubt due to his films just don't convey well in trailer form. Do check it out, as the movie will probably be worth checking out come September 4.

Billy Corgan Is Not Very Self-Aware. At All.

2009-04-06T20:09:00.007-04:00

Is there anyone there that wants to hold an intervention with Billy Corgan? Takers? Anybody? Because he's on a kamikaze mission to destroy himself and any last shred of dignity he may or may not have.

I'm not a Pumpkins fan, never have been, and in all likelihood, I probably never will be. But it pains me inside to see a musician, who I did at one point actually admire and respect, take the one-way ticket to crazyville. I mean, can we all agree, that seems to be where Mr. Corgan is headed?

Nobody wants to even associate themselves with you, Billy. You've completely lost your way and as a result forced everyone out of your band, and become(have always been?) a self-absorbed, narcissistic, passive aggressive douche. There, I said it.

The proverbial plane that is the Smashing Pumpkins has crashed into the mountain. Congratulations Billy, your legacy is officially tainted. You're off the artistic roll-call.

XOXO
~Rebirth of the Cool