Month: February 2012

It’s Only Life

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James Mercer is making the rounds it seems, promoting the late March release of The Shins’ new album Port Of Morrow. He’s been hitting up different radio stations and such, playing acoustic versions of Shins classics, and new cuts from the album. I came across some pretty decent video/audio of Mercer performing a brand new song called “It’s Only Life” live in Hollywood at some 987FM event. Check the footage above. Also, listen to the official leak of “September,” the b-side to their first single “Simple Song,” below. It’s seriously incredible…

Can’t wait to hear this album in full. Later skaters.

Be Mine

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Alabama Shakes is a new band buzzing on the indie scene, and I like their style. Their lead singer, Brittany Howard, sounds like the female reincarnation of Joe Cocker. She’s got soul, for real. And the band’s soulful too, with hints of country, blues, and southern rock stylings that make for a unique, live sound reminiscent of The Black Crowes in their prime. I’m digging the live version of this song “Be Mine” (performed in studio at KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic) which I’m assuming is on their upcoming debut album Boys & Girls due out in April. Keep your eye out for this crew. They’re dope. And shout to all the lovers out their reppin’ hard for their partners. This is another Valentine’s Day weekend jam for you.

Alabama Shakes Official Website

A Case Of You

The Good Old Days

For all of you hopeless romantics out there celebrating Valentine’s Day weekend, this one is for you. James Blake covers Joni Mitchell’s classic Blue album cut “A Case of You” on his new Enough Thunder EP, and it is truly a beautiful rendition. Love the piano on this. Check the video above, featuring actress Rebecca Hall who you will recognize from Woody Allen’s Vicky Christina Barcelona. And below is a clip of Joni Mitchell playing “A Case Of You” live in London…

This post has a few family connections for me. First off, Blue is one of my Mom’s favorite albums, and I have great memories of listening to this with her on family car rides etc. Also, as my Mom pointed out when I sent this to her last night, many people say Rebecca Hall looks a lot like my sister Rebecca, which I think is a bit true (my sister’s prettier). And also, every time I listen to James Blake’s version, I think of my own wife, who I am forever falling in love with. Great song. Props to James Blake for doing it justice. LOVE.

Lin-sanity!

Sports

Jeremy Lin has been an unlikely hero for the Knicks this week. With Amar’e and Melo both out, and their record well below .500, Lin stepped in and took over, leading the Knicks to four straight victories with four extremely impressive 20 plus point performances (mad assists too), capped by last night’s 38 point effort against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. New York is literally in a frenzy over this Harvard alumnus, who came out of nowhere and took the NBA by storm. It’s Lin-credible! Here are his highlights from last night’s win against the Lakers…

We’ll have to see how Lin does when Amar’e and Melo get back, but this is a good sign for the Knicks. We finally found a point guard! And his game is Lin-sane!

*UPDATE*

Lin’s game-winner against the Raptors was unreal…

Subway Soul

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My dude kills Adele’s “Someone Like You” on the 86th Street subway platform in NYC. Absolutely murders it, vocals and drum only. Shout to the good folks at Complex Magazine for putting me on. And crack up below to some guy on the subway rapping along to Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Niggas In Paris” he’s off the hook! Major LOL!

Only in New York. Hollerrrr.