Music Tuesday: TV On The Radio “Nine Types of Light” film premiere and more
This week, the music world is practically groaning under the weight of so many new releases. There’s something for everyone, from Paul Simon to Animal Collective’s Panda Bear, Foo Fighters to Del McCoury and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (!). We can’t cover all the bases, but we can point you towards some good ones.
TV On The Radio curates and premieres the “Nine Types of Light” film
TV On The Radio are one of indie rock’s most idiosyncratic and, dare we say it, magnetic bands. Their constantly evolving sound and restless desire to push the envelope has made them an endlessly interesting act whose albums regularly top critics’ year-end lists. So it should be no surprise that their new release “Nine Types of Light” isn’t just an album -- it’s a film, too, featuring ten different directors and interspersed with man-on-the-street interviews conducted by lead singer Tunde Adebimpe himself. The full-length video LP premieres on YouTube today, along with Adebimpe’s singular playlist of his favorite videos, complete with a gently deranged introductory video that will have you at hello, if you’re weird like us.
So, there’s a little gathering in the desert this weekend. Perhaps you’ve heard of it? No, we don’t mean Burning Man. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has evolved from a low-budget, low-visibility gig into a must-play event on a level with SXSW. You might say it’s this country’s Glastonbury. And while the festival has always flown its flag for indie rock, hip-hop is starting to find a foothold. Case in point: Kanye’s headlining on Sunday. Check out what other hip-hop acts will be on offer this weekend.
Dengue Fever “Cannibal Courtship” album premiere
And, last but not least, we have a full album premiere this week from L.A.-based band Dengue Fever. Dengue Fever began life as cover band of sorts, filtering 1960s Cambodian rock through an indie rock lens with the help of the otherworldy, ethereal-voiced Cambodian vocalist Chhom Nimol (the band’s not-so-secret weapon). Over the course of four albums, the group has evolved from imitation to original songwriting, and at their best they marry the familiar with the foreign in wonderful ways. Part psychedelic rock, part punk, part Ethio-jazz -- now with vocal harmonies! -- the group’s sound can be a heady brew. Fast forward to “Uku” at 8:32 to hear their potential fully realized, or just savor it from start to finish.
TV On The Radio curates and premieres the “Nine Types of Light” film
TV On The Radio are one of indie rock’s most idiosyncratic and, dare we say it, magnetic bands. Their constantly evolving sound and restless desire to push the envelope has made them an endlessly interesting act whose albums regularly top critics’ year-end lists. So it should be no surprise that their new release “Nine Types of Light” isn’t just an album -- it’s a film, too, featuring ten different directors and interspersed with man-on-the-street interviews conducted by lead singer Tunde Adebimpe himself. The full-length video LP premieres on YouTube today, along with Adebimpe’s singular playlist of his favorite videos, complete with a gently deranged introductory video that will have you at hello, if you’re weird like us.
So, there’s a little gathering in the desert this weekend. Perhaps you’ve heard of it? No, we don’t mean Burning Man. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has evolved from a low-budget, low-visibility gig into a must-play event on a level with SXSW. You might say it’s this country’s Glastonbury. And while the festival has always flown its flag for indie rock, hip-hop is starting to find a foothold. Case in point: Kanye’s headlining on Sunday. Check out what other hip-hop acts will be on offer this weekend.
Dengue Fever “Cannibal Courtship” album premiere
And, last but not least, we have a full album premiere this week from L.A.-based band Dengue Fever. Dengue Fever began life as cover band of sorts, filtering 1960s Cambodian rock through an indie rock lens with the help of the otherworldy, ethereal-voiced Cambodian vocalist Chhom Nimol (the band’s not-so-secret weapon). Over the course of four albums, the group has evolved from imitation to original songwriting, and at their best they marry the familiar with the foreign in wonderful ways. Part psychedelic rock, part punk, part Ethio-jazz -- now with vocal harmonies! -- the group’s sound can be a heady brew. Fast forward to “Uku” at 8:32 to hear their potential fully realized, or just savor it from start to finish.