Tag Archives: 31 days of good 2012

2012, 31 days of good, music

(31) Days of Good: 12.20.12

December 20, 2012 Concrete Opinions Leave a comment

This six-piece from Charleston, South Carolina does a mighty fine job of channeling the Beach Boys (with a hint of the Ruby Suns mixed in). They have a great “vintage California sound” that always seems to brighten up my day.

♩The Explorers Club – Run Run Run [from Grand Hotel]
web//facebook//twitter//soundcloud//shows//iTunes

It’s been three years since Edward Droste and company released the critically acclaimed and fan friendly Veckatimest. This year the band released Shields, their fourth album. This album didn’t just meet my expectations, it exceeded them. “Half Gate” is easily one of my favorite Grizzly Bear tracks. Probably second favorite (after “Two Weeks”).

♩Grizzly Bear – Half Gate [from Shields]

web//facebook//twitter//soundcloud//shows//iTunes

The seventh solo album from one of the best guitarists in the biz today (and the “him” in She & Him)

♩M. Ward – Primitive Girl [from A Wasteland Companion]

web//facebook//twitter//soundcloud//shows//iTunes

Saint Motel are a Los Angeles four piece with a very fun and dynamic indie pop sound. This year’s Voyeur is their debut full-length.

♩Saint Motel – 1997 [from Voyeur]
web//facebook//twitter//soundcloud//shows//iTunes

Australian rockers Tame Impala released their second full length this year. This record was a surprise favorite of mine. I’m not a huge fan of classic rock and even less so of the classic rock inspired sounds being produced today. With that said, these guys have definitely lived up to the hype and I’m really happy I took a chance on them at Outside Lands this year.

♩Tame Impala – Why Won’t They Talk To Me? [from Lonerism]
web//facebook//twitter//soundcloud//shows//iTunes

2012, 31 days of good, music

(31) Days of Good: 12.19.12

December 19, 2012 Bfay Leave a comment

Part of the TDE crew of LA rappers including Schoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul continues in the ways of socially conscience rappers like Mos Def. Be sure to check out his side project Black Hippy with his TDE label mates, and frequent collaborations with the likes of A$AP Rocky and Childish Gambino.

♩Ab-Soul – Illuminate (feat. Kendrick Lamar) [from Control System]

facebook//twitter//iTunes

Life Is Good is Nas’ best album in some time featuring guest stars ranging from Rick Ross to Mary J. Blige. “A Queen’s Story” sounds as big as a film score with a string heavy beat under stories from the street.

♩Nas – A Queen’s Story [from Life Is Good]

web//facebook//twitter//soundcloud//shows//iTunes

El-P produced Killer Mike’s entire 2012 release R.A.P. Music, mixing the MC’s southern styling alongside El-P’s experimental production. This does not sound like Top 40 Hip-Hop and that is why we love it.

♩Killer Mike – Big Beast (feat. Bun B, T.I. & Trouble) [from R.A.P. Music]

web//facebook//twitter//soundcloud//shows//iTunes

Mixing house music and Hip-Hop, Banks has become arguably the best in a group of new female rappers to burst onto the scene in the past couple years. Banks is the real deal and could hold ground with any of her Harlem cohorts. She has been a muse of fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld and is currently in London working with Florence and The Machine producer, Paul Epworth.

♩Azealia Banks – 1991 (feat. Lazy Jay) [from 1991 EP]
web//facebook//twitter//soundcloud//shows//iTunes

2012, 31 days of good, music

(31) Days of Good: 12.18.12

December 18, 2012 Concrete Opinions Leave a comment

A rather eclectic day of good today, featuring Danish indie band Alcoholic Faith Mission; British alt-rock trio Animal Kingdom; Brooklyn indie folksters Here We Go Magic; Swedish punk outfit Holograms; producer, DJ, and electronic avant-pop artist Matthew Dear; and the Cincinnati indie rock group Pomegranates. Enjoy.