Glen Campbell - A Better Place

I don't really know much about Glen Campbell, except that he's been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and what Frank Sinatra thought of him (not much), but i thought the video for his song "A Better Place," which Campbell feels is the closing bookend to his career was interesting.  And yes, that is Queens of The Stone Age front man Josh Homme as the bartender.  Watch below.

Charli XCX - Heartbreaks and Earthquakes: The Mixtape

I haven't really fallen into London pop star Charli XCX's fan camp yet, but i'm always a fan of mixtapes (the absence of studio people, financial worry, and legal brew-ha-ha seems to evoke an atmosphere conducive to stellar creativity...pop stars included).  And "Heartbreaks and Earthquakes" is an enjoyable movie-themed mixtape.  Download it for free here, and listen below.

The Alchemist & Danny Brown & Schoolboy Q

Check out this excellent new jam from The Alchemist featuring the always delightful rapping of Danny Brown and Schoolboy Q.  Listen to "Flight Confirmation" below.

Shadow Shadow

Shadow Shadow is a new band from Sweden.  "Riviera" is their first song from an album due sometime in the future.  Think synth love songs played during the pinnacle scene from your older sister's favorite movie (we're 80's kids), but that you actually secretly like too.  Looking forward to some future output.  Listen below.

Beck at Third Man

With rumors abounding and circulating that Radiohead are doing a collaboration with Jack White (after dropping a hint of such at the band's Bonnaroo performance), the most likely product would be a 7" single on the excellent Blue Series.  While we all wait in nervous anticipation, take a listen to the A-side from May's Beck single, "I Just Started Hating Some People Today."  Bluesy, country punk!  Get it at Third Man Records.

Father John Misty

Okay, so maybe i disregarded the wonderful new album from former Fleet Foxes drummer J. Tillman, now recording under the moniker of Father John Misty because i was kind of done with the whole reverby-Appalachian-Beach Boys thing.  And maybe that's kind of snobby of me.  And maybe i just didn't realize that the "Fear Fun" LP is great foray into different styles of Americana and pop folk music, almost akin to the classic "Pacific Ocean Blue" album from former Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson.  The parallels are not lost on me.  Neither is the fact that the album is really good.  So there you have it.  I was wrong and shortsighted.  I can admit that.  Listen to "Nancy From Now On" below and grab the album from Sub Pop.

Holy Other

Holy Other is responsible for some of the best darkwave electro-jams out there.  In August, the debut full-length "Held" comes out from Tri-Angle.  This is total winter time music, but since some of my friends are getting snow where they're at right now (bastards), we'll take a gander.  Listen to "Love Some1" below and wallow in the moodiness of it all.

Frank Ocean

Odd Future's resident crooner Frank Ocean will be releasing his "Code Orange" LP later in the year.  Currently, you can check out the first cut from that album, "Pyramids," below.  Anytime someone can win me over with some R&B, it's testament to their talent.  (Rarely do i approve or concede to modern R&B music.  What can i say?  I'm kind of a snob.)

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti & Dam Funk

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti are readying their new album for a fall release, but in the meantime, take a listen to the sexy rendition of Donnie and Joe Emerson's "Baby" recorded with Dam Funk.  It's a slow jam for the ages.

Beta Frontiers

Get your proverbial analog-synthesizer rocks off with the latest jams from Toronto's Beta Frontiers.  Their self-titled EP is available here, but listen to "Defcon" below, and then watch the awesome lo-fi video for "Oceana" after that.  It's like entering the world of "Tron."