Radiohead - Lift

Thom Yorke in an elevator.

Radiohead - Man Of War

So apparently this was recorded during the OK Computer setups and just didn't make the album. Which would make it about 20 years ago. It's a bit crazy to think how well an unreleased b-side has held up over time. Heads of the radio indeed.

Radiohead - The Numbers

Dang, it's been a while. Again. I've got an excuse this time. Computer went kaput. Good news is I've got a new one. And it's way faster. That means greater productivity, right?

Here's Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood in live action.

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

Radiohead - Weird Fishes

Let's get weird.

Mike Masse and Jeff Hull - Paranoid Android

Definitely the best cover of this difficult song that I've come across.

Obadiah Parker - Hey Ya

...and speaking of covers, remember this one? Ya, you do, cause it's awesome, almost better than the original. They also did a great cover of Radiohead's "Idioteque" that's well worth checking out. Let's just enjoy this one again, just because. To be honest I'm not sure if these guys even make music anymore. I hope they do.

See you tomorrow, with part one of the Best of 2013. 

Radiohead - Reckoner

Let's do some weird versions of great tracks. If you haven't heard this one yet, you are in for a treat. This is a fantastic remix done by Adam Cathart (where did he go?) a few years back. There were a couple other standout mixes, but this one was particularly memorable.

Radiohead - A Wolf At The Door

Gotta love the animation on this one. Yet another track coming right up!

Atoms For Peace - Ingenue

While we're on the topic of side projects, here's Thom Yorke's wacky experimental group, and really this track wouldn't sound out of place on a Radiohead album. Nice moves, Thom.

Regina Spektor - No Surprises

Might as well keep this going. How about this Radiohead cover?

Dam Mantle - Not A Word

I thought I'd already posted this one, but apparently not. Some minimal goodness here, and below, at long last, some bonus beats!

BONUS BEATS!

Gregory Porter - 1960 What? [Opolopo Remix]

Aloe Blacc - Loving You Is Killing Me [Mano Le Tough Remix]

Radiohead - Little By Little [Caribou Remix]

Best of 2011 Part 7

This is it! We made it! This year is over, and these are my top albums of the year. I hope you were entertained, maybe found a new artist you didn't know, and will join me again in 2012 for many more great tunes as the blog enters its third year. Now hurry up and check this, then go enjoy your evening!

#3

Radiohead

The King Of Limbs

We waited for years after their last album and finally "Lotus Flower", followed by a further seven tracks of Radiohead genius. Sure, it might not have been their greatest album ever, but it was still awesome and was easily good enough to make it near the top of the charts even if it did feel a little abruptly truncated. I'm pretty sure we won't have to wait as long for the next one. I hope not anyway.

At this point I think everyone in the world has heard of these guys, and if not they're probably beyond help. I don't think this would be the album to win over too many new fans, per se, as it's basically just another minor evolution of their expansive electronic ideas that they've explored since their landmark album "Kid A". Either you're into this stuff or you aren't, and if you're not you should be, because this is the best band in the world. End of story.

Codex

Morning Mr. Magpie

Little By Little

#2

Bon Iver

Bon Iver

I have to admit I wasn't really into Justin Vernon's deput LP, but this one had me captivated as soon as I heard the first single "Calgary", one of the best songs of the year. Actually there are several songs in this album that would be in the running for that title.

Most impressively, this album has taken the same haunting lyrical songwriting style but added layers and layers and layers of sounds, all blending into one masterful musical painting that will have you in fits over its utter majesty. Just check out the live performance below and see the amazing collection of multi-instrumentalists that have been put together and you'll know what a special album this is. He even drafted a certain Colin Stetson to help out a little on the saxomophone. Say no more.

Perth

Holocene

Towers

#1

SBTRKT

SBTRKT

I had a good laugh when Pitchfork described Aaron Jerome as a "journeyman". Talk about being wide of the mark. Anyone who was into progressive electronic music even a bit would have known him before this album came out, and there was a ton of anticipation for his debut LP. To say he delivered would be an equally derisive understatement.

This album not only has my favorite song of the year, "Wildfire", but also ten other absolutely killer tracks that bridge the gaps between house, dubstep, and everything in between. The mixes are perfect, the vocals are seamless, and what we have here is an introduction into the future of electronic music. The bar has been set very, very high indeed. Enjoy.

Wildfire

Trials Of The Past

Pharoahs

EP #1

Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes

Does anyone else find it interesting that the last three albums on this list all were self-titled albums? I think it just ties in with the overall theme of the year, one of experimentation and introduction to new sounds. All of these artists will, I'm positive, go on to even bigger and better things so it's extremely exciting to introduce you to Alabama Shakes, hands down the most exciting newcomers of the year. I posted a stunning live performance a week or so ago, and here are the other three songs on the EP you should be getting your hands on pronto.

I Found You

Hold On

On Your Way

Happy new year!

Bryan Raydio - Brittle / Palindrone

I'm back! Mooooahahahahaha! What's a couple months between blogs? Anyway things have been busy and I really wanted to focus on getting some tunes done, but now the blog will return, and it will be crazier than ever. I've decided to expand my posting repertoire and add all the nutty videos I usually reserve for Facebook or Twitter posts, as well as any cool images I come accross. There will be a bit of revision to the page over the next few days, but for now, here's a couple of original tracks that are fully complete, pending two more sound checks on big systems.

The first track is called "Brittle", and it's one that actually started in May of 2009. This was originally a remix offshoot of it, but eventually it became the central track and more than two years and 115 edits later, I've had enough and I'm calling it done. It has a bit of a middle eastern feel to it which you'll hear in the percussion and sitar, and it will be the title track off an upcoming 3-track EP that I should have finished some time this month. You can't download it yet, but here's a full-length preview.

This second track is called "Palindrone". It started in August of 2009 and it is a conceptual re-interpretation of the main theme of Radiohead's "Everything In Its Right Place", but no samples were taken from that track. The name is a result of it's palindromic construction and it's somewhat droning nature. Any similarities to Sarah Palin are purely coincidental and unintentional, though she does tend to drone on... and on... and on... Anyway this won't ever be on an official release so it's a free download for friends and followers. Have at 'er.

Back tomorrow with stuff stuff stuff.

Radiohead - Staircase

Hot off the press! This is new Radiohead from their upcoming "From The Basement" session. The last one was awesome, so I expect this new effort to be just as good. The song is a bit trippy, subtle rather than epic, but a really cool chill out tune. They've even brought in another drummer on the pads to give them a little extra depth. Good stuff, I'll take more please.

This is worth a look too for Radiohead fans.

Dillon Anthony - Exit Music (For A Film)

So yesterday it was a wonderful sunny warm day, and today we are covered in snow. This is just plain ridiculous. Thankfully I am leaving for Cuba in five days, and with a little luck will return to grass and more reasonable weather.

This is mi amigo Dillon Anthony, a tremendously talented musician, covering a great Radiohead tune. It features the pedal steel, which sounds awesome in this track. Brilliant. Check it out. Oh and I finally did a little mini-mix, so I'm posting that too. You can find the tracklist on my Soundcloud page.

Dillon Anthony - Exit Music (For A Film)

BONUS MIX!

DJ B-Ray - March 31 House Mix

SCIENCE MATTERS

DNA Molecules Can Teleport

This is just nuts...

New Behavior Of Exotic Antimatter Observed

...and this is even nuttier.

Jordan Battles To Regain Priceless Artifacts

The country, not Michael.

Virophage Discovered In Antarctic Lake

A virus that eats viruses. Cool.

Whale And Dolphin Death Toll In Gulf Much Higher Than Reported

Not surprised, at all.

POLITICS SUCKS

Canada Watches Its Democracy Erode

A biting assessment by an Australian teaching in Canada.

Rick Mercer Tells The Youth To Vote

Might be worth seeing if this might actually work.

China To Overtake US In Science Within Two Years

Note to Americans: wake up already!

Americans Rise Up Against Wall Street

Ya! Like these guys!

JUST FOR LAUGHS

Dubstep Experts Speak

A little too long maybe, but still worth a laugh.

WEIRD OR WHAT

Eight Million Dog Mummies Found In Egypt

Craaaaaazy.

Houston County Fire Station Burns Down

What are the odds?

Man Stuck In Chair For Two Years Dies

What a bizarre story...

New Company Gives You A Facebook Girlfriend

This is just sad.

SIMPLY AWESOME

Simpsons House In Real Life

Amazing. I wonder if there's a pancake on the ceiling.

Radiohead - Lotus Flower

I've taken a week off to recover from... well... nothing in particular? Maybe just to recharge the blog's batteries. So here goes.

Today is a big day for new music. Radiohead has released their new album "The King Of Limbs" a day early, and I have it. I haven't listened to it yet, and in fact haven't even listened to the single I'm about to post, but since this is one of my favourite bands, I am confident that it will be awesome.

Hey Rosetta! played at the Market last night here in Freddy Beach, and by all accounts they put on a great show. I just got their new album today, and am listening to it right now. It's good. Get it. It's called "Seeds". I dare say there is a hint of old Radiohead in some of the tracks.

Scientists Of Sound rocket the Capital last night, and although they had some technical difficulties, I gather it was a good performance nonetheless. I got a copy of the new EP "Wealth And Hellness" and was honored to be able to play the album for the first time in public anywhere. It's really good. Get it.

Now enjoy this stellar new Radiohead track that I've never heard, the cool tech-house remix of a Groove Armada classic, and enjoy all the crazy links. See ya tomorrow.

BONUS BEATS!

Groove Armada - Superstylin' [Ant Brooks Re-Edit]

STUFF YOU SHOULD SEE

Carl Sagan - Pale Blue Dot

A little perspective for ya.

The Scale Of The Universe

And a little more.

SCIENCE MATTERS

The Secret Life Of Chaos

A very interesting one hour documentary.

The Energy Future Of New Brunswick

According to CCNB.

Thought-Controlled Bionic Arm Unveiled

Cyborgs are on the way folks.

New Cancer X-Ray Blasting Tumors In UK

Exciting technological advancement.

Francis Crick Was On LSD

Fear and Loathing on the DNA Trail '53.

POLITICS SUCKS

Fox News Busted Editing Ron Paul Video

Faux News fails again.

Censored 2008 Ron Paul 20/20 Interview

Worth a watch. He's got some good ideas.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

The Terminator - Bollywood Style

I have no idea what they're saying, but it's hilarious.

Simon's Cat - Cat Man Do

For the cat lovers out there. Check out the others.

Jorge Rivera vs Michael Bisping Interview

Jorge you beauty.

Rémi Gaillard's Tour De France

Dangerously hilarious. Check out his other stuff too.

Charlie Sheen Says Being Sober Is Boring

Maybe he should try curling.

Mark Ronson - Just

Well it's official, I'm going to UFC 129 in Toronto. Awesome. I've been before but this one, I feel, will be special. Particularly since I haven't been back to Toronto in ages. Well, not much to do now but bask in the glory of mountains of snow with a cool glass of my favourite fluoride-free Fredericton tap water while listening to Mark Ronson's brilliant cover of a Radiohead classic. Have a good one.

Mark Ronson - Just

SCIENCE MATTERS

Diet Soda And Salty Foods Are Real Bad

Just in case you were ignorant to the obvious.

Looking At Your Body Reduces Pain

Drop the pills, use the force.

Chocolate Rich In Antioxidants

So great. I'm eating some tonight!

POLITICS SUCKS

Liberals Oppose Bill S-10

Another victory for common sense. Well done Liberals.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

Star Wars Car Commercial

Car ads usually really suck, so here's a funny one.

WEIRD OR WHAT

Blanket Octopus Spotted Off Florida Keys

Whoa. That is one weird looking octopus.

The Head-Shaving Helmet

Um, I think I'll stick to my razor thanks.

Man Uses Stolen Identity For 50 Years

I bet Elvis is still out there somewhere.

An Internet Just For Robots

Counting down to Mr. Data, or the Terminator?

Meat-Eating Furniture

This is getting ridiculous.

SIMPLY AWESOME

Teeny Little Super Guy

Thanks Ashley for posting this blast from the past.

Thom Yorke - Airbag

The blog is back to save the universe. Apologies for missing yesterday. These things happen. You might remember Thom Yorke from such songs as "Paranoid Android", "There, There", and "You Never Wash Up After Yourself". If you don't, you probably listen to country music or Crack Dyed Cheese, and for that I'm sorry. I haven't time to blather on about the greatness of this performer, so I'll just let you figure it out for yourself.

STUFF YOU SHOULD SEE

Jack LaLanne's Greatest Stunts

Farewell to the Juiceman.

The Floating Piano

Brings new meaning to the term piano bar.

The World Is Sinking

The fake one, that is.

SCIENCE MATTERS

Broccoli Beats Cancer

Best eaten raw, or lightly steamed.

Custom Prosthetic Legs

Where's the one that kicks record field goals?

JUST FOR LAUGHS

Epic Meat Salad

Now that's what I call a salad.

Radiohead - The National Anthem

When I said that Alice In Chains were arguably my favourite band, I of course meant after Radiohead, and probably Tool, and maybe Pearl Jam... it's really damn hard to pick. Really though, Radiohead is probably number one for me.

The combination of lead singer Thom Yorke and ridiculous guitar-slash-keyboard-slash-computer-slash-freakin'-everything performer Jonny Greenwood is something no other band in the world can boast. To think that these guys were all in the same place at the same time and got along well enough to do what they do is really something of a miracle in itself. When "Creep" came along way back in 1993 it had one hit wonder written all over it. Could it have been more wrong?

I don't think the new albums get better, because since "The Bends" they've all been spectacular, but each one seems to break through new musical boundaries that no one else has been able to do with such panache. I saw them live in Montreal at Parc Des Iles in 2001 and they opened with this song. You can imagine my excitement.

This is where I end, and you begin... until tomorrow.

Easy Star All-Stars - Let Down

You've all heard or seen them, some loathe them, some love them, some want to be them. Cover bands. Because some songs are just so good, you have to hear them over and over and over again, done by as many different people as humanly possible...

I am not a fan of the cover band, as it were, but I do appreciate the art of reproducing the exceptional work of another with a twist. Adding that little something to it making it different, fresh, and most importantly able to stand on its own as a quality track, is a tricky task. The acoustic rendition, the metal manipulation, and the re-re-remix all have a place in the world, provided they're done well. There's not much worse than a really bad cover.

Luckily today we have a good cover. The Easy Star All-Stars have done three albums covering songs by Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and The Beatles. Not every song has been a resounding success, but this reggae interpretation is spot on. Radiohead is probably my all-time favorite band and I love the original, but I think I might actually enjoy this version a little more.

It's as if it was meant to be reggae all along.