Keepaway - “Cake” //

Our pals in Keepaway just leaked a dope new track from their upcoming LP Black Flute. Download it now and look out for the album release on Greedhead in January.

-MW

10 for 2010- WHERE ARE THEY NOW? //

It’s only appropriate for us to tell you how right we were when we made our predictions for bands to watch in 2010. So before we tell you who’s going to kill it in 2011, let us reflect… and GLOAT!

The above chart from NextBigSound.com shows how artists trend online through fan counts, song plays and comments. With almost 15 million fans, Drake was our best prediction followed by Local Natives, Fanfarlo and Screaming Females. Read below for a synopsis of each band/artists awesome year and please leave a comment and tell us that we told you so!

#1 Hank and Cupcakes- Hank and Cupcakes have a special place in our hearts.They are helped us celebrate our 1 year anniversary at the Glasslands last week. If you’ve ignored our affinity for them in the past year, its your loss! Check out pictures from our 1 Year Anniversary last week here.

#2 Local Natives- One of 2010’s most anticipated bands made themselves one of 2010’s most celebrated albums. Gorilla Manor made countless Top Albums of 2010 lists across the web including here at MV, and other reputable sources like Paste Magazine. We definitely told you so!

#3 Fanfarlo- These SXSW Veterans had a very Hollywood 2010 with multiple late night TV appearances and their songs were featured in movies like The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and Going the Distance.

#4 Zach Deputy- Releasing a few new singles in 2010, Zach Deputy, continues to delight his fans and acquire new ones. Touring extensively in the first half of 2011, fans lit up the dance floor on Jam Cruise this week.

#5 Neon Indian- Neon Indian took off like a rocket this year after releasing, Psychic Chasms on Lefse Records also the home of Keepaway.  After receiving tons of love from every important music publication out there and of course all the NYC and Brooklyn locals he took the show on the road and even made an appearance on in February of 2010, on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  

#6 Drake- This artist blew up so big that they had to cancel his free show on the Seaport in NYC this summer because the crowds got so big they were blocking traffic and the city was afraid for the public’s safety. You saw him perform with Jay-Z and Eminem even before he had dropped his first LP.  Pretty good for a guy who then had no label and only a mix tape out.  Although, everyone tapped Drake as someone to have major success in 2010 I don’t think anyone knew how big he’s actually be. Most recently he has collaborated with top artists like Rhianna and Nicki Minaj.

#7 Angus and Julia Stone- Another band making our Top Albums of 2010

#8 Stryk Nine- For 5+ years, these guys have been rockin the Boston area and beyond and 2011 was no exception. It was a big year for the “Boston Metalcore” group who just released their new single, The Life I Want. Highlights of the year include a shows with The Misfits, Soulfly and Powerman 5000 and the boys kick-off 2011 with a tour down south. Love metal? Show your support by “liking” them on Facebook… because we told you last year!

#9 Screaming Females- The Screaming Females have had a great 2010.  They played the MOG music CMJ party with DOM and Yo La Tengo to a packed house at Brooklyn Bowl this year as well as Siren Fest on Coney Island this summer. Buzz has been building and anyone who can rip guitar and write lyrics like that deserves praise and attention.  They started in New Jersey’s basement underground with two mini albums, Baby Teeth, 2007 and What If Someone Was Watching Their TV, which has since been reissued.  After signing with Don Giovanni Records they released their first official LP, Power Move.  2010 saw the release of Castle Talk, by far the groups strongest and most polished album. If you’re a true rocker you will fall in love with this album. We predict that Screaming Females will have a killer year in 2011 too and that Castle Talk will become a classic.  We already consider it as a favorite in our archive.

#10 Keepaway- Babystyle made our Top Albums of 2010, you didn’t see that coming?

MV’s Top Albums of 2010 // #30-21

With this post we are now more than half way through our list of our favorite 50 albums in 2010.  As an added bonus we have an upcoming nifty little list of honorable mentions for you to feast on.  As we mentioned before this is not a ranked list it is just a list in no particular order of albums that got a lot of headphone and speaker time with us in 2010.  Above you can enjoy some tracks with video accompaniment from each album.

30.  My Gold Mask-1000 Voices

 This duo hailing from Chicago is proof that you don’t need a big band to create a full rich sound. If you don’t believe us believe the EP and if you don’t believe that see them live.

29. Keepaway-Babystyle

Brooklyn locals, Keepaway made our list of 10 for 2010 in the beginning of the year and so far they have lived up to the nomination with stellar reviews from Pitchfork and Fader, signing with Lefsee, recording and releasing a killer EP and even opening for Yeasayer on Governors Island last month.

28. Gayngs - Relayted

Surprisingly this album didn’t get much love even with a superstar cast like Bon Iver, Solid Gold, Ryan Olson and rapper P.O.S to name a few.   But we are here to give it all the loving it needs and so should you.

27. Oberhofer - ooo0000ooo00

Brad Oberhofer is one of those rare gems that we have come across.  This album if you can call it that, it was never formally released (he won’t even call it that) was recorded in his mothers basement while he was still in high school.  He plays all the instruments and sings all vocals.  If it sounds this good in a basement recording studio imagine what the future holds.

26. Phanotogram-Eyelid movie

Released in February, Eyelid Movie has been a constant on our playlists.  The album is complete and flows perfectly from one song to the next.  It’s easy to listen to all the way through time and time again. They were featured in BRM this year alongside our local favorites Hank & Cupcakes.

25. Frightened Rabbit-The Winter of Mixed Drinks

If Midnight Organ Fight ever made one of your lists then Winter of Mixed Drinks is sure to do the same thing. Yes, the album circles around heartbreak and drinking yourself out of heartbreak and having sex with strangers to ignore heartbreak, but still, another great album from a great band.

24. Janelle Monae - Archandroid

We are suckers for albums that have a story to tell from one track to the next.  Like Kid A and Tommy, Janelle Monae’s, Archandroid has also captivated us.

23. Gorillaz- Plastic Beach

Everyone’s favorite cartoon band came back in action right where they left off with an impressive album full of great cameo appearances from stars including Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Lou Reed, De La Soul and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

22. Crime in Stereo - I was Trying to Describe You To Somone

The fourth studio album from the Long Island based melodic hardcore band.  It’s a surprising and ambitious follow up to their last  release Is Dead and definitely turned some heads over here.

21. Gonjasufi - A Sufi and A Killer

You may remember him from a cameo appearance on the Flying Lotus album Los Angeles. It’s fitting since his new album sounds much like a Flying Lotus style ambient jam with Gonjasufi’s lifting, spooky vocals intertwined throughout.

Keepaway - Zoo Too (feat. Das Racist) //

Our good friends Keepaway dropped their free EP KOMPETITOR today and it is hot and ready for you to play the shit out of it this weekend.  Check out the track featuring Das Racist above, then download the whole thing at Keepaway.bandcamp.com for the price of one email address.  And if you really like it, start investing in the band’s next full length album at Kickstarter.

-MW

Earlier this week, Das Racist dropped their new mixtape, Sit Down, Man (the natural follow-up to Shut Up, Dude). And last night at Santos Party House, they brought their friends and collaborators together for an epic release party.  My MV partner in crime Jess and I showed up early for the open vodka bar that got the night off right.  There may have been a tornado in Brooklyn, but it was all good at Santos.

Mad Decent got the party going with a fast paced DJ set of old school hip hop.  The acts leading up to DR included the M.I.A.-inspired Tecla, our old friends Keepaway, and the energetic dance-pop of Maluca.

But it was all about the main event. Victor and Heems took their time getting to the stage, but once they did they quickly got things going with “Who’s That? Brooown!” from the old mixtape.

The stage got progressively more crowded as the set went on and they invited Keepaway’s Nick and Mike to stop dancing and pick up their instruments to help out on the song they produced, “Amazing.”

For the show’s finale there was so much happening on the stage, that I can’t actually tell you what song this is, but it didn’t matter.

-MW

Das Racist - NEW MUSIC - Sit Down, Man//

The new DR mixtape, Sit Down, Man, dropped today. Go get it cause it’s awesome.

They’ve got a cast of characters producing tracks with my favorites coming from Dash Speaks and Keepaway (posted). I’m expecting a deluge of ridiculous videos in the near future.

Hope you all enjoy it.

- JAK

2010 has been a great year for music so far. We Vagabonds were so excited about what we’ve been hearing that we wanted to share our favorite albums from the past seven months.  Some of the choices may be obvious, but we are hoping that the ones which aren’t turn you on to something new and exciting.  The advantage of having so many contributors is the depth and variety we can pull from and we believe this list is a shining example of our diverse musical tastes and perceptions.  We hope to excite you while broadening your musical horizons.  As always you input is more then welcome, snooty comments and all. So have at it!

-music from our ears. to yours. with love. The Vagabond Team

My Gold Mask-1000 Voices

This duo hailing from Chicago is proof that you don’t need a big band to create a full rich sound. If you don’t believe us believe the EP and if you don’t believe that see them live.

Keepaway-Babystyle

Brooklyn locals, Keepaway made our list of 10 for 2010 in the beginning of the year and so far they have lived up to the nomination with stellar reviews from Pitchfork and Fader, signing with Lefsee, recording and releasing a killer EP and even opening for Yeasayer on Governors Island last month.

Black Keys – Brothers

We are thrilled to see that everyone has finally caught on to the greatness that is The Black Keys.  If you keep up with us you know we have been long time supporters and are stoked to see that their latest album, Brothers is getting the attention it deserves when their other albums went generally ignored.

Sleigh Bells – Treats

This duo is a rock assault on pop music.  Mixing the screaming guitars and pounding beats of Derek Mileler with the classic pop voice and lyrics of Alexis Krauss to create a sound never heard before.

Erykah Badu - The New Amerykah part 2 (Return of the Ankh)

This is the Erykah we all have been missing.  Funky, quirky, catchy, but always with a valid point.  This album was everything we wanted it to be and more.  Welcome back Ms. Badu.

Gayngs - Relayted

Surprisingly this album didn’t get much love even with a superstar cast like Bon Iver, Solid Gold, Ryan Olson and rapper P.O.S to name a few.   But we are here to give it all the loving it needs and so should you.

The Morning Benders - Big Echo

They turned to Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear fame to produce their sophomore effort and the results speak for themselves. Much of the album has that great balance of upbeat yet mellow with sleepy guitars, soft drums and an unmatched depth of lyrics along with catchy rolling choruses.

Broken Bells - Broken Bells

All we have to say is Danger Mouse and James Mercer.  Get on this!

Oberhofer - ooo0000ooo00

Brad Oberhofer is one of those rare gems that we have come across.  This album if you can call it that, it was never formally released (he won’t even call it that) was recorded in his mothers basement while he was still in high school.  He plays all the instruments and sings all vocals.  If it sounds this good in a basement recording studio imagine what the future holds.

 Phanotogram-Eyelid movie

Released in February, Eyelid Movie has been a constant on our playlists.  The album is complete and flows perfectly from one song to the next.  It’s easy to listen to all the way through time and time again.

 Delorean- Subiza

Get your dancing shoes on.  This is the perfect mellow electro album to get you swaying in the summer sun from our boys in Barcelona.

The Roots- How I got over it

This album shines with collaborations featuring joint songs with The Monsters of Folk, Joanna Newsom and John Legend.  Each track is better than the next.  As usual we are impressed.

Frightened Rabbit-The Winter of Mixed Drinks

If Midnight Organ Fight ever made one of your lists then Winter of Mixed Drinks is sure to do the same thing.  Another great album from a great band.

Janelle Monae - Archandroid

We are suckers for albums that have a story to tell from one track to the next.  Like Kid A and Tommy, Janelle Monae’s, Archandroid has also captivated us.

Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

We have been telling you about this band over and over again.  We chose them for our 10 of 2010 list in the beginning of the year and we can’t wait to see them next month at Governors Island.  This album is full of memorable melodies, unforgettable hooks and strong rhythms.

Gorillaz- Plastic Beach

Everyone’s favorite cartoon band came back in action right where they left off with an impressive album full of great cameo appearances from stars including Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Lou Reed, De La Soul and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

Crime in Stereo - I was Trying to Describe You To Somone

The fourth studio album from the Long Island based melodic hardcore band.  It’s a surprising and ambitious follow up to their last  release Is Dead and definitely turned some heads over here.

Gonjasufi - A Sufi and A Killer

You may remember him from a cameo appearance on the Flying Lotus album Los Angeles. It’s fitting since his new album sounds much like a Flying Lotus style ambient jam with Gonjasufi’s lilting, spooky vocals intertwined throughout.

Bonobo - Black Sands

Although this album seems to reach back and take ideas from his previous three albums it’s still a good listen packed with richness and textures that you begin to appreciate more and more after each listen.  It’s a grower not a shower!

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - I Learned the Hard Way

We thought the last album was amazing this one blew us away.  Nothing but good things to say.  If you ever wish you were around during Motown’s golden age then you need to pick this up immediately.

Big K.R.I.T. - K.R.I.T. Wuz Here

This self released album has gotten this southern rapper tons of attention, especially in the blogesphere.  Pitchfork says, “K.R.I.T.’s ear is his biggest strength; as a producer, tracks like “Return of Forever” and “Country Shit” find him revitalizing the staid indie rap template with the 808s and swagger of Southern rap.”

Das Racist - Shut Up Dude

Some people hate “joke rap” we think its clever and entertaining.  You decide.  Plus if you’ve ever heard “Combination Pizza Hut Taco Bell” then we are sure you’re curious about what a full length album from these guys would sound like.

High On Fire - Snakes for the Divine

Oakland, California-based power trio released this album back in February.  On this album it is easy to hear the bands natural progression in to a faster, stronger, heavier band then in the past.  If this is your genre you need to know these guys.

Vampire Weekend - Contra

The Vagabond team is split on this album some of us love it and others don’t understand the hype.  However it seems that most critics are in love with it.  Thoughts?

 Joanna Newsom - Have One on Me

Joanna Newsom and her unique place in the world in between folk and indie rock music.

Caribou - Swim

In Dan Snaith’s own words, “dance music that sounds like it’s made out of water.”

 Beach House - Teen Dream

Ummm, have you heard this album? Enough said.

jj - jj n° 3

You know us Vagabonds have a soft spot for elctro-pop duos from Sweden.  This elusive duo is no different. 

 Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti - Before Today

A man known to hole up in a home recording studio and create hundreds of unreleased songs while only a few making it to public ears on mix tapes and EP’s. This was his first effort putting together a group of songs to be released and heard cohesively at one time and it’s no to shabby.

 Fang Island - Fang Island

This album is happy and inclusive.  Have a listen and let the good times roll.

 M.I.A. - /\/\/\Y/\

Although not received very well some of us Vagabonds stay true to our girl MIA. We get what she’s trying to do and it’s still danceable.  M.I.A for life!

Kurt Vile - Square Shells

His music eschews the electronic for the organic, which puts him at odds with much of what the hipsters are flocking to these days.  Square Shells is a great follow up to his last release Childish Prodigy.  Both are go-tos in our music library.

 Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma

Global bass music matriarch Mary Anne Hobbs recently told The Fader “Flying Lotus, for me, is like the Hendrix of his generation.  When speaking of his genre we are inclined to agree.

David Byrne & Fatboy Slim - Here Lies Love

Another concept album, yippie! Sharon Jones teams up with David Byrne and Fatboy Slim to tell the story of Imelda Marcos, former First Lady of the Philippines. The disco-y interpretation of her life is set to take to the theatrical stage in the future, but for now we can picture what it would have been like to live in Imelda’s shoes through Tori Amos, Cyndi Lauper, Sia, Florence Welsh (of Florence and the Machine) and Santigold.

 The National - High Violet

Most of us love The National some of us don’t.  If you’re an fan you are sure to love this album filled with sad songs, that deep unforgettable voice and the memorable brass and strings section to accompany it all.

 Jonsi - Go

the lead singer of Sigur Rós first solo effort with moving lyrics and a voice that could move angels to tears. 

 Yeasayer - Odd Blood

A favorite with all the Vagabonds, this album tracked perfectly a great listen from start to finish.  One of those bands that you’re sure can’t sound that on point live, until they do.

Dead Weather - Die By the Drop

Although not as impressive as their debut Horehound this album still kills it.  With Mosshart on lead vocal and White shredding in the back there is no way to go wrong.

Angus and Julia Stone - Down the Way

Another pick for our 10 for 2010 we fell in love with this album from the Oz brother and sister duo.  Her unique voice is enough to captivate audiances.