Song of the Week

In a summer devoid of great jams, it is nice to know that JT can still spin gold.  Sounding more like the summer of 1994, "Not A Bad Thing" could have cozied right up next to SWV, TLC, and Boyz II Men.  Check out a live performance on Fallon.  Feeling left out by not catching his current 20/20 Experience Tour.

Several Things

(The Antlers)

• The D Man, Rip, and Rizzo enjoyed The Antlers late-night atmospherics at the Urban Lounge. The set was heavy with tracks from this year's Familiars, with some choice cuts from Burst Apart and Hospice.  Two take-aways.  First, Peter Silberman carries the vocal torch with aplomb; his falsetto is full and unforced, and his lower register shines.  Second, multi-instrumentalist Darbi Cicci was impressive, and his work on the lead trumpet throughout the set was superb, if not the highlight of the entire show.

• Mark Kozelek released the excellent Live at Biko, recorded in Milan on April 6th.  The set primarily features tracks from Benji, Perils from the Sea, and the Desertshore album.  Check out set-opener "Gustavo" and the finest song ever about that girl from the short bus, "Micheline." The album is worth picking up just for Koz's in-between song banter.

• Read a metaphysical discussion of graffiti as it relates to the Kurt Vile mural in Philly.  It is worth your time.
• Ryan Adams is dropping a self-titled album in September.  Enjoy "Gimme Something Good."



• Lost in the Dream may be the best cycling-up-the-mountain music of all time.  Indeed, The D Man may have proved that maxim over the July Fourth weekend.  Check out a live version of "Red Eyes" at the Primavera Festival.

• Bon Iver has a new song for Zach Braff's forthcoming film, Wish I Was Here.  Check out "Heavenly Father."
• Jack White still wants you to listen to him.  Check out the video for "Lazaretto."

• Twin Shadow will be starting off his Eclipse Tour at the Twilight Concert series.  Check out the new song "To The Top."

• Hamilton Leithauser  (the Walkmen frontman) has some solid tracks on his debut solo album.  Check out "11 O'Clock Friday Night" from Black Hours.