The month of January was named after the Roman goddess Janus who had two faces. Like the goddess, January is the month of the year when we both look back on the previous year that is over as well as ahead to the year coming up. I just posted my favorite releases for 2011 - here is a list of releases that I'm looking forward to in 2012. The Right Now - sophomore release (April 21st) - The Chicago R&B group The Right Now has had a pretty great run since their [...]
Since I just finished my Top 20 of 2010 , it has me looking towards 2011 and the releases that are rumored, speculated or actually announced. Here are some releases I'm looking forward to (in no particular order). The Second Dawes Album (May 2011) - I wrote an article about this release and speculation about what tracks are going to be on it . The first Dawes album- North Hills was released in 2009 and has had [...]
Welcome to the first Top List for It's Time to Play B-Sides . I've considered doing one of these lists every year since 2006, but never before have I had a year filled with as many really great albums that have compelled me to compile a year-end list. 2010 has been a pretty busy year for me as far as music has been concerned. Some fantastic concerts and events and some really interesting local (Eastern Iowa) releases have come out. This list represents releases that spent the most time on my playlist- in some cases I have had direct [...]
I'm really happy about the number of great new releases coming out this fall! One release that I've been waiting on for I think two years, is the new album from Iowa City's own Diplomats of Solid Sound ! I first heard songs that would make up What Goes Around Comes Around ( Record Kicks , October 28) back in August 2008 when they performed at KCCK's Jazz Under the Stars . In fact, I'm pretty sure I remember the title song from that show. In the shows I've seen since then, [...]
Rollo & Grady is heading to Austin later this week. Almost 2000 bands are participating this year at South By Southwest, and deciding which shows to attend can be overwhelming. After sampling roughly 1200 bands, we selected 200 bands to check out. Many of these artists we've covered in the past, but we've also discovered several new groups that we're excited to share with you. Tomorrow we're highlighting 23 artists that we feel will generate the biggest buzz at (and after) the festival. Adam Green (Myspace) [...]
(poster by Shelby Kelley ) Friday, March 19th, during SXSW in Austin, TX, at Peckerheads : MOKB Presents... PUMPS & A BUMP! Beach Fossils , Lemonade , Diplomats of Solid Sound , Holy Fuck , Burnt Ones , Jookabox , Andy D , Hollywood Holt [...]
Heavens, me. The Diplomettes Diplomats of Solid Sound - Trouble Me (mp3) Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - Keep On Looking (Kenny Dope Remix)(mp3) From Soulshaker, Vol. 5 , a recently released new deep funk compilation.
It was with surprise that I read the e-mail blast from Iowa City Yacht Club which said that New Beat Society was going to be playing a reunion show. I was also surprised to find out that Kathy Ruestow- one of the soul sirens from The Diplomettes was the vocalist for New Beat Society! The even more embarrassing part is that the whole-house mp3 player has been playing three mp3's from the band for a couple of years, now, and I never put it together that her very distinctive voice was in both bands... [...]
Okay, so as New Yorkers, we feel as though we are entitled to certain things. Walking fast. Ignoring crazy people. Jaywalking. Honking. And last but not least, complaining about the subway. For those of our readers not from the Big Apple, allow me to paint a quick picture of the New York City subway in [...]
Big ups to the UK's Record Kicks for giving us Iowa City's Diplomats Of Solid Sound . The Diplomats have a similar formula to their labelmates—and Ear Hole favorites—the New Mastersounds , but maybe with a little more grit. Hard drums, J.B.'s horn lines and nimble rhythm guitars bedrock these smart funk compositions, many topped with the golden female throats (c'mon, Google hits!) of the Diplomettes. Say it loud: I'm Iowan and proud. Diplomats of Solid Sound - B_a_b_y [...]
Music For Humans
Time to play b-sides
Rollo & Grady
My Old Kentucky Blog
The Smudge of Ashen Fluff
The Daily Rind
The Ear Hole
Rihanna Gets Nude For Nude
Craft Spells
Childish Gambino ft. Nipsey Hussle – Black Faces (Prod. by Boi1da) [Music]
Diplo Blow Your Head 12 MOOMBAHTON 2k12 MIX
Frida Hyvonen
