Initially a collaboration between producers Diplo (MIA, Santigold, Amanda Blank, Die Antwoord) and Switch (MIA, Santigold, Beyonce, Xtina), Major Lazer’s debut was the summer album of 2009. A dance album that blended reggae, dubstep, reggaton, and dancehall, Guns Don’t Kill People was an eclectic, refreshing, and quite frankly, fun album perfect for block parties, beach bonfires, and sweaty, sweaty clubs. Aside form the occasional remix EP, the duo has been rather silent since. Free the Universe (Secretly Canadian) breaks that […]
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The Carlton Shuffle, 4/20/13
We had a Carlton Shuffle in the works as per usual. But sitting here following nearly a full day’s worth of additional terror in the Boston area, it just didn’t feel right to go with our usual playlist. I thought about throwing together something a bit more meaningful, but time, energy, and thought evade me. It’s been a week of such intense emotion, trauma, and testing of our individual and collective spirit. From my vantage point, that spirit remains unbroken. […]
Mayer Hawthorne’s “Designer Drug”: The Singles Bar Review
Following an extensive tour in support of his excellent 2011 LP How Do You Do, Mayer Hawthorne has just unleashed his latest single. Similar to the stylistic leap between his first two albums, “Designer Drug” shows Hawthorne staying within his idiom of blue eyed soul, yet inching into new territory. It’s a solid strategy for maintaining your fanbase while not becoming artistically stagnant. This time around, Hawthorne has taken a left onto the dancefloor, serving up an irresistibly catchy tune […]
The Carlton Shuffle, 3/9/13
Here you go folks, your weekly dose of staff picks from the Popblerd team! Thanks for checking out the site this week – we appreciate it!
Note for Note: A Complete Guide to the Discography of New Order
Following the death of Ian Curtis, the remaining members of Joy Division decided to embark on an entirely new project, although it would take some time for the group to find its own voice. Formed in 1980, New Order augmented the trio of Sumner (guitar, vocals), Hook (bass), and Morris with keyboardist Gillian Gilbert (Morris’ then-girlfriend and now-wife). The band went on to have a fairly prolific career, although the stream of releases slowed significantly by the mid- 1990s, partially […]
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! Mardi Gras 2013
Happy Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras to you all! I am not a New Orleans native, but like millions of others, I’ve fallen in love with the allure of the Crescent City’s rich history and culture. I’ve never been to Mardi Gras, but from what I gather it’s much more of a tourist affair than a local one (at least in the French Quarter). Even so, Mardi Gras gives us an opportunity to openly and proudly celebrate one of America’s […]
Popblerd’s Guide to New Orleans
Both Mardi Gras and the Superbowl are around the corner. And you know what that means…the city of New Orleans will be swarmed with both visitors and local residents. Heck, you might even be one of those people out there celebrating for whatever reason. But say you’re from out-of-town…don’t worry, we don’t bite (the reputation is right and we are a friendly bunch)…and you don’t know where to go or want tips on what to do. Maybe you even live […]
Popblerd’s Best of 2012: Gonzo’s Top 3 Albums / Shows
Dr. Gonzo’s picks for best album and concert of 2012
The Duque and Gonzo Cover Convo: “Merry Christmas, Baby”
Big Money couldn’t make this special holiday edition of the convo, but the good news is that our pal Mike Duquette from The Second Disc joined in for some yuletide cheer! – Gonzo: Well lets strap on some bells and get this sleigh rolling! Mike Duquette: What shall we be a-wassailing tonight? G: Last year, you joined us for a convo about Darlene Love’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” which has apparently been covered by everybody in the last 50 years. MD: There were a lot, as I recall. G: One of the […]
Torche, “Harmonslaught”: The Singles Bar
Put some (more) metal in your Monday! Torche previews their upcoming 2-song 7″ with “Harmonslaught.”
John Legend? Meet Quentin Tarantino: Check Out “Who Did That To You”
For his second soundtrack tune in a year, John Legend eases off of the champagne and gives us the gritty “Who Did That To You,” from the film “Django Unchained.”
Blerd Radio Volume Whatever, Episode 3: Roundball Soundoff Live! (AKA Ball Don’t Lie)
Big Money and GG are joined by Marc and Jay from the NY Knicks Podcast for an hour of basketball talk. Knicks, Lakers, Rasheed, Kobe…and the Pelicans!