Jun 28 2012

New Big Boi – “Gossip” (featuring UGK and Big K.R.I.T.)

November 13th is the date for Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, the new album from Outkast legend Big Boi, a short wait compared to what we had to endure before hearing his excellent solo debut a couple years ago, Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. Remember how awesome that album was? I surely do: “Shutterbug” was hands down my favorite track of 2010. And “Gossip,” the first leak from the new album, gives promising hints at a Dirty South-sized follow-up. Maybe we’ll see this player at the mother of all parties in November, Fun Fun Fun Fest? Don’t rule it out.


Dec 22 2010

My Top 300 Songs of the 2000s – 80-71

Today I continue my ongoing feature showcasing my personal picks for the best songs of the past decade, posting ten songs at a time.

80. The White Stripes – Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground

The opening track from White Blood Cells squeals to life, Jack White’s guitar screeching into a staple new-blues riff before Meg pounds in and all hell breaks loose.  For many, it would be the first we would hear from this Detroit duo, and first impressions have a lasting impact.  Jack and Meg needn’t worry – they certainly got our attention.

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Apr 20 2010

My Top 300 Songs of the 2000s – 270 – 261

Today I continue my ongoing feature showcasing my personal picks for the best songs of the past decade, posting ten songs at a time.

270. The Shins – New Slang

I heard all the brouhaha about Garden State and the hype surrounding this band, but I didn’t actually see the film until I met my good friend Kim in college.  I believe it is still one of her favorite movies, and it is one that I enjoyed immensely, though I haven’t watched it since.  I managed to get my hands on a copy of Oh, Inverted World back in high school, and, honestly, I didn’t really get it.  Sure, the songs were pretty and soft, but I was initially bored.  And dumb.  It took repeated listens and a few years for me to appreciate it; what a brilliant little debut from a band that would, along with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, probably be the first in the new indie-Internet age to become too popular too quick.

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