For Those Who Sleep: 3 Great New Songs You May Have Missed This Week

You will need an Rdio account to completely listen to these songs. If you don't wanna sign in or register for access, enjoy the 30 second preview.

Torche - Kicking

If you like fuzzy, sludged out rock, this is for you. Hailing from the Sunshine State, this four piece are considered by some to be metal, but I just don't see it on their new release "Harmonicraft". It's pop with a lot of messy guitars. Sweet.

You might dig this if you like: Foo Fighters

Turnbull's Top 10 Albums of 2011

Tens of thousands of albums have been released this past year, so P&B are taking on the arduous task of breaking down our very own Top 10 Albums of 2011 List. This is the first of a 2-part series (Turnbull's first, with Paqman's to follow). We'll break down the albums, EPs, and mixtapes, etc, that made for quintessential listening throughout the year. If you don't see something on here that you feel should've made the lists, feel free to leave a comment or send us an email about it!

10) Theophilus London - Lovers Holiday

Amongst a couple of mixtapes, and a major label debut that I found somewhat disappointing, this 5-track EP captured the true essence of this debonnair Brooklyn MC/singer-songwriter, who sights Prince, Mike J, and The Smiths as his key influences.  London is a fashion savvy street rebel who struck gold with this short yet solid set of tracks.

P&B Approved Cuts: Strangelove, Wine & Chocolates

9) Bon Iver (s/t)

Truth be known, I didn't know what to make of this album when I first heard it, but it certainly has grown on me over time.  This record serves less as an album, and more as a collection of lush 'soundscapes' that conjure up the same feelings of isolation shown on Bon Iver's critically acclaimed debut album For Emma, Forever Ago.

P&B Approved Cuts: Perth, Holocene, Towers

Concert Experience Review - Black Star Shine Their Light On The Toronto Heads

"Watch the throne!" a dapper Mos Def proclaimed as he walked on stage, pointing out his partner in rhyme Talib Kweli and eventually bringing back the attention to himself. This was witnessed as "Intro" from the essential "Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star" sonically adorned their arrival. This was the kick off to possibly the tightest hip hop show that Toronto has seen this year. Maybe even the last few years.

Phonte Goes Solo, Takes Care Of His Business

(Photo via mixtapewall.com)

You may recognize the name. You may not. Phonte was a member of Little Brother, who were underground indie darlings (i.e. critical accolades, zero commercial success). The group consisted of MC Rapper Big Pooh, producer 9th Wonder and Phonte. 9th Wonder left the group in 07 citing creative differences. He went on to work with some heavy cats including Jay-Z, De La Soul and Sean Price. Pooh and Phonte unfortunately shut down Little Brother in 2010. One last bit on the now defunct group: the inspiration behind their name came from their influences and mentors. They considered groups like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul as their big brothers. They wanted to carry the movement to the next step so they called themselves Little Brother.

Friday Flashback - Nas-El-Matic Edition

Nas - "The World is Yours"

From one of the most important hip hip albums of the 90s, here is "The World is Yours" from the essential Illmatic by Nas.

The main reason why we decided to offer you this track as this week's Friday Flashback is because WE CAN'T STOP LISTENING TO THE ELZHI MIXTAPE/TRIBUTE TO NAS' IILMATIC!!!! If you don't know what we're talking about, check out Turnbull's post about Elzhi's Elmatic mixtape. This is arguably the best mixtape of 2011...even though we are only half way through the year. Get it. Now.

-Paqman 

Elzhi Spits Fire on Nas Tribute Mixtape. And it's Free.

If you're a fan of Nas' critically-acclaimed debut album Illmatic, you gotta cop this new mixtape by former Slum Village member Elzhi.

(photo via thatsdatkush.com)

It's available for a free download HERE.

Elzhi takes an already classic album, and adds his own Motor City-inspired perspective to it.  To take things up an level, he adds live instrumentation via live band Will Sessions, who have been quietly tearing up the Detroit music scene.

The story:



-Turnbull