Music

253 posts

Artist SpotlightsMusic

Listen to Beirut Member Bright Moments’ Debut Album and Playlist

BrightMoments1

You may not know it, but you’ve already heard the music of Kelly Pratt, aka Bright Moments. Not only is the Kentucky native an active member of Beirut, but he’s also made musical contributions to bands like Coldplay, Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem, the Maccabees, Harlem Shakes, and Alexi Murdoch.

This week, Pratt releases his debut album under the Bright Moments moniker. Natives was recorded over many years, and features a multitude of influences from many genres, all of which Pratt picked during his years as a musician.

Want to know what kind of music makes Pratt tick? Listen to Natives and the Bright Moments-curated playlist while reading his Playlist Notes below for a good idea.

Playlist Notes

  • Roland Kirk Quartet - “Serenade To A Cuckoo”
    The name of my band Bright Moments comes from the album of the same name by Rahsaan Roland Kirk. He was one of jazz's most melodic improvisers and and an outrageous showman to boot.

  • Wu-Tang Clan - “Shame On A N*gga”
    I have probably listened to Enter The Wu-Tang more than any other album. This track features ODB (RIP) at his finest.

  • The Blow - “True Affection”
    So simple, and so gratifying. It's refreshing to hear a truly gifted singer who doesn't overdo it with the reverb.

  • Thelonious Monk & John Coltrane - "Nutty"
    Although short lived, the Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane yielded some very rich results. Coltrane thrived in this heady setting, developing his "sheets of sound" improvising style he would employ for several years to come.

  • Dolly Parton - “Little Sparrow”
    I had the great pleasure to see Dolly live last year and this song brought my friends and me to tears. Her voice has not faded a bit in the last 40 years.

  • Portishead - “Machine Gun”
    I saw Portishead over the summer and was blown away by their live performance. Beth Gibbons' vocals somehow managed to sound even better live than on record.

  • Colin Stetson - New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges
    I'm a sucker for solo saxophone recordings (really!). Colin has managed to redefine how the instrument is played and recorded.

  • The Luyas - “Canary”
    Probably my favorite album of 2011. The Luyas have such a unique sound, anchored by Jessie Stein's ethereal vocals. And there's French horn!

  • Shafiq - “No Moor”
    A profoundly weird song that will stick in your head for weeks. It's a shame this record didn't make more of a splash.

  • Jay Reatard - “My Shadow”
    Punk rock lost a great songwriter with Jay Reatard's untimely death in 2010. Fortunately he left us a huge body of recorded work.

  • J.D. Crowe & The New South - “Old Home Place”
    Bluegrass giant Crowe is from my hometown of Lexington, KY. Don't let the bright tempo fool you, this is as tragic a song as you will ever hear.

∞  February 22, 2012 — 10:00AM

MusicNew Music Tuesdays

New Music Tuesday - February 21, 2012

SleighbellsTygaFun

This week’s new music playlist is heavy on the new — not just new albums, but ones from artists who are just cementing their reputations. Montreal’s ethereal dance chanteuse Grimes debuts her first album on 4AD, Beirut performer Bright Moments releases his debut album, dance-rock outfit Young Empires drops a first EP, and Seattle singer-songwriter Perfume Genius issues his second album this week. Of course, some veterans are still stirring: indie folk collective Lambchop release another new album this week, and ZZ Top make their digital debut with the re-release of their 1971 debut. Hear this new music along with many other songs in this week’s New Music Tuesday playlist.

Playlist Notes

  • Sleigh Bells - Reign of Terror
    The thrashing pop duo’s second album features even more walls of guitar sound, and even more sweet melodies from Alexis Krauss. Expect no sophomore slump here.

  • Tyga - Careless World: Rise of the Last King
    Young Money rapper Tyga releases his second album this week — it features guest spots from hip hop’s finest: Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Pharrell, T-Pain, Nas, and more.

  • Frankie Rose - Interstellar
    The former drummer from bands like Dum Dum Girls and Vivian Girls is now her own boss, and the result is this sky-gazing album of 80s-style pop.

  • fun. - Some Nights
    The fun-loving pop trio fun. releases their eclectic second album this week, complete with high tempos, group vocals, clapping, auto-tune, and their explosive single “We Are Young.”

∞  February 21, 2012 — 1:12PM

EventsMusic

Do Valentine’s Day Your Way With a Well-Picked Playlist

Chicago

Another year, another Valentine’s Day, which means it’s time again to feel that rush of emotions — be they warm-and-fuzzy feelings of love, bitter heartbreak, romance, or a general antipathy towards the whole thing. What better way to express those feelings than through a grade-A playlist? Check out some of the finest below.

Valentine’s Day, in playlists

How are you feeling today? Express it through a playlist, and be sure to share it — what’s your way of doing Valentine’s Day?

∞  February 14, 2012 — 9:00AM

ExclusivesMusic

Hear O.A.R. Give Exclusive Commentary on King

Oarking

Back in July, we talked to O.A.R., aka Of a Revolution, about their seventh studio full-length, King, and offered an exclusive first listen to it. Now the band celebrates King's success with another exclusive: a track-by-track breakdown of King, including how the songs were written and the inspiration behind them.

The commentary is available in only two places: on the band’s DVD accompaniment to the album, and here on Rdio. Listen to the band’s King commentary now.

∞  February 13, 2012 — 11:00AM

GiveawaysMusic

Enter the Album of the Year Sweepstakes

Screen Shot 2012-02-07 at 11.19.43 AM

Februrary 12th is a big day for music makers and fans alike — it’s the night of the 54th GRAMMY AWARDS. Album of the Year, Best New Artist, Song of the Year — which of your favorite bands and musicians will take home a golden gramophone?

In keeping with the winning spirit, we want to reward you for loving music. Head to the Rdio Facebook page to enter our Album of the Year Sweepstakes. Select your favorite from the Album of the Year line-up — Bruno Mars, Adele, Foo Fighters, Rihanna or Lady Gaga — enter your info then share your vote with friends. If the album you picked wins, we’ll enter you into a drawing for one of three 1-year Rdio Unlimited accounts. To increase your chances of winning, if a friend enters from your shared Twitter or Facebook post and wins, you do too.

Brush up on this year's nominees with the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards Nomination playlist and tune in Sunday February 12th at 8/7c on CBS to watch the year's biggest music winners.

Here’s the fine print: No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules for details. GRAMMY, GRAMMY Awards and the gramophone logo are registered trademarks of The Recording Academy and are used under license. ©2012 The Recording Academy.

∞  February 7, 2012 — 11:50AM

MusicNewsRecommended By Rdio

Listen to Sufjan Stevens on Rdio

Sufjan

The wait is over for Sufjan Stevens fans — you can now listen to his music on Rdio.

The Michigan-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is the mind behind acclaimed gems like Michigan, Illinois, and Seven Swans. Stevens is responsible for some of the most beloved music of the past decade, and has continued to lead fans down his intriguing rabbit-hole in the new decade — 2010’s genre-bending The Age of Adz was Steven’s most ambitious record to date, ending with a 25-minute suite that included auto-tuned vocals.

Add the Sufjan Stevens discography to your collection today, and share his music with your friends. If you haven’t listened to Stevens yet, today is a good time to start.

∞  January 26, 2012 — 4:16PM

Music

Gymmin' It: New Years Resolution Music

Run

It’s a new year, which means it's a chance for us all to shake up our routines and change ourselves for the better. For many that means shedding those turkey- and chocolate-induced holiday pounds, and what better way to do it than with a playlist of upbeat tunes that get your blood pumping?

A number of Rdio users have already created their own playlists for getting healthy, including “Workout Jams” and “Music to burn fat to”. The band Ra Ra Riot has made not one but two running playlists — but we want to know what YOU listen to when you hit the treadmill.

Skrillex? Cut Copy? How many beats per minute? Share the music that motivates you to hit the gym in the comments, on Twitter, or on Facebook.

∞  January 6, 2012 — 9:00AM

MusicNews

Play the Hype Machine’s Music Blog Zeitgeist with Rdio

Zeitgeist-title

Since 2007, the Hype Machine has polled the music blogging community annually to unearth the best music of the year. 2011’s Top 50 Albums list is extra-special because you can easily listen to each one on Rdio.

As explained by the Hype Machine: “The Top 50 Albums of 2011 sourced from 403 bloggers' personal Top 10 lists weighted according to their ranking. Click the album cover to stream in its entirety from Rdio.”

Part 1, albums #41-50, is up now. Tune in this week for the remainder of the Hype Machine's Top 50 countdown — visit hypem.com/zeitgeist to start listening.

∞  January 3, 2012 — 1:00PM

Music

Get Ready for 2012 New Music Tuesdays

For New Music Tuesday this week we’re celebrating 2012's upcoming new albums. To help spread the excitement, we made a playlist of singles from artist who have albums slated for 2012. Sure, some of this year’s biggest albums don't have any music out yet — No Doubt, Grizzly Bear, Of Montreal, Silversun Pickups, Sleigh Bells, Matthew Dear to name a few — but that doesn’t mean we can’t look forward to them.

For a more complete list of what to expect in 2012, scan Stereogum’s lengthy list, The 50+ Most Anticipated Albums Of 2012.

∞  January 3, 2012 — 10:54AM

EventsMusic

A New Year’s Eve Playlist for Every Mood

Party rock

There are still a few days until New Year’s Eve, but by now you should at least have a hazy idea what your plans are for ushering in the new year. When it comes to music, we’re here to help you celebrate — whether that means a night of partying, or a mellow, contemplative night spent at home.

If you're planning to get your party on, you'll find plenty of fist-pumping excellence in our “Party Rock New Years” playlist, which features the best in glitzy-glam party rock anthems and dance-floor bangers. Hosting a soiree or an all-night rager? Going for a night on the town? Whether you’re getting sprayed with confetti, champagne or both, this playlist should suit all your New Year’s Eve needs.

If you're spending the night relaxing, we’ve got another kind of playlist for you. Whether you’ve just moved to a new city, been through a messy break-up, or are otherwise feeling introspective, we’ve got the perfect mix of down-and-out dirges and quiet ballads to help you savor that mood. Pour yourself another another scotch, settle into your armchair, and enjoy the “A No-Plans New Year's Eve”.

From all of us at Rdio, Happy New Year, and all the best for 2012.

∞  December 29, 2011 — 12:30PM

Older posts ›