Music

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Music

Play Bob Dylan’s Tempest on Rdio

Bob Dylan’s 35th studio album Tempest has been regarded as one of the most mysterious offerings of his illustrious catalog of music. Rolling Stone called the album, which includes a 13-minute title track, an ode to the sunken Titanic, and a tribute to the fallen John Lennon, “the single darkest record in Dylan’s career.”

Dive into Tempest on Rdio and see if you agree.

Music

Bilal Shares His Favorite Songs on Rdio

Bilal

Bilal just dropped his show-stopping new single “Back To Love,” and it’s a tantalizing taste of his forthcoming album A Love Surreal. Listeners can hear a world of influences that go into this taut, sensual song as it is reflective of his wide-ranging musical tastes.

The singer shares his sonic passions in this exclusive playlist of favorite songs, including classics from Miles Davis, The Clash, David Bowie, Curtis Mayfield, and Funkadelic. Press play for more insight into Bilal’s musical mind.

MusicNew Music Weekly

New Music Tuesday - February 5, 2013

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The first release day in February brings a windfall of wonderful new singles, EPs, and albums. Independent artists really soar into the spotlight this week, including a debut full-length from SoCal psych rockers Feeding People, transcontinental hip-hop from London producer The Purist, the breakout release by Boston’s Kingsley Flood, and the latest by Canadian folk hero Hayden.

Our New Music Tuesday playlist is the best way to get up to speed with the latest sounds. Peruse the Playlist Notes below as you listen for more picks of the week, and click over to Rdio New Releases to browse the full collection of freshness.


PLAYLIST NOTES

  • Guards - In Guards We Trust
    Big hooks and nostalgic alt-rock riffs mark this anticipated debut album from the New York trio.

  • Frightened Rabbit - Pedestrian Verse
    The fourth album by the Scottish indie band finds them exploring collaborative songwriting and minor key melodies.

  • Mumford & Sons - The Road To Red Rocks (Live)
    This new live album from the globally-beloved English folk artists accompanies a concert film of the same name. Listen to the performance from summer 2012 at the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado.

  • Jim James - Regions of Light and Sound of God
    My Morning Jacket’s frontman emerges with his debut solo album, an introspective effort which explores new frontiers of sound and emotion.

  • The Black Angels - "Don't Play With Guns"
    The first single from the upcoming Indigo Meadow album, which is due out in April, finds the L.A. psych rockers tackling a politics.

Music

Local Natives Pick Their Favorite Songs for Rdio


This week, Silver Lake indie rock quartet Local Natives released the new album Hummingbird. It was recorded in their very own new studio, evidence of their deep dedication to the craft of music-making. The band is passionate about a wide-range of songs, as they demonstrate on this playlist of favorite songs made just for Rdio via Frenchkiss Records. Legends such as Nick Drake, Cat Stevens, and John Lennon share space with new classics in the making from the likes of Father John Misty and Tame Impala.

Listen for a well-rounded trip into the jams that influenced the recording of Hummingbird and help to make Local Natives one to watch.

EventsMusic

Snoop Dogg Shares His Picks for the Big Game


Few artists have as much passion for the sport of football as Snoop Dogg. His youth football league in Southern California continues to set a national example for sportsmanship and excellence. Coach Snoop is always prepped for a game — especially the upcoming match between the Ravens and Niners if his Super Bowl mix is any indication.

The playlist is a strong collection of songs that includes fighting anthems by New Orleans rappers like Master P, Juvenile, and Skip as well as Bay Area-bred players such as Too $hort, E-40, and Clyde Carson. Of course, the Doggfather himself ends up in a few places in the “mixx,” as does halftime star Beyoncé. Touchdown!

Follow Snoop Dogg AKA Snoop Lion on Rdio for more awesome playlists from this champion music player.

MusicNew Music Weekly

New Music Tuesday - January 29, 2013

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Some people like to say TGIF and celebrate the end of the work week, but we must say that Tuesday is our favorite day. That’s when all the glorious new music is released each week!

No matter what beat you like to rock to, you should be able to find something interesting in this week’s offerings, whether it’s the latest from San Francisco’s alt-folk duo Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, an album from suddenly-famous Atlanta rapper Trinidad James, the first album in three years from L.A. indie rockers Radar Bros., or the guilty pleasure of pop prince Justin Bieber, unplugged.

Our New Music Tuesday playlist will give you the sonic lowdown on what’s happening right now. Peep the Playlist Notes below as you read for more highlights from this week, and stop by Rdio New Releases for even more music overload.


PLAYLIST NOTES

  • Tegan And Sara - Heartthrob
    The twins are back! Tegan and Sara Quin documented this seventh album with a series of videos called “Carpool Confessions.”

  • Hatebreed - The Divinity of Purpose
    The Connecticut-based hardcore band drops a mosh-inducing album this week. This one may call for a pair of earplugs for maximum shredding.

  • Destiny’s Child - Love Songs
    Are you ready for this jelly? In advance of their rumored reunion performance at the Super Bowl, this compilation collects up the girl group’s most romantic songs of all time and includes “Nuclear,” the first new DC song since 2005.

  • Local Natives - Hummingbird
    The indie rockers formerly known as Cavil at Rest have emerged with their sophomore album, recorded in their own brand new studio.

  • The Saturdays - Chasing The Saturdays
    Admit it, you’ve already fallen in love with this English-Irish girl group from their reality show on E! This EP, released in North America only, collects their UK singles.

  • Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite - Get Up!
    Bluesy singer-songwriter Ben Harper makes sweet music with harmonica master Charlie Musselwhite on this record that was ten years in the making.

Music

NPR Picks The Best Albums of 2012

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We asked the music lovers at NPR Music for their top albums of the year knowing that these are some of the most open minds and ears in the business. Their 2012 playlists showcase an impressively diverse range of new and seasoned artists alike.

NPR Music editor Stephen Thompson swooned to the likes of Best Coast and Spiritualized, and Robin Hilton of “All Songs Considered” touted Kishi Bashi and Hospitality. Hilton’s co-host Bob Boilen favored albums by Cat Power and Sharon Van Etten in 2012, while NPR Music pop critic Ann Powers heralded the return of Fiona Apple and Sinead O’Connor. And (almost) everyone chose Frank Ocean as a favorite.

Start with Thompson's playlist below, and follow NPR Music on Rdio for even more recommendations.

MusicNew Music Weekly

New Music Tuesday - January 22, 2013

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January continues to bring a bumper crop of colorful songs and albums to the fertile new music landscape. Fans can witness the vibrant growth in the sophomore albums from indie rockers Foxygen and Widowspeak, The War On Drugs’ Dave Hartley’s Nightlands project, and New York house producer FaltyDL. And open-minded listeners can discover the seedlings of new talents in the debut from Atlanta’s The Shadowboxers.

Our New Music Tuesday playlist has something for everyone. Read the Playlist Notes below after pressing play for some additional highlights, and visit the Rdio New Releases for this week’s complete collection of fresh produce.


PLAYLIST NOTES

  • Toro Y Moi - Anything In Return
    Producer Chazwick Bundick moved to Berkeley two years ago, where he wrote this third album. The sound represents the freedom he felt in his new home.

  • Bad Religion - True North
    The seminal California punk band’s sweet 16th album was produced by the band’s guitarist Brett Gurewitz and Joe Barresi, who has worked on records by Tool, The Melvins, L7, and more. True to theme, True North features 16 songs in total.

  • FIDLAR - FIDLAR
    L.A.’s favorite slacking “wake bake skate” band is finally releasing their debut album.

  • Otep - Hydra
    This is thought to be the nu metal band’s final album. If so, Otep is going out with a huge bang on its sixth studio effort.

  • Ra Ra Riot - Beta Love
    The third album from the New York quintet, now minus its cellist, reveals a marked new interest in synth pop.

  • Lil Wayne - “Love Me” (Feat. Drake & Future)
    Weezy’s new single featuring his protege and Atlanta’s up-and-comer demonstrates that sensitive thugs need love, too.

ExclusivesMusic

Discover Atticus Ross’ Inspiration Behind Broken City

Broken City

Composer Atticus Ross is best known for his and Trent Reznor’s Oscar-winning score for The Social Network, not to mention his masterful work on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Book of Eli. In honor of his new film, Broken City, Ross takes us through his inspirations behind the ominous, heart-pounding soundtrack.

Broken City, which opens today, follows a disgraced ex-cop turned private detective (Mark Walhberg) who uncovers a much grander scandal when he’s double-crossed by the mayor of New York (Russell Crowe). Ross drew inspiration from ‘80s glam rock, industrial new wave, and other beloved scores — bookending the playlist with David Bowie tracks and sprinkling his own signature haunting sound from the film in between — to build an equally compelling sound narrative.

Play Ross’ Broken City inspiration playlist below, then listen to the movie's soundtrack and see if you can put the pieces together.

MusicNew Music Weekly

New Music Tuesday - January 15, 2013

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This week’s bounty of just-hatched releases include some familiar voices breaking out on their own. Former Danity Kane and Dirty Money singer Dawn Richard steps out with a first fiery solo effort, while Last December frontman Pete RG emerges with his second album. There are also unearthed rare grooves from Southern soul hero Lee Fields, a sophomore full-length from Philly rockers Free Energy, and an album from hip-hop collaborators Yung B Da Producer and J. Nolan.

Our New Music Tuesday playlist is bursting with fresh sounds for your ears. Read the Playlist Notes below while you listen for more of this week’s highlights, and since you can never have too much of a good thing, don’t forget to browse the full set of Rdio New Releases for even more music.


PLAYLIST NOTES

  • New Order - Lost Sirens
    Fans of the legendary UK group, which reunited last year without bassist Peter Hook, finally get to hear this album. It was recorded almost nine years ago and was shelved after the band’s breakup, but Hook’s iconic playing is here.

  • Teena Marie - Beautiful
    Before Teena Marie’s untimely passing in 2010, she left a gorgeous final album. We’re now hearing it thanks to the efforts of her daughter, who made sure it saw the light of day.

  • A$AP Rocky - LONG.LIVE.A$AP (Deluxe Version)
    The Harlem rapper’s first proper studio album is a sequel of sorts to his popular LIVE.LOVE.A$AP mixtape. It features guest appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Santigold.

  • Yo La Tengo - Fade
    The band’s lucky thirteenth album arrives just in time to usher in the lucky thirteenth year of the 21st century. Produced by John McEntire of Tortoise, it’s the first record not produced by Roger Moutenot in 20 years.

  • Vacationer - Good As New Remixes - EP
    Kenny Vasoli, best known for singing and playing bass in The Starting Line, started this side project last year. Here he returns with new takes on songs from Vacationer’s debut album Good.