This week we hear fresh sounds from Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller, psychedelic electronic artist Youth Lagoon and rapper Chief Keef.
“Crosseyed Heart” is only the third studio release by Keith Richards without the Rolling Stones since 1988. With the X-Pensive Winos, Richards is keeping the blues alive. He plays both guitar and bass, he’s the lead singer and plays piano on the album released on Republic Records. He’s co-written every track on the album except for a cover of Lead Belly’s “Goodnight Irene.”
The 71-year-old seems free as he explores his love of blues music. Unconstrained by the Rolling Stones, Richards leads the X-Pensive Winos on a journey into the depths of the dark heart of blues. Richards also today released a documentary “Keith Richards: Under the Influence” on Netflix.
Purchase “Crosseyed Heart” on iTunes from KeithRichards.com
or listen on Spotify.
Good morning, America – Mac Miler is back. The young rapper from Pittsburgh released his first major label debut “GO:OD AM” on Warner Bros. After the incredibly dark and drug-fueled mixtape “Faces” released last year, Miller now sounds refreshed. The first single from “GO:OD AM” is “100 Grandkids” about how his mom wants him to settle down about kids and also the feeling of making his first $100,000.
At 23 years old, Miller has certainly taken advantage of his high school diploma. Since the breakout mixtape “K.I.D.S. in 2010, Miller released three studio albums and added another three mixtapes; he has 10 mixtapes under his belt. Now he’s splitting his time between New York City and L.A. and bringing back the fresh sound of Pittsburgh to his latest release. Check it out on iTunes, Macmillerswebsite.com or Spotify.
Today, Youth Lagoon released a third psychedelic electronic pop album “Savage Hills Ballroom,” on Fat Possum records. The man behind the music is Trevor Powers and his fascination with the limits of pop music and psychology have fueled this musical adventure. I really enjoyed “Wonderous Bughouse” and I think the latest album is a fantastic follow up.
The Idaho musician can be incredibly intimate while also playing dubstep beats. It’s a strange combination, but delivered with Powers’ sensitivity, Youth Lagoon builds layered arrangements that are catchy and meaningful. Purchase on iTunes, and Amazon.
“Bang 3, Pt. 2” is the latest release by exiled Chicago rapper Chief Keef. The controversial artist released the second part of his “Bang” trilogy today. Unlike Part 1, which was released Aug. 3, the second installment is all Chief Keef with he exception of “Irri” featuring Lil B.
It’s been a busy year for Chief Keef. Because his alleged legal troubles in his hometown, he scheduled a hologram memorial concert which was stopped before he could perform. When the show as moved to Hammond, Indiana, that show was shut down too. Now, the “Bang 3 Hologram Fest” scheduled to take place tonight outside the Fonda Theater in Los Angeles was shut down. How bad is this guy that authorities won’t even let his hologram perform? Find out for yourself. Purchase “Bang 3, Pt. 2” on iTunes or listen on Spotify.
What’s on your playlist? Leave your comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram. #TheHighNote
