Discologist

WAMU's Bluegrass Country is on the chopping block and up for sale. Help save it, and by doing so, save a little bit of us all.

Bon Iver returns after a five year hiatus, and the results are polarizing. We're choosing sides in the war of 22, A Million.

Ever wonder how to make great, kinda weird, super-intellectual pop music that actually works? Louis Weeks has the answers that you seek. All of them.

Show Notes

• "Bluegrass Country Foundation forms to save BluegrassCountry.org" [Bluegrass Today]
• Donate NOW to the Bluegrass Country Foundation [link]
• Learn more about Louis Weeks
  Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
• Check out the track "White Moth" from Louis Weeks' 2015 album, haha.

Tip Jar  

22, A Million
Bon Iver

Kevin: Pass
Eduardo: Stream It
Mauricio: Buy It

LINKS
Official Site
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

LISTEN ON
Spotify
Apple Music

Upcoming Tour Dates

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aaron "Ab" Abernathy has built his career on helping artists like Black Milk and Slum Village elevate their art, but now he's breaking out on his own with his new album, Monologue.

A potent combination of autobiography and R&B retrospect, Monologue is a capital "S" SOUL record, that recounts Abernathy's formative years growing up outside Cleveland, Ohio. We sit down with Aaron to discuss the origins of the album, why his high school experience had such an important impact on his life even today, and the power of art and truth in times when we need help the most.

PLUS! Hailing from the Bay Area, R&B outfit The Seshen's second LP Flames and Figures is out on 10/14 and we've got a taste of the first single for you to get on down to. 

Show Notes

• Learn more about The Seshen
  Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
• Check out the track "Distant Heart" off of The Seshen's upcoming album Flames and Figures, out 10/14.

The Seshen - Distant Heart (Official Video) Pre-Order 'Flames & Figures': http://smarturl.it/TheSeshenFAF Subscribe to Tru Thoughts: http://bit.ly/subtotruthoughts "Distant Heart" taken from The Seshen's full length album 'Flames & Figures' Album Release Date: October 14, 2016 - Tru Thoughts Recordings Writer / Director / Editor: Peter McCollough (http://www.petermccollough.com) Assistant Director: Lillie 

Aaron Abernathy's Monologue is out now.

The Monologue release show is coming up on 10/20 at Tropicalia in Washington, DC. Get your tickets now.

Links
Official Site
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

 

Upcoming Tour Dates

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The protest song is nothing new, but now in 2016 it may be the best defense we have against, well, 2016.

And speaking of protest songs...

Drive-By Truckers have always infused their songs with politics, but the scorching truths of their latest album, American Band, may be their strongest, most important statement yet. We're going in on the band's history, why this album is essential listening in 2016, and figuring out where we go from here.

Show Notes

• Protest songs in the United States [Wikipedia]
• "Let Freedom Sing: When Roots Music Says the Unsayable" [No Depression]
• "Peace Songs of the 1960s" [Smithsonian Folkways Magazine]

 

American Band
Drive-By Truckers

Kevin: Buy It
Eduardo: Buy It

LINKS
Official Site
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

LISTEN ON
Spotify
Apple Music

 

Upcoming Tour Dates

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The next great battle in the streaming wars may have just been started by Pandora with the announcement of their "half-price" streaming service. Is $4.99 a month the future of the music industry, or the beginning the end of it as we know it?

After a career conquering the indie airwaves as one half of Wye Oak, Jenn Wasner is breaking out on her own under the name Flock Of Dimes. 

Washington, DC's Aaron "Ab" Abernathy has spent the past few years acting as music director for hip-hop artist Black Milk and perfecting his performing chops with his band Nat Turner. Now Ab is about to break out on his own with a new LP,  Monologue, and we've got a taste of what's in store with his latest, Prince-tastic single, "I See You".

Show Notes

• "Music Streaming Wars: Consolidation Looms as Lower Prices Kick In" [Variety]
• Learn more about Aaron "Ab" Abernathy
  Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
• Check out the track "I See You" from Aaron "Ab" Abernathy's Monologue (Out 10/7).

 

If You See Me, Say Yes
Flock Of Dimes

Kevin: Buy It
Patrick: Stream It

LINKS
Official Site
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

LISTEN ON
Spotify
Apple Music

Upcoming Tour Dates

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nelly is in trouble with the tax man, and it's teh INTERNET to the rescue! Wait...really?

We're reviewing Florida Georgia Line's latest, guys. This is happening. Strap in for a wild ride with Eduardo and Marcus Dowling as we dig into one of this years biggest releases that everyone loves to hate. Or DO they?

LVL UP's third album Return To Love is out 9/23, and on Sub Pop no less! We're taking their single "Pain" out for a spin to see how this New York quartet is doing. 

Show Notes

• "Fans Are Trying to Pay Nelly’s Back Taxes by Streaming His Music 287 Million Times" [New York Mag]
• "Here’s how many times fans will have to play ‘Hot in Herre’ to save Nelly" [MarketWatch]
• Learn more about LVL UP
  Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter 
• Check out the track "Pain" from LVL UP's Return To Love, below.

 

Dig Your Roots
Florida Georgia Line

Kevin: Stream It*
Eduardo: Stream It*
Marcus Dowling: Buy It*

LINKS
Official Site
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

LISTEN ON
Spotify
Apple Music

Upcoming Tour Dates

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's in a name? Turns out a whole lot if you're in a band. Some guy named Eric has offered up a whole mess of suggestions, some good, some...not so much. 

Since roundabout 2004, jazz pianist Robert Glasper has played on all your favorite records, won all the Grammy's, and blown all of the minds in the process. Marcus Dowling (Pitchfork, Bandcamp) and Marcus J. Moore (Sr. Editor, Bandcamp) join us to work through this musical giant's latest "experiment", ArtScience.

Mndsgn's latest LP Body Wash is a cosmic mashup of chill, funk, and hip-hop. Marcus Dowling gives us the lowdown on the new album and spins a track to get you all the way onboard.

Show Notes

• What's in a band name? Let's ask Eric. [Eric's Band Names]
• Learn more about Mndsgn.
  Official Site | Facebook | Twitter 
• Check out the track "Cosmic Perspective" from Mndsgn's Body Wash, below.

<a href="http://mndsgn.bandcamp.com/album/body-wash">Body Wash by Mndsgn.</a> 

ArtScience
Robert Glasper Experiment

Kevin: Buy It
Marcus (Dowling): Buy It
Marcus (Moore): Buy It

LINKS
Official Site
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

LISTEN ON
Spotify
Apple Music

Upcoming Tour Dates

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the idiocracy draws ever closer, we take a look a new spin on the reality show where nine strangers are picked to makes some tunes and get judged by...Spotify.

After fifteen years, Australian sample kings The Avalanches return with their new album, Wildflower. Carrie's spawn joins us to discuss this comeback and drop some serious knowledge on our ass.

To celebrate ten years of being awesome, Portland Cello Project have released their version of the Prince classic (because every Prince song is a classic) "How Come U Never Call Me Anymore". We've got a listen and a look for you to dig into before the group plays here in DC on 9/21.

Show Notes

• "Universal, Sony And Warner Sign 9 New Acts… For A Spotify-Based TV Talent Show" [Music Business Worldwide]
• Learn more about The Portland Cello Project
• Official Site | Facebook | Twitter 
• See the Portland Cello Project Wednesday, September 21st at Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA [BUY TICKETS]
• Check out The Portland Cello Projects video for their cover of Prince's "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore" featuring Nafisaria Scroggins-Thomas on vocals, below. 

Wildflower

The Avalanches

Kevin: Pass

Paul: Stream It

Carrie: Buy It

Eva: Stream It

LINKS

Official Site

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

LISTEN ON

Spotify

Apple Music

Upcoming Tour Dates

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's official, the headphone jack is no more...at least according to Apple. We're parsing the pro's and con's and abusing the word "dongle" excessively in the process.

WILCO'S BACK MOTHER F@#@ERS! But you knew that. 3 lifelong fans of the band weigh in on the alt-country fixture's latest, Schmilco.

The Flat Five (feat. Kelly Hogan) are from Chicago. The Flat Five are groovier than you, or anyone you know. We have proof. Put it in your ears.

Show Notes

• "The biggest winner from removing the headphone jack is Apple" [The Verge]
• Learn more about The Flat FIve
  Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
  Listen On: Spotify | Apple Music
• Check out the track "This Is Your Your Night" from The Flat Five's upcoming LP, It's A World Of Love And Hope, out 10/14 on Bloodshot Records!

 

Schmilco
Wilco

Kevin: Buy It
Carrie: Buy It
Patrick: Buy It

LINKS
Official Site
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

LISTEN ON
Spotify
Apple Music

Upcoming Tour Dates

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As of late, the music industry has seen a rise in talented African-American musicians who paint outside of expected mainstream lines for pop artists. In eschewing easy-to-consume tropes for left-of-center jazz, soul, and techno-influenced sounds, performers like Kendrick Lamar, Robert Glasper, Chance the Rapper, Frank Ocean and so many more have created a sustainable and alternative-inspired vibe. However exciting this class of stars may be, it's important to remember that this is a movement that has an impressive historical context as well.

In this edition of Chunky Glasses, Kevin, Marcus Dowling and SIRIUS XM's Director of Music Licensing Casey Rae dive back into history and take a wide-angle look at punk-aimed rockers including Death and Living Color, LA, Atlanta, Miami's rap revolt, Public Enemy, the Judgement Night soundtrack and so much more. If you're looking for a jumping off point to discover the roots of where pop music's black alternative resurgence is arguably headed (again), we've got you covered

- Marcus Dowling

Show Notes

• Continue the discussion! 
  • Reach out to Kevin, Marcus, or Casey (or all three!)
  • Contribute to our collaborative Spotify playlist
  • Leave comments below!
• Check out Living Colour's Who Shot Ya EP on Spotify or Apple Music!
•  

 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spotify may be winning the streaming wars, but with a new round of rights negotiations ahead, will they be stopped in their tracks by the labels.

Chicago's Ryley Walker makes guitar music. Heady guitar music. On his latest album, Golden Sings That Have Been Song, we take yet another trip into the cosmos searching for answers that we may never find.

Sylvan Esso is back AF. Witness their new single "Radio". Rejoice.

Show Notes

• "Spotify Seeks to Fine-Tune Music Rights as It Gears Up for IPO" [Wall Street Journal]
• Learn more about Sylvan Esso
  Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
  Listen On: Spotify | Apple Music
• Check out the track "Radio" From Sylvan Esso's just announced 2017 LP!

"Radio / Kick Jump Twist" 12" single available 11/18 via Loma Vista Recordings. 

Golden Sings That Have Been Sung
Ryley Walker

Kevin: Stream It
Paul: Stream It
Carrie: Pass

LINKS
Official Site
Facebook
Twitter
Bandcamp

LISTEN ON
Spotify
Apple Music

Upcoming Tour Dates

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.