The Killers - Shot At The Night

I guess The Killers have reached that stage in a band's lifetime where greatest hits compilations make sense.  It's strange to think that they've been around for ten years, but at the same time, The Killers are a staple name among today's alternative rock crowd.  Plus, Hot Fuss will forever be a modern new wave classic in my eyes.

To celebrate this timely achievement, The Killers are releasing Direct Hits, their first greatest hits compilation.  Arriving on November 11, the album will feature thirteen of their signature tracks and two new songs.  The first new song of the pair has already been released as a promo single.  "Shot At The Night" was produced by Anthony Gonzalez of M83 fame.  It actually sounds more like "M83 (Feat. Brandon Flowers)" rather than a Killers single.  I'm not complaining though, since the end result is fantastic either way.

A deluxe edition of Direct Hits is also on the way, including extra tracks such as the original "Mr. Brightside" demo, a Calvin Harris remix of "When You Were Young", and "Be Still" from Battle Born.  It'll also come with a DVD and five 10" records.

Download: The Killers - "Shot At The Night"

M83 - Steve McQueen

M83's "Steve McQueen" was one of the many explosions on last year's Hurry Up, We're Dreaming.  The entire album is stunning, but there's something extra special about this song.  A few months ago, M83 held a video submission contest to find the official music video for the single.  The grand prize also included a load of money (£3,000), just in case having your video chosen wasn't enough validation.

The winning video, directed by Balthazar Auxietre and Sylvain Derosne, features stop motion animation and a boy in a yellow suit.  He's wearing a bow tie, too.  It's all very M83-ish for not being the creation of Anthony Gonzalez or anyone else within the band.  Check out the video below and see what this bow tie boy is all about.

Hurry Up, We're Dreaming is out now on Mute.  You can purchase a copy of the album, here.

Virgin Mobile FreeFest 2012

October 6 marked the date of Virgin Mobile's fourth annual FreeFest. Located in Columbia, Maryland, the free festival covers forty acres of land surrounding the Merriweather Post Pavilion venue grounds.  Scattered across three stages, over twenty acts performed from noon to nearly midnight.  I had two main objectives upon entering the festival, attend the Santigold set and, most importantly, see M83.  I'll have you know that I saw both sets and so much more.

My day started off with Volta Bureau.  The DC based group was the first to play the Dance Forest stage and started their set at noon.  They played an hour set and garnered quite the crowd.  There may not have been an insane pack of raving madmen like many of the later Dance Forest sets attracted, but the attendees were equally as enthusiastic about the music.  Plus, what better way to start the festival than with some dancing?

After Volta Bureau, I stuck around for Penguin Prison.  I had the opportunity to see Chris Glover's musical project earlier this year when they opened for Neon Trees at the 9:30 Club.  His FreeFest set was just as fun and the audience was noticeably more familiar with the music.  RAC collaboration "Hollywood" and "Don't Fuck With My Money" were crowd favorites.  The setlist was switched around a little differently this time and he included his cover of Lana Del Rey's "Blue Jeans".  I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to see Penguin Prison once again.

Penguin Prison ended at 2:00 and I took advantage of this moment to check out some festival food, which was consumed while simultaneously observing a short bit of Portugal. The Man's set at the West Stage.  I can't say much about the band, for I only heard a few songs from the stage's field.  This pattern continued, as I stuck around for about three or so songs from The Dismemberment Plan, Nervo, and then Ben Folds Five.  Ben Folds Five sounded great with some standout piano action.  Nervo's crowd almost swallowed me alive, so I watched from a distance to avoid missing other sets.  The Dismemberment Plan interestingly had a crowd of almost solely men from an older demographic when compared to the festival's general consensus.

By 4:30, I was at the West Stage waiting for Santigold's set to start.  She gets the award for most elaborate stage antics, and I'm not talking about lights or pyrotechnics.  Backed by a pair of matching dancers, Santigold pumped out a high energy set that included some serious dance breaks and costume changes. During "Creator", the front row of the crowd was invited up to the stage to start a dance party/riot.  The setlist was an even blend of songs from both of her records, with singles mixed throughout.  She even performed her Major Lazer collaboration, "Hold The Line".  I loved every moment of it.

In the gap between Santigold and M83, I watched Alabama Shakes from the Pavilion lawn and caught the front end of ZZ Top.  Alabama Shakes completely surprised me, in a good way that is.  I had heard their record before, but the studio recordings don't do the band justice.  The album isn't bad, it's just overshadowed in comparison to the show.  To fully experience Alabama Shakes at their finest, go see them live.

M83's set started at 7:50 and I had to leave ZZ Top's show to make it over to the West Stage in time.  M83 was absolutely spectacular.  The group blasted through their set, flipping back and forth between stretched out electronic selections and the big singles.  You can imagine the reaction towards "Midnight City".  The saxophone solo is really that much more epic in person.  "Intro" will forever be M83's opening song for live shows.  They also put on a massive light display, which gave the entire stage an extraterrestrial feeling.  I only wish they could've played for a bit more, as they were only on stage for a one hour time slot.  If you're aware of M83's catalog, then you know that they could've easily played a considerably longer set.  Either way, it was stunning.

I finished the night by moving back to the Pavilion for Jack White's set. Unfortunately, I only managed to see him from the lawn seating, as you can see in the picture above.  And while I thought he was outstanding, there will be a full separate post featuring Jack's show from the perspective of someone who witnessed everything from the pit, so keep an eye out for that.

At the end of the day, FreeFest was a major success.  I managed to see so many great acts.  Virgin Mobile will have video of the sets available for streaming sometime soon, just in case you want to see what you missed, or relive a moment. I highly suggest you try your best to grab some tickets when FreeFest comes back around next year.

My Favorite Albums Of 2011: Part 3

It's New Year's Eve and this is officially the last post of 2011.  I've had a great year of blogging about the twists and turns of my musical life.  There were amazing albums and then there were some less fortunate records.  I had the chance to talk to some of you readers, which is always wonderful.  Many thanks to both the readers and the artists I was able to chat with and write about this year.

This post is also the last part of my "Favorite Albums Of 2011" list.  Just to refresh your mind, this is how the countdown is going so far...

Honorable Mentions

Active Child - You Are All I See

Alexander - Self Titled

Beyoncé - 4

Gotye - Making Mirrors

James Blake - Self Titled

The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar

Nicolas Jaar - Space Is Only Noise

SebastiAn - Total

St. Vincent - Strange Mercy

Zola Jesus - Conatus

Ellie Goulding - Lights

Top 20

Penguin Prison - Self Titled

Cults - Self Titled

Glasvegas - EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\

Björk - Biophilia

Girls - Father, Son, Holy Ghost

Kimbra - Vows

CSS - La Liberación

Feist - Metals

Florence + The Machine - Ceremonials

The Black Keys - El Camino

Here's the remainder of the top twenty...

Patrick Wolf - Lupercalia

My summer was filled with Patrick Wolf's optimistic album.  I think this may be the best record he's released.  It focuses heavily on themes of love and friendship, basically the idea of a soulmate.  I absolutely loved this album for it's ability to capture those themes in a mature way.  It sounds real and that's why Lupercalia works so well.

The Kills - Blood Pressures

The Kills are one of the most stylish rock bands currently making music.  When you see or hear them, they're instantly recognizable.  Alison Mosshart is also leading the pack of female performers in rock music.  She fronts multiple bands without fault.  "Heavier" may not be the right word to describe Blood Pressures when comparing it to their last record.  Sure, it's heavy, but it mostly sounds fleshed out and full.  Blood Pressures is complete, ballads and all.

Mr. Dream - Trash Hit

Trash Hit is the debut album from Brooklyn's Mr. Dream.  They're a mix of punk rock and all of its pesky sub-genres.  You may think you've pegged them as one type of music, until they switch it up yet again.  This record has that "garage rock" production sound, and it also has some insanely catchy hooks.  I like to pop it on whenever I'm in the mood for some carefree, and a little crazy, music.

LIGHTS - Siberia

LIGHTS has come a long way since her light and airy debut album.  This time around, her music is heavier with less strictly pop elements and more electronic ventures.  She also tried her hand at the dubstep game, just barely.  Siberia's beats are crunchy and distorted, while the melodies remain as solid as ever.

Le Butcherettes - Sin Sin Sin

This band is one of my most exciting discoveries of 2011.  Le Butcherettes play insane political rock music.  Led by Teri Gender Bender, live shows often involve fake blood and sometimes include raw meat.  But it's not all stage antics.  Sin Sin Sin has raw power and sounds incredibly current.  I expect to see big things from Le Butcherettes in 2012.

M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

Who hasn't heard "Midnight City" by now?  M83 wins the "catchiest synth melody of the year" award.  What's even better is that Hurry Up, We're Dreaming is just as solid.  I'm tempted to describe the record as "dreamy", but that's too obvious, isn't it?  That's really the first thought that comes to mind, though. The album is nostalgic and blurred, just like a dream.

Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

If you read my review of the Foo Fighters show I went to, then you already know how much I love this album.  The Foo Fighters have somehow managed to consistently release album after album without having a real dud mixed in there.  I can't say that for a decent amount of bands who started in the nineties.  Now the record is up for Album Of The Year at the Grammys.  2011 was a massive year for this band.

The time has arrived for some numerical rankings!  Those make everything more interesting, don't they?  Here are my three favorite albums of 2011...

3. Adele - 21

Yes, Adele.  She sort of dominated the world of music this year, and rightfully so.  21 is a mostly heartbroken collection of songs, all focused on the same guy.  You've probably already heard the record, seeing as it's the best selling album of the year.  If not, then I suggest you join the crowd.  

2. Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes

Each of my top three records have one thing in common, I never get tired of them.  No matter how many times I listened to Wounded Rhymes, I kept coming back for more.  I'm even guilty of multiple listens back to back.  That's a real feat.  Lykke Li's voice is just as demanding as the glare in her eyes.  No really, check out the music video for "Get Some".  Those eyes.

1. Lady Gaga - Born This Way

If you're a regular reader of the blog, this probably came as no surprise.  Otherwise, you may be shaking your head.  When it comes to current pop music, I place Lady Gaga above all.  I really do think she's ten steps ahead of the other pop stars and divas, just look at the cultural impact.  Born This Way's production is outrageous and the music is campy.  There's an overwhelming theme of self-impowerment mixed with feminism, sexuality, and equality.  Both Brian May and Clarence Clemons perform on the album.  At seventeen songs long, Born This Way is a wild ride on the back of that half-Gaga motorcycle, and that's why it's my favorite album of 2011.

As always, I love hearing what you think.  Did I forget any amazing records?  What are your favorite albums of 2011? Leave a comment and let me know!