New Music Monday!

Of all the gin joints in all the towns in the world, she walks into one with wi-fi, and visits my blog. And, of all the days in all the weeks of the year, she does it on New Music Monday!

The excellent new BSS album, Forgiveness Rock Record, has leaked, and you can listen to a free, high-quality, completely legal stream of it over at NPR. "Chase Scene", offering a look at their more dramatic side, is one of the highlights of the album's hyperactive first half.

Broken Social Scene - Chase Scene

I offer this track to give you the tip early - B.O.B. is in the process of releasing an album (release date moved UP to April 27 because of how hot he is currently) that is generating a lot of buzz. I don't think he is a particularly standout MC, but this single, featuring a chorus from the lead singer of Paramore (meh), is going to be everywhere soon, so you may as well listen to it now and form your opinion.

B.O.B. - Airplanes (f/Hayley Williams of Paramore)

Swedish troubador Kristian Matsson, recording under the moniker The Tallest Man on Earth, is sure to evoke Bob Dylan comparisons upon first listen. With repeat listens, it's clear that he is a worthy inhabitant of the weathered voice, nimble finger-picking and singer-songwriter genre that Dylan gave us, and "A Lion's Heart" offers all you could ask for in this vein.

The Tallest Man On Earth - A Lion's Heart

Chiddy Bang are a group of Philly college kids who just plain get hip-hop today. They're up to speed on quality, innovative electronic production and MC Chidera Anamege has an impressively polished flow. On the brand new Air Swell mixtape, they chop up beats and vocals from "Skeleton" by adorable Brit Kate Nash and "One Life Stand" by Hot Chip for this pair of party-starters.

Chiddy Bang - Breakfast (f/Kate Nash)
Chiddy Bang - Hey London (f/Hot Chip)

The next track dropped from the upcoming Band of Horses LP, Infinite Arms, I can't claim to be impressed by "Factory." It is pretty, yes, but only in a generic way that makes me think they sense a chance to follow in Death Cab for Cutie's footsteps and are making a quick cash grab using easily manipulated teenage hearts.

Band of Horses - Factory

The National drop another track from upcoming release High Violet, this time with ethereal back-up vocals from Sufjan Stevens. "Afraid of Everyone" is typically slow-building, with an understated brassy backing. Expect a very mature album (no surprise from these guys).

The National - Afraid of Everyone

Blur released their first song together in seven years (!) this past Saturday, as a Record Store Day exclusive. They only pressed 1000 vinyl 7-inch singles, but are offering it as a free download as well, so judge for yourself how Damon Albarn and company are holding up following detours into Gorillaz, Chinese opera, solo careers and seven years of life.

Blur - Fool's Day

Chicago DJ drops an advance track from his upcoming release, Dynasty, and wisely taps Dragonette vocalist Martina Sorbara to play siren over his beats. Love her delivery on the consonance-heavy line "I'm going rococo with sequins in the summer."

Kaskade - Fire In Your New Shoes (f/Dragonette)