The Weeknd

Ok. If you read my about me, you know that I went to school in California once upon a time and am actually a resident there, but whatever. I went out to California not knowing much about The Weeknd, except for the song, "Do It" which is posted below. Upon going out to California, I not only heard his music constantly, but I came to love the Weeknd and frequently listen to his music. On top of this, he has recently released his three mixtapes remastered as the retail album "Trilogy" which reached the number 1 spot on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums this year. This guy is 22. Seriously.
If you aren't into the typical smooth, sensual rhythm that is The Weeknd's usual sounds, you may like the more upbeat nature of "Do It", but in addition to the two that I have already posted (High For This and The Morning) you need to check out my other personal favorite "XO/The Host".
I've heard mixed reviews on the east coast on this guy, but it's worth knowing his name if you can't appreciate the talent.
Do you want me to do it?

Jack Skellington

Merry Christmas to all and for all you non Christians, hope you're day was wonderful.
If not, here is something new to pick it up...
I have never seen "Nightmare Before Christmas", and Tim Burton is a freak, but it has a pretty big following so it must be good right? Anyway, G-Eazy, another white rapper who has gained my following dropped this one. The beat exemplifies the sassiness that is G-Eazy. Also, thanks for the free download.
"Lanky as a mothefucker, rap game Jack Skellington" wut.

Wonderful Christmastime

I've been super busy with Christmas stuff (and finals... bleh) and what better to fill the gap with some christmas covers? Now, I absolutely love The Shins, so they could release a song with just noises and I would automatically love it. That being said, if my sister can like one of their songs, it has to be pretty catchy... she's hard to please.
So The Shins take on Paul McCartney in "Wonderful Christmastime" on some sassy christmas cover album. (also on the album is a cover of Sleigh Ride by Fun. that is worth checking out, but Fun. is not The Shins.)
So as the holiday comes near, hav a Wonderful Christmastime!

Seattle has some bomb rappers

If you keep up with this blog, you know I loveeeee Macklemore. Born and raised in Seattle, he turned out pretty awesome. Hailing from the same city, I present you the producers/rappers Sam Lachow and Raz. I did download this whole mixed tape (it's only 5 songs), but I am posting my three favorite. Sa Lachow & Raz have some pretty sick beats and sample things that sound like accordions  pianos and some other not so usual instruments. I can tell I will be listening to these quite frequently.
DOWNLOAD, DOWNLOAD, and DOWNLOAD

A little something different than I usually post.

My father is the epitome of a Deadhead. No matter where we are going or for how long we will be in the car, The Grateful Dead XM radio station will be playing (that is, unless he and I are jamming out to "Low" by Flo Rida...) Anyway, XMU played this cover the other day and it brings out the essential jam band essence of the Grateful Dead while putting a little something new in with it. I don't expect everyone to love this song, but The Dead is sentimental, as will be this post. If you do turn out to like it, soundcloud has a direct download!
Nothing shaking on Shakedown Street.

Just a little bit closer

I heard about this song thanks to a tweet posted by Max Bemis of Say Anything, a forever favorite band of mine. Tegan and Sara have always been on my radar, but I have never been one to completely jump on their bandwagon, but this song is a banger. The sister duo make "Closer" into a real hit with the fast start, synth rhythm, and electropop beat. The breakdown is pretty great. In typical Tegan and Sara fashion, the lyrics are powerful and a bit sweeping. Bomb.
This is one of those songs that you want to dance around your room in your underwear to.
Also, here is a download link, but you didn't hear it from me.