Music

The prolific Brian Burton (left), better known as Grammy-winning hip-hop producer Danger Mouse, is maintaining his relentless pace with a number of projects in the works. And yes, this does include a new album from Gnarls Barkley, his collaboration with Cee-Lo Green (right) of Goodie Mob fame.

The members of Seattle’s Kinski found each other during a barroom argument over what recording technique was superior: analog or digital. With analog winning the debate hands down, the four-piece embarked on what has thus far proven to be a prolific — if under recognized — career.

After releasing massively unheralded full-length album The Audio Medium in 2002, exceptional and instrumental prog group The Cancer Conspiracy spent two years replacing stolen gear, finding a new bassist, and writing new material. Now, three years following its completion, the band’s swan song is set for release in the fall through Radar Recordings.

None Shall Pass, the first full-length album in four years from inimitable rapper Aesop Rock, delivers more amusing rhymes via unique flow. Under the guise of flippant themes, Aesop, aka Ian Bavitz, examines some weightier subjects that come with hitting the “point of no return” that is thirty years of age.

As potentially enticing (or revolting) as that headline may be, there’s no doubt that teenage pheromones will be in the air for Jaguar Love, a new venture from Johnny Whitney and Cody Votolato of The Blood Brothers and Jay Clark of Pretty Girls Make Graves.

For thirty years now, the Mekons have re-invented punk and indie rock as well as themselves from their home base of Leeds. The release of Natural shows that they are continuing the trend.

On Now You Are This, post-punk trio Numbers combines basic songwriting elements of pop music — melodies, simple progressions, and consistent tempos — and applies its own unique brand of disjointed themes.

In 1999, Hopeless Records imprint Sub City was created in order to raise funds and awareness for non-profit causes through music. With a roster that has included Against All Authority, The Weakerthans, and Thrice, Sub City has released over thirty albums in eight years, created the annual Take Action Tour, and now reached $1 million in its fundraising efforts.

Bedouin Soundclash‘s Street Gospels is a predictable third release that stays true to its influences of dancehall, dub, reggae, some punk, and a little rhythm and blues.

The Ontario-based trio formed in 2001 and has received much recognition from the Canadian music community. In 2006, the band took home a Juno (Canadian Grammy) for the “New Group of the Year” category.

Young Widows, the noise-rock unit borne of Breather Resist, is preparing for a short tour with melodic hardcore outfit Modern Life Is War. The tour, mainly in the Midwest, was announced soon after news that Young Widows is working on the follow-up to its successful 2006 full-length, Settle Down City.