My Poproks

Dude, how good is Robin Thicke? I once said something along the lines of “as good as Songs in the Key of Life” when referring to his sophomore album, The Evolution of Robin Thicke. I did. And I’d say it again. I just did. Anyway, this new track sort of makes me feel better for saying that (twice). Everything about this song is so Stevie. So good. Thicke’s got some moves, too.

Something Else is tentatively due September 9 on Interscope.

Top 10 things I would do if I were as cool as Pharrell Williams: #1 - start a really badass band and record really badass albums and make really badass videos and wear really badass clothes and just be an all-around BAD ASS.

Anyway, the new N.E.R.D. video for “Spaz,” the second single off of Seeing Sounds (an album that poproks, a lot), is above.

Sigh.

Eh, R.E.M. have always been pretty good at the video thing, even when they were making mediocre mid-career sleepers (”Bad Day,” anyone? I actually really like this song anyways). Can’t go wrong with animation and political statements right now.

So, here is that Radiohead video that did not use any cameras or lights for filming. The video, if I understand this correctly, was “captured” using laser technologies that record the relative size and shape of things, and then that data is put together with computer visualizations of what the lasers captured. If you don’t understand that (I mean, I don’t understand what I just said), try this ‘making of.’ Only another contribution by the most innovative and interesting pop band in the entire world (ever).

Oh, and the song is not so bad either.

Radiohead. Man, oh man.

I guess this pretty much speaks for itself. Untitled - July 15.

Jeez, Louise, Beck is awesome. I’m having trouble picking a favorite track on this album…

Might have to go with this one.

Some very pretty scenes happening in the new Verve video for “Love is Noise,” the band’s first single off their long-awaited forth album called Forth, (a la Portishead’s long-awaited third album called Third), due August 18 on EMI. I still might have to give this song a 6-7/10 rating, but as I said, any Ashcroft is good Ashcroft.

Albert Hammond Jr.’s 2nd solo album, ¿Cómo Te Llama?, came out yesterday on Black Seal. The first single and video for “GfC” above might be higher on my list than any track on his last album, and the video is one of my favorites of the year so far. Not sure if he is the Top Stroke over Julian Casablancas (I’d actually say that Fabrizio Moretti has them both beat, what with the awesome name the dating Drew Barrymore).

I think this song just grew on me a little more…

The Converse ad video for that Pharrell, Santogold, Casablancas collab, “My Drive Thru” - I kinda thought this song was pretty awesome before the awesome video made it even awesomer. Who cares if this is for a commercial? Really.

So what if Nas couldn’t name his album what he wanted to? It doesn’t take away from the impact that this is going to make, with tracks like “Black President” and the above first single. We need a hero.

This is my favorite track that I’ve heard so far from the upcoming “untitled.” By the way, what happens when a label doesn’t let a rapper do something? He does it himself.

Kanye asked, “What would it take to be a legend like Nas is?”

A lot.

Bloc Party’s new single, “Mercury,” popped up on their website today. And…hmmm. I merely tolerated Silent Alarm, because so many people suggested the album to me and were so sure I would “love it.” I didn’t. I didn’t hate it, either. But this…this I hate.

Over a sample of Peter Gabriel’s synth effect on “Shock the Money,” Bloc Party attempt to give a decent introduction to their third album and present their protest video. Even if it weren’t a terrible video, we get it already. Monkeys electing a moose as president. We get it.

Mothafu**er I’m ILL.

Another great song from this crazy chick, this is the official video for Amanda Palmer’s “Astronaut” from her upcoming solo album, Who Killed Amanda Palmer. The Dresdon Dolls singer will get a release via Roadrunner on 9/16.

I have no idea who killed her but it worked out well for all of us.

Here is the new official video for Vampire Weekend’s second single, “Oxford Comma.” This actually premiered Friday night on Pete Wentz’ new MTV show, FNMTV. Whatevs. Even through that, I still just love this record to pieces. Frankly, it’s still sitting in my #1 album of 2008 slot quite safely (despite all the Odd Couple-ing and Viva La Vida-ing I’ve done this year) and Ezra Koenig’s got himself a snazzy new white suit, which he seems to be well aware of as he adjusts the jacket 40 times within this 3:39 video.

Besides, I always use oxford commas. Always.

Official video for “Be a Nigger Too” from Nas’ upcoming “untitled” album (July 15!), with an added piano intro that i like muchly. Thanks for the tip Vdub.

Apparenly, this “Electric Feel” (off of Oracular Spectacular, one of my favorite albums of ‘08 Q1) video I’ve seen on the ‘tube for the past few months was not official. I thought it was. The official video is above, and it’s quite badass.

I guess I have to complete the series. “Flashing Lights: The Trilogy”?

Kanye is just out of control. Yet another video for Graduation’s “Flashing Lights,” and this  is crazy.

*Sorry for the lack of posts of late. Will be back into the swing of things next week. A short New Releases post for the week is on the way…

An official second version of Kanye’s “Flashing Lights” - does not involve Kanye getting his guts mashed up by a shovel, yet still this is the version we “weren’t supposed to see.”

Hmmm…..

It’s been a busy weekend. I’ve spent the last 4 days asking people if they’ve seen the new Weezer video, followed by a showing on Youtube. Which is funny, because this video is about youtube. It’s not really that funny. Anyway, I’m late on this but it’s just so lovable - I had to post it.

One more video before the day is out?

Tokyo Police Club’s Elephant Shell is super cute. How is it possible for an album to be super cute, you ask? I don’t really know, but it is. One of my favorite debut LP’s of the year so far (barely a debut though, as the band’s released 2 acclaimed EP’s prior), and one of my favorite songs from the record, “In a Cave”….Look up.