New Philly Alternative Hip Hop: Chiddy Bang

Ever since I bought Illmatic at the age of fourteen, I have been an avid listener of hip hop music. Soon enough, I began listening to more hip hop artists such as The Wu Tang Clan, KRS-One, Rakim, M.O.P., Gangstarr and the list goes on and on. In the early days of my listening to hip hop, I focused more on that raw New York-style hip hop, commonly referred to as "hardcore hip hop." As I grew older and learned more about hip hop, I started getting into more alternative-sounding hip hop such as Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, A Tribe Called Quest, etc. In recent years there has definitely been a change in hip hop music where artists such as Kid Cudi and Kanye West are bringing a new sound to it by mixing other genres such as electronica and rock with with it. It was only very recently that I discovered this alternative hip hop group who come from my college called Chiddy Bang. While conversing with a fellow student about music, I learned that there was this amazing alternative hip hop band who had been sitting right under my nose. Sampling everyone from MGMT to Radiohead to even Tom Waits, Chiddy Bang bring a unique sound to hip hop by using classic samples and electronica. I would even say that listening to their music really reminded me of electronic artists such as Passion Pit and Animal Collective who I am in love with at the moment.

The group consists of front man Chidera "Proto" Anameg, keyboardist Noah Beresin, drummer Zach Sewall, and vocalist and guitarist Pat Braz. I still can't believe that they went to my school and are younger than me. Listening to their witty lyrics and sick production make you believe they are much older. I can't even really pick a favorite song but some great songs include "Truth," "Opposite of Adults" and "Ice Cream Man." Check out their myspace page and find out where they are playing because I am sure they are amazing live. One of my favorite songs has to be "Because" probably because they sample one of my favorite bands of all time-Radiohead. So if you're ready to listen to some new hip hop artists with actual talent take a listen to Chiddy Bang!

Dance Pop: Alphabeat

I don't really listen to pop music too much...I mean I will always find at least one catchy song on the radio but there is no way I will end up buying the full album. However, a few months ago I was reading one of my favorite blogs and stumbled upon Alphabeat, a Danish pop band consisting of lead singers Stine Bramsen and Anders SG and could not stop listening to their music. Not only is the music incredibly catchy, but it is actually really good pop music. When getting ready for a night out, I put some of their fun and upbeat songs on. Kind of reminding me of Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, this band sounds very 80's dance influenced. The male and female harmonies only enhance their sound and add a new twist. I know that in Europe this band has become more popular but have yet to hear them here even though their sound is very radio friendly. So if you are getting ready for a night on the town or just want to dance around, go ahead and listen to this fun pop band!

Here are a few songs I love:

Boyfriend

Fascination

10000 Nights of Thunder

What is Happening

Raw and Gritty Indie: The Dutchess and the Duke

It usually takes me a long time to get into music...I have to listen to an artist a few times to really understand their sound and what they're about. However, recently I listened to one band that drew me right in from the get-go and that unbelievably talented band is The Dutchess and the Duke. This Seattle based duo take you back in time and remind you of Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Cat Stevens, Simon and Garfunkel, and the list can go on and on. When I listen to one of their songs, I feel its familiarity. Music which makes you feel that comfortable is hard to find. Also, any artist who reminds me of those folk legends is good in my book. The Dutchess and the Duke are a good listen for young listeners who are really not familiar with the music from the 60's and the 70's because they epitomize everything amazing about that time with a modern indie twist.

I would definitely characterize their music as raw and sort of bluesy kind of like The Black Keys (who I am in love with). It is not hard to understand why this band is so good, after all they hail from and from one of the biggest indie rock scenes in the world-Seattle. Many great bands have come from Seattle. But, now the sound of Seattle indie music is different in that it tends to focus on being more acoustic and folk sounding as opposed to being grungey. In fact, Seattle is probably one of the biggest musically gifted cities in the world as many great indie bands such as Death Cab for Cutie and Fleet Foxes hail from there. Take a listen to this AMAZING duo and let me know if you believe they are legends in the making.

Hands

Reservoir Park

Let it Die

Philly's Finest Hip Hop: The Last Emperor

When I started school in Philadelphia, I was really into underground hip hop music and randomly stumbled upon one of the most unique lyricists in the game named The Last Emperor. Straight from West Phildelphia, the Last Emperor is unlike any rapper I have ever heard. I was truly shocked when I began listening to him because he was incredibly articulate and lyrically deep and philosophical. Speaking of life after death in the amazing song "Heaven", the Last Emperor raps about "kicking it with Sammy Davis Junior", "listening to Hendrix on guitar", and "talking politics" with Malcolm X. In the song "One Life", he speaks of a friend dying and wondering what happens after one dies. Not only are his lyrics amazing, but his production parallels that of 9th wonder by sampling many old R&B music and using amazing instruments such as the violin. In the ridiculous song (in a good way), Jungle Cats, the Last Emperor makes up a story about "the cat people" who once inhabited the earth. In Secret Wars, he sets up battles between comic book characters and hip hop legends and imitates rappers such as Common and Busta Rhymes.

Although the premise of some of his songs are out there, one can only hand it to him for being such a creative rapper. If you want to listen to hip hop songs about money, girls, and bling, The Last Emperor is not for you. One can only wonder how this nonconformist rapper is not well known. Be prepared to be shocked when you listen to one of my favorite rappers of all time!

Take a listen to some of my favorites:

Black Magic

The Great Pretender

Karma

Tiger Trail

Caravan

Unconventional Indie Rock: Liars

There are certain bands that defy conventional genres of music and experiment more frequently than others. One band that fits this standard is called Liars which began in 2000 by Angus Andrew, Aaron Hemphill, and Julian Gross. In the beginning their style fit more the dance-punk category but every since then, they have been dramatically changing their style from album to album (they have five so far). It is not your traditional indie music and it might take you a little while to really get into the band because they are so different. Liars really give art punk a good name and they refuse to stop changing and experimenting their musical style. Each time you listen to a new album, you will think you are listening to a completely different band and yet you will still be familiar with some of their dance-like vibes. However, Liars music has almost a spooky and dark vibe and it will take you into another world. Just listen to Plaster Casts of Everything and you will know exactly what I am talking about.

Take a listen:

Protection

Sailing to Byzantium

Houseclouds

Broken Witch

Indie Romance: The Good Life

Like anyone else, I have had my share of failed romances and one thing that has helped me through those times has been music. Of course, every musician sings about love and heartbreak but one band that I recently have began listening to called The Good Life sings about more frequently than some other bands. Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, The Good Life started out as a solo project by Cursive's lead singer, Tim Kasher who built the band to include Stefanie Drootin, Ryan Fox, and Roger Lewis. I love bands which have both male and female singers and The Good Life uses them to their advantage just like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros as well as The Arcade Fire. It almost feels as though you listening to two different bands because of the switching of the singers. For example, in the song Album of the Year, Tim Kasher sings about his heartbreak and then in Inmates, Stefanie Drootin goes on to talk about her complicated romantic life with her lover. Basically, the whole album focuses on the rise and demise of a relationship and anyone who has been in a relationship can empathize with everything the band speaks of. In "Lovers Need Lawyers," the main character defends himself against rumors about possibly cheating on his lover and uses metaphors to describe how he feels as though he is on trial (hence the name of the song). The Good Life are a really easy listen because they are more acoustic and because they are very relatable. Whenever you are in the mood to listen to romantic indie music, take a listen to The Good Life.

Indie Folk Rock Pioneers: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

I was sitting in my living room casually chatting away on the internet with my good friend when he sent me a link to a performance by a new band he really enjoyed. The band my friend was referring to is called Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros who are in a league of their own. The ensemble band is led by Alex Ebert who was previously in the power pop band Ima Robot. Their first album called Up From Below was released in July of 2009 although they have been performing since 2007. Ebert imagined a messiah like figure named Edward Sharpe who he claims "was sent down to Earth to kinda heal and save mankind...but he kept getting distracted by girls and falling in love" proving how unconventional this band truly is. Ebert then met Jade Castrinos in Los Angelos and toured the country with a group of musicians in a white school bus.

Made up of a staggering ten musicians, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros combine country, folk, and rock with some neo-psychedelia putting out songs that cross boundaries. In their song "Home," Alex Ebert begins by whistling the melody when Jade Castrinos begins singing "Alabama, Arkansas/ I do love my Ma and Pa/ But not as much as I do love you" which may sound like cheesy lyrics to some but I find their lyrics endearing. In fact, the band seems to be essentially child like and whimsical-sort of modern day hippies which is reflected in their clothing and musical style. The band sings about love, solitude, personal privacy and family which is shown in dream-like "Desert Song" in which Ebert sings about wanting to make decisions on his own. Although some of the songs have dark undertones, most of the music really just puts me in a good mood and is fun and energetic. So pass the peace pipe and listen to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros!