Keyboardist Geoff Barrow , vocalist Beth Gibbons , and guitarist Adrian Utley of Portishead are staging a comeback after nearly a decade of dormancy. While each member has been active individually since their 2nd album Portishead (1997), the group performed their first gig together in years (albeit unofficially) in February to awestruck fans caught unaware. With a third album underway, the members have agreed to perform and curate a special festival...

Singer/songwriter and Spanish Harlem native, Suzanne Vega recently podcasted her thoughts on the making of her 7th album Beauty And Crime (debuts on Blue Note June 5th), a partially autobiographical work with narrative lyrics describing the rougher sides of Manhattan back in the day. The video is an interesting video shedding insight into her lyrics and musical expression. Be sure to check it out

In anticipation of the launch of Absolut Vodka's first new advertising campaign in 27 years, In An Absolut World, Other Music & Absolut Vodka will be partnering this Sunday May 20, 2007, to giveaway 100 pairs of tickets to this summer's hottest concerts. We cannot announce the bands in advance, but venues include McCarren Pool, Central Park SummerStage, Keyspan Park, Highline Ballrooom, Madison Square Garden, Roseland Ballroom & The Town...

Hooorraaaay!!! Core Giant Step family member Nickodemus's track “Mi Swing Es Tropical” co-penned with Will “Quantic” featuring Tempo of the Candela Allstars is the soundtrack to the brand new Apple iPod TV commercial. Set to a gaseous backdrop ranging from yellow and orange hues befitting of solar dust to cosmic red and purples of supernovae, the ad remains true to Apple's ongoing campaign with trademark silhouetted men, women, and children...

Recent coverstarlet of Wax Poetics (see Issue #22 April/May 2007), Betty Davis’ legacy once again bathes in the light of true school funk - one that blinded her contemporaries over 30 years ago. Tomorrow, May 15th, Light In The Attic Records will reissue her first two albums, Betty Davis and They Say I'm Different , produced by Sly Stone and Ms. Davis, respectively. Having single-handedly changed the artistic direction of her husband,...

Solo singer from the quirky ex-couple Moloko (of "Bring It Back" fame) Roisin Murphy has broadened her palette of producers while honing in on her electro-pop sound for her forthcoming as-yet-untitled follow-up to Ruby Blue . Now signed to EMI , Murphy’s singles will receive top shelf remix treatment from pop gurus Seamus Haji, Groove Armada, Hervé, Loose Cannons , and Kris Menace . Thus far, the confirmed tracklist (see below) is highlighted...

Best kept soul secret to buzz vocalist of the moment, Amy Winehouse never ceases to impress. Her second album Back To Black - is it better than her first? – has just been nominated for 3 Mojo awards , including best live act, album of the year, and song of the year for "Rehab." Prince , who played a surprise show in London last night, complimented her by covering "Love Is A Losing Game, publicly lauded the singer "Respect to Amy Winehouse,...

This post is simple: CLICK HERE FOR FREE DOWNLOADS These tracks are highly recommended by us - and they're free! So what's to lose? Enjoy songs by SA-RA, DJ SUN, Kudu, Nicola Conte, Ojos De Brujo, Wax Poetic, Luz Mob, Luisito Quintero and more.

Stones Throw recently announced that Yesterdays New Quintet will disband after its July 17, 2007 release of Yesterdays Universe . Comprised of members Malik, Joe, Ahmad, Monk & Otis aka Madlib , the group will merely be reconfigured into 10 other acts – all of whom will be produced by Madlib in the months to come. Otis Jackson Jr. will be a busy cat this year with the album, a Jewelz EP (out in June), and the records of all the YNQ...

Often criticized for relying on famous guests to complete his albums, James Lavelle of UNKLE has once again gathered together several of his distinguished musician friends for the group’s third LP War Stories (out July 24th on Lavelle’s Surrender All label). Along with James’ studio partner Richard File , half of the 14 tracks feature other artists, including Josh Homme (Queens Of The Stone Age), Gavin Clark (Clayhill), Ian Astbury (The...