First there was Thom Yorke saying that the Toots & the Maytals version of "Let Down" was good. And now it looks like lead guitarist Jonny Greenwood has voiced his opinion as well, calling it "truly astounding." Despite my dislike for covers sometimes, I have to agree that "Let Down" is one of the standout tracks from this forthcoming album, 'Radiodread.' Other highlights include "Karma Police" with Citizen Cope, "Exit Music (For A Film)" feat. Sugar Minott and "Lucky" feat. Frankie Paul. To...

Founded in 1995 by Patrick Moxey, Ultra Records, one of the largest dance labels, recently signed a distribution deal with Warner Music Group's Alternative Distribution Alliance that will take effect something in September. For more information and an industry verteran's take on it, go here .

In case you decided not to be go out into the sweltering heat two weeks back, here is a clip of the Scissors Sisters performing at this year's Siren Festival in Coney Island (NY). Sounding funkier than ever, this clip shows them playing the song "I Don't Feel Like Dancing" from their forthcoming album 'Tah Dah,' which is set to drop on September 26th.

Released on June 20th, singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae's self-titled debut continues to dazzle audiences. After topping the UK album charts and becoming the first female British artist to debut at No. 1 on Billboard's U.K. album chart, Corinne Bailey Rae is making headway in the US as well, selling almost 150,000 records to date and remaining in the top 20 for the last 4 weeks. Not an easy feat for a debuting artist, with worldwide sales already exceeding 1 million copies, Corinne Bailey...

In case you missed it, among the seemingly hundreds of shows taking place in New York, this weekend (Saturday, July 29th) Alice Smith, along with Goapele and DJs Ladies of Ubiquita, will play a free show at Central Park's SummerStage. Playing neo-soul and eclectic alterna-pop, doors open at 1:30pm with the show set to begin at 3:00pm. As you have probably already learned, getting there early would probably be a good idea.

If you missed José González perform at Giant Step's SummerStage show during the fourth of July weekend here in New York, he is set to tour yet again, this time with Zero 7 for a handful of dates. See below for dates. Tour Dates * denotes dates with Zero 7 8/26 Sat San Diego House of Blues* 8/27 Sun Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl* 8/29 Tues San Francisco Fillmore* 8/30 Wed San Francisco Fillmore* 9/01 Fri Portland Wonder Ballroom* 9/02 Sat Vancouver Commodore...

Being big proponents of organizations that promote positive social change through music, The Washington Mystics Foundation and Educational Lyrics, LLC have created an essay competition in conjunction with the YouthAIDS Day at the Washington Mystics. Offered to youth ages 14-19 who attend the Hip Hop forum events, winners will receive a $500 scholarship prize. See below for more details and feel free to pass along this information to anyone you think may be interested....

If you recall the album, 'Congotronics 2' , that we featured a few months ago that included the electro-traditional band Konono N°1, it looks like they have teamed up with Björk to record a few songs. While there is no confirmation that these tracks will see the light of day, the thought of these two teaming up has our hearts racing. In the meantime though, you can catch Konono N°1 on a world tour at the below dates. Tour Dates ...

Innovative? Yes. Diverse? Yes. Still a DJ Shadow record? Yes. Giving fans a first taste of what can be expected on his forthcoming album 'The Outsider,' two tracks can now be heard at the links below. The streams are in a Windows format, so MAC users may have trouble. Be sure to let us know what you think in the forums. "Enuff" feat. Q-Tip and Lateef

With a comprehensive Medeski Martin & Wood compilation, 'Note Bleu: Best Of The Blue Note Years (1998 - 2005),' released earlier this year via Blue Note Records, MMW is set to deliver a brand new studio album on September 26th. Teaming up with jazz guitarist John Scofield, 'Out Louder,' will be the inaugural release for MMW's own Indirecto Records label and the first time recording with Scofield since his 1998 album, 'A Go Go.' Recorded in under a week at MMW's downtown Brooklyn studio,...