The Splinters

What is it about female garage rock bands? I am a sucker for them. I can't let myself go to shows where I know there is a girl garage band, because I will end up buying every record possible. Anyway, todays absolutely awesome girl group is The Splinters out of Oakland. Who sound have that garage rock sound a la Vivian Girls or Frankie Rose, but guitars that remind me more of Black Flag or LA punk. I might be alone in hearing that. They have released a couple singles on SouthPaw Records and might be touring this summer.

Killer Mike

Killer Mike is droping his next lbum, R.A.P. Music, this May. The entire albums was produced by the one and only El-Producto. I am beyond excited for this album. The songs that have been posted have been rediculously strong, street minded intelligent rap. Killer Mike raps with a passion and ferocity that few match."Big Beast" might be my favorite track thus far; Bun B, T.I. and Killer Mike flowing on an El-P beat - perfection.

Live: Paper Diamond

Paper Diamond played the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, Ca on April 3. It was a fantastic show. The Belly Up had a sound system fully equipped to handle the bass that Paper Diamond was bringing. More about the show and more photos after the jump!

Summer Heart

For those that do not remember, Summer Heart is a one man project out of Sweden. His newest song is the fantastic "Third Wave". It comes just in time for summer and the warmer days. The rhythm on this track is absolutely fantastic, I love the disco beat - reminiscent of Toro y Moi's "Still Sound" without feeling like a rip off. This is definitely a song that will soundtrack many a summer night party/kick back. "A Million times" is the first single from his forthcoming album, About a Feeling. Its got a nice bouncy, light feel to it. Welcome back Summer, we missed you!

The Cribs

At this point I doubt that the Cribs need an introduction, but here is one anyway. The Cribs are a band from West Yorkshire, UK that are made up of three brothers and at one point employed a former smith. They make anthemic british rock that recalls all your favorite bands, without sounding like a rehash. Their album Men's Needs, Women's Need, Whatever is criminally underrated and was one of the first things my girlfriend gave to me that I fell in love with. Their latest single is "Come on, Be a No-One". The song combines the energetic guitars and big chorus we have come to expect from the lads. I have only heard a couple tracks, but the new album is definitely on the short list for the year already. Check out tour dates and another track after the jump!

Lushlife

Lushlife is a rapper out of Philly who comes correct. Here raps with a passion and precision that is only found on the east coast. Lushlife goes in over a combination of orchestra strings and 90 boom bap beats, imagine EL-P if it didn't sound like a nuclear wasted land. On "Still I Hear the Word Progress" Lushlife plays the hyperactive frustrated optimist, to Styles P knuckleheaded ignorant opportunist. The Balam Acab remix slows and liquifies the song to a deeply satisfying effect.

BeatauCue

BeatauCue are two French produces who I have become obsessed with. Their tunes are very much in the Kitsune/Ed Banger Style of French Electronic.  Which when done correctly still produces some of the best pop tunes possible. "Kiho" has synth lines that are alternately reminiscent of an anime and big room clubs. "Slow Down" has the classic female vocal club mix sound that just works on Saturday night. Their newest single, "Slow Down", can be purchased on Beat Port and iTunes now.