February was dominated by announcements rather than releases (unless you are Radiohead), but will probably be best remembered for this year’s Grammys.
As usual the Grammy’s had some spectacular and unusual performances, topped by the Cee-Lo – Gwyneth Paltrow – Fraggle Rock performance of “F*** You” and Lady Gaga’s performance of her new single as well as her entrance to the award show in an egg.
The biggest surprise of the Grammy’s was definitely Arcade Fire pulling off the upset for Album of the Year for “The Suburbs”, even though they lost the Best Alternative Album Grammy to The Black Keys, who walked away with three awards for their latest album “Brother”.
This year’s Bonnaroo lineup was announced with headlining acts such as Eminem, The Strokes, Arcade Fire and The Black Keys. For the full lineup visit the Bonnaroo website.
Radiohead unleashed the biggest news of the month, announcing they would digitally release their new album “The King of Limbs” on February 19 with the physical copy being released on May 9, then releasing the album a day early just because they can, along with potentially the video of the year.
Other bands announced new albums in the making as well. Fleet Foxes (Helplessness Blues), The Strokes (Under Cover of Darkness), Peter, Bjorn and John (Breaker, Breaker), Manchester Orchestra (Simple Math) and Foo Fighters (White Limo and Rope) all released singles in February in anticipation for their releases later this year.
On the rap front, Kanye West has apparently been very busy, announcing a new album this summer, a collaboration album with Jay-Z including their new hit “H.A.M.”, and a new Kid Cudi album also out this summer. As a big fan of Mr. West, who apparently loves himself some m****f**** bassoon, I can’t wait to see what he does next. If you haven’t listened to his newest album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” yet, go to your local Best Buy right now and purchase it.
Minneapolis based rap group Atmosphere is putting out their latest album “The Family Sign” on April 12 and are currently touring towns in Minnesota. Check out their first single, Minnesota Nice.
With all of the positive and exciting announcements, there always has to be one that will bring us back down, and for me this month it was Jack White announcing that The White Stripes will no longer be making music together. A few days late White also said he wouldn’t be forming any new bands and will be sticking with The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, but didn’t rule out some solo material.
With the lack of new released in February I had to go back into my vast CD collection to find some driving around music. I ventured into the world of The Velvet Underground due to pressuring from some friends. At the end of the month, thanks mostly to this FANTASTIC fan made video, I revisited “This Is Happening” by LCD Soundsystem and fell back in love with it.
NEW ALBUM OF THE MONTH: The King of Limbs by Radiohead
OTHER ALBUM OF THE MONTH: This is Happening by LCD Soundsystem
SONG OF THE MONTH: Under Cover of Darkness by The Strokes
VIDEOS OF THE MONTH: All of the Lights by Kanye West and Lotus Flower by Radiohead
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About Drew Lange
