Each week we find a track from an artist or band we’ve been enjoying and bring it to you, for free, as our Canciòn de la Semana. Alonso Diaz, the 23-year-old front man of the Granada-based rock band Napoleon Solo, grew up listening to classical music. The cover of the group’s debut album, Napoleon Solo en la Ópera, riffs on the design of a vintage Deutsche Grammophon album logo. Interspersed with psychedelic organ chords and grinding guitar solos, “Hola, Qué Tal” floats with the resonant moaning of a cello adagio.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
Each week we’ll be selecting music from an independent artist we’re excited about and bringing it to you, for free, as our Indie Free Download. These soulful Swedes attracted serious shine last year when they appeared on Gorillaz’ Plastic Beach. Now Little Dragon unveils its latest full-length, Ritual Union, featuring the jam “Nightlight.” On this standout cut, the quirky quartet paints a kinetic, electro-soul vibe perfect for spinning at a late-night lounge or house party. Led by Yukimi Nagano’s icy-cool vocals, the swanky song reminds us of early Prince and ESG, updated with electronic flourishes.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
Each week, we find a track from an artist or band we’ve been enjoying and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. Former Escape the Fate vocalist Ronnie Radke returns with his new band, Falling In Reverse. “Raised By Wolves” is an explosive post-hardcore fastball that serves as a powerful opener for the band’s debut album, The Drug In Me Is You. The song starts with pulsating guitar woven with Radke’s rhythmic, spoken-word delivery about the thoughts and substances swimming in his head. And then the musical onslaught begins.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
Each week we’ll be selecting music from an independent artist we’re excited about and bringing it to you, for free, as our Indie Free Download. This Southern California crew plays a frantic mixture of ghostly, reverb-drenched pop with some pretty sharp edges. "Summer Solstice" hides its melancholy melody under cascading waves of feedback and pummeling drumming. With famed producer Jack Endino (Nirvana, Mudhoney) onboard and renowned underground artist Raymond Pettibon (Black Flag, Sonic Youth) handling the album art, Crystal Antlers are knee-deep in credibility and, what’s more, great tunes.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
Each week we find a track from an artist or a band we’ve been enjoying and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. Six musicians came together as a Dominican rock/pop band and called themselves Bocatabú, which means the absence of fear in the face of absolute love. Already a massive hit in their home country, “A Contraluz” — the first single from the upcoming album Historias Virgenes evokes the mystery and passion of moonlit nights. You realize this lyrical and abstract song isn’t just another Latin alternative rocker when the violins heighten the drama midway through.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
Each week we find a track from an artist or a band we’ve been enjoying and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. Just in time for summer, hot country newcomer Frankie Ballard sets his guitar to sizzle in honor of girls who look good, break hearts, and have a good time. A Michigan resident, Ballard is shaking up country’s foundation through hard work and good songs. His 100-watt smile helps, too. “A Buncha Girls” appears on Ballard’s self-titled debut album.
IMPORTANT: Downloads are only free on iTunes for approximately 1 week from this post date.
