Awesome Music

Gateway Drugs a South African synth pop band that will make you want to wear fingerless gloves and go out for a drive as the sun sets, with your robot unicorn galloping beside you, neon lasers streaking out of its ass. More here.

In Return is the upcoming album from electronica duo Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight aka Odesza. Pre-order In Return to instantly get two tracks from the album: Memories That You Call and Sun Models.

We are so pleased to share Weird Al’s parody of Pharrell’s Happy from Nerdist, featuring Aisha Tyler, Kristen Schaal and Jack Black, among others. It kicks off his 8 videos in 8 days project. We have missed you, Al. (Thanks Chris!)

A YouTube channel with over 13,000 videos of live performances from some of the world’s most popular bands and artists, from classic acts such as the Grateful Dead to current stars like The Bad Plus.

Bass player Davie504 plays a medley consisting of some of the most memorable and catchiest bass lines, from the songs of Chic and Stevie Wonder to Muse and of course Red Hot Chili Peppers. Thank you Flea, Bass God.

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Fredde Gredde, but he’s back, and this time he’s taken 15 classical tunes and created a loosely assembled fairytale by adding lyrics. At times its a bit shaky, but overall it’s an impressive feat.

(Gore) A track from the self-titled debut album of the two-man British rock band Royal Blood. If you love garage and blues rock bands like The Black Keys and the White Stripes, watch out for these guys. Album drops 8/25/14.

The video for the lead single from Interpol’s new album El Pintor. Frontman Paul Banks will have a tough time filling Carlos D’s shoes on bass, but otherwise they’re still the nonsensical, well-groomed rock band we know and love.

If for no other reason to see Dana Carvey back on his game, you should watch this orchestral remake of his hilarious and nonsensical 1986 power ballad The Lady I Know (aka Choppin’ Broccoli) he performed on The Tonight Show.

(NSFW) A brilliantly animated, hand-painted music video for The Peach Kings’ fuzz-rock track Mojo Thunder. Its use of light on dark illustration is truly stunning. Created by Ataboy, Kris Merc, Benjy Brooke and Vikkal Parikh.

“Work hard and sweetly pay your taxes, never asking what for.” The eponymous lead single from Morrissey’s latest album World Peace Is None of Your Business is a sarcastic ballad. US residents can stream the entire album at NPR.

Smithson Martin’s limited edition Emulator ELITE is an all-in-one digital DJ system with a large see-through touchscreen, on-board Mac Mini, Lumen 3000 Projector and Motu 4-pre sound card, providing an instant kit for pro DJs.

Aw yisss. Canadian dance-punk duo Death from Above 1979 are back, and with a full album no less. This is the lyric video for their lead single from The Physical World, which drops 9/9/14. Not that we listen to them for their lyrics.

A teenager elopes with a girl while sneaking his grandpa out of the hospital. But the video for How To Dress Well’s single is no rom-com. Part 2 & 3 here. Tom ditched lo-fi for polished pop in his latest album What is this Heart.

Got the basics of making a hit pop song? Brett Domino is back with the advanced techniques for cooking a chart topper. You’re going to need a synthesizer, a washing machine, and provocative lines like, “Who made you the barrister?”

During Philadelphia’s July 4th Welcome America concert, an old school vs. new school battle broke out between DJ Jazzy Jeff and Jeremy Ellis with the sounds of Super Mario Bros. as their ammunition, with Questlove providing rhythm.

Xanthocroid frontman Sam Meador uses his lightning quick fingers in his acoustic cover Avicii’s Wake Me Up, turning the country-house track into a math ballad. What is it with metalheads and awesome acoustic guitar skills?

The perennially heartbroken Justin Vernon and his band go minimal once again, this time with a dash of electronica. Heavenly Father is from the soundtrack of Wish I Was Here, the Kickstarter-funded comedy directed by Zach Braff.

While a few too many of his voices sound like Muppets, you’ve got to hand it to impressionist Rob Cantor for singing his song Perfect in the voices of 29 different characters. Surprisingly, his women’s voices are some of the best.

Musician Sam Edelston rocks out with his dulcimer out in this performance of Led Zeppelin’s classic Whole Lotta Love. His Psycho Killer and 19th Nervous Breakdown covers ain’t too shabby either.

LA indie rockers Warpaint turn in a download-worthy rendition of David Bowie’s 1980 classic in a backstage performance during Glastonbury 2014. Fortunately, you can find the track on the 2010 tribute album We Were So Turned On.

Musician Luc Arbogast’s bald head and tattoos belie his vocal talents, an uncanny ability to sing in a range normally reserved for the most talented female vocalists. He can also sing in a more typical range as well. More here.

Musician and vocalist Brett Domino provides a brief instructional video on putting together the kind of formulaic hooks and cheesy lyrics that eventually turn into pop gold. Apparently, all you need is a bassoon and Google.