popwreckoning

The drummer from UK electro-pop group, Hot Chip, likes to mix fresh new sounds of the synth with classic pop from thirty years ago.

When their drummer, Rob Smoughton, is not busy with Hot Chip, he’s busy as Grovesnor. As Grovesnor, he produces tunes even more of a throwback to the golden oldies sound he brings to the group, but he still keeps it fresh.

On May 25, Grovesnor will release his solo debut Soft Return. The first single is “Taxi from the Airport” and you can save a remix from Parisian remix master dÉbruit from the link below. It’s sure to make you clap and sing along. The remix and original track are like night and day, but still paint the perfect vibe of a taxi ride.

Expect tour dates from Grovesnor later this year. He plans on returning as a six-piece band after finishing touring with Hot Chip.

.“Taxi from the Airport” the dÉbruit Remix

Fol Chen‘s “In Ruins” has already been making its way around the Hype Machine and blog circuit. It’s a great dance track that just begged for remixing. 

Fol Chen has since gathered together an EP collection of “In Ruins” remixes and is offering them for free download at folchen.com.

The song is off of the group’s upcoming sophomore release, Part II: the New December due out in early July.

. “In Ruins” – Fol Chen

Tour Dates:
04/27 San Francisco, CA Slim’s *
04/29 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre *
04/30 Vancouver, BC VenueCanada *
05/01 Seattle, WA Neumo’s *
07/06 Los Angeles, CA The Echo – Album release show!
07/13 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue *
07/14 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon *
07/15 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall *
07/17 Detroit, MI Magic Stick *
07/18 Newport, KY The Southgate House *
07/20 Nashville, TN Exit / In *
07/21 Bloomington, IN Rhino’s Youth Center *
07/22 St. Louis, MO Firebird *
07/23 Lawrence, KS Bottleneck *
07/24 Denver, CO Bluebird *
* = w/ Liars

Canadian indie rockers Tokyo Police Club have announced the release of Champ, their sophomore effort due out June 8. The album follows a highly anticipated Coachella performance and preludes an appearance at Bonnaroo and a tour with Passion Pit. 

You can check out the first single off Champ now. The band has put “Breakneck Speed” up for free download on their Web site.

You can also check out the newly revealed album art and tracklisting below:

1. Favourite Food
2. Favourite Colour
3. Breakneck Speed
4. Boots of Danger (Wait Up)
5. Bambi
6. End of a Spark
7. Hands Reversed
8. Gone
9. Big Difference
10. Not Sick
11. Frankenstein

Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Jack Johnson and popular artists from the history of Bonnaroo have collaborated together on a free Best of Bonnaroo album. They just ask that people contact their elected officials about climate change.

The compilation features 17 live performances for the festival and is available for free download at www.Musicforaction.org. The music is free no matter what, but it is strongly encouraged fans take action about climate change.

“This generation has an opportunity to be remembered as one that confronted environmental challenges and took responsibility for the future,” said Jack Johnson, whose song “Inaudible Melodies” can be heard on the compilation. “With that opportunity comes the responsibility to speak out.”

Climate change legislature has been introduced in the U.S. Congress, but since reaching the U.S. Senate, the legislation appears to have reached a standstill. Many other countries are waiting to pass their own governmental decisions based on the actions of the U.S.T

Track Listing:
Wilco – Bull Black Nova
Pearl Jam – Animal
Jack Johnson – Inaudible Melodies
Dave Mathews Band – Rapunzel
Death Cab for Cutie – Cath…
Ani DiFranco – Fuel
Phish – Kill Devil Falls
Gov’t Mule – Banks of the Deep End
O.A.R. – Delicate Few
moe. – Not Coming Down
Raphael Saadiq – 100 Yard Dash
Bob Weir & RatDog – Throwing Stones
The Disco Biscuits – And The Ladies Were the Rest of the Night
The Decemberists -The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid
My Morning Jacket – Oh! Sweet Nuthin’
Guster – Happier
Phil Lesh and Friends – Box of Rain

John Nolan, formerly of Straylight Run and Taking Back Sunday, has been busy touring and coming up with new works for his solo project.

Between touring with Mansions, working to put his album out on vinyl and preparing a digital EP, Nolan still found extra time to treat his fans. To kick off the New Year, he has a free live EP that you can download here.

Tour Dates:
Jan 22 – Moe’s / Englewood, Colorado
Jan 23 – Kilby Court / Salt Lake City, Utah
Jan 25 – The Vera Project /  Seattle, Washington
Jan 26 – Backspace / Portland, Oregon
Jan 28 – The Wire / Upland, California
Jan 29 – Chain Reaction / Anaheim, California
Feb 2 – Chyro Arts / Scottsdale, Arizona
Feb 4 – Emo’s / Austin, Texas
Feb 5 – Art Ambush / Waco, Texas
Feb 6 – Rock Bottom / San Antonio, Texas
Feb 7 – Prophet Bar / Dallas, Texas