Latest releases

Let’s start this week with Kanye West‘s latest album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. This record has received 5 stars from Rolling Stone, a perfect 10 from Pitchfork and an A from Entertainment Weekly- just to name a few. The promotion surrounding this album has been intense with Kanye’s 40 minute film Runaway, his constant release of new material through twitter called G.O.O.D. Fridays and of course media blitz surrounding his controversial statements. All of these moons have aligned for an exceptionally successful release for Kanye and we welcome that kind of action here at Ecast.

The legendary Quincy Jones releases a new album! You may know of him best from producing M J’s Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad- yeah, that Quincy. His album Q: Soul Bossa Nostra is filled with guest appearances from Akon to Snoop Dogg and everyone in between- should be an interesting listen. Enrique Iglesias releases a new single calledTonight (I’m F---ing You). Ok… that’s too bold for my innocent ears if you ask me. Ne-Yo’s fourth studio album Libra Scale is said to be influenced by his interest in science fiction, comic books and Japanese animation. Mix all of that up with some dance grooves and R&B ballads, and it’s got to be gold!

We have a lot going on in Hip Hop this week. Niki Manaj has her debut album Pink Friday! She has been gaining a lot of buzz over this last year, and with two singles in the top 20 on Billboard this album is set up for a great release. Joe Budden’s latest mix tape Mood Music 4 is ready for you to vibe out to and it's been receiving rave reviews from both critics and his die-hard cult following. Here is a question for you- what do you know about Yellow Wolf? Well, now you know that the Alabama skater-turned rapper just released his debut album with an array of guest appearances including Bun B, Gucci Mane and Raekwon! And Curren$y releases his follow up album Pilot Talk II, which has a real trippy funk-vibe that would go great with some cocktails near the end of the night.

Kings Of Leon give us their highly anticipated fifth album Come Around Sundown. This record has topped the charts in the states, plus fourteen other countries! Look out…Owl City’s music is being leaked! Well, basically everybody’s music is being leaked- which in turn forces music to be rushed released. Such is the case with their new single Peppermint Winter, enjoy!  We wish you a very happy holiday.

New Music

Let’s start this week with Rihanna‘s latest single with Drake titled What’s My Name? This is the second single for her upcoming album Loud which critics are praising the single saying, “it does seem like another effortless hit on Rihanna's hands”. Next up, we have the second album from the rejected American Idol Jason Castro. That wasn’t meant to sound as mean as it did - let me make it up to him. Did you know he was the first contestant in the history of the show to ever play an instrument on the American Idol stage? That’s pretty cool!
We have a lot going on in Hip Hop this week. Considered a legend by many in Chicago’s hip hop scene and was even entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 1992 for the fastest rapper, Twista brings his latest album The Perfect Storm. Kid Cudi’s sophomore album Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager has received a lot of critical acclaim, and the single Erase Me is charting really well on our network. Lil Boosie, Webbie, Lil Trill and Trill Fam tell us in their collaborative album that it’s All or Nothing. And we have a compilation of Bad Boy’s Greatest Hits which include fan favorites from Biggie, Craig Mack and others.
Are you ready to rock?! Let’s do that with a classic rerelease of Sleep’s second album Sleep’s Holy Mountain which is widely considered one of the seminal albums in the evolution of stoner rock. Next is Travis Barker’s second single Carry It, from his up coming album which blends hard rock drums with Wu Tang Clan rappers. It could work; I’ll let you be the judge. We also have a critically acclaimed space rock/ progressive metal album (Who comes up with these genes?) from Arjen A. Lucassen’s Star One. I hear good thing from metal/rock blogs. And last but not least, Hawthorne Heights’ Midwestern: The Hits!

New Music

Let’s start this week with Sugarland’s latest release The Incredible Machine. This album has garnered great critical response and the lead single is currently holding the #3 slot in Billboard's Country chart. Another critically acclaimed new release is brought to us by the one and only Elton John and the legendary Leon Russel! It's a collaboration album appropriately titled The Union- and I honestly couldn't predict what it's going to sound like.
In other pop news, Duffy's title of her new single Well, Well, Well, makes me feel like I was just caught in the act. Ray J gives us his single Last Wish for his upcoming 2011 release- Raydiation 2. And N.E.R.D. brings their Daft Punk produced single Hypnotize U. Did you see them perform it on Dave Letterman? That was a sight.
We have some classic material in Hip Hop this week. Group Home pays tribute to one of the greats by naming their album Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, which is dedicated to the recently fallen GURU of Gang Starr. We also have recently found some underground favorites to involve on our network from Immortal Technique and Heltah Skeltah.
Do you feel like rockin’ out? Well, let’s do that with My Chemical Romance’s second single The Only Hope for Me Is You off of their upcoming album Release Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, which is slated to be released November 22nd. Let’s get heavier with the Latin metal band Ill Niño, who gives their bleak outlook on our future with their album titled Dead New World.

New Music Release

Hello and welcome to the new music release!

Pop: We have the debut solo album from Bruno Mars aka Mr. Nothing on You and Mr.Billionaire. It has already received critical acclaim as well as a number one single Just the Way You Are- it’s poptastic. :)

Rap: Lil Wayne thought he needed to remind us that he is in no way shape or form, a human being with his latest EP, I am Not A Human Being. Personally, I was convinced of that a long time ago. Waka Flocka Flame brings his debut album Flockaveli and Black Milk has a classic on his hands with his new album blatantly called Album of the Year.

Country: It’s a little laid back in country this week except for a new release from the one and only Toby Keith, with his brand new album, Bullets in the Gun! Toby wrote all of the tracks on this album and as a bonus; it includes four extra live, classic cover songs from his recent Incognito Bandito LIVE performance at the Fillmore in NY.

Rock: Phil Collins – where have you been?? It’s been eight years since his last release but he’s back and performs his interpretation of Motown’s in this classic album appropriately titled Going Back. In a different form of rock, we have the band Grinderman,who appropriately named their second album 2; seriously. The lead singer of Godsmack,Sully Erna, debuts his solo album Avalon. And last but definitely not least, we are releasing some classic punk records from G.B.H. and Anti-Flag! Check them out!

Autumn Sounds

 Hello and welcome to the weekly Ecast new music release! It seems like there's quite a bit of Cee-lo fever going around with his new single going viral all over Youtube and the rest of the internet. But never fear, we have have the cure for your Cee-losymptoms, more Cee-lo!. And if you're lacking in vitamin rock, we now have additional suppliments in doses of Story of the Year, Chiodos, The Spill Canvas and The Black Keys! (consult doctor before rocking out, side effects may include fun, dancing, sweating and getting tunes stuck in your head).

Claiming the throne with their self proclaiming album, Kings of Metal, is Manowar, and they're not gonna to give it up without a fight! One of the most iconic albums of the 80s new wave Depeche Mode's album Speak and Spell should bring back memories as well as some old dance moves (but please, leave the pastels and feathered hairdos at home). Bringing it back down to the basics, singer-songwriter Iron and Wine soothes the soul with some honest acoustic guitar and raw vocals; it'll make you think if can squeeze in a camping trip before the summer's over (I hear Yosemite is nice this time of year!).

And last but not least, Anberlin is back with a new album, Dark is the Way, Light is a Place. As a critically claimed christian band that doesn't like the label "christian band", these guys are exploring a darker, less poppy sound which they claim has them on the brink of world domination or world destruction; listen and judge for yourself!

Special Selections

 Hello and welcome to the weekly Ecast new music release! The country selection this week is a group of off the hook hillbillies known as the Trailer Choir along with Nashville bluegrass sensations Old Crow Medicine Show.

We are rocking out this week to Black Sabbath’s 1986 classic Seventh Star, and then screaming “Oi Oi!” with the Atlanta punk band Anti-Heros. Garage Rock band Harlem are self-proclaimed hippies while rockers Rogue Wave and Motion City Soundtrack give us something catchy and hard hitting to mosh to.

In all things Hip Hop, Atmosphere has graced our network with the 2003 classic Seven's Travels and Paul Wall shows off his new album bling with heavy production from Blink 182’s Travis Barker.

Last but not least, we're blessed with the presence of gospel singer Kirk Franklin’s latest record The Flight of My Life. 

Summer Music

Hello and welcome to the  Ecast new music release! The country selection this week is all-star: Billy Currington's got the talent, Jamey Johnson's got the money, and Little Big Town's getting married (or else!).

In the world of hip-hop, Diddy has another alias, Dirty Money (phew - I was worried he'd never change his name again), Young Jeezy presents a sweet summer mixtape andEminem's classic Encore returns to the network - plus check out Teairra Mari's single, featuring the ultra-hot Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy.

The rock section is pretty laid-back this week - we've got the golden-70's-tinged new album from Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and the sweet smooth latest from Big Head Todd and the Monsters. And if that floats your boat, try the gorgeous new album from tropical star Juan Luis Guerra. Enjoy the summer and the weather!

Summertime Songs

Hello and welcome to the weekly Ecast new music release! Let's start things off with a bang: the first Stone Temple Pilots album in nearly ten years! And if you like alt-rock, stick around for the new Muse single (their full album has been on the charts for months now, but this isn't on it - it's from the upcoming Twilight soundtrack), and a chunk of solid rock candy from pop-punkers 3OH!3 (man, that's a pain to type), featuring the inescapable Ke$ha (there goes the shift key again). Now for the ladies: Rihanna's latest album has gotten the remix treatment; Janelle Monae's robot fixation is back, and rapper Mia X has some mama drama and some talented friends: besides her bad self, her album features C-Murder, Fat Joe and Silkk the Shocker. Also on the rap tip: the newest from Rick Ross, whose album title tells it like it is, and a great best-of from Common. Salsa titan Marc Anthony's new album pays tribute to the legends of Latin music - Jose Jose, Juan Gabriel, Roberto Carlos and more. And speaking of covers, Glee is back to take on everyone from the Beatles to Bonnie Tyler, Lionel Richie to Lady Gaga.

Dancing to the Beat

Hello and welcome to the new music release! The dancers come first this week - we've got the new album from San Francisco DJ Kaskade, currently all over the Billboard dance charts, and the latest from Filipina pop star Charice (who debuted her album on Oprah the other day).
Next up, a familiar voice even if you don't recognize her name - Jessica Harp, aka one half of The Wreckers.
Rock fans have plenty to choose from this week - Brooklyn indie rock from The National, arty British noise from from The Fall (they were post-punk before punk was punk), and the triumphant returns of the Crash Test Dummies (you remember their big hit in the early 90's - mmmm mmm mmmm mmmm?) and Meat Loaf.
Talib Kweli and Hi Tek have released their second album as Reflection Eternal after a decade of working together - it's well worth the wait. And speaking of waiting, Los Tigres del Norte find themselves in the sala de espera this week.

Music Update

Hello and welcome to the weekly Ecast new music release! Our headliner this week is Christina Aguilera, with the lead-off single to her upcoming Bionic album. And in a slightly different pop vein, try the debut from La Roux - another lady with a hell of a voice and a hell of a hairdo.

On the rock side, Hole is back with their first album in twelve years, and let us be the eighth, or fourteenth, or three hundredth, to say that it was worth the wait. We've also got the latest from nu-metallers Sevendust and the Deftones (not together, alas, but if you had two jukeboxes, you could play em both at once if you wanted).

Rapper Gucci Mane is passing his time in jail productively - by recording vocals for his new album. Maybe the "pay phone" vocal effect will replace autotune? We've also got the new single from Jamie Foxx (on backing vocals, Justin Timberlake and T.I.), and the solo debut of Travie McCoy of Gym Class Heroes. And don't forget the new Daddy Yankee, destined to be a smash - he's mundial, after all. 

Music Updates

Hello and welcome to the weekly Ecast new music release! Our headliners this week is a full album from young R&B star Jay Sean - the singles have been burning up the charts for months - and the long-awaited sequel to a hip-hop classic, Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.
It's a great week for country fans, too - check out the new Blake Shelton single, and the soundtrack to the critically acclaimed Jeff Bridges-Maggie Gyllenhaal movie Crazy Heart. And also in the guys-with-guitars category, the latest from the tireless Bon Jovi (who would've guessed in 1987 that they'd still be around 20+ years later?), and from elder statesman Jeff Beck, whose 21st solo album (in 40 years!) features covers of Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Jeff Buckley and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
If you like your guitars a little louder, well, we hear you - try rap-metal zombies Hollywood Undead, prog-emocore outfit Coheed and Cambria, or deathcore from Bleeding Through (dude look at that album cover!).
And of course, don't forget the Latin selection - we've got a fine array this week, starting with a bunch of albums from Cardenales de Nuevo Leon. Be sure to check out the PDF below for the complete list of this week's new releases!

New music

Hello and welcome to the weekly Ecast new music release! We start off with a bunch of albums of famous bands: the latest from David Byrne and Fatboy Slim (the former late of Talking Heads, of course), Black Francis of Pixies fame, Jakob Dylan (also known as a Wallflower - and Bob's son), and Jónsi, erstwhile singer of Sigur Ros.
Also in the indie-ish realm (what does that even mean these days?) - the sophomore album from MGMT (you remember "Kids," even if you think you don't), a new one from retro soul belter Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and a multi-titled opus from art-metallersCoheed and Cambria (jeez, guys, save a little for Volume Two). And punk stalwarts GBHare back, after a long break, with a brand new album!
And if you'd rather have something more sedate, well, we can't blame you - try the new EP from Rob Thomas, or the new full-length from Natalie Merchant.  

Spring is Almost Here!

Hello and welcome to the Ecast weekly new music release! This week's selection is straight off the charts: R&B crooner Jason Derulo (#11 on the Billboard 200), superproducer David Guetta (peaked at #5 on the Hot 100 a few weeks ago, and features guest spots from Akon, Kid Cudi, Kelly Rowland and more), and those ubiquitous New Boyz (who've been on the charts for six months).

We've got the sophomore album from new pop-metal hero Orianthi (#18 on the Hot 100) - she backed up Michael Jackson on his final tour, and she sounds like Kelly Clarkson crossed with Lita Ford. We've got the new Estelle single (not on the charts yet, but sure to be there soon), and the latest from honey-smooth British songstress Corinne Bailey Rae (Billboard 200 #53). And check out the great Danny Elfman soundtrack to the new Alice in Wonderland movie (#6 on the soundtrack chart)!

Our last stop on the charts is in the rock realm - 30 Seconds to Mars, who peaked at #4 on the rock charts a couple months back - and then we move way out of the top 40. Check out the classic debut album from the Dead Kennedys - one of the landmarks of punk rock - and once that's got you all riled up, calm down with the spacy sounds of Galaxie 500.

Topping Gaga

Hello and welcome to the weekly Ecast new music release! Let's start off with the woman who replaced Lady Gaga at the top of the Billboard charts - pop party girl Ke$ha. And by request, we're delighted to finally have the latest from bachata superstars Aventura!

Next up, R&B: the brand new single from Usher and a full album from American Idol Ruben Studdard. And hip-hop - the latest from Pitbull, a full album from Jaheim and chartbusting singles from B.O.B and the bafflingly named Waka Flocka Flame.

For the dancers, we've got the new Little Boots, and for the rockers, Motion City Soundtrack!

New Music for the Winter

Hello and welcome to the weekly Ecast new music release! A pair of country superstars are first out of the gate this week, by request: we've got the latest single from Blake Shelton, and if you've ever wondered where Trace Adkins is from, well, we can help you out there too.

The R&B side of things is well-represented this week, starting with a single from Fugees mastermind Wyclef Jean in honor of his native Haiti. We've also got the latest from diva-of-divas Beyonce, first lady of neo-soul Erykah Badu, and American Idol winner Fantasia.

On the hip-hop side, we've got the hot new Diddy project, Dirty Money, featuring Rick Ross - plus the rebirth of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (just don't confuse it with Lil Wayne's rebirth, or Keith Sweat's, or Jennifer Lopez's), and a new album from Freeway and Jake One.

And of course, that's not all - we've got a whole bunch more new music (check out the latest single from Coheed and Cambria!), just waiting for you. Looking forward to new things for the springtime!

New Music

Hello and welcome!!!  Our headliners this week on the ecast juke boxes are a trio of solo artists with names starting with J (OK, it's a bit of a stretch, but it's a theme): celebrity-dating singer-songwriter John Mayer, former Pulp frontman and Britpop genius Jarvis Cocker, and sorely missed punk savant Jay Reatard, who passed away last week at 29 - in true rock star fashion, far too early.

Also in the rock realm, we've got the new album from nu-metallers Mudvayne. And for the indie heads - a great album from Brakesbrakesbrakes (whose other albums can be found on the jukebox just as Brakes), and the latest from Dirty Projectors.

For the hip-hop fans, two treats - the latest from one of the fastest smartest MCs in the game, Gift of Gab, and a group album from Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Mack Maine, etc. - collectively known as Young Money.

And we've got two great soundtracks for you - a fabulous collection of rarities for Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof, and exuberant Bollywood for Slumdog Millionaire. And that's not all - check out the PDF below for the complete list of this week's new releases!

New for the Decade

Happy new year!!  This is the first 2010 Ecast music release of the decade!  Our headliner this week - hell, this year - is Lady Gaga, with a remix EP for "Bad Romance" (have you seen the video yet? oh man). And on a completely different remix tip, try the "Amazing" EP from longtime R&B star Seal - or for a different type of crooner, the latest from Michael Buble.

We've got a couple other superstars who couldn't be more different from each other - misanthropic lyrical genius Eminem and bubbly teen pop star Miley Cyrus.

On the lesser-known tip, check out Latin alternative rockers La Oreja de Van Gogh, east coast indie rockers Animal Collective, multi-instrumentalist St. Vincent (sweet and smart) - plus a few classics from 90's weirdo-rock cult favorites Mr. Bungle (at long last)! And by request, a great folk gospel album from Glenn Yarbrough.