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Lucy Rose – Lines

“Lines” plays true to the sweet sounding sparseness that we’ve all come to know and love from the young UK based singer-songwriter Lucy Rose, but more so, the song branches into new musical territory where a mix of instrumentation, syncopation and counter-melodies clearly share in the greater vision. It’s a substantive vision of an artist who clearly has lots (and lots more) to say. Lucy Rose’ debut album Like I Used To will be released on September 24. Mark it down.

Lucy Rose – Lines

Lucy Rose england (Facebook) (Twitter)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
06-06-12

Lucy Rose – Red Face

Lucy Rose by Clare Cambell

On her new single “Red Face”, Lucy Rose proves she’s as equally compelling when backed by a dynamic and fully arranged band as she is the delicate voiced solo artist we’ve come to discover and love. This track will, no doubt, draw you in. Get familiar below.

Lucy Rose – Red Face

Lucy Rose england (Facebook) (Twitter)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
01-06-12

B3SCI Interviews Lucy Rose + New Track, Driving Home for Christmas

lucyrose

Lucy Rose let loose on this festive take on the Chris Rae classic “Driving Home for Christmas.” It’s sure to put you in the holiday mood. And for perfect reading while you’re listening, B3SCI recently had the chance to catch up with the budding songstress to talk about her musical wish-lists as well as gathered some insight on her writing, the evolution of the Lucy Rose sound and what the future might hold. Lucy had a big 2011 and no doubt is positioned to have a major 2012. So preview “Driving Home for Christmas” and get a little piece of the mind from the artist herself below… ’tis the season!

Q: Do you ever dream of plugging in an electric guitar and wreaking absolute havoc?

A: Oh definitely…. but not sure I’d be able to pull it off! I’ve tried a couple of times but think at the moment I’ll be sticking to sitting down with an acoustic guitar.

Q: I’ve read you’re all about the drums, and that you began writing with a piano, how deep does your multi-instrumental and writing pallet range?

A: I used to play drums in the school orchestra and the kit is 100% the most fun instrument to play, but I find writing much easier on the guitar. Instruments like the piano that I learnt to play I find more difficult to write with, unlike the guitar because I self taught myself I have no idea what I’m playing and therefore find it more exciting.

Q: What do you hope to pick up one day?

A: The dream would be to be able to play the trumpet but in reality I’m pretty sure it would be impossible.

Q: Were you at all surprised by the success that has come from some of your songs like “Middle of the Bed” and “Scar”? How do you feel they represent you as an independent artist now and moving forward?

A: Of course, I expected nothing to come of them, I was just at a stage I really wanted them to be available for people to buy because I’d been writing and gigging for so long. I like to think they represent me well, and the fact we self released them both made people’s support so much more important. Moving forward I have no idea what will happen, but hope that word of mouth will continue.

Q: Is there anything in particular that you feel you learned or gained as an artist by self-releasing your own material and do you see a record label’s role in the future of Lucy Rose?

A: I’ve learnt that it’s possible… that record labels are important but not an necessity to make your music available and for people to hear about you. I worry that too many bands and artists starting out are aiming for a record deal and not enjoying building up a fan base organically. It’s so hard to know what will happen in the future, I’d like to work with a label, but I’m a little stubborn.

Q: You’ve mentioned that as you began creating music, you took some time in finding and developing your sound. What were some early visions of your sound and how do you ‘dispose’ of those ideas? Are there any new visions for your sound that you are eager to explore?

A: It’s so difficult at the beginning to find the right sound and work out what is the best route to go down. My songs could go in many directions, I didn’t know what I wanted it to sound like but knew exactly how I didn’t want it to, so kept narrowing down the options until my vision became very clear and I could create the music I wanted. I hope my sound from album to album will develop and change, this excites me a lot.

Q: Where does your writing process typically begin? Is there a time of day that you like to write?

A: It normally begins at home, maybe in front of the TV, when my mind can finally turn off. Normally the chords come first and the lyrics and melody come together after. I takes me a while to work out what a song is about but all of them mean a lot to me.

Q: Rumor has it that you like numbers, do you believe in hit song science, or the idea that songs and melodies can pragmatically be constructed and arranged to become hits?

A: I love numbers but I don’t believe there is a formula for a hit song.

Lucy Rose – Driving Home for Christmas

Lucy Rose england (Facebook) (Twitter)

reviewed by
12-23-11

Bombay Bicycle Club – Video Games (Feat. Lucy Rose) (Lana Del Rey)

bbc

The mighty BBC rolled into the BBC today for this sharp cover of “Video Games”, with their friend and b3sci fav Lucy Rose joining on the vocal. (DoML)

Bombay Bicycle Club – Video Games (Feat. Lucy Rose) (Lana Del Rey)

Bombay Bicycle Club england: (Official) (Myspace)

Rating: 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
10-17-11

Lucy Rose – Scar

lucyrose

The tempered warm “Scar” is new from UK singer-songwriter Lucy Rose. Ms. Rose continues to step her game up with each release and that growth is especially evident in the more complex melodic and instrumental arrangements on the song. We are in love.

Lucy Rose england (Facebook) (Myspace)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
09-12-11

Lucy Rose – First

lucyrose

Lucy Rose dazzles us again on “First”. Lucy’s beautiful hushed vocal speaks out a graceful soft melodic line into the track. Washed further with acoustic guitar strums, the overall feel of the tune is breathtaking. Take a listen.

Lucy Rose – First

Lucy Rose england (Facebook) (Myspace)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
08-17-11

Lucy Rose – Be Alright

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Something sweet and new from London singer-songwriter Lucy Rose. “Be Alright” is a beautiful pensive piano ballad that really shows off Ms. Rose’s keen ability to use her soothing gorgeous vocal instrument to pick at the most precise emotive points.

Lucy Rose – Be Alright

Lucy Rose england (Facebook) (Myspace)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
07-20-11

Lucy Rose – Gamble Like I Used To

lucyrose

Listening to “Gamble Like I Used To” is an exercise in hanging on a singer’s every note. Lucy Rose’s voice is dulcet and sweet but its also very very striking. The notes are soft but really precise. They’re so carefully crafted. An acoustic guitar whispers, chimes warmly ring; the entire track is great but a major payoff comes in the song’s last 90 seconds; where the tune builds to a catharsis, its a gentle hushed catharsis, but its still no less powerful. Really good. Get familiar below.

Lucy Rose – Gamble Like I Used To

Lucy Rose england: (Myspace) (Facebook)

Rating: 8.0

brown8

reviewed by
06-29-11

B3SCI’S SXSW PREVIEW 2013

sxsw2013

SXSW-time is here (happiness and cheer). Hello SXSW 2013. How are we doing? B3’s annual hour-by-hour preview and prognostication of SX Music is back for 2013. We’ve got all the can’t miss sets and showcases you’ll want to be at covered. From Tuesday to Saturday, Antone’s to The Whiskey Room, Congress Street to that area where Stubb’s is by the Police Station, Team B3 presents our SX 2013 picks. p.s. If you’ve been sleeping and haven’t yet signed up for our A-class Day Party at Maggie Mae’s on Wednesday afternoon you can sort that out here.

TUESDAY

diiv
Brooklyn band DIIV play the Red 7 patio @ 1:00 A.M. on Tuesday.

Showcases where you’ll want to be:
1) BBC Radio 1 @ Latitude 30: Bastille, Lucy Rose, Willy Moon, Tall Ships, The 1975 & Y Niwl
2) Pitchfork @ Mohawk: Icona Pop, Cloud Nothings, Marnie Stern, John Talabot, Azari & III, Blue Hawaii, Hundred Waters
3) The Syndicate’s Conflict of Interest @ Hype Hotel: Cold War Kids, Ra Ra Riot, Ivan & Alyosha, Little Green Cars

Can’t miss sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Blondfire @ The Belmont (8:20)
2) Charli XCX @ The Belmont (8:00)
3) Ivan & Alyosha @ Hype Hotel

9:00-9:59 PM:
1) TOKiMONSTA @ Antone’s (9:00)
2) Lucy Rose @ Latitude 30 (9:00)
3) Blue Hawaii @ Mohawk Indoor (9:30)

10:00-10:59 PM:
1) St. Lucia @ Antone’s (10:00)
2) Hundred Waters @ Mohawk Indoor (10:15)
3) Tall Ships @ Latitude 30 (10:10)

11:00-11:59 PM:
1) The 1975 @ Latitude 30 (11:00)
2) Cloud Nothings @ Mohawk Outdoor (11:30)
3) Little Green Cars @ Hype Hotel

12:00-12:59 AM:
1) DIIV @ Red 7 Patio (12:00)
2) Hit-Boy @ 404 Austin (12:20)
3) Icona Pop @ Mohawk Indoor (12:00)

1:00-1:59 AM:
1) John Talabot @ Mohawk Indoor (1:15)
2) Nicolas Jaar @ The North Door (1:00)
3) Bastille @ Latitude 30 (1:00)

WEDNESDAY

theneighbourhood2
The Neighbourhood play Club de Ville @ Midnight on SXSW Wednesday Night

Favorite Showcases:
1) NPR @ Stubb’s: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cafe Tacvba, Alt-J, Youth Lagoon
2) Windish Agency Showcase @ Red 7: Poolside, NO CEREMONY, The Thermals, CHRVCHES, Dan Croll
3) Vans @ Mohawk: Ghostface Killah, Sky Ferreira, Iggy and the Stooges, The Specials

Favorite Sets:
7:00-7:59 PM:
1) Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds @ Stubb’s (7:45)
2) Family of the Year @ Moody Theater (7:45)
3) Anuhea @ Old School (7:30)
4) Ab-Soul @ 404 Austin (7:30)
5) Japandroids @ Mohawk Outdoor (7:30)

8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Wild Belle @ Haven (8:00)
2) Iggy and the Stooges @ Mohawk Outdoor (8:00)
3) Schoolboy Q @ 404 Austin (8:30)
4) Fallulah @ Old School (8:30)
5) Lucius @ The Parish (8:30)

9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Tom Odell @ Haven (9:00)
2) Kendrick Lamar @ 1100 Warehouse (9:00)
3) Merchandise @ Viceland (9:00)
4) Peace @ Red 7 Patio (9:30)
5) The Orwells @ Hype Hotel (9:30)
Prev. Mentioned: Blue Hawaii @ Elysium (9:00)

10:00-10:59 PM
1) Caveman @ IFC Crossroads House (10:00)
2) Phosphorescent @ Hype Hotel (10:15)
3) Rudimental @ La Zona Rosa (10:20)
4) The Black Angels @ Buffalo Billiards (10:00)
5) AZARI & III @ Bungalo (10:00)
Prev. Mentioned: The 1975 @ Red Eyed Fly (10:30)

11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Stubb’s (11:00)
2) PAPA @ Red Eyed Fly (11:20)
3) Just Blaze @ La Zona Rosa (11:40)
4) Unknown Mortal Orchestra @ Scoot Inn (11:15)
5) SOHN @ Red 7 (11:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Hundred Waters @ The Tap Room at Six (11:00), Icona Pop @ Viceland (11:00)

12:00-12:59 AM:
1) The Neighbourhood @ Club de Ville (12:00)
2) Alt-J @ Stubb’s (12:30)
3) Flume @ Red 7 (12:00)
4) Jake Bugg @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (12:00)
5) Sky Ferreira @ Mohawk Outdoor (12:10)
Prev. Mentioned: AZARI & III @ The Tap Room at Six (12:00), John Talabot @ Elysium (12:00)

1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Ghostface Killah @ Mohawk Outdoor (1:00)
2) Foxes @ Red Eyed Fly (1:00)
3) Wyclef Jean @ 404 Austin (1:00)
4) White Lung @ Holy Mountain (1:20)
5) Alpine @ Empire Control Room (1:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Charli XCX @ Club de Ville (1:00)

THURSDAY

trailsandways
Bay Area bossa-pop crew Trails & Ways check into the Hype Hotel @ 9 PM

Favorite Showcases:
1) Pitchfork @ 1100 Warehouse: Disclosure, Ryan Hemsworth, FIDLAR, Sky Ferreira, Savages, Pissed Jeans
2) BET Music Matters @ Brazos Hall: T.I., Schoolboy Q, Joey Bada$$, Chrisette Michele, BJ The Chicago Kid
3) The Hype Machine @ Hype Hotel: Jake Bugg, MS MR, The Specials, Trails & Ways, Kodaline

Favorite Sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Joey Bada$$ @ Hangar Lounge (8:30)
2) Fidlar @ 1100 Warehouse (8:40)
3) Guards @ The Belmont (8:00)
4) Kodaline @ Hype Hotel (8:00)
5) Cayucas @ Red 7 Patio (8:15)
Prev. Mentioned: PAPA @ The Tap Room at Six (8:00), TOKiMONSTA @ Republic Live (8:40)

9:00-9:59 PM
1) Trails & Ways @ Hype Hotel (9:00)
2) Lianne La Havas @ Empire Automotive (9:15)
3) Charles Bradley @ Moody Theater (9:00)
4) Big K.R.I.T. @ Lustre Pearl (9:00)
5) BJ The Chicago Kid @ Brazos Hall (8:50)
Prev. Mentioned: Caveman @ Bar 96 (9:30), Joey Bada$$ @ Brazos Hall (9:45),

10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Wildcat! Wildcat! @ Tap Room at Six (10:00)
2) Jesse Boykins III @ Elysium (9:50)
3) Dauwd @ Holy Mountain (10:00)
4) MONA @ Cedar Street Courtyard (10:00)
5) Chrisette Michele @ Brazos Hall (10:15)
Prev. Mentioned: Sky Ferreira @ 1100 Warehouse (10:45),

11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Capital Cities @ Empire Automotive (11:15)
2) The Specials @ Hype Hotel (11:00)
3) The Besnard Lakes @ Red 7 (11:30)
4) The Kid Daytona @ The North Door (11:25)
5) Beacon @ Holy Mountain (11:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Alt-J @ The Belmont (11:10), Schoolboy Q @ Brazos Hall (11:30),

12:00-12:59 AM:
1) Killer Mike @ Bar 96 (12:30)
2) Disclosure @ 1100 Warehouse (12:35)
3) Antwon @ Easy Tiger (12:15)
4) Ryan Hemsworth @ 1100 Warehouse (12:00)
5) Snoop Lion @ Viceland (12:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Phosphorescent @ Red 7 Patio (11:55),

1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Death @ TenOak (12:50)
2) Generationals @ Red Eyed Fly (1:00)
3) Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs @ Blackheart (1:00)
4) Local Natives @ Mohawk Outdoor (1:00)
5) Soul of Mischief @ 512 (1:15)
Prev. Mentioned: Flume @ Latitude 30 (1:00), Ghostface Killah @ Scoot Inn (1:10), Jake Bugg @ Hype Hotel (1:00), Joey Bada$$ @ The North Door (1:20), Unknown Mortal Orchestra @ Red 7 Patio

FRIDAY

bondax4
Bondax make a 12:20 A.M. appearance at La Zona Rosa on Friday Night.

Favorite Showcases:
1) Our Heart Aches For Syria @ The Long Center: Deer Tick, White Lung, Omar Souleyman, Black Lips, The Orwells
2) Rolling Stone @ La Zona Rosa: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Bondax, TOKiMONSTA, Disclosure
3) Rocksmith @ Tha Main: Mystikal, YG, Trae Tha Truth, Yo Gotti

Favorite Sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Fatima Al Qadiri @ The Madison (8:45)
2) Harry Fraud @ Austin Music Hall (8:40)
3) Diamond Rings @ VEVO Control Room (8:00)
4) Tropics @ Old School (8:00)
5) The Mowgli’s @ Stubb’s (8:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Hundred Waters @ Scoot Inn (8:45), The Neighbourhood @ Brazos Hall (8:45),

9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Danny Brown @ Viceland (9:15)
2) The Orwells @ The Long Center (9:40)
3) Man Without Country @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (9:20)
4) Small Black @ Lustre Pearl (9:00)
5) Charlotte Church @ VEVO Control Room (9:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Phosphorescent @ Bar 96 (9:30),

10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Depeche Mode @ Brazos Hall (10:00)
2) Giraffage @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (10:00)
3) Gold Fields @ Buffalo Billiards (10:00)
4) Eric Burdon @ The Stage On Sixth Patio (10:00)
5) Turtle Giant @ Hickory Street (10:00)
Prev. Mentioned: Danny Brown @ Austin Music Hall (10:35), DIIV @ Lustre Pearl (10:00), Disclosure @ La Zona Rosa (10:00), Fallulah @ VEVO Control Room (10:00) Fidlar @ Clive Bar (10:00), Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs @ Hype Hotel (10:00), White Lung @ The Long Center (10:20)

11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Rhye @ Buffalo Billiards (11:00)
2) Pusha T @ Austin Music Hall (11:00)
3) Goldroom @ Avenue on Congress Rooftop (11:00)
4) Gap Dream @ Hotel Vegas (11:15)
5) Laura Mvula @ Hype Hotel (11:00)
Prev Mentioned: Blue Hawaii @ Swan Dive (11:00), Foxes @ Empire Automotive (11:10), Merchandise @ Mohawk Outdoor (11:15), Ryan Hemsworth @ 512 Rooftop (11:00), TOKiMONSTA @ La Zona Rosa (11:35)

12:00-12:59 AM:
1) Bondax @ La Zona Rosa (12:20)
2) MO @ Buffalo Billiards (12:00)
3) Omar Souleyman @ The Long Center (12:00)
4) Mystikal @ The Main (11:50)
5) Vacationer @ VEVO Control Room (12:00)
Prev Mentioned: Ghostface Killah @ Viceland (12:15), Kendrick Lamar @ Austin Music Hall (12:40), Little Green Cars @ Antone’s (12:00), MONA @ Townhouse (12:00), Rudimental @ Hype Hotel (12:00), St. Lucia @ Empire Automotive (12:20)

1:00-1:59 AM:
1) XXYYXX @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (1:00)
2) Sepalcure
3) Master P @ 404 Austin (1:20)
4) Bass Drum of Death @ Easy Tiger (1:00)
5) Trae Tha Truth @ The Main (1:25)
Prev. Mentioned: DIIV @ Mohawk Indoor (1:00), Disclosure @ Scoot Inn (12:50), Ryan Hemsworth w/ Daedalus @ Emo’s (1:00), Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs @ La Zona Rosa (1:05)

SATURDAY

erykah
Ms. Badu blesses SX with a 11:00 PM set at Empire Control Room on Saturday Night

Favorite Showcases:
1) Boiler Room @ 1100 Warehouse: Skream, Baauer, Chief Keef, Shlohmo, Mount Kimbie, Lunice
2) Perez Hilton @ Austin Music Hall: Lissie, Charli XCX, Wynter Gordon, Capital Cities, Paloma Faith
3) Captured Tracks @ The Parish: Beach Fossils, DIIV, The Soft Moon, Mac DeMarco

Favorite Sets:
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Mount Kimbie @ 1100 Warehouse (9:30)
2) Ryan Leslie @ Hangar Lounge (9:30)
3) Shlohmo @ 1100 Warehouse (9:00)
4) Zak Waters @ Hickory Street (9:00)
5) Wynter Gordon @ Austin Music Hall (9:15)
Prev. Mentioned: Capital Cities @ The Belmont (9:00), Foxes @ Hype Hotel (9:00), Merchandise @ Red 7 (

10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Lissie @ Austin Music Hall (9:55)
2) Oliver @ Ballroom Annex (10:00)
3) Action Bronson
4) Chief Keef @ 1100 Warehouse (10:30)
5) Cashmere Cat
Prev. Mentioned: Caveman @ Hype Hotel (10:00), Fidlar @ Hotel Vegas (10:15), Gap Dream @ Hotel Vegas Patio (10:15), Gold Fields @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (10:00), Ivan & Alyosha @ TenOak (10:00), Sepalcure @ The Madison (10:00), Sky Ferreira @ Stubb’s (10:00)

11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Erykah Badu @ Empire Control Room (11:00)
2) Tashaki Miyaki @ Hickory Street (11:00)
3) HAIM @ Stubb’s (11:00)
4) King Chip @ Suite 101 (11:00)
5) Black Moon @ Haven (11:35)
Prev. Mentioned: Flume @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (11:00), Laura Mvula @ VEVO Control Room (11:45), Peace @ Latitude 30 (11:00), Vacationer @ Hype Hotel (11:00)

12:00-12:59 AM:
1) A Place To Bury Strangers @ Brazos Hall (12:00)
2) The Robert Glasper Experiment @ Empire Control Room (12:00)
3) Casey Veggies @ Old School (12:45)
4) A Silent Film @ Antone’s (12:00)
5) SpaceGhostPurrp @ Suite 101 (12:20)
Prev. Mentioned: Antwon @ Red 7 (12:15), DIIV @ The Parish (12:10), Jesse Boykins III @ Stage On Sixth Patio (12:00), Kendrick Lamar @ Viceland (12:30), MO @ Hype Hotel (12:00), XXYYXX @ Mohawk Outdoor (12:00)

1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Skream @ 1100 Warehouse (1:15)
2) The Pharcyde @ Club de Ville (1:15)
3) Delorean @ Mohawk Outdoor (1:00)
4) Beach Fossils @ The Parish (1:00)
5) In the Valley Below @ VEVO Control Room (1:15)
Prev. Mentioned: Big K.R.I.T. @ Old School (1:20), Danny Brown @ Ballroom Annex (1:00), Just Blaze @ Ballroom Annex (1:50), Mystikal @ Suite 101 (1:15), The Orwells @ Latitude 30 (1:00), Trae Tha Truth @ 404 Austin (1:30)

reviewed by
03-10-13

B3SCI Staff Top 20s

2012. It was a year. We made it through the hurricane, we survived the apocalypse, we shined bright like diamonds, etc. As we toast 2012 and look forward to a major 2013, join the b3 crew in popping the cap on all our individual favorite songs and albums of the past year. See y’all in 2013!

B3SCI STAFF TOP 20 ALBUMS LISTS

Mike Clemenza

01. Alt-J – An Awesome Wave
02. Miguel – Kaleidoscope Dream
03. Jessie Ware – Devotion
04. Lana Del Rey – Born to Die
05. Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
06. Michael Kiwanuka – Home Again
07. Keaton Henson – Sweetheart What Have You Done To Us
08. Two Door Cinema Club – Beacon
09. Usher – Looking 4 Myself
10. DIIV – Oshin
11. Tame Impala – Lonerism
12. The xx – Coexist
13. Tallest Man on Earth – There’s No Leaving Now
14. Spector – Enjoy It While It Lasts
15. The Vaccines – Come of Age
16. Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
17. Spiritualized – Sweet Heart Sweet Light
18. Flying Lotus – Until the Quiet Comes
19. The Maccabees – Given to the Wild
20. Lucy Rose – Like I Used To

Troy Meyer

01. Miguel – Kaleidoscope Dream
02. Kendrick Lamar – good kid m.A.A.d. City
03. Jessie Ware – Devotion
04. Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
05. Tame Impala – Lonerism
06. Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music
07. Fiona Apple – The Idler Wheel
08. Spiritualized – Sweet Heart, Sweet Light
09. DIIV – Oshin
10. Sharon Van Etten – Tramp
11. Cloud Nothings – Attack On Memory
12. El-P – Cancer For Cure
13. Grizzly Bear – Shields
14. Chromatics – Kill For Love
15. Leonard Cohen – Old Ideas
16. How to Dress Well – Total Loss
17. John Talabot – fin
18. Actress – R.I.P.
19. Cat Power – Sun
20. Jeremih – Late Nights

Christopher Gedos

01. Bob Dylan – The Tempest
02. The Dirty Projectors – Swing Lo Magellan
03. Michael Kiwanuka – Home Again
04. Lianne La Havas – Is Your Love Big Enough?
05. Alt-J – An Awesome Wave

Bruce Rave

01. Django Django—Django Django
02. Muse—The 2nd Law
03. The Vaccines—Come Of Age
04. Jack White—Blunderbuss
05. Silversun Pickups—Neck Of the Woods
06. Howler—America Give Up
07. The Ravonettes—Observator
08. Hot Chip—In Our Heads
09. Madness—Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da
10. Metric—Synthetica
11. Passion Pit—Gossamer
12. The Walkmen—Heaven
13. The Hives—Lex Hives
14. Soft Swells—Soft Swells
15. Bloc Party—Four
16. Divine Fits—A Thing Called Divine Fits
17. Cloud Nothings—Attack on Memory
18. The Royalty—Lovers
19. Reel Big Fish—Candy Coated Fury
20. Father John Misty—Fear Fun

Erin Routson

01. Kendrick Lamar – good kid m.A.A.d. City
02. Prinzhorn Dance School – Clay Class
03. Fiona Apple – The Idler Wheel
04. 2 Chainz – Based On a T.R.U. Story
05. Ke$ha – Warrior
06. Freddie Gibbs – Baby Face Killa
07. Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
08. Spiritualized – Sweet Heart Sweet Light
09. Tanlines – Mixed Emotions
10. Sharon Van Etten – Tramp
11. The xx – Co-Exist
12. Neil Young and Crazy Horse – Psychedelic Pill
13. Tame impala – Lonerism
14. Kendrick Lamar – good kid m.A.A.d. City
15. Kendrick Lamar – good kid m.A.A.d. City
16. Kendrick Lamar – good kid m.A.A.d. City
17. Kendrick Lamar – good kid m.A.A.d. City
18. Kendrick Lamar – good kid m.A.A.d. City
19. Kendrick Lamar – good kid m.A.A.d. City
20. Kendrick Lamar – good kid m.A.A.d. City

Jon Herriot

01. Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
02. Of Monsters and Men – My Head Is an Animal
03. Mumford and Sons – Babel
04. The Shins – Port of Marrow
05. Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid M.A.A.D City
06. Rah Rah – The Poet’s Dead
07. Said The Whale – Little Mountain
08. Metric – Synthetica
09. The Lumineers – Submarines
10. Lana Del Rey – Born To Die
11. Passion Pit – Gossamer
12. John K Samson – Provincial
13. Bahamas – Barchords
14. Hoodie Allen – All American
15. Macklemore x Ryan Lewis – The Heist
16. Santigold – Master of My Make-Believe
17. Hannah Georgas – Hannah Georgas
18. Grimes – Visions
19. The xx – Coexist
20. Yukon Blonde – Tiger Talk

Nathan Hetherington

01 Alt-J: An Awesome Wave
02 NZCA/LINES: NZCA/LINES
03 Pond: Beard Wives Denim
04 Polica: Give You The Ghost
05 Andrew Bird: Break It Yourself
06 John Talabot: Fin
07 Django Django: Django Django
08 Tame Impala: Lonerism
09 Mac Demarco: 2
10 xxyyxx: xxyyxx
11 Melody’s Echo Chamber: Melody’s Echo Chamber
12 Lower Dens: Nootropics
13 Allah-las: Allah-las
14 Chairlift: Something
15 The Luyas: Animator
16 Yeasayer: Fragrant World
17 Negative Pegasus: Looming
18 Clock Opera: Ways To Forget
19 Daphni: JIAOLONG
20 Dark Dark Dark: Who Needs Who

Brian Litwin

01. Purity ring – Shrines
02. Kendrick Lamar – good kid m.A.A.d. City
03. The Lumineers – The Lumineers
04. Grimes – Visions
05. Alabama Shakes – Boys & Girls
06. Poolside – Pacific Central Time
07. Tame Impala – Lonerism
08. Bat For Lashes – The Haunted Man
09. Alt-J – An Awesome Wave
10. Death Grips – The Money Store
11. Passion Pit – Gossamer
12. Dirty Projectors – Swing Lo Magellan
13. Japandroids – Celebration Rock
14. Yeasayer -Fragant World
15. The M Machine – Metropolis Pt. 1
16. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – The Heist
17. Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
18. The xx – Coexist
19. Jessie Ware – Devotion
20. Grizzly Bear – Shields

Russ Ramos

01. Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
02. Lana Del Rey – Born to Die Paradise Edition
03. Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
04. Kitten – Cut It Out
05. Jessie Ware – Devotion
06. Krewella – Play Hard
07. JMSN – Priscilla
08. Meg Myers – Daughter in the Choir
09. Grimes – Visions
10. Zedd – Clarity
11. Kimbra – Vows
12. Sleigh Bells – Reign of Terror
13. Fun. – Some Nights
14. Gotye – Making Mirrors
15. Best Coast – The Only Place
16. Calvin Harris – 18 Months
17. Frank + Derol – Frank + Derol
18. Imagine Dragons – Night Visions
19. Skrillex – Bangarang
20. Alexander Spit – A Breathtaking Trip

B3SCI STAFF TOP 20 SONGS LISTS

Mike Clemenza

01. Yuna – Live Your Life
02. Frank Ocean – Thinking Bout You
03. Big Sean – Clique (Feat. Kanye West & Jay-Z)
04. Tom Odell – Another Love
05. The xx – Angels
06. Muse – Madness
07. Madeon – The City (Feat. Zak Waters)
08. Trails and Ways – Nunca
09. Carly Rae Jepson – Call Me Maybe
10. Rhye – The Fall
11. Schoolboy Q – Hands On The Wheel (Feat. A$ap Rocky)
12. Electric Guest – This Head I Hold
13. The Neighbourhood – Sweater Song
14. The 1975 – You
15. Everything Everything – Cough Cough
16. Jessie Ware – Running
17. Dan Croll – From Nowhere
18. Purity Ring – Odebear
19. Blondfire – Where The Kids Are
20. Chris Malinchak – So Good To Me

Troy Meyer

01. Usher – Climax
02. Frank Ocean – Pyramids
03. Jessie Ware – Running
04. Kanye West – Clique (Feat. Jay-Z & Big Sean)
05. Jai Paul – Jasmine
06. Solange Knowles – Losing You
07. Miguel – Adorn
08. Kendrick Lamar – Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe (Feat. Lady Gaga)
09. Lana Del Rey – Ride
10. Rihanna – Diamonds
11. Yuna – Live Your Life
12. Ke$ha – Die Young
13. Purity Ring – Obedear
14. Rhye – The Fall
15. The xx – Sunset
16. Meek Mill – Amen (Feat. Drake)
17. The Neighbourhood – Sweater Weather
18. Nicki Minaj – Beez in the Trap (Feat. 2 Chainz)
19. Peace – Follow Baby
20. Father John Misty – Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings

Bruce Rave

01. Foxy Shazam—I like It
02. Django Django—Default
03. Gold Fields—Moves
04. The Vaccines—Teenage Icon
05. Passion Pit—Take A Walk
06. Fun—Be Calm
07. The Presets—Ghosts
08. The Vaccines—Bad Mood
09. Tilly and the Wall—Heavy Mood
10. Diamond Rings—I’m Just Me
11. Bloc Party—Octapus
12. Battle Tapes—Sweatshop Boys
13. Dirty Projectors—Gun Has No Trigger
14. Beach House—On the Sea
15. Citizens!–True Romance
16. Crocodiles—Endless Flowers
17. The Walkmen—We Can’t Be Beat
18. Citizens!–(I’m In Love With Your) Girlfriend
19. Father John Misty—Nancy From Now On
20. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros—Dear Believer

Trevor Meyer

1. Peace – California Daze
2. Gabriel Bruce – Sleep Paralysis
3. George Barnett – Lone Rose
4. Kendrick Lamar – Enjoy
5. Saint Motel – 1997
6. Big Boi – Lines
7. The Record Company – This Crooked City
8. Natural Child – Derek’s Blues
9. The #1s – He’s Too Good For Everyone Else, But He’s Not Good Enough For You
10. Fast Years – Young Hearts
11. Porcelain Raft – Something In Between
12. Tayyib Ali – I Ain’t Scared
13. Sam Sparro – Happiness
14. Wild Nothing – Only Heather
15. Triptides- Bright Sky
16. Azealia Banks – Fuck Up The Fun
17. Tame Impala – Mind Mischief
18. Mike Higbee – The Waltz of Dead Love
19. Go Back To The Zoo – Weekend America
20. Dan Croll – From Nowhere

Erin Routson

01. Solange – Losing You
02. A$AP Rocky – Fuckin’ Problems (Feat. 2 Chainz, Drake & Kendrick Lamar)
03. Meek Mill – Amen (Feat. Drake)
04. Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe
05. Kitty Pryde – Okay Cupid
06. HAIM – Hold Me
07. YN Rich Kids – Hot Cheetos & Takis
08. Pac Div – Cross Trainers
09. Chief Keef – I Don’t Like
10. Santigold – Disparate Youth
11. MIA – Bad Girls
12. Fun – Some Nights
13. Kindness – Swingin’ Party
14. Big Boi – Higher Res (Feat. Little Dragon and Jai Paul)
15. Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
16. Blur – Under the Westway
17. Danny Brown – Grown Up
18. The Hood Internet – These Things Are Nice
19. Kanye West – Clique (Feat. Jay-Z and Big Sean)
20. Sinkane – Runnin

Jon Herriot

01. Santigold – Disparate Youth
02. Frank Ocean – Pyramids
03. Capital Cities – Kangaroo Court
04. The Royal Concept – D-D-Dance
05. Passion Pit – Carried Away
06. The Shins – Simple Song
07. Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks
08. The Tallest Man on Earth – 1904
09. The Lumineers – Ho Hey
10. Everything Everything – Kemosabe
11. RAC – Hollywood (Feat. Penguin Prison)
12. Azealia Banks – 212
13. Joey Bada$$ – Survival Tactics
14. Kendrick Lamar – Swimming Pools (Drank)
15. Rah Rah – Prairie Girl
16. Calvin Harris – Sweet Nothing (Feat. Florence Welch)
17. Grimes – Oblivion
18. Wiz Khalifa – Remember You (Feat. The Weeknd)
19. Carousel – Where Have You Gone?
20. Alabama Shakes – Hold On

Erin Feathers

01. Yuna – Lve Your Life
02. Usher – Climax
03. The Lumineers – Ho Hey
04. Jai Paul – Jasmine
05. Grimes – Oblivion
06. Miguel- Adorn
07. Alabama Shakes – Hold On
08. Alt-J – Breezeblocks
09. Kendrick Lamar- Swimming Pools (Drank)
10. Frank Ocean – Pyramids
11. Big Boi – Lines (Feat. A$AP Rocky & Phantogram)
12. Death Grips – The Fever (Aye Aye)
13. Tame Impala – Elephant
14. Schoolboy Q – There He Go
15. PS I Love You – Sentimental Dishes
16. Purity Ring – Obedear
17. RZA – Baddest Man Alive (Feat. The Black Keys)
18. Beach House – Myth
19. The Artic Monkeys – RU Mine
20. Spiritualized – Hey Jane

Nathan Hetherington

01 Grizzly Bear: Yet Again
02 Everything Everything: Cough Cough
03 Purity Ring: Obedear
04 Four Tet: Lion (Jamie xx Remix)
05 Major Lazer: Get Free (Feat. Amber Coffman)
06 Savages: Husbands
07 Bat For Lashes: Laura
08 Jacques Greene, Koreless: Arrow
09 Liars: No. 1 Against The Rush
10 Odd Future: Oldie
11 The 1975: You
12 Daughter: Medicine
13 Porcelain Raft: Is It Too Deep For You
14 Nicolas Jaar: And I Say (With Just One Glance) (Feat. Scout LaRue and Will Epstein)
15 The xx: Angels
16 Splashh: Vacation
17 Foxygen: Shuggie
18 El-P: $Vic/FTL (Me And You)
19 Fear of Men: Green Sea
20 Egyptian Hip Hop: Yoro Diallo

Brian Litwin

01 – Frank Ocean – Pyramids
02 – Alt-J – Fitzpleasure
03 – Grimes – Oblivion
04 – Dirty Projectors – About To Die
05 – Bat For Lashes – Laura
06 – Purity Ring – Fineshrine
07 – Japandroids – The House That Heaven Built
08 – Kendrick Lamar – Swimming Pool (Drank)
09 – Alabama Shakes – Hold On
10 – Disclosure – Latch (Feat. Sam Smith)
11 – Santigold – Disparate Youth
12 – Death Grips – Get Got
13 – Yeasayer – Longevity
14 – AlunaGeorge – Your Drums, Your Love
15 – Tame Impala – Elephant
16 – The xx – Angels
17 – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Thrift Shop (Feat. Wanz)
18 – Chris Malinchak – So Good To Me
19 – HAIM – Send Me Down
20 – The Soft Pack – Bobby Brown

Russ Ramos

01. Ellie Goulding – Don’t Say a Word
02. Lana Del Rey – Gods & Monsters
03. Frank Ocean – Pink Matter (Feat. Andre 3000)
04. Kitten – G#
05. Jessie Ware – Night Light
06. Krewella – Alive
07. JMSN – Love & Pain
08. Meg Myers – Curbstomp
09. Shlohmo – Changes (Shlomo Remix)
10. Santigold – Disparate Youth
11. Kendrick Lamar – Swimming Pools (Drank)
12. Zedd – Clarity (Aylen Remix)
13. Flinch Light It Up (Feat. Heather Bright)
14. Yuna – Lullabies (Adventure Club Remix)
15. Alexander Spit – B.N.E. (Feat. C.B.G.)
16. Knife Party – Fire Hive (Krewella Remix)
17. Kavinsky – Nightcall
18. Iggy Azaelea – My World
19. The Weeknd – Gone
20. Nero – Must Be The Feeling (Delta Heavy Remix)

reviewed by
12-31-12

B3SCI Top 50 Albums of 2012

50. Spector – Enjoy It While It Lasts

49. Ceremony – Zoo

48. Jeremih – Late Nights

47. Rah Rah – The Poet’s Dead

46. Yeasayer – Fragrant World

45. Django Django – Django Django

44. Grimes – Visions

43. Lucy Rose – Like I Used To

42. Two Door Cinema Club – Beacon

41. The Maccabees – Given To The Wild

40. The Fresh & Onlys – Long Slow Dance

39. Freddie Gibbs – Baby Face Killa

38. Usher – Looking 4 Myself

37. Poolside – Pacific Standard Time

36. Cat Power – Sun

35. Father John Misty – Fear Fun

34. Lianne La Havas – Is Your Love Big Enough?

33. Ellie Goulding – Halcyon

32. Actress – R.I.P.

31. Joey Bada$$ – 1999

30. Polica – Give You the Ghost

29. Purity Ring – Shrines

28. The xx – Co-Exist

27. The Tallest Man On Earth – There’s No Leaving Now

26. First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar

25. John Talabot – fin

24. Chromatics – Kill For Love

23. Bob Dylan – Tempest

22. How To Dress Well – Total Loss

21. Keaton Henson – Sweetheart What Have You Done To Us

20. Godspeed You! Back Emperor – Allelujah Don’t Bend Ascend

19. El-P – Cancer For Cure

18. Grizzly Bear – Shields

17. Schoolboy Q – Habits and Contradictions

16. DIIV – Oshin

15. Leonard Cohen – Old Ideas

14. Flying Lotus – Until the Quiet Comes

13. Sharon Van Etten – Tramp

12. Killer Mike – R.A.P. Music

11. Cloud Nothings – Attack On Memory

10. Michael Kiwanuka – Home Again

09. Spiritualized – Sweet Heart Sweet Light

08. Lana Del Rey – Born to Die

07. Fiona Apple – The Idler Wheel

06. Tame Impala – Lonerism

05. Jessie Ware – Devotion

04. Frank Ocean – Channel Orange

03. Alt-J – An Awesome Wave

02. Kendrick Lamar – good kid m.A.A.d City

01. Miguel – Kaleidoscope Dream

reviewed by
12-31-12

B3SCI TOP 50 SONGS OF 2011

blankfeintop50tracks

2011. What wasn’t to love? The rise of weirdo R&B, the fall of chillwave, the end of R.E.M. We started the construction of this list over a month ago. One truly epic and extensive Google spreadsheet later, we arrived at this Top 50. We sorted and sorted and sorted, listened through a TON OF STUFF, “traded jabs” on whether James Blake or Jamie Woon put on the tougher persona, etc. Thanks for reading and we hope y’all enjoy the list!

james-blake-the-wilhelm-scream
01. James Blake – The Wilhelm Scream (Buy It) (Read)

the-weend-the-morning
02. The Weeknd – The Morning (Buy It) (Read)

lana-del-rey-video-games
03. Lana Del Rey – Video Games (Buy It) (Read)

gotye-somebody-that-i-used-to-know
04. Gotye – Somebody That I Used to Know (Feat. Kimbra) (Buy It) (Read)

britney-spears-till-the-world-ends
05. Britney Spears – ‘Till the World Ends (Buy It) (Read)

maverick-sabre-i-need
06. Maverick Sabre – I Need (Buy It) (Read)

drake-marvins-room
07. Drake – Marvin’s Room (Buy It) (Read)

beyonce-party
08. Beyonce – Party (Feat. Kanye West & Andre 3000) (Buy It) (Read)

jamie-woon-lady-luck
09. Jamie Woon – Lady Luck (Buy It) (Read)

michael-kiwanuka-i-need-you-by-my-side
10. Michael Kiwanuka – I Need You By My Side (Buy It) (Read)

kendrick-lamar-adhd
11. Kendrick Lamar – ADHD (Buy It) (Read)

the-alabama-shakes-i-found-you
12. The Alabama Shakes (formerly The Shakes) – I Found You (Buy It) (Read)

nneka-my-home
13. Nneka – My Home (Buy It) (Read)

rihanna-we-found-love
14. Rihanna – We Found Love (Feat. Calvin Harris) (Buy It) (Read)

dj-khaled-im-on-one
15. DJ Khaled – I’m On One (Feat. Drake, Rick Ross & Lil’ Wayne) (Buy It) (Read)

adele-rumour-has-it
16. Adele – Rumour Has It (Buy It) (Read)

labrinth-earthquake
17. Labrinth – Earthquake (Feat. Tinie Tempah) (Buy It) (Read)

jay-z-kanye-west-otis
18. Jay-Z & Kanye West – Otis (Buy It) (Read)

flo-rida-good-feeling
19. Flo Rida – Good Feeling (Buy It) (Read)

bon-iver-towers
20. Bon Iver – Towers (Buy It) (Read)

azealia-banks-212
21. Azealia Banks – 212 (Buy It) (Read)

big-black-delta-huggin-kissin
22. Big Black Delta – Huggin’ & Kissin’ (Buy It) (Read)

florence-the-machine-what-the-water-gave-me
23. Florence + The Machine – What the Water Gave Me (Buy It) (Read)

flight-facilities-foreign-language
24. Flight Facilities – Foreign Language (Feat. Jess) (Buy It) (Read)

cults-abducted
25. Cults – Abducted (Buy It) (Read)

raphael-saadiq-good-man
26. Raphael Saadiq – Good Man (Buy It) (Read)

spector-never-fade-away
27. Spector – Never Fade Away (Buy It) (Read)

marina-and-the-diamonds-radioactive
28. Marina & the Diamonds – Radioactive (Buy It) (Read)

afrojack-lionheart
29. Afrojack – Lionheart (Buy It) (Read)

noel-gallagher-if-i-had-a-gun
30. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – If I Had a Gun… (Buy It) (Read)

active-child-playing-house
31. Active Child – Playing House (Feat. How to Dress Well) (Buy It) (Read)

m83-midnight-city
32. M83 – Midnight City (Buy It) (Read)

radiohead-lotus-flower
33. Radiohead – Lotus Flower (Buy It) (Read)

madlib-freddie-gibbs-thuggin1
34. Madlib & Freddie Gibbs – Thuggin’ (Buy It) (Read)

the-rapture-how-deep-is-your-love
35. The Rapture – How Deep Is Your Love (Buy It) (Read)

no-ceremony-hurtlove
36. NO CEREMONY/// – Hurtlove (Buy It) (Read)

ifan-dafydd-no-good
37. Ifan Dafydd – No Good (Buy It) (Read)

bombay-bicycle-club-shuffle
38. Bombay Bicycle Club – Shuffle (Buy It) (Read)

tokimonsta-little-pleasures
39. TOKiMONSTA – Little Pleasures (Feat. Gavin Turek) (Buy It) (Read)

colleen-green-cujo
40. Colleen Green – Cujo (Buy It) (Read)

foxes-youth
41. Foxes – Youth (Buy It) (Read)

jacques-greene-another-girl1
42. Jacques Greene – Another Girl (Buy It) (Read)

grouplove-gold-coast1
43. Grouplove – Gold Coast (Buy It) (Read)

family-of-the-year-st-croix
44. Family of the Year – St. Croix (Buy It) (Read)

lucy-rose-middle-of-the-bed
45. Lucy Rose – Middle of the Bed (Buy It) (Read)

lips-everything-to-me
46. LIPS – Everything to Me (Buy It) (Read)

trophy-wife-wolf
47. Trophy Wife – Wolf (Buy It) (Read)

dev-in-the-dark
48. Dev – In the Dark (Buy It) (Read)

john-west-lovely
49. John West – Lovely (Feat. Pusha T) (Buy It) (Read)

anchorsong-ghost-touch
50. Anchorsong – Ghost Touch (Buy It) (Read)

reviewed by
12-26-11