Things are finally beginning to slow down- the heat wave is (partially) over and you’ve had a weekend to finally relax after the awful 4th of July fiasco (it fell on a Wednesday.. SERIOUSLY?!). In this week’s Beat, we’ll cover new album releases, ska, Tina Fey and the most buzzed about R&B artist right now.
New Albums
- Aesop Rock – “Skelethon”
- Dirty Projectors – Swing Lo Magellan”
- Frank Ocean – “channel ORANGE”
- Twin Shadow – “Confess”
Must-See Show of the Week: Summer of Ska 2012
Who said ska was dead? On Wednesday, Reel Big Fish, along with Big D & The Kids Table and others will be at the First Ave mainroom as headliners of the Summer of Ska 2012. I saw both Reel Big Fish and Big D back in the day when I faithfully attended Warped Tour every summer, I have nothing but good memories about both bands. Ska isn’t dead – so go and have a good time.
News you should know: Tina Fey raps on new Childish Gambino track
Enough said. Fey’s verse starts at 4:58.
Track/Video of the Week: Frank Ocean – “Bad Religion”
The internet has been buzzing about Frank Ocean all week, and his first ever television performance last night on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” was absolutely stunning. Last week, Ocean released his album credits [http://frankocean.tumblr.com/post/26473798723] in which he came out, revealing a relationship he had with a man. His move was unprecedented for the hip-hop community, and has, so far, sparked more praise than backlash. “channel ORANGE” is already getting stellar reviews, and this performance is even more affirming that Frank Ocean is here to stay.
-Bianca Jones, @bianca101
