Hard Times

New Patrick Wolf is burning up my play count. Just when you think he can't get any better. Start getting excited for the release of The Bachelor.

Patrick Wolf - Hard Times [mp3]

Embrace the Martian

I've been rocking out to Kid Cudi's Dat Kid from Cleveland mixtape for a bit now. You probably have been too. It hosts leaked/familiar tracks like "Sky Might Fall" (See Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen trailer), "I Poke Her Face," "Higher Up," "Sky High," "Switchin' Lanes," and the "09 Freestyle." I've never been able to get into mixtapes (not even Lil Wayne's massive collection), but Cudi is just so freaking likable, I'm starting to change my mind. It's close to the hate to love scenario.

But here's what makes me feel a little better about my masochism: Cudi doesn't pretend to be deep. He's not trying to be early Common Sense. He doesn't proclaim to be the best rapper alive, and he's openly admitted his rhymes lack substance. Honesty can go along way with me.

Kid Cudi - Can I Be [mp3]
Kid Cudi - Super Boo [mp3]
Kid Cudi - Higher Up [mp3]

More than anything off Cleveland, I'm loving on Kid Cudi's "Embrace the Martian." A track off the A Kid Named CuDi mixtape, it's floating around out there in the blogosphere. Go find it treasure seekers. Til you do, here's a little freestyle to keep you warm at night.

Embrace the martian,
I come in peace, but I need your rock in me,
LtK

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love is an installment from my own personal discovery. I'm bummed to have only come upon Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele two weeks ago. I could have been rewarding my ears with these gems since February. Don't make my mistake, get in on this right away. For fans of the quirky instrumentation of Sufjan Stevens, Beirut, or Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band. And of course, ukulele aficionados.

Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele - Meet Me in the Garden [mp3]
Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele - You Can't Force a Dance Party [mp3]
Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele - Girls on the Square [mp3]