70`s rock band, The Sparks, has had quite a career with never really sticking to one genre but showing talent in everything from synthpop to rock to electronica. Known for their intelligent, sophisticated lyrics and theatrical stage presence, Sparks caught the eye of modern rock band, Franz Ferdinand. So much that the two groups have announced they are joining forces to become super group FFS. Following the merging statement, the newly formed band released a teaser video with a small preview of what appears to be the band’s first signal along with announcing tour dates throughout Europe. Thoroughly excited to see what can come from the two groups minds put together.      

       A Day To Remember released their latest album, Common Courtesy, a little over a year ago and have been steadily releasing music videos to go along with the tracks over that past year. Their most recent is for the song “City Of Ocala”. The song is about the bands hometown and in the video, A Day To Remember gives you a virtual tour of where they grew up, originally practiced, previously worked, and just what their hometown of Ocala, FL, looks like. Enjoy!

       This year just keeps getting better with album releases. Today, Alabama Shakes delight us with a soulful tune, "Don`t Wanna Fight", to help us through this rainy Tuesday (depending on where you are). To make things better, you can expect a brand new album from the group, Color and Sound, on April 20. Below is the song list and check out their site for upcoming tour dates. Enjoy!

       Today`s track was just awarded the “best new song”. An anger filled Kendrick Lamar releases his first track since “I” and is packed with a message to everyone who was outraged with his Ferguson comments. “The Blacker The Berry” shows that Kendrick was listening and reading what everyone had to say, even though not many agreed with him. It shows that he will not only stand by his comments, but repeat them with an actual tone and not just some letters put together in a tweet. This is a must hear track and not just to bob your head to.

       Modest Mouse is pretty good at breaking some bad news. The original release date for their newest studio album was March 3. That date has now been pushed back two more weeks to March 17. To lighten the news, Modest Mouse has given us a new track. In addition to "Lamp Shades on Fire" and  "Coyotes", Modest Mouse has previewed "The Best Room", a simple song to further excite us for Strangers to Ourselves. Take a listen below.

       Not much is known about EXGF. The collective released a summer electro-pop anthem, "Idle Hands", earlier last year but that is the only other track that i know of or could find by EXGF. The groups Tumblr is full of wild and nude art that show there is a massive amount of creativity throughout the members. This track, "We Are The Hearts", is also an electro-pop track with a funky start. So far the group is 2 for 2 on making great, catchy beats and hopfully will be releasing much more this year. EXGF also released some awesome interactive video/artwork to go along with the sound(visit all via clickable clinks below). Enjoy!

Interactive Artwork

Soundcloud

       Daytrip bring back their creativity with an unreleased track from Vybz Kartel. Adding their own Daytrip style to a deep reggae track shows just how unique their style is. They went all the way to West London to film the perfectly fitting music video which shows a man that is clearly in the wrong business and should have thought twice about his career choice(**Spoiler, it does not end well for the young man). Enjoy the video below and visit/follow Daytrip on Soundcloud to check out more music and for some free downloads. Enjoy!

       Meek Mill coming back with force on his latest track "B-Boy". With support from Big Sean and A$AP Ferg. Big Sean stepped out of the lime light for a short period of time but has recently reappeared dropping "IDFWU" showing that his upcoming album , Dark Sky Paradise, is going to be an exceptional album. Meek Mill, recently free from prison, is due to drop a new album soon (date TBA) titled Dreams Worth More Than Money. This track is hopefully a preview for the album and what to come from it. Check out the track and music video below!

       ACL Live is well known for the huge acts and amazing live shows that it puts on. Anyone that is anyone has played ACL Live and the shows are typically killer. The Black Keys will be releasing their ACL Live episode this Saturday, 1/31 and is definitely worth the watch. Below is some footage of what you should expect out of the episode. Enjoy!

        Seafret is a refreshing, acoustic duo from North East England but now living in London. They are the perfect type of music to throw on a rainy day, with a cup of hot coffee and a nice book and just relax and Oceans is a perfect example of just that. From Harry Draper`s  peaceful guitar to the soothing voice of Jack Sedman, this is a group to keep your ear on. They are currently scheduled to open for up and coming alternative artist, George Erza, at 2015 BRITs week on Feb. 16 and should be expected to become more known over the next few months. Give Seafret a listen via Soundcloud or through Spotify.

An innocent little coyote just catching a ride on a Portland rail train back in 2002 is what sparked the influence for Modest Mouse`s newest single. This being the second single , after "Lampshades On Fire", will be released on Modest Mouse`s seventh studio album, Strangers to Ourselves, set to be out March 3. A more mellow tune compared to "Lampshades On Fire" with an interesting video starring a coyote riding, you guessed it, a rail train. Watch the video through the link below via Interstate 8, a Modest Mouse fan collaborative site.