Watch Kendrick Lamar Discuss His New Reebok Sneaker in New Short Films

Kendrick Lamar recently collaborated with Reebok on a special edition of the brand’s Club C sneaker. It’s his third take on a Reebok shoe, following designs for Ventilators and a Classic Leather model called “Perfect Split.” Reebok has now shared a four-part video series where Kendrick discusses what the Club C means to him. Each clip is directed by Nabil. Watch them below.

The Reebok Classic x Kendrick Lamar Club C is available now. They feature acid-washed denim, and include highlights like red letters “k” and “o,” in reference to Kendrick’s “KDot” nickname. Kendrick has said, “This sneaker represents that call for unity and equality, while also pushing people to look beneath the surface and uncover the hidden messages.”

See where Kendrick Lamar’s 2016 output placed on Pitchfork’s Best 50 Albums and Best 100 Songs of 2016 lists.

Watch Kendrick Lamar perform Section.80’s “A.D.H.D” at Pitchfork Music Festival 2012:

via Matthew Strauss

Allman Brothers’ Butch Trucks Dead After Shooting Himself in Front of His Wife

Butch Trucks, drummer and founding member of Southern rock pioneers the Allman Brothers Band, has died at the age of 69. His death, which occurred on January 24 at his home in West Palm Beach, Florida, has been ruled a suicide, the Miami Herald reports. According to the Herald, "Trucks shot himself in the head with a pistol as his wife of 25 years stood near him in their downtown West Palm Beach condo, the records show."

A statement posted on the band's Facebook page said, "The Trucks and Allman Brothers Band families request all of Butch’s friends and fans to please respect our privacy at this time of sadness for our loss. Butch will play on in our hearts forever. Donations and remembrances in Butch’s name may be made to The Big House Museum in Macon, Georgia."

The Allman Brothers Band was formed in 1969 by brothers Duane and Gregg Allman with Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, and drummers Trucks and Jaimoe. (Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1971.) Songs like "Ramblin' Man" and "Whipping Post" and albums like At Fillmore East, Eat a Peach, and Brothers and Sisters released throughout the '70s earned them a place in the classic rock pantheon. The band broke up and reunited on and off over the years. In 1999, Butch's nephew Derek Trucks joined the lineup, which remained together until 2014. The Allman Brothers Band were awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2012 and last year, Rolling Stone named Trucks (and Jaimoe) the 71st greatest drummer of all time.

via Matthew Strauss and Amy Phillips

9 Albums Out Today You Should Listen to Now: Migos, Sleater-Kinney, Japandroids, More

With so much good music being released all the time, it can be hard to determine what to listen to first. Every week, Pitchfork offers a run-down of significant new releases available on streaming services. This week’s batch includes new albums from Migos, Japandroids, Sleater-Kinney, Ty Segall, Priests, Cloud Nothings, Kehlani, Julie Byrne, and Allison Crutchfield.

Migos: Culture [300/Quality Control]

Culture is Migos’ second studio LP, following Yung Rich Nation. Since the release of that 2015 album, the trio have put out a number of EPs and mixtapes, including 3 Way and Young Rich Ni$$a$ 2. Culture includes the chart-topping single “Bad and Boujee,” which Donald Glover called “the best song... ever.” Read our review of “T-Shirt,” and watch its Revenant-channeling music video.

Listen on Apple Music

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Japandroids: Near to the Wild Heart of Life [Anti-]

Near to the Wild Heart of Life arrives nearly five years after Japandroids’ sophomore album Celebration Rock. Read our review of the title track, and check out our new feature “Synths! Ballads! Acoustic Guitars! Welcome to Japandroids 2.0.”

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Sleater-Kinney: Live in Paris [Sub Pop]

Sleater-Kinney’s Live in Paris was recorded at La Cigale on March 20, 2015. It is the band’s first live album.

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Ty Segall: Ty Segall [Drag City]

Ty Segall’s latest self-titled album—his debut record from 2008 was also called Ty Segall—comes a year after his last album, Emotional Mugger.

Listen on NPR

Priests: Nothing Feels Natural [Sister Polygon]

Nothing Feels Natural is the first LP from Washington, D.C. punk band Priests. It follows their 2014 EP Bodies and Control and Money and Power. Read our reviews of the album’s “Pink White House,” “JJ,” and “Nothing Feels Natural”—the latter two were named Best New Track. Read an op-ed from the group’s Katie Alice Greer, “Every Single Day Is a Women’s March,” on the Pitch.

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Cloud Nothings: Life Without Sound [Carpark/Wichita]

The new Cloud Nothings album, Life Without Sound, follows their 2014 album Here and Nowhere Else and 2015’s Wavves collaboration No Life for Me. The album was recorded with producer John Goodmanson (Sleater-Kinney, Death Cab for Cutie) in El Paso last year. Read our “Enter Entirely” review, and watch the “Modern Act” video.

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Kehlani: SweetSexySavage [TSNMI/Atlantic]

SweetSexySavage is Kehlani’s major label debut, following her 2015 release You Should Be Here Now. It features the single “CRZY.”

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Julie Byrne: Not Even Happiness [Ba Da Bing!] 

Julie Byrne’s new album, Not Even Happiness, follows 2014’s Rooms With Walls and Window. Read Pitchfork’s track reviews of “Natural Blue” and “Follow My Voice,” both named Best New Track, and our Rising feature, “Julie Byrne: Seeking Serenity in an Insane World.”

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Allison Crutchfield: Tourist in This Town [Merge]

After several years as a member of the bands P.S. Eliot and Swearin’, Allison Crutchfield has released her debut solo album, Tourist in This Town. It follows 2014’s Lean in to It EP, which she self-released. Check out our review of “Dean’s Room.”

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via Sheldon Pearce

Nick Cave Awarded Badge of Honor for Service to Australia

Nick Cave has been awarded an Australian badge of honor for “distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or humanity at large.” The Australian government honored Cave yesterday, alongside musicians including Jimmy Barnes and Paul Kelly, as part of the annual Australia Day induction, as Billboard points out. Specifically, Cave was recognized for serving “the performing arts as a musician, songwriter, author and actor, both nationally and internationally, and as a major contributor to Australian music culture and heritage.” He can now call himself an Officer of the General Division of the Order of Australia, and he gets to wear this excellent medal.

Revisit Pitchfork.tv’s interview with Nick Cave:

via Jazz Monroe

Carole King Shares New Song in Support of Women’s March: Listen

Carole King has shared a previously unreleased version of her song “One Small Voice,” from 1983’s Speeding Time, after attending a Women’s March in Idaho this past weekend. She’s releasing the recording, made more than two decades after the original, to support the “many small voices [trying] to overcome the lies of the loudest voice,” and to advance a “message of truth, dignity, and decency,” she wrote in the Huffington Post. Listen to it below.

via Jazz Monroe

Arcade Fire Release Alternate Versions of Mavis Staples Collab: Listen

Earlier this month, Arcade Fire shared a new song with Mavis Staples called “I Give You Power” supporting the American Civil Liberties Union. Now, on the day of their Reflektor Tapes / Live at Earls Court release on DVD and Blu Ray, they’ve shared two new versions of the track. Listen to the “Broken Speaker Mix” and an instrumental below.

In an interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1, Win Butler opened up about collaborating with Staples. “Mavis Staples is one of my favorite people on Earth and I’ve been fortunate enough to sing with her a couple times, and we just have a really beautiful relationship with her as a band,” he said. “We're just really honored to sing with her.”

Revisit “Pitchfork Watches Arcade Fire's The Reflektor Tapes” over on the Pitch.

via Sheldon Pearce and Jazz Monroe

Jamiroquai Announce New Album Automaton, Share Video for New Song: Watch

Jamiroquai, the London-based band best known for their single “Virtual Insanity” (and its iconic music video) released their last album Rock Dust Light Star in 2010. They return this year with Automaton, out March 31 on Virgin EMI. Watch the Charlie Lightening-directed video for the title track below.

Of the album, Jay Kay—who co-produced the LP with keyboardist Matt Johnson—said in a press release:

The inspiration for Automaton is in recognition of the rise of artificial intelligence and technology in our world today and how we as humans are beginning to forget the more pleasant, simple and eloquent things in life and in our environment including our relationship with one another as human beings.

via Evan Minsker

Neil Young to Induct Pearl Jam Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In September, Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur, Joan Baez, Journey, Electric Light Orchestra, and Yes were announced as this year’s inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Today, details of the April 7 ceremony has been announced: Neil Young will induct his sometime collaborators Pearl Jam, while Jackson Browne will induct Joan Baez and Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush will induct Yes. The ceremony will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, while the Rock Hall itself—in Cleveland, Ohio—will open a special exhibit on this year’s inductees in conjunction with the ceremony. 

This year’s list of Rock Hall nominees included Chic, Depeche Mode, Janet Jackson, Bad Brains, Kraftwerk, Jane’s Addiction, MC5, Chaka Khan, the Zombies, and the Cars. While Chic were not inducted this year, Nile Rodgers has been given the Award for Musical Excellence.

Read “A Rock Hall Voter Breaks Down the Most Epic Nomination Class in Decades” over on the Pitch.

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Watch Jeff Tweedy’s New “Portlandia” Cameo

Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy made a cameo in the latest episode of “Portlandia.” He appeared as a pre-filmed testimonial that plays during a shady informercial for a music copyright lawyer (Fred Armisen: “I don’t even have to hear your melody to know that someone else stole it!”). “It turns out he owns the key of G, which has made life very difficult for me as a songwriter,” Tweedy says. “He’s just one step ahead of you at every turn.”

Tweedy previously made an appearance on the show in a sketch where Armisen and Carrie Brownstein edit his lyrics. In the season premiere of “Portlandia,” Armisen and Brownstein gave Run the Jewels advice on how to manage their album rollout.

via Noah Yoo

Watch Taylor Swift and Zayn’s New Video for Fifty Shades Darker Track “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever”

In December, Taylor Swift and Zayn shared a new collaboration from Fifty Shades Darker called “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever.” Now, they’ve shared the song’s video. Watch the Grant Singer-directed visual below.

In addition to Zayn and Taylor, the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack features new music from Sia, Nicki Minaj (with Nick Jonas), The-Dream, John Legend, Tove Lo, and others. It does not include Miguel’s “Crazy in Love” cover, which appeared in a trailer. The film and the soundtrack are both out February 10.

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The New Pornographers Announce New Album Whiteout Conditions, Share New Song “High Ticket Attractions”: Listen

The New Pornographers have announced a new album. Whiteout Conditions is the follow-up to 2014’s Brill Bruisers; it’s out April 7 via Concord. See the tracklist below, and listen to a new song, “High Ticket Attractions.” The New Pornographers will be hitting the road with Waxahatchee in April.

See where the New Pornographers landed in our Best Indie Rock Albums of the Pacific Northwest list.

Whiteout Conditions:

01 Play Money
02 Whiteout Conditions
03 High Ticket Attractions
04 This is the World of the Theatre
05 Darling Shade
06 Second Sleep
07 Colosseums
08 We’ve Been Here Before
09 Juke
10 Clockwise
11 Avalanche Alley

via Sam Sodomsky

Missy Elliott Shares New Song “I’m Better”: Listen

Missy Elliott has returned with a new song called “I’m Better.”  The song features Lamb. Stream it below via Apple Music. The music video drops at midnight tonight. Elliott’s last proper studio album, The Cookbook, was released in 2005. She returned after years away with “WTF” featuring Pharrell in 2015, and has made appearances on songs with A$AP Ferg and Fall Out Boy since then. 

Read “We Need Missy Elliott's New Album Right Now” on the Pitch.

via Noah Yoo

Chief Keef Arrested for Allegedly Robbing, Assaulting Former Producer

Chief Keef was arrested tonight in Los Angeles in connection with a home invasion, TMZ has confirmed. Keef was arrested for robbery and assault after he and armed associates allegedly assaulted former producer Ramsay Tha Great in his home. According to TMZ, “Keef and one other individual” were taken into custody. In a shot from the local television news, fellow Glo Gang rapper Tadoe can be seen being taken into custody by law enforcement alongside Keef. Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for Chief Keef for comment.

via Noah Yoo

Listen to Rick Ross’ New Ty Dolla $ign-Featuring Song “I Think She Like Me”

In November, Rick Ross announced his ninth studio album, Rather You Than Me. The first single from the album is the Ty Dolla $ign-featuring song “I Think She Like Me.” Stream the track below. It follows the recently released Ross song “Buy Back the Block,” which featured 2 Chainz and Gucci Mane. Rather You Than Me is slated to be released later this year. Ross’ last album, Black Market, arrived in 2015.

Revisit the “Buy Back the Block” video:

 

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Mastodon Announce New Album Emperor of Sand, Share New Song “Sultan’s Curse”: Listen

Watch the Internet's Matt Martians and Syd’s New Video for Tyler, the Creator-Produced Track

Earlier this month, the Internet’s Matt Martians announced his debut solo album The Drum Chord Theory. The latest release from the album is a new song called “Dent Jusay” featuring bandmates Syd and Steve Lacy. The song is produced by Tyler, the Creator (who makes a cameo appearance near the end of the music video). Check it out below. “Dent Jusay” follows the previously shared track “Diamond in da Ruff.” The Drum Chord Theory is out January 27.

Earlier this month, Syd announced her upcoming solo debut, Fin, with a new track called “All About Me.” The Internet announced a new tour with the second offering from the release, “Body.” The shows on the tour will feature solo sets from each of the Internet’s five members with the rest of the band playing backup during each set.

via Sheldon Pearce

Paula Patton Alleges Robin Thicke Physically Abused Her

Paula Patton has sworn to a judge that her ex-husband, singer Robin Thicke, physically abused her during their marriage, TMZ reports. According to her statement, she and Thicke got into a fight in 2013 and he punched her in the upper body before pushing her to the ground and threatening to “bash her fucking head in.”

The claims are consistent with a domestic violence restraining order filed in May 2013 at the Cannes Film Festival. The allegations have resurfaced during a custody battle between Patton and Thicke for their son, Julian. In addition to cheating allegations and claims of cocaine abuse, Patton has accused Thicke of shouting expletives at their son and spanking him without reason. 

An earlier TMZ report revealed that Thicke has temporarily lost custody of their son, and that he is currently prohibited from going near the child or his ex-wife. According to the report, Thicke’s lawyer is claiming that Patton is being investigated by the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services for emotional abuse. Thicke asked for an order giving him sole physical and legal custody but was denied by a judge. In 2014, Thicke released his latest studio album, Paula, an ode to his then estranged wife, led by the single “Get Her Back.” Patton filed for divorce later that year.

via Sheldon Pearce

Blood Orange Announces New Group VeilHymn, Shares New Song “Hymn”: Listen

Dev Hynes (Blood Orange) has announced VeilHymn, a new group featuring himself and Bryndon Cook (Starchild & the New Romantic). Cook previously toured with Hynes and appeared on last year’s excellent Blood Orange album Freetown Sound. Check out VeilHymn’s first song “Hymn” below, which features Cook on lead vocals and Hynes on production duties, according to Brooklyn Vegan.

Revisit “The Realest Out: A Conversation With Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes.” 

via Noah Yoo

Brian Eno Clarifies Trump Opinion: He Is a “Complete Disaster”

Brian Eno has clarified his thoughts on Donald Trump’s election in a new Facebook post, addressing the comments he gave in an interview with the Guardian in which he said he was “pleased” with the results of the election “because it gives us a kick up the arse.” In the statement, he calls Trump “a complete disaster,” before saying, “That said, what I think is an even greater disaster is that we in the US and the UK - and increasingly the rest of the world - live inside political systems that can produce absurd results like these.”

Eno continues, “My hope—the only hope really—is that Trump in office will reveal himself for what he really is, and that the public will roundly and unequivocally reject him and everything he stands for - his terrible policies, his jingoism, his arrogance, his childishness, his lies, his prejudices and his small-mindedness. In rejecting Trump we’ll also start to take down the whole malignant media-political structure that so lovingly nurtured him.” Read the full note below.

via Noah Yoo

FBI Director James Comey Speaking at SXSW 2017

SXSW 2017 is set to take place March 10-19 in Austin, Texas. It includes music, film, and interactive festivals, and speeches, talks, panels, and workshops featuring a variety of speakers from various disciplines. Today, SXSW announced that FBI Director James Comey will be one of the speakers at this year's conference, as Spin points out. He will engage in a conversation with Newseum CEO Jeffrey Herbst on Monday, March 13 at 5 p.m. at the Hilton in downtown Austin.

Comey was one of the most controversial figures of the 2016 presidential election for his role in the Justice Department’s investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server while she was secretary of state. In July 2016, he recommended that no criminal charges be brought against Clinton, though he reprimanded her for being “extremely careless.” However, eleven days before the election, Comey sent a letter to Congress stating that more emails had showed up that needed to be reviewed. Although the FBI had not yet looked through them, he wrote that they “appear to be pertinent.” Two days prior to the election, Comey said they found no new evidence that would warrant reopening the investigation. Many Clinton supporters believe that Comey's actions helped undermine her presidential campaign.

Recent reports suggest that Donald Trump will keep Comey as his FBI Director.

In SXSW's event announcement, Herbst said: 

“The Newseum is the premier national institution that promotes the freedoms of the First Amendment and the right of free expression. This year we will conduct a unique conversation examining the tensions between privacy and national security. Being able to share a high level conversation with FBI Director James Comey and the audience in Austin will help us all understand the challenges to our rights in the age of disruption.”

SXSW added:

“SXSW is committed to facilitating conversations that inform, inspire, and challenge. With the discussion focused on cybersecurity at a time when the nation’s top law enforcement agency has been at the center of international news, SXSW looks forward to an enlightening and productive discussion.”

Pitchfork has reached out to SXSW’s representatives, who had no further comment.

Last year, SXSW featured talks with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. SXSW also teamed up with the White House for a festival, South by South Lawn, in October.

via Matthew Strauss