The Maroon Cafe

Maroon Cafe Presents……Top Albums From ’09

// December 31st, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Listening Section

As the decade ends today and we take a look back on ’09, this will go down as “The Year Everything Changed.” To sum our twelve months up into one word we’ll go with “Growth,” it’s been a hard time (extremely) trying to balance personal life and business around here but somehow we managed to have a pretty successful year.  While I lost a few things that were close to me, one thing that kept my mental intact (barely) was music.  Here’s our top albums that  kept us going strong.

Metric- Fantasies- Resurgance in true Canadian form! Emily and crew not only held down our top songs through mid-year, they managed to stick it out to the end.

Mumford & Sons- Sigh No More- We’ve been on board when they were unknowns and playing shows in the smallest of places.  Our Fresh Faces put out an amazing debut and kept the folk genre steady.

La Roux- La Roux-  Say what you want but this is one fine Pop album! from start to finish we guarantee you’ll agree after it’s all said and done.

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Jay Electronica and Michael Jackson | Exhibit C [Video]

// December 31st, 2009 // No Comments » // Video

Sorry if the title of this post threw you off. Let Jay Electronica explain why there is a pic of Michael Jackson with what many people are calling the Best Rap Track of 2009.

I made this because i have loved Michael Jackson all of my life. All of my memories from about 5 years old or so (which is about as far back as i remember with some ease) can be tied to or associated with or landmarked by some musical contribution of Michael Jackson at that time. From then, all the way to now. He is a dark fingerprint on a very large part of who I am and who most of the people I know personally are. And thats why i posted this picture along with this song. The response to this song is amazing, and overwhelming and i appreciate all of the love and support it is recieving from everywhere. And i dedicate all of this positive energy toward a Great Hero of mine (although not perfect) who has performed many miracles in his physical life and who has and will be for many moons continue to be a glowing light in the dark for those who see something better inside of themselves and have the will and desire to pursue it. Evolution. May our good works be recorded and duplicated, and may our sins be recorded and forgiven. Amen

[Via - 2dopeboyz]

New Years Eve…… Events, Parties & More!

// December 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // News

The biggest night of the year is tomorrow and if you’re plans are undecided on all the festivities happening in New York, here’s a listing of some events that should make the night go smoother.

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jj | 5 Minute Melody [Audio]

// December 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // Listening Section

Over the past couple of weeks my love for Swedish band has been growing, after getting my hands on their five minute melody for Swedish Radio, jj covers, Akon and Rick Ross over samples of The Dream and the xx, with a touch of Charles Manson voice for fun.  Your saying WTF?  We know. This is great music!

jj | 5 Minute Med [Download]

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[via - Gorilla vs Bear]

Retro Throwback – Tricky | Hell Is Around The Corner

// December 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

It’s been a while since we posted a Throwback track.  This week’s and the last one of the year goes to Tricky.  Definitely a pioneer for Trip Hop with the likes of Portishead and Massive Attack, but a catalog that doesn’t stack up with the other two.  Tricky’s most memorable tune is Hell Is Around The Corner, which is off his 1995 album, Maxinquaye.  The album flew over my head when I was a little lad, but after going back in the crates and giving it a solid listen over the years it gets spins around the Cafe.  Which is why it made the retro tune of the week.

Tricky – Hell Is Around The Corner [Download]

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Sade Sizzle Reel | [Soldier of Love Video]

// December 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // Video

We have no clue what a sizzle reel is…but we guess this is it. Go out and get Sade’s album, Solider of Love on the 8th of February 2010.

Surfer Blood | Swim [KEXP Performance]

// December 29th, 2009 // No Comments » // Video

Buzzworthy favorites Surfer Blood stopped by KEXP for a performance of there huge hit and Radio One favorite “Swim.” Expect to hear more from these Floridians next week. Astro Coast hits stores on January 19th.

Broken Bells| High Road

// December 28th, 2009 // No Comments » // Listening Section

Shins frontman James Mercer and Danger mouse release there first single “High Road” from the upcoming collab project Broken Bells which is also the name of the infamous duo.  Expect the album to hit stores on March 9, 2010.  Never thought we’d see these two working together and after a quick listen it sounds like our Shins void may be filled for the time being.

Stream: Broken Bells- High Road