Sheena Beaston

Jay-Z's Hard Knock Life Documentary on STV

With last week's Brit Awards win for Best International Male Solo Artist, Jay-Z continues to prove why he is the reigning king of hip-hop. The only stateside artist (other than Lady Gaga) to sang an award treats us to a an in-depth look at his visionary song Hard Knock Life, courtesy of Sweden's STV.

 

The 15 minute documentary recounts the making of the video, the meanings behind the song, and guests, including Jigga himself, drop by to chat about the impact that the song had on modern music.

Some of the video is in Swedish, most in English with subtitles, but you'll be able to easily follow along and enjoy this quick glimpse into Hova's world.

 

mp3: Jay-Z x Radiohead - Dirt Off Your Android (Jaydiohead Mix)

Florence and The Machine - Brit Awards Recap

After an evening filled with golden gals, boy bands, big winners and sore losers, the Brit Awards culminated with the top honor, Best British Album, rightfully bestowed upon Florence and The Machine's remarkable debut album, Lungs. 

 

After failing to grab the award for British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist, all prior losses were quieted when it was announced that the night's top distinction fell in the lap of Flo and Co.

"I want to thank everyone who bought the album and everyone who liked it," said Florence Welch. "It's been an amazing night. We've had the best time and I hope you have, too."

Before the night's top award presentation took place, Florence was joined by fellow winner, Dizzee Rascal, for a duet - a mash up of her version of You Got The Love and his Dirtee Cash with harpists, a glitter storm and Florence emerging from a giant mirror ball. Watch the spectacular performance below.

 

mp3: Florence And The Machine and Dizzee Rascal - You Got The Love (Live At Brit Awards) 

Beastly Bits #27

It's almost as if I should dub this Beastly "Brits" this morning, no? In addition to the 'cross-the-pond honors held last night, there is some Britney Spears info and other UK love being shown throughout the blog world. Let's get a move on it.

   

Awards, photo shoots and new tunes reside with short scroll down. We're easy like that.

The 2010 Brit Awards were held last night. For a full list of winners, go here. More to come on the overall event later this morning. 

Solange joined Dirty Projectors on stage for a rendition of their Stillness is the Move mushup. Yes mush...cause it makes you feel all gooey and warm. Watch here.

Kingdom and Shyvonne's Mindreader gets the remix rub from CFCF in a slinky little edit. It's yours for free below, and you can buy the double A-side single here.

 

Fanfarlo made their US television debut on Letterman earlier this week. Watch their performance of Harold T. Wilkins here, then buy their new and exclusive EP via iTunes.

 

VV Brown is playing Hiro Ballroom tonight for free with a simple RSVP here. The show is 16+ and doors are at 7:30pm.

  

mp3: JLS - Beat Again (Digital Dog Club Mix)

mp3: Kingdom (Featuring Shyvonne) - Mindreader (CFCF Remix)

Beastly Bits #21

Hey, who had a good night? Who had a great night? Can I just drop a hint, that I had a wonderfully rad night? Because I kind of just did. (more on that to come in my next post)

Enough of the braggadociousness. Together, we ride... 

Want to win tickets to the BRIT Awards, courtesy of Robbie Williams? Details on how to enter here. Thanks lad!

MOJO lists their Best Music Documentaries of all time. Think you know what tops their twenty set? Give it a read here.

In the mood for some ska revival? NME has an exclusive feature with The Specials, detailing their reunion and recounting tales of the "old days". Watch here.

P!nk is set to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show today. She will play a special acoustic version of her hit I Don’t Believe You and discuss her spectacular Grammy performance. Check local listings for air times.

In a showdown of the "exclamation points", Los Campesinos! remixes You Say Party! We Say Die!'s track Laura Palmer's Prom. It's yours for free below.

 

 

mp3: You Say Party! We Say Die! - Laura Palmers Prom (Los Campesinos! Remix)

Beastly Bits #13

Like a great cup of coffee, I'm ready to pour you a piping hot cup of the good stuff to wake you up.

Drink it in!

  

Beach House's album, Teen Dream, is out today on Sub Pop. Buy the release with a special DVD included here.

Hesta Prynn, formerly of Northern State, is putting the final touches on her first solo album due out later this year. The record is produced by Chuck Brody (Lykke Li, J.Lo, Ra Ra Riot and Wu Tang Clan) with help from Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara, and Eric Gardner (Gnarls Barkley) providing drums. Free mp3 of Can We Go Wrong below. Voting for the 2010 BRIT Awards is now open. Go cast for your favorite here. tUnE-YaRdS, with special guest Takka Takka, play The Bell House next Friday, February 5. Get a ticket here. Pin Me Down is one part Russell Lissack of Bloc Party and another, Milena Mepris. Since Bloc Party went on hiatus last year, they've combined to showcases their band fresh interpretation of pop and electronica. Get Time Crisis for free below.

 

mp3: Hesta Prynn - Can We Go Wrong mp3: Pin Me Down - Time Crisis