In honour of the Thursday night lineup, (well, re-runs of the line up) here is a jam by Community star and former 30 Rock writer Donald Glover a.k.a Childish Gambino. He put out his first album in 2008 and has already put out 3 mix tapes in 2010.

I was a little skeptical about what I might hear coming from a comedian, and had my fingers crossed that it had nothing to do with a boat or a dick in a box, so I was happy to find this funny man’s rhymes were legit.

There seems to be a colliding of worlds with new hip hop artists sampling indie acts… and I like it. Glover’s mix tapes I am just a Rapper and I am just a Rapper 2 sample bands like Sleigh Bells and Discovery, and Michigan native Gilbere Forte samples Freelance Whales for his debut. I have a soft spot for good hip hop tunes so this clash of the titans works for me.

Childish Gambino has a dash of Lil’ Wayne in his delivery, but keeps it fresh with his one-liners. He sampled some of the best sounds of 2009 and 2010, but his own original beats on his latest release Culdesac are getting the thumbs up too.

Say word. This shit is dope.

You can get his mixed tapes here http://www.childishgambino.com/ for FREE.

I be on that – Childish Gambino
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/I-Be-On-That.mp3]

1st Floor – Gilbere Forte
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/1st-Floor.mp3]

* If you are a member or manager of the above bands and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans – new or old – please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.

I had first heard The Balconies in Hamilton at Club Absinthe when they opened for SPIRITS a couple of months ago. We got there late and weren’t expecting much, but The Balconies catchy melodies and inviting vocals hit me like a rhino on the loose. This brother/sister/friend combo had a sound that made me wonder if The Weakerthans got drunk one night and hooked up with Kings of Leon, but not before asking Joni Mitchell to join the fun.

I moved up to get a closer look and was mesmerized. I think every guy in the place wanted to do their female lead, and every girl wanted to be her. Her falsetto was effortless and was complimented by her brothers more monotone approach. But it was her Gerry Marsden-esque moves and wide eyes that made me not want to waste time blinking.

Just to be sure that my initial impression of this Toronto trio was not influenced too heavily by alcohol, I saw them again at this year’s SCENEfest and was not disappointed. Even the pouring rain couldn’t put a damper on this feast for the eyes and ears.

The Balconies – Serious Bedtime
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/10-Serious-Bedtime-1.mp3]

* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans – new or old – please support this band by using your coffee money to buy their records.