iTunes: Free Tuesday
Welcome to this week's edition of iTunes: Free Tuesday. This week brings a nice collection of free music for both US and International readers. Don't forget to follow the jump to discover the entire list of this week's freebies. A quick note to Australians and New Zealanders: the free item has been having some issues today so if you have any problems downloading your freebie, try again tomorrow to see if that gets resolved.
US Music
US: The Rain by K-OS
This new cut from Ontario's k-os is taken from his album, Atlantis: Hymns for Disco. "The Rain" is a departure from the verbose hip-hop of his previous releases. This track shows k-os using his voice to sing with some palpable passion. The rhythm feels like a slight deviation on James Brown's "This Is A Man's World," but k-os has made his own epic soul track here. While the strings stab along with the syncopated rhythm, a scratchy, noir-tinged guitar line rears up and practically grabs your hand and leads you into the promised land. Get it now.
US: Casting Off by This Beautiful Republic
This Christian punk-pop group was the best kept secret in Toledo, Ohio, until the people at Forefront Records decided that this five-piece needed to be heard by the rest of the world. One listen to "Casting Off" and you can hear the appeal. Lead singer Ben Olin has a pained, emotional range that fits the group's urgent, spiky rock.
US: You Got Me by Adassa
Reggaeton y Hip-Hop.
US TV Shows
US: The Black Donnellys Pilot
With cinematic scope, this powerful drama is uniquely narrated by lifelong family confidante Joey "Ice Cream," presenting tales of both intense action and charged emotion.
International
Australia: What You Wanted by Angus & Julia Stone
Angus & Julia Stone's debut EP, Chocolates & Cigarettes, is already a much-loved iTunes favourite. The duo's delicate and intricate songwriting, combined with stunning live performances, are putting this Sydney-based brother and sister team ahead of the curve for 2007. Their recent U.K. tour not only won over an entirely new audience but earned them an invite into Chris Potter's studio (The Verve/Richard Ashcroft) to record a new EP. The result - Heart Full of Wine - does not disappoint. It's Julia's turn on vocals on this week's Single of the Week and she delivers a stellar performance. If you haven't already, catch these guys live soon. It's a thing of beauty.
New Zealand: What You Wanted by Angus & Julia Stone
Angus & Julia Stone's debut EP, Chocolates & Cigarettes, is already a much-loved iTunes favourite. The duo's delicate and intricate songwriting, combined with stunning live performances, are putting this Sydney-based brother and sister team ahead of the curve for 2007. Their recent U.K. tour not only won over an entirely new audience but earned them an invite into Chris Potter's studio (The Verve/Richard Ashcroft) to record a new EP. The result - Heart Full of Wine - does not disappoint. It's Julia's turn on vocals on this week's Single of the Week and she delivers a stellar performance. If you haven't already, catch these guys live soon. It's a thing of beauty.
Canada: In the Time We've Got by The One AM Radio
"In the Time We've Got" illuminates the quiet moments and thoughts that come to us when we're sitting at the kitchen table, looking reflectively out the window (assuming you have those things). A little bit of melancholy and regret comes through in Hrishikesh Hirway's warm, dreamy vocals while the backing track uses live drums to mimic the feel of glitchy beats. The orchestral sweep of the strings adds in even more colour. It's a hazy bit of innovation that we like to call Single of the Week.
France: Tristan by PEP'S
Les chansons de Pep's sont un équilibre subtil entre mélodies entêtantes et textes audacieux. Son écriture, libre et poétique, conte avec la même rigueur des histoires personnelles ou universelles, enrichies d'une pincée de surréalisme ou d'un soupçon de mélancolie. « Tristan » est notre Single de la semaine sur iTunes.
UK: Because by The Bird and the Bee
The Bird and the Bee is a new act signed to Blue Note who are based around the vocals of Inara George. Inara George has one excellent solo album behind her (All Rise) and she's also the daughter of Lowell George, the amazing slide guitarist and architect for '70s rock band, Little Feat. Along with partner Greg Kurstin, Inara George turns the Bird and the Bee into a fine melding of electro-pop, soul, and slick indie rock.
