It’s hard to find a hip-hop head that isn’t obsessed with MF DOOM. The good news — he’s staying current. On Monday, Clams Casino posted on his Soundcloud a collaboration with the masked man himself. This is an interesting change of scenario from the classic jazz samples Doom specializes in to Clammy Clam’s ambient soundscapes.

It’s the DOOM we all know, where he manages to somehow rap lazy AND in-time simultaneously. And don’t expect any change from Clams Casino either. The production is as dreamy as you would expect from the beat master. It’s the last collaboration we would ever suspect, but it manages to work so damn well. Here’s hoping for more!

What do you get when you mix Michael Cera, Kelis and (former) Das Racist’s Heems? No, this is not a bad joke, it is just part of the cast of Cera-directed “Brazzaville Teen-Ager,” that was released Monday night. The film is based on a short story of the same name by Bruce Jay Friedman. Don’t expect the same George Michael-esque character from “Youth in Revolt” or “Superbad”; this time we see some growth and directing potential from Cera in a leading role in this dramatic comedy. To sum it up with minimal spoilers — a young man is looking to save his dying father through a ridiculous plan involving a music studio and a grumpy boss.

It also casts Heems as a dry recording engineer with lines such as, “You’re flat. Out of tune.” This is a sweet look at Cera’s talents before the new season of “Arrested Development” on May 26 that may end up breaking Netflix when millions of people begin binge-watching.

See the film below, which clocks in at about 20 minutes:

I feel like I’m floating on a lazy river, but like 200 years ago and I’m slightly depressed — the kind of depressed you get from watching a sad movie, not from a horrible tear-stricken breakup. It’s actually pretty unbelievable that Grouper’s FACT mix was released on Monday, since it sounds so much like a piece by Domenico Gabrielli, a Baroque composer. I may not have a river to float on, but the mix does fit in well with heavy literature (I read Mark Z. Daniekewski’s “House of Leaves”) and a glass of Disaronno.

Grouper’s latest release The Man Who Died in His Boat is a sad adventure to the tune of ambient-folk. Clearly, Grouper, a solo project by Liz Harris of Portland, is defining her own genre. She started her road to fame in the world of drone with her Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill (album titles are no less than dismal), which landed many spots on top album lists, including No. 2 on Gorilla vs. Bear’s top albums of 2008. Just think of it as late night driving/reflecting music.

Check out the mix .

The Peoples Temple are a rock band from Lansing Michigan who have released their music (Including two full length albums) through the prominent Chicago label HoZac Records, as well as through the legendary Jack Whites Third Man Records label. I spoke to William Young, who plays guitar and sings in the band, about Michigan, traveling, their session at Third Man Records, and some other interesting tidbits including music recommendations.

Michael Flanagan: So you all are from Michigan. Whats that like?

MF: What kind of goals does The Peoples Temple have?

MF: Could you talk a bit about HoZac records. What is your relationship with them like and how did it come about

MF: Youve also got a 7in single that was recently released on Third Man Records, the label that is owned and operated by the legendary Jack White. Whats the deal with that? How was Jack White?

MF: I know of quite a few great artist that have come out of Michigan. The Stooges, The Motown scene, The White Stripes, The Gories, and thats only naming a few im sure. What are some of the artist from the area that have influenced you and that you might think people should know about?

MF: I feel a great respect for The Beatles, The Velvet Underground, The Rolling Stones, and the vibe that they were a part of in the 60′s and 70′s in a lot of yalls music. Now that youve been in the music scene for some years already, have you had any strange “coincidences” happen in your lives involving the music or musicians you grew up listening to?

MF: What are some of the most interesting places you have traveled as a group?

MF: Anything you want to let the people know?

Catch The Peoples Temple tonight at Fall Back Records in McAllen (Gods Country) with Jungle Bodies, Pyramid Mirror, and The Sad Campers.

Michael Flanagan: Would you please tell people some significant things about Holy Wave:

MF: Could you talk about Reverberation Appreciation Society and how you teamed up with them:

MF: Ive found out that the band is originally from El Paso, a border city, similar to McAllen. How do the issues that exist in border area’s influence you?:

MF: Could you name some art (music, film, painting, food, writing ect…) that youd like to turn people on too.:

MF: Could you talk about Burger Records and your relationship with them:

Punk

HW: piss off!

Synchronicity

HW: Fuck the police!

Dimethyltryptamine

HW: Lysergic acid diethylamide

Beer

HW: We’re perfectly happy with lone star.

War

HW: I heard they got back together.

Check out Holy Waves music on their band camp ( http://holywave.bandcamp.com/ ), and dont miss them live at Simon Sez this Tuesday, April 16th.

“I’ve been ready for this my whole life,” Dean said. “I have finally made it. All these months of waiting and planning and schmoozing has paid off — emphasis on paid. I’ve already planned a trip to Switzerland. Gone are the days that I have to deal with all the bullshit that comes with promoting and managing writers. Huzzah!”

Although financial records have yet to be disclosed, rumors have circulated that the trade was in the million dollar mark. When asked about the trade, a Pitchfork executive had trouble hiding a smile.

“This trade was no question,” said the executive. “I’ve always been in shock with the musical acts that show up in the Rio Grande Valley and I wanted to hit that market harder.”

Dean says that Ouch My Ego! has been in a testing period for some time. This involved dealing with not only the RGV market, but national, hard-hitting cultural news from all over the country.

“Things have been quiet at OME!, and for good reason,” Dean said. “We are pleased to announce a merger of sorts that has been in the works for months.”

All Ouch, My Ego! content will now be accessible on pitchfork.com, with it’s own navigation button labeled “OME!”. Clicking this button will bring Pitchfork users face-first into a variety of Valley news, along with announcements for festivals located deep in the heart of South Texas. Most writers have also been offered jobs to write for not just Valley news, but news all over the Pitchfork scene.

“We are always looking for new fresh markets to dominate,” said the executive. “OME! was a no brainer. We’ve had our eye on the Valley for a while now. Our analysts say it is the new alt mecca.”

Update: This was an april fool’s joke. Sorry to have pulled on so many heartstrings, it definitely pulled on ours. The idea of OME teaming up with the likes of Pitchfork would most absolutely be a huge deal, and a boon for the RGV. Everyones support and congratulations on this, however, has moved us and has strengthened our resolve. Thank you all for all your love.

March 18 marked the day for two things on Pitchfork: live (and early) streaming of New York rockers The Strokes’ fifth album Comedown Machine and the unveiling of Pitchfork Advance. Both are genius and I’ll save you a wall of text: The album shouldn’t be slept on like it’s another Angles. Grab your best pair of headphones and dive right in. You won’t regret it.

Pitchfork Advance is a big deal, at least a big enough deal to land a spot on the website’s navigation bar. Advance allows artists a chance to gain extra buzz on an album early — a week in advance if this is typical for future releases. Users aren’t stuck with the typical, boring look of pre-release streams. You know, the tracklist with a play button next to each track and an album cover on the right. Everyone is obsessed (and should be) with interaction, and that’s the goal in mind for Advance. Pitchfork says the idea is to “emulate the classic album experience.”

The first Advance is pretty, I’ll give it that, but it isn’t changing my album experience. I have a big picture to look at, whether it’s the zoomed-in album cover or a band member’s silhouette, but other than that, it isn’t much. The best part is that everything is right where I need it. Tracklist? Check. Social media sharing? Check. Link to buy album? Check. I’m looking forward to the future of Advance. I’d love a set of lyrics to each song, or even better, personal commentary to each song so we don’t have to sit through YouTube comments arguing about the song meaning.

UPDATE: After unveiling Pitchfork Advance with Comedown Machine, they have come back strong with a selection of eight albums, all of which will be gone by April 2. This includes albums from Chvrches, Wire, and IO Echo. It’s a beautiful world, isn’t it?

Here’s a loose timeline of the drama (or lack thereof):

March 28, 2012: Vibe released an article claiming that Korine originally reached out to Riff Raff to be in “Spring Breakers,” but Riff Raff was out of town. The role was then given to Franco, along with some style advice from Riff Raff.

March 29, 2012: TMZ posts a video with Franco filming for “Spring Breakers.” One of the TMZ staff members even says “That’s Riff Raff!” Note that Dangeruss is actually in this footage.

May 29, 2012: The connection with Riff Raff and James Franco was made long before the drama even started. In an interview with Fader, Riff Raff claimed that Riff Raff and James Franco are “all pretty much the same thing.”

Oct. 15, 2012: Sneeze Mag released their 17th issue with a cover of Riff Raff and Korine, along with an interview about “Spring Breakers,” where it is made clear that Franco’s character named Alien looks like Riff Raff, even though Franco has made claims that Alien “was inspired by a ‘panache’ of Southern rappers prior to RiFF entering Harmony’s world.”

Oct. 22, 2012: A collaboration with Jody Highroller (Riff Raff’s alter-ego), Mod Sun, Huey Mack and Mike Stud titled “NiGHTSTAND” was released. This contained the lyrics from Huey Mack as follows: “Shout out Riff Raff, no James Franco.” It’s already getting feisty before the “Spring Breakers” trailer is even released.

Jan. 8, 2013: Riff Raff releases a song and video titled “RAP GAME JAMES FRANCO” with no lyrics related to the actor. Perhaps as a statement that they are one and the same?

Jan. 18, 2013: “Spring Breakers” trailer is released. Franco’s character’s hairstyle is more braids than dreadlocks (e.g.Riff Raff) and he has an interesting Texas accent.

~Jan. 21, 2013: Riff Raff posts on Instagram (jodyhighroller) a picture comparing him and James Franco (in his role as Alien). It would be hard to deny the insane similarities. 

Jan. 22, 2013: Riff Raff talks with Fuse about his influence on Franco’s role. Instead of acting bitter, Riff Raff is already imagining the money that will be made indirectly and offers Franco some style advice to improve his image as Riff Raff.

Feb. 5, 2013: Dangeruss, the rapper who Franco claims his role is based on, releases a music video directed by Franco himself titled ““Hangin With Da Dopeboys.” The footage was also shot by Franco during his “training” for the role.

Feb. 20, 2013: James Franco blogs on MTV about training for his “gangster” role. He opens with how he met Dangeruss through Korine and how he was his main inspiration for the role.

Feb. 27, 2013: Riff Raff sent out an email to various publications, such as Complex and Spin, titled “More Lies From Franco?”

March 7, 2013: Riff Raff releases “Hologram Benz,” which samples Flux Pavilion’s “Cracks.” It contains the lyrics “Me and Harmony Korine in a hologram Benz. Riff Raff is also holding the Sneeze Mag that has him and Korine on the cover.

March 18, 2013: In an interview with Esquire, Riff Raff says he’s in the movie and that everyone should use their eyes and watch for him in the film.

March 22, 2013: “Spring Breakers” release date

Let’s get real, even if the character isn’t a perfect Riff Raff clone, you’d be stupid to not notice the influence. You could argue that it’s just coincidence, but the interviews with Korine basically kill that feeling. The most interesting part is Riff Raff’s behavior. He is basically promoting the film. Could this be an inside job the whole time, with Riff Raff and Franco laughing at us while sharing a beer? At the end of the day, the only people who know the truth are Korine, Franco, and possibly Riff Raff.

Between Texas, New York, and California – the dudes from Part Time bring their 80′s inspired vibes down south to Galax Z Fair II. I caught up with them via the internet to get the scoop on touring with the Drums and their next album, PDA.

VPN: How did touring North America with The Drums influence the next album?

PT: It didn’t really. We had such a good time with them Drums boys, though. There were maybe a few guitar things I or David came up with in some of the songs we played on that tour that made it onto this next album. Kinda honed in on some of guitar parts, i suppose.

VPN: What was your favorite stop along the tour?

PT: hmm, for me, maybe New York or Toronto, because of food. In NY we ate all the regular NY foods, it being most of our first time there; pizza slice, street hot dog, and our label took us out to an amazing lunch. Toronto because of poutine. Gotta be so bad for you but it’s so good.

VPN: Being dreamy dudes in a dreamy band, what has been your wildest experience with groupies or fans?

PT: I’m not sure if we’ve had too many yet. Can’t say we’ve had a lot of time to play much on the road so far. I do really love it, though, when people that I love musically come to our shows and our fans of ours.

VPN: Have you ever fallen in love on the road? By the sound of Part Time lyrics, you guys seem like romantic and sensitive dudes. I would make out with you…….oh wait, I have…….

PT: Haaha, not sure which one of us you’ve made out with but lucky lucky fella… umm ya, I have fallen in love on the road. Most of us are still looking for love and being on the road definitely expands our tireless search.

VPN: What is the Part Time recording process like and how did recording NYC influence the new album?

PT: Well, Davida is, um, the main songwriter and he has an idea and me n tony throw our two cents in and a baby song is born. That or we jam and come up with it as a group. As for NYC influence, If you listen really hard, you can hear frankenstorm Sandy in the final mixdown. We milked her for all the inspiration she could give.

VPN: What kind of sounds can we expect from the next release?

PT: Big sounds of smooth, small sounds of heavy, medium sounds of thunder, and a lot of pops, bleeps and hisses.

VPN: How did Part Time come to flourish? Are you all the original members?

PT: David started writing all the jams and tony started playing them with him. After a few line-up’s I came in. After many more line-up’s, in step Wally and Rob. And thus is the line-up you will see before you.

VPN: When I saw you guys open for The Drums in LA, y’all seemed like a happy little family. Can you spill on any Part Time drama?

PT: Sorry, some things are on a need to know basis only.

VPN: What bands are you most excited to be sharing the lineup with at Galax Z Fair?

PT: Well, im excited about Mac Demarco. The Coathangers are awesome and friends and excited to see them. My friend recently just showed me Merchandise and they’re great, excited bout that. I mean, i think the whole thing will be great, Nu Sensae, white Lung, all them fools…

VPN: When are you performing at the Grammy’s?

PT: I think we may have a shot at it in 2021.

VPN: Were you sad Justin Bieber wasn’t invited to perform?

PT: Tears poured out of every duct, pore, and hole.

VPN: What do you think of the Justin Timberlake comeback?

PT: I’m for as many comebacks as he can muster.

VPN: What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had with music journalists?

PT: When this one asked about love and said she kissed us. That was pretty far-out there.

VPN: Would you eat tacos on cam if I asked you to? ‘I Wanna Take You Out’ to Taco Palenque when ur here.

PT: Best believe I would! Taco’s are my thing. Taco’s and space travel.

Last Galax Z Fair, Ouch, My Ego! hosted the Boston based power-pop group Pretty and Nice in an energetic after party at Roosevelt’s. I was given the opportunity to have a phone interview with the band.

This is how it went down.

In essence, the band believes that their music is all inclusive. When I approached them about their underlying philosophy, Jeremy gave a pretty humanistic retort. “We want to create something positive, something happy and fun,” said Jeremy. “We aim for relativity. I guess you would call us inclusive.” No protest here. Every part of the conversation was jovial, light, and complimentary. The name of the band itself sums up the approach. When I asked about it they said, “After testing and debating and trials, it proved to be the most neurologically pleasing” and congenially, “It is also a very recognizable name.” Jeremy continued, “We are naturally accessible. We intentionally make pop music. That’s not to say we don’t push boundaries and value innovation, but we like making music relatable.”

Recently, I have been revisiting my obese folder of “guilty pleasure music.” It was on my mind, so I asked, “What are you listening to right now? What on your mp3 might shock someone?”

I was quickly put to shame. “William,” Holdem stated, “we live in a post-ironic culture. We exist in a time saturated with heavy irony. We like what we like, so what? Who’s to what’s good and what isn’t?” And with objectivity in music de-bunked (despite the bands “Pop” status), all I understood was that their taste was eclectic.

The sound and flavor of the band has grown organically. It has been a “lovely and happy” coincidence that the longer they play the more their individuality fleshes out in wholesome composition. Jeremy and Holdem write separately and bring the music to the band. From there the songs are fitted to the band’s nature like an organic leather glove (from free-range cows).

Eclectic people usually gather to eclectic people. According to Roger, the common people he sees at shows are very similar to the guys in the band, “They love aggressive music and energetic shows. Most are in their late ’20s, early ’30s. I guess because they recognize the ’80s influence.” Holdem interjected here and said, “But we also appeal to teenagers. People who want to move around.”

Their experience in McAllen was straight-up badass. “By the time we got there, people were excited to see us. They are the shows like that that make the long drive feel like a breeze. We really liked it and plan to go back.”

Roger, Jeremy, Holdem, and I had a fun time exchanging stories and bantering ideas for quite a while. I hadn’t noticed that my lunch break had ended. Let’s hope we see them sooner than later.

Catch Pretty & Nice this Monday at The Thirsty Monkey, they go on at 6:15! You won’t want to miss it!