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As summer draws to a close, it’s nice to get a reminder that the weather is still technically warm and we could, if we wanted to, find an above-ground pool to laze around in for a few hours. Which brings me to a new offering from singer/songwriter Andy Shauf called “Spanish On The Beach,” which he’ll likely play on his upcoming tour.

Over strummed guitar and hazy clarinet, Shauf tells a story about a couple taking a vacation on an all-inclusive resort (how very White Lotus of him). During their stay, the song’s narrator proposes to Judy, which some listeners might remember as the character from the singer’s last album, 2020’s The Neon Skyline.

“It’s the same theme as the story ended up being at the Skyline but the narrator’s life is a little bit booze-fueled,” Shauf says in a statement about the song. “And this vacation is kind of like the first stop on the way to destruction.”

Meanwhile, the track’s lyric video is simple but oddly ASMR-like, which is to say, it features a lone, sunglasses-wearing rubber ducky bobbing along in an above-ground pool, which is what we should all be doing.

Check out “Spanish On The Beach” above.

Elton John has spent a lot of time working with other artists over the past year or so, and now he’s commemorating that era with The Lockdown Sessions, a new album consisting of collaborations. While the project, which is set for release on October 22, is billed as a new album, it is like a compilation in ways, as it features previously released songs on which John is featured, like Gorillaz’s “The Pink Phantom” and Miley Cyrus’ cover of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.”

Aside from the aforementioned, the album features collaborations with Brandi Carlile, Charlie Puth, Dua Lipa, Eddie Vedder, Lil Nas X, Nicki Minaj, Rina Sawayama, SG Lewis, Stevie Nicks, Stevie Wonder, Surfaces, Years & Years, Young Thug, and others.

John says of the project:

“The last thing I expected to do during lockdown was make an album. But, as the pandemic went on, one‐off projects kept cropping up. Some of the recording sessions had to be done remotely, via Zoom, which I’d obviously never done before. Some of the sessions were recorded under very stringent safety regulations: working with another artist, but separated by glass screens. But all the tracks I worked on were really interesting and diverse, stuff that was completely different to anything I’m known for, stuff that took me out of my comfort zone into completely new territory. And I realized there was something weirdly familiar about working like this. At the start of my career, in the late 60s, I worked as a session musician. Working with different artists during lockdown reminded me of that. I’d come full circle: I was a session musician again. And it was still a blast.”

Check out the The Lockdown Sessions art and tracklist below.

1. Elton John and Dua Lipa — “Cold Heart (Pnau Remix)”
2. Elton John, Young Thug and Nicki Minaj — “Always Love You”
3. Surfaces — “Learn To Fly” Feat. Elton John
4. Elton John and Charlie Puth — “After All ”
5. Rina Sawayama and Elton John — “Chosen Family”
6. Gorillaz — “The Pink Phantom” Feat. Elton John and 6lack
7. Elton John and Years And Years — “It’s a sin (global reach mix)”
8. Miley Cyrus — “Nothing Else Matters” Feat. Watt, Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Trujillo, and Chad Smith
9. Elton John and SG Lewis — “Orbit”
10. Elton John and Brandi Carlile — “Simple Things”
11. Jimmie Allen and Elton John — “Beauty In The Bones”
12. Lil Nas X — “One Of Me” Feat. Elton John
13. Elton John and Eddie Vedder — “E-Ticket”
14. Elton John and Stevie Wonder — “Finish Line”
15. Elton John and Stevie Nicks — “Stolen Car”
16. Glen Campbell and Elton John — “I’m Not Gonna Miss You”

The Lockdown Sessions is out 10/22 via Interscope. Pre-order it here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

The Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer is a star-studded affair with appearances from Tom Holland (Peter Parker), Zendaya (“my MJ”), Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Marisa Tomei (Aunt May), Benedict Wong (Wong), Willem Dafoe’s laugh (Green Goblin), and Alfred Molina (Doctor Octopus, sadly not singing Fiddler). But much of the discussion around the trailer is about someone who isn’t in it at all.

Some Spider-Man fans are convinced that it’s Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock interrogating Peter Parker in the trailer. These same people also believe that the Daredevil actor canceled an appearance at San Antonio’s Celebrity Fan Fest in July to be in the movie.

Let’s hear it from the man himself.

“I can promise you those are not my forearms,” Cox confirms exclusively with ComicBook.com.

A very normal statement. Cox previously told Comic Book that he — and his forearms — aren’t in any scene in the movie. “I hadn’t heard those rumors, but it’s certainly not with my Daredevil. I’m not involved in it. If that’s true, it’s not with me. It’s with another actor,” he said, although he does “love the idea of Jessica and Matt showing up in the background or Matt as a lawyer advising Peter Parker. That’d be really, really cool.”

Assuming Cox is telling the truth, somewhere out there is an anonymous actor who can’t say that it’s his forearms in the trailer because he signed an NDA and he doesn’t want Disney to sue him, his kids, his grandkids, and his great-grandkids. Movie magic, baby!

Spider-Man: No Way Home opens on December 21.

(Via Comic Book)

Damon Albarn is currently readying his second solo album, The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows, which arrives on November 12 via Transgressive Records and follows 2014’s Everyday Robots. So far, the Gorillaz leader shared its title track and a follow-up, “Polaris.” Now, Albarn has shared a mellow new single, “Particles,” which was reportedly inspired by a conversation the singer had about the pandemic with a fellow passenger on a flight to Reykjavik.

Albarn, who also just released a new Gorillaz EP, previously said of the album, “I organized musicians, string players, three bass trombones, some percussion, and keyboards into an interesting arrangement. […] I took some of these real-time, extreme elemental experiences [of Iceland] and then tried to develop more formal pop songs with that as my source. I wanted to see where that would take me. Sometimes it took me down to Uruguay and Montevideo. Other times I went to Iran, Iceland, or Devon. With travel being curtailed, it was kind of nice to be able to make a record that put me strangely in those places for a moment or two.”

Listen to “Particles” above.

Albarn’s The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream is out 11/12 via Transgressive Records. Pre-order it here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

As if Hurricane Ida itself wasn’t horrific enough, Louisianians are now facing a new dilemma: navigating all the various hazards it created. While power outages and demolished buildings each come with their own unique set of challenges, a heartbreaking story has drawn attention to just how dangerous a simple walk down your street could be post-hurricane.

According to NBC News, a 71 year-old man was walking in the floodwaters outside his home in Slidell, Louisiana when he was attacked by an alligator. In a recounting of the events given by the victim’s wife, she told authorities she was inside their home when she heard a commotion, and rushed outside to witness her husband being attacked by a gator, which bit off one of the man’s arms. Following the attack, she was able to bring him in a bit closer to their home, where she then ran to retrieve first aid for his severed limb. However, upon returning to her husband, his body was nowhere to be found, leading officials to presume the man had been finished off by the gator.

According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office:

When she [..] realized the severity of his injuries, she immediately got into her pirogue and went to higher ground, which was approximately a mile away, to get help. When she returned, her husband was no longer lying on the steps. STPSO used high water vehicles and flatboats in an attempt to locate the victim, but as of this time all attempts have been futile.

The tragic event serves as an unfortunate reminder that humans were not the only living things displaced during hurricane Ida, and flooded areas are now particularly hazardous to trek through. St. Tammy Parish Sheriff Randy Smith went on to urge residents to be “extra vigilant” when walking in flooded areas, as “wildlife has been displaced as well during this storm and alligators and other animals may have moved closer into neighborhoods.”

As of right now, the victim’s name has not been disclosed. In addition to the missing man, at least four people in Louisiana and Mississippi have died following Hurricane Ida, one of the strongest storms to ever hit the region. Here’s hoping the in the coming days we don’t see too much of an increase in that, folks stay safe, and demolished areas start to be rebuilt.

MTV announced today that Justin Bieber will be joining the list of performers at the upcoming 2021 MTV VMAs, which are taking place on September 12 live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The last time Bieber performed at the VMAs was in 2015 when he sang Purpose track “What Do You Mean?” This year, Bieber has seven VMA nominations, including Video Of The Year and Artist Of The Year. He released his sixth studio album Justice earlier this year.

Speaking to Vogue earlier this year about Justice, Bieber said, “I named [the album] Justice because there’s so much injustice in this world and there has been since the beginning of time […] My name [Justin] actually means justice, so there’s that. I’m really honored to play a small part and be able to make music that inspires and can uplift people in this time.”

Other artists performing at the 2021 ceremony are Kacey Musgraves, Chloe Bailey, Doja Cat (who is also hosting), Sean Mendes, Twenty One Pilots, Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde, Machine Gun Kelly, and Camila Cabello. MTV also announced that Foo Fighters would receive a special Global Icon Award this year.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Ben Simmons trade rumors are heating back up after a report indicated he told the Philadelphia 76ers he wants to play elsewhere so badly that he is not going to show up to training camp. One of the teams listed among the favorites to bring him on board is the Sacramento Kings, but there appears to be a bit of a gulf between what Philly wants and what Sacramento will give up.

According to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee, the Sixers want to get back one of the Kings’ two young standout guards, De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton, in a potential deal. The issue: Sacramento does not want to part ways with them, and instead has its eyes on a different deal.

As for Sacramento, sources have suggested the 76ers would only be willing to consider an offer that includes De’Aaron Fox or Tyrese Haliburton. The Kings are unlikely to part with either player, but they can offer Buddy Hield, a prolific 3-point shooter who would space the floor for Joel Embiid; Marvin Bagley III, a former No. 2 pick who has yet to reach his potential; and other assets, including multiple first-round draft picks.

Hield’s name always seems to pop up in trade rumblings when the Kings are involved, and while he’s by no means a bad player, all the reporting around a Simmons trade seems to indicate that they’re setting their sights on an All-Star-level player. Hield’s shooting would do well in Philly, and betting on Bagley’s talent along with a collection of picks is understandable. The disconnect appears to be that the Sixers want all of that in addition to Fox or Haliburton, and don’t view that package as nearly enough to convince them to part way with Simmons, at least for now.

For a self-purported advocate of free speech, Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) seems mighty fearful of people hearing what she has to say. At least what she has to say in private, and especially as it pertains to the events surrounding the January 6th insurrection on the Capitol. On Tuesday night, crackpot met even-more-cracked-pot when Greene—a politician with essentially zero power—spoke with Tucker Carlson, where she essentially threatened the country’s telecommunications with extinction should they decide to abide by Congressional requests for said documents.

According to Mediaite:

That committee is reportedly seeking phone records and other data from devices owned by certain members of Congress as part of the investigation. Its stated reason is to ascertain whether those members were coordinating with any of the rioters, as well as to understand the nature of any communications with the White House that day.
While it may seem like a fairly standard request in such an inquiry, Greene and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy seem to be running scared—and running their mouths off.

“I think it’s outrageous,” Greene told Carlson. “This is leading us into waters we’ve never been in in America. You see, America was never meant to be a communist country. But these are the tactics that Democrats are wanting to use.”

With all due respect to Greene (ok, not really), we’ll take our history lessons from someone who acknowledges that the Holocaust actually happened. And has a firm understanding of the definition of communism.

In many ways, Greene is simply regurgitating what House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy had already said earlier in the day when he issued a statement threatening: “If these companies comply with the Democrat order to turn over private information, they are in violation of federal law and subject to losing their ability to operate in the United States. If companies still choose to violate federal law, a Republican majority will not forget and will stand with Americans to hold them fully accountable under the law.”

But Carlson, for one, seems to think that people should take Greene seriously. Seriously?

“Well, yeah!” Carlson said in reply to Greene’s pathetic attempt to sound tough. “I mean, demanding your text messages if they don’t like your politics? Now we’ve been tough on Kevin McCarthy for being weak. That statement is not weak. That statement is a flat-out promise, threat, whatever you want to call it. If you do this, there are consequences.”

Greene’s ominous reply? “These telecommunications companies, if they go along with this, they will be shut down. And that’s a promise.”

(Via Mediaite)

Minneapolis quartet Vial make raucous punk rock that sounds like something that would have been on the iconic (to me at least) 2012 compilation The Thing That Ate Larry Livermore. They’re the type of band you’d see in a basement and leave saying “they’re going to do big things.” The band’s debut full-length Loudmouth was released earlier this year, expanding on their vision and illustrating a bright future for the band.

To celebrate Loudmouth, KT Branscom and Taylor Kraemer sat down to talk Warped Tour, Twilight, and grandma’s cooking in the latest Indie Mixtape 20 Q&A.

What are four words you would use to describe your music?

Cathartic, unapologetic, fun, and rebellious.

It’s 2050 and the world hasn’t ended and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?

Best consumed in a group of friends in a car, screaming the words out open windows.

What’s your favorite city in the world to perform?

We have never performed outside of Minneapolis really, but a dream location to play would be London.

Who’s the person who has most inspired your work, and why?

I’d say either Rex Orange County or Sidney Gish. They’re very different musicians style-wise, but their lyrical content is always inspiring me.

Where did you eat the best meal of your life?

My grandma’s house. No one can beat her cooking.

What album do you know every word to?

Frankie Cosmos — Next Thing

What was the best concert you’ve ever attended?

Probably Warped Tour! I went from 2016-2019 and every year was great.

What is the best outfit for performing and why?

A dress with biker shorts underneath! Nice and breezy, moveable, and comfortable!

Who’s your favorite person to follow on Twitter and/or Instagram?

I love following the band Hoity-Toity because they both make amazing music and they’re hilarious on social media.

What’s your most frequently played song in the van on tour?

We’ve never toured! But we most frequently listen to “King For A Day” by Pierce The Veil to get hyped for shows.

What’s the last thing you Googled?

I think it was a cheat that I needed to use in The Sims to manually give my sims money.

What album makes for the perfect gift?

I would kill to be gifted a My Chemical Romance album. Specifically Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge.

Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever crashed while on tour?

We’ve never toured! But when we went to Rochester, Minnesota, for a festival, we camped out in our friend’s parents’ backyard.

What’s the story behind your first or favorite tattoo?

My first tattoo was a stick n poke that I did on my finger. It’s faded now, unfortunately, but it was my first ever tat. My favorite tattoo is my only “real” tattoo which is a melting Frankenstein skull.

What artists keep you from flipping the channel on the radio?

Any local band-friends of ours! Otherwise, also Fleetwood Mac, Joanie Mitchell, Lizzo, Mitski, and Lil Nas X!

What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you?

My bandmates put together a faux graduation ceremony for me since I graduated high school in the middle of the pandemic. It was a complete surprise filled with snacks, gifts, and so much love! I almost cried it made me so happy!

What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?

You can’t control how/what people think about you, so don’t lose your mind over it.

What’s the last show you went to?

Our show with Gully Boys, Bugsy, and Dad Bod at Fine Line!

What movie can you not resist watching when it’s on TV?

Any Twilight film or Good Burger.

What would you cook if Obama were coming to your house for dinner?

Unsure how to feel about a dinner with Obama, but if it were dinner with, perhaps, Lizzo: Definitely a nice citrus-y risotto.

Loudmouth is out now via Get Better Records. Pick it up here.

In the video for “Chad,” the latest single from Isaiah Rashad’s long-awaited comeback album The House Is Burning, the Chattanooga rapper asserts his stardom alongside fellow Chat-town native YGTUT. Employing the “video shoot at a gas station” trope that has become so popular over the past year, Rashad fills the video with cameos from his friends in the music business. The cameos include Aminé, who appears as a delivery man, Denzel Curry, who maintains the gas station sign, and Dominic Fike, who appears to be assisting Rashad’s TDE cohort Jay Rock in some shady business. In addition, many members of the TDE posse show up, including new signee Ray Vaughn and Reason.

The video arrived just in time to highlight TDE’s next generation of stars as Kendrick Lamar departs the label after over a decade of partnership. Rashad recently had to clear up a fan misconception that one of his recent tweets dissed Kendrick for leaving; after a subtweet to his ex was interpreted as a shot at Kendrick, Isaiah deleted the tweet and explained the context on The Breakfast Club. It appears there isn’t really any bad blood between them, and Top Dawg himself wished the Compton rapper well in his future endeavors.

Isaiah, meanwhile, has been hard at work promoting his new album, releasing videos for “Runnin,” “Wat U Sed,” “From The Garden,” and now, “Chad” in relatively rapid succession while preparing to head out on Lil Sunny’s Awesome Vacation tour this month.

Watch the video for “Chad” above.

Isaiah Rashad is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.