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Albums Out Today That Aren’t Kanye West’s ‘Donda’: Darkside, Anika, Dave, Mega Bog, and More

In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. As of this writing, Kanye West’s long-delayed Donda has yet to materialize, and so here are the albums out on July 23, 2021:


Darkside, Spiral

Darkside, the duo of Nicolás Jaar and Dave Harrington, have returned with their long-awaited sophomore album. Out now via Matador, the follow-up to 2013’s Psychic is called Spiral and it includes the advance tracks ‘Liberty Bell’ and ‘The Limit’. “From the beginning, Darkside has been our jam band. Something we did on days off,” Jaar said in a statement. “When we reconvened, it was because we really couldn’t wait to jam together again.” Harrington added: “It felt like it was time again. We do things in this band that we would never do on our own. Darkside is the third being in the room that just kind of occurs when we make music together.”


Anika, Change

Anika is back with her first new album in 11 years, Change, out now via Sacred Bones/Invada. The Berlin-based artist previewed the follow-up to her 2010 self-titled LP with the singles ‘Finger Pies’, ‘Rights’, and the title track. “This album had been planned for a little while and the circumstances of its inception were quite different to what had been expected,” she said of the album, which was co-produced by Exploded View’s Martin Thulin and recorded during the pandemic. “This colored the album quite significantly. The lyrics were all written there on the spot. It’s a vomit of emotions, anxieties, empowerment, and of thoughts like—How can this go on? How can we go on?”


Dave, We’re All Alone in This Together

Dave has followed up his Mercury Prize-winning album Psychodrama with the new LP We’re All Alone in This Together. The South London rapper’s latest features guest spots from Stormzy, James Blake, WizKid, Boj, and Snoh Aalegra. “I feel like Psychodrama was me aged zero to 20,” Dave said in an interview with Ciaran Thapar for British GQ. “Now, I get to go from zero backwards in time and explore stories from before, stuff that led up to the events of the first album: heritage, history, culture, my family, the countries that we come from, the regressive state of humanity in where we are now. Migration is a massive thing for me – boats, freedom of movement. The artwork represents that – the journey – all at the same time, as delivering life from the perspective of someone who has just come off the back of all this… It’s a massive change in character.”


Mega Bog, Life, And Another

Erin Birgy’s latest Mega Bog album, Life, and Another, is out now via Paradise of Bachelors. The new record, which follows 2019’s Dolphine, was recorded in various studios: the Unknown in Anacortes, Washington, Way Out in Woodinville, Washington, and Tropico Beauty in Glendale, California. The 14-track LP features contributions from Aaron Otheim, Zach Burba of iji, Will Segerstrom, Matt Bachmann, Andrew Dorset of Lake, James Krivchenia of Big Thief (who co-produced the album), Hand Habits’ Meg Duffy, Jade Tcimpidis, Alex Liebman, and co-engineers Geoff Treager and Phil Hartunian.


Emma-Jean Thackray, Yellow

Producer, multi-instrumentalist, and singer Emma-Jean Thackray has released her debut album Yellow via her own label Movementt. The 14-song LP draws influence from ’70s jazz fusion and P-funk, as well as artists including Sun Ra and Alice Coltrane. “I wanted the whole thing to sound like a psychedelic trip,” Thackray explained in a statement. “You put on the first track, it takes you through this intense thing for almost an hour, and then you emerge on the other side transformed.” The album, which follows Thackray’s 2020 EPs Um Yang 음 양 and Rain Dance, was promoted with the singles ‘Our People’, ‘Spectre’, and ‘Say Something’.


yes/and, yes/and

yes/and is the project of singer-songwriter and guitarist Meg Duffy aka Hand Habits and producer Joel Ford (Oneohtrix, Jacques Greene, North Americans). Today, they’ve unveiled their debut self-titled record via Driftless Recordings. The pair made the 10-track LP during the pandemic and announced it back in April with the release of the singles ‘Ugly Orange’ and ‘Centered Shell’.


Molly Burch, Romantic Images

LA-born, Austin-based artist Molly Burch has released a new album called Romantic Images, out now via Captured Tracks. The follow-up to 2018’s First Flower includes the previously unveiled singles ‘Control’ and the Wild Nothing collaboration ‘Emotion’. Recorded in Denver with Tennis’ Alaina Moore and Pat Riley, the 10-track LP reflects Burch’s “radical choice to shed the anxiety and insecurity of her twenties and embark upon a confident embrace of her truest self,” according to a press release.


Leon Bridges, Gold-Diggers Sound

Leon Bridges has dropped Gold-Diggers Sound, his third full-length album following 2018’s Good Thing (via Columbia). The 11-track LP features the Terrace Martin collaboration ‘Sweeter’ as well as the promotional singles ‘Motorbike’ (which was accompanied by an Anderson .Paak-directed video) and ‘Why Don’t You Touch Me’. “I spent two years jamming in what often felt like a musician’s paradise,” Bridges said in a statement. “We effortlessly moved from the dance floor to the studio. We would be finishing our tequilas at 10:00 AM and waking up with coffee and getting to work at 10:00 PM. It was all for the love of R&B and musicianship. This is my most sensual and confident album to date, and I cannot wait to unleash it.”


Other albums out today:

Jackson Browne, Downhill From Everywhere; Alexis Marshall, House of Lull. House of When; David Crosby, For Free; Maxine Funke, Seance; Piroshka, Love Drips and Gathers; Peyton, PSA; Dusted, III; Taphari, Blind Obedience; LOLAA, La Marea.

How to Stay Safe when Gaming Online

Games are available in various formats, ranging from apps for tablets and smartphones to game consoles, and other internet platforms. However, one thing is certain: the growing capacity to talk, transmit files, share cameras, and other online activities enhances the potential for cyber thieves to exploit children. As a result, parents and guardians must speak with their children about how to stay safe online, what to look out for, and how to respond if they feel threatened.

There’s a game for everyone out there. Some people may like sports games, such as FIFA and NBA. Others prefer to play adventure games like Fortnite or Minecraft. Virtually all video games now allow you to play online with pals, making them better than ever. But, of course, young folks aren’t the only ones that play internet games. Did you realise there are more than 2 billion gamers on the planet? These gamers aren’t just wasting their time; gaming has been shown to increase coordination, problem-solving skills, and cognitive speed, to mention a few perks.

Every time you play, gaming may take you on incredible experiences, form lifelong friendships, and provide opportunities for creativity and fun. When gaming online, though, it’s critical to be aware of the available safety features and settings. The problem here isn’t just the brutality in some of these games; it’s also the danger posed by other people playing online. A child is prone to damaging influences if they are playing a game with random people. The majority of online games attract players of all ages. As a result, it’s possible that 10-year-olds will be playing with 20-year-olds. And, unfortunately, this puts youngsters at risk of being exploited by strangers.

Because of this, children are in danger of being bullied and being subjected to inappropriate language. In addition, children may carry this behaviour into the actual world due to the knock-on effect. Another significant issue with youngsters using the internet is that they may mistakenly reveal personal information to strangers. Here are some valuable tips to ensure that our children and young adults are gaming safely.

Who are you playing?

Because most online games are open to everyone, you may find yourself playing with people who are much younger or older than you. You could be significantly better or worse at the game than the folks with whom you’re playing. People have been known to utilise games to entice youngsters and teenagers to exchange sexual images or nudes. People who do this may make you feel safe and ask you to keep things private or offer you presents or accolades. This is referred to as grooming. You lose control of something you disclose online, even in private communication. If you’re chatting with someone online and they urge you to share sexual photographs or personal information, it’s a good idea to first speak with someone you trust.

Arranging contact

Meeting someone you’ve only communicated with over the internet might be risky. Only do so with your parents’ or caregivers’ permission, and only when they are available. Even if you’ve been chatting with someone online for a long time, keep in mind that they’re still strangers.

Game content

Because of their subjects, most games have an age rating. Violent and sexually explicit games will receive a higher rating. PEGI’s age rating system provides an overview of each game, allowing you to determine whether or not they are acceptable. Because the ratings do not consider communication elements, a game with a low age rating may enable children to communicate with strangers.

Personal information

A fellow player who wants to access your personal information doesn’t always have to breach your account. You may not believe that using your real name on your account when gaming or chatting with other gamers about where you live is a big concern, but it is. On the other hand, bad people can use your information to track you down on other websites, harass you, or worse, impersonate you and steal your identity. Ensure your account name doesn’t contain any personal information, such as your first or last name, location, or birth year. When interacting with strangers online, always be cautious.

Charges

We hear stories about young people getting into financial trouble by unwittingly racking up bills while playing internet games. Some online games, known as advergames, are designed to promote specific products and may tempt you to buy items within the game/app. In-app purchases can be disabled on smartphones by heading to the settings menu.

Settings

It can be tough to keep up with the current games’ privacy and security settings. Still, several games allow users to disable communications, mute voice chat and report other misbehaving players. In addition, all of the major video game consoles feature settings that restrict kids from playing inappropriate games. For example, you can limit the amount of time a child can play and prevent them from communicating with strangers. It’s a good idea to look into these options before allowing your youngster to play the game.

15 Ways to Avoid Getting Ripped Off at Live Casinos

It’s not enough to just know how to play the games. You should also know how to play them online for the best odds. Here are some ways you can avoid getting ripped off when playing casino games and live casinos. If you’ve ever fantasized about gambling, but are put off by the high cost of a casino vacation, read on for some great tips and tricks to avoid getting ripped off at live casinos.

This list has been compiled from extensive research and interviews of casino owners, industry experts and customer service representatives. From the best place to find potentials live casinos to rules that all players should know before playing at any venue, this article will be an invaluable resource for anyone thinking about visiting one of these venues for the first time.

Decide what you’d like to do before you enter the live casino

Choose your game and then go to the 888 casino website and learn about the rules of blackjack, roulette, poker or whatever else you choose to play. There are websites that list all live casino games for different types of players. If you want a better chance of winning, read up on the rules of each game before you play.

Always play with a card counter

If you like to try your hand at the rest of the table, especially if you’re playing live blackjack, you need to learn how to play without a card counter. Any time you’re dealing 7 or more in blackjack, the house edge is 3.88%. A skilled player can beat this amount by adjusting their bets every two hours while their opponent makes adjustments only every hour. 

Pay attention to the house’s edge

Most casinos have an edge percentage posted somewhere in the casino. Check it out before you play so that you know what kind of odds you’re playing against.

Evenness is important

A casino with a 6% house edge will pay out more than a lower-edge one, but it depends on whether or not you get the same reward for winning. If you win regularly, take a closer look at the game where most people lose money and play there instead.

Find the best casino bonus codes

There’s nothing quite like a free-money offer. A lot of casinos will give you a free $50 or $100 when you sign up for their player rewards program, and even more, they will have a welcome bonus that lets you play with real money before you deposit any of your own. These are usually for new players only, so make sure you sign up soon after signing up.

Find a good live online casino for your type of game

If you like to play just one game or are looking for the best live casino bonus, you’ll want to make sure you’re playing at a casino that has great odds for that game. Online roulette fans who want to get the best odds should always play at European Roulette, while high rollers in Las Vegas may want to choose between the MGM Grand or Caesars Palace.

Be careful of bonuses with a lot of strings attached

Not all live casino bonuses are worth it. If you’re getting a bonus with 50X playthrough requirements, you may as well not even bother. Many online casinos have much better bonuses, including ones that just have a 20X playthrough requirement or even none at all. Always go for the best option!

Dealer is human, and sometimes she’s off her game

If the dealer is showing a lot of emotion, apologize for her mistakes and be extra nice to her. You don’t want to make her angry when she has the best hand and you’ve just got nothing.

Know the difference between a good dealer and a bad one

If you always win when the dealer is good, she’s probably not a very good dealer and will probably show emotion when you lose. Watch her hand before putting it in order to make sure she doesn’t have any kind of tell.

Avoid talking to the dealer

Many casinos have a rule that players can’t talk to the dealer during a hand. This seems like a great rule, but it’s actually a bad one as you could be making the dealer angry, and she could mess up your play. Just let her take her time.

Look for alternative strategies in case you don’t know what to do

Casino rules change every single day and may be completely different from what you were taught at home. Always keep an open mind and consider the dealer’s strategy if you don’t know what to do.

Know how to spot a good or bad online live casino

The first thing you should do is check out the welcome offer. Bad casinos will let you play just a few spins or use your bonus funds just once, good casinos will have deposit bonuses with 20X playthrough requirements, and great ones will have wagering requirements that are very similar to the deposit bonuses so that you can double your money by making two deposits instead of one.

Know the rules before you play

As stated previously, read up on the rules of each game that you want to play. For instance, Pai Gow poker is a lot different from regular poker, and live blackjack is a lot different from video blackjack. Practice at home until you’re ready to take your game to the next level.

Pay attention to the live dealer’s hand

If you’re playing any kind of table game, make sure you watch the dealer’s hand and not just your own. The worst thing that a live dealer can do is ask the pit boss if he should bust someone, and if you’re not watching out for this, you could get caught up in an awkward situation.

Look out for multiple bets on a single bet

Many people play multiple hands because they’re afraid of getting stuck in a 100X blackjack game or something like that. This is a bad idea because the house edge is still very high depending on the number of games you play. If you want to play multiple hands, find out what your odds are and keep it down to one or two per hour.

Closing Notes

The best way to ensure that you’re always playing a live casino game with the lowest possible house edge is to learn how to play and then find an online casino with the best possible payoff. If you learn one thing from this article, make sure it’s this: You can’t have fun if you’re losing money. The idea behind going into a live online casino is to get “high” on gambling, not “drunk” on it.

Watch Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow Break Out of Prison in New ‘Industry Baby’ Video

Lil Nas X has dropped a music video for his new single ‘Industry Baby’. The track, which follows Lil Nas X’s recent singles ‘Montero (Call Me by Your Name)’ and ‘Sun Goes Down’, features Jack Harlow and was co-produced by Take A Daytrip and Kanye West. Watch Nas X and Harlow attempt to escape Montero State Prison in the Christian Breslauer-directed clip below.

“dear 20 year old montero,” Nas X wrote in a statement. “i wrote a song for us. i know sometimes you feel like it’s all downhill from here. i know your sexuality has made you feel like an outcast amongst your peers. i know going from having the biggest song in the world to being trapped in your apartment is weighing heavy on you. and i know if you hear the phrase ‘one hit wonder’ one more time you might combust. i need you to keep going. i need you to realize that you have the opportunity to be the person that you needed growing up. i need you to stop feeling sorry for yourself. and i need you to remember that the only person who has to believe in YOU is YOU.”

7 Best Ways to Hire Salesforce Consultants

Every business needs to leverage the right technology to enjoy growth and compete effectively. This is where the salesforce consulting partner comes in. Their skills, expertise, and experience are essential to the development of a business. However, it is hinged on the nature of the salesforce consultant you hire. If you are looking for help with software automation and testing, you need to know that you have the right help. The testRigor tools are often the best there is and with the right person leading it, you can keep your IT and automation in check. When you need a salesforce consultant, you have to employ the same thinking as when you need the right company for test automation.

This article will shed light on the most effective ways to get the perfect salesforce consultants for your business. When you consider the massive input that salesforce has on a business, it is essential to be meticulous before selecting your salesforce partner.

Here are seven tips to guide you through a selection of the best salesforce consultant

Look for Soft Skills

Your Salesforce consulting partner is an integral part of your technical support team. This makes it essential for them to have impeccable people skills. With this, they will have no issue working and relating with your staff that is not as technologically savvy as they are. It is essential to ask questions to understand if such a partner will relate well with your team.

The salesforce consulting partner needs to be willing to teach your staff the simple maintenance practices of the project. This involves having someone patient and friendly enough to spell these things out to your staff.

It will be easy for your partner to understand what the staff needs with the right soft skills. Also, a consultant that is easy to work with makes it simple for the team to understand the processes that require automation.

Check for Salesforce Certification

The certification is like an endorsement of the expertise of the partner. It also validates the experience, skill, and knowledge of such partners to handle implementation successfully. With Salesforce certification, you can quickly know which partner is updated on current practices.

There are five major salesforce certifications you should be aware of; examples are:

  • Certified Salesforce Service Cloud Consultant
  • Certified Salesforce Developer
  • Certified Salesforce Advanced Administrator
  • Certified Salesforce Sales Cloud Consultant
  • Certified Salesforce Administrator

While the developer and administrator certification are essential for all salesforce partners, the scope of your needs will determine other credentials you might need from the partner.

Passion is Vital

Change, they say, is constant, and this also applies to salesforce. It is an evolving field, making it essential to work with a partner updated on the latest practice to help your business. A knowledge of such new practice can be the edge your business needs. Your search for the perfect salesforce partner should not end with someone that has an administration certificate. After all, it takes more than having certification to perform well on the job.

This comes down to looking for someone passionate about the platform and fits perfectly into your business needs. Such a person might not necessarily have all the certifications you require. Someone passionate about salesforce will constantly interact with the salesforce community. As a result, you should endeavor to know their level of interaction with such a platform.

Method of Implementation

One vital thing you should keep in mind when hiring a salesforce consultant is their implementation methodology. The best delivery method so far is Agile-based incremental, as it takes iterations and phases into account. This way, all projects stay on time without exceeding budget.

Another reason to consider this approach is the possibility of a high level of interaction between the partner and your team, which is what your business wants. As a result, you will want to know the tools your partners employ for flowcharts and prototypes. A partner that cannot give you specifics might not be the best for you.

Location

While technology has made it possible for people to work without borders, salesforce is not advisable. With Salesforce, you are better off working with someone in the same vicinity as your business. This allows the partner to monitor the project and be readily available for your team.

Communicating physically many times helps ensure all essential parties are on the same page. It also gets rid of the issue of time zone differences.

Consider Your Budget

You also want to make sure you are on the same page regarding pricing to prevent surprises down the line. A salesforce consultant typically charges around $50 per hour, which can amount to hundreds of dollars per year.

Don’t rush to conclude that this is within your budget. Make sure you are on the same page when you consider ongoing supports, after-sales services, etc. As a result, make sure to understand the price implication of your contract. Also, you need to be aware of any additional charges spelled out in the contract. For instance, you could be billed for onboarding, initial meetings, every visit on-site, etc.

Consider Ongoing Support

Even if a salesforce consultant ticks all your boxes, make sure you know their plans when the implementation is completed. In other words, is there any plan for support for your business after the performance?

You are better off selecting a keen partner on Salesforce updates, which can go a long way to benefit your organization. Your partner might get more significant projects to work on; make sure you know if they do not prioritize others over you.

Conclusion

Working with a salesforce partner can be a turnaround for your business. However, this is hinged on choosing the right salesforce partner that will be fit for your project. Discussed here are the best ways to select the perfect salesforce partner for your business needs.

Listen to Coldplay’s New Song ‘Coloratura’

Coldplay have shared ‘Coloratura’, the 10-minute closing track from their upcoming album Music of the SpheresIt’s the second preview of the Max Martin-produced LP, following the May single ‘Higher Power’. Check out a lyric video for the track below.

Music of the Spheres, the follow-up to 2019’s Everyday Life, is set to arrive on October 15. The next single from the album is due for release in September.

illuminati hotties Release New Song ‘u v v p’ Featuring Big Thief’s Buck Meek

Sarah Tudzin has released a new song from her forthcoming illuminati hotties album. Following Best New Songs ‘Pool Hopping’ and ‘MMMOOOAAAAAYAYA’, the project’s latest is called ‘u v v p’ and it features Buck Meek of Big Thief. Check it out below.

“the road toward fulfillment is lonesome and dusty for a rambling ranger like yourself,” Tudzin stated. “for when you need a deputy’s hand, a sling of something sweet, or just a breather in paradise, there’s ‘u v v p.’ i brought along my pal Buck Meek to remind you to say something about how special your beau may be to you, even if you’re too shy to muster up the courage.”

Let Me Do One More, the follow-up to last year’s FREE I.H., is out October 1 via Snack Shack Tracks/Hopeless Records.

James Blake Announces New Album, Shares Video for New Song ‘Say What You Will’

James Blake has announced his next album: Friends That Break Your Heart is due out September 10 (via Republic). The LP follows 2020’s Before and Covers EPs, as well as the 2019 full-length Assume Form. Today, Blake has released a new single, ‘Say What You Will’, alongside an accompanying video starring Finneas. Check it out below and scroll down for the album’s cover artwork (by Miles Johnston) and tracklist.

“The song is about finding peace with who you are and where you’re at regardless of how well other people seem to be doing,” Blake said of the new single in a statement. “Comparison really is the thief of joy.”

Friends That Break Your Heart, which Blake describes as “a concept album”, features guest appearances from SZA, JID, SwaVay, and Monica Martin.

Friends That Break Your Heart Cover Artwork:

Friends That Break Your Heart Tracklist:

1. Famous Last Words

2. Life Is Not The Same
3. Coming Back [feat. SZA]
4. Funeral
5. Frozen [feat. J.I.D and SwaVay]
6. I’m So Blessed You’re Mine
7. Foot Forward
8. Show Me [feat. Monica Martin]
9. Say What You Will
10. Lost Angel Nights
11. Friends That Break Your Heart
12. If I’m Insecure

Boys Noize Announces New Album ‘+/-‘, Drops New Songs

Berlin-based, German-Iraqi artist Boys Noize has announced a new album titled +/- (pronounced Polarity).  The LP arrives September 24 via the producer’s own imprint BNR. Today’s announcement comes with the release of two new singles: ‘Nude’ (featuring Tommy Cash) and ‘Xpress Yourself’. Give them a listen below.

“The album dives into the polar tension between the musical styles and worlds I find myself in,” Boys Noize explained in a statement. “When you combine opposites, something transcendent can take place, something greater than the two parts. And with music, it becomes a magic that can create new worlds.”

Along with ‘Nude’ and ‘Xpress Yourself’, the new record will include the previously released ‘Girl Crush’ (featuring Rico Nasty), ‘Buchla 100’, ‘Ride or Die’, (featuring Kelsey Lu and Chilly Gonzales), ‘IU’ (featuring Corbin), and ‘All I Want’ (featuring Jake Shears).

Big Red Machine Share New Song ‘Phoenix’ With Fleet Foxes and Anaïs Mitchell

Big Red Machine have shared another track from their forthcoming album How Long Do You Thin It’s Gonna Last? The new song, titled ‘Phoenix’, features Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold and Anaïs Mitchell. Check out a lyric video for the track below.

“‘Phoenix’ was one of the last songs we wrote for this record,” Aaron Dessner sad in a statement. “I was thinking about The Band and the Grateful Dead… maybe imagining this Big Red Machine album was some version of The Last Waltz. Justin first heard it while driving and immediately the chorus melody came into his head. I shared the sketch with Robin Pecknold, who I’ve been a fan of forever and who I’d been dreaming would join us on this record. Robin wrote the verses and pre-chorus as a kind of dialogue with Justin, recalling a conversation they once had backstage in Phoenix. Later Anais wrote words to the chorus and the Westerlies added their magic to the instrumental. JT Bates rumbles around in rare form on the drums on this song. I think it’s what I always imagined Big Red Machine would sound like.”

Pecknold added: “It was a high, high honor to work on this song, and beyond that it was a really interesting creative challenge. Justin’s vocals and the beautiful chorus were already in place before I got my hands on it, so I felt my job melodically and lyrically was to set his entrance up in the best possible way.  I felt like a pilgrim putting questions to an elusive sage, not needing clear answers, but happy for the chance to ask.”

How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last? arrives August 27. It includes the previously released songs ‘Renegade’ with Taylor Swift, ‘Latter Days’ featuring Anaïs Mitchell, and ‘The Ghost of Cincinnati’.