One month after 9/11, Sage Francis released a song in an effort to “combat the fear-culture being drummed up by the US Media and Government.” Now, considering the recent events that have occurred, it’s rather fitting to bring this one back.

DOWNLOAD: Sage Francis – Makeshift Patriot | Mediafire
- Off Sage’s Sick of Waging War, available here.

This “Three Sheets to the Wind” demo is the first in a long series of demos I hope to release from my LI(F)E album (available now). Anyone who knows the album version will notice that this demo version is much slower than they’re used to. Also the music is less aggressive. While most of the demos have more of a hip hop feel, this one is still on the indie-rock tip. The music is by Chris Walla from Death Cab for Cutie and the demo was recorded in 2008 in Sage Francis’ home studio. – Sage Francis

DOWNLOAD: Sage Francis – Three Sheets to the Wind [Demo] | Mediafire

Courtesy of Uncle Sage.

During the Christmas of 1982 my parents put a tape recorder on the floor, pressed the record button and let it run as I opened gifts. The gifts ranged from an electronic noise machine to an E.T. card game (hey, it’s better than the E.T. Atari game.) Recently, as I was going through my tape collection, I found this recording and discovered that it provided me a zip-line to a time when Christmas was magical and batteries were in high demand. I edited the audio and placed it over some ambient music provided by Ben Kordus.

2010 was brutal for almost everyone I know. There’s been a lot of loss, struggle and change. That’s not to say that 2010 didn’t have its beautiful moments as well. It certain did, and I’m glad to have shared those moments with people I care about. Let’s all plan on having a happy and successful 2011 by taking better care of ourselves while looking out for each other.

DOWNLOAD: Sage Francis – And Some Batteries | Mediafire

Since I’m still on a huge indie hip hop kick and last week’s Shakedeck got a lot of love. Here goes another one in the same fashion w/ music from Aesop Rock, Brother Ali, Living Legends, Visionaries, Rise, Cage, extended f@mm, Sage Francis and more.

Tracklist + Download link after the jump…

Considering I’m heading out to catch Atmosphere (for like the 20th time haha), Blueprint, Budo and Grieves at the House of Blues in a few hours; I figured I’d shed some light on this joint. The Orphanage is/was a loose collective that included Slug, Blueprint, Aesop Rock, Eyedea and Illogic. Sadly, the group never officially released any projects (and I think it’s safe to say that every single indie hip hop fan is still disappointed to this day). We did atleast get a few tracks/freestyles though. This one in particular can be found on Blueprint’s 2003 release, The Weightroom.

DOWNLOAD: The Orphanage – Obsolete | Medaifire

BONUS: The Orphanage Freestyle pt.2 | Mediafire
- Off Sage Francis’ Sick of Waiting Tables.

Around the beginning of the new millennium my musical playlist consisted of about 75% indie hip hop. Any and everything Rhymesayers / Definitive Jux / QN5 / Demigodz / Stones Throw / Weathermen / Psycho+Logical related dropped, I copped. Simple as that. Everyone from Sage Francis to Aesop Rock, Atmosphere to Cunninlynguists, Dilated Peoples, Cage, Copywrite, Louis Logic, Apathy, Celph Titled, Eyedea & Abilities, Mr. Lif, Brother Ali, DOOM… you get the point. And while the percentage might have changed a bit throughout the past few years (be it running 2dbz, indie artists releasing less material, the need for some random ignorance in my life, etc), I will always hold those years close to my heart. And with that sappy story said, I’ve put together a compilation of some of the songs that frequented my CD player. I’m sure this won’t be the last.

Tracklist + Download link after the jump…

Recently released visuals from Sage Francis’ latest album, LI(F)E. Written by Mark Linkous (of Sparklehouse); with the stop-motion video done by Jim Foltice. Behind-the-scenes footage and back story can be found at Sage’s site. Also, I somehow missed the release of the video for the Best of Times. So I’ve included that after the jump.

I’m quite upset I dropped the ball when this first came out. Anyways, here goes the second single off Sage Francis’ new album, Li(f)e which is available now (iTunes x physical).

DOWNLOAD: Sage Francis – Best Of Times | Mediafire | iTunes
PREVIOUS: Sage Francis Breaks Down New Album (Audio) | Sage Francis – Slow Man

If you’re a fan of Sage Francis and have about 46 minutes to burn, I highly advice you check his recent interview with Steven Blaqart of PunkCastRadio. They run through his upcoming album (which can be streamed here) in it’s entirety, with Sage providing commentary for each track. Li(f)e drops next week (May 11th), step your pre-order game up now.

PREVIOUS: Sage Francis – Slow Man

I always enjoy ending the evening on some great music. Tonight we get the first leak from Sage Francis’ upcoming album, Li(f)e, which drops May 11th (pre-orders available now).

The song is a unique collaboration originating from a musical composition by Arizona based Tex-Mex, alt-country rockers Calexico. The music was subsequently arranged by lyricist Francis and recorded in studio by Jim Becker and Tim Rutili of experimental folk ensemble Califone under the guidance of producer Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Iron & Wine, Gomez).

For Sage’s personal thoughts on the record, hit the jump.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

DOWNLOAD: Sage Francis – Slow Man | Mediafire

Now this is some great news. One of the most talented wordsmith’s in hip hop has announced that he will be dropping his new album, Li(f)e, on May 11th! The artwork above was done by Shepard Fairey (the man behind the Obama “Hope” poster) which displays a provocative image of an unwavering and winged Francis caught in the crosshairs as flames rise beneath him. For more information about the actual music and the accompanying tour, hit the jump…

On October 8th… El-P, Yak Ballz, B. Dolan, Chauncey CC, The Mighty Quinn & (special guest) Sage Francis are coming to your town (if you live in Portland, ME) to rap on a stage. Then they are hitting Providence, RI on the 9th and Allston, MA on the 10th.