Krumping: Discuss

So the new thing is krumping. Out of hip-hop came break dancin' and out of Crunk music came Krumpin'. Is this going to be the new break dancin'? Do you think it looks stupid? If it keeps the kids outta trouble, is it really a bad thing? Do they look a little gay to you? Would you do it?



Krumping

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Krumping (also clown dancing or clowning) is a style of dance that originated in Los Angeles, California. It involves elaborate face-painting and freestyle dance moves usually performed in competition with other crews.

The first clown dancer was Thomas Johnson aka Tommy the Clown, a former spokesperson for Gray Davis. He began in 1992 by using the dance to enhance birthday party clown acts. Soon he had a crew of followers gathered around him, who called themselves the Hip Hop Clowns. The underground movement soon spread beyond its point of origin, South-Central L.A. and Compton, to the rest of California and beyond. Currently there are around 50 clown dancing groups. It has entered mainstream hip hop culture by the performance of krumping in various music videos.

Krumping is intended as an outlet for anger and as a nonviolent alternative to the street violence widespread in many of the areas where it is performed. Consequently, its dancing style is fast and aggressive. It usually involves physical contact between dancers, which can often look like a fight to outsiders. However, the participants understand this to be part of the dance. In this respect, there is a certain parallel with the mosh pit in rock music (at least the good natured pits that don't get violent). While reminiscent of sped-up breakdancing, it transcends that genre, bringing in influences from diverse sources, the predominant one being African dance. A competition structure has developed as dancers vie for championship belts at contests like the original Tommy the Clown's Battle Zone. The dancers are organized into cliques (or tribes) that engage in face-painting. The cultural significance of this painting has moved beyond the clown image to symbolize ceremonial African war or dance paint.

Filmmaker David LaChapelle's short film Krumped (aka Rize), which offers an intimate portrayal of the clown dancing subculture, was featured at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. He says of the movement: "What Nirvana was to rock-and-roll in early '90s is what these kids are to hip hop. It's the alternative to the bling-bling, tie-in-with-a-designer corporate hip-hop thing."

Examples in music videos

Missy Elliott's - I'm Really Hot music video
The Black Eyed Peas's - Hey Mama music video
The Chemical Brothers' - Galvanize music video
Skinny Puppy's - Pro-Test music video

They made a movie about it. It's coming out soon:
http://www.davidlachapelle.com/film.shtml

MTV is talking about it. Does that make it cool? http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1486576/20040423/index.jhtml?headlines=true

Emo Haircuts: Discuss

Hey....it's been the most hectic and crazy week, hence the lack of posts.

Emo haircuts, have they taken it too far?



I thought I'd leave you with this to discuss, is this a trend gone wrong? Are you able to take the pics at the end seriously? Do you agree or disagree with what is being said? Does this make you laugh? Are you mad?

http://www.filecabi.net/v/file/1118219367/wmv

I'll comment later on, but enjoy this and talk away (given that you are still checking for me!).

Mos Def Compilation

Hi! Do you want to listen to some Mos Def?

Okay. Heeeerrrreeee ya go!

s21.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0N9HYMA7TTK851A629OIYBOGPV
(copy and paste the link to the address window and follow directions from there).

Mos Def - Soundwaves Collection

01 Mos Def Opening Words.mp3
02 Freestyle 99.mp3
03 Universal Magnetic.mp3
04 Brown Sugar Extra Sweet .mp3
05 Another World.mp3
06 I've Committed Murder Fea.mp3
07 Ms. Fat Booty.mp3
08 Ms. Fat Booty 2 Featuring Ghost F.mp3
09 Respiration Featuring Tal.mp3
10 Breakdown Featuring Talib Kweli.mp3
11 Shinjiro.mp3
12 Traveling Man .mp3
13 Next Universe.mp3
14 Body Rock Featuring Tash & Q-Tip.mp3
15 If You Can Huh You Can Hear.mp3
16 B-Boy Document.mp3
17 Seven Days Featuring Crai.mp3
18 Work It Out.mp3
19 Brown Sugar Featuring Talib.mp3
20 Definition Featuring Talib Kweli.mp3
21 Brooklyn Freestyle.mp3
22 The Questions Featuring Common.mp3
23 All Praises Due.mp3
24 Tinseltown To The Boogie Down
25 Stakes Is High Featuring.mp3
26 The Panther .mp3
27 Beef.mp3

Saul Williams

Saul Williams. I'm listening to him today and reminded as to the reason why I enjoy his music so much. I first noticed his name when I was really into the artists on the Ninjatune label about 5 years ago. He had a song called "Twice the First Time" that was off the Xen Cuts label sampler, which I used to play non-stop because of the intensity of the song. After that track, I needed to hear more and my wish was granted when he released Amethyst Rock Star in 2001. You really need to focus on the lyrics and repeat the songs over and over to understand the visuals he invokes. Since I don't have much time, I'll just steal all the info from wikipedia and share it with you. Later on, I'll recommend my favourite songs.
----

Saul Williams
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Born in Newburgh, N.Y., 1972, Saul Williams has been considered as a powerful voice of the hip-hop generation as a poet, preacher, actor, rapper, singer and musician. He is most known for his blend of spoken word poetry and hip-hop and for his leading role in the independent film Slam.

Williams was born Newburgh, N.Y. in 1972 to a preacher father and school-teacher mother. "My mother was rushed from a James Brown concert in order to give birth to me ... At that concert, he sang 'Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud,' and that shit came out in my bloodstream. I was born with that in me." As a child he learned to love the spoken and written word.

After graduating from Morehouse College with a B.A. in philosophy, Williams moved to New York City to take a Master's Degree at New York University in acting. Here he found himself at the epicentre of the New York cafe poetry scene. By 1995 he had become a talented open mic poet and in 1996 he won the title of Nuyorican Poets Cafe's Grand Slam Champion.

Fame on the spoken-word circuit led him to the lead role in the 1998 feature film, SLAM, which won both the Sundance Festival Grand Jury Prize and the Cannes Camera D'Or, introducing Williams to international audiences.

Williams was at this time breaking into music. He had performed with such artists as renowned hip-hop artists The Fugees, Erykah Badu, KRS-One, De La Soul, DJ Krust, as well as legendary poets Allen Ginsberg and Sonia Sanchez. After releasing a string of EPs, in 2001 he released the much-hyped Amethyst Rock Star and in September 2004 his self-titled album with producer Rick Rubin.

As a writer, Williams has been published in The New York Times, Esquire, Bomb Magazine and African Voices, as well as having released three collections of poetry.

Williams has toured and lectured across the world, appearing in dozens of universities and colleges. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

Currently he has several shows planned with Nine Inch Nails on their European tour.

Bibliography
The Seventh Octave, 1998, Moore Black Press
S/he, 1999, MTV/Pocketbooks
,said the shotgun to the head, 2003, MTV/Pocketbooks

Discography
Elohim (1972) - 1998
Penny For A Thought / Purple Pigeons - 2000
Amethyst Rock Star - 2001
Not In My Name - 2003
Saul Williams - 2004

Filmography
Slam - 1998
SlamNation - 1998
I'll Make Me a World - 1999
K-Pax - 2001
Underground Voices - Unknown

External Links
Saul Williams' Official Site (http://www.saulwilliams.com/)
Official Sony Music Site (http://www.americanrecordings.com/saulwilliams/)
Saul Williams' Releases (http://www.discogs.com/artist/Saul+Williams)
SlamNation Web Page (http://www.slamnation.com/)
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_Williams"
---------

Okay, so now for the songs. I can't post any right now, but key tracks are:

-Twice the First Time
-La La La
-Penny For a Thought
-1987
-Tao of Now
-Coded Language
-Release Pt 1,2,3 (Blackalicious track off Blazing Arrow...he's featured on part 2)
-List of Demands (Reparations) <---posted earlier
-African Student Movement
-Black Stacey
-PG
-Act III Scene 2 (Shakesphere) (feat. Zach De la Rocha)

----
Lyrics to Penny For a Thought

Cancel the apocalypse
cartons of the milky way with pictures of a missing planet
last seen in pursuit of an American dream
this fool actually thinks he can drive his hummer on the moon
blasting DMX off the soundtrack of a South Park cartoon
niggas used to buy their families out of slavery
now we buy chains and links, smokes and drinks
they're paying me to record this, even more if you hear it
somebody tell me what you think I should do with the money
yes, friend tell me what you think I should do with the money
exactly how much is it gonna cost to free Mumia?
what's he gonna do with his freedom? talk on the radio?
radio programming is just that - a brainwashin' gleamed of purpose
to be honest, some freedom of speech makes me nervous
and you looking for another martyr in the form of a man
hair like a mane with an outstretched hand
in a roar of hearts, thoughts, reactionary defensiveness and counter
intelligence
what exactly is innocence?
fuck it, I do believe in the existence of police brutality
who do I make checks payable to?
a young child stares at a glowing screen transfixed by tales of violence
his teenage father tells him that that's life, not that Barney shit
a purple dinosaur that speaks of love, a black man that speaks of blood
which one is keeping it real, son?
who manufactured your steel, son?
hardcore, ancient elements at the earth's core
fuck it, I'mma keep speaking 'til my throats sore
an emcee told a crowd of hundreds to put their hands in the air
an armed robber stepped to a bank and told everyone to put their hands in
the air
a Christian minister gives his benediction while the congregation hold
their hands in the air
love the image of the happy Buddha with his hands in the air
hands up and feel confused, define tomorrow
your belief system ain't louder than my car system
nigga walked down my block with his rotwiler, a subwoofer on a leash
each one teach one
the DJ spins a new philosophy into a barren mind
I can't front on it
my head nods as if to clear the last image from an etch-a-sketch
something like Rakim said- I could quote any emcee, but why should I?
how would it benefit me? karmic repercussions
are your tales of reality worth their sonic laced discussions?
suddenly, the ground shivers and quakes
a newborn startles and wakes
her mother rushes to her bed side to hold her to her breast
milk of sustenance heals and nourishes
from the depths of creation life still flourishes
yet we focus on death and destruction, violence, corruption
my people, let pharaoh go
what have you bought into? how much will it cost to buy you out?
what have you bought into? how much will it cost to buy you out?
what have you bought into? how much will it cost to buy you out?

(spoken)
how much it gonna cost to buy you out of my mind?
penny for a thought, y'all niggas is half steppin' wastin' my time
please, nigga what? you talkin to me?
please baby, baby, baby can I borrow - can i borrow a nickle, a dime, and
that quarter
penny for a thought, penny for a thought
how much will it cost to buy you out of buyin' into a reality that
originally bought you?
dime a dozen, y'all niggas a dime a dozen
penny for a thought, nigga, c'mon, penny for a thought
think fast, think fast, c'mon, time is money

time is money, money is time
so i keep 7 o'clock in the bank and gain interest in the hour of God
I'm saving to buy my freedom, God, grant me wings, I'm too fly not to fly
I soared further past humans without wings so I soar
and fine tickling the feathers of my wings
flying hysterically, over land numerically
I am seven mountains higher than the valley of death

Seven mountains higher than the valley of death
Seven dimensions deeper than dimensions of breath
(x12, gradually mixed out)

we're performing an exorcism on all this keep it real-ism
violence, sensationalism
in the name of the hip hop that nurtured me, cultured me
we are ordering all evil entities to exit this body, leave this body
in the name of microphone fiends and a young boy's b-boy dreams
we draw you to leave this body, leave this body
all evil entities, all wannabe emcees
decoys, decoys, send in the true b-boys
the true b-boys be men, motherfuckers
be men in the name of Scott La Rock
in the name of T-La Rock
motherfuckers don't remember how to do the reeboks
walk, hop, I told you to leave this body
leave this body, leave this body
I told you to leave this body
leave this body, leave this body
motherfuckers must think I'm crazy
shit, I think y'all motherfuckers is crazy
I want my fuckin' MTV
penny for a thought, nigga, penny for a thought
what the fuck have you bought into

Noel Gallagher Hates Hip-Hop...

Damn. I guess I should too.

Here's the full interview.
------

W: When I worked with George Michael on Comic Relief, he
said that when they were in Wham! they used to listen to Joy
Division all the time. When I asked them if there was a part
of them that really wanted to make that type of music he said
no. He just accepted that they did one thing and Joy Division
did another. Are you always looking out for new influences,
or can you listen to another type of music and just leave it
where it is? What about hip hop?

NG: I fucking despise hip hop. Loathe it. Eminem is a fucking
idiot and I find 50 Cent the most distasteful character I have
ever crossed in my life. It's so negative. Eminem's new song
about his kid - isn't it the most ridiculous piece of music
you have ever heard in your life? I just don't like the
dragging women around on dog leads and all that stuff. I'm
not fucking having that.

DW: I don't really get it either. I suppose it's a fantasy
that some people have...

NG: I'm not saying they're directly responsible but that's
how you end up with these fuckin' gangs of youths with hoods
stabbing people. I'm not saying they need to sit around
listening to 'All You Need is Love'. But kids are so fuckin'
thick these days that they are very easily influenced, aren't
they?

DW: What do you put that down to?

NG: I think it's a sign of parents being idiots.

MP3 post extravaganza!!!

So I've been slowly working my way into the world of 'yousendit.com'. It's a place that I use to send really large files (up to 1 gig), but I'm not really sure if I should use it to share music on my blog. I don't know too much about 'cookies' and all that internet jazz, but I'm under the impression that if I don't give a direct link to the files, it's somewhat okay. What I mean is, if I just add the address and ask you people to copy and paste it in the address location thingy at the top, it makes things better.

Understand?

Hmmm...anyway, the point is, is that I am going to post a bunch of tracks that have worked themselves into my tiny, little, cold heart. These songs will be here for 7 days, after which they will explode. Enjoy!!

At the Drive-In - Napoleon Solo - AHHH!!!! My favourite ATDI song and just gets better over the years. It's off the album, In Casino Out. That rolling guitar is infectious...not to mention the intensity of Cedric is simply awesome. If you haven't heard this song, or failed to notice how great it is, please do yourself a favour and listen. Thank you.

s29.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=176M35B9Q8RMJ17X6VSERVXYKX

Zap Mama - Whatdidyusay - This track features the stylings of beatbox pro, Scratch, formerly of The Roots. Both Zap Mama and him work well on this song.
s23.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2SP3Z8OAVAMCE2NRJIS6XOK53N

The Roots - Don't Say Nuthin' (Illegal Thought Process Remix) - One of the best remixes that I've heard in a while. It sounds like something The Roots would have originally done, given that the original sounds much different from their usual stylings.

s31.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=22W6HFFMQZVV32D7QPYH99XJOP

Quasimoto - The Greenery - Hehehe...gotta throw in a tribute track to the electric lettuce. Madlib's helium sounding, alter-ego Quasimoto. I don't even need to smoke to feel the effects when I listen to this. The end of the song, where the guy just starts singing all crazy-like, gets me every time. I love it.

s35.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1LJB6DFJAJCCA2P1F7YDD0SW7A

MF DOOM - Potholderz - I love the production. The subtle scratching and change-up at the beginning makes the whole song even more special than it is. Ahhhh...

s27.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2BYP9Q81AX33W13CEHNJ5S446K

Jaylib - React (feat. Quasimoto) - I'm on a Stones Throw record label kick lately, hence the quas/madlib kick. There are a few tracks from this album that I wanted to post, but I think I'll stick to this one. Jaylib is a Madlib, Jay Dee side-project that is really good....but it could've been so much better if they had other MCs on the album (keep in mind, Quas is not a guest, since it's still Madlib). It's not that they can't rap or anything, it's just that they have incredible production skills that should be showcased with an equally incredible MCs.

s25.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=07CR3753588FX0BE7KR8U1C2U4

Coldplay - Careful Where You Stand - This is a great b-side. I find it hard to believe that they couldn't fit this on an album...but who am I to question decisions like these?

s36.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=14P59LCWHVVKV2S5K61HBNAKG8

Saul Williams - List of Demands (Reparations) - The lyrics are intense, but that's a given, considering he's a spoken word poet. The beat is equally intense and gets me pumped up. If you are trying to sleep to this song, you are nuts. Period.

s25.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=29QKUM57RISNZ1PQNNSTEU8Z6B

Rare Lauryn Track

Hey!

I can't get this song outta my head. I must share it. Copy and paste the link up top and save the song. It's easy, fun, and free!

This track is from a DJ Skribble disc...I think it's called Road Jams or something. Anyway, the song is 'hot fire' (c) Chappelle. It's called "Keep it Tight". Enjoy!

s7.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0SGHO0N76VN4K22OHDTT9TRKTN

It's Almost Official!

Before I make another post, let me tell everyone the news:

Details are still pending, but I think the trip is coming together. There are three of us who are definitely going, with a couple of 'possibles', who are going to make the 26 hour trek. The official vacation spot this year is going to be San Bernardino, California, to see the Rock the Bells III festival (and that's just the start....bitches!).



The chance to see Nas, Raekwon, Ghostface, Gangstarr, Heiro.....everyone (!!!) is insane. The added bonus is that we'll be hittin' south Cali and taking some much needed rest time out by the ocean. Ahhhh....I can't wait. Here's the press release:

--------------
Hip-hop music festival, Rock the Bells, returns to the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, CA on Saturday, July 30 and will be headlined by the “Street Disciple” Nas in a rare West Coast appearance. Other confirmed acts for the day-long extravaganza include a wide range of MCs and turntable masters, including Rock The Bells fave Redman, the 10-year anniversary performance of Cuban Linx featuring Ghostface & Raekwon, Heiroglyphics, Living Legends, Sage Francis, Qbert, Guru (Gang Starr), Cut Chemist, Visionaries, Supernatural, DJ Muggs, Oh No, Med and Percee P, Nonphixion plus Special guest hosts B-Real of Cypress Hill, RZA of Wu Tang Clan, and Mr. Choc of Power 106 and Beat Junkies.

Spearheaded by festival founder and organizer Chang Weisberg of Guerilla Union, Rock the Bells continues as an ambitious undertaking inspired by a lack of quality hip-hop events and tours in the concert industry today. Launched in 2003, Rock the Bells is a genuine rite of passage for thousands of urban-minded music lovers from all over Southern California. Following in the colorful tradition and history of past hip-hop music festivals such as Smoking Grooves and the Cypress Hill Smoke Out, Rock the Bells aims to become the ultimate hip-hop platform and premiere single-day music event in the country by uniting the biggest names involved with urban culture in a spectacular music environment that is exciting, safe and memorable.

Other world-class acts that have participated in Rock the Bells events include A Tribe Called Quest, Black Star (Talib Kweli and Mos Def), Busta Rhymes, Cypress Hill, Jurassic 5 and, of course, the unforgettable Wu-Tang Clan headlining show in July 2004 with the last full line-up ever. Whether it’s an MC battle, turntable exhibition or b-boy circle, Rock the Bells represents, respects and recognizes all aspects of the culture.

Later this year, Rock the Bells (The Documentary), which chronicles the story of the full-group Wu-Tang reunion show (the last performance including Old Dirty Bastard before his tragic death), will be released theatrically and on DVD.

Tickets for Rock the Bells, at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, go on sale through Ticketmaster on Tuesday, June 3. $30 pre-sale (May 27-29), $35 on-sale (May 30-June 17), $40 (June 18-July 29), $40 day of show (July 30), $85 VIP.
-------------

MF DOOM story

Hey! I just read this story about MF DOOM (I love wikipedia, check it!) and I thought those who are familiar with his work may find this as entertaining as I did.

-------
Back in 1999 or so I had this party called The Remedy at Fluid in Philly. I booked Doom to do a performance at the spot that spring or so, and so he flew in from Atlanta the day of. I had to drive down from Long Island to pick him up so I trucked the 3 hour journey to get him. This was back when one was allowed to wait for someone at the gate, so off comes Mr. Dumile wearing a straw hat carrying a metal attache case. He was super cool and mellow, and we walked to the exit. At the exit his two boys were there who drove up from Washington D.C. to meet him, one of whichwas his boy Ben who was well over 6'5" and pushing 400 pounds. Everybody was very mellow and we drove to get something to eat, and then I dropped them off at the hotel. Sound check was at 7:30 and so we planned on meeting then. The guys had a full couple of days in store, as Doom was to record with my man King Honey the next day at 1026.

So later on we go to the club and get the sound working. Everything was going according to plan. The club filled up and people we dancing and jamming and all of that, and then around 12:30 AM or so Doom was set to go on, performing from inside the DJ booth. He was quiet and polite, pensive even. I was manning the CD player that had all his tracks on it, and was working the mixing board. Doom opened up his metal attache case and pulled out the Doom Mask. He put it on and - this is no exaggeration - underwent an amazing transformation right in front of my eyes. Dude stopped being Daniel Dumile and BECAME DOOM. Gone was the quiet, humble, unnasuming, polite person who was standing next to me, and now was this ferocious monster which was the Metal Faced Villian. He really became the character. The show was going great and everybody was really getting down, and Doom was really putting on a great show, and the villian was in full effect - right down to the way he was cursing me (as "the sound man") on the mic. Kurious was in the house and they did the song they have together on "Doomsday" and it tore the house down.

Towards the end of the show, Doom asked the crowd to give a moment of silence to Subroc. Everyone complied except for these 2 Camden cats who used the opportunity to razz Doom and talk $hit loudly. Doom didn't really do anything to react to it, continued the performance for about 1 or 2 more songs, and at the end of the last song, ripped off his face mask, pointed at the 2 guys in the crowd and said (in the most insane, disturbing manner you could imagine) "HI!" He then jumped from the DJ booth and ran through the swarms of the crowd with his metal attache case in hand, followed by Kurious and Big Ben, hot on the heels of the now running Camden kids.

I had to man the decks and so I wasn't outside to witness what happened next, but according to what I was told, Doom cornered the kids in the alley and started smacking the fools with the attache case, while Curious and Ben were going off on the other fools. They had clearly whooped their asses, not badly, but definitely enough to get the point across, and at that point the police rolled up. They asked what was happening and if everything was alright and Big Ben, with his arms wrapped around someof teh Camden kids replied "Everything is under control, officer."

The next day we all met up at the studio for the recording session. Doom had a whole rhyme written out beforehand, but that morning he had decided to scrap the lyrics and make new ones up on the spot, particularly involving the description of smacking fools with a metal attache case. The song came out blazing, and when King Honey asked me what I thought of it I told him that it was amazing, and that they should name the song "Monday Night At Fluid."

Nicolay - The Dutch Masters Mixtape

Looking for some incredible music to play while you're sittin' there, chillin' at the computer?

Are ya?

'Cause I have that crack to fix your craving. Nicolay has been slowly working his way into my "Best Producer" list and his new mixtape is solidifying my decision. He's the producer from the Netherlands, that worked his magic on the beats on Foreign Exchange (side project that also includes Phonte, one of the MC's from Little Brother). He's got that same beat-making style as 9th Wonder, except with a little more of that rolling, smooth-sounding groove.

Does that make sense?

Oh well...anyway, below is a link to his website, where he will be playing a preview of all the tracks until it's released on the 21st (of June). I'm definitely getting this when it comes out.

http://www.nicolaymusic.com/

Kanye West feat. Jay-Z - Diamonds (remix)

Oh My God.

The remix is out!

Kanye comes with it on his new verse. Jay-Z murders it ("I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, MAN! Let me handle my business, damn."). When is Jay coming out of 'retirement'? Even though he's on every remix nowadays, that boy needs to release another album. His whole verse is unbelievable.

s48.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3W2TR564R76S930EX0S445QCUT

or

s39.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1EQSLA24NEP9732FSW0FQB9NPP

I don't know how long these links will work, but just copy and paste the address. If they are no good anymore, check out hiphopsite.com and go to the audio section to listen to this. It's so good, IMO.

The original "Diamonds" will be on Kanye's new album, Late Registration. It's about the diamonds in Sierra Leone and not about the fact he can afford 'em, in case you are annoyed with the title.

Say Hi To Your Mom

I just heard the new album by Say Hi To Your Mom, called Ferocious Mopes that was released last Tuesday. I haven't dedicated much time to listening to new(er) bands lately, mainly due to the lack of time, but I checked out this album because something about it caught my eye (and ear) when I went to get the new Coldplay and White Stripes.

The weird thing about it is that the next day, I saw their name on the Spin web site as a feature on the Band of the Day.

Must've been something in the air.

I figured I would share them with you since I can't really think of what else to post today. My new-music-exposure-absorption-need is lacking due to the crazy amount of quality releases over the last few (and upcoming) months.

Check out these MP3's:

Yeah, I'm In Love With An Android
Dimensions and Verticals
The Forest Scares The Hell Out Of Me

Here's what Spin said about them:
--------------------------------
Say Hi To Your Mom



By: Jessica Grose

June 8, 2005

It's rare that a song title from a band can encapsulate their entire appeal. Brooklyn-based Eric Elbogen (aka Say Hi To Your Mom) has managed to do just that on "As Smart as Geek is Chic Right Now," the final song of his most recent album, Ferocious Mopes. With verbose, clever lyrics, Elbogen croons in a borderline emo voice that falls somewhere between the irony of Stephen Malkmus and the earnestness of Conor Oberst.

On his third full-length as alter ego Say Hi To Your Mom, Elbogen conquers neo-new wave territory with some inventive computer play and synthesizer work, and captures something almost Bowie or Eno-esque with eerie, fantastical motifs. Particularly on "Yeah, I'm In Love With An Android," where Elbogen sings in a completely conversational tone about his love affair with a robot friend, does Elbogen recall the futuristic feeling of Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie: "Her kisses are metallic and her touch is firm but cold... I swore I'm done with humans, and I like to keep my word."

Against the backdrop of simple strumming acoustic guitar on "Yeah, I'm in Love With An Android," there is also something of that intellectual battle with impending modernity and the feeling of alienation from real humanity explored by Grandaddy and Radiohead. Ferocious Mopes is in stores now.

Wow, 9 hours left

It's like an event. I need some popcorn.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7328581598

The custom drum kit that was owned and played by Sheila E. on the Sign Of The Times and Lovesexy tours with Prince from 1987 to 1989 is up for auction on e-bay and it's one hell of a showdown. The reserve was just met at $10,000 and ?uestlove (drummer from The Roots) is in the lead with 9 hours remaining. This is intense. All sorts of Prince fanatics are losing it over at Okayplayer with the thought of owning this gem.

It started at $3000 when this was brought to everyone's attention and I thought some of you may enjoy the showdown. I'll write another post later, but for now, enjoy the show!

To Whom It May Concern:

The whom that this post is referring to, hopefully will be concerned enough to check this post out soon. I chose to single out this person and create a post of essential 'newer' music in order to keep her updated with a few of my recent favourites, as she is far away and has been gone a long time without the luxury of 'newer' music. She now has the means of getting and listening to new music, so it's time to step up! The lack of music exposure is a travesty that must be resolved and I plan to reunite her with some new music and multiple eargasms.

I'm keeping this a public post, rather than an e-mail, because there may be a couple of you who actually want to know about this too! I also like pictures...and this format. Also, keep in mind these bands, artists, and songs are all part of a specified genre preference that I will be basing purely on what I think she will enjoy (musical preference), hasn't heard yet, or is relevant to upcoming concerts in her area.

------------------
1) Arcade Fire - Funeral



Standout tracks include: Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out), Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)Rebellion (Lies)

2)Bloc Party - Silent Alarm



Standout tracks include: Like Eating Glass, helicopter, Banquet, She's Hearing Voices. Actually...most of them are key. Check out the drumming, that guy is unbelievable.

3)Stars - Set Yourself on Fire



Standout tracks include: First Five Times, Your Ex-Lover is Dead, One More Night, Calendar Girls

4) Broken Social Scene - You Forgot It In People



Standout tracks include: Stars and Sons, Anthem for a 17 year-old girl, and every other song. This is a brilliant album.

5) Spoon - Kill The Moonlight



Standout tracks include: Small Stakes, All the Pretty Girls..., Paper Tiger.
This disc is really good and very diverse. Each track seems a little different than the last. The new album is really good as well, but I don't know it as well since it's still new.

6) Elefant - Sunlight Makes Me Paranoid



Standout tracks include - Misfit, Tonight Let's Dance, Sunlight Makes..., Make Up
I talk about this album HERE (click on it and you'll see it at the bottom)

7) Keane - Hopes and Fears



Standout tracks include - Somewhere Only We Knew, Bend and Break, She Has No Time.

8) The Shins - Chutes Too Narrow



Standout tracks include: Kissing the Lipless, So Says I, Saint Simon...I could list the whole album if I wanted to. I'm sure you've heard this album before, but it's too nice.

9) Minus The Bear - Highly Refined Pirates



Standout tracks include: Monkey!!! Knife!!! Fight!!!....listen to the whole album 'cause the song titles are hilarious and takes too long to write down. It's really good.

10) Cat Power - You Are Free



(when you feel chill - plus it has some tracks with Eddie Vedder and others with Dave Grohl) Standout tracks include: Evolution, Good Woman, He War...etc. It's very slow but once you 'get' it, you'll LOVE it. Also, check out the track "I Found A Reason"....it's off her Cover's Record.
---------

Those are ten albums that you should hear if you haven't. There a many that I know you have heard that I won't mention, so I'm not putting them up in case anyone else is wondering why I left off, "_____". I also haven't heard a few albums very much to recognize whether or not you'll like them, but I'll tell you when I find out. Also, if you have time, check out the new Doves, The Bravery, the new Jack Johnson and Eels, Frou Frou, if you enjoy Stars and Broken Social Scene, you will enjoy Apostle of Hustle. You're getting the new Beck, right? Right. It's incredible.

Wow, it was difficult not mentioning anything else, like all the great hip hop and soul that's out right now.

New Cunninlynguists in Sept.

Another release that I look forward to this year. It's nice to see these boys are puttin' another record out, even though I remember hearing this was supposed to be released last September. I'm a sucker for Kno's production, so I'm sure I'll like this album. It's also nice to see some of those guests....Cee-lo and Immortal Technique always bring something nice to the table and I could see Kno's production fitting their styles nicely.

---------------------------
The duo of Deacon The Villain and Kno, better known as CunninLynguists, is looking to release their 3rd LP, A Piece Of Strange, in September on QN5 Music / LA Underground Entertainment / T.E.A.M. It features guest spots from Cee-Lo of Goodie Mob, Immortal Technique and Tonedeff and is entirely produced by Kno. APOS is a concept album which CL is looking to release an accompanying, independant DVD for in late 2005 or early 2006. Meant as a companion piece to APOS, the film's entire dialogue and soundtrack will only be provided by playing the album from beginning to end simultaneously with the movie.

Also, at the time of A Piece Of Strange's release, an instrumental version of the LP will be made available as well as full size posters of the album's artwork, which was rendered by reknowned comic illustrator Becky Cloonan.

Tentative Tracklisting

1. Where Will You Be?
2. Vitriol
3. Since When?
4. America Loves Gangsters (f. Tim Means)
5. Caved In (f. Cee-Lo of Goodie Mob)
6. Watching The Clock
7. Beautiful Girl
8. Inhale (Interlude)
9. Brain Cell
10. Never Know Why (f. Immortal Technique)
11. The Gates (f. Tonedeff)
12. Damnation (Interlude)
13. Hellfire
14. Abstract/Reality
15. What'll You Do?
16. The Light (f. Club Dub)

Kno is also working on Knomercy : The Difference Volume 2, a production album including appearances by Masta Ace, Jurassic 5, J-Live, The Beatnuts and others. The disc will be executive produced by Domingo, who produced the first volume of The Difference in 2002. Kno is also producing the entirety of Cashmere The PRO's forthcoming LP Grown as well as the majority of former CunninLynguists' collaborator Mr. SOS' solo LP, tentatively entitled Dr. Strangelove. Kno will also be finishing up production by the end of the year on Chico And The Man, a producer-emcee collaboration album with Tonedeff, who's debut solo album Archetype features production by Kno and is in stores now. Deacon The Villain's other group, Kynfolk, will be releasing their debut LP Followuz this fall as well.

As a prelude to all of the upcoming projects, CL is releasing Sloppy Seconds Volume 2 on June 14th. The 28 track CD features all new songs, remixes and most importantly all original production by Kno, with 2 tracks being produced by Deacon The Villain. Features include Natti of Kynfolk, Celph Titled, Cashmere The PRO, Mr. SOS, QN5 Fam and others. It also features preview tracks from Masta Ace and The Beatnuts for Knomercy : The Difference Volume 2, as well as preview tracks for A Piece Of Strange. SS2 is available for Pre-Order @ hiphopsite.com and sandboxautomatic.com.

ARTWORK : http://www.cunninlynguists.com/etc/ss2_cover.jpg
AUDIO SNIPPETS : http://qn5.thedistro.com/ss2.mp3
CunninLynguists "Cornasto" MP3 : http://www.cunninlynguists.com/audio/cornasto_cunninlynguists.mp3
-----------------------------------

Jon Brion - He's just great

"His tight-pinched hooks and broad lush strokes, his mastery of countless kooky instruments and his jaw-dropping creativity have racked an impressive resume. He has helped shape and define the careers of Aimee Mann and Fiona Apple and produced countless others, including Rhett Miller, the Eels, Elliot Smith and Rufus Wainright. Critically acclaimed movie director Paul Thomas Anderson also recruited Brion to oversee the soundtracks for his movies Magnolia and Punch Drunk Love." (Rolling Stone)



Jon Brion.

This is a name that I've seen countless times over the last year or so. I became intrigued and developed a need to gather some more information about him and discovered an incredible resume hidden in his discography. Even the movies, such as "I Heart Huckabees" and "Punch Drunk Love" have this recognizable soundtrack and have made me appreciate what a musical score can do to a movie. Try watching Punch Drunk Love and Magnolia again and tell me you don't recognize the impact the music has on those movies. It's crazy to see how intense the emotions are and how in-tune they are with the music.

My intrigue was also amplified after reading ?uestlove's story when he met Fiona Apple and Jon Brion. If you haven't read this, check it out...it's quite entertaining.




Anyway, I want to discuss this man a little before he really blows up. Kanye West has recruited him to co-produce his upcoming album, Late Registration. I've always really liked Kanye and it's obvious he has great musical taste...I can't help but assume his new album will be amazing. It's a lot of hype to live up to, but I am pretty confident it'll get there.

So I learned about Jon Brion's Friday night show in LA at a place called Largo....here's a recap of one of his shows from a little while ago. (Posted by seandammit on okayplayer):

I just want to share my experience I had with his music a few weeks ago. It was something amazing, and I don't know why I hadn't recounted here til now, but having seen his name attached to posts about Kanye, I am reminded of how fucking awesome this man is.

I was in LA for the night, the weekend of Coachella. One of the guys I was traveling with was raving about how we had to get check him out at this club called Largo where Brion plays every Friday night. I was familiar with his work on Fiona's second album, and could vaguely recall the music from all the films he had scored. Regardless, I was still down to check it out, because how often am I going to be in LA in the foreseeable future?

So we get to this modestly sized club, and he has already started, the lights are all dim, and people are sitting at tables as he plays onstage. We had to stand in the back near the bar and the entrance from the kitchen.

I honestly have to say that his performance impressed me more than anything I saw at Coachella the next day.

The man is simply a prodigy at all of his instruments. He's got a drumkit on stage, guitars, pianos/keyboard/vocoder. Tons of pedals and gear on stage that allows him to loop and create a wall of sound, all created by him. To watch this man create these dense layers of multi-instrumental tunes was like watching a scientist work in the lab.

I'm told that his shows are very improvised, and I could see that looseness in this performance- not in a sloppy, all over the place way, but in more of an inspired, real way. Not only were his originals great, but he was constantly asking for requests from the crowd. He was really friendly and very conversational with everybody, and did a wide range of material.

Two songs stick out: a simply flawless "And Your Bird Can Sing" that had my jaw gaping at how easily he built the song from a drum loop to a rocking out band sound; the other was in response to shouts for both the Beach Boys and Nirvana- a Brian Wilson-esque version of "Lithium", complete with Pet Sounds piano chords, and harmonized vocoder vocals.

The man is a genius. I can't rave enough about how much talent this man has- it elevates him above any other musician I have ever encountered. My friend got his solo CD, and we listened to it on the way to Coachella- it was really good, but doesn't nearly convey the greatness of him live. I'm going to check out his soundtrack work now that I have caught the Brion bug. Anyway, if you are ever in LA on a Friday night, go to Largo- you won't be disappointed.

and another story:

the first time i went was valentines day. it was pajama night at largo (which is always too damn dark) and jon came strolling out in a silk pajama suit and sat down. he said he'd play without intermission for what would ultimately be a 4 hour show. he sits down at his piano and starts to play, and he plays for a while until he gets bored. then he runs over to his guitar and he fiddles around with that a while. then he gets up and bangs around on his drumkit for a few more minutes. he plays all of his instruments with equal adeptness and with an incredible enthusiasm. he stops playing and says "i've been through a lot this year. let me show you what i've been doing for the last 6 months" and he plays 6 songs off his record by himself. he does all the loops and all that shit, building up from a simple drumloop and then added all these rhythmic elements until he's got a whole band of jon brions playing along. eventually, someone from the audience walks onstage....and its fiona apple. they do some jazz standards ("mr sandman" is the only one that comes to mind right now), and her sister comes out of the crowd and does a duet with her. we left after about two hours since my sister was tired (around midnight) but i guess he played til 2 or 3am and another band came to play with him, too. i think it was grant lee buffalo, but im not sure. either way, my cousin says fiona came out and they played some more beatles covers.

Check him out!

New Blackalicious Album Info

**This year is just getting better and better for music releases. Hopefully it'll be better than Gift of Gab's solo joint. What's the deal with the "5th full length album" comment? Anyway, this is exciting news.



--------

Oakland, CA, June 2nd, 2005—Blackalicious’ are set to release their long awaited 5th full-length studio album The Craft on September 27th, 2005. Balancing deep thought with visceral impact, The Craft features 15 new tracks and is the group’s most accomplished release to date. The album is the duo’s first collection of new material since 2002 and also marks their debut release on Anti Records. The group plans to a release the track “Rhythm Sticks” from The Craft as a 12” this summer.

The Craft reveals one of global hip-hop's best loved, most critically acclaimed crews in the midst of yet another artistic breakthrough. Chief Xcel and Gift of Gab have created a record that represents state-of-the-art hip-hop with an expansive worldview. The music has such sonic depth and lyrical ambition that it can proudly stand alongside the work of Bay Area funk fathers Sly Stone and Shuggie Otis, as well as hip-hop classics like Outkast's Aquemini, The Roots' Things Fall Apart and Gang Starr's Daily Operation. From its opening, the album moves from peak to peak, including the Prince-ly rush of the album’s first single "Powers", a sinuous funk summit with George Clinton on "Lotus Flower", and the seductive meta-futurist soul of "Automatique," which features special guest vocals from Floetry.

Said Chief Xcel "The Craft is our passion to bring discipline to this music, the passion to keep growing, keep stretching, keep doing things we haven't before. The craft is what we live for."

Gift of Gab added "It's my favorite of all of our albums. I think that it's our best."

The tracking list for The Craft is as follows:

1. The World Of Vibration (featuring Ledisi)
2. Supreme People
3. Rhythm Sticks
4. Powers
5. Side to Side (featuring Lateef & Pigeon John)
6. Lotus Flower (featuring George Clinton)
7. Automatique (featuring Floetry)
8. The Fall & Rise Elliot Brown Parts 1 & 2
9. The Fall & Rise of Elliot Brown Part 3 (Black Diamonds & Pearls)
10. Cry
11.Your Move (featuring Life Savas)
12.Give It To You (featuring Kween & Lyrics Born)
13.In The Days To Come
14. Egosonic War Drums (featuring Peace)
15.Dance of Firefly

Emerging from the influential Bay Area indie scene of the mid-90s, The Gift of Gab, one of the most respected MCs in the game today, and phenomenal producer/DJ Chief Xcel, fused together to form Blackalicious. Since impacting the music world in 1995 with their critically acclaimed debut album Melodica, the pair’s innovative compositions and insightful lyrics have provided a roadmap for hundreds of underground artists to follow. Gab and Xcel’s relationship as the MC and DJ/Producer reflects the core artform of hip-hop, and the duo now claims five groundbreaking albums and EPs to their credit.

Look for Blackalicious to hit the road this fall. For more info go to www.blackalicious.com or www.anti.com.

Hate-Alert: A Review of Monkey Business by Entertainment Weekly

Before you assume I am throwing stones without hearing the album first, I'd like to clarify that I've actually heard the album and I still have a bad taste in my mouth...like when I heard "Elephunk". It's nice to see the mainstream media understand what's going on here. Here's a review by Entertainment Weekly...and really, how could you argue? IMO, they were always a step-down, wanna-be version of De La and Tribe, but never had the skill to pull it off. Then they come out with some pop appeal (ala Elephunk) and begin to dominate their cheezy, lame-ass sound...worldwide. Have you been to an event or opening of anything in the last year or so where you haven't heard, "Let's Get It Started"?

Before they were so well known I was able to enjoy a few tracks from Bridging the Gap. Not because of their lack of notoriety, but because it's hard to hate on a DJ Premier beat (BEP Empire) and when Mos Def and De La Soul lace a track with some goodness. They also didn't have a 'Fergie' before...

Anyway, I need to rant and share this with you. I believe this guys touch on the lameness factor of BEP is much better than what I can express.

Oh...and there is a track called "Like That" on Monkey Business that is really good. Too bad BEP isn't the reason why. It has the likes of John Legend, Cee-lo, Talib Kweli and Q-Tip guesting on it and the beat is incredible...other than that? The album is trash.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EW review: Black eye for Peas
Group's latest release is shamelessly derivative
By Neil Drumming
Entertainment Weekly

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 Posted: 1:55 PM EDT (1755 GMT


(Entertainment Weekly) -- I've come around to viewing the Black Eyed Peas' worldwide success as a comfort -- rather than a sign of the apocalypse.

Sure, their influences have always been too obvious, their lyrics vapid (like the NBA-adopted Uberhit ''Let's Get It Started''), and their recent, shameless grasps at mass appeal transparent (welcome Fergie and her midriff!).

But pop music is often banal and cloying, and pop rap is no different -- look at 50 Cent and Lil Jon, who sell hooks, not substance. And rather than further the notion that violence and nihilism are hip-hop's biggest selling points, the Black Eyed Peas on their fourth album, "Monkey Business," once again declare no, no, no -- rap need not be threatening. In fact, edge has nothing on familiarity.

From their first efforts, the Peas have mercilessly plundered the repertoires of alt-rap pioneers De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest, down to specific cadences and inflections. And they still do.

Though here, aiming to appeal not just to hip-hop fans, they've appropriated more recognizable material. Like a Puffy tune from the pilfering producer's heyday, BEP's ''Pump It'' rides the wave of Dick Dale and His Del-Tones' ''Misirlou''; the glossy, faux-reggae ''Dum Diddley'' desperately meshes refrains from both Musical Youth's ''Pass the Dutchie'' and the Bangles' ''Walk Like an Egyptian''; even Lisa Lisa gets exhumed.

Unfortunately, the tepid voice of Black Eyed Peas crooner Fergie is hardly enough to reinvigorate these chestnuts. It's a testimony to the Peas' current commercial heat that a few high-profile influences appear here, complicit in their own reduction.

Justin Timberlake's been down since ''Where Is the Love?,'' so his turn on the typically Timbaland club rumbler ''My Style'' is no surprise. But Sting and James Brown cameo on trite cuts (''Union'' and ''They Don't Want Music,'' respectively) that borrow liberally from their catalogs without much innovation.

It's less the uninspired guest vox, however, than the four core Peas' idea of verse that makes "Monkey Business" such a bland meringue: a succession of cotton-candy raps about chicks, partying and partying with chicks, broken up by choruses destined to evaporate outside a shindig's perimeter.

And when MCs will.i.am, apl de ap and Taboo get topical, the result is laughable pseudo-profundity, as on ''Union'': ''Understand that we're all the same/So when I count to three, let's change.'' It's probably for the best that the crew traffics mostly in percussive, throwaway stuff like ''If you got boobies, baby, keep 'em on plump.''

Risque? Hardly. The Black Eyed Peas aren't out to offend anyone. They just want to dance happily through the metal detectors and party with rock stars.

EW Grade: C