Beyonce feat. Jay-Z. Upgrade U. Hate if you want to.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Come Together, Right Now
So it's no The Boy is Mine, but I don't think any of that matters once you get to the final act of the video with the choreographed dancing...DAMN SON!...
Big ups toConcrete Loop for putting this on my radar.
Big ups to
Riddle Me This
Call me crazy, but isn't Kelis looking an awful lot like Sly Stone in this pic?
Right?
Big ups toCrunk + Disorderly for the Kelis pic.
Right?
Big ups to
Step in the name of love
So after Chocolate Factory, I began to sleep on R.Kelly albums. I mean how can one go into a disc like TP3 Unloaded [or whatever it was titled] after getting down and dirty to Chocolate and TP2.com? [Not to mention the hit laced LPs that came before them]
But it is all to the good. It's a new day, a new year, and the Pied Piper is coming at us with some new shit at the end of May. Am I excited? Yes, yes I am. And if his recent collaborations are any indication, you should be too. Here's hoping we ain't got much to worry about.
Hold it now!
Save the date. Tuesday, June 5th. One man, one guitar, and a whole host of arrangements and other instruments will come together to give you Easy Tiger, a new full length LP from the man you love to hate, Mr. Ryan Adams.
Don't you forget about me
Peace out Jamiroquai['s career]. 1992-2007. At least we'll always have those groovetastic singles.
A Moment of Clarity
Dear Randy, Paula, and Simon,
Really? I mean, really? Why all the love and adoration for Chris Richardson's performance of Jason Mraz's Geek in the Pink last night? I couldn't even get through his performance without noting how much the cat wants to be Justin Timberlake. Now I realize that JTimb ain't got that soulful sing bounce, extended hand out with the other on the stomach, raspy, white boy soul R&B voice thing on lock [hell I've even used those moves before, well minus the white boy soul R&B voice thing, I'm Black], but damn it if everything about him doesn't scream Justin Timberlake. [And I think the stylists are hip to this too.] In my honest opinion, the vocal of the night belonged to Nick Pedro. Now if we could give him Chris Richardson's confidence and stage presence, then we may have something to truly run home and tell mom about.
Sincerely,
Tauwan
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
H.N.I.C.?
Remember this? Well it looks like it's one step closer to being a reality. Check it out:
Hell even I don't think I'm ready for all that jelly.
Big ups toConcrete Loop for the pic.
Hell even I don't think I'm ready for all that jelly.
Big ups to
Old school funk for the true funk soldiers!
Speaking of Poetic Justice...
Loving the 'ooh Janet you nasty' bit that occurs at 1:53
And is that the black dude from CSI peeping her steelo in the video?
Loving the 'ooh Janet you nasty' bit that occurs at 1:53
And is that the black dude from CSI peeping her steelo in the video?
NEICY! ...A NEICY! ...GURL YOU AIN'T GON BELIEVE WHAT I JUST HEARD
Janet Jackson. Jill Scott. And the artist formerly known as Madea. Tell me now, what's a brotha gon have to do to get a ticket to THIS jump off?
Uh-oh it's magic!
Patrick Wolf. The Magic Position. Yeah I had no idea who he was until I came across this post on Stereogum, but damn it if this song isn't everything an artist and song should be when you have no idea what it is you are listening to and can't look away.
Quote of the Day!
Mr. Legend gets his P.Hilton face on.
"...I bought her single "Stars Are Blind...I thought it was a great song and should have done better even than it did...I'd do a song with her. It would be an interesting experience."-John Legend
Spotted over at
Parents just don't understand
Coming soon to a town near you: Public burnings of My Chemical Romance, Thursday, and Taking Back Sunday CDs.
IDOLATOR: Hard-Hitting News Investigation Proves That Emo Is Dangerous
Monday, February 26, 2007
Y'all think this is a game?
Unfortunately it is not...
Scott Storch [yes the man presented above] has decided to step behind the mic and dis Timbaland a.k.a Thomas Crown. Yes, you read that correctly. Listen for yourself.
Big ups to
When keeping it real goes wrong
While Jennifer Hudson was busy sitting in the back of some limo preparing to hit up the Kodak Theatre and act nonchalant about her chances of winning an Oscar, Jennifer Holiday hit the roof of the Rooselvelt Hotel [Yes, the roof] to reprise the song that helped make her a star, And I Am Telling You, from the Tony Award winning musical Dreamgirls. [Gotta love the shots of the not yet bustling red carpet as she sings] Seriously, who thought this was a good idea. And what key is she singing this in? She did know that this wasn't a dress rehearsal right?
Keep On, Keep, Keepin On
Another day, another Nine Inch Nails track leaked. Nuff said.
Get the money, dollar, dollar bills y'all!
No this photo was not taken from an old Word Up magazine from my youth.
I, like Dave Maher over at Pitchfork must ask, "Rage and Wu-Tang touring together? What year is this again?"
Quote of the Day!
Cintra Wilson, in her wondeful wrap-up of last night's Academy Awards had this to say about what she felt was one of the show's highlights:
"...There was undeniably great eye candy. The interpretive-dance shadow-puppet people were a creative, artsy touch, and it was nice to know that at least one professional dance company earned enough money to exist this year."
If you are a dancer or know someone who dance in the United States [and I am not talking about getting down at the club], then you know that this quote is dead funny and spot on.
Summer, Summer, Summertime!
Parents brace yourselves as kids from around the world who just don't get sports, are awkward around the opposite sex, and love them some Liza and West Side Story ask you to help them take part in the chance of a lifetime: a 10 day, $2900 dollar costing trip to Northampton, Massachusetts to attend Camp American Idol! Yay!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
One mo gin'
..in case you missed it the first time when Viacom pulled it from YouTube. Christina Aguilera. Candyman.
Sorry if said song is now stuck in your head.
Sorry if said song is now stuck in your head.
Old school funk for the true funk soldiers!
You've come a long way baby...
I was never schooled on country music. When I found the time to embrace music that wasn't hip-hop or R&B in my early teens, I ran to the Pumpkins and the Nirvanas, the Green Days and the Radioheads, not the Loretta Lynns, or the Clint Blacks. And then in 1998 this all female country trio with the catchy tunes and colorful musicmanship showed up on my radar, and I was hooked. A friend asked me what I wanted for my birthday that year and I told her straight up, the Dixie Chicks album Wide Open Spaces. Look, I want to be like the cool kids so badly and say my entry into country, bluegrass, and the like was thru the Carter Family, or Merle Haggard, but that would be a bold faced lie. I started with the Chicks and I am glad to have stuck around.
And yes, since viewingShut and Sing earlier, I can't get enough of the Dixie Chicks. Whatever. It's my birthday. I do what I want.
I was never schooled on country music. When I found the time to embrace music that wasn't hip-hop or R&B in my early teens, I ran to the Pumpkins and the Nirvanas, the Green Days and the Radioheads, not the Loretta Lynns, or the Clint Blacks. And then in 1998 this all female country trio with the catchy tunes and colorful musicmanship showed up on my radar, and I was hooked. A friend asked me what I wanted for my birthday that year and I told her straight up, the Dixie Chicks album Wide Open Spaces. Look, I want to be like the cool kids so badly and say my entry into country, bluegrass, and the like was thru the Carter Family, or Merle Haggard, but that would be a bold faced lie. I started with the Chicks and I am glad to have stuck around.
And yes, since viewing
See this movie
Sometimes we know too much about our favorite artists. Especially in Los Angeles as evidenced by pieces like "Stars: They're Just Like Us" found in many a People, Us Weekly, or Star magazine. With this in mind, it is easy to understand how one would not want to spend 93 minutes as a fly on the wall as the Dixie Chicks tour the world and build their families. But this is a journey worth taking. One stage. One concert. One sentence [I am ashamed that the President is from Texas]changes the Chicks'lives forever. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you won't believe how ignorant members of the American public are [and a few right leaning talking heads], and beam with joy when Natalie announces that she is "not ready to make nice." This documentary is not to be missed.
Black Star Power
Only on myspace could a fine young man such as myself be solicited by a casting director for MTV and BET for a "new BET dating show. FIRST ONE EVER..." Only on myspace...only on myspace...
STOP! LOOK! WHAT'S THAT SOUND?
Remember The Bravery? Well the boys are back in town with some new tunes for all to preview from their upcoming album The Sun and the Moon, due in May. Feel free to join the hate bandwagon, and let it become your new Sam's Town. You know you want to.
This ain't a scene
It's a call for attention...
Pete Wentz takes it all off [surprise, surprise] for Blender magazine.
Pete Wentz takes it all off [surprise, surprise] for Blender magazine.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Aww naw hell naw
Y'all done up and done it.
New York, New York big city of dreams, what the hell are you thinking? Do you not want people to dance no more and just stand there like this: clapping hands, folding their arms, equipped with a drink, a stare, and a diss? That shit ain't cute.
NEW YORK POST: COURT UPHOLDS CITY'S DANCE 'BAN'
Somebody sit that court down and make them watch this video.
See, boogieing in NYC ain't so bad.
New York, New York big city of dreams, what the hell are you thinking? Do you not want people to dance no more and just stand there like this: clapping hands, folding their arms, equipped with a drink, a stare, and a diss? That shit ain't cute.
Somebody sit that court down and make them watch this video.
See, boogieing in NYC ain't so bad.
We got the beat!
Another day, another video. [That's what a case of the stomach flu will do to you. Make you ffing lazy]
Avril Lavigne-Girlfriend.
Is it wrong that I like both the video and the song?
Avril Lavigne-Girlfriend.
Is it wrong that I like both the video and the song?
Thursday, February 22, 2007
New flava in ya ear!
Blame it on that King Kong remix I posted earlier today, but I can't get enough of the Southern rap all of a sudden. I just put T.I's Urban Legend back on my iPod and added both Carter cds by Lil Wayne [I know, it IS a goddamn shame that I am just now getting some Weezy F. Baby on the pod]. And for some reason I can't stop playing this song presented below. No joke:
And I don't even pop my collar...
And I don't even pop my collar...
Quote of the Day!
"I'm attracted to creative people and train wrecks, and there's no shortage of that in Los Angeles."-Pete Wentz
Boy you ain't never lied...
Video of the Day!
Since December 5th, Ciara's sophomore disc The Evolution has been in heavy rotation around these parts. Doctor it up a little bit [Rid yourself of the talking interludes. Sorry Ci-Ci, but you ain't no Janet Jackson...yet],press play, and you will not be dissapointed. Every song plays with the intent of being a single or a club banger and just shines. There's a reason why DJs from here to Kathmandu are mixing tracks from the disc into their sets and playlists. She's a keeper, as evidenced by her new video presented below. I would have personally loved to see C.R.U.S.H or Bang It Up released as a single, but this one will do for now. Ciara. Like A Boy. Do it to it.
Damn I miss Aaliyah...
Damn I miss Aaliyah...
All the ballers is bouncin they like the way I be leanin
I'm not gon sit here and pretend like I am all about that Southern bounce and swagger. But when it comes my way I'll bounce, roll, and skate like the best of em, especially if that shit is fire. And this one is no exception. Jibbs, Chamillionaire, Lil Wayne*, Yo Gotti, and Chingy. King Kong [Remix].
*Is anybody coming harder than Weezy F. Baby when it comes to dropping those fly ass guest verses? I think not.
I don't know what it is
Once again, I still can't put my finger on why, for the longest time, I thought Pete Wentz was the lead singer of Fall Out Boy. It's not like he stands out in photos or anything.
Seriously, none of the other members in the band found Pete's whole let me take off my shirt thing a little annoying or completely unnecessary? Who does he think he is? Bobby Brown at the height of New Edition's fame?
Seriously, none of the other members in the band found Pete's whole let me take off my shirt thing a little annoying or completely unnecessary? Who does he think he is? Bobby Brown at the height of New Edition's fame?
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Old school funk for the true funk soldiers!
Despite the overwhelming awesomeness of this song and it's accompanying video, people sill slept/hated on this album. That's a shame. Do yourself a favor and press play now.
Can you feel it?
Can you feel it?
Two steps forward, then three steps back
Late last fall on the set of Grey's Anatomy Isiah Washington dropped the F-bomb, inadvertently outing a co-star, and wound up in some sort of word rehab [whatever the hell that is] for a little while. And recently former NBA star John Amaechi came out of the closet prompting retired NBA star Tim Hardaway to say this:
"First of all I wouldn't want him on my team. Second of all, if he was on my team I would really distance myself from him because I don't think that's right and I don't think he should be in the locker room while we're in the locker room...Well, you know, I hate gay people. I let it be known, I don't like gay people. I don't like to be around gay people...Yeah, I'm homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world, or in the United States. So, yeah, I don't like it."
Was I surprised by his words? Nope. Not at all. Did I think his comments were a little ridiculous and out of control? Yes. But let's be real [and possibly offend a number of people in the process] and realize that Tim Hardaway was just saying what a lot of brothas and possibly those who play sports were thinking in a less eloquent way. [Had he had the time to prepare a better way to say I don't know, I disagree, but I accept, the reaction might have been a little less chaotic. What we got instead was what happens when one stops being fake, and starts being real, or says the first thing that comes to mind.]
The issue of homosexuality has always been a tough one in the African American community. For many it is seen as a sign of weakness or inferiority, a crime against God, and of course, a loss of one's masculinity, second only to bringing home a white woman in terms of things your mama would rather you just not do. Fag, faggot, punk, sissy, bitch, punk ass nigga; these words are a part of many a young black [and I am sure non-black] male's lexicon. And as we all know, said words are also quite prominent in the hip-hop community, making the usage of such words, along with current thoughts, and attitudes on the topic of homosexuality in the black community all the more common.
CNN: VIDEO: ENTERTAINMENT: Gays not accepted in Hip-Hop
"First of all I wouldn't want him on my team. Second of all, if he was on my team I would really distance myself from him because I don't think that's right and I don't think he should be in the locker room while we're in the locker room...Well, you know, I hate gay people. I let it be known, I don't like gay people. I don't like to be around gay people...Yeah, I'm homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world, or in the United States. So, yeah, I don't like it."
Was I surprised by his words? Nope. Not at all. Did I think his comments were a little ridiculous and out of control? Yes. But let's be real [and possibly offend a number of people in the process] and realize that Tim Hardaway was just saying what a lot of brothas and possibly those who play sports were thinking in a less eloquent way. [Had he had the time to prepare a better way to say I don't know, I disagree, but I accept, the reaction might have been a little less chaotic. What we got instead was what happens when one stops being fake, and starts being real, or says the first thing that comes to mind.]
The issue of homosexuality has always been a tough one in the African American community. For many it is seen as a sign of weakness or inferiority, a crime against God, and of course, a loss of one's masculinity, second only to bringing home a white woman in terms of things your mama would rather you just not do. Fag, faggot, punk, sissy, bitch, punk ass nigga; these words are a part of many a young black [and I am sure non-black] male's lexicon. And as we all know, said words are also quite prominent in the hip-hop community, making the usage of such words, along with current thoughts, and attitudes on the topic of homosexuality in the black community all the more common.
Video of the Day!
Gosh darn it Kelly Clarkson is adorable. I mean seriously, who doesn't love them some Kelly Clarkson?
Love hater
Hey Axl, it's me Tauwan. So I gave the so called "first single" from the much delayed "Guns N Roses" album Chinese Democracy a spin. I hate to say it, but it's a little long and a little insert word here that best describes what shrugging your shoulders with arms bent at side and palms turned upward is. I think you can do better. Now go prove it.
10:15 On A Saturday Night
My friends and I are known to start many a Saturday night by drinking, getting dressed, and casually viewing the MTV Jams or MTV Hits channels. On this night M-boogie asked politely if she could turn on the tube and put MTV videos on mute. T and I agreed that this would be a good idea, but the mute button was never pressed, and it's partially due to the fact that we couldn't turn our heads away from this video presented below:
I love it. [we loved it] And yes, the chorus would go on to be stuck in our heads for the duration of the ride to our first destination.
I love it. [we loved it] And yes, the chorus would go on to be stuck in our heads for the duration of the ride to our first destination.
Here we go again
Attention all you college students far away from home, feasting on fast internet connections, and neglecting your neighborhood records stores: the RIAA is coming after that ass, so bump your brakes.*
*[Or keep doing what you doing. The choice is yours.]
America's Got Talent?
Last night all across America, guys with good or somewhat decent voices who tried out for American Idol this season and were rejected let out a collective sigh and cried in disbelief at what was presented to them on screen. You know something is wrong when verbal fisticuffs between Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest is one of the more memorable moments from last night's episode. Guys: Step your game up and Girls: Bring it!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Bang Bang Rock and Roll
Boy you got something with mass appeal...
It's woozy. It's sexy. It stomps by ferociously taking anyone from 'New York to London.' It's Yadnus, a hard hitting, pulsating track from !!!'s upcoming album Myth Takes out March 6.
STEREOGUM: New !!! - "Yadnus"
It's woozy. It's sexy. It stomps by ferociously taking anyone from 'New York to London.' It's Yadnus, a hard hitting, pulsating track from !!!'s upcoming album Myth Takes out March 6.
Here piggy piggy...
Another day, another Nine Inch Nails track unleashed for our listening pleasure. Seriously Trent, it's too much. At this rate the entire album will be online and yours to enjoy by mid-March.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Old school funk for the true funk soldiers!
Please tell me I am not the only who remembers this song?!# Brotha employs a tuba for god sakes. A FRICKING TUBA!@# And it fits perfectly. Instant Vintage! Too much. Play on playa...play on...
When keeping it real goes wrong
The tall and thin stature, that singing voice, and of course the cloying R&B lyrics and vocals; Yes one would think this was a lost skit from the golden age of the Chapelle Show, but it is not. Y'all think this is a game? Unfortunately it's not.
Bite the hand that feeds you
More from Camp NIN [cause I can't get enough] courtesy of Trent over at Pink Is The New Blog:
A message from Trent [Reznor]:
This record began as an experiment with noise on a laptop in a bus on tour somewhere. That sound led to a daydream about the end of the world. That daydream stuck with me and over time revealed itself to be much more. I believe sometimes you have a choice in what inspiration you choose to follow and other times you really don't. This record is the latter. Once I tuned into it, everything fell into place... as if it were meant to be. With a framework established, the songs were very easy to write. Things started happening in my "real" life that blurred the lines of what was fiction and what wasn't. The record turned out to be more than a just a record in scale, as you will see over time.
Part one is year zero. Concept record. Sixteen tracks. All written and performed by me, produced / programmed by me and Atticus Ross, mixed by Alan Moulder, mastered by Brian "Big Bass" Gardner. Release date: April 17, 2007.
What's it about? Well, it takes place about fifteen years in the future. Things are not good. If you imagine a world where greed and power continue to run their likely course, you'll have an idea of the backdrop. The world has reached the breaking point - politically, spiritually and ecologically. Written from various perspectives of people in this world, "year zero" examines various viewpoints set against an impending moment of truth. How does it sound? You will hear for yourself soon enough, but given the point of this document is to provide information...
This record is much more of a "sound collage" than recent efforts from me.
A lot of it was improvised.
It is very tedious describing your own music.
It's not just music.
It's probably too long, but it felt like the right thing to do to paint the complete picture.
It will sound different after a few listens.
You can think about it and it will reveal more than you were expecting.
You can dance to a lot of it.
You can fuck to a lot of it (maybe all of it depending on what you're into).
A message from Trent [Reznor]:
This record began as an experiment with noise on a laptop in a bus on tour somewhere. That sound led to a daydream about the end of the world. That daydream stuck with me and over time revealed itself to be much more. I believe sometimes you have a choice in what inspiration you choose to follow and other times you really don't. This record is the latter. Once I tuned into it, everything fell into place... as if it were meant to be. With a framework established, the songs were very easy to write. Things started happening in my "real" life that blurred the lines of what was fiction and what wasn't. The record turned out to be more than a just a record in scale, as you will see over time.
Part one is year zero. Concept record. Sixteen tracks. All written and performed by me, produced / programmed by me and Atticus Ross, mixed by Alan Moulder, mastered by Brian "Big Bass" Gardner. Release date: April 17, 2007.
What's it about? Well, it takes place about fifteen years in the future. Things are not good. If you imagine a world where greed and power continue to run their likely course, you'll have an idea of the backdrop. The world has reached the breaking point - politically, spiritually and ecologically. Written from various perspectives of people in this world, "year zero" examines various viewpoints set against an impending moment of truth. How does it sound? You will hear for yourself soon enough, but given the point of this document is to provide information...
This record is much more of a "sound collage" than recent efforts from me.
A lot of it was improvised.
It is very tedious describing your own music.
It's not just music.
It's probably too long, but it felt like the right thing to do to paint the complete picture.
It will sound different after a few listens.
You can think about it and it will reveal more than you were expecting.
You can dance to a lot of it.
You can fuck to a lot of it (maybe all of it depending on what you're into).
Play that beat!
Believe me, I adore playing an old school hit like nobody's business, but sometimes there's nothing better than putting on one of your favorite long players, enjoying it for what it is: a tip-top, start to finish "headphone masterpiece".
This Texas outfit has always been smarter than the average band. Known to have many a trick up their sleeves, Spoon managed to craft an LP that is just as ambitious and sprawling as the one that came before it. [In this case, 2002's Kill The Moonlight] Gimme Fiction divides itself into two halves like a mixtape where Side A is focused on sweeping you up in its slower, melodic numbers [the guitar bursting at the seams narrative that is ‘The Beast and Dragon Adored’, and the nearly bare and simple instrumentation and vocal effects of ‘I Summon You.’]. Side B on the other hand is hell bent on getting you to shake that ass. [The foot stomping tambourine romp of ‘Sister Jack’, the ‘Maneater’ bounce of ‘They Never Got You’, and the pinnacle of it all, ‘I Turn My Camera On,’ a booty shaking, falsetto rocking exercise in the 1, 2 step executed in a manner that would make Mick Jagger and Co. proud. (and another addition to the list of singles of the year for 2005)] When both sides of the tape are brought together and formed to make up the tracklist that is ‘Gimme Fiction’, all one can do is get down to the rhythm and marvel at the musical narratives crafted by Britt Daniel and Co.
Key Tracks: The Beast and Dragon Adored, I Turn My Camera On, They Never Got You
This Texas outfit has always been smarter than the average band. Known to have many a trick up their sleeves, Spoon managed to craft an LP that is just as ambitious and sprawling as the one that came before it. [In this case, 2002's Kill The Moonlight] Gimme Fiction divides itself into two halves like a mixtape where Side A is focused on sweeping you up in its slower, melodic numbers [the guitar bursting at the seams narrative that is ‘The Beast and Dragon Adored’, and the nearly bare and simple instrumentation and vocal effects of ‘I Summon You.’]. Side B on the other hand is hell bent on getting you to shake that ass. [The foot stomping tambourine romp of ‘Sister Jack’, the ‘Maneater’ bounce of ‘They Never Got You’, and the pinnacle of it all, ‘I Turn My Camera On,’ a booty shaking, falsetto rocking exercise in the 1, 2 step executed in a manner that would make Mick Jagger and Co. proud. (and another addition to the list of singles of the year for 2005)] When both sides of the tape are brought together and formed to make up the tracklist that is ‘Gimme Fiction’, all one can do is get down to the rhythm and marvel at the musical narratives crafted by Britt Daniel and Co.
Key Tracks: The Beast and Dragon Adored, I Turn My Camera On, They Never Got You
Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me?
I say shit GODDAMN (!)Zoe Kravitz is hot son!
That is all. Nothing more, nothing less...
OH NO THEY DIDN'T: Zoe Kravitz (spawn of Lenny Kravitz & Lisa Bonet) does Elle
That is all. Nothing more, nothing less...
Bite the hand that feeds you
If you don't know, now you know
Reason #1,243,367 why Gnarls Barkley's Crazy is an all encompassing classic:
Before the Grammy's my g-ma had never heard Gnarls Barkley's jam for the ages. A day or two afterwards I played it in the background, prompting her to remark in typical grandma fashion, 'boy he sang that heck out of that song last night...with his fat self...'
Cut to today. Bumping that St. Elsewhere for all the house to hear. Who walks by singing the chorus at the top of her lungs? Bigmama. So big ups Cee-Lo and Mr. Danger. Even 70+ year old grandmothers from Arkansas can't resist the Motown doo-wop charm of Crazy.
Before the Grammy's my g-ma had never heard Gnarls Barkley's jam for the ages. A day or two afterwards I played it in the background, prompting her to remark in typical grandma fashion, 'boy he sang that heck out of that song last night...with his fat self...'
Cut to today. Bumping that St. Elsewhere for all the house to hear. Who walks by singing the chorus at the top of her lungs? Bigmama. So big ups Cee-Lo and Mr. Danger. Even 70+ year old grandmothers from Arkansas can't resist the Motown doo-wop charm of Crazy.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Play that beat!
Believe me, I adore playing an old school hit like nobody's business, but sometimes there's nothing better than putting on one of your favorite long players, enjoying it for what it is: a tip-top, start to finish "headphone masterpiece".
Being a music snob sucks. You find yourself discrediting music just because it is recommended 1000 time over by critics, magazines, and cooler than thou music sites. Or you knock something because it is overplayed on the radio or MTV. Or worst of all, you knock something based solely on image or because you just know you wouldn’t enjoy it. Now I hate to think of myself as a music snob, but each year I stumble onto a disc I would have normally discarded and end up falling in love with it. [You see where I am going with this right?] Devendra, Devendra, Devendra, oh where do I begin. You see I immediately labeled you as some odd folk hippie that made nothing but weird experimental music that somehow got pegged as being music. Yes I did this without ever listening to even one piece of your music, but after hearing and falling in love with this I am quick to admit my faults. Cripple Crow is hands down, without a doubt, one of the most gorgeous and beautiful albums I have ever heard; a throwback to the stirring and epic folk period of the 70's, complete with anti-war diddies [‘I Feel Just Like A Child’ and the choir assisted stillness of ‘Heard Somebody Say’] and a little help from friends [among them Andy Cabic of Vetiver and the free-folk band Feathers]. At 22 tracks the disc may be a little long, but it is wonderfully eclectic for a folk album, with songs sung in Spanish, (Banhart’s native tongue) [the marimba assisted waltz of ‘Santa Maria De Feira’ and the slow moving ‘Inaniel.’]and English, covering topics as odd and eccentric as seeing little boys he wants to marry [the part tavern based blues, parts Fats Domino ‘Little Boys’], how much he loves and will always produce Chinese children [the quirky and offbeat vibe of ‘Chinese Children’], and of course, as mentioned previously, songs pleading for love, not war [‘Heard Somebody Say, and the gorgeous six minute title track.]. Devendra I’m sorry I ever doubted your talent. I won’t let it happen again.
Key Tracks: Heard Somebody Say, Cripple Crow, Hey Mama Wolf
Being a music snob sucks. You find yourself discrediting music just because it is recommended 1000 time over by critics, magazines, and cooler than thou music sites. Or you knock something because it is overplayed on the radio or MTV. Or worst of all, you knock something based solely on image or because you just know you wouldn’t enjoy it. Now I hate to think of myself as a music snob, but each year I stumble onto a disc I would have normally discarded and end up falling in love with it. [You see where I am going with this right?] Devendra, Devendra, Devendra, oh where do I begin. You see I immediately labeled you as some odd folk hippie that made nothing but weird experimental music that somehow got pegged as being music. Yes I did this without ever listening to even one piece of your music, but after hearing and falling in love with this I am quick to admit my faults. Cripple Crow is hands down, without a doubt, one of the most gorgeous and beautiful albums I have ever heard; a throwback to the stirring and epic folk period of the 70's, complete with anti-war diddies [‘I Feel Just Like A Child’ and the choir assisted stillness of ‘Heard Somebody Say’] and a little help from friends [among them Andy Cabic of Vetiver and the free-folk band Feathers]. At 22 tracks the disc may be a little long, but it is wonderfully eclectic for a folk album, with songs sung in Spanish, (Banhart’s native tongue) [the marimba assisted waltz of ‘Santa Maria De Feira’ and the slow moving ‘Inaniel.’]and English, covering topics as odd and eccentric as seeing little boys he wants to marry [the part tavern based blues, parts Fats Domino ‘Little Boys’], how much he loves and will always produce Chinese children [the quirky and offbeat vibe of ‘Chinese Children’], and of course, as mentioned previously, songs pleading for love, not war [‘Heard Somebody Say, and the gorgeous six minute title track.]. Devendra I’m sorry I ever doubted your talent. I won’t let it happen again.
Key Tracks: Heard Somebody Say, Cripple Crow, Hey Mama Wolf
New flava in ya ear!
The little bands that could are coming out in full force for the two OO7. The Shins, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, Bloc Party, and Arcade Fire just to name a few. And let's not forget about one of my new favorite bands [since
California love?
This is pretty vague, but exciting nonetheless. Brotha man would have so much to talk about. I'm talking double album's worth of material.
NME: California next Sufjan Stevens 'state' album?
I don't see nothing wrong
Say what you will about Kels, but the man sure can craft a hot single [not to mention hook. And when he sits down and puts his mind to it, album (See Chocolate Factory)]. Add a few stellar bars from the always reliable T.I. and a well done turn from T-Pain, and what you got on your hands is another slow grooving sing along banger from the pied piper. Big Ups to Idolator for getting the goods to the people.
[I be saying] NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
When you be saying yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
It should be no secret by now, but I don't listen to the radio. I listen to a lot of music, but I don't listen to the radio. The only time I listen to the radio is as a passenger in someone's car, when I am sans IPod or CD's aren't being spun.
When in these situations, three things occur 1) I recognize a song and sing at the top of my lungs cause that's my jam, 2)I don't know the song but listen up cause I wish I did, or 3)I don't know the song and I am glad that I don't. Worst case scenario: I don't know the song, I don't like it, those around me don't know it either, but it stays on just because OR I don't know the song, I don't like it, those around me do, and it stays on while I suffer in the passenger or backseat.
Before I go on let me just preface the rest of this by saying I don't hate reggaeton, it's just that when it blew up "big willie style" a few years back, I just happened to be a student on a small New England college campus. No matter where you went, if a social gathering was going down, the sdtrk, more often than not, included all the popular tunes of the day, meaning you were going to get some Reggaeton thrown into the mix every three or four songs. One time during senior year, my peers and I traveled to an off campus house on the water where some of our good friends resided. As is the case with many a gathering these days, a good friend of ours pulled out his iPod Nano and put it on shuffle, giving the party a little more umph. His iPod might as well been labeled the special edition Reggaeton iPod, cause after a few nostalgic Mariah Carey hits [always a crowd pleaser amongst those in my age group]and R&B hits of the day we partygoers got hit with one reggaeton song after another. [Not that this bothered anyone of course]
As I rode in my boy's car last weekend, I was reminded of the reggaeton rush that swept across my college campus when the song presented below came on. As those in front sang along, and bobbed their heads, all I could do was sit in the backseat and resist the urge to follow Pitbull's instructions or pretend like this is a song worth caring about.
Okay, so I do like the beat. And if intoxicated on a dancefloor I probably would give in to the rhythm. GODDAMN IT REGGAETON!
It should be no secret by now, but I don't listen to the radio. I listen to a lot of music, but I don't listen to the radio. The only time I listen to the radio is as a passenger in someone's car, when I am sans IPod or CD's aren't being spun.
When in these situations, three things occur 1) I recognize a song and sing at the top of my lungs cause that's my jam, 2)I don't know the song but listen up cause I wish I did, or 3)I don't know the song and I am glad that I don't. Worst case scenario: I don't know the song, I don't like it, those around me don't know it either, but it stays on just because OR I don't know the song, I don't like it, those around me do, and it stays on while I suffer in the passenger or backseat.
Before I go on let me just preface the rest of this by saying I don't hate reggaeton, it's just that when it blew up "big willie style" a few years back, I just happened to be a student on a small New England college campus. No matter where you went, if a social gathering was going down, the sdtrk, more often than not, included all the popular tunes of the day, meaning you were going to get some Reggaeton thrown into the mix every three or four songs. One time during senior year, my peers and I traveled to an off campus house on the water where some of our good friends resided. As is the case with many a gathering these days, a good friend of ours pulled out his iPod Nano and put it on shuffle, giving the party a little more umph. His iPod might as well been labeled the special edition Reggaeton iPod, cause after a few nostalgic Mariah Carey hits [always a crowd pleaser amongst those in my age group]and R&B hits of the day we partygoers got hit with one reggaeton song after another. [Not that this bothered anyone of course]
As I rode in my boy's car last weekend, I was reminded of the reggaeton rush that swept across my college campus when the song presented below came on. As those in front sang along, and bobbed their heads, all I could do was sit in the backseat and resist the urge to follow Pitbull's instructions or pretend like this is a song worth caring about.
Okay, so I do like the beat. And if intoxicated on a dancefloor I probably would give in to the rhythm. GODDAMN IT REGGAETON!
People of the World!
Prepare to spice up your life?
Look I could sit here and pretend like I spent my childhood shooting hoops, playing football in the street, and listening to 2Pac [which, by the way I did quite often]. But I also stayed in a lot listening to pop music [as I still do]and loved me some Spice Girls. I don't know why, I just did. That is why I have to post this headline of the day:
THIS IS LONDON: Spice Girls to reunite (?)
Look I could sit here and pretend like I spent my childhood shooting hoops, playing football in the street, and listening to 2Pac [which, by the way I did quite often]. But I also stayed in a lot listening to pop music [as I still do]and loved me some Spice Girls. I don't know why, I just did. That is why I have to post this headline of the day:
Quote of the Day!
Paris Hilton is headed to Africa sometime in the near future.
"[There are]A lot of people who need help. As a celebrity, you can really make people aware of what's going on in the world..."
Alright P-Rocka. But you sure you don't want to tour the inner cities of America first and lend a helping hand? Or are you still worried about that whole getting caught on tape using the n-word thing?
Thursday, February 15, 2007
STAND UP!
I still can't put my finger on why, for the longest time, I thought Pete Wentz was the lead singer of Fall Out Boy. It's not like he stands out in photos or anything.
F.O.B. on the cover of Spin magazine's March 2007 issue.
F.O.B. on the cover of Spin magazine's March 2007 issue.
Y'all think this is a game?
Round Two.
Rememberthis?
Well now we have Camron's response, presented below. Happy Black History Month y'all!:
A few notes:
1.Why is Camron riding that car likes it's a surfboard? Is that the new rolling on dubs?
2.Is he rapping in a stairwell?
3.Why is there an intermission featuring a curse-filled rant masquerading as a Public Service Announcement?
4.Is it just me or do all the people shouting Curtis sound like they are shouting for him to come inside for supper?
5.Did I just see 50 Cent on the witness stand in blackface?
6.There are no words for the guy near the end in front of the Apollo theatre wearing Eddie Murphy's jacket from Raw.
7.And finally: Did the video end in a fish market?
Remember
Well now we have Camron's response, presented below. Happy Black History Month y'all!:
A few notes:
1.Why is Camron riding that car likes it's a surfboard? Is that the new rolling on dubs?
2.Is he rapping in a stairwell?
3.Why is there an intermission featuring a curse-filled rant masquerading as a Public Service Announcement?
4.Is it just me or do all the people shouting Curtis sound like they are shouting for him to come inside for supper?
5.Did I just see 50 Cent on the witness stand in blackface?
6.There are no words for the guy near the end in front of the Apollo theatre wearing Eddie Murphy's jacket from Raw.
7.And finally: Did the video end in a fish market?
New York, New York big city of dreams...
This just in. "MTV is searching for the next "Laguna Beach" - in Brooklyn." Up next, Silverlake or Echo Park. Stay tuned...
Didn't they do something like this
For Your Consideration
The time has come for the Fox News Channel to get their funny on, except this time it's intentional. From Entertainment Weekly's Pop Watch Blog:
"This Sunday at 10 p.m., Fox News Channel will debut The Half-Hour News Hour, a Daily Show-esque satire from 24's executive producer Joel Surnow, whose recent profile in The New Yorker covered in depth Surnow's conservative-leaning politics. So as you watch the following clip, keep in mind that Surnow has said The Half-Hour News Hour 'would play more to the Fox News audience than the Michael Moore channel.'"
Tuning in?
POPWATCH: First Look: 'The Half-Hour News Hour'
"This Sunday at 10 p.m., Fox News Channel will debut The Half-Hour News Hour, a Daily Show-esque satire from 24's executive producer Joel Surnow, whose recent profile in The New Yorker covered in depth Surnow's conservative-leaning politics. So as you watch the following clip, keep in mind that Surnow has said The Half-Hour News Hour 'would play more to the Fox News audience than the Michael Moore channel.'"
Tuning in?
A New Sensation
Wednesday nights at eight equals one thing: No American Idol til nine. This left me with an hour to fill for my viewing pleasure. I decided to go with NBC and caught a full episode of Friday Night Lights and I am glad that I did. I get the feeling that this show houses all the drama, grit, and southern charm that MTV tries to pin down on their FNL like show Two A Days. Last night's episode dealt with Football and racism, and I more than anyone has had his fair share of Remember the Titans/Radio style flicks, but all the drama, dialogue, and family confrontations were portrayed in such a convincing manner that the topic seemed fresh again and worth discussing. I can't believe I've been giving Studio 60 a chance and completely sleeping on this. A slice of life in Texas hasn't been this delicious since the creation of King of the Hill. Do yourself a favor and tune in. You won't be dissapointed.
Youmustnotknowboutme!
As she pulled out the Black AmEx card to pay for this, I can imagine Mariah Carey reciting the following song lyrics: Jigga I don't like it if it don't gleam clean/And to hell with the price cause the money ain't a thang...
What Would Tyler Durden Do reports on what happened when Mariah Carey was asked to fly coach while filiming the movie Tennessee:
"This movie is being made "on a shoestring," so Mariah was asked to fly down to location in economy class. Those who knew her just about fainted, saying, "She'll never do that!" Mariah had the last laugh. She did it. She bought out every seat in economy and flew alone in the economy cabin."
It seems the modest looking All-American girl to your left don't get down like that with the common folk. But I must applaud her attempts at being frugal. That shit is hard knowhwhatimean.
Now why you wanna go and do that huh?
Kelly Rowland musters up the strength to confront H.N.I.C. Matthew Knowles
Crunk + Disorderly reports:
"Kelly's is once again being pushed back but this time to make room for the re-release of Solange's “Solo Star” which is due to hit stores in April. Some speculated that a new single and album would be imminent after Columbia posted a link to a single on their site but the link is now gone as is any official date as to when Kelly’s album may actually be coming out."
Goddamn it Matthew! That's cold game son. Raise your hand if you are sitting on the edge of your seat anxiously anticipating that new reissue of that old Solange disc? Anybody? No? That's messed up son. Kelly helped your oldest daughter push weight from the get go. That ain't no way to treat the hired help.
OH SHIT!...OH SHIT!
This is bound to piss off a lot of middle class adults who finally found a band they could enjoy with their kids. Idolator reports:
From the second paragraph of a press release for Chris Cornell's new album:
"Cornell is permanently departing super-group Audioslave stating, "Due to irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences, I am permanently leaving the band Audioslave. I wish the other three members nothing but the best in all of their future endeavors."
Well, I guess it was fun while it lasted. Maybe Rage Against the Machine is back in full effect? Stay tuned...
DJ CLUE...NEW OK GO...DO WHAT YOU WANT!!
At Sunday night's Grammy Awards OK GO took home the award for best music video. Not too bad for a band that for some had peaked a few years ago with their debut single Get Over It. But not so fast. Something funny happened on OK GO's way to one hit wonder obscurity: the boys got creative and marketing savvy; making sure interest was garnered for their cohesive and well played sophomore disc Oh No. Choreographed dances in a backyard, choreographed dance on treadmills, and now, the boys take a joke from Garden State and run with it. See for youself below.
PITCHFORK: VIDEO: OK GO: "Do What You Want"
Wamp Wamp What it do!
Remember Silverchair? You know, that band with the frog on their album cover?
Wow, they sure look different.
Well just in case you are curious, Silverchair is still kicking. Here's an update on what's going on with your former favorite Aussie band from back in the day.
LOS ANGELES TIMES:Just give Silverchair time to grow/The Australian band is maturing into new sounds. Are you listening?
Wow, they sure look different.
Well just in case you are curious, Silverchair is still kicking. Here's an update on what's going on with your former favorite Aussie band from back in the day.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Quote of the Day!
Paula Abdul tells Us Weekly:
"I've never been drunk. I have never done recreational drugs. Just look at my 20-year career. Tell me someone who is into partying and or doing drugs that could have done that. There have been 100 million lies about me. I'm squeaky clean. I've worked my ass off my entire life. (But) being involved in the show causes people to question everything."
Riiight. Once again, one of the main reasons why I watch American Idol is just to keep tabs on Paula's "flights of crazy." You should do it too! It's quite fun.
"I've never been drunk. I have never done recreational drugs. Just look at my 20-year career. Tell me someone who is into partying and or doing drugs that could have done that. There have been 100 million lies about me. I'm squeaky clean. I've worked my ass off my entire life. (But) being involved in the show causes people to question everything."
Riiight. Once again, one of the main reasons why I watch American Idol is just to keep tabs on Paula's "flights of crazy." You should do it too! It's quite fun.
For Your Consideration
Christina Aguilera USO Star Extraordinaire. Candyman.
Doesn't it sometimes seem like Christina has forgotten what decade it is? This song is pretty entertaining. I will give her that.
Spotted atHollywood Rag.
Doesn't it sometimes seem like Christina has forgotten what decade it is? This song is pretty entertaining. I will give her that.
Spotted at
I don't mean to brag, I don't mean to boast...
Lord have mercy. The folks at
"The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Kanye West's mother Dr. Donda West, will release a book about her son, entitled Raising Kanye, on Mother's Day...The book will tell Dr. West's story as a single mother and detail her struggles raising her would-be famous child in the African American community."
Great, just what we needed. Coming Soon: A Very Special epsiode of Roc, in book form.
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