Thursday, March 30, 2006
Radio Refreshments #1.
Superdrag - Sucked Out (rapidshare linkneedwebspacesoonholycrap)
Puttin' you all on to something new in an effort to reach out for yet another weekly segment. Every Thursday, I will post a track I first heard from the radio, way back in the day of my depressingly memorable youth. Most of these tracks will be modern rock fodder. Then again, I wouldn't have downloaded them in the first place if they didn't offer some sort of catchy hook to make up for a dated sound.
And so for our introduction, we focus on Knoxville, Tennessee's Superdrag, an excellent power pop outfit who never really had a hit, but thanks to MTV they had a nice run with this song on the actually-relevent-at-one-point "Buzzworthy" playlist. They took that buzz and went on an extensive tour that seemed to do them some good, but how many ways can you unsuccessfully squeeze an orange? Marketing problems maybe? Duh. It was Elektra Records/Entertaiment or whatever for crissakes. THEY DON'T EVEN EXIST ANYMORE. They're an enigma of the music industry and I don't think I've seen their name on a CD in at least four years.
Enough of that tirade. I remember seeing the video for the first time and loving it. But as it happens to be the case, it was the second medium to which I had been exposed to Superdrag. I first heard "Sucked Out" sometime earlier that year on this ridiculously thin formatted station called WRRV based out of Middletown, NY (home to the guy who made this album; is it any surprise now?). It's not the same format anymore; it used to be all about alternative rock and boy did it get old after a few years. Try listening to a station celebrating bands who celebrate the 90's sound when its near end of the 20th century. You know the deal. I caught on quickly and that might be why I found myself getting into hip-hop a lot more than ever before.
Thank god for catchy numbers like "Sucked Out" to bring me back to middle school without making me think about middle school. Definitely taking a page from Weezer's handbook, sprinkling in a bit of Bad Religion (slower tempo though, I suppose, but harmony construction still in tact), and offering a good yang to their then counterpart Nada Surf's extreme ying.
[sidenote: The album believe it or not was recorded in my hometown too. Not bad for a connection, eh?]
Superdrag released another album after Regretfully Yours, called Head Trip in Every Key in 1998. When I can remember, I will most defintely post "Do The Vampire", the only song I think I might have heard from that album. I liked it enough, anyway.
Enjoy! Tomorrow we take it back for another edition of Throwback Friday. Until then...
Cheers,
~*E*~
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
The world crashes into my living room...
Time to rumble.All those years in college of watching next to no television whatsoever have been made up for within the past year since graduating. Having cable is a great thing. And of course, if you know me well, this upcoming weekend is going to be a big weekend.
1. Final Four!
Obviously. My boy Chris is a sophomore at George Mason and I've been quietly rooting for them since their inception into the second round. I admit though, I definitely didn't think they were gonna make it this far, but fuck it you know what? Right on, I say. Even if they don't win against Florida (who really are picking up the pace here, especially with Joakim Noah being an absolute beast on the floor), I'd bet that this won't be the last time they make a playoff appearance. They're just that good. Look at Arizona some ten years ago. Anything can happen.
Meanwhile, I hope LSU beats UCLA merely because seeing either an LSU-GMU or LSU-Florida Final would be such a fuckin' great game. But what do I know. Usually I'm totally off, regarding these kinds of things. On the other hand though, who hasn't been this time around. Seems like everyone's brackets are fucked up for good now, right?
Anyway. Both games are on Saturday on CBS. George Mason and Florida at 6 pm EST, and UCLA and LSU at 8:45 pm EST.
2. Wonder Showzen Season 2 Premiere!
You might notice my user profile image and my buddy icon on AIM--- both characters from this amazing show I saw for the first time last year at the infamous 32-04 (all IC kids know the deal) while under the influence of something fiercly elevating. You might have also noticed how I put a link on the side of this page for some time, of some shoddy YTMND creation paying homage to the segment "Animal Dance." I have abstained from talking about Wonder Showzen a lot though in my entries just cause, and its paid off until now. Friday at 9:30 pm EST on MTV2. Allow me to offer a promo commercial that's been airing for a minute now and is currently still fucking with my head.
If writing about it doesn't make my preparation any more apparent, get this: the Season 1 DVD came out yesterday and I just picked it up. All 8 episodes, plus a modest dose of extras: guest commentary, a segment featuring Flava Flav, plus auditions and outtakes. It's ALL MINE. I'm officially pumped for the return of my favorite show of the moment.
3. Degrassi: The New Generation marathon!
Okay, this one doesn't really count, but next week, new episodes commence on The N with the season premiere on Friday the 7th. It's this weekend though, every night from Friday to Sunday between 6 pm and 6 am, that a bootyload of past episodes will air. Some of which I never saw, mainly from the last season though.
I will be the only one I know watching it. High five.
Cheers,
~*E*~
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
All stars cross at Fishscale.
Fried fish, kiiid.Ghostface Killah w/ Trife - Clipse of Doom (yousendit link)
In honor of the U.S. release of this album today, I have put up a YSI of probably the only track someone else in the blog universe isn't posting today. Ghost and Trife trade bar for bar on an MF DOOM produced banger. This one might just grow on me.
The album is pretty much straight fire, can't front. We'll just have to see how it stands the test of time, and if it really is better than either of his first two albums.
I'm not convinced yet. But then again, it's only two full listens in.
By the way, it's a YSI because I want you all to buy this album if you haven't yet. Ghostdini deserves a platinum rekkid!
Cheers,
~*E*~
Friday, March 24, 2006
Throwback Friday #11.
"I wish I were a member of the firing squad...le sigh..."Now is the time of the year when this weekly custom gets me all excited more so than other weeks; for the sheer reason that, of course, this week will so far be the best one yet. This week on Throwback Friday, we get to witness the marriage of an irresistible jazz ditty from France and a hardcore rap classic straight outta Brooklyn.
Those who had me as a friend on myspace since the beginning just about, I used to have a song on my page. You may remember it, but if not, fear not, because I'm about to put you up on what you missed.
Michel Legrand - Sweet Gingerbread Man (rapidshare link)
Legrand, the Academy Award winning bandleader/producer who was down with Miles and Quincy and hasn't stopped making music since the fifties, wrote this back in 1970 for the film The Magic Garden of Stanley Sweetheart, which incidentally stars a very young Don Johnson as the lead role (first movie he was was ever in, actually). I think I wanna see it.
About the soundtrack....heh, well, this track is on the same album as War's "Magic Mountain". I'd say that's already pretty nifty. A live version is also available on 1976's The Concert Legrand. This song makes me wanna come up with my own dance to it. My own special whiiiiite persoooooon dance.
One of the very few songs I can hear over and over and over again, and never get tired of. DJ Premier probably felt the same way too when he looped a sample from it and constructed arguably his most impressive beat ever, at least for Brownsville's own Mash Out Posse.
M.O.P. - Breakin' The Rules (rapidshare link)
Did I ever drop any hints to any of you that I've basically become a fan of M.O.P. only within the last year or so? It started technically around "Ante Up", "Cold As Ice", and that X-Ecutioners jump-off "Let It Bang", all around my freshman year of college. But then through the continuation of appreciation for their sound and a newfound respect after seeing how well they can cantrol a live crowd (thus the reason why they don't tour, regardless of a 50 Cent blockade or not) and get everyone hype as fuck, I have officially become completely enthralled with their music.
London has their grime and garage. New York has Billy and Fame. Our city doesn't need a whole genre to hype us up, all you need to do at New York show is play "How About Some Hardcore" over a loudspeaker and the venue could be shaken apart if you're in the right place at the right time of night.
And so this song is yet another perfect M.O.P. anthem, a 21 gun salute like any other if you will, leaving all other carbon copy rap duos trailing behind. What M.O.P. may lack in capability to stray away from sheer raw lycial abrasiveness, they make up for by delivering it all over ill production, thankfully supplied for the most part by Primo over their twelve years in the game. This song is no exception, and serves as the opening track of their 1998 album First Family 4 Life. Who woulda thought a group like them would fall into the G-Unit web of misplaced thuggery.
That being said, what a tangled web 50 weaves for himself. Primo is making Nas's new album. 50 is putting out M.O.P.'s new album. AZ dissed 50. M.O.P. disses AZ. Rap is outta control as my man Mindbender once...no, constantly put it.
Maybe I should get up away from the computer now. I think I've written enough. Expect a much more consistent schedule now (I actually didn't quite make it home last night but that was a rare instance). I have more music to share, oh so much music to share. I need something else to talk about, clearly.
Cheers,
~*E*~
Those who had me as a friend on myspace since the beginning just about, I used to have a song on my page. You may remember it, but if not, fear not, because I'm about to put you up on what you missed.
Michel Legrand - Sweet Gingerbread Man (rapidshare link)
Legrand, the Academy Award winning bandleader/producer who was down with Miles and Quincy and hasn't stopped making music since the fifties, wrote this back in 1970 for the film The Magic Garden of Stanley Sweetheart, which incidentally stars a very young Don Johnson as the lead role (first movie he was was ever in, actually). I think I wanna see it.
About the soundtrack....heh, well, this track is on the same album as War's "Magic Mountain". I'd say that's already pretty nifty. A live version is also available on 1976's The Concert Legrand. This song makes me wanna come up with my own dance to it. My own special whiiiiite persoooooon dance.
One of the very few songs I can hear over and over and over again, and never get tired of. DJ Premier probably felt the same way too when he looped a sample from it and constructed arguably his most impressive beat ever, at least for Brownsville's own Mash Out Posse.
M.O.P. - Breakin' The Rules (rapidshare link)
Did I ever drop any hints to any of you that I've basically become a fan of M.O.P. only within the last year or so? It started technically around "Ante Up", "Cold As Ice", and that X-Ecutioners jump-off "Let It Bang", all around my freshman year of college. But then through the continuation of appreciation for their sound and a newfound respect after seeing how well they can cantrol a live crowd (thus the reason why they don't tour, regardless of a 50 Cent blockade or not) and get everyone hype as fuck, I have officially become completely enthralled with their music.
London has their grime and garage. New York has Billy and Fame. Our city doesn't need a whole genre to hype us up, all you need to do at New York show is play "How About Some Hardcore" over a loudspeaker and the venue could be shaken apart if you're in the right place at the right time of night.
And so this song is yet another perfect M.O.P. anthem, a 21 gun salute like any other if you will, leaving all other carbon copy rap duos trailing behind. What M.O.P. may lack in capability to stray away from sheer raw lycial abrasiveness, they make up for by delivering it all over ill production, thankfully supplied for the most part by Primo over their twelve years in the game. This song is no exception, and serves as the opening track of their 1998 album First Family 4 Life. Who woulda thought a group like them would fall into the G-Unit web of misplaced thuggery.
That being said, what a tangled web 50 weaves for himself. Primo is making Nas's new album. 50 is putting out M.O.P.'s new album. AZ dissed 50. M.O.P. disses AZ. Rap is outta control as my man Mindbender once...no, constantly put it.
Maybe I should get up away from the computer now. I think I've written enough. Expect a much more consistent schedule now (I actually didn't quite make it home last night but that was a rare instance). I have more music to share, oh so much music to share. I need something else to talk about, clearly.
Cheers,
~*E*~
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
No groin disposition, but almost a panic attack.
Temping some more for the remainder of the week and then next week I start a new job. So something at least is surfacing but don't worry! I'll be sure to leave the bitching to myself, and save you my audience the trouble of hanging on to my every last word of weekly struggle.
Oh, right. A song. This one's for Kim.
Gore Gore Girls - I'm Gonna Get You Yet (rapidshare link)
You'd think it was recorded in the 80's or something, but this is straight outta White Stripes land, Detroit. Before "garage rock revival" was on a national level.
I gotta do some laundry. Enjoy this in the meantime. I'll be back tomorrow with something witty and insightful. Here's to hoping, anyway.
Cheers,
~*E*~
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Headphone masterpieces #7.
Because of lack of time, I'm gonna give the track for the day and be out.
Chet Baker - I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You (rapidshare link)
Chet Baker has a voice that rocks me to sleep, might I stress that in the best way possible. Songs like this put me in a fuckin' lethargic mood like none other. This song in particular though is essential with headphones, especially due to its delicate and quiet mood.
Play this on a rainy day.
Which reminds me...springtime is right around the corner!
Cheers,
~*E*~
Friday, March 17, 2006
Throwback Friday #10.
Don't be a stranger now.First of all, Rest In Peace. Just when I was finally starting to get into their catalog too. X was dope. Yet another timeless artist to pass on.
I had such a great entry planned, I didn't wanna get off track. I think I'll post a track tomorrow.
For today's Throwback, one of the greatest TV theme songs ever.
David Pomeranz - Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now (rapidshare link)
I just played this for my roommate just now. Even after all the years of not hearing it, she completely remembered all the words. After all, this is one of those opening numbers you never forget. Pretty much all the shows in the old TGIF line-up follow this code. But only this one speaks directly to the starving artists of the world. Let's dissect.
Sometimes the world looks perfect. Nothing to rearrange. Sometimes you get a feeling, like you need some kind of change. No matter what the odds are this time, nothing's going to stand in my way! This flame in my heart, and a long lost friend, gives every dark street a light at the end.
Standing tall, on the wings of my dream. Rise and fall, on the wings of my dream.
The rain and thunder! The wind and haze! I'm bound for better days. It's MY life and MY dream. Nothing's going to stop me now.
How grand of a message! Did you know David Pomeranz has done several other notable projects aside from Perfect Strangers? Check out his website so I can stop talking about him.
Now, you might be wondering to yourself who would have the insanity to flip a sample outta this song. Well, good news. I have two songs for you. One is a parody, and one is a....novelty, we'll say.
First, the novelty.
Rappers Anonymous Posse - The Stranger (TGIF) (direct link! OMG)
These guys entertain the fuck out of me. Honestly, take my word for it when I say these guys are pure hilarity and not embarassing. If you don't get it, look here at the top of the page, and check out some more of their songs. It takes some time to appreciate.
And now, the parody.
Isaac Jones feat. Kev Brown - Perfect Strangers (rapidshare link)
Now the thing is that I can't find any information about this track. But I assure you the basics are in tact. Incidentally, I've had this track in my posession for precisely a year. I really wish I had more details. But I'll do my best...
Basically, from what I recall, this track was meant to be a Dipset parody. And how about that, it ends up accomplishing its thesis quite masterfully. Although not in the vein of the Dipset we know at the moment, this brings us back to the early years, circa early "aughts" as they are apparently called, where they created a much more benevolent sound. But still ridiculous nonetheless.
I mean, let's be serious. We're talking about the same crew who sampled "We Built This City". That's enough reason to see how Kev could tap into another epic number for inspiration on mirroring that aesthetic. I just wish I knew when this was made. Keep an ear out for a bunch of quotables from Kev. My favorite is when he recites a section of the alphabet.
If you're not familiar with the Low Budget Crew, Kev's crew out of the D.C.-Maryland area, which has since expanded, school yourself, fool! Ken Starr, Oddisee, and plenty others round out the group of talented artists. Don't sleep.
Oh, before I go celebrate in lieu of the St. Patty's Day madness, gotta give a shout to my long time friend Ryan Reich (check his photomontages when you get a chance---on the side). He turned 22 today. Because of this, I must give him the proper respect: another edition of The Most Compressed Birthday Presents Ever. And since Ryan is a huge Soul Coughing fan like myself, I'm gonna post an excellent live version of "Mr. Bitterness".
Soul Coughing - Mr. Bitterness (live) (rapidshare link)
Happy birthday, Ryan!
Alright, enough of this writing shit. RIP once again to Professor X.
Cheers,
~*E*~
I had such a great entry planned, I didn't wanna get off track. I think I'll post a track tomorrow.
For today's Throwback, one of the greatest TV theme songs ever.
David Pomeranz - Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now (rapidshare link)
I just played this for my roommate just now. Even after all the years of not hearing it, she completely remembered all the words. After all, this is one of those opening numbers you never forget. Pretty much all the shows in the old TGIF line-up follow this code. But only this one speaks directly to the starving artists of the world. Let's dissect.
Sometimes the world looks perfect. Nothing to rearrange. Sometimes you get a feeling, like you need some kind of change. No matter what the odds are this time, nothing's going to stand in my way! This flame in my heart, and a long lost friend, gives every dark street a light at the end.
Standing tall, on the wings of my dream. Rise and fall, on the wings of my dream.
The rain and thunder! The wind and haze! I'm bound for better days. It's MY life and MY dream. Nothing's going to stop me now.
How grand of a message! Did you know David Pomeranz has done several other notable projects aside from Perfect Strangers? Check out his website so I can stop talking about him.
Now, you might be wondering to yourself who would have the insanity to flip a sample outta this song. Well, good news. I have two songs for you. One is a parody, and one is a....novelty, we'll say.
First, the novelty.
Rappers Anonymous Posse - The Stranger (TGIF) (direct link! OMG)
These guys entertain the fuck out of me. Honestly, take my word for it when I say these guys are pure hilarity and not embarassing. If you don't get it, look here at the top of the page, and check out some more of their songs. It takes some time to appreciate.
And now, the parody.
Isaac Jones feat. Kev Brown - Perfect Strangers (rapidshare link)
Now the thing is that I can't find any information about this track. But I assure you the basics are in tact. Incidentally, I've had this track in my posession for precisely a year. I really wish I had more details. But I'll do my best...
Basically, from what I recall, this track was meant to be a Dipset parody. And how about that, it ends up accomplishing its thesis quite masterfully. Although not in the vein of the Dipset we know at the moment, this brings us back to the early years, circa early "aughts" as they are apparently called, where they created a much more benevolent sound. But still ridiculous nonetheless.
I mean, let's be serious. We're talking about the same crew who sampled "We Built This City". That's enough reason to see how Kev could tap into another epic number for inspiration on mirroring that aesthetic. I just wish I knew when this was made. Keep an ear out for a bunch of quotables from Kev. My favorite is when he recites a section of the alphabet.
If you're not familiar with the Low Budget Crew, Kev's crew out of the D.C.-Maryland area, which has since expanded, school yourself, fool! Ken Starr, Oddisee, and plenty others round out the group of talented artists. Don't sleep.
Oh, before I go celebrate in lieu of the St. Patty's Day madness, gotta give a shout to my long time friend Ryan Reich (check his photomontages when you get a chance---on the side). He turned 22 today. Because of this, I must give him the proper respect: another edition of The Most Compressed Birthday Presents Ever. And since Ryan is a huge Soul Coughing fan like myself, I'm gonna post an excellent live version of "Mr. Bitterness".
Soul Coughing - Mr. Bitterness (live) (rapidshare link)
Happy birthday, Ryan!
Alright, enough of this writing shit. RIP once again to Professor X.
Cheers,
~*E*~
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Reflections.
One more.There's nothing more painful and real than seeing a grown man cry. Especially when it's over a best buddy. In this scenario, we have my father, who very much had a special bond with the male counterpart of our family feline duo.
Taken in as more than just pets since 1993, our cats developed personalities very quickly. To my surprise, these personalities at the time seemed very uncatlike to a certain degree. You expect cats to be either those self-absorbed creatures who want to be left alone, or these constant attention seekers who nuzzle the shit out of your leg like it was made out of catnip. Although both Peppy and Cupcake exhibited the range of expected attitudes to come from a cat, the balance was extremely precise. Too precise. Almost like the cats had studied our ways.
For as long as I can remember, Peppy had that capability more so than Cupcake, and for this and this alone was the main reason to how my dad got so attached to this stupid cat in the first place. And as we buried Peppy behind our house at 11 pm on a cold Tuesday night, I finally understood how much their relationship meant to him. The most remarkable discovery I made through this experience was an admission he made: that he couldn't believe the magnitude of his own reaction. We all saw it coming, however. I suppose the famous adage "You don't realize what you've got until its gone" stands true here.
Peppy was sick for a few months, suffering from lung and heart problems. I actually remember when he was given the diagnosis in the fall. So in a sense we all were, or at least should have been, prepared for the outcome. It just came a little too suddenly, is all. You work so hard medicating a cat for several months and, well, relapse is a reality for all creatures, regardless of what they are.
In the past year, I've dealt with a family friend's fatal illness, a classmate's suicide, the sudden death of a kid sister I never had, and now the passing on of a great fuckin' cat, who exuded more personality than I get from most dogs, let alone most people. I wish I got to know him better in his last remaining days. Rest in peace to one cool cat.
I don't have any songs to put up in homage of a deceased cat. I don't know if I even know of any songs that are. This song seemed really quite lovely though, so I decided to put it up because it stuck out in my head more clearly than others while on route to the "funeral".
Morgana King - A Song For You (rapidshare link)
You know...not to stray far from the entry's direction or anything, but I would like to make one thing clear about this song. It is a sample, yes. Used in Sole's "Bottle Of Humans". I could have saved this entry for tomorrow, but its St. Patrick's Day and a special tenth edition of Throwback Friday. And, being the compulsive consistency stickler that I am or at least try to be, I wanted to insist that I usually wouldn't be wasting a perfectly feasible Throwback on an off-day. This is what will end up being one of those rare instances.
Enjoy this gorgeous track.
Cheers,
~*E*~
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
There are no words.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Headphone masterpieces #6.
What beautiful weather we had today. I wish I got to wake up earlier to enjoy it. I was unfortunately plagued with some form of an earache that wouldn't quit (nothing like getting woken up from pain at 4 in the morning). Feeling a little groggy in the head, I opted to sleep it off with the ipubrofen at work. Now I'm generating resumes from my local coffeeshop/home away from home away from home.
Let's take a break though, shall we?
Mike Ladd - Wipe Out On The Wave Of Armageddon (rapidshare link)
Why do I feel like I posted this already? I didn't after a thorough check, but I could have sworn I talked about this track already. Ladd is dope. He's the guy responsible for the albums by the Majesticons and Infesticons, as well as the upcoming Domesticons. He performed a show this past Thursday. A shame I didn't know about it, but then again I couldn't go anyway due to work (I damn missed the entirety of the free Fat Beats jump-off as well). Anyway, a lot of his music is a bit much for me, but goddamn does he ever earn my respect, simply because he doesn't settle for one genre. He's a rapper, spoken word artist, producer, DJ...yeah, he definitely does it all. He started out doing rock shit before he even got into spoken word. Enough said, he's been around for quite a while, pushing out product since 1997 with the release of Easy Listening 4 Armageddon.
I need to get more versed with the Ladd catalog, true indeed. Only a handful of tracks have I gotten to hear. This track in particular comes off of his second album, Welcome to the Afterfuture, released in 2000. Really nice, regardless of what time it is. Completely ready for private listening pleasure, full of squelching sounds and an engaging bassline. Play this while coming down from a wild night of recklessness and debauchery.
I hope to have something in that regard soon without feeling the grips of financial limitations.
Cheers,
~*E*~
Friday, March 10, 2006
Throwback Friday #9.
...There we go.First of all, rest in peace to Christopher Wallace aka the Notorious one. Yesterday marked the ninth anniversary of his death.
Now we move on.
Today for Throwback Friday, a highly exalted band's least acknowledged single, and a highly regarded obscure single from Def Jam's least acknowledged group. (hey, that actually worked I think)
The Who released an album in 1982, my year of birth. It's Hard apparently failed to make a blip on the radar, but this song stood the test of time because of its accessible raw sound which made The Who so popular to begin with. This song doesn't really give me the chills, but it shuts me up pretty quickly. And then I start to groove to that synth riff, which is simply killer. But the guitar coming in is a nice compliment to say the least. This song goes nearly two minutes in with no singing from Pete. Pretty damn stellar joint, not much else to say but rock out to this!
The Who - Eminence Front (rapidshare link)
I didn't grow up listening to The Who so I'm learning slowly. I ran across this song for the first time while watching VH1 Classic one time. I was already initially familiar with the song that samples it, after some historical audioblog digging myself...
Downtown Science - This Is A Visit (rapidshare link)
I'm gonna refer you to Matt's write up from a few months back where he touches on Sam Sever. Very detailed, very informative about the back story on the track and the group in general. I will be simple though, in saying that why Bosco Money isn't rapping now is a mystery to me. What cadence that dude has! Good wordplay too.
I love the way Sever samples the riff. I should also add that this track wasn't the only one to sample The Who track. Sever (obviously) produced "Pop Goes The Weasel", 3rd Bass's infamous Vanilla Ice dis, and used the track, but he didn't utilize the sample in the same way at all. What's more, not as extensively. Here we get to hear the sample looped like it should sound...hypnotic as fuck too! Enjoy!
I need another job in a serious way. So many forms of employment right now, yet so little money. Come on, March! Don't do this to me!
Cheers,
~*E*~
Now we move on.
Today for Throwback Friday, a highly exalted band's least acknowledged single, and a highly regarded obscure single from Def Jam's least acknowledged group. (hey, that actually worked I think)
The Who released an album in 1982, my year of birth. It's Hard apparently failed to make a blip on the radar, but this song stood the test of time because of its accessible raw sound which made The Who so popular to begin with. This song doesn't really give me the chills, but it shuts me up pretty quickly. And then I start to groove to that synth riff, which is simply killer. But the guitar coming in is a nice compliment to say the least. This song goes nearly two minutes in with no singing from Pete. Pretty damn stellar joint, not much else to say but rock out to this!
The Who - Eminence Front (rapidshare link)
I didn't grow up listening to The Who so I'm learning slowly. I ran across this song for the first time while watching VH1 Classic one time. I was already initially familiar with the song that samples it, after some historical audioblog digging myself...
Downtown Science - This Is A Visit (rapidshare link)
I'm gonna refer you to Matt's write up from a few months back where he touches on Sam Sever. Very detailed, very informative about the back story on the track and the group in general. I will be simple though, in saying that why Bosco Money isn't rapping now is a mystery to me. What cadence that dude has! Good wordplay too.
I love the way Sever samples the riff. I should also add that this track wasn't the only one to sample The Who track. Sever (obviously) produced "Pop Goes The Weasel", 3rd Bass's infamous Vanilla Ice dis, and used the track, but he didn't utilize the sample in the same way at all. What's more, not as extensively. Here we get to hear the sample looped like it should sound...hypnotic as fuck too! Enjoy!
I need another job in a serious way. So many forms of employment right now, yet so little money. Come on, March! Don't do this to me!
Cheers,
~*E*~
Thursday, March 09, 2006
A winner is...not him!
BAM!I can't believe it either. Props to Chloe! And now that the show is done, I can now have my manhood back.
Cheers,
~*E*~
Cheers,
~*E*~
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Free ghetto passes for everyone! Hooray!
Wifey.This is what happens when I decide to miss SNL (as usual). Big whoop. Highlight.
I officially want to marry Natalie now, let it be known. I've wanted to for about seven years as it stands. But now, it's very much decided without any drawbacks. And mark my words, I will stop at nothing.
Unless one lucky woman can successfully woo me before I get to Natalie. Or, likewise, Natalie manages to get married before I can get to her. It's fine with me, I've got time. But otherwise, don't even think of stopping me.
Okay, so anyway, this is fine and all, but hold the phone, THREE SIX MAFIA WON THE ACADEMY AWARD FOR BEST ORIGINAL SONG.
The performance was pretty cool. But the acceptance speech was better. See for yourself here. Even if you've already seen it, you're gonna wanna see it again, that's for sure. You should have heard me when they announced the winner, I practically woke up my roommate.
Also, haha to Crash winning. A movie with Ludacris beats out the Brokeback Mountin'. This is gonna be a real fun topic of conversation tomorrow, I can sense it.
God bless the Academy. Damn.
Cheers,
~*E*~
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Headphone masterpieces #5.
Coming from the perspective as someone who enjoy more consonant music, I must admit this song was a bit hard to get into at first. It still resonates as an eerie number after all these months I've had it kicking around. It works especially in the private listening realm. Listen to this one at night. Call me the morning after and tell me if it causes anything.
The Books - Enjoy Your Worries, You May Never Have Them Again (rapidshare link)
This is the opening track to the critically acclaimed first album, Thought For Food, which I don't have, but probably will get when I can find it. I have the most recent Books album, Lost and Safe, a very delicately produced album from what I remember. It's been a while since I've pulled it out. There will be a right time to dust it off.
I suppose I'm officially tired of rap shows after last night's debacle. The show was sold out, so G-Proph and I got in by paying an extra five dollars to the doorman, for a total of twenty dollars admission for each of us.
The Clipse only played for a half-hour. Tops. I waited outside for about as long as the show commenced. Some fuckin' party, Fader. A shitty DJ and an even shittier main act. Props.
Damn, I'm supposed to be a fan of this shit? Fuck commercial rap, real hip hop shows will always belong to the underground. You scenesters can enjoy whatever you like on record, but don't think you're gonna convince me that a group like The Clipse can rock a show without even playing more than an album's worth of music from their seriously underwhelming catalog.
All I'm saying is, yes I took a chance and got suckered into it, and I should have seen it coming. One less group to check for, I guess. I used to be a fan, but now I feel like I might be completely justified in my skepticism.
Also, another problem I had but should have seen coming. It was the Knitting Factory. Which means it was way too packed. Some guy trying to push his way through to the backstage (we were up on the mezzanine) actually had the audacity to get up in G's face saying "DON'T MAKE ME GET HYPHY ON YOU."
Are you serious? I fuckin' hate that shit. Who honestly has the gall to say that to someone with a straight face. Next time I go to a rap show, I'm tapping into my inner seventh grader so I can GET ALL BACKPACKER ON YOU. Don't get it twisted now, it may be just as far from my personality as someone who says "hyphy", but at least it will be expected coming from the mouth of some white Jewish kid.
Over and out, you know what I'm about.
Cheers,
~*E*~
Friday, March 03, 2006
Throwback Friday #8.
Wait, you mean to tell me that this isn't Kyle Gass?Alriiight. Lack of posts this week directly correlates to finally starting to work a 9-to-5er. Although it is a temp position, so nothing to get all excited about yet. Point is, I'm at least on track now. Now it's just a matter of keeping the cash flow steady. I'm tired of looking for work, I'm about ready to sit on my hands and wait for someone to get in touch with me. Which of course I won't, but it's so late into this process I just assume I can finally start back up with the catering operation I work for. I'm all ready to dust off the tuxedo, put on my actor face, and create another great performance.
I've already said too much.
Today's Throwback is a forgettable 80's track. Which means that only one outfit in today's rap scene would have the audacity to flip the sample. Get ready for a fun one: Agallah's got the props this week for unearthing...
Christopher Cross - One Chance For Heaven (rapidshare link)
Remember the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles? Okay, well, what about Greg Louganis? I personally don't remember. I was two years old. Anyway, he won his first medals for Diving that year. Incidentally, this song was the official anthem for the Swimming event, which I guess in turn meant Diving counted as well.
This song could have been accidentally the Greg Louganis theme song. Just a thought, okay? I mean, I'm not going to insinuate Mr. Cross himself as being gay (Louganis didn't come out until ten years later), but given the majorty of those album covers with flamingos on them, its a bit suspect. Nothing against flamingos, though their pinkness probably gets the Dipset no homo nod of approval (whatever). All this being said, I'm partial to puffins.
Fun fact from wikipedia: He and Norah Jones are the only two artists in history to receive all of the "Big Four" Grammy Awards (Best Record, Song, Album, and New Artist) in the same year. Whereas Ms. Jones owned 2002, Mr. Cross owned...1980. Needless to say, artists that peak to early? Yeah, I think we have a pattern developing. At least Norah seemingly won't pack on too many pounds years from now...
Time to revert out of gossipy mode. We have work to do here!
Purple City - Winning (rapidshare link)
Rappers on this track are Un Kasa and Bathgate. ...Roight. Sounds to me like a slightly half-assed looping by Agallah aka "The Don Bishop" (he'll always be the Crookie Monster to me though). As an overall package for a song, it's still a goodie in any case; the drums especially are kinda nice, if not so completely generic that you can nod your head without falling asleep.
I was going to cover the topic of my bias against Dipset, but then I remembered I had already planned to cover that at another point in the near future. Therefore I'll save you the details and just be very blunt: the singles are all that I really like from them. The album filler joints are, for the most part, extremely lacking and really disappointing.
Luck would have it that last year's The Best of the Purple City Mixtapes is probably the least talked about Dipset related release. Here's the vibe I've gotten, especially after working the "Purple City Byrdgang" 12" during my senior year of college stint as a music director: To not be a fan of Agallah's (newer) production, or (the lack of) consistently enjoyable lyrics from the mostly anonymous rappers (what Cam can bring to the table will only hurt his buddies without the assistance)--- it's not like you're being looked down upon, within that ever so present circle of the Dipset Fan Club. It's almost like, if you are a fan of the Diplomatic Immunity compilations, to the point where you've become completely dumb in the head, you're ready for the next level. And so then there's this.
Cross's Ode to Winning might be more enjoyable though. What do you think?
Tonight I venture off with the homie G-Proph to the Knitting Factory to see what's up with this Clipse show, sponsored/hosted by Fader Magazine. House DJ will be Clinton Sparks, who I've never been a big fan of, in all honesty (Maybe You Been Brainwashed was dismal, to say the least). Clipse, however, I am willing to check out. Probably because, for one, there's nothing else going on tonight really and, hell, it's a $15 dollar rap show--- good deal. But certainly not because I'm soooo turned on to their music after reading a stupid Fader cover story. Fuck that shit.
If I may explain my stance here...I swear that some of these magazines, like Fader for example, overdramaticize commercial rappers with so much fluffy journalism about their message, their persona, their drug habits, as if reading between the lines we should be able to extract something deep, like YO DEM FRANCHISE BOYZ ARE LIKE THE JIM CARROLL OF THIS RAP SHIT KIIIID.
Perhaps I'm just a struggling writer coming to terms with my own jaded personality, but as a reader, I see this pampering and primping as a real turn off. Perhaps this is meant to be the overall goal; to annoy the audience into appreciating artists for all the unnecessary reasons. Perhaps I'm just not willing to accept the fact that SPIN had been doing the same thing all along during my middle school years, with rock acts I've since shrugged off without looking back. Perhaps this mentality has indeed been embedded in my brain, and only in this time of my life have I become aware of the double entendre.
Make no doubt about it, I don't ever doubt ownership of hypocrisy when it comes along. I just think more writers need to do the same. That's all.
Hope you enjoyed this edition. Something good coming your way for the Headphone Masterpieces tomorrow.
Cheers,
~*E*~
