A large gap on this one folks. Apologies for the silence but as I said, if I had nothing to say, I would say nothing.
Lots to discuss with the most important being U2's alliance with Apple. Though not an exlusive online sale relationship, it show Apple's further march to be the new MTV.
Once L3 comes back from the dead, I'll try and produce some more words.
Monday, October 18, 2004
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Fatalist Outro Music
While watching the movie, Mayor of Sunset Strip, last night, I got to thinking about my musical choices for my end of days procession.
I have no intentions of leaving yet, so don't be concerned ;)
Current picks:
Slow Country - Gozillaz
Les Amours Perdus - Serge Gainsbourg
More to come.
I have no intentions of leaving yet, so don't be concerned ;)
Current picks:
Slow Country - Gozillaz
Les Amours Perdus - Serge Gainsbourg
More to come.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Casual music.
OK I fold. Finding that next breakthrough record just is not going to happen this year. Yes folks, I am back to the old reliable saying, "Music Still Sucks."
But like I said, I have given in and have become content with some "casual listener" albums that reprieve the industry (for now) from their misunderstanding of what I want to hear...
Defining what I consider "casual music" is a bit difficult but the following should give you an idea: easy, for the drive, background background, and pleasant for a moment.
Completely lost yet? I assumed the worst, so here's two of my current easy music favs.
Phoenix - "Alphabetical." Imagine Timberlake/Neptunes style beats with AIR-esque vocals and you get back excellent French pop thats catchy, and humiliation free. Solid for long weekend drive.
Athlete - "Vehicles & Animals." I initially labelled this new release as working man's rock, but its grown to be much more. Consider it a commended effort into the post-Britpop sound. Elbow anyone?
But like I said, I have given in and have become content with some "casual listener" albums that reprieve the industry (for now) from their misunderstanding of what I want to hear...
Defining what I consider "casual music" is a bit difficult but the following should give you an idea: easy, for the drive, background background, and pleasant for a moment.
Completely lost yet? I assumed the worst, so here's two of my current easy music favs.
Phoenix - "Alphabetical." Imagine Timberlake/Neptunes style beats with AIR-esque vocals and you get back excellent French pop thats catchy, and humiliation free. Solid for long weekend drive.
Athlete - "Vehicles & Animals." I initially labelled this new release as working man's rock, but its grown to be much more. Consider it a commended effort into the post-Britpop sound. Elbow anyone?
Monday, August 02, 2004
An old friend returns.
Of late, I have suffered greatly when using my iPod. You see, for the last 3 months I have been without my trusted Koss Porta Pro's, my darling portable headphones who's georgous sound overpowers its terribly dated look. As funny as they look when worn, I have missed their service dearly.
Why had I not just purchased another pair? Thats a long story, but the short being that I knew they had to be somewhere in the house. Lucky for me, the amazingly LA rediscovered them while doing some much needed cleaning.
Not only am I blessed with LA, but my old Prota's have been brought back from the lost.
Why had I not just purchased another pair? Thats a long story, but the short being that I knew they had to be somewhere in the house. Lucky for me, the amazingly LA rediscovered them while doing some much needed cleaning.
Not only am I blessed with LA, but my old Prota's have been brought back from the lost.
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Few new CDs on the iPod
I have nothing too interesting to discuss at this time, but I did add a few new gifts to the List. All solid releases worth a listen.
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Avril Lavigne - A payola bee-otch
So maybe she is ignorant to the workings of her "independent promoter," but this nasty payola steam train keeps on rolling through commercial radio.
And they say the problem is the music buyer's not buying... well who the fukc would when you can hear it 3 times an hour, every hour of every day?
The New Yorker: Paying to Play
And they say the problem is the music buyer's not buying... well who the fukc would when you can hear it 3 times an hour, every hour of every day?
The New Yorker: Paying to Play
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
God bless Portugal and Erlend Oye.
So I am back from a full week in Portugal watching some of the best footie at the Euro 2004 Finals. As much as it sucks to be back, it did feel good to see the Portuguese pushing as a striving culture on all levels.
Erlend Oye looks to be ruling their underground sound right now. Not bad.
For those interested in some of my vantage point at the Portugal v England match, dig in right here.
Erlend Oye looks to be ruling their underground sound right now. Not bad.
For those interested in some of my vantage point at the Portugal v England match, dig in right here.
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
My current rant in print
For those interested, here's my latest writings for Boston's Weekly Dig news rag. Find it FREE on every street corner in metro Boston or peruse the online version here:
Special: Me and My Adidas Do the Illest Things
(thank to the editor for that title)
Special: Me and My Adidas Do the Illest Things
(thank to the editor for that title)
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Perlon wakes up Boston's electonic underground
This must be my month...
Perlon Records' own, Sammy Dee treated Boston/Cambridge to the new face of tech* by ripping up the Phoenix Landing this past Wed night.
With the help of live laptop set performed by Unlocked Groove's Scorcho, they woke Boston's eyes to the shuffle and swings sounds that make progressive tech some of the best sounding electronic music in years.
Call it a wake up call or simply a banger session, it was the best session in Boston in years! Hands down classic.
(For those in MA, catch the Unlocked Groove team every Saturday night at River Gods in Cambridge, MA for Peer Pressure.)
*Tech: an all inclusive term used in referencing the crossover of techno, house, and electro beats to form a more blended sound.
Perlon Records' own, Sammy Dee treated Boston/Cambridge to the new face of tech* by ripping up the Phoenix Landing this past Wed night.
With the help of live laptop set performed by Unlocked Groove's Scorcho, they woke Boston's eyes to the shuffle and swings sounds that make progressive tech some of the best sounding electronic music in years.
Call it a wake up call or simply a banger session, it was the best session in Boston in years! Hands down classic.
(For those in MA, catch the Unlocked Groove team every Saturday night at River Gods in Cambridge, MA for Peer Pressure.)
*Tech: an all inclusive term used in referencing the crossover of techno, house, and electro beats to form a more blended sound.
Monday, May 24, 2004
god comes through after punishing me for 5 months.
S/he finally came around. After a bad string of months where good music was as difficult to find as good weather, my luck looks to be changing and just in time for the ass romping summer that 2004 will be.
Music. With so much bad music coming out it became more difficult to siphon the mediocre from the terrible. Records moguls may complain of depressed profit... but really...fcuk them. Its obvious why if you look at the umbrella from under the raining cloud. Most new music is garbage. Sure, you get some occasional one offs that need attention but even then, why would I spend my money on "so so" releases? Or was I not exploring the right venues for finding music I enjoyed?
Last week, I decided to take some action. I started reading the review sites again. Not skimming the ratings but actually reading the full reviews. They shed some guiding light across our modern day hell. I've read them all from the old standbys to some new blurb writers that i had never explored. In moments, my purse dumped 40$US down and my ears were shown that not all was hopeless. Holy lord, I got to stimulated again by new music.
Details will come in time. As a promise to myself to be a bit more sharing, I'll be writing much more frequently here again while trying to not waste your time with space filler.
[op ed: Space filler was never my intention with dropform as it tends to be with most blogs. Reading about someone's daily trip the store for ice cream is only entertaining if they happen to fall on the counter and lose their pants in persuit of a missing nickel. Buying ice cream is (simply put) not inherently funny. Its space filler. It does nothing more than cause my news agg to inform me that you've spent the last 15 minutes cracking your head in order to piss me off in an hours time when I break down and hope to god you wrote something insightful (should I pull that feed from the agg? Yes. I'm doing so now).]
But as I write more about the state of my head, I may occasionally get the "ice cream syndrome." At that time, please fcuking remind me of what a twat I've become.
Anyways, as a short starter: Buy The Streets "A Grand Don't Come for Free." Truly, its better than his freshman release. Don't hold back because the name is now synonymous with the pre-grimy, 2step era of British rap. Buy it because unlike most new music, this record is sheer honesty. Oi.
Music. With so much bad music coming out it became more difficult to siphon the mediocre from the terrible. Records moguls may complain of depressed profit... but really...fcuk them. Its obvious why if you look at the umbrella from under the raining cloud. Most new music is garbage. Sure, you get some occasional one offs that need attention but even then, why would I spend my money on "so so" releases? Or was I not exploring the right venues for finding music I enjoyed?
Last week, I decided to take some action. I started reading the review sites again. Not skimming the ratings but actually reading the full reviews. They shed some guiding light across our modern day hell. I've read them all from the old standbys to some new blurb writers that i had never explored. In moments, my purse dumped 40$US down and my ears were shown that not all was hopeless. Holy lord, I got to stimulated again by new music.
Details will come in time. As a promise to myself to be a bit more sharing, I'll be writing much more frequently here again while trying to not waste your time with space filler.
[op ed: Space filler was never my intention with dropform as it tends to be with most blogs. Reading about someone's daily trip the store for ice cream is only entertaining if they happen to fall on the counter and lose their pants in persuit of a missing nickel. Buying ice cream is (simply put) not inherently funny. Its space filler. It does nothing more than cause my news agg to inform me that you've spent the last 15 minutes cracking your head in order to piss me off in an hours time when I break down and hope to god you wrote something insightful (should I pull that feed from the agg? Yes. I'm doing so now).]
But as I write more about the state of my head, I may occasionally get the "ice cream syndrome." At that time, please fcuking remind me of what a twat I've become.
Anyways, as a short starter: Buy The Streets "A Grand Don't Come for Free." Truly, its better than his freshman release. Don't hold back because the name is now synonymous with the pre-grimy, 2step era of British rap. Buy it because unlike most new music, this record is sheer honesty. Oi.
Friday, May 14, 2004
Big fcuking silence.
As to why? Would it revolve around the lack of a solid internet connection for the last month? Would it also include having no proper workspace? After a serious break,I finally got my shit in order... and my CDs out of the brown paper holding them hostage. Sound system is in.
Writing will commence. Pronto.
Listening to: Magical Mystery Tour. Beats Lil Jon's puss mouth.
Writing will commence. Pronto.
Listening to: Magical Mystery Tour. Beats Lil Jon's puss mouth.
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Comfort Music
To the End - Blur (via Parkilife)
Auctioneer! (Another Engine) - REM (via Fables....)
Slow Country - Gorillaz (via Gorillaz)
Bones - Radiohead (via The Bends)
Dont Mix Your Drinks - Elbow (via Asleep in the Back)
Sugarman - The Free Association (via D. Holmes)
More later...
Auctioneer! (Another Engine) - REM (via Fables....)
Slow Country - Gorillaz (via Gorillaz)
Bones - Radiohead (via The Bends)
Dont Mix Your Drinks - Elbow (via Asleep in the Back)
Sugarman - The Free Association (via D. Holmes)
More later...
Thursday, April 08, 2004
Chinese Democrazy
Moving is always a pain in the ass, and made even more frenzied when
a. youre CD's are packed away
b. your iPod battery is dead and
c.you cannot find the charger nor a firewire cable.
Beyond the hassle of packing and losing control of where things are, is the mundane task of changing your address. One of the first items I changed mailing for was our delivery of the Wall Street Journal. Its a daily reader that I cannot be without (have I mentioned that they seem to have a music download or iPod related story almost weekly?).
Forwarding my WSJ daily has had an odd bonus addition. I now have a copy of the Chinese Daily Journal delivered as well... daily.
You may ask if the former owners of our new pad were Chinese. Unfortunately no. More likely than not, they think I am Chinese and in need of another 80 pages of skim material or they're simply mis-delivering it. Being that we're 2 weeks deep into this double dutch of news, its hard to believe that the true owner of this paper has not called to complain.
Its also important to relate how differen the published images on the front of the World Journal are compared to normal English US paper. The photos from Iraq seem harsher and to the point. Risk taking in news is a good thing.
a. youre CD's are packed away
b. your iPod battery is dead and
c.you cannot find the charger nor a firewire cable.
Beyond the hassle of packing and losing control of where things are, is the mundane task of changing your address. One of the first items I changed mailing for was our delivery of the Wall Street Journal. Its a daily reader that I cannot be without (have I mentioned that they seem to have a music download or iPod related story almost weekly?).
Forwarding my WSJ daily has had an odd bonus addition. I now have a copy of the Chinese Daily Journal delivered as well... daily.
You may ask if the former owners of our new pad were Chinese. Unfortunately no. More likely than not, they think I am Chinese and in need of another 80 pages of skim material or they're simply mis-delivering it. Being that we're 2 weeks deep into this double dutch of news, its hard to believe that the true owner of this paper has not called to complain.
Its also important to relate how differen the published images on the front of the World Journal are compared to normal English US paper. The photos from Iraq seem harsher and to the point. Risk taking in news is a good thing.
Saturday, March 20, 2004
Evidence of Polyurethane Ravers in the 50's
As much as I hate cleaning up someone else's shit, I love finding gems like this in my new basement. Ladies and gentleman, evidence that even in the late 50's, those dance parties knew how to use the "varnish" the right way. I smell gabber.
But seriously... what the hell is this? Was Sears selling floor varnish to the "My Three Sons" crowd or was this a subtle way of enticing your pops into shining those floors to keep the kids home dancing? Its an awfully impressive image for sure and definitely less boring than today's average paint can.
The only scary thing is that this gallon jug still has some liquid motion within it. Any lead in there?
And yes, that is a legitimate bag of store bought paper mache powder to the left.
But seriously... what the hell is this? Was Sears selling floor varnish to the "My Three Sons" crowd or was this a subtle way of enticing your pops into shining those floors to keep the kids home dancing? Its an awfully impressive image for sure and definitely less boring than today's average paint can.
The only scary thing is that this gallon jug still has some liquid motion within it. Any lead in there?
And yes, that is a legitimate bag of store bought paper mache powder to the left.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Past The List
Finally got around to putting the 2002 and 2003 Lists up. Check the right.
Also, for all the syndicated feedster fools, I added a tasty Atom Feed.
Also, for all the syndicated feedster fools, I added a tasty Atom Feed.
Monday, March 15, 2004
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Eurohaus Gems a Go Go ... to the Trash!
As I prepare to move to my new home just down the street, I again, torture myself into clearing out some old unneeded music. Its a difficult task, but it needs to be done every so often so that i can feed family and friends with unwanted gems.
Today I found the ultimate gem of glitz and glamour:
Holy shit! My M80 days return! A true Discomagic classic. Supertrack & DJ Company's remake of The Cutting Crew's "(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight." A disturbing Eurotrash anthems for all to dance and enjoy.
Clearly recorded near the far end of Italodisco's late 90's revival, Supertrack do nothing more but remake a true 80's classic to sound possessively nasal. Though nothing was gained from its 1993 release, I do take pride in having the pleasure of sharing with you some of the purest shit ever made. Labelling it Italohouse would be unfit as the tempo falls more into line with "uplifting Eurohaus" (obvious contradiction), a genre that profited from fast to market remakes of modern day pop hits. I even recall Coca Cola Theme being re-made into a hands in the air classic.
For those interested in more info on this Discomagic release, visit Discogs.com where we can be further reminded of its tasty details.
Feel free to email me for crispy AAC rips of this should have been forgotten crappic.
Worse than my admittance to owning this CD is the shame in knowing there are more like it. I'll have to dig up and share some of my infamous ZYX classics.
js, you love this!
Today I found the ultimate gem of glitz and glamour:
Holy shit! My M80 days return! A true Discomagic classic. Supertrack & DJ Company's remake of The Cutting Crew's "(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight." A disturbing Eurotrash anthems for all to dance and enjoy.
Clearly recorded near the far end of Italodisco's late 90's revival, Supertrack do nothing more but remake a true 80's classic to sound possessively nasal. Though nothing was gained from its 1993 release, I do take pride in having the pleasure of sharing with you some of the purest shit ever made. Labelling it Italohouse would be unfit as the tempo falls more into line with "uplifting Eurohaus" (obvious contradiction), a genre that profited from fast to market remakes of modern day pop hits. I even recall Coca Cola Theme being re-made into a hands in the air classic.
For those interested in more info on this Discomagic release, visit Discogs.com where we can be further reminded of its tasty details.
Feel free to email me for crispy AAC rips of this should have been forgotten crappic.
Worse than my admittance to owning this CD is the shame in knowing there are more like it. I'll have to dig up and share some of my infamous ZYX classics.
js, you love this!
Saturday, March 13, 2004
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
TV on the Radio Full Length debut out today
One of my favorite new prospects, TV on the Radio in music released their first full length debut, "Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes" on Touch and Go.
This Brooklyn trio is sure to make an impact in the coming months. Buy it today.
This Brooklyn trio is sure to make an impact in the coming months. Buy it today.
Friday, March 05, 2004
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Quick link: Montreux Jazz Fest 2003 Archive
Bless the Swiss for this excellent high quality archive from this past summer.
Featuring sessions from the likes of Radiohead, Laurent Garnier, Ellen Allien, Mogawi, The Roots and simply many many more...
If you listen to anything, listen to Laurent's nasty DJ session! It is indeed *a rare treat* for all to hear and see him DJ, if not simply for the fact that it runs the gamut of classic LG techno. Laurent Garnier is the *master* of funky and ass shaking beats that made this genre what it is.
A must listen for all those who know what the soul of classic techno is. Tribal, funky, latin... the *Holy Grail* of techno. "Jack your Body."
Montreux Jazz Festival 2003 - Videos. (requires: Real Player) - and props to tno for this find)
Featuring sessions from the likes of Radiohead, Laurent Garnier, Ellen Allien, Mogawi, The Roots and simply many many more...
If you listen to anything, listen to Laurent's nasty DJ session! It is indeed *a rare treat* for all to hear and see him DJ, if not simply for the fact that it runs the gamut of classic LG techno. Laurent Garnier is the *master* of funky and ass shaking beats that made this genre what it is.
A must listen for all those who know what the soul of classic techno is. Tribal, funky, latin... the *Holy Grail* of techno. "Jack your Body."
Montreux Jazz Festival 2003 - Videos. (requires: Real Player) - and props to tno for this find)
Monday, February 16, 2004
Winter Roadbump
I have hit a dark stumbling block in my daily listening participation.
The last two months of winter have droned me to musical submission. I work what many consider to the be the superior schedule: Noon-8p. For night howls (which I still consider myself), it supposedly allows us the freedoms of late mornings and late evenings, but recently, it has caused me a much shorter day than I care to have.
I end up waking myself at 10am, spending an hour prepping for work, going to work, and end up taking the subway to Davis Square in the pitch black of night. Once I enter my apt., I eat dinner, sit on the couch, try to read the WSJ, and tend to fall asleep. Normal for some, but awfully boring for my musical satisfaction.
Lets get back to that T ride and the black nightfall. Dark walks lead my ears to prefer dark and drony music. I have my fair share of somber favorites, but being as its the only time I listen to music alone, I am walking myself home from Davis in a gloom of musical despair. The Darkness it is not.
Trust me, I have tried to tune the iPod to some happy and positive vibes (Dr Dre - The Chronic) but none of that happy shit keeps me focused like the drone. In fact, my ears tire in the dark when I attempt to listen outside of the gloomy prog rock. A personal dilemma it is becoming.
Group question: Am I the only person who's music flavor is compressed to one measly format when the weather gets dark or am I falling into a bad case of seasonal disorder? I really need to know...
(For the record: I am an avid snowboarder and love the cold; but the lack of daylight disrupts me more than any seasonal changes. Spring could not come soon enough for me...)
The last two months of winter have droned me to musical submission. I work what many consider to the be the superior schedule: Noon-8p. For night howls (which I still consider myself), it supposedly allows us the freedoms of late mornings and late evenings, but recently, it has caused me a much shorter day than I care to have.
I end up waking myself at 10am, spending an hour prepping for work, going to work, and end up taking the subway to Davis Square in the pitch black of night. Once I enter my apt., I eat dinner, sit on the couch, try to read the WSJ, and tend to fall asleep. Normal for some, but awfully boring for my musical satisfaction.
Lets get back to that T ride and the black nightfall. Dark walks lead my ears to prefer dark and drony music. I have my fair share of somber favorites, but being as its the only time I listen to music alone, I am walking myself home from Davis in a gloom of musical despair. The Darkness it is not.
Trust me, I have tried to tune the iPod to some happy and positive vibes (Dr Dre - The Chronic) but none of that happy shit keeps me focused like the drone. In fact, my ears tire in the dark when I attempt to listen outside of the gloomy prog rock. A personal dilemma it is becoming.
Group question: Am I the only person who's music flavor is compressed to one measly format when the weather gets dark or am I falling into a bad case of seasonal disorder? I really need to know...
(For the record: I am an avid snowboarder and love the cold; but the lack of daylight disrupts me more than any seasonal changes. Spring could not come soon enough for me...)
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Saturday, January 03, 2004
Instead of verbally assaulting the year that was, how about we send it off with some music?
Below is an allocation of my favorite song tracks from albums released in 2003 (and some late late 2002 entries). You're not going to find many as singles, but many albums (listed in brackets) should be easy to hunt down via Amazon or finer music stores worldwide.
In no particular order whatsoever (sort of):
- Late - Donna Regina [Late]
- Black Math - The White Stripes [Elephant]
- Lover's Spit - Broken Social Scene [You Forgot it in People]
- Anthems For A Seventeen Year-Old Girl - Broken Social Scene [You Forgot it in People]
- Self Help - Turin Brakes [Ether Song]
- Releases Your Body/Ghost Train (Accapella) - Kaito
- Killing - The Rapture [Echoes]
- The Coming Of Spring - The Rapture [Echoes]
- Backdrifts - Radiohead [Hail to the Thief]
- Go to Sleep - Radiohead [Hail to the Thief]
- Track 3 - off one of Sileni's fall/winter demo tape
- Every Day & Every Night - Tosca [Dehli9]
- Wintermute (Burger/Voigt Mix) - Phong Sui [Kompakt Total 5]
- Caravan - Blur [Think Tank]
- Out Of Time - Blur [Think Tank]
- Waiworinao - Ricardo Villalobos [Alcachofa]
- Emotion (M.Mayer Mix) - Paul Nazca [Schaffelfieber 2]
- Snooks (Progress Report) - Elbow [Cast of Thousands]
- Big Sur - The Thrills [So Much For The City]
- I Miss You Now - Stereophonics [You Gotta Go There...]
- Hard Row - The Black Keys [Thickfreakness]
- Take It Or Leave It - JET [Get Born]
- Ha Ha High Babe - BRMC [Take them On...]
- The Golden Path - Chemical Bros. & The Flaming Lips
- Jezebell - Dizzie Rascal [Boy in Da Corner]
- Hey Now - Outkast [Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below]
- Light Your Ass On Fire - The Neptunes feat. Busta Rhymes [The Clones]
- Rock Your Body - Justin Timberlake [Justified]
- The Seed 2.0 - Cody Chestnutt and the Roots [Phrenology]
- Anything off Pete Rock's Hip Hop Underground Classics
Below is an allocation of my favorite song tracks from albums released in 2003 (and some late late 2002 entries). You're not going to find many as singles, but many albums (listed in brackets) should be easy to hunt down via Amazon or finer music stores worldwide.
In no particular order whatsoever (sort of):
- Late - Donna Regina [Late]
- Black Math - The White Stripes [Elephant]
- Lover's Spit - Broken Social Scene [You Forgot it in People]
- Anthems For A Seventeen Year-Old Girl - Broken Social Scene [You Forgot it in People]
- Self Help - Turin Brakes [Ether Song]
- Releases Your Body/Ghost Train (Accapella) - Kaito
- Killing - The Rapture [Echoes]
- The Coming Of Spring - The Rapture [Echoes]
- Backdrifts - Radiohead [Hail to the Thief]
- Go to Sleep - Radiohead [Hail to the Thief]
- Track 3 - off one of Sileni's fall/winter demo tape
- Every Day & Every Night - Tosca [Dehli9]
- Wintermute (Burger/Voigt Mix) - Phong Sui [Kompakt Total 5]
- Caravan - Blur [Think Tank]
- Out Of Time - Blur [Think Tank]
- Waiworinao - Ricardo Villalobos [Alcachofa]
- Emotion (M.Mayer Mix) - Paul Nazca [Schaffelfieber 2]
- Snooks (Progress Report) - Elbow [Cast of Thousands]
- Big Sur - The Thrills [So Much For The City]
- I Miss You Now - Stereophonics [You Gotta Go There...]
- Hard Row - The Black Keys [Thickfreakness]
- Take It Or Leave It - JET [Get Born]
- Ha Ha High Babe - BRMC [Take them On...]
- The Golden Path - Chemical Bros. & The Flaming Lips
- Jezebell - Dizzie Rascal [Boy in Da Corner]
- Hey Now - Outkast [Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below]
- Light Your Ass On Fire - The Neptunes feat. Busta Rhymes [The Clones]
- Rock Your Body - Justin Timberlake [Justified]
- The Seed 2.0 - Cody Chestnutt and the Roots [Phrenology]
- Anything off Pete Rock's Hip Hop Underground Classics
Friday, December 19, 2003
Saturday, December 13, 2003
Dreams do come true
So, that Safari below I was hunting for in the UK? Looks like Niketown USA just got it!
Niketown US: Nike Air Safari Khaki/Dragon Red/Baroque Brown
ps: I promise some music content soon :)
So, that Safari below I was hunting for in the UK? Looks like Niketown USA just got it!
Niketown US: Nike Air Safari Khaki/Dragon Red/Baroque Brown
ps: I promise some music content soon :)
Friday, December 12, 2003
Buy this record
Broken Social Scene - You Forgot it in People
Big ups to my good friend miclee for recommending this one. As he puts it, "I have faith in rock again." About time, man.
Broken Social Scene - You Forgot it in People
Big ups to my good friend miclee for recommending this one. As he puts it, "I have faith in rock again." About time, man.
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Who in the UK can pick me up the new Safari?
I would love you for life :)
(photo borrowed from Instyleshoes.com Forums)
I would love you for life :)
(photo borrowed from Instyleshoes.com Forums)
Friday, December 05, 2003
The last few days music playing through my Koss Portapro cans has sounded bizarre to say the least. Checking it against some very stereo divided tracks, it seems as though the drivers had been switched on the headband. I can only suspect my coworkers for this one.
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Revolver is to Bigbeat
Before Thanksgiving last week, a unusually thick copy Rolling Stone Magazine made it was into my mailbox. The issue, "The 500 Greatest Albums of all Time" was another large and exclusive list of records that clearly is forgetting classics from Fugazi's back catalog. But, so is the nature of this list.
Why I bring this to your attention is that I constantly see three records at the top of any such lists (including RS):
- The Beatles: Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
- Beach Boys: Pet Sounds
- The Beatles: Revolver
I'll avoid arguing the merit on the above three and must admit that before last week, I had only explored two of them.
As to why in 28 years I had never listened to Revolver is unclear, but after hearing Geo. Harrison's "Taxman" open the album, I plan to repent and repent often.
The experience of the album is very different across two monitor sets. Listening to it on heapdhones tends to lend a helping hand in maintaining what is assumed to be Geo. Martin's spatial intentions (though rumor has it that the boys preferred the mono mix - your local bootlegger should have a Japanese vinyl > CDR available for all those mono enthusiasts). Try it into your home theatre syetem and you'll see what I mean.
One shocking note that may have been explored many times over during the last 8 years: Can it be argued that the final track on Revolver, "Tomorrow Never Knows" is the predecessor to the Bigbeat craze of the mid 1990's? I think I can hear a taste of every major Chemical Brothers' single in this one track... thoughts?
[If you do plan to go out tomorrow and pick up Revolver, do keep an eye out for the 1998 Toshiba-EMI Japan repressing. This is the choice version.]
Before Thanksgiving last week, a unusually thick copy Rolling Stone Magazine made it was into my mailbox. The issue, "The 500 Greatest Albums of all Time" was another large and exclusive list of records that clearly is forgetting classics from Fugazi's back catalog. But, so is the nature of this list.
Why I bring this to your attention is that I constantly see three records at the top of any such lists (including RS):
- The Beatles: Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
- Beach Boys: Pet Sounds
- The Beatles: Revolver
I'll avoid arguing the merit on the above three and must admit that before last week, I had only explored two of them.
As to why in 28 years I had never listened to Revolver is unclear, but after hearing Geo. Harrison's "Taxman" open the album, I plan to repent and repent often.
The experience of the album is very different across two monitor sets. Listening to it on heapdhones tends to lend a helping hand in maintaining what is assumed to be Geo. Martin's spatial intentions (though rumor has it that the boys preferred the mono mix - your local bootlegger should have a Japanese vinyl > CDR available for all those mono enthusiasts). Try it into your home theatre syetem and you'll see what I mean.
One shocking note that may have been explored many times over during the last 8 years: Can it be argued that the final track on Revolver, "Tomorrow Never Knows" is the predecessor to the Bigbeat craze of the mid 1990's? I think I can hear a taste of every major Chemical Brothers' single in this one track... thoughts?
[If you do plan to go out tomorrow and pick up Revolver, do keep an eye out for the 1998 Toshiba-EMI Japan repressing. This is the choice version.]
Monday, November 17, 2003
Due to the generosity and kindness of a good friend, the latest Elbow release, "Cast of Shadows" has finally made it to my ears.
As mentioned before, this release is still a good two months away from a US domestic date (Jan 13th to be exact). As to why V2 would delay its US release by more than 6 months latter the Euro/Asia date has me concerned...
Understandably, Elbow is not the biggest name in US music, but it may be one of the biggest names on the imports scene. Domestically, they have played a handful of gigs in 2003 outside of opening for the likes of the Grandaddy this past October. Eight openers (did we forget to visit Boston????) will not suffice in getting the word out on the US music market, sorry to say, but will keep those Elbow fans on the West Coast and NYC fairly entrenched as we wait for a presumed market blast from V2 come January.
As for me, well, I simply could not wait that long. A "BRTY" (borrow, rip, thank you) into iTunes and I'm covered until i can buy this album at fair market value. Let my friends in the industry scream in disgust, but maybe its a good thing I did get a rip. How else would I be able to spread my love for this disc?
Dont worry, I ripped it in AAC, not MP3, and I do promise to buy it come Jan.
Coming soon: some actual insight into "Cast of Shadows"
[For the record: the last disc to break my bank was in Daft Punk's "Homewerk" in early 1997. I simply could not wait the extra 3 months for its domestic release. Its the only import in recent years to force a purchase well ahead of the US drop date. Was it worth it? Come on...]
As mentioned before, this release is still a good two months away from a US domestic date (Jan 13th to be exact). As to why V2 would delay its US release by more than 6 months latter the Euro/Asia date has me concerned...
Understandably, Elbow is not the biggest name in US music, but it may be one of the biggest names on the imports scene. Domestically, they have played a handful of gigs in 2003 outside of opening for the likes of the Grandaddy this past October. Eight openers (did we forget to visit Boston????) will not suffice in getting the word out on the US music market, sorry to say, but will keep those Elbow fans on the West Coast and NYC fairly entrenched as we wait for a presumed market blast from V2 come January.
As for me, well, I simply could not wait that long. A "BRTY" (borrow, rip, thank you) into iTunes and I'm covered until i can buy this album at fair market value. Let my friends in the industry scream in disgust, but maybe its a good thing I did get a rip. How else would I be able to spread my love for this disc?
Dont worry, I ripped it in AAC, not MP3, and I do promise to buy it come Jan.
Coming soon: some actual insight into "Cast of Shadows"
[For the record: the last disc to break my bank was in Daft Punk's "Homewerk" in early 1997. I simply could not wait the extra 3 months for its domestic release. Its the only import in recent years to force a purchase well ahead of the US drop date. Was it worth it? Come on...]
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
A Daily dose of Mix Mash
Looking for an easy daily fix of mix session to fill your aural spectrum? Turn to our good friends at Blentwell, providing
new links daily to a diverse selection of sounds and rhythms.
Blentwell continues to prove that online mixes will thrive as loing as the ear will listen. How better to keep yourself busy?
Looking for an easy daily fix of mix session to fill your aural spectrum? Turn to our good friends at Blentwell, providing
new links daily to a diverse selection of sounds and rhythms.
Blentwell continues to prove that online mixes will thrive as loing as the ear will listen. How better to keep yourself busy?
Monday, November 10, 2003
Some quick notes to ensure to all that the mind is still working:
We'll talk properly soon...
- The punk electro mix is thriving
- Why is the new Elbow record out in the EU but months away from a US release?
- Sundance and IFC music docu's usually suck (re: Driver23)
- I need more soul records in my iPod
- pre-ordering music on half.com saves you money
We'll talk properly soon...
Saturday, November 01, 2003
The Rapture DJ in London.
Well worth a listen if not to simply hear Special Ed's "I Got It Made" again!
The Rapture DJ Session on BBC Radio1
(Be aware this link will change in a few days and will be replaced with Fat Boy's latest sauce de gonads tomorrow).
Well worth a listen if not to simply hear Special Ed's "I Got It Made" again!
The Rapture DJ Session on BBC Radio1
(Be aware this link will change in a few days and will be replaced with Fat Boy's latest sauce de gonads tomorrow).
Friday, October 31, 2003
Being without my Powerbook for a week caused less frustration that I had first expected but it caught me in the middle of a res-design of this site. Maybe now I can fix those nasty CSS bugs...
On a good note, I am half way through Stephen Fry's "The Liar" and listening to Tobias Thomas' "Smallville" (on Kompakt) courtesy of EZ.
On a good note, I am half way through Stephen Fry's "The Liar" and listening to Tobias Thomas' "Smallville" (on Kompakt) courtesy of EZ.
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Apple is on the JET
As I mentioned just 8 days ago, JET is my pick for the best new band this year! Just as I was about to push out a nice long propganda peice on my love for their music, Apple goes a step further and features their track "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" in their latest iPod TV advert! The is the best possible promotion for any band! Big ups!
Also on the Apple front, iTunes was released today for Windows, opening up the iTunes Music Store to the missing 92% of the computing world.
iPod advert featuring JET
As I mentioned just 8 days ago, JET is my pick for the best new band this year! Just as I was about to push out a nice long propganda peice on my love for their music, Apple goes a step further and features their track "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" in their latest iPod TV advert! The is the best possible promotion for any band! Big ups!
Also on the Apple front, iTunes was released today for Windows, opening up the iTunes Music Store to the missing 92% of the computing world.
iPod advert featuring JET
Friday, October 03, 2003
The last few weeks since returning from Barcelona have been quiet for me. Very few new full length releases have interested me into a purchase, so I have taken to picking up some EPs to test the waters.
The best of the batch is an EP from the Aussie band JET. Released back in May, "Dirty Sweet" is a great prequel to their Oct 7th (US) full length. Likened to the Rolling Stones and The Who, JET descends into that very popular 70's rock sound while adding a touch of garage noise to the image...
The best of the batch is an EP from the Aussie band JET. Released back in May, "Dirty Sweet" is a great prequel to their Oct 7th (US) full length. Likened to the Rolling Stones and The Who, JET descends into that very popular 70's rock sound while adding a touch of garage noise to the image...
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
Added some new Kompakt releases to The List. Both are well worth the money and continue in the long held Kompakt tradition of releasing premium compilations.
Monday, September 22, 2003
Back from Barca
3 weeks is a long time but not long enough on the coast of Spain.
Below is a link to some amazing street art/graf that I photographed. Though not music related, it warrants sharing with you all.
Barcelona Street Art/Graf
3 weeks is a long time but not long enough on the coast of Spain.
Below is a link to some amazing street art/graf that I photographed. Though not music related, it warrants sharing with you all.
Barcelona Street Art/Graf
Friday, August 22, 2003
Turin Brake's Ether Songs does the sinus good
Being sick in the dead heat of the summer is as catastrophic as being trapped in Solvenia wihtout some hard techno. Luckily the boys of Turin Brakes are here to help.
Ether Song is their latest release with a more uptempo vibe than their freshman release, The Optimist.
So far the new record has been good to me as I battle this sinus infection. Oly and Gale's vocals; though not as soothing as Vapor Rub, do help settle the mind.
Worthy of a listen. Track of choice on Ether Song: Self Help.
Someone send me some drops please.
Being sick in the dead heat of the summer is as catastrophic as being trapped in Solvenia wihtout some hard techno. Luckily the boys of Turin Brakes are here to help.
Ether Song is their latest release with a more uptempo vibe than their freshman release, The Optimist.
So far the new record has been good to me as I battle this sinus infection. Oly and Gale's vocals; though not as soothing as Vapor Rub, do help settle the mind.
Worthy of a listen. Track of choice on Ether Song: Self Help.
Someone send me some drops please.
Saturday, August 16, 2003
1001 Tracks Should You Download
Cool thread beginning on the I Love Music forums. I've added a few of my picks.
Dig in and lay claim to some of your favorites.
i love music thread: 1001 Tracks Should You Download Before You Die(TM) ???
(http://ilx.wh3rd.net/thread.php?msgid=3778244)
Cool thread beginning on the I Love Music forums. I've added a few of my picks.
Dig in and lay claim to some of your favorites.
i love music thread: 1001 Tracks Should You Download Before You Die(TM) ???
(http://ilx.wh3rd.net/thread.php?msgid=3778244)
Thursday, August 07, 2003
More compression
With my CD's now properly stored,the time has come to re-examine why my 10GB iPod is full. The nemesis of the iPod looks to be the 192MP3.
Running out of room on this device was something I never thought would happen, but it has. in the beginning of my love affari with the iPod, I promised it that I would never allow for anything lower than 192MP3 to be decoded by the device. To my dismay, the "standard" MP3 encoding rate is a space killer. It sounds better than the lower rates. Hands down. Luckily Apple may be changing all that with AAC. Smaller files that sound comprable to 192? Even I didnt believe it until I tested.
After a long ordeal A/B sampling a variety of music between 128/160AAC and 192MP3, I can honestly say that I really dont hear a difference. 128AAC really sounds as good as a 192MP3; at least to my ears No arguments please. This is simply what I have concluded.
So as much as it irks me, I am re-encoding everything slowly (sans the Radiohead records and my MFSL CDs which will stay at 320MP3) into Apple's preferred 128AAC format. Some quick math show me to be emancipating about 2GB of space. Easily 50 more CDs into the iPod. I hope the ordeal is worth it. Pray for me...
With my CD's now properly stored,the time has come to re-examine why my 10GB iPod is full. The nemesis of the iPod looks to be the 192MP3.
Running out of room on this device was something I never thought would happen, but it has. in the beginning of my love affari with the iPod, I promised it that I would never allow for anything lower than 192MP3 to be decoded by the device. To my dismay, the "standard" MP3 encoding rate is a space killer. It sounds better than the lower rates. Hands down. Luckily Apple may be changing all that with AAC. Smaller files that sound comprable to 192? Even I didnt believe it until I tested.
After a long ordeal A/B sampling a variety of music between 128/160AAC and 192MP3, I can honestly say that I really dont hear a difference. 128AAC really sounds as good as a 192MP3; at least to my ears No arguments please. This is simply what I have concluded.
So as much as it irks me, I am re-encoding everything slowly (sans the Radiohead records and my MFSL CDs which will stay at 320MP3) into Apple's preferred 128AAC format. Some quick math show me to be emancipating about 2GB of space. Easily 50 more CDs into the iPod. I hope the ordeal is worth it. Pray for me...
Monday, August 04, 2003
Jack White's Finger Fix Video
A not so nauseaus photo and video profile of The White Stripe's own Jack White getting a couple of screws put into his finger. Thanks for sharing Jack!
http://www.whitestripes.com/finger.html
A not so nauseaus photo and video profile of The White Stripe's own Jack White getting a couple of screws put into his finger. Thanks for sharing Jack!
http://www.whitestripes.com/finger.html
Sunday, August 03, 2003
Compression
In my condo (like any condo in the city), space is an issue. For that reason, we build from the ceiling down in order to preserve precious floor space. Allocating CD space has never been an elegant project, but we finally agreed on a 550 easy access limit. I still have space for about 40 more... choosing IS becoming easier with age, but still not pleasurable. Behold "the dropform wall of sound."
In my condo (like any condo in the city), space is an issue. For that reason, we build from the ceiling down in order to preserve precious floor space. Allocating CD space has never been an elegant project, but we finally agreed on a 550 easy access limit. I still have space for about 40 more... choosing IS becoming easier with age, but still not pleasurable. Behold "the dropform wall of sound."
Saturday, August 02, 2003
Holy Shit! I got allocated for Euro 2004!
This is not directly music related, but it needs to be stated. As a die hard footie fanatic, I have attempted years to successfully have my name drawn in ticket lotteries which would allow me to view games during the World Cup and Euro Championships. Its never happen. My nice stack of rejection letters tells the true story... but, I always still go. In 2000, my dear friend Chris and I partied in Amsterdam during the final week of Euro 2000. Simply amazing.
My luck had finally changed. In the mail today arrived my FIRST allocation/confirmation letter. For the first time, I'll have tickets in hand before arriving! Thank you UEFA for the luck of the draw! See you at Euro 2004 Portugal next summer!
This is not directly music related, but it needs to be stated. As a die hard footie fanatic, I have attempted years to successfully have my name drawn in ticket lotteries which would allow me to view games during the World Cup and Euro Championships. Its never happen. My nice stack of rejection letters tells the true story... but, I always still go. In 2000, my dear friend Chris and I partied in Amsterdam during the final week of Euro 2000. Simply amazing.
My luck had finally changed. In the mail today arrived my FIRST allocation/confirmation letter. For the first time, I'll have tickets in hand before arriving! Thank you UEFA for the luck of the draw! See you at Euro 2004 Portugal next summer!
Monday, July 28, 2003
Monday, July 21, 2003
Rock solid Blur show at Avalon Friday night; with a focus on the more "progressive" tracks from their catalog. Solid gig that revived me to pick up and renew missing stock in my collection. Trying to find the setlist from the gig now...
Saturday, July 19, 2003
Someone had it rough
My favorite working class rock outfit, the Stereophonics, have just released their 4th LP, "You Gotta Go There To Come Back." in the UK (with no US release date in sight). I hate buying imports when a domestic release should have sufficed... but anyways...
"You Gotta Go..." has tossed me into confusion. Like most Stereophonics records, Kelly Jones sings his heart out: on tune and damn raspy, but this is more than raspy. Either Kelly's cigarette intake before each session grew or this man was awfully sad during the sessions (interviews point to the latter).
"You Gotta Go There To Come Back" is a tale of a man trying to regain trust in a woman. Its unclear if 'he' ever does.
Kelly and boys buried their 'walk and talk lyrical style' for a gripping 'heart in the back of the mouth' sound. in "Climbing the Walls" I hear some hope of a turnaround but it is obvious from its position on the LP that the mood of the record is to move from anger to sadness.
"I Miss You Now" finds honest vocals overdubbed on top of an agonizing Kelly humming heartlessly through it. Its a difficult record to stomach...
With the exception of two tracks on this album, its a full unleashing of heart and emotion, never before heard from the Phonics. Kelly obviously got fucked up big from personal issues and it can be heard easily from start to finish. Some overproduction on tracks like "I'm Alright" initially sound unneeded, but only help to add to sound they wanted.
Three tracks on this record feel disconnected from the full record. "Help Me," "High As a Ceiling," and "Madame Helga (a single)." Their positions simply break up the flow. Removing them from the CD playlists really helps keep the intended emotion running.
To V2: "JEEP's" sales sucked in the US. but the fall of 2001 was bad for everyone. Release this record in the USA. It's deserving. The Phonics has a fan base in the US. Their sellout gigs in NA alone show that.
My favorite working class rock outfit, the Stereophonics, have just released their 4th LP, "You Gotta Go There To Come Back." in the UK (with no US release date in sight). I hate buying imports when a domestic release should have sufficed... but anyways...
"You Gotta Go..." has tossed me into confusion. Like most Stereophonics records, Kelly Jones sings his heart out: on tune and damn raspy, but this is more than raspy. Either Kelly's cigarette intake before each session grew or this man was awfully sad during the sessions (interviews point to the latter).
"You Gotta Go There To Come Back" is a tale of a man trying to regain trust in a woman. Its unclear if 'he' ever does.
Kelly and boys buried their 'walk and talk lyrical style' for a gripping 'heart in the back of the mouth' sound. in "Climbing the Walls" I hear some hope of a turnaround but it is obvious from its position on the LP that the mood of the record is to move from anger to sadness.
"I Miss You Now" finds honest vocals overdubbed on top of an agonizing Kelly humming heartlessly through it. Its a difficult record to stomach...
With the exception of two tracks on this album, its a full unleashing of heart and emotion, never before heard from the Phonics. Kelly obviously got fucked up big from personal issues and it can be heard easily from start to finish. Some overproduction on tracks like "I'm Alright" initially sound unneeded, but only help to add to sound they wanted.
Three tracks on this record feel disconnected from the full record. "Help Me," "High As a Ceiling," and "Madame Helga (a single)." Their positions simply break up the flow. Removing them from the CD playlists really helps keep the intended emotion running.
To V2: "JEEP's" sales sucked in the US. but the fall of 2001 was bad for everyone. Release this record in the USA. It's deserving. The Phonics has a fan base in the US. Their sellout gigs in NA alone show that.
Wednesday, July 09, 2003
For whatever reason, I was not able to finish my disucssion on the new B.R.M.C. single on my last try. I'll just state that its a good rock single and hopefully the boys do well with it.
While I am here, let me list a few of the music related blogs that I frequent for reads. The writing is very good and very opinionated. Enjoy and let them know I sent you.
The Astronaut's Notepad: http://www.astronautsnotepad.blogspot.com/
:: technicolor :: : http://othernessblue.blogspot.com/
While I am here, let me list a few of the music related blogs that I frequent for reads. The writing is very good and very opinionated. Enjoy and let them know I sent you.
The Astronaut's Notepad: http://www.astronautsnotepad.blogspot.com/
:: technicolor :: : http://othernessblue.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, July 08, 2003
B.R.M.C. - the boys are back in town
I always find it interesting when bands from the US go over to the UK Europe, and/or Japan and make it big. Most of them usually revolve around neo - heavy/death metal bands who's sound keeps the youth of Europe in a frenzy. But the boys of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club may be my new favorites.
Like most of the US, I didnt give nor pay too much attention to this West Coast rock outfit. I didnt avoid the album, B.R.M.C., I just didnt have the time to hear it (as ridic as that sounds).... but thanks to the musical gods, I was re-instroduced with their newest single "Stop." (to be continued)
I always find it interesting when bands from the US go over to the UK Europe, and/or Japan and make it big. Most of them usually revolve around neo - heavy/death metal bands who's sound keeps the youth of Europe in a frenzy. But the boys of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club may be my new favorites.
Like most of the US, I didnt give nor pay too much attention to this West Coast rock outfit. I didnt avoid the album, B.R.M.C., I just didnt have the time to hear it (as ridic as that sounds).... but thanks to the musical gods, I was re-instroduced with their newest single "Stop." (to be continued)
Friday, June 27, 2003
Renewing stock
A few folks have noticed the increase in the amount of "classic" CDs being added to the 2003 List. Some have even assumed that these may be my first listen to such classics as "OK Computer" or "Achtung Baby." Not so.
The truth in the matter is that after years of abuse and constant play, many of these discs have gone dead from bad handling. In particular, "Achtung Baby." If my memory serves me right, this is my 3rd purchased copy in the last 11 years. Copy one lasted me a good 4 years before it brittled under heat stroke in my Nissan. Copy 2 lasted a good 6 years until i realized that I was handling nothing but an empty jewel case. Lost stolen? Unclear.
The same also applies to other non recent releases in my List. Lost, unplayable.. who knows what went wrong. They say CDs last 100+ years.... I wonder if they're referring to non played "shelved" discs... god knows mine get worked.
A few folks have noticed the increase in the amount of "classic" CDs being added to the 2003 List. Some have even assumed that these may be my first listen to such classics as "OK Computer" or "Achtung Baby." Not so.
The truth in the matter is that after years of abuse and constant play, many of these discs have gone dead from bad handling. In particular, "Achtung Baby." If my memory serves me right, this is my 3rd purchased copy in the last 11 years. Copy one lasted me a good 4 years before it brittled under heat stroke in my Nissan. Copy 2 lasted a good 6 years until i realized that I was handling nothing but an empty jewel case. Lost stolen? Unclear.
The same also applies to other non recent releases in my List. Lost, unplayable.. who knows what went wrong. They say CDs last 100+ years.... I wonder if they're referring to non played "shelved" discs... god knows mine get worked.
Friday, June 20, 2003
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
Sonar 2003 begins Today!
The pristine European music festival begins today in the sunny cty of Barcelona. Wish I could make it...
Luckily, we havethe next best thing: BBC Radio 1 is brodcasting a fair amount of events LIVE.
Listen live right now as Gilles Peterson bring us some amazing live guests: Bjork, Laurent Garnier, and the almighty Matthew Herbert.
This is going to be some serious fun...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/events/sonar2003.shtml.
The pristine European music festival begins today in the sunny cty of Barcelona. Wish I could make it...
Luckily, we havethe next best thing: BBC Radio 1 is brodcasting a fair amount of events LIVE.
Listen live right now as Gilles Peterson bring us some amazing live guests: Bjork, Laurent Garnier, and the almighty Matthew Herbert.
This is going to be some serious fun...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/events/sonar2003.shtml.
Thursday, June 05, 2003
Wednesday, June 04, 2003
from W.A.S.T.E. email:
-------------------------
... Please note that as a special service to W.A.S.T.E customers, all tickets
bought through our site will be handled differently than those purchased
through Ticketmaster. All ticket orders for the original Field Day Music
Festival purchased through W.A.S.T.E will automatically be transferred to
the one-day event tickets at Giants Stadium. We will automatically refund
any difference in face value paid and will randomly assign seats based on
our allocation. ..
-------------------------
UPDATE: (Amazing 2 strikes days) WASTE has now given us the option. respect.
Field Day no go, go , new venue? - huh?
Though official word is not out, Ticketmaster is listing a new on sale date for Field Day Fest at Giants Stadium for one day only event this coming Sat. Talk about short ticket notice.
Though I know very little about the ongoing battles with the county, it must be stated that something is simply unprofessional about how this issue dragged on up to the last days. Granted that many large festivals only receive their "go aheads" a few days prior to their date, someone on the inside of this promotion house should have been clear with a verbal on the go ahead.
A venue change to Giants Stadium only 3 DAYS prior to the event is unacceptable. How will tickets arrive? Do they plan on 60,000 will call tickets?
Sounds to me like the winner here is Ticketmaster who not only picked up 2 sets of fees (for the now cancelled site and the new site), but will also rape all purchasers with "Next Day delivery" charges...
For those that make it to Giants Stadium, i wish you luck. For you all, I truly hope it all works out in the end..
Update: So i ranted a bit and got some of it wrong. The refunds look to cover at least some of the Ticketmaster costs which is in good faith... but I still stand by my view of how it was handled. The venue change was unfortunate.... but I guess we should be happy something is happening for those that want to attend.
More info at fielddayfest.com
Though official word is not out, Ticketmaster is listing a new on sale date for Field Day Fest at Giants Stadium for one day only event this coming Sat. Talk about short ticket notice.
Though I know very little about the ongoing battles with the county, it must be stated that something is simply unprofessional about how this issue dragged on up to the last days. Granted that many large festivals only receive their "go aheads" a few days prior to their date, someone on the inside of this promotion house should have been clear with a verbal on the go ahead.
A venue change to Giants Stadium only 3 DAYS prior to the event is unacceptable. How will tickets arrive? Do they plan on 60,000 will call tickets?
For those that make it to Giants Stadium, i wish you luck. For you all, I truly hope it all works out in the end..
Update: So i ranted a bit and got some of it wrong. The refunds look to cover at least some of the Ticketmaster costs which is in good faith... but I still stand by my view of how it was handled. The venue change was unfortunate.... but I guess we should be happy something is happening for those that want to attend.
More info at fielddayfest.com
Sunday, June 01, 2003
Re-discovered missing classics.
LA's musical tastes vary as much as mine. Allowing her to dig into CD collections when visitng friends will usually lead to some begging for me to "copy" some her discoveries.
Copy schmocky... half.com or Amazon Used should have what she needs as original. Case in point: Fiona Apple's 1996 debut "Tidal" and the absolute perfect soul record of the 70's: Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" (make sure and get the 2000 Motown remaster).
Fiona's debut is a damn good record. not what I am into right now, but when you can pick it up for 3.58 in "very good"condition (thats a total of $6.00 shipped), you cannot go wrong.
Stevie on the otherhand is a different story altogether. This double album+EP is so intense and loved... you'll be lucky to find it used for less than 20.00. You know what...fcuk it, buy this one new... the harmonics of this "true" live studio recording's mixdown is whats albums SHOULD sound like: compression free and unlimited. Buy this record for your kids if not for you....it goes without saying how much passion can be found here.
LA's musical tastes vary as much as mine. Allowing her to dig into CD collections when visitng friends will usually lead to some begging for me to "copy" some her discoveries.
Copy schmocky... half.com or Amazon Used should have what she needs as original. Case in point: Fiona Apple's 1996 debut "Tidal" and the absolute perfect soul record of the 70's: Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" (make sure and get the 2000 Motown remaster).
Fiona's debut is a damn good record. not what I am into right now, but when you can pick it up for 3.58 in "very good"condition (thats a total of $6.00 shipped), you cannot go wrong.
Stevie on the otherhand is a different story altogether. This double album+EP is so intense and loved... you'll be lucky to find it used for less than 20.00. You know what...fcuk it, buy this one new... the harmonics of this "true" live studio recording's mixdown is whats albums SHOULD sound like: compression free and unlimited. Buy this record for your kids if not for you....it goes without saying how much passion can be found here.
Friday, May 30, 2003
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Spending a good deal of ear time with Badly Drawn Boy's "About a Boy" soundtrack. Typical soundtrack flow that lends itself well to occupational day work. Pick up this record. An amazing songwriter that is in a category of his own.
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
And I thought it could not get any better than the iPod...
Enough cannot be said about Apple and innovation. Point in case iTunes 4. The feature list is big, but only one will truly change how people listen to music.
Forget about iTune 4's ultra simple to use, The iTunes Music Store (which for the first time makes online music purchases, ad-free, personal, and so damn easy). Forget about iTunes 4's AAC encoding (which purportedly makes smaller and more listenable music files than MP3 @ 128). Forget about iTunes portability compliance with the iPod (where's Ogg Apple? The chip supports it!)...
The real killer function of iTunes 4 is Playlist Sharing
In short, imagine wanting to hear a track on demand, but without the wait, lag, and grey-legalmatters of p2p downloading. Imagine being able ask a friend if they have a particular song, and being able to remotely connect to that friend's playlist and actually not only listen to the song in high quality but to also be able to rewind and fast forward through that track in their playlist! As much as ffwd and rwd seems like standard operating procedure in our CD players and tape decks, its never been the case in remote (streaming) MP3 usage. iTunes 4 allows for all of this and much much more.
I, for one, not only believe that this Playlist Sharing will decrease p2p usage by Mac users (which has been mediocre at best up to this point), but will also decrease illegal music trading across the OS as a whole. No need to log into Acquisition and try to find that new Bonobo single (as you wait in a queue to download it).. Ask a friend if they have it and listen to it off their machine now!
What is even more interesting is that Apple only mentions this feature on their iTunes page in one small paragraph and only mentions it in terms of sharing across the local network via Rendezvous. no mention of WAN sharing is made, but IT IS AVAILABLE! I can see the RIAA and DMCA with their puzzled looks now....
Enough cannot be said about Apple and innovation. Point in case iTunes 4. The feature list is big, but only one will truly change how people listen to music.
Forget about iTune 4's ultra simple to use, The iTunes Music Store (which for the first time makes online music purchases, ad-free, personal, and so damn easy). Forget about iTunes 4's AAC encoding (which purportedly makes smaller and more listenable music files than MP3 @ 128). Forget about iTunes portability compliance with the iPod (where's Ogg Apple? The chip supports it!)...
The real killer function of iTunes 4 is Playlist Sharing
In short, imagine wanting to hear a track on demand, but without the wait, lag, and grey-legalmatters of p2p downloading. Imagine being able ask a friend if they have a particular song, and being able to remotely connect to that friend's playlist and actually not only listen to the song in high quality but to also be able to rewind and fast forward through that track in their playlist! As much as ffwd and rwd seems like standard operating procedure in our CD players and tape decks, its never been the case in remote (streaming) MP3 usage. iTunes 4 allows for all of this and much much more.
I, for one, not only believe that this Playlist Sharing will decrease p2p usage by Mac users (which has been mediocre at best up to this point), but will also decrease illegal music trading across the OS as a whole. No need to log into Acquisition and try to find that new Bonobo single (as you wait in a queue to download it).. Ask a friend if they have it and listen to it off their machine now!
What is even more interesting is that Apple only mentions this feature on their iTunes page in one small paragraph and only mentions it in terms of sharing across the local network via Rendezvous. no mention of WAN sharing is made, but IT IS AVAILABLE! I can see the RIAA and DMCA with their puzzled looks now....
Monday, April 21, 2003
My voice of activism passed away today.
Nina Simone, more than any other black American, has brought me closer to understanding, even if only on a small level, what true anguish was during the 50's and 60's in the US. The first time LA and I heard her singing "Missisippi Goddamn," we both were taken deep into a new spiritual call for action. Her penetrating voice not only sang, but truly screamed emotion to us. Make no mistakes, she sang only what she felt.... and what she felt was a big "fcuk you" to everything that attempted to bring her down.
For this Nina, you are my hero.
Nina Simone, more than any other black American, has brought me closer to understanding, even if only on a small level, what true anguish was during the 50's and 60's in the US. The first time LA and I heard her singing "Missisippi Goddamn," we both were taken deep into a new spiritual call for action. Her penetrating voice not only sang, but truly screamed emotion to us. Make no mistakes, she sang only what she felt.... and what she felt was a big "fcuk you" to everything that attempted to bring her down.
For this Nina, you are my hero.
Friday, April 18, 2003
Ever got to a solid rock show and hear nor see a thing on stage?
The first time I saw The White Stripes back in April of 2003, I spent more time trying to figure out who the opening act was, rather than paying attention to the music before me (The Datsuns). Problem is with +6'6" tall boys drunk and singing around me short 5'6" self, it became apparent that I would not only not to see Meg, but I would also not be able to hear a damn thing. As big as the space was, sound reflects horribly inside The Roxy (save me from these fcuking photos) and leads to nothing more than an hollow echo when you're crammed between giants.
Hopefully this Sunday will be a different story. We have 4th row balcony seats for their Orpheum gig. The Orpehum is a much more natural sounding venue and more comfortable. Not only will I actually be able to hear what is being played (nice acoustics in the upper level of this old theatre), I will also be able to see the divorcee's from a good vantage point. Hopefully Easter Sunday dinner does not tire the mood. Add a double shot of express. and I should be good to go...
Also, for those in Boston Sat, April 26th, WBCN will rebroadcast this gig in its entirety.
The first time I saw The White Stripes back in April of 2003, I spent more time trying to figure out who the opening act was, rather than paying attention to the music before me (The Datsuns). Problem is with +6'6" tall boys drunk and singing around me short 5'6" self, it became apparent that I would not only not to see Meg, but I would also not be able to hear a damn thing. As big as the space was, sound reflects horribly inside The Roxy (save me from these fcuking photos) and leads to nothing more than an hollow echo when you're crammed between giants.
Hopefully this Sunday will be a different story. We have 4th row balcony seats for their Orpheum gig. The Orpehum is a much more natural sounding venue and more comfortable. Not only will I actually be able to hear what is being played (nice acoustics in the upper level of this old theatre), I will also be able to see the divorcee's from a good vantage point. Hopefully Easter Sunday dinner does not tire the mood. Add a double shot of express. and I should be good to go...
Also, for those in Boston Sat, April 26th, WBCN will rebroadcast this gig in its entirety.
Monday, April 14, 2003
And official word on Field Day Festival is out: http://www.fielddayfest.com.
Line up changes have been made since the initial rumor.... see you all on Sat June 7th.
Line up changes have been made since the initial rumor.... see you all on Sat June 7th.
Wednesday, April 09, 2003
Festival season is almost upon us whch means boring East Coast big gigs featuring some America's most mass marketed / consumed bands.... with the expection of one very "hyper rumor' of a 2 day East Coast festival...
Field Day Festival looks to be East Coast America's answer to Cali's Coachella or TN's Bonaroo. Let it be known that no official word has been made public on this event, but, some heavily interested players with the help if a quick and dirty wget of the aforementioned website did discover this very telling gif (now removed from the official site but archived for ages to come by yours truly). If this is any indication of coming events, I for one, will be packing my camping gear very soon.
Field Day Festival looks to be East Coast America's answer to Cali's Coachella or TN's Bonaroo. Let it be known that no official word has been made public on this event, but, some heavily interested players with the help if a quick and dirty wget of the aforementioned website did discover this very telling gif (now removed from the official site but archived for ages to come by yours truly). If this is any indication of coming events, I for one, will be packing my camping gear very soon.
Thursday, March 27, 2003
Even Canadian bands have it bad in the USA:
Godspeed You! Black Emperor Questioned as Suspected Terrorists
Godspeed You! Black Emperor Questioned as Suspected Terrorists
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
The following email arrived from the Radiohead's Waste Dept. today. Nothing would be more ultimate than having your work on their big screens:
We've got a plan.
We need your help.
We're looking for moving pictures.
Can you make moving pictures?
Time is short.
This is what you have to do.
1. Take one of the live MP3's of a Radiohead track.
2. Make some moving pictures to it (can be anything: live action, animation, graphics
etc).
3. Make it at least 10 seconds and at most a song's length (although we prefer shorter).
OR... Have you already made a short film that would benefit from an airing?
Send your work to Radiohead at:
The Picture Gallery
w.a.s.te
PO box 322
Oxford
by Monday 8th May 2003
Formats Required:
For short films / whole songs : VHS (PAL) (You will be contacted if we require higher
quality masters)
For shorter animations, graphics: Quicktime (720 x 576 pixels) CODEC: Motion JPEG B (High
Quality)
Please enclose with it your name and e-mail address/telephone number.
We've got a plan.
We need your help.
We're looking for moving pictures.
Can you make moving pictures?
Time is short.
This is what you have to do.
1. Take one of the live MP3's of a Radiohead track.
2. Make some moving pictures to it (can be anything: live action, animation, graphics
etc).
3. Make it at least 10 seconds and at most a song's length (although we prefer shorter).
OR... Have you already made a short film that would benefit from an airing?
Send your work to Radiohead at:
The Picture Gallery
w.a.s.te
PO box 322
Oxford
by Monday 8th May 2003
Formats Required:
For short films / whole songs : VHS (PAL) (You will be contacted if we require higher
quality masters)
For shorter animations, graphics: Quicktime (720 x 576 pixels) CODEC: Motion JPEG B (High
Quality)
Please enclose with it your name and e-mail address/telephone number.
Monday, March 24, 2003
Saturday, March 22, 2003
Thursday, March 20, 2003
So what make a good live show? The venue? The crowd? The Band?
How about a modern day 6 foot tall reincarnation of Janis Joplin?
Feel out Macy Gray. A soul-full of a woman who's know music and knows how to toss a crowd into a frenzy. Given that her last album, 'The ID' got caught between Alicia Keys and Jill Scott releases (Jill's albums being worthy of a full listen), it a pleasure to see her promoting her 3rd release, 'The Trouble With Myself,' by running a romping US microclub tour.
The Paradise was energy. Macy and her band (pure excellence) tore through re-worked hits and new album tracks. The full 2 hour show not only drained the crowd of energy by the last jam, but also left a solid impression on this music snob.
For those reading in from Philly, Brooklyn, or the Southwest, GO to a Macy gig. well worth the small admission price. True smokin grooves.
How about a modern day 6 foot tall reincarnation of Janis Joplin?
Feel out Macy Gray. A soul-full of a woman who's know music and knows how to toss a crowd into a frenzy. Given that her last album, 'The ID' got caught between Alicia Keys and Jill Scott releases (Jill's albums being worthy of a full listen), it a pleasure to see her promoting her 3rd release, 'The Trouble With Myself,' by running a romping US microclub tour.
The Paradise was energy. Macy and her band (pure excellence) tore through re-worked hits and new album tracks. The full 2 hour show not only drained the crowd of energy by the last jam, but also left a solid impression on this music snob.
For those reading in from Philly, Brooklyn, or the Southwest, GO to a Macy gig. well worth the small admission price. True smokin grooves.
Monday, March 10, 2003
Saturday, March 08, 2003
This past Wednesday marked not only my 28th birthday but the start of a very loving relationship with an Apple iPod (thanks LA!).
How I lived without this device for as long as I have is news to me. By far the impressive piece of hardware ever developed. Sure we have all seen them: folks walking by with the big white earbuds.. . but until you actually hold one in hand and use it for a day.. you just will not understand.
The most difficult part of the iPod has nothing to do with the iPod itself but in choosing what to fill its 10GB of storage with. I rarely listen to music outside of my trusty Marantz CD5000 and Grado SR80's. I feared the loss of fidelity by converting to MP3, but I feel safe in the fidelity that LAME encoding gives me @ 192kps (via the iTunes LAME Encoder of course).
So what's in the iPod right now? A Carl Cox session, all the U2 and Coldplay records... encoding now: "Live @ the Social Volume 1 (the only Chemical Bros. mix CD worth owning)... much more to come.
How I lived without this device for as long as I have is news to me. By far the impressive piece of hardware ever developed. Sure we have all seen them: folks walking by with the big white earbuds.. . but until you actually hold one in hand and use it for a day.. you just will not understand.
The most difficult part of the iPod has nothing to do with the iPod itself but in choosing what to fill its 10GB of storage with. I rarely listen to music outside of my trusty Marantz CD5000 and Grado SR80's. I feared the loss of fidelity by converting to MP3, but I feel safe in the fidelity that LAME encoding gives me @ 192kps (via the iTunes LAME Encoder of course).
So what's in the iPod right now? A Carl Cox session, all the U2 and Coldplay records... encoding now: "Live @ the Social Volume 1 (the only Chemical Bros. mix CD worth owning)... much more to come.
Friday, February 21, 2003
Oh yes its been a while... the cold is cold in New England. So cold in fact, that it kept my fingers away from this forum. With the return of some warmth (> 35 F), comes a return to normalcy. Listed some new CDs in the list. Dig in.
Playing now: Hotel Costes Etage3. Always a favorite.
Playing now: Hotel Costes Etage3. Always a favorite.
Friday, January 31, 2003
Friday, January 17, 2003
For those in the USA who have PBS (which everyone with a TV and antennae does on channel 13 VHF), make sure and catch the 3 part FRONTLINE series on "The Future of Sound." Part 3 focuses in on Iceland and its cast of interesting groups/characters. From my understanding, its well worth a viewing.
Thursday, January 16, 2003
So no Walkmen/ Calla review (as you may have guessed by now). I unfortunately have not gotten my copy yet. Ironically enough though, they seem to have caught the eye of the advertising world (as Interpol did with the NFL advert heads). You can catch their 'hit' track "We've Been Had" in the newest Saturn Automotive ad. if you can break those holy gates, youre sure to make it big time.
Big ups to BC, a friend in the biz, that has eliminated my musical drought and provided me with a thick selection of new CDs to dive into. Of important note, was an advance copy of the domestic (US) release of Fischerspooner's "Feels Good Looks Good" (aka "#1"). So many of you should be asking, 'Who the hell gives a shit? It came out on International Deejay Gigilos back in early 2002 (see sidebar date 2002-02-xx).' True enough, but this domestic release is no simple repressing. Capital Records has taken this disc and completely remastered it with a bunch of new tracks. Its truly sounds good.... for a change.
Check the sidebar for the beginnings of the 2003 list....
Finally, the new Massive Attack has started making the rounds on all our favorite p2p's. My first listen is on now.... my thoughts in a bit....
Big ups to BC, a friend in the biz, that has eliminated my musical drought and provided me with a thick selection of new CDs to dive into. Of important note, was an advance copy of the domestic (US) release of Fischerspooner's "Feels Good Looks Good" (aka "#1"). So many of you should be asking, 'Who the hell gives a shit? It came out on International Deejay Gigilos back in early 2002 (see sidebar date 2002-02-xx).' True enough, but this domestic release is no simple repressing. Capital Records has taken this disc and completely remastered it with a bunch of new tracks. Its truly sounds good.... for a change.
Check the sidebar for the beginnings of the 2003 list....
Finally, the new Massive Attack has started making the rounds on all our favorite p2p's. My first listen is on now.... my thoughts in a bit....
Tuesday, January 07, 2003
Monday, December 23, 2002
Days before Christmas and just over a week until New Years.... what do these 14 days hold for music fags like myself? Top of 2002 lists of course!! For your reading pleasures.... two of the more respectables. Happy holidays and I'll see you soon!
Best Lists of '2002 Best of Lists':
Pitchfork.com
Other Music (my unoffical link to their official 2002 recap email)
I'll add a few more in time....
Best Lists of '2002 Best of Lists':
Pitchfork.com
Other Music (my unoffical link to their official 2002 recap email)
I'll add a few more in time....
Thursday, December 19, 2002
Radiohead tend to do things their own way and do it right: from production and mastering techniques of their last 2 records (KidA and Amnesiac) which are must listens on headphones (arguably the most harmonic and aurally spatial LP�s released in years), to their holiday �gift� to us.
You see, while REM and Pearl Jam release holiday packages chock full of stickers, and exclusive fan club only CDs, Radiohead says 'Fuck the gifts, lets throw a party' and webcast it online.
Last evening, Thom, Colin, and crew setup some turntables in their Oxford studios and spun their favorites live. Mixing utterly disturbing video of Bush and Saddam sharing a kilo of coke, to Thom�s attempts at mixing a Squarepusher track into an aged, ska Bob Marley 7inch, the band obviously does it their way and does not give a fuck about (perceived) image. Even more impressive, viewers were treated to 4 new songs performed live and off CDR (which may or may not make it onto their next release slated for dropoff on March 25, 2003)�.that in itself is the true gift of music.
Final question: did their webcast violate the DCMA regimes' stance on webcast royalty control ? Oh right.. Readiohead webcast the event out of UK. The RIAA doesnt control that market.... .
You see, while REM and Pearl Jam release holiday packages chock full of stickers, and exclusive fan club only CDs, Radiohead says 'Fuck the gifts, lets throw a party' and webcast it online.
Last evening, Thom, Colin, and crew setup some turntables in their Oxford studios and spun their favorites live. Mixing utterly disturbing video of Bush and Saddam sharing a kilo of coke, to Thom�s attempts at mixing a Squarepusher track into an aged, ska Bob Marley 7inch, the band obviously does it their way and does not give a fuck about (perceived) image. Even more impressive, viewers were treated to 4 new songs performed live and off CDR (which may or may not make it onto their next release slated for dropoff on March 25, 2003)�.that in itself is the true gift of music.
Final question: did their webcast violate the DCMA regimes' stance on webcast royalty control ? Oh right.. Readiohead webcast the event out of UK. The RIAA doesnt control that market.... .
Monday, December 16, 2002
Zero Music Budget = Gifts of Music. A kind soul has supplied me with some very nice gifts: Kenny Glagow's "Toronto Mix Sessions" (on Turbo; featuring Rother's Decepticon-esque 'Simulationszeitalter') and Triple R "Friends" (on Kompakt). A span of choice mixes which cover the gamut between electro-tech and micro-house. Tiime to take a listen ... and thank you Erik.
Friday, December 13, 2002
As I complained a few days past on the lack of shows events to hit durig the winter months, I must apologize to my good friend Greg for being a noshow again to his night over at Vertigo..... don't hold it against me..l will make it. Please ppl, dont let my bad habits stop you from visiting the club on Wed's..
Monday, December 09, 2002
Is it me or are less bands/groups touring this winter than previous years? Or maybe I am being more selective about what I attend/buy for music. Either way I have yet to find a show in the next 45 days that I will be attending.... boring. Luckily the Parisan signed me up for Woodworking: How to Build a Shaker Table (being taught at Cambridge Continuing Ed this winter)... I kid you not...
Listening to: Marco Corola live @ PL
Looking forward to: White Stripes "Elephants"
Listening to: Marco Corola live @ PL
Looking forward to: White Stripes "Elephants"
Thursday, December 05, 2002
Someone passed me some illegal MP3's of the new Primal Scream "Evil Heat" LP. For a record as new as this one (released in the States on Nov 26th), you think maybe their website would be live (re: promo). Enjoyable record this time around. We're looking good even 3 tracks in....
Tuesday, December 03, 2002
Wishlist: A few new releases in recent weeks worth noting (both out of Italy) : Niccola Conte's "Jet Sounds Revisited" fusing 60's soundtracks with bossonova and jazz and Valvola & DJ Spectra's "Venus 69" following the utterly non popular Italohouse/pop road to stardom. Seeing as my music budget is at zero for the next month, I'll have to pick these up next year.
Monday, December 02, 2002
Fabio and Grooverider::: It has been roughly five years since I last caught Grooverider back at the Spot basement (now a posh tapas/Latin bar known as Sophia's) in Boston. The show, a last minute one off with most promo happening via word of mouth, turned out to be one of the better nights of drum and bass that I have experienced in Boston. Prior to that one off, I was fortunate enough to the F&G duo bring another basement space to its knees at London's Blue Note. It was the one and only time I left a club near deaf and with ceiling dandruff* (*def: brittle white paint/asbesto specimens which fall from ceilings due to high intensity bass rumbles).
Friday night at Axis may not have been as spectacular as those long gone evenings of my youth, but it did instill some semblance of hope to a drum and bass scene that I see as dying due to lack of progression. Its an argument and stance that I fight daily with the younger dnb fans that are coming in fresh, untarnished, and still love the power of a deep deep bassdrive buildup and the power of the roll.
F&G's session was what I had hoped: honest, modern, and with a new twist and flavor that does shine a bit of hope on the genre. Banging Latin beats, back to basics -almost straight on UK hardcore tempo's... sounds like a cliche, but it is the roots of it all. Is it the memory's of old that kept me dancing Friday evening? Or the thrill of the old timer's tearing through a room of youths that needed a lesson in the past? Hopefully the latter.... roll the bass....
Friday night at Axis may not have been as spectacular as those long gone evenings of my youth, but it did instill some semblance of hope to a drum and bass scene that I see as dying due to lack of progression. Its an argument and stance that I fight daily with the younger dnb fans that are coming in fresh, untarnished, and still love the power of a deep deep bassdrive buildup and the power of the roll.
F&G's session was what I had hoped: honest, modern, and with a new twist and flavor that does shine a bit of hope on the genre. Banging Latin beats, back to basics -almost straight on UK hardcore tempo's... sounds like a cliche, but it is the roots of it all. Is it the memory's of old that kept me dancing Friday evening? Or the thrill of the old timer's tearing through a room of youths that needed a lesson in the past? Hopefully the latter.... roll the bass....
Saturday, November 30, 2002
Friday, November 29, 2002
So after a few weeks, I think I have stolen enough css code from MT to allow blogger to feel somewhat at home. As much as it ills me to abandon the flat text document found at dropform, this may do me some good. A bit more to hack away at. Be back soon
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