Here's a nice little video talking about the transition from Dub to Dubstep, following Lee Scratch Perry, on his journey from founding one genre, to starting to participate in its bastard offspring. (hint: it then turns into a promo for the new Jahdan Blakkamoore album, but he's pretty awesome, so that's not a huge downside.)
Found via Fader.
Kurt Vile
I stumbled across Kurt Vile off of a recommendation, and I'm glad I followed through, because he's making really good music. He's just about to release his second album, Childish Prodigy, the follow up to Constant Hitmaker. Creative Loafing in Atlanta had a good piece on him yesterday too, which revealed that Vile is in fact his real last name.
I'd give him props just for the album titles, but the music is worth talking about too.
This is a cut off the new album, "Freak Train."
The musical output pays homage to a lot of different styles. I think there's a lot of similarities to The Replacements, some muted tones of Richard Hell and, also, right before the first solo, when he's chanting 'freak train' and gives a little 'whoo' there's some Springsteen in there, which, if you grow up in proximity to Central Jersey is all but impossible to avoid.
I also love how train-like the percussion is: Steady, droning, it falls behind everything else, but permeates throughout, just like riding on a real train. This makes me think that while Vile makes this stuff seem easy, there's a lot of conscious effort and careful crafting that goes into this. It shows, because it's awesome.
I'd give him props just for the album titles, but the music is worth talking about too.
This is a cut off the new album, "Freak Train."
The musical output pays homage to a lot of different styles. I think there's a lot of similarities to The Replacements, some muted tones of Richard Hell and, also, right before the first solo, when he's chanting 'freak train' and gives a little 'whoo' there's some Springsteen in there, which, if you grow up in proximity to Central Jersey is all but impossible to avoid.
I also love how train-like the percussion is: Steady, droning, it falls behind everything else, but permeates throughout, just like riding on a real train. This makes me think that while Vile makes this stuff seem easy, there's a lot of conscious effort and careful crafting that goes into this. It shows, because it's awesome.
Maybe the rawest cypher ever
In the first real hip hop thing BET has done in a long time, with the exception of freestyle fridays, I guess...Mos Def, Black Thought, and Eminem getting busy with Premier on the decks. Wow. Em kills it. Thought is dope, and Mos is not to be slept on, but Em? Fuhgeddaboutit.
Album Review: Birds & Batteries
I was excited when I got an advance of the forthcoming EP, Up To No Good, from San Fran's Birds & Batteries. I was not disappointed when I popped in this 5-track adventure to meet a truly unique style that struts around the crossroads of alt-rock, electronic, funk and pop in search of its time machine, looking down on everyone else like they're half-retarded, similiar to Luke Wilson in Idiocracy.
The name of the game is density - rich, full layers of sound building on top of each other like a musical re-interpretation of the adobe village seen here.
"Out in the Woods" off the new EP.
I had the pleasure of seeing an earlier incarnation of the group 2 or 3 years ago at the Art Bar in Columbia, SC - my friend Neil from Low Red Land was playing guitar for them, and both groups were on a curious bill opening for American Gun. They both played incredible sets to a nearly empty house, and then the place got packed for the more traditional hootenany bar rock of AG. We drank whiskey in the parking lot in a van, and they gave me a copy of the their self-released Nature vs. Nature, which, if Birds & Batteries become wildly famous, will be remembered as an album that was a little ahead of its time. Here's the 3rd track off that album, as a point of comparison to where they've come from.
"Machines That Dream"
Besides seriously enriching the sonic landscape with this new record, they've tastefully brought a retro-80s primal quality to the drums that pays homage to Kraftwerk-esque electro without being lost in some nostalgia for the past or blatant re-creationism.
Check out "Sneaky Times" the final cut off UTNG.
The intro is like a dub version of classic "Bustin' Out"-era Rick James slap bass chopped and filtered, which gives way to a darker take on the intro to MJ's "Thriller" before opening up to disembodied vocals.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this album, and am glad to see this group that blew my mind a few years ago reappearing with some serious magic, and drastically upping the stakes in the integration of electronic music into myriad other styles to create a truly interesting record.
Look for Up to No Good starting today.
Joe Meek and the Blue Men
If you're not familiar with Joe Meek, then you should take a moment to read this well-written capsule.
He was an outsider musical innovator who made some pretty revolutionary advances in FX and recording technique while blazing trails with electronic music in the early 60s in England. He went on to score a big hit with "Telstar", which is in my wife's top 5 or 10 songs of all time, and which is how I first came to know about Meek.
The album that this track "Love Dance of the Saroos" originated from is a concept album, Joe Meek and the Blue Men's I Hear a New World - what Meek thinks music will sound like in space. It ranges from oddball to brilliant.
Its aesthetic definitely went on to inspire stuff like Luke Vibert and BJ Cole's "Fly Hawaii", which sounds like a cross between Meek, exotica, and the opening moments of Pee Wee's Playhouse.
Listen to the first 20 seconds of Pee Wee's opening credits as a point of comparison.
There's a movie about Meek screening at the Savannah Film Festival next week. It's gotten mixed rewiews.
He was an outsider musical innovator who made some pretty revolutionary advances in FX and recording technique while blazing trails with electronic music in the early 60s in England. He went on to score a big hit with "Telstar", which is in my wife's top 5 or 10 songs of all time, and which is how I first came to know about Meek.
The album that this track "Love Dance of the Saroos" originated from is a concept album, Joe Meek and the Blue Men's I Hear a New World - what Meek thinks music will sound like in space. It ranges from oddball to brilliant.
Its aesthetic definitely went on to inspire stuff like Luke Vibert and BJ Cole's "Fly Hawaii", which sounds like a cross between Meek, exotica, and the opening moments of Pee Wee's Playhouse.
Listen to the first 20 seconds of Pee Wee's opening credits as a point of comparison.
There's a movie about Meek screening at the Savannah Film Festival next week. It's gotten mixed rewiews.
Ernest Gonzales
This EP, Self Awakening, by Texas-based Ernest Gonzalez was a really pleasant surprise, and pretty much put Friends of Friends on lock as my favorite new label of the year, or however long they've been around now.
This 7 song EP is the fanfare sounding in the distance as a full-length release quickly approaches. Up until this point, FOF's releases have been split discs (Daedelus/Jogger) and Larytta/Bauchamp), but EG's flips the script and instead has a gifted cadre of folks taking cracks at remixing his stuff.
The end result is in tone, vaguely reminiscent of a more electronic Broken Social Scene circa You Forget it in People. The fun thing about the remixes is that they really bring an emotional and stylistic range to the album that are largely unattainable for solo productions. The various interpretations vary enough to move the album along, but in sharing origins, also create broader musical themes that span several tracks.
Here's the title track, "Self Awakening", unremixed.
At it's core, the EP's function as an appetizer served prior to this LP entree, Self-Awakening is a success. My appetite is whetted, and I am hungry for some more music from Ernest Gonzalez.
Alex Goose - Blue Print 3 Outtakes
Go check out former Savannahian, and current ATLien Alex Goose's Blueprint 3 Outtakes. The project stemmed from some beats he submitted to Roc A&R as potential cuts for the album, but none of them made it. It's a shame cause there's some heat on there, and it would have been nice to hear H-O-V on the throwback tip.
The joint is nice. Sampled off some seriously deep cuts.
You can also check out his new interview in Trace.
Diamond District Mixtape
Some really beautiful things are happening for hip hop in the greater DC area right now. I don't know if it's just because Mark Ronson helped Wale step into the shine that folks started taking a look into what was happening in DC, or whether it's just the magic of the internet and a little marketing savvy that more independent cats are finding ways to reach more geographically diverse audiences, but whatever it is, I'm glad that I can live in Georgia and find out about some artists like the crew that makes up Diamond District.
They're dropping a mixtape with DJ Buddy in preparation for a proper release of In the Ruff on Oct. 27.
Here's a choice cut, "Back to Basics" off the mixtape, and presumably, the forthcoming album:
The Diamond District team is X.O. who I stumbled across thanks to Cocaine Blunts after he released one of the nicest mixtapes I heard last year, The Takeover Pt. 2, Oddissee, who is in the running for one of the nicest producers on the mic right now in my book, and YU, who I don't know anything about, but who must be pretty dope judging by the company he keeps.
Here's a nice cut from X.O.'s last tape called "Tru"
And a nice joint from Oddissee called "Hip Hop's Cool Again"
A single off the Diamond District album, "I Mean Business", is for sale, and which you should go buy (link to iTunes)
They're dropping a mixtape with DJ Buddy in preparation for a proper release of In the Ruff on Oct. 27.
Here's a choice cut, "Back to Basics" off the mixtape, and presumably, the forthcoming album:
The Diamond District team is X.O. who I stumbled across thanks to Cocaine Blunts after he released one of the nicest mixtapes I heard last year, The Takeover Pt. 2, Oddissee, who is in the running for one of the nicest producers on the mic right now in my book, and YU, who I don't know anything about, but who must be pretty dope judging by the company he keeps.
Here's a nice cut from X.O.'s last tape called "Tru"
And a nice joint from Oddissee called "Hip Hop's Cool Again"
A single off the Diamond District album, "I Mean Business", is for sale, and which you should go buy (link to iTunes)
Savannah's musical underground
Jeff Zagers is one of the most awesome members of Savannah's music culture. He plays a lot of shows, but he very rarely plays in bars. He plays several instruments, most often drums, but isn't afraid to get experimental with things.
I saw one of his recent projects with fellow Vinnie's cook Matt C. play at Hangfire and the Jinx a while back, and remember telling him afterward that it sounded like the level in the original Super Mario Bros. where Mario drops acid. Until Matt moved to Brooklyn, they were in my top 3 favorite Savannah acts.
For the betterment of Savannah, and mankind, Jeff has started releasing the highlights of his massive collection of homemade tapes, including collaborations with Savannah musicians great and not-so-great, known and not-so-known.
The results are unpredictable, but always intriguing.
I saw one of his recent projects with fellow Vinnie's cook Matt C. play at Hangfire and the Jinx a while back, and remember telling him afterward that it sounded like the level in the original Super Mario Bros. where Mario drops acid. Until Matt moved to Brooklyn, they were in my top 3 favorite Savannah acts.
For the betterment of Savannah, and mankind, Jeff has started releasing the highlights of his massive collection of homemade tapes, including collaborations with Savannah musicians great and not-so-great, known and not-so-known.
The results are unpredictable, but always intriguing.
James Pants "Thin Moon"
If you need some funky retro space soul to groove your way into the weekend, then go check out this new track from James Pants.
"Thin Moon" (right click to download)
Pants has a new album coming out on Dec. 8 called Seven Seals.
Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band
It's funny how everytime you peel back a layer of music, there's some new tidbit of knowledge to be found, like an onion that teaches history lessons...
Carrie put me on to this 1960s group, the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, who appeared in the Magical Mystery Tour film with the Beatles, and with a song that sounds like a quirky homage to Elvis unknowingly lent a name to a more recent, successful indie band:
If you want to know more about them, check out his fan site, because apparently, they were quite the British cult hit, particularly among art college students, and were friends with everyone from Monty Python to Keith Moon.
They also have a new album, after 35 years of inactivity.
Somehow, I doubt a reunion album could match the brilliance of "I'm an Urban Spaceman", which in this video is introduced by the guy who must be BrickTop's uncle...
You should also go watch this video, which was unfortunately unavailable to embed, but which is totally awesome...
Carrie put me on to this 1960s group, the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, who appeared in the Magical Mystery Tour film with the Beatles, and with a song that sounds like a quirky homage to Elvis unknowingly lent a name to a more recent, successful indie band:
If you want to know more about them, check out his fan site, because apparently, they were quite the British cult hit, particularly among art college students, and were friends with everyone from Monty Python to Keith Moon.
They also have a new album, after 35 years of inactivity.
Somehow, I doubt a reunion album could match the brilliance of "I'm an Urban Spaceman", which in this video is introduced by the guy who must be BrickTop's uncle...
You should also go watch this video, which was unfortunately unavailable to embed, but which is totally awesome...
Video: Finale "The Senator"
Here's a Wire-inspired video for Detroit MC Finale's "The Senator". If you missed his debut A Pipe Dream and a Promise earlier this year, than you should go find it. Among a strong crop of Detroit albums in the past two years (Black Milk, Elzhi, Phat Kat) his could be the shining star.
You can also check out his video game...
IM ARTIST FINALE THE SENATOR from Roy Miles on Vimeo.
You can also check out his video game...
Geekend
First of all, I have to apologize for not posting something about this sooner, but you know how it is, something slips onto the back burner and pretty soon, it's boiling, and you've forgotten about it...
Geekend 2009 is gonna be something new for Savannah. It's like the tech side of SXSW, except we can drink in the streets, which means that it will be more fun. Among this year's guests are graphic designer David Carson, Xbox Live's Major Nelson, and many more.
The music bill has fluctuated, roaming from Paul "DJ Spooky" Miller to Killah Priest, but unless there are some changes, it will be a wildly fun evening featuring the artist formerly known as MK2 (he just got a cease and desist from a french company who registered that 3 character moniker) and possibly the most exciting new act in Savannah, Hula Hoop, who have been getting more buzz than just about any band in recent memory for their high energy live shows that combine live drums with skillfully arranged samples that range from old-timey to funky-soul.
Nov. 6-8, go ahead and mark your calendar.
Geekend 2009 is gonna be something new for Savannah. It's like the tech side of SXSW, except we can drink in the streets, which means that it will be more fun. Among this year's guests are graphic designer David Carson, Xbox Live's Major Nelson, and many more.
The music bill has fluctuated, roaming from Paul "DJ Spooky" Miller to Killah Priest, but unless there are some changes, it will be a wildly fun evening featuring the artist formerly known as MK2 (he just got a cease and desist from a french company who registered that 3 character moniker) and possibly the most exciting new act in Savannah, Hula Hoop, who have been getting more buzz than just about any band in recent memory for their high energy live shows that combine live drums with skillfully arranged samples that range from old-timey to funky-soul.
Nov. 6-8, go ahead and mark your calendar.
Album Review: Shadetek & Rupture
Solar Life Raft is an interesting document of where electronic music is currently, where it's been, and where it's going. The album, which will be released in November as a mix, and separately as a compilation of ingredient tracks, features collaborative tracks and remixes from Shadetek and Rupture, a tasty pairing that blurs the lines between dancehall, dubstep, electronic beats and more esoteric, experimental styles. The remixes are Brooklyn-centric, featuring re-worked tracks from Gang Gang Dance and Jahdan Blakkamoore, among others, as well as an intriguing cameo from poet Elizabeth Alexander.
The end result is hard to define. It's got more energy than a lounge set per se, but wouldn't quite tear up a dance floor. The set ebbs and flows, like any good mix will, although occasionally some of the choices confound expectations, and what would seem like a good spot to build further comes crashing down into ambience and dada-esque sound poetry.
I just discovered that when I dragged the album into my media player of choice, the tracks weren't entered in the correct order (always tag your material properly). I only realized it because I went back to saw the proper tracklist, and realized it was nothing like what I'd been listening to. I guess I take back some of what I said about the mixes, although, I'm slightly more perplexed by this new track order, the proper one...too much denouement.
The blend of Stagga's "The Bad Dance" into Babylon System's "Get On Up" is one of the highlights of the mix though (listen below), and makes me wish that the latter half of the album contained a couple more aggressive blends.
The argument for picking this up in ingredient form rather than the mix is that the originals and collab remixes are really nice. The Lion Dub and Shadetek remix of Blakkamoore's "Long Road" is chainless, as are the two Shadetek/Rupture originals, "4th Story Waterline" and "Underwater High Rise" - both minimal, contemplative, tightly crafted downtempo tracks that wander between hip hop and a loose interpretation of dubstep.
Overall, it's a quality Fall release, particularly if you live somewhere where there's a proper autumn, because it's definitely a cool weather mix. Mellow, but pulsing. A soundtrack made to be enjoyed with a certain briskness in the air. A little dark, a reminder that the sun will go down earlier and earlier until spring comes back.
Robert Koch "Hard to Find"
This aptly titled video is actually hard to find because there are a couple of slightly more prolific folks named Robert Koch on YouTube, including one guy with a beard. The Robert Koch of interest though is a resident of Berlin, and he makes beats. They are those retro future beats the kids are so crazy about - the vintage synths combined with a thick sub low end - like mum and ratatat covering dub step. It's bouncy. It's not quite the club, but it definitely plays well on trains or buses.
His new solo project will be released in November on his label Robots Don't Sleep.
His new solo project will be released in November on his label Robots Don't Sleep.
Moog-tastic!
I just saw this video and thought I should share it further. Amazing Moog jam!
I found it at 36-15-Moog, which, if you're into moog jams, is a regular treasure trove.
It's similar to why I like the original Star Wars trilogy more than the most recent three (besides the writing) - Texture. It is something that can be lacking in the digital age. CGI, I'm looking at you...
Videocracy from Alden Volney on Vimeo.
I found it at 36-15-Moog, which, if you're into moog jams, is a regular treasure trove.
It's similar to why I like the original Star Wars trilogy more than the most recent three (besides the writing) - Texture. It is something that can be lacking in the digital age. CGI, I'm looking at you...
Oh No's Ethiopium
I just finished a review of Oh No's new album Ethiopium, which you can read here.
This is the hottest track on it.
"The Pain"
This was literally one of the most difficult album reviews I've ever written. The beats are nice, so I'd like to score it well, but the album fails in certain regards, so I had to give it a lower score than I initially planned. I sat there as I wrote going back and forth on how to score it from 1-5. I almost started to sweat.
Greetings and apologies
First of all, let me just say hi. How are you?
Second, for those of you who take the time to stop by regularly, I'm sorry it's been nearly two weeks since I posted anything. It's not cause I'm mad at you. In fact, I appreciate the hell out of the fact that you stop by to see what I've been listening to, and I hope that this lapse hasn't affected our relationship.
Third, I've been busy with my alter ego as a journalist, so swing by here and check out what I'm writing on a weekly basis.
Finally, I hope you're well. I'm sorry we don't talk more.
Second, for those of you who take the time to stop by regularly, I'm sorry it's been nearly two weeks since I posted anything. It's not cause I'm mad at you. In fact, I appreciate the hell out of the fact that you stop by to see what I've been listening to, and I hope that this lapse hasn't affected our relationship.
Third, I've been busy with my alter ego as a journalist, so swing by here and check out what I'm writing on a weekly basis.
Finally, I hope you're well. I'm sorry we don't talk more.
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