stop.play.rewind

Profit

2012-01-27T13:18:00.000-05:00

Berlin and dub aren't exactly synonymous (although there are some hazy reggae clubs around town), but this duo Profit, consisting of Martin Hewing and Florian Achatzy are definitely knocking on the bass-ment door. They netted features from legends like Lee Scratch Perry, so you know the production is on point.

Their new EP dropped January 20th. Props to Florian for giving me a shout out about this record, because I'm definitely digging "Two Edged Sword"

Eric Ryan "Kelso Called"

2012-01-25T21:18:00.000-05:00

I don't know anything about this other than it was made circa 2006 by Eric Ryan and is a tune perfected for the art of hard chilling. I also wonder whether the title is a That 70s Show reference...

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

2012-01-25T15:18:00.000-05:00

YES! Finally a smooth ass instrumental cover of one of the great Outkast songs of all time.
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Spottie by ArtDontSleep

Bam Circa'86

2012-01-25T15:12:00.000-05:00

I'm digging this on some mellow afternoon steez. There's a lot of good artists floating around the underground looking for the come up. Who says the internet isn't magic?
<a href="http://bamcirca86.bandcamp.com/track/mist-of-the-madness">Mist of the Madness by Bam Circa86</a>

Check out the whole album here, and some of his back catalog.

Gensu Beats

2012-01-25T15:03:00.000-05:00

Gensu Beats is a TX based sample junkie on the come up with Mello Music. His new album Lo-Fi Fingahz is out in February, so to let you know what he's working with, GB and MMG dropped this mixtape showcasing the style, which is straight classic. Stroll through the guest list and remix subjects and it's like a stroll through the hallways of the Golden Era. If you like your soul grooves served chopped and grilled, then don't miss this.
<a href="http://mellomusicgroup.bandcamp.com/album/gensu-dean-jointz-mixed-by-dj-chief-one">Gensu Dean - Jointz (Mixed by DJ Chief One) by Gensu Dean</a>

Phonte "Not Here Anymore" ft. Elzhi

2012-01-22T03:17:00.000-05:00

I missed this record (Phonte's Charity Starts at Home) when it came out, and I guess that's a shame because the two tracks I heard off of it tonight were pretty dope.

Okapi and Aldo Kapi's Orchestra

2012-01-20T17:22:00.002-05:00

Imagine a deconstructionist, electronic take on quirky easy listening records like The Three Suns or the Polyglots. This tune "Bah!" is off the Okapi and Aldo Kapi's Orchestra record Love Him Vol. 2 released in 2009:

Goer

2012-01-20T16:05:00.000-05:00

Here's a pleasant surprise I discovered while perusing Bandcamp. This Denver duo is comprised of Tulip War members Sean Geisthardt and Dan Barnett. This one of several tracks they released this month. A minimal piano line and a soul-tastic drum pattern are the foundation of a mesmerizing track.
<a href="http://goer.bandcamp.com/track/coasters">Coasters by Goer</a>

I also really enjoy this one, which builds upon itself wonderfully to become something powerful.
<a href="http://goer.bandcamp.com/track/hiding-out">Hiding Out by Goer</a>

Filastine

2012-01-20T15:31:00.000-05:00

Some crazy, indescribable beats from Barcelona-based Filastine. Musical saws. Crunchy bass. That's all you really need to know.

First Serve

2012-01-20T03:14:00.000-05:00

Most days, I don't wake up expecting to hear that members of De La Soul are collaborating with some french producers on a concept album, but lo and behold, that day has come. The project is known as First Serve, and the first musical taste is sweet.
De La Soul's Plug 1 & Plug 2 present First Serve - Pushin' Aside, Pushin' Along by FIRST SERVE

I heard about it via Egotripland, so go check them out for the full story, plus a really bizarre video starring Plugs One and Two.

"Thuggin"

2012-01-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

Without a doubt one of the best hip hop songs of last year. I catch a new line from Gibbs every time I listen. Now there's a video, and it's equally hot. No frills, just trill.

K.Junya x DJ Classy Individual

2012-01-17T02:42:00.001-05:00

I really wish I'd been able to get more tracks done with KJ. We recorded these two tracks during the summer of 2010, fi I remember correctly. Loyal Empire reps Savannah all day everyday.
&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://djclassyindividual.bandcamp.com/album/leg-12"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;LEG 12&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; by K.Junya &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; DJ Classy Individual&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Past Paste EP

2012-01-17T01:15:00.002-05:00

I've decided to open up the vaults and release some new/old tunes. Over the next couple weeks, I'll unveil a couple of EPs and singles that haven't been released elsewhere, things recorded sometime between 2007 and 2012 in four apartments and at least two states.
The reason it's all in smaller formats - rather than one whole album - is because it's fairly diverse, and some of it just wouldn't work together. The first in the series is call the Past Paste EP. It's experimental downtempo - although that ranges from some dark, deep, non-traditional dubstep to some glitchy off-kilter beats. Enjoy.
&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://djclassyindividual.bandcamp.com/album/past-paste-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Past Paste EP by DJ Classy Individual&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Aristocrat Ranchettes

2012-01-17T00:25:00.000-05:00

I found this while perusing a google map the other day. Ahh...the promise of the suburbs...

Random Goodness #5

2012-01-16T19:29:00.000-05:00

Another round-up of completely unrelated things that leaped from the depths of the aether into my consciousness:

The Arts Desk has an awesome interview with Gonjasufi wherein he discusses his transition from hip hop into whatever psychedelic-electronic-mayhem he unleashes on the world now. Definitely worth checking out if you've enjoyed any of his recent records.
Downtempo beat maestro Bonobo just did a mix for Ninja Tune's Solid Steel radio. It makes a pleasant musical backdrop for a variety of activities.
Stones Throw announced they're releasing a 2nd installment in the Minimal Wave Tape series. If you like to get down with post-punk/new wave electronic music from the late 70s and early 80s, then you definitely don't want to miss that.

Shigeto "Huron River Drive"

2012-01-16T19:20:00.000-05:00

Shigeto riffs on the classic "Harlem River Drive" for this mellow gem. A laidback organ clears a path for shuffling percussion and crisp, deep bass. This would be a great opening tune for a downtempo set. Click the down arrow button to keep an mp3 version of the tune.
Shigeto - Huron River Drive by ghostly

His 2nd album, Lineage, is due out on Ghostly on January 31.

Diplo x FKi x Heroes & Villains

2012-01-10T16:53:00.001-05:00

This new FKi x Diplo x Heroes & Villains mixtape has been in the works for a while. It was supposed to be released last Fall, but saw some delays. Judging by this, it might've been worth the wait. If you don't know FKi (aka Fuckin' Kickin' it), the crew has been blowing up ATL for a couple years, off the strength of a couple mixtapes loaded with strip club anthems and party bangers. Most recently, folks might recognize them for some production credits on Travis Porter projects. Peep this mayhem. It's one of those rarities that is both gully and irie:
FKi- I Think She Ready (feat. Iggy Azalea) Prod. By Diplo, DJA, HxV, Fki by Mad Decent

Get more info via Mad Decent.

Jonti "Sine & Moon"

2012-01-10T15:25:00.000-05:00

For a limited time only, Stones Throw is celebrating the new year by offering up Jonti's new album as a free download. I haven't checked out these new tracks yet, but Twirligig was pretty awesome, so I don't think you need to worry.

Cop it here.

Old Dirty Bastard's FBI File

2012-01-10T03:08:00.000-05:00


Using the power of the Freedom of Information Act, you can now read the files the FBI kept on Old Dirty Bastard.

DJ Classy Individual "Deep Thoughts"

2012-01-10T02:36:00.002-05:00

A nice survey of the stylistic diversity that used to be known as beats, but what might now be called some sort of post-Dilla, wonky, choppy, futuristic blend of hip hop and electronic music. It starts bass heavy, and then wanders into some spacey material before finishing strong. Definitely stay tuned in for the last couple tracks.

Tracklist:
Free the Robots - Orion's Belt Buckle
Mophono - Cut Form Crush | Be Human Part One
Mux Mool - Drum Babylon
Onra - Raw Shit
B. Lewis - Les Saisons
Ben Jamin - Gutter Fonk (ft. Matt Miller)
DiBia$e - Lo Fi Crust
Gonjasufi - Nickels and Dimes
OhBliv - yoohoo
Groundislava - Cave Meats (ft. Jake Weary)
Shlohmo - 7AM
Alex B - Getting to know you
SirFroderick - nobodycares
Ethereal - Recovery (ft. Micah Freeman)
Flako - Knots
Xperiment - Stayin' Steady
S-Type - Sweet Vixen
Fid Melia - Tubo

Download it here (DivShare) or here (MediaFire)

"Money in the Sky"

2012-01-05T13:47:00.001-05:00

I can't get enough of these guys... This was recorded over the course of a day in Norway...and it's better than what most folks are doing in a month of sessions...The beat shuffles along beneath thick stand-up bass plucks and a somber piano line. Then the hook drops like a lost Goodie Mob B-side...G-Side is killing it.

The Mind-Benders

2012-01-04T19:37:00.000-05:00

This is a government funded anti-drug film from 1970. It's very far out - undulating, soft-focus shots, sitar music, psychedelic mayhem. I'd bet the people who made it were experimenting with drugs while making it.The testimonials around 3:00 aren't even scary. They'd probably make kids more curious...it does get a little scarier a few minutes later when the narrator starts talking about panic and insanity, or the guy who discusses how he was in bed with a girl when all of the sudden she turned into a monster. Does the government still make things like this? I can't imagine they do, but then again, where is all that money going if not for educational film strips? Oh yeah, missiles...

Supermarket Knife Attack

2012-01-04T19:23:00.000-05:00

ATL production team SMKA returns with a nice recap of their recent work, which includes appearances by Freddie Gibbs, Fashawn, Young Scolla and a bunch more. If you like your beats Suthren, these dudes deliver. Their first mixtape series The 808 Experiment was choice too - put me onto Yelawolf way ahead of the curve with "Deer Mama" off volume 2. Also, Volume 1's "Bang" is one of the best, most slept-on strip club anthems of all time.

The opening track with Spodee is a personal fav off this new compilation:

Download Mixtape Free | LiveMixtapes.com Mixtape Player

Jealous Guys "AudioBook"

2012-01-03T19:10:00.001-05:00

SF's Jealous Guys team up with producer Jeremy "Zodiac" Rose for this EP called AudioBook. Apparently, FADER thinks Zodiac is gonna be a big deal.
The Jealous Guys | Audiobook by 3qtr

What's up with all these young producers slowing down on some post-Drake-triphop. Clams Casino is on it. What happened to cats spitting over 96 bpm, instead of half-step 130? It's cool for now, but all you youngsters need to eat a steak and man up sometimes. I'm digging "Genesis" and "Miss San Francisco." Not so crazy about "Life Insomniac" or "Walkin Around."

Grab the whole EP here.

Random Goodness #4

2012-01-03T18:39:00.001-05:00

Here's a little roundup of some lesserknown things you might like:

The new single by Jean Grae "Me & U & EveryoneWeKnow" popped up on RapRadar today, and it's worth a listen. Production by M-Phazes is expansive and thoroughly jazzed. It takes a minute for her to actually come in because the instrumental just builds. Real music. No word on whether the title is a reference to the Miranda July film of the same name.
Ever thought the awesomest thing the universe could offer was to see Booker T. & the MGs in a little club in Paris in 1968? You might be right. Aquarium Drunkard found this video as proof. The band just tears it up.
Drink a lot of coffee? Good has an article explaining why your morning kickstart is about to get more expensive.
The Iowa Caucuses are tonight. While the mainstream media drools over the political bloodshed, few have actually gone about explaining what the caucuses are (and why their different from other states' primaries). The War On Stupid links to a flowchart that helps explain.

Super Basement EP

2012-01-03T18:29:00.000-05:00

I've posted about Canadian beatsmith Jesse Futerman before, but his Super Basement EP just wandered back into my rotation, and I'm enjoying it so much, I had to show some love. Super chill beats that will surely resonate with fans of Bonobo, Dilla or Shadow. I'm particularly feeling "Funds" which is a superior late night soundtrack.

Download the whole EP for free.

Kubrick as photographer

2011-12-31T02:46:00.000-05:00

Apparently, acclaimed director Stanley Kubrick spent some time as a photographer during the 1940s, including shooting for Look. His eye for composition shines bright. Likewise, there may be some influences that would reappear later.

This guy shares a striking similarity to Dr. Strangelove

I found this via Jungle Gym Magazine, check out the link to see more photos and get the back story.

Arabesque

2011-12-31T02:39:00.000-05:00

I stumbled across this on Netflix yesterday, but haven't watched it yet.

I've been busy re-organizing my digital music library - the coming of the new year seemed like a good opportunity to take a stab at a long overdue task. There'll be some good stuff on the way though. Until then, Happy New Year.

Adrian Younge

2011-12-22T11:58:00.000-05:00

Adrain Younge made hip hop in the late 90s, then he decided to learn how to play real instruments. A decade later, he's dropping this jam-tastic EP on Wax Poetics. You know it's gotta be funky. "1969 Organ" is definitely rocking your world if you enjoyed the Heliocentrics or Karl Hector and have a penchant for - you guessed it - psychedelic organ riffs! You need this in your life. Merry Christmas.
Adrian Younge Presents Venice Dawn (EP) by Wax Poetics

151 Feva Gang

2011-12-15T18:04:00.000-05:00

This right hurr is a Georgia Peach of a party anthem.

Found this via @Noz's Best Rap of 2011 list.

Video: ESKMO "Color Dropping"

2011-12-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

Here's a real cool video for ESKMO's "Color Dropping," a track off his debut LP that manages to be both glitchy and stompy. The design and texture of his sound is incredible and the video does a nice job of emphasizing that with the visuals.

ESKMO just got back from a European tour that landed him in Greece at the same time the austerity measures were being passed and rioting was starting. Catch his first hand account of the experience here.

Bullits x Jay Electronica

2011-12-14T11:24:00.000-05:00

I have no back story on this. A friend posted it to Facebook and I was like whoah. Sort of a post-Ziggy Stardust era David Bowie feel to the musical backdrop, then Jay comes in around 1:40 to lay a few methodical bars - like DOOM on Screw sans pitch drop.

Flux Pavillion x Doctor P

2011-12-13T13:55:00.000-05:00

Whoah. This track and this video are both badass. Superbadass. The synth work is monstrous.

You can head over to Circus Records and get a free mixtape from them in exchange for signing up for their email list.

Jon Hopkins

2011-12-12T22:10:00.000-05:00

Had the pleasure of catching Jon Hopkins play a set at MoogFest in 2010, and it was mind-bending. This track off his 2009 album, Insides, is a bass crunching masterpiece. If you've never heard of him, but have ever enjoyed Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, and similar innovators of IDM, then you should definitely check out more of his stuff.
Jon Hopkins - Insides by Jon Hopkins

A Day in the Death of Donny B

2011-12-11T01:33:00.000-05:00

I stumbled across this while searching the new public domain channel available via Roku. It might be hard to believe but the government paid for this film to be made in 1969. For an anti-drug film, it's surprisingly not-cheesy. It's shot documentary style, including footage of Donny B (the film's junkie namesake) going about his day, and interviews with friends and community members. The soundtrack, this looping, psychedelic lament is courtesy of Harry Holt.

Major Lazer "Original Don"

2011-12-08T13:08:00.000-05:00

Major Lazer just tweeted the debut of their new video and it is ridiculous. Whoever thought of this is either a sociopathic auteur strung out on some magical drug that the rest of us jerks don't even know about yet, or a genius. Judging by the fact that after 301 views, there were 51 dislikes (15%), I guess not everyone agrees, but the Parisians rioted after the debut of Stravinksy's "Rite of Spring," so that's the risk you run for making "art." Prepare for suburb-sploitation chock full of samurai weapons and an amusing Diplo cameo. Oh yeah, and the track is dope too.

DTMD x Oddisee

2011-12-08T12:56:00.000-05:00

Mello Music is offering up this tune for free as of today. Tune your ears into a smooth soul chop courtesy of Dunc (the 1st D in DTMD) and the lyrical stylings of Toine and Oddisee. The DMV is putting out some serious hip hop the last couple years.
<a href="http://mellomusicgroup.bandcamp.com/track/untitled-feat-oddisee">Untitled (feat. Oddisee) by DTMD</a>

Mwahaha x Odd Nosdam

2011-12-06T16:40:00.000-05:00

When I think of Oakland, I usually think of Hieroglyphics or Too $hort, not crazy psychedelic rock. But, I guess SF is just across the bridge, and rent is crazy, so if you're a scrappy young band, Oakland is probably a sensible destination. Regardless of my personal associations with the Bay Area, Mwahaha (think villainous laughter) wants to claim a place in my heart and my playlist. Their self-titled album is out today (listen/purchase via their Bandcamp page), and it's really good. If you like obscure 60s sounds, and maybe had a penchant for TV on the Radio before they got softer than Drake's stuffed animal collection, then you need this in your life. It's not for the faint of heart.
&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://mwahaha.bandcamp.com/track/love-w-merrrill-garbus-of-tune-yards"&amp;amp;gt;Love (w/ Merrrill Garbus of Tune-Yards) by Mwahaha&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

Also, in honor of the album coming out, Bay Area left-field/glitch-hop producer Odd Nosdam gives one of their tunes a once over and the results are niiiice. Check out the remix here, or [right click + save as] if you wanna keep a copy.

"A Woman Will Do Wrong"

2011-12-06T00:04:00.000-05:00

I stumbled across this song on a dollar bin oldies compilation, and it resurfaced a couple months ago while playing records at home one night. Powerful soul courtesy of Helene Smith. This joint will give you goosebumps.

Roots Manuva x Falty DL

2011-12-05T11:16:00.000-05:00

I've been seeing Falty DL's name attached to a lot of projects lately. He had a remix on Take's Only Mountain remix album that might have been the first place I remember seeing him. Here he gives a low-key-but-sub-y backdrop to Roots Manuva's "Here We Go Again."

Ryuichi Sakamoto

2011-12-03T18:40:00.000-05:00

Some more far out Japanese electronic music from the early 80s. Thanks "Related Video" box on YouTube.

Haruomi Hosono

2011-12-03T18:34:00.000-05:00

The internet is full of magic. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If it weren't magic, how could it allow me to stumble across this Japanese electro gem from 1982 while on a search for the (completely unrelated) soundtrack for Invasion of the Bee Girls (1973).

If anyone has a copy of the Bee Girls soundtrack (if it even exists), give me a shout. I'm on a mission to find it.

Video: Speak Easy "Crane Kick Flow"

2011-12-02T19:06:00.002-05:00

ATL visual artist/MC Sean Fahie aka Speak Easy just wrapped up this video for the single off his recent LP Coronas, Condoms and Cigarettes: A Musical Guide to Awesome Living. The man raps about what he knows. We co-curated an art show called Fresh Produce at the Indigo Sky Community Gallery as part of the 2011 Savannah Urban Arts Festival. The crazy part is he makes art as good as he flows. For a general overview of his style, check the intro to the video, it could double as his Tao. Shout out to Danny! on the beat - keeping it super smooth.

Little Ann "Sweep It Out in the Shed"

2011-12-02T12:08:00.000-05:00

Some stone cold soul found via a recommendation from one of my favorite denizens of dance, Ms. Sugar Britches.

An oldie but a goodie

2011-12-01T14:20:00.000-05:00

Go ahead and marinate on this Bay-area classic:

Black Star x Madlib

2011-11-30T17:17:00.001-05:00

Oh snap.

Heads have been waiting for more Black Star material since the last time around, about a decade ago. It doesn't matter now because what they're back with is pretty durn classic. Welcome to the "Fix Up"
Black-Star-Fix-Up by Hypetrak

There's another track produced by Oh No too.

Find out more here.

Cusses "The Wait is Over"

2011-11-30T17:09:00.001-05:00

If you have any contact with the rock n roll scenes in Georgia or the Carolinas, you might be familiar with Cusses. The Savannah trio seems to be friends with myriad awesome bands from Florida to Virginia, and they recently went up to Asheville, NC to record their first album under the guidance of Dan Hannon (who's worked with Manchester Orchestra, among others).

For those that have been familiar with the band, the lengthy pursuit of recorded material able to capture their incredible live show, and the fact that they leaked "The Wait is Over," might just be a coincidence, but I prefer to think that it is a declarative statement. ~~Here, finally, is a song you can enjoy without having to go out past 10 p.m.~~
[Update] Cusses' drummer Brian Lackey says it was only a 24-hour preview, so now you'll have to wait until 2012 for the album release...

THE WAIT IS OVER by CUSSES

Dare Dukes' new album

2011-11-30T16:55:00.001-05:00

Dare Dukes' new album Thugs and China Dolls hits the streets January 29, a true labor of love that took more than 2 years (if my memory serves), including a successful fundraiser via Kickstarter, and Dare becoming a father. All the while, he was recording himself and a parade of collaborators laying down some impressive new material. For those familiar with his first record, the biggest change is the instrument selections. Fairly traditional arrangements for guitar, bass, drums and the occasional mandolin or banjo now give way to horns, strings and any number of other sounds. What hasn't changed is Dukes' ability to pen great songs, from poetic and poignant narratives to more fun and loose material.

The first single, "Meet You at the Bus" sounds like you happened to wander into a thrift store where some free-spirited musicians are there playing a bunch of instruments they found in the shop.

Meet You at the Bus by Dare Dukes

[via Dare Dukes]

Jam of the Day

2011-11-29T14:46:00.000-05:00

I heard this little gem on 1190 AM radio while driving to a meeting in Aurora. I must have missed Alex Ebert's solo project completely (I guess I wrongly assumed it would be the same exuberant flower power inherent in Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. I can admit when I'm wrong. This track "The Truth" is a collab with RZA that would make Ennio Morricone proud.

Gonjasufi "Nickels & Dimes"

2011-11-28T11:08:00.000-05:00

Here's a taste of Gonjasufi's upcoming LP on Warp. His last album (A Sufi and a Killer) was brilliant, so it'll be interesting to hear the follow-up. Judging by this track he won't change his style too drastically. Here's his usual mubbly moan delivery is stacked over a skittering beat held back from the pit of repetition by some carefully placed drum filters. The end effect is a 21st century hobo's lament.

Random Goodness #3

2011-11-27T21:06:00.000-05:00

Here are a few tasty more tasty morsels from across the sprawling bounty of the digital info harvest:

I was never a huge fan of Richard Florida's economic principles (ie - creative urban redevelopment is really just a matter of attracting artists and gay people to economically depressed areas with unique real estate potential), but I am intrigued by this map for the Geography of Stuck that he shared (via the Atlantic).
If you've been looking for some interesting perspective on the nationwide crackdown on the Occupy Wall Street movement, definitely read Naomi Wolf's piece in the Guardian that describes (and links to) some really crazy stuff about lobbying firms soliciting the American Banking Association for counter-ops + involvement by the Department of Homeland Security. Read it here.
Finally, on a lighter note, Brooklyn rappers Tanya Morgan have a free EP called You and What Army that is definitely worth a listen. You can download it for free, or support them financially by pairing it with t-shirts or other merch. Via Bandcamp.

Making Non-Profit News Outlets Sustainable

2011-11-27T20:40:00.000-05:00

A cool illustration of the challenges facing non-profit news orgs (click to see it full size):

via the Knight Foundation

P Villa "After We Meet"

2011-11-25T18:17:00.000-05:00

I'm digging this new EP from SAV/ATL beatmaker and Blunt Guts Nation contributor P Villa. It's called After We Meet and the general direction is mellow electro-glitch-hop. The third track is a standout:
<a href="http://bluntgutsnation.bandcamp.com/track/f-ck-me-while-im-faded-tsukiko">F*ck Me While I'm Faded (Tsukiko) by P Villa</a>

Check out the whole thing here.

Black n Red teaser

2011-11-25T15:45:00.000-05:00

Two of my favorite Savannah MCs KidSyc (NekstUp) and Knife (Dope Sandwich) are collaborating on a new project due out in 2012. It should be crazy. Here they are chilling in the booth, flipping the BET cypher style (sans Sprite plugs) with the help of the guys from Savannah Film Co.

Ludacris "Bada Boom"

2011-11-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

I don't put much stock in rap beef since it became a marketing ploy for a lot of folks, but what is undeniable is that the smackdown is a crucial part of hip hop, and this new Ludacris video is a monster open handed slap to the tender cheeks of Drake and Big Sean. I don't know how this started, but Luda clearly finishes it. Opening with a flip of The Fifth Element and then unleashing a proper verbal fury. "Nothing been new since Big Daddy Kane."

Ital Tek x Doom

2011-11-25T12:21:00.000-05:00

Wow. Here's a tasty morsel I didn't expect to find while emerging from a post-Turkey Day coma. A lovable space funk remix of a DOOM bootleg by Planet Mu's Ital Tek. If you're looking for some powerful electronic mayhem, turn an ear toward Ital Tek's new EP, particularly the track "Gonga"
ITAL TEK X DOOM (2009 BOOTLEG) DOWNLOAD by ITAL TEK
[via Passion of the Weiss]

Young Buffalo "Baby Demons"

2011-11-22T19:03:00.000-05:00

It's a shame this single didn't hit ears closer to the summertime because this is some road trip music. Young Buffalo is a Mississippi duo who I had the pleasure of meeting in Savannah during Stopover last spring. They recorded a Stopover Session at Meddin before hitting the road. They were hungry for Arby's, and I think drove across the city to find one before leaving town (we gave them the best directions possible, and since they're still putting out music, I can assume they survived). Skittering, two-steppin' drums are racing a power-pop guitar riff and distant, melodic vocals for a sound that is sure to titillate college radio listeners.
<a href="http://youngbuffalo.bandcamp.com/track/baby-demons">Baby Demons by Young Buffalo</a>

Watch the Couch

2011-11-21T19:25:00.000-05:00

I can't remember whether I posted something about this at the time, but if I didn't shame on me, and if I did, then you know it's worthy of some more love. This "Watch the Couch" project dropped the same week as the slightly better known Watch the Throne, thanks to Superbuddah, a collaboration between ATL underground heads Ethereal and Spacebar. The second cut off the EP is a favorite of mine recently - it's got this ATCQ vibe translated into a post-Madlib hip hop aesthetic. This is a smooth classic. Don't sleep. The whole thing is solid from front to back.
<a href="http://superbuddah.bandcamp.com/track/f-india-shawn">& f. India Shawn by SUPERBUDDAH</a>

Check the whole project here.

Random Goodness #2

2011-11-19T15:43:00.000-05:00

A few more things worth sharing:

via McSweeney's - A great piece about playing chess for money in Zucotti Park and waiting for the cops to come and break up the Occupy scene. Read it here.
via New Yorker - A 1978 profile of Atlantic records mastermind Ahmet Ertegun. Read it here.
via RCRD LBL - a nice remix of a new Tom Vek song:

Random Goodness

2011-11-18T17:23:00.000-05:00

Here are some very unrelated things that caught my eye or ear today...

via Foreign Policy - a closer look at the emerging gray market economy known as System D, a $10 trillion/year economy that functions completely outside the "real" global economy. Read it here.
via Friends of Friends - a retrospective mix by Laurent Fintoni that covers some gems from the West Coast label's first two years in business. If you like hard-to-categorize-but-generally-left-field-downtempo, then this is worth your time. Listen or download here.
via Wired - Is Chernobyl a Wild Kingdom or a Den of Decay? Find the answer here.

G-Side "Island"

2011-11-18T13:39:00.000-05:00

The new album from the Huntsville, AL duo is up on their bandcamp page. If you like real hip hop, don't think the South is only serving up K.R.I.T. to rattle the wood paneling in your caddy. These guys are on next - even NPR gives them shine. Definitely give "Look Up" a listen...
<a href="http://g-side.bandcamp.com/album/island-2">iSLAND by G-Side</a>

yU's "Garbage Beat Tape"

2011-11-17T10:52:00.000-05:00

yU is a DC MC best known outside DC hip hop circles for his role as 1/3 of Diamond District (alongside Oddisee & X.O.) One thing he's not been known for is producing, but apparently he wants to rectify that. The MC has been spending some time with a beat machine and this tape is proof positive that he's getting some chops.
<a href="http://mellomusicgroup.bandcamp.com/track/iknow-nothing">iKnow Nothing by yU</a>

There's some gems on here, which helps balance out some of the more forgettable material. He's got a new album called The Earn on the way soon.

Has-Lo remixed by J-Zone

2011-11-15T11:22:00.000-05:00

Has-Lo's "Light Years" gets re-cast over a J-Zone beat and the results are a real workout for your neck. Go ahead and bob your head, tap your feet or whatever you do because this is tight number right here.
<a href="http://mellomusicgroup.bandcamp.com/track/light-years-prod-j-zone">Light Years (prod. J-Zone) by Has-Lo</a>

The track is a friendly reminder that Has-Lo's Conversation B is out on vinyl today, and there's a limited edition pressing (500 only) available from FatBeats.

On a side note, if you're not old enough to remember J-Zone's 2002 record Pimps Don't Pay Taxes, you need to go back and find that. There's some incredible punchlines and nasty beats.

Marshmallow Ghosts and Tobacco at the Wormhole

2011-10-29T10:17:00.000-04:00

Graveface Records founder Ryan Graveface is a busy guy. He just finished opening up his new retail shop in Savannah, Graveface Records & Curiousities, and wrapped up a feature film, plus this Marshmallow Ghost halloween record. To celebrate, he put together a surprise show at the Wormhole with the Marshmallow Ghosts and Super Black Moth Rainbow collaborator Tobacco. They screened some videos Ryan shot in Savannah (which you can watch via IFC), plus the trailer for Corpse Reviver No. 2, which stands to become the indie version of Thriller.

Everyone put on a great show, plus the videos/movie trailer were perfect for setting the mood. If you have a chance to see Tobacco, don't skip out. He puts on a good show, especially if there's some live percussion alongside him (I don't know if that's always the case or not, but he was joined by the Marshmallow Ghosts' drummer for a couple songs and it worked).

C.Jizzy "Give You Up"

2011-10-29T09:27:00.000-04:00

I forgot to post this over the summer, but I had to come back around to it. Jizzy is from Savannah, but if I didn't know, I'd swear she was from New York (or maybe North Jersey). Her style and delivery definitely share some common traits with Lyte and Latifah. She's taking over for me teaching classes at AWOL, and I'm psyched about that because she's got a ton of talent and knows how to vibe with the kids.
<a href="http://cjizzy.bandcamp.com/track/give-you-up">Give You Up by C Jizzy</a>

If you like what you hear, grab an extra track here.

Video: M.E.D. "Blaxican"

2011-10-29T09:12:00.001-04:00

M.E.D. skates across this Madlib production. The intro is about 30 seconds long, but your patience is rewarded with an anthem about the intermingled minority culture of Los Angeles. A great example of how the visual can add to the content and style of a song (rather than compete with it). M.E.D.'s new album Classic is definitely worth a listen.

G-Side "Gettin' It"

2011-10-17T22:11:00.000-04:00

Fader premiered this crisp rider from Huntsville, Alabama duo G-Side. It's called "Gettin' It" and features cameos from Stalley and Joi Tiffany. [explosion sounds].
G-Side f. Stalley and Joi Tiffany, "Gettin It" by The FADER

Kellie Walker's "Bones"

2011-10-17T21:17:00.000-04:00

Kellie is a Savannah-based painter with a thing for skeletons. Not cheesy/spooky halloween bones, but cow skulls and other large mammals. Her solo exhibition follows the Savannah Windows project at the Creative Coast space, and it's cool to see them fostering as much local art as they have small business enterprises over the years.

MC Zulu x Poirier

2011-10-17T21:06:00.000-04:00

What?! Grinding dancehall mayhem. The only question is can the dance floor work it any harder? "Red Alert"

Learn more about Zulu here.

Sub Swara's "Videogames" remix

2011-10-17T20:56:00.000-04:00

The guys from Sub Swara did their thing on this remix of Lana Del Rey's "Videogames". The results include some sort of mariachi-on-ether=nordic-battle-horn leading into tasteful drums, pulsing bass and reverby wafts of Del Rey's vocals. They manage to bridge the gap between angelic harp runs and gritty bass lines, avoiding any chance collision with monotony. Click to listen, or [right-click+save as]. They're will be a new mixtape from Sub Swara in November. Should be something special for the bass realm.

J.Rocc's Quantic Mix

2011-10-07T18:50:00.000-04:00

Here's a good bet. Let J.Rocc take 10 years worth of Will Holland's musical output and turn it into a 40 minute mix. Go ahead and get down.
Best Of Quantic Mix by J.Rocc by Tru Thoughts

[via Hypetrack]

Vow (Diplo and Lunice Remix)

2011-10-07T18:41:00.000-04:00

This is awesome. Super mellow, and then when the beat drops in, it's some sort of poly-rhythm of life that you can just slide along to.
<a href="http://juliannabarwick.bandcamp.com/track/vow-diplo-lunice-remix">Vow (Diplo & Lunice remix) by Julianna Barwick</a>

Robot Koch "The Other Side"

2011-10-07T18:33:00.001-04:00

The new LP from Berlin's Robot Koch arrived a few weeks ago, and I've spent some time riding around listening to it in the car (driving alone, imho, is one of the best places/times to pass judgment on music). This album is definitely worth checking out, if you're looking one of the smoothest and most listenable bass/beats/post-dubstep albums available right now. Check it out here.

Koch shows off his dexterity by pulling together tracks that offer a little something for everyone, opening with slower post-rock crooning before moving into the realm of glitchy, boss-wobbling beats. His tracks also manage an expressiveness that is lacking from some of the recent flood of young beatsmiths. In an age when technology is allowing quantity to surpass quality in the ears of some fans, Koch maintains an edge in the fantastic texture he provides his sounds.

Listen to "Heal" featuring John Lamonica
Robot Koch- heal feat john lamonica by Robot Koch

Cinespia DJ sets

2011-10-07T18:13:00.000-04:00

Are you familiar with Cinespia? If not, it's a series of film screenings in cemeteries around Los Angeles.

That in and of itself is pretty awesome, but the icing on the cake is that they get world class DJs to throw down sets before and after the screenings. Now, living several thousand miles from the action, I'd be bummed, except that they record these sets and host them on their website, where you can listen/download. I'd highly recommend the Gaslamp Killer set, which rolls from Joe Meek through some psychy mayhem to a kazoo-centric medley atop a dance clap. This thing is hours upon hours of awesome live sets just waiting for your perusal.

Milagres & Peter Wolf Crier at Livewire (10/05/11)

2011-10-07T00:13:00.000-04:00

Savannah Stopover brought back one of the festival favorites for another visit on Wednesday. The last time Milagres was in town, in early March for the festival, they were but young men traveling the country full of talent and potential. They rocked while they were here (or so I was told by everyone in attendance, because I stopped to see Prince Rama before leaving to set up for the after-party). When they returned last night, it was with some more successes under their collective belt, including the release their debut Glowing Mouth, and a lot more touring.

The touring might be wearing them out, or so pontificated someone next to me, who felt that they exuded more raw energy during Stopover. I wouldn't know. I got a taste of what he meant when they kicked into the album's title track, which they saved like a dangling carrot until near the end of their set.

The energy they brought to performing that track was double the energy of any other song in the set. They exploded into it, drawing the crowd into as much of a frenzy as they would reach all night. But where was that energy for the rest of the night? Don't get me wrong, Milagres is a great live band and their set was well-played, but it rendered the album beautifully from studio to stage...a little too well...so that some of the risk and effusive rawness of live performance was lost.

If you haven't checked them out, I'd highly recommend giving the album, Glowing Mouth, a spin if you're looking for some moody psych-pop-rock with a tip of the hat to Spector-esque reverb.

One of the night's heroes, however, was Peter Wolf Crier's drummer. This guy plays like a maniac - a real octopus on meth.

In most cities, Peter Wolf Crier is the headliner, but in Savannah, we like to do things our own way. The Minneapolis-based band was really good though. The lead singer, who is a handsome man according to reports from nearby lady drool, was also pretty funny, even if the casually dropped title of an overly academic-sounding paper he presented on his previous (non-musical) visit to Savannah leaned a bit toward pomposity.

Musically, they are what happens when waves of sound crush a U2 concert and then ride their dirt bikes across it. They closed with an INXS cover that was awesome. At one point, the singer's distortion pedals were feeding back a little too much for my liking - like when it crosses over from being awesome and distorted and just becomes piercing to an overwhelming degree. He didn't seem to notice, so either he's lost a hi-frequency range in his hearing, was being polite to play through some extended feedback in the PA, or the song was supposed to sound like that...

Overall though, they played a great set which was executed with what appeared to be precision planning. The rise and fall of moods, the crashing of white noise into the ambient intros of new songs, the build-up to a frenetic close - it was well done. They make a great pairing with Milagres, although I think I do prefer Milagres to play second, all things being equal...

War on Stupid at DMA

2011-10-06T23:30:00.001-04:00

Earlier this week I was up in Boston co-presenting "The War on Stupid" with Andrew Davies, a designer extraordinnaire with Paragon Design. As part of the Geekend Roadshow we presented at the Direct Marketers Association conference. It went well, and the crowd seemed to enjoy it. If you read/speak Danish, let me know if this article about the talk is good or bad.

The basic idea is that people need access to important information about the world around them, but most people either don't like to read, or never find time to keep up with more news than what is available via cable news channels. They are left under-served in the realm of informational nourishment. We propose to combat that through the collaboration of creatives (designers, illustrators, filmmakers, sound designers, etc) with 'sense-makers' (journalists, research scientists, etc) to turn complex ideas and data heavy material into short videos.

We created a demo of our idea. Drew took a 3-part investigative piece that I did about a nuclear reactor project outside of Augusta and turned it into a minute-and-a-half long motion graphic video. Check that out here.

You can follow the War on Stupid blog, which highlights other folks working in the realm of information translation.

The Last Poets

2011-10-06T19:39:00.000-04:00

If you don't know, now you know. Knowledge from the streets. Listen to the end and check the "party and bullshit" sample.

Sights of Savannah

2011-10-06T14:12:00.000-04:00

Bob Jones is constantly carrying a camera and snapping photos around town. It doesn't matter if it's a stray cat or a rock show, if it catches his eye, he'll take a picture. He probably has documented more of the breadth of Savannah's many pieces than anyone else. Here are a few from a recent evening that caught my eye.

You can follow his daily output here.

East of Underground

2011-09-28T19:00:00.000-04:00

Now-Again does it again, finding the craziest gems and pressing them to clean wax for our enjoyment. This new comp is called East of Underground and it's a compilation of songs recorded during Vietnam by service member bands on army equipment. The results are crazy. Check out "Hell Below" (click to listen, rick click to 'save as').

Shadow's new album

2011-09-28T18:56:00.000-04:00

Check out the radio spot promo for DJ Shadow's new album, which he just posted to Soundcloud a few hours ago. Entroducing is one of the greatest albums of all time in the DJ/producer/beat genre, and even this many years later, I'll still give a listen to whatever he puts out.
'TLYKTB' Radio Spot by djshadow

Re:Fest

2011-09-20T16:22:00.000-04:00

The debut of the 2012 Green Events Guide is paired with food, awesome local bands, pet adoptions and much more...

Electronic Music in ATL 101

2011-09-19T17:14:00.000-04:00

Check out this mix from P.Villa that is a survey of all that's good with electronic music in ATL right now. I'm honored to know so many of the folks who have music included in this mix, s/o to Bosco, P.Villa, Unda and everybody. Head over to Blunt Guts Nation for the back story, links and tracklist.
Electronic Music of Atlanta (EMA) Promo Mix 1 by P Villa

Odonis Odonis

2011-09-17T13:49:00.001-04:00

Odonis Odonis is on FatCat, a label with good ears in my opinion - really nailing a quality spectrum of rock iterations and sub-species. This here is crafted in the tradition of distorted surf-psych. The meltdown toward the end is spacey, bottoming out a thoroughly driving groove.
Odonis Odonis - Ledged Up by Fat Cat Records

If you like this, you should also definitely be listening to the Crocodiles and Abby GoGo.

Walton's Fader Mix

2011-09-17T13:32:00.001-04:00

Hyperdub's Walton throws down this ridiculous bass mix for Fader (click for tracklist, etc). If you need to get your wobble on, you need this in your life.
Walton's FADER Mix by The FADER

junclassic & Jazz Spastiks

2011-09-13T17:42:00.000-04:00

This track is a ridiculously hot funk-stravaganza. junclassic is getting a lot of love, and the Jazz Spastiks highlight their skills with this remix of "Bust ya Melon."
junclassic & Jazz Spastiks - Bust Ya Melon [Official Remix feat. Dynasty, Verbal & K-Sise] by HiPNOTT Records

via Kevin Nottingham.

Shabazz Palaces

2011-09-12T12:06:00.000-04:00

This track "Swerve" feels sort of like Digable Planets for the 21st Century. The beat is crisp and the flows are jazzy. Find the whole record via Sub Pop.

Jesse Futerman

2011-09-11T23:14:00.000-04:00

This Canadian producer keeps it smooth and funky. His EP got a significant endorsement from BBC 1's Gilles Peterson. Great organic feel to Futerman's Super Basement EP.
<a href="http://jessefuterman.bandcamp.com/album/super-basement-ep">Super Basement EP by Jesse Futerman</a>

Brick and Mortar Record Stores

2011-09-10T20:51:00.000-04:00

Here's a trailer for a new documentary about the difficult times for record stores. The doc centers around Ear X-tacy in Louisville, KY. If you've ever bought records, or loved a record store, this will resonate.

XO's Monumental 2

2011-09-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

You need to be up on this uptown DC emcee. Don't sleep on his solo stuff or any of that Diamond District for really real.
<a href="http://uptownxo202.bandcamp.com/album/monumental-2">MONUMENTAL 2 by UPTOWNXO</a>

Das Racist "Amazing"

2011-09-09T23:52:00.000-04:00

I guess they filmed this while they were down in Savannah last spring. The majority of the exterior shots are Colonial Park cemetery, downtown, across from the fire station on Oglethorpe. Just so you know, in case you're here and super wasted, don't rub the spanish moss on your head. It's full of bugs called chiggers, if you're fortunate to get a bug-free clump, it's only because the city periodically sprays horrible chemicals all over it. Back to the subject at hand though, I think this song is catchy.

Shlohmo's Fader Mix

2011-09-09T23:31:00.000-04:00

This young fella is killing the crazy, semi-ambient, futuristic west coast beat world right now. His new LP Bad Vibes is choice, and here he is doing his thing with a tasty 40+ minute mix that opens with Suicide (yes!) and dances around some EDM, slugs a sizzurpy dose of Southern rap and then passes out on Tom Waits.
Shlohmo's FADER Mix by The FADER

I found this here courtesy of Fader.

Tasty Morsels Volume 2

2011-08-29T15:40:00.000-04:00

Here's the newest installment in the Best of Vinyl Appreciation series. A selection of live sets from the monthly record jam at Muse Arts Warehouse. This one features four short sets that run from classic rock gems to deep psych mysteries.

Download the mix for free.

Speak Easy "Coronas, Condoms and Cigarettes"

2011-08-22T18:18:00.000-04:00

Speak Easy aka Sean Fahie drops his second free album this week. The ATL-based MC and visual artist also had a show with the same name "Coronas, Condoms and Cigarettes." It's sort of a guide to gully living. Noteworthy production from Danny! and Unda, among others. You definitely need to be down with this.
&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://speakeasy1.bandcamp.com/album/coronas-condoms-and-cigarettes-the-musical-guide-to-awesome-living"&amp;amp;gt;Coronas, Condoms, and Cigarettes the Musical Guide to Awesome Living by Speak Easy&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

Timbo King "High Ranking" ft. R.A. the Rugged Man

2011-08-22T17:53:00.000-04:00

This video is dope. Goes to show you how a concept and a sense of humor trump a budget any day. The beat is dope. The verses are funny. The whole thing just works. Hip hop is all about being the best. This here is how the competition is supposed to play out - who's got the dopest lines.

Flying Lotus' "Lovers Melt 2"

2011-08-19T18:07:00.000-04:00

Been hearing a lot of stuff coming from Flying Lotus the last few months, and I'm not complaining. The batch of previously unreleased stuff he put up on Soundcloud had some real gems, then there was a nice mix for/of Thundercat, and now this, the follow-up to Lovers Melt 1. Enjoy the waning days of summer. Check it out via BrainFeeder.

New FKi

2011-08-19T17:56:00.001-04:00

These guys aren't going to teach your kids how to respect women or make the life choices that send people to Ph.D-ebt, but FKi sure does know how to make strip club anthems and low-keyed southern night riders. This new joint is one of the latter.

They've got a new project on the way called Fuckin Kickin It Vol. 1. If you haven't heard them already, go find some of their old Ben Stiller inspired mixtapes Blue Steel 2.0 and Zoolandish.

Yung B da Producer

2011-08-10T18:49:00.000-04:00

Check this super catchy cut that is Golden Era to the max. Chill jazz samples and first wave drum machine texture. Yung B is just starting to make moves in Jersey. Hopefully Slightly Older B sticks with it and keeps making good music.
Yung B Da Producer- LIKE THIS AND LIKE THAT by manifestmovement

B.Lewis

2011-08-10T18:29:00.000-04:00

What? You need more beats? This here is hitting like Ray Lewis. A free download of B.Lewis' Plug EP:
<a href="http://blewis.bandcamp.com/album/plug-ep">Plug EP by B.Lewis</a>

New J-Live Mixtape

2011-08-10T18:10:00.000-04:00

This guy might be one of the most hip hop embodying human beings on the face of the planet. Rocks the mic, the mix and the beat machine. Go ahead and grab this for free and appreciate how he's still dope after more than 15 years of the music grind.
<a href="http://j-live.bandcamp.com/album/the-live-identity-mixtape">The Live Identity Mixtape by J-Live</a>

Christina Bray

2011-08-08T22:52:00.001-04:00

Bray is an ATL-based painter with a show at AASU opening early next week. If you're on the Southside next week, swing by and check out her whole show.
From the press release:
"Street Journal: An Exhibition of Documentary Paintings by Atlanta artist Christina Bray, August 15th through September 9th. The paintings focus on Bray’s fascination with urban exploration, graffiti, and abandoned buildings that have been transformed by decay or destruction."