OK Go were originally introduced to me by Natalie as a result of their ingenious viral music video for their single "Here It Goes Again". They have since become more of a fad band given that almost all their videos are similarly elaborate one-take choreographed madness that you just can't help but watch to appreciate the madness. They do occasionally make some decent music though, and I kinda like this track. Oh, and they're playing at the Aitken Centre tonight with Metric. You should go if you feel like it.
Joel Plaskett started rocking out as a lanky lead singer in Thrush Hermit, then left and continued as a lanky lead singer in the Joel Plaskett Emergency, and has finally transitioned into simply the lanky lead singer of... Joel Plaskett? He could probably afford to eat a few more double downs but he does make cool music. I've seen him live a couple times and both were great shows. Do try and catch one of his solo acoustic sets, well worth it. This is a track from his great 2003 release "Truthfully, Truthfully".
Hidden talent unearthed everywhere. Creds to Lee for this find. More quality Canadian hip-hop, this time from Art Of Fresh out of the T-dizzle. Lately the fresh new tracks seem to be falling from the sky. This one is a bit older, but these cats are new to me so it feels now. For a bonus I'm poppin' in the new single from their upcoming album. Check it.
Art Of Fresh - Out This World
BONUS BEATS!
Art Of Fresh - Alive
Bet you'll hear some of that tonight at the Phoenix.
Ryan Corrigan, or Hawksley Workman to you, was born to perform. At least that's the impression you get when you hear his music, or see his videos, or better yet see his live performances. I haven't seen him live yet, but I've seen video and it's on my list of things to do. Mr. Workman likes to do things on a grand, epic scale. He likes hyperbole. He likes grandeur. He probably loves gunpowder. He's a passionate fellow.
I admit that when I was first introduced to him via his first single "Striptease", I wasn't a fan. This song, however, reverberated ever so effortlessly, and I must have played it a hundred times when I found it. Despite the absence of the more epic introduction from the album version of this track, the PG version of this song that's in the video is still a great song. I like artists that play with emotion and have some guts. Mr. Workman has plenty of that.
Here's another example of a group that I hadn't really heard much about until they were supposed to come play at the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival. Thankfully I now know that Beast are from Montreal, a trip-hop group of sorts with an edge. Unfortunately they didn't quite make it out here to Fredericton, for whatever reason, but at least I now know who they are and can happily throw some of their tunes in my regular playlist. Check this out.
Any time there is a dinosaur singing the lead vocals to a song, I sit down and listen. The Black Keys are not dinosaurs, but somehow through the miracle of modern science, or technology, or some strange hand puppet thing, they have managed to figure out how to get this dinosaur to sing their entire song, on camera! If this doesn't deserve some kind of recognition, at least in the form of a meager blog post, I don't know what does. I mean... jebus... I just saw a new video from two horrifically useless media-driven stereotype top 40 craptacular rubbish catch-phrase "artists" that was a week old and had over 2 million views already. That's more than two times as many as this one. Sometimes I think I get it, and then there are days like today.
Sometimes things just come randomly. Today I found Just Jack. How come nobody told me about him before? Maybe some more people need to take up blogging. Or just posting stuff to their friendly neighborhood social networking site. Passenger pigeon anyone? Check this guy out, he's surprisingly subtle and catchy.
Just Jack - Writer's Block
BONUS BEATS!
Just Jack - Starz In Their Eyes [Trophy Twins Aftershow Remix]
Mat Trevors has a blog up and going now. It's a good read, particularly if you're into fishing, or geology, or music, or politics, or minimalism, or drinking, or... well anything really. It's worth a visit. This post is a good read, about how Mat would fix New Brunswick. Next election, I'm voting Mat, whether he's running or not.
Anyway a few days ago Mat posted this lovely song by Halifax rockers Sloan, who were at one time the premier act in the east coat. They've slowed down a bit in recent years, but I guess that happens after nearly 20 years on the road. Their 10th studio album is due out in 2011, and with a little luck they'll be back in the limelight again. Here's their party anthem to help ring in November.
Chances are you know the words to it. Well, maybe not. It's a little old. 1958 old. My mom wondered if I was going to play this on Halloween night. I'd like to think we've evolved somewhat, musically anyway, since the cereal jingle days. Either way, it's a funny little song and worth revisiting for a giggle.
Matt Blair posted this one a while back, and seeing as it's Halloween party night, I thought it would be appropriate. Kenny Gordy came up with the name Rockwell so that his father, Motown Records supremo Berry Gordy, wouldn't recognize him on his label release, and because he thought he "rocked well". Sadly he didn't have a whole lot of talent. He was, however, friends with a certain Michael Jackson, and convinced him to sing the hook in this one and only real hit. Sometimes it's all about who you know.
N.A.S.A. stands for North America / South America, or in the space world, Never A Straight Answer... but I digress. This is a musical collaboration of producers Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon, who have put together an impressive list of talent to provide vocals for their tracks. This is a super cool video that reminds me of "Throw Me To The Rats" by the Tom Fun Orchestra. Check this out, and pick up a copy of their album "The Spirit Of Apollo".
Yup, that's the late ODB bringin' the heat from the other side...
This is the first video from Hot City, a London-based DJ and producer. His tracks and sets are laden with really heavy bass, as you can tell from this track. You're probably not going to see this video on the television any time soon, but it's still fun to look at.
The Ventures were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2008, and for a very good reason. They have sold more albums than any other instrumental ensemble in history, more than 100 million of them! Among their many songs they also performed several covers, including this one, originally made famous by the Surfaris in 1963. This performance is just so good that I thought it could use a little more "airtime". I hope you agree.
I'll admit it. I'd never actually listened to the original Ben Westbeech track before DJ Scout posted it yesterday. I'm a huge fan of the remix, which is an absolutely killer deep house hit, but I'm happy to report that the original is also very good, though there is a significantly different vibe to it. This has only furthered my appreciation of Osunlade's masterful reworking under the moniker Yoruba. Enjoy these two gems.
Ben Westbeech - So Good Today
BONUS BEATS!
Ben Westbeech - So Good Today [Osunlade's Yoruba Suite Remix]
One of Jamaica's great reggae exports has passed away. Gregory Isaacs had a classic dub vocal style that was among the finest in the genre. He was also amazingly prolific, releasing more than 50 albums of original material from 1975 until 2008. No doubt his many years of heavy drug use took a toll on his body, and he eventually succumbed to lung cancer at the young age of 59.
I've had a few requests for Passion Pit recently, and have to admit that I didn't really know anything about them, except that I'd heard a few of the remixes that they've done. I spent some time checking them out in the past couple days, and they're not bad at all. Kind of a cross between MGMT and Miike Snow. A real digital ensemble sound. Anyway this is a cool track, kinda grows on you, and I'll throw in a nice little remix just for you. The sound quality is a little dodgy, but you get the idea.
Passion Pit - Little Secrets
BONUS BEATS!
Passion Pit - The Reeling [Groove Police Remix]
You can expect to hear that one in my sets real soon...
I first saw this from our friends at Discobelle, and wanted to post it a while ago, but those greedy buggers wouldn't open it for public viewing until now. The question is, who is Gucci Vump? It's a bit of a mystery, and even the record label won't release who it is. Apparently it's a pseudonym of a fairly well known producer who just wants to make some crazy music under a different moniker. Whoever it is, this track is awesome and you'll like it more each time you listen.
I just found Junip, from Sweden, today. They're new. I think. I'm at the Phoenix right now so I don't have time to write anything else except these guys are cool and I'm gonna play the remix to this song right about... now.
Shamos posted this sweet interview with Ad-Rock on his blog today so I was gonna post some Beasties, but alas, I already have. I don't really want any repeat headliners until the new year, so I'll just link to one of their badass songs here.
I missed yesterday because I was in hardcore recovery mode from Monday night, so today I thought I would post my favourite rock band. Well, depends on the day. Today they are. Layne Staley was THE man before he sadly overjuiced himself and called it a day. Alice In Chains have since been re-birthed with a new lead singer, and to be fair he's not too bad, but it's not quite the same. This is the song that first got me into them, taken from the best EP in hard rock history. Maybe music history. Maybe.
Apologies for missing yesterday. Fortunately I was abducted from my room by some random hooligans who wanted to celebrate my birthday. Strange. In any event, since today is the real anniversary of my first appearance (I think) on this oddball planet, I decided to take a few minutes to reflect on some of the more memorable moments of this meager lifetime. I shall neither recount nor boast freely of these, except to say that I have had the privilege of being either involved in, or witness too, some utterly stupendous and ridiculous moments thus far. Here's to having a few more yet. After all, you're only as old as you feel.
Today is Ashley's birthday and she's in Germany, so this is a sweet track from Digitalism. A little on the old side, but still really cool. I'll probably have to put some kind of bonus track in here somewhere too.
Digitalism - Zdarlight
BONUS BEATS!
Dave Gahan - Kingdom [Booka Shade Remix]
Almost forgot... new DIE ANTWOORD! {warning: reasonably graphic}
They're back. After four years, My Chemical Romance has finally offered up a new full length original LP. "Danger Days: The True Lies Of The Fabulous Killjoys" will be released on November 22nd, and will likely draw as much fanfare as their previous album, "The Black Parade". I've often harshly critical of the pop-punk genre, but this band, for me, has something different. Their music has an edge, and they have versatility. They seem to have a real grasp on not only their strengths, but also their limitations, and somehow find a way to keep most of their music within the confines of those restraints, nudging the barriers outwards only just. I'm excited about the new album, I like the new single. It sounds kind of like the Smashing Pumpkins mixed with the Offspring. Not a bad thing at all, it seems.
My Chemical Romance - Na Na Na
BONUS BEATS!
My Chemical Romance - The Only Hope For Me Is You
Props to the band for not being lame and disabling the embed option.
There was an awesome track released by Sonique, the DJ slash vocalist, back in 2000 that really captivated both the electronic and mainstream music scenes at the same time. I'd almost forgotten about it when I went through some old singles I had and ran across it. I wanted to find some kind of a jazzy mix that I could use in a groovy house set, and found this one. I think it's a great remix, all sizzle no fizzle. Check it.
Sonique - It Feels So Good [Can 7 Soulfood Club Mix]
Come early and listen to 'er at the Phoenix tonight.
If you haven't heard, Daft Punk are doing the soundtrack to the new Tron movie coming out soon. This has stirred up such fervor that someone took it upon themselves to release a fake pre-release version of some of the tracks on it, and most everyone took the bait. It's not hard to see why because the songs all sounded like they could have been Daft Punk, but it was still kinda funny. One of the songs featured on the fake release was Toronto producer Pilotpriest's "Body Double". Anthony Burns is the real man behind the name, and he's got some real cool stuff you should check out. This is his boss video for Zipper, a sweet track with a sweet video.
Happy Thanksgiving. I think I got the day right. This is a live performance from 2005 by Garbage, an underrated band who got a little too overproduced before their hiatus. Apparently they are back in the studio writing new material, which sounds good considering the rather gaping dearth of good new truly alternative rock. Here's hoping Shirley comes back with something fresh.
Here's some classic 80's goodness. Aeron posted this and I have to admit I don't think I'd ever actually seen this video. I'm not sure if the utterly ridiculous video that looks like a high school homework project adds to the grandeur of the song or not, but I'm gonna suggest that yes, it does indeed.
Toto - Africa
Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore...
I missed yesterday so here's a triple post. La Roux has been a popular choice again for the past couple weeks, even though the song is at least a year and a half old. Not that I'm complaining, it's a great track that should have been popular here ages ago. Guess they should have jumped on the Billboard payment plan a little earlier. I'm also posting a cool mashup by Robin Skouteris, a nice mix of this track and Gossip's "Heavy Cross". Not a big mashup fan, but this one works nicely, and has a sweet video to go with it.
La Roux - Bulletproof [Live @ BBC]
BONUS BEATS!
La Roux vs Gossip - Bulletproof Heavy Cross [Robin Skouteris Mix]
Kings Of Leon need no introduction. If they do, I suggest you refrain from living under boulders and other large obstructive objects. This is their new single.
Kings Of Leon - Radioactive
Come hang out in the Phoenix with me tonight. I'll play your favourite song.
I feel the name Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs is somewhat of a misnomer, considering that there is only one member of said "group". It's certainly a wonderful name, but perhaps the word "Dinosaur" should have been used instead of its plural. In any event, Mr. Dinosaur has been making some very cool music as of late, and Mizz Maxine reminded me of this today. This lad is quite young and has a very bright future ahead of him. If this is any indication, the dinosaurs may not be extinct much longer...
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Garden
BONUS BEATS!
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Garden [Jesse Rose Remix]
Today is Alexander Keith's birthday. Strangely, I've heard some reports that people are celebrating his 200th birthday. While I applaud any excuse required to party, it should be pointed out that Mr. Keith was born in 1795, making him 215 today, and his brewery was founded in 1820, so we've a good decade to go before we can celebrate that one. In any event, we have the good sir to thank for many, many wonderful and decidedly awkward moments here in the east.
To celebrate this occasion I feel some east coast music would be most appropriate, and probably something that Mr. Keith might enjoy, so today I've chosen the Barra MacNeils from Cape Breton to sing about some folk who might know a thing or two about drinking Mr. Keith's tasty beverages. As a young lad in Toronto my parents drove us east every summer to visit relatives, and this track was the first song on volume 1 of The Sounds Of Nova Scotia, a tape that found itself played many, many times on said trips. As such, I hope you enjoy this little snippet of my childhood, and raise a frosty glass to Mr. Keith.
This is a really cool video from Monarchy. They're new, and from the UK. They've also done a nice remix of Jamiroquai's sweet new track, which is the bonus selection for today.
Today is Sunday. Good day for some Thomas Osaze. Thomas is from Vancouver. Maybe add a dash of Jaidene Veda. Jaidene is from Vancouver, or possibly Calgary. Then maybe we should listen to that British guy Jimpster's version. Ya, that would probably make a nice little Sunday evening.
Thomas Osaze feat. Jaidene Veda - Sunday
BONUS BEATS!
Thomas Osaze feat. Jaiedene Veda - Sunday [Jimpster Remix]
Everybody remembers Biz Markie. He's the one who came out with this ridiculous and awesome song way back in 1989. The number. Another summer. Sound of the funky drummer. Music in your heart because I know you got soul. Nobody beats the Biz.
Dirty Projectors are weird. Really weird. I find their stuff quite abstract and for the most part I'm not sure what to make of it, or where exactly it fits in the music spectrum. That's not to say they're not talented, just the opposite, they're just very unique. This particular track is one of the more conventional ones I've heard put out by them. See if you can decipher their groove.
I just happened to come accross this on Vimeo today. Luke Roberts sounds like some guy you'd meet down at the local diner, and he kinda looks like that too. I have absolutely no idea who he is or where he's from, but this video is awesome and the song is cool. Somebody find this guy and bring him to the Wilser's Room.
Some cool stuff today from Jacques Greene, an up-and-comer from Montreal. His sounds incorporate a few different styles, but revolve heavily around synths. Reminds me a lot of Booka Shade, which is definitely not a bad thing. I dig the video too, a little Space Odyssey action going on.
Jacques Greene - (Baby I Don't Know) What You Want
Steve-o says I need to play more drum & bass. I agree, in principal. Not sure the world is quite ready to embrace the sound yet, but if this song is any indication, we're getting there. I'm honestly not very familiar with either Die & Interface or William Cartwright before, but they mesh together very nicely in this track, a sweet combination of r&b with some grimy d&b. I absolutely love the Netsky remix, so it's our bonus selection for the day.
BONUS BEATS!
Die & Interface feat. William Cartwright - Bright Lights [Netsky Remix]
Who is Dominique Young Unique? Beats me, but DJ Noematus gave me the heads up (again) on this fresh track. The crazy thing is this was released in March. This should have been all over the airwaves by now. The second half gets a bit crazy and there's no "hook" but I still think this is a sweet track. Judge for yourself.
Today is Mike's birthday. Mike plays the bass in the Burning The Day, a sweet metal band out of the T-Dot. Not this namby pamby pop metal rubbish like Three Days Grace, some real teeth-gnashing, gut-busting, kick-your-ass metal. So in honour of Mike, I'm going to wear my Burning The Day t-shirt tonight, and let you hear this.
I forgot to blog today so I'm doing this from work. Come to the Phoenix right now and hang out. I just played this song so I'm gonna blog it. The Bloody Beetroots, Steve Aoki, oh yes.
I was listening to some new wave synth house the other day and and wondered, who really came up with this kind of stuff in the beginning? I can't say I know for certain who the first was, but certainly one of the more influential synth artists is Giorgio Moroder. He won an Academy Award in 1978 for his brilliant soundtrack from the movie "Midnight Express". He later won two more, but I think this track in particular is a good place to start from. My bonus selection today is an sweet release from Laurent Heinrich, aka Lifelike, that was released a full twenty years later in 2008. It's kind of a throwback track that shows us the connection of then and now.
Shouldn't there be a "the" before their name? I think there used to be. Either way, I find Yeah Yeah Yeahs are beginning to move in the same direction as Gossip, who also coincidentally took the "the" out of their name. They used to have a somewhat grungier alternative indie sound, but I find they're moving to a slightly more commercial electro punk sound lately. They're still good, but now I seem to be enjoying their remixes than the originals, which isn't necessarily a good thing. The bonus selection today is an example, it's a sweet remix from A-Trak, that legendary bloke from Montreal. If you're around the Phoenix this weekend with me, you'll probably hear it.
Phil Collins has a new album coming out. For those who don't know, I'm a big fan. His album "...But Seriously" was the first compact disc I ever had, and it remains one of my all time favourite albums. That said, he's certainly put out some dross in his time. This new album, I fear, will end up largely in recycling bins from the initial sounds of it. Apparently old Phil has decided to "go back to motown". While I applaud the notion that we need more motown, and it's awesome that he got the Funk Brothers to be his band, you really have to wonder what the hell he was thinking covering a bunch of motown classics. I guess we all need to get paid some time. Here's a reminder of the awesome stuff he used to do.
Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight
BONUS BEATS!
Phil Collins - I'm Not Moving [Idjut Boys Edit]
It's ok Phil, you can retire now and we'll just forget about this album.
Well I have no recovered sufficiently from the craaaazy weekend here in Freddy Beach. The Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival came and went, and I think everyone involved would agree that it was a smashing success. One of the performers was our very own Jeremy McLaughlin and his band Oh No, Theodore!. I'm happy to find that he's finally got some video up on the ol' YouTube so here's one just for you. He's come some way from his early solo acoustic beginnings, and the addition of the strings have given his songs a really nice depth of sound. Onwards and upwards, check out these rising talents.
Oh No, Theodore! - Bloody Hands [Live On The Lighthouse]
Xavier Rudd is an Australian bluesy folk performer who has thrilled audiences the world over, and he's going to be playing here in sunny Freddy Beach in about half an hour downtown. If I didn't have prior commitments (damnit) I would be there, but sadly I will instead post this to remind myself (and you) what I will be missing. If you are reading this now, run downtown and check this show out. It's only $15!
Man I'm getting bad at this. Note to self: blog immediately after getting up.
I just saw Grace Potter and her drummer downtown, which isn't particularly unusual given that she's playing at the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival tonight. I may go check that out, or maybe Garrett Mason down at the Capital, or I may just chill out. Decisions, decisions. Whatever way, she's got a great sound and if you've got nothing to do in Freddy Beach go check out one of the above. You won't be disappointed.
Every now and then I wonder if there is really any good new music out there that I've never heard of before. Thankfully the answer is always yes. I then wonder why in the world I ever even considered that there might not be.
Last night the one and only Downtown Peter Brown posted this, and I thought it was pretty cool so I figured I'd post it here today. This is The Tallest Man On Earth, or so he claims. Looks kinda short to me. No idea who he is really but he's from Sweden and here he is playing on a really old guitar at the Music Inn in New York.
Tallest Man On Earth - The Gardener [Live At The Music Inn]
Why do Swedish people all seem to speak better English than Americans?
Bryan Hollon is a strange fellow who makes interesting ambient and experimental music under the moniker Boom Bip. He's been all over the world and collaborates with all kinds of cool people to make cool music. Kind of sounds like something I'd like to try. Check out this track, accompanied by a sweet video made from the movie Adrenaline Rush.
Boom Bip - Last Walk Around Mirror Lake [Boards Of Canada Remix]
Nine years ago today I was staring at the television with my mouth wide open as I watched the second plane slam into the south tower. Little did I know that this would become my generation's JFK assassination. Both incidents were unfathomable, like something out of a comic book, and executed in plain daylight with a clear disdain for the "casual" observer. Yet somehow, despite all the evidence, the American populace has each time let it pass by with barely a whimper. If you don't know what really happened on "9/11", listen to this and educate yourself. Here's a hint: it's not what the government or mass media or even Wikipedia says happened.
Anyway this song was a regular on Martin Streek's live to air evening's on the Edge back in the day, and it's politically charged so I thought it might be appropriate today. I'm not really familiar with any of Consolidated's other songs, but I have a feeling they probably sound pretty similar.
Who are these guys? Beats me, but they're coming to the Capital tonight. Travioli gave me the heads up on them a while back, and Fergus posted this one today to let us know that they'll be in town. They're from Vancouver and they sound like a pretty cool folky indie rock kinda dealio. This one is from the really cool website Southern Souls.
In 1997 the world gasped as Seattle grunge rockers Soundgarden announced that they were to be no more. As their 1994 album "Superunknown" was one of the rock albums that I listened to constantly as a teenager, this was quite a blow. Thankfully, after a 12 year hiatus, they are back. While this doesn't necessarily mean new material just yet, they are at least planning on touring. They headlined Lollapalooza this year, and are releasing a compilation album that will include a previously unreleased track that I've included as a bonus. My pick for the day is a classic track from their first album "Ultramega OK", performed live at their secret show in April.
If you listened to music at all in the '90s, you've heard this one before. Probably hundreds of times. Reel 2 Real is basically just another pseudonym of legendary New York DJ and producer Erick Morillo, with various others tossed in there when required. The lyrics are thrown down by The Mad Stuntman, who really didn't do much else after this. Doesn't matter though, this track is killer and will be played by DJs all over the world for years to come.
If you've read any kind of news today, you've probably heard that Mike Edwards died on Friday. Not that you'd recognize the name, but he died in a freak accident when a giant bale of hay rolled down a hill and hit his van. What a way to go. Mike was one of the initial cello players in the Electric Light Orchestra, a British rock group that rocked the '70s with their unique style and stage performances. ELO, as they are often referred to, had lots of great songs, but I'm picking this one firstly because Mike is playing the cello in this performance (in the black tuxedo), but also because it's probably my favourite song of theirs.
Slowcoaster are rocking out tonight at the Aitken Centre on campus. I saw them at Evolve in 2008 in the rain and they were arguably the best show of the festival. These guys are from Cape Breton and have a kind of funky ska-reggae vibe mixed with their jam band roots. I definitely recommend checking them out, particularly since Scientists Of Sound are also in the house kicking ass and taking names! Aw hell, let's make this a double post.
Wow it's been a hectic couple of days. Wednesday evening with The Franchise (and sis) and The Shawn Taylor Hype Machine was about as off the wall as it gets. We attacked the Dome in Halifax like hounds after a criminal. Cheers to the bartender who served us some kind of evil demon drink that made us wish that Thursday never happened. Yesterday was spent setting up the new room, still not finished but getting there.
The good news is regular blog service should resume starting now. For starters here's a little 36 Crazyfists with some hardcore awesomeness. This is the song that got me into them. If you're into loud angry stuff, I recommend checking them out.
Holy cheese and rice it's hot out. You probably know this already. Still in Halifax, so I'm going to make the most of it by heading out on the town with The Franchise and The Shawn Taylor Hype Machine. Should be epic by anyone's standards. That's how we roll. Tomorrow it's back to Freddy Beach to start my new Thursday night residency at the Phoenix for Feels Good Thursdays. That's right, every Thursday you can rock out with me and whatever wicked bands are playing, and even watch some sweet artists make crazy paintings, all for $5. What a deal.
This is a pretty funny new video from Grum. These guys make crazy retro sounding disco house beats, not unlike Chromeo. The video was directed by The General Assembly, who always like to do some really wacky stuff.
Do you ever see things that people are getting paid to do and think "I could do better than that useless piece of gum wrapper in my sleep"? Lately I've heard a whole bunch of really crappy music and I'm pretty sure I could do a whole lot better, so I'm gonna give 'er a shot. I'm in Halifax right now after my UFC weekend in Boston and when I get back to Fred-town on Thursday I'm thinking of locking myself in my new studio (i.e. bedroom) and making music that's better than the stuff I just heard. It's so bad I won't even post it.
This, however, has nothing to do with that rant. Björk is really hit and miss for most people. Some are really into her, some can't stand her. I'm somewhere in the middle. For me she's had some great songs, and some really weird stuff. This is one of the ones I like, and it's actually a really great live performance. I also think she looks pretty healthy here, as opposed to looking really old and drawn out these days.
I know I'm about a week or so late with this one, but I've been busy. Better late than never. Cee-Lo Green is the genius vocalist half of Gnarls Barkley, and he's been rocking soul-tastic gems for about a decade now after a stint with the Goodie Mob. This is his latest single ripping up the interweb, I heard it on the Joe Rogan podcast and instantly loved it. New album doesn't come out until December, but if it's anything like this, it's gonna be killer. Apologies for the "harsh" language, but censorship died about fifteen years ago, so deal with it.
I'm in Boston right now, went to the UFC fan expo yesterday and it was mayhem. For any fan of MMA, I highly recommend going and checking one out, there's just a ridiculous amount of stuff to do and see. Much respect to all the UFC fighters too, who stand around and take pictures with literally thousands of fans during the weekend and have a smile on their face for each and every one.
Jon "Bones" Jones, Wanderlei Silva, and Clay Guida were particularly impressive in their commitment to the fans, but mad respect has to go to Bas Rutten for signing autographs from 11am until 7pm with only a 40 minute break in between. What a legend. Tonight I go to the big show at the TD Gardens, and I expect it will be even better than the expo. The UFC definitely has the athletic world at their feet.
I also saw Joe Rogan live last night at the Wilbur Theatre, and he was hilarious. Props also to him for doing his set, and then standing on stage for almost an extra hour talking about anything the audience wanted. Great time, highly recommended.
Anyway back to music, I suppose I should have posted this yesterday, but I was busy. The Dropkick Murphys are as Boston as it gets and this song is pretty much a Boston anthem, so here ya go.
Dropkick Murphys - I'm Shipping Up To Boston
For the record, I'm picking Penn, Couture, Florian, Miranda, and Diaz.
Today I go to Boston. Beans! Great stuff. It's a little damp outside but I'm packed and ready to go, on time, which is a bit of a minor miracle. With a little luck I'll even get to keep the ol' blog updated while I'm away. This calls for some Lou Reed.
Last night in the old place. Tomorrow on to Boston, followed by Halifax. The air feels... electric. Not really an MGMT fan but I dig this track, it's got a cool beat.
I missed yesterday. There was a decent enough reason, I was pretty much a write off after another epic evening at the Needham Stronghold. The last one there, I might add. Good times were had by all.
MSTRKRFT are a sweet electronic group from the T-Dot who are ripping it up these days. They absolutely killed it in this collaboration with John Legend. And since I missed a day I figure I should tag on another vid, so I'm putting their first big hit on here too.
I tried hard to find another song by these guys that was worth posting, and I just couldn't do it. Some bands, it seems, are destined to have just one moment in time where it all clicks. I did manage to find a live version that's actually not bad. I could just imagine going to a Blue Oyster Cult show, hearing this played first, and then immediately heading out and getting some chicken wings and beer. Mmm. Chicken wings.
Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper [Live]
I don't know about you, but I think this song needs more cowbell...
The Godfather of Soul needs no introduction, but if he wanted one, this would be it. His 1963 album "Live At The Apollo" is required listening for any music aficionado. This is the opening song from his 1974 performance in Zaire during the lead up to the Rumble In The Jungle.
James Brown - The Payback [Live In Zaire]
Now that, ladies and gentleman, is called stage presence.
If you're into reggae, you're into Burning Spear. His "Live In Paris" recording of his 1988 performance is arguably the greatest live reggae album ever, and generally regarded as one of the better live albums of any genre ever released. This is the opening track from that album. Enjoy.
Burning Spear - Spear Burning [Live In Paris]
If you like reggae, come to my place on Sunday. You won't be sorry.
I was going to post some other stuff but then I found this today. Two of the biggest names in the drum & bass genre, Noisia and Mayhem, team up with the legendary KRS-One to lay down this sick track. This awesome video is by Alexander Lehmann, and it was a three year project. I have to say, the wait was worth it.
Noisia & Mayhem feat. KRS-One - Exodus
BONUS BEATS!
Bryan Raydio - Pleiades [Version 2]
New tracks aren't quite ready, but here's a new version of an old one.
Didn't quite get what I wanted to get done today, so the original will have to wait until later. In a bit of a rush off to work, so here's Swedish one-hit wonder group Whale with this 1993 classic.
Whale - Hobo Humpin' Slobo Babe
This was posted on Matt Blair's blog a while back, check it out too if you've got a minute.
Simian Mobile Disco are a DJ duo who started as members of the band Simian, but wisely chose to pursue their electronic inspiration and released a startling debut album in 2007 called "Attack Decay Sustain Release". I didn't think their follow up was up to scratch, call it sophomore jinx, though it did feature a great track with Gossip lead singer Beth Ditto on vocals called "Cruel Intentions". They certainly have loads of potential. Who knows what we might hear in the future.
Simian Mobile Disco - Audacity Of Huge
BONUS BEATS!
Simian Mobile Disco - Sleep Deprivation [Simon Baker Remix]
Jebus I'm getting inconsistent at this. I've been working hard on some new productions and hoping to have them done by mid-week or earlier. Also been jamming with Richard Gloade, Esq. and doing some funky recordings, so the blog's kind of been put on the backburner. I'll just have to remember to get it done first thing while I'm drinking the morning java. Anyway thankfully The Franchise sent me this guy so I have something newish to post. Jamie Lidell is a groovy soul type singer who does crazy stuff like walk around and play in the street. Seriously, check it out.
