Okay! I better watch my back after I publish this post because I am about to keep it so real. It may even be a case of "When Keeping it Real Goes Wrong" :-/
BUT...
My girl Lyndsay woke up early to buy these tickets the minute they were available. Minutes after she purchased them, the tickets were sold out. For months our excitement about the Watch The Throne (WTT) Tour had been building up. Usually when you fantasize about a concert, the actual result is better than anything you can imagine. I have NEVER been let down by any concert, until last night.
Now, when you imagine Jay Z and Kanye West performing live together, the sky is the limit. Especially with this album, you would think they would have went all out. That is not what happened. The concert was at the IZOD Center in New Jersey. Doors opened at 7:30 PM but the show started at around 9 PM (smart because they knew most of the people at that concert were running on CPT). The anticipation was almost unbearable. Jay and Ye came out on separate rising pillars, opposite each other, which definitely demonstrated the equal thrones. They started it off with "H.A.M.", which was perfect, "I'm about to go H.A.M." It was like the introduction of the most miraculous thesis you could ever read. The same with the "conclusion"; they played "N****s in Paris" three times, which was phenomenal. I even loved the part when Jay Z stopped after the first time and said, "No one still knows what that means, [insert Jigga Laugh]". After the third time, Jay closed out with "Encore", which was perfection. However, the "body" was lacking almost everything.
Now, Jay did an incredible job. He did his classics: "H to Izzo", "Jigga What, Jigga Who", "Big Pimpin'", "Give it To Me" (my fave) and several other Jay jump offs. When I saw the two of them sit down, the concert took a turn for the worst. I'm sorry, it was barely half way and served no purpose. It was after Ye did "Jesus Walks" with his classic "Preacher Walk" dance. Were you tired? Are you serious? While they were sitting Jay did "It's a Hard Knock Life". What? Why aren't you getting up in the people's faces trying to get us to sing along? I was shocked. But the real disaster came when Kanye did his 808s & Heartbreak portion of the night. First of all, he had on a metallic gold skirt thing with some sort of leggings/jeggings underneath topped with a Bill Cosby COOGI cardigan. What? I understand, artists like to dress wild but ew. Skirts on men has no place in Hip Hop or anywhere besides Scotland. I believe integration of musical genres are awesome but this fashion statement, absolutely not. During his performance, there was definitely lots of auto tune going on. Now the problem with auto tune at a concert is you cannot tell if the artist is really performing or if it was just the track. Not even T-Pain used auto-tune the two times I saw him. It also didn't help that they had a DJ playing all their tracks that had all the pre-recorded intros and such. I'm not saying that he was lip-syncing but I cannot say he wasn't. To me the problem is, even if it really was him, the fact that I cannot tell is the biggest issue "Heartless" was the most disturbing because it did not even sound like him at all.
Then he went off again on his "Amber Rose Tangent" like he did in Philly. (Read her response to his Philly WTT outburst VLAD TV: Amber Rose's Response to Kanye's "Apology") Interjection, please read that article. No matter what anyone says or believes about Amber Rose, she was very dignified when dealing with that whole situation. He kept saying, "If you love someone, never let them go" and "...I was an a**hole." Ahhh, get over it. She's moved on to better things. Ye, I'm sorry, you went nuts and then came back expecting everyone to fawn over you. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was incredible. I will always support Ye as an artist/producer but as an individual and now as a performer, I do not trust him. It was abysmal.
Watch The Throne is a sensational album and I hope it wins as many awards as possible. Nonetheless, what I am about to say is going to seem disrespectful and as if I am not a real fan. I am a huge fan, I grew up in the 90s, and lived for Jigga. The effort put into this concert was severely lacking. Yes, the lighting and pyrotechnics were definitely up to par but the performance wasn't. They decided not to bring any other artists out. I get it; they are on the throne and the only people that matter. How conceited and cocky. What about up and comer Frank Ocean who did two amazing hooks for your album? What about every artist that helped you on your latest album, Kanye? That was definitely NOT solely a solo project. Why not help those who helped you? It makes me wonder if this beef with Weezy prevented them from having certain guests? Who knows?
We all know that they are two of the best BUT us as fans, still deserve the effort. No offense, but I, like most, more than likely do not want to watch 2 older rappers not bring the heat. I do not want 3 hours of two dudes rapping with a DJ in an arena. That is better for a smaller venue. If you are going to make me spend over $100 on not the best seats, it better be worth it. Listen, I know what you're thinking, "oh what she didn't have good seats so now she's hating?" NO! I saw Weezy in his first NY performance after his release from Rikers for the I Am Music Tour and sat in the second to last row up top at the Nassau Coliseum. That was still one of the greatest shows I have ever seen. Yes, the closer you are, the better it can be, but if the nosebleed is all I can work with, at least I am there. Do not get me wrong, I am glad that I went and still would have done it over again. It truly was a once and a lifetime opportunity but I would still be sad as hell, whether in the front row or the last one.
I thought that this was going to be the CONCERT OF MY LIFE, instead it was one of the greatest musical disappointments. Almost 24 hours later and I am still in disbelief. WTT was a display of "We got the biggest c**ks in the world, look, look." They are way too old to be that obsessed with themselves. Yes I paid money to see Jay Z and Ye but people go to concerts for the surprises the artist's has in store. I was not surprised and my excitement severely dwindled as the night went on. How did Jay Z and Kanye NOT BRING IT? That should be an oxymoron but now for me it is a synonym. I saw Jay once before at TI's Paper Trail album release party. He only performed "Swagger Like Us" with TI but there was so much more energy 3 years ago. The one and only time I saw Ye was at Hot 97's Summer Jam 2008 and he blew my f*n mind. He was live. Nothing could have touched him then. What changes in 3 years; I guess a lot. I am sorry HOV, not so sorry Ye, but I think your time for showmanship is over. (I am 100% OK with blaming Kanye for this disaster). I still support you both and will always buy your albums BUT I WILL NEVER SPEND MONEY ON A TICKET WHERE YOU 2 ARE THE HEADLINERS. Unfortunately, I would have been more satisfied listening to WTT with my two girls. Sad but true...
Today's Mood: "We're Not Gonna Take It" -Twisted Sister (yea feelin' weird today)
YouTube-We're Not Gonna Take It
Possibilities for my Birthday Song: "Girls Girls $" -Theophilus London
YouTube-Girls Girls $
Music is not apart of my life, it is my life. Since November 26th, 1985 I have not gone one day without music. I thank my Caribbean parents for that. My musical preference ranges from Marley to Morrison, from Rolling to Red Hot, from Lykke Li to Lil Weezy. I love it all and most all I APPRECIATE IT ALL! I have the gift of a good ear and have a knack of finding it first. I'm just hear to discuss music and my life...two in the same
Monday, November 7, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
A$AP Rocky: Who is he? What's his deal with Odd Future? $3 Million, Really?
If for some off chance A$AP sees this, Ya Tu Sabes, he is like, "Who the F are You?"
That is fine and dandy. I'm LA, nice to meet you. I love music and when it comes down to it I am emotionally involved with many artists right now. There is no way to truly feel it without committing. I live for new artists that have something NEW to bring.
All throughout the CMJ Music Marathon, I kept hearing and seeing the name A$AP Rocky. At first I thought Aesop Rock was performing and I needed to know where. According to his FB page, (A$AP FB), his government name is Rakim, yes named after the rapper. Rocky became a childhood nickname. A$AP means to ALWAYS STRIVE AND PROSPER. Not mad at it. When you put the name together, "Always Strive and Prosper Rocky" it is kind of a self reminder. How could you ever forget your life goal if it is in you name? Clever. So what does this dude have to bring to the table that my booboo Weezy is all about him? I was extremely curious. Then there was this $3 Million deal with Sony/RCA. How could an independent artist get this huge deal without my knowledge? When 50 and Drake got their original signing deals, I had already been bumping them for months. I am always on the new ish; I figured something was up so I have been investigating.
All my opinions and realizations came from his invterview with Pitchfork on October 28th (Pitchfork A$AP Interview) and his video on AllHipHop.com (AllHipHop.com Video Interview)...
According to the Pitchfork article, the $3 mil breaks down as follows:
"$1.7 million for his solo output and $1.3 million to fund a group label A$AP Worldwide."
Apparently homie got more money than Drake. Now does he really deserve it? Now I am very much biased when it comes to Drake because I believed in him when he was Jimmy AKA Aubrey Graham the actor/aspiring rapper. That dude worked hard to get to where he is. Now people seem to enjoy A$AP because he's a a real Harlem dude. It is sad to say that I reached an age when I cannot understand how a 22 year old rapper, with no REAL life experience, is getting all this glorified respect. A$AP states that the only thing mainstream about him are his investors. Then he goes on to say that he can adapt to radio and adapt to underground because that's what he was for a while. It agitates me because he acts like he has been struggling in the indie rapper scene forever. Yes it is a struggle but there are so many rappers with beautiful/gritty/nasty/sensual words that will never get the $3 million or more that they deserve. And why does he have to adapt to underground, if that is where he has always been? What, is there no more love for the scene that gave you life?
A$AP speaks of his happiness towards his "new" followers. These fans used to be haters and he speaks openly about that. He even admits that he knows that they are on his jock because he's got Capo Jimmy and Weezy standing in his corner. I understand that he has a FU attitude towards the people in Harlem because they weren't feeling it. A$AP is happy that he has white dudes in Corporate America lovin' his stuff. Now there is nothing wrong with that but are you just gonna leave your Harlem people behind? Why don't you try and reel them in for real, not just with big names and numbers? Obviously there is something missing in his flow. Your hometown wasn't feeling you? Really? To me there is something odd about that.
I enjoy his HNIC attitude. He speaks the truth when he says, "When Jay Z was the only one rapping about stuff it was cool. Not it's just so f***ing old. Who gives a f**k?" For real though. That ish did get old. (Says the girl who is going to see Jigga and Kanye on Sunday hehehe, they are legends you know). With that confident mentality, I needed him to back up his statements. However, I am not satisfied. Homie needs work in my opinion. His vocals need to be aged. I do not mean that he needs to get older but he needs to live a little more. A$AP Rocky should take that money and do something worth rhyming about. He is not a doctor of words; he's in the "Swagger Rapper" category. These are the rhymers that talk about Swag. Half of them do not have it or know what it really is. Swagger used to be this exclusive, seductive word that has been misused and abused by the reckless. When Wiz first came out and talked about Swagger, he had it, I saw it first hand a year before "Black and Yellow" was ever heard by the masses. Swagger Rap is only necessary if created by those who have it.
I listened to "Purple Swag" and was not impressed (A$AP-Purple Swag). Seriously, Mary Jane is beautiful and cool but you do not need to put her out there all the time, damn. When you talk about how much "Swagger" you have, it is not cute. Honestly, it is the same thing when men brag about how good they are in "La Cama" department or how much money they got in the bank; that ish is so unattractive. If he toned it down just a little, that gritty sex would ooze out of him so deliciously. Yea, I get the hype about him, he does have Swag, never said he didn't but he's in little boy mode about it. Act like a MAN with $3 million resources. I realized that he wasn't so bad when I heard "Peso" (A$AP-Peso) . Now that was swaggerific. I love the Jamaican in the chorus, nice touch. A great line that is confidence with not too much cocky is "Our presence is a present. Just to kick it is a blessing." That line makes me wanna hang with the A$AP crew. If more songs are like that I can fux with homie. Honestly, I am already sold on Ty Beats. He seems to be a nasty producer. His beats are tough. A$AP will make something over one of his beats that will murder everything, I can feel it.
What is up with him and OFWGKTA?
According to the AllHipHop.com video interview, A$AP has no beef with the LA crew. Apparently, Left Brain, one of Odd Future's producers, stated that A$AP Rocky copied him. Then Hodgy Beats, an Odd Future lyricist, joined in on Twitter, allegedly. The way that A$AP handled himself was very respectful UNTIL he mentioned that he was not a fighter but he will "smack the s**t outta somebody". He said that when he runs into those two he's going to ask them what's goodie. A$AP says that he actually enjoys their music and is a huge fan of Tyler, The Creator, another Odd Future rapper. Now here is when the confusion comes in for me. He mentions that OFWGKTA are a lot wilder than him and like to do stuff like skateboard and be extreme. A$AP says that is not what him and his crew are about. UMMMMM, aren't you under Weezy's wing right now? You know what he likes to do right, yes skateboard and wild out. I don't understand how you don't roll with dudes "like that" but fux with Weezy no problem?
I do not now where I stand when it comes down to all this. These are young dudes trying to prove who is harder; the age old pissing contest. When they all get older, it will be different. When my boy Montoya put me on to OFWGKTA, I was automatically into it. They are weird and wild but I wholeheartedly dig it. They are strange and "odd" but what real things/people aren't? "Orange Juice" is my jump off. I love Earl's raspy ass voice and Tyler's perfect annunciation. For the record, Tyler's deep/rugged voice is that much sexier because he has such a baby face. It is shocking and unreal every time. Check it out: Odd Future: Orange Juice. Frank Ocean is my dude though. My girl Melissa tells me that the song "Novacane" reminds her of me. Thanks Boo! I love him on "No Church in the Wild". Ah, I hope he pops out on Sunday with Jigga and Kanye. I will not sit here and say I am a huge fan of OFWGKTA because I am not. I do not know them enough to be an avid fan but I am into it and have been for a while. As of right now if I had to stand behind a team it would obviously be Odd Future, and for the record, Weezy was at their show last week and was feeling it so...
To me they have always been the same, weird as s**t. I love that s**t.
My Conclusion on A$AP Rocky
All of my comments are before listening to LiveLoveA$AP, his new mixtape that dropped on Halloween. I've been trying to download it for days but all the links have been wack. Obviously, DatPiff.com has it running properly (LiveLoveA$AP Download)! I suggest everyone cop it; it's free and we all need to know what is going to be coming into our cars, clubs and lounges soon. I think homie has a lot of growing to do, as an artist. A$AP needs help in the execution department. He has a maturity beyond his years but doesn't let it come out through his music. Nothing is wrong with that, but me personally, I want some more. He contradicts himself so many times that I do not know what to believe. I just want to ask him, A$AP, what do you want from your career? What do you want to do? Do you want the masses to love you or do you just want to be famous? Honestly, I do not know the answer to any of those and usually I can pick up on it. He's not bad but I do not know if he is a favorite of mine. I love his confidence and his Sexy Boy swag, but is that enough? I need to see more before I make any final decisions on him. I finally downloaded the mixtape today so I'm going to check it out and get back to you with my final opinion. I wish A$AP so much luck because I think he can truly go anywhere.
New Jam #1: "Leave My Body" -Florence and the Machine (She murders this song, it is unbelievable)
Leave My Body YouTube
New Jam #2: "Legendary" -Wale
Legendary YouTube
Today's Mood: "Can't Get Enough" -J Cole
Can't Get Enough YouTube
That is fine and dandy. I'm LA, nice to meet you. I love music and when it comes down to it I am emotionally involved with many artists right now. There is no way to truly feel it without committing. I live for new artists that have something NEW to bring.
All throughout the CMJ Music Marathon, I kept hearing and seeing the name A$AP Rocky. At first I thought Aesop Rock was performing and I needed to know where. According to his FB page, (A$AP FB), his government name is Rakim, yes named after the rapper. Rocky became a childhood nickname. A$AP means to ALWAYS STRIVE AND PROSPER. Not mad at it. When you put the name together, "Always Strive and Prosper Rocky" it is kind of a self reminder. How could you ever forget your life goal if it is in you name? Clever. So what does this dude have to bring to the table that my booboo Weezy is all about him? I was extremely curious. Then there was this $3 Million deal with Sony/RCA. How could an independent artist get this huge deal without my knowledge? When 50 and Drake got their original signing deals, I had already been bumping them for months. I am always on the new ish; I figured something was up so I have been investigating.
All my opinions and realizations came from his invterview with Pitchfork on October 28th (Pitchfork A$AP Interview) and his video on AllHipHop.com (AllHipHop.com Video Interview)...
According to the Pitchfork article, the $3 mil breaks down as follows:
"$1.7 million for his solo output and $1.3 million to fund a group label A$AP Worldwide."
Apparently homie got more money than Drake. Now does he really deserve it? Now I am very much biased when it comes to Drake because I believed in him when he was Jimmy AKA Aubrey Graham the actor/aspiring rapper. That dude worked hard to get to where he is. Now people seem to enjoy A$AP because he's a a real Harlem dude. It is sad to say that I reached an age when I cannot understand how a 22 year old rapper, with no REAL life experience, is getting all this glorified respect. A$AP states that the only thing mainstream about him are his investors. Then he goes on to say that he can adapt to radio and adapt to underground because that's what he was for a while. It agitates me because he acts like he has been struggling in the indie rapper scene forever. Yes it is a struggle but there are so many rappers with beautiful/gritty/nasty/sensual words that will never get the $3 million or more that they deserve. And why does he have to adapt to underground, if that is where he has always been? What, is there no more love for the scene that gave you life?
A$AP speaks of his happiness towards his "new" followers. These fans used to be haters and he speaks openly about that. He even admits that he knows that they are on his jock because he's got Capo Jimmy and Weezy standing in his corner. I understand that he has a FU attitude towards the people in Harlem because they weren't feeling it. A$AP is happy that he has white dudes in Corporate America lovin' his stuff. Now there is nothing wrong with that but are you just gonna leave your Harlem people behind? Why don't you try and reel them in for real, not just with big names and numbers? Obviously there is something missing in his flow. Your hometown wasn't feeling you? Really? To me there is something odd about that.
I enjoy his HNIC attitude. He speaks the truth when he says, "When Jay Z was the only one rapping about stuff it was cool. Not it's just so f***ing old. Who gives a f**k?" For real though. That ish did get old. (Says the girl who is going to see Jigga and Kanye on Sunday hehehe, they are legends you know). With that confident mentality, I needed him to back up his statements. However, I am not satisfied. Homie needs work in my opinion. His vocals need to be aged. I do not mean that he needs to get older but he needs to live a little more. A$AP Rocky should take that money and do something worth rhyming about. He is not a doctor of words; he's in the "Swagger Rapper" category. These are the rhymers that talk about Swag. Half of them do not have it or know what it really is. Swagger used to be this exclusive, seductive word that has been misused and abused by the reckless. When Wiz first came out and talked about Swagger, he had it, I saw it first hand a year before "Black and Yellow" was ever heard by the masses. Swagger Rap is only necessary if created by those who have it.
I listened to "Purple Swag" and was not impressed (A$AP-Purple Swag). Seriously, Mary Jane is beautiful and cool but you do not need to put her out there all the time, damn. When you talk about how much "Swagger" you have, it is not cute. Honestly, it is the same thing when men brag about how good they are in "La Cama" department or how much money they got in the bank; that ish is so unattractive. If he toned it down just a little, that gritty sex would ooze out of him so deliciously. Yea, I get the hype about him, he does have Swag, never said he didn't but he's in little boy mode about it. Act like a MAN with $3 million resources. I realized that he wasn't so bad when I heard "Peso" (A$AP-Peso) . Now that was swaggerific. I love the Jamaican in the chorus, nice touch. A great line that is confidence with not too much cocky is "Our presence is a present. Just to kick it is a blessing." That line makes me wanna hang with the A$AP crew. If more songs are like that I can fux with homie. Honestly, I am already sold on Ty Beats. He seems to be a nasty producer. His beats are tough. A$AP will make something over one of his beats that will murder everything, I can feel it.
What is up with him and OFWGKTA?
According to the AllHipHop.com video interview, A$AP has no beef with the LA crew. Apparently, Left Brain, one of Odd Future's producers, stated that A$AP Rocky copied him. Then Hodgy Beats, an Odd Future lyricist, joined in on Twitter, allegedly. The way that A$AP handled himself was very respectful UNTIL he mentioned that he was not a fighter but he will "smack the s**t outta somebody". He said that when he runs into those two he's going to ask them what's goodie. A$AP says that he actually enjoys their music and is a huge fan of Tyler, The Creator, another Odd Future rapper. Now here is when the confusion comes in for me. He mentions that OFWGKTA are a lot wilder than him and like to do stuff like skateboard and be extreme. A$AP says that is not what him and his crew are about. UMMMMM, aren't you under Weezy's wing right now? You know what he likes to do right, yes skateboard and wild out. I don't understand how you don't roll with dudes "like that" but fux with Weezy no problem?
I do not now where I stand when it comes down to all this. These are young dudes trying to prove who is harder; the age old pissing contest. When they all get older, it will be different. When my boy Montoya put me on to OFWGKTA, I was automatically into it. They are weird and wild but I wholeheartedly dig it. They are strange and "odd" but what real things/people aren't? "Orange Juice" is my jump off. I love Earl's raspy ass voice and Tyler's perfect annunciation. For the record, Tyler's deep/rugged voice is that much sexier because he has such a baby face. It is shocking and unreal every time. Check it out: Odd Future: Orange Juice. Frank Ocean is my dude though. My girl Melissa tells me that the song "Novacane" reminds her of me. Thanks Boo! I love him on "No Church in the Wild". Ah, I hope he pops out on Sunday with Jigga and Kanye. I will not sit here and say I am a huge fan of OFWGKTA because I am not. I do not know them enough to be an avid fan but I am into it and have been for a while. As of right now if I had to stand behind a team it would obviously be Odd Future, and for the record, Weezy was at their show last week and was feeling it so...
To me they have always been the same, weird as s**t. I love that s**t.
My Conclusion on A$AP Rocky
All of my comments are before listening to LiveLoveA$AP, his new mixtape that dropped on Halloween. I've been trying to download it for days but all the links have been wack. Obviously, DatPiff.com has it running properly (LiveLoveA$AP Download)! I suggest everyone cop it; it's free and we all need to know what is going to be coming into our cars, clubs and lounges soon. I think homie has a lot of growing to do, as an artist. A$AP needs help in the execution department. He has a maturity beyond his years but doesn't let it come out through his music. Nothing is wrong with that, but me personally, I want some more. He contradicts himself so many times that I do not know what to believe. I just want to ask him, A$AP, what do you want from your career? What do you want to do? Do you want the masses to love you or do you just want to be famous? Honestly, I do not know the answer to any of those and usually I can pick up on it. He's not bad but I do not know if he is a favorite of mine. I love his confidence and his Sexy Boy swag, but is that enough? I need to see more before I make any final decisions on him. I finally downloaded the mixtape today so I'm going to check it out and get back to you with my final opinion. I wish A$AP so much luck because I think he can truly go anywhere.
New Jam #1: "Leave My Body" -Florence and the Machine (She murders this song, it is unbelievable)
Leave My Body YouTube
New Jam #2: "Legendary" -Wale
Legendary YouTube
Today's Mood: "Can't Get Enough" -J Cole
Can't Get Enough YouTube
Monday, October 31, 2011
Kim K.'s Divorce Soundtrack
I am shocked that Kim Kardashian is filing for divorce from Kris Humphries :-/
Seriously, I remember watching the E! Publicity Special AKA her wedding, and only giving them 30 days at most. I guess I was wrong. 72 days is a long time for a marriage. She must be heartbroken at this "sudden" descision. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that he hasn't been resigned to the New Jersey Nets or that the NBA lockout is still going on? Kim K. shallow? No way. Kris is your classic "Good 'ol" Midwestern boy and she is a shrew in much need of being tamed. He needs someone on this planet not a girl living in a make believe land. Side Note: I love that he is from Minnetonka, Minnesota. You all know my fave movie is Purple Rain. And if you don't know the reference from that you remember the Dave Chappelle "Prince" skit. Purify Yourself -YouTube
In case you were a hibernating bear for Halloween today and laid in a cave, here is a recap on what is going on: Kim K. and K. Humph Divorce
Now if I were Kim Kardashian, I would still be with Reggie Bush, but that's besides the point. If I were her today, these are the songs that I would be listening to:
1) "Playas Gon' Play" -3LW (Shout out to her homegirl Adrienne Ballon) Playas Gon Play-YouTube
2) "Maneater" -Nelly Furtado Maneater-YouTube
3) "Purple Rain" -Prince (just cause) Purple Rain-YouTube
4) "On to the Next One" -Jay Z (obviously) On to the Next One-YouTube
And Last but not least:
5) "It's Over" -Kurupt It's Over-YouTube
Kim, in all honesty, you cannot be mad about anything anyone says about you. You kept trying to deny the fact that this marriage was a bust. The way you shined with Reggie, never came through with Kris. I am a stranger to you and I can see that. Kris and I are the same age and even I wouldn't get involved. He's gorgeous, has good morals and is a protector; however, he is a big kid. Those types of dudes are fun for the moment but never in reality. You need a man who is not afraid of who you are and will love you for you. I do not agree with your perception of life because I think you are from "La La Land" but I do not want to spend the rest of my life with you. There is a man out there who gets it and is not afraid of who you are and what you're about.
This is the song that I use when I stop believing in love. Real love is out there. Don't settle for a man just because he's good on paper or looks good in a pic with you. There is so much more out there. Real Love-Mary J Blige-YouTube
It is technically November 1st Ladies and Gents, you know what that means...Wale's Ambition is out. Wale has been my dude since "Chillin'" with Lady Gaga. I am proud of him and the efforts he has made to get him where he is. This album is going to take him to the sky, where he will have no limits. Florence and the Machine are back with another one; Ceremonials is out today as well. "What the Water Gave Me" is a great first single and should be an indication on the greatness, which is Flo. I am pumped to hear this new record, it should shock and awe like always. Good Luck and Congratulations guys. I will be sure to include these albums in my Top 2011 albums of the year.
This has been the year of music. The last albums I am waiting for are from: Drake (Nov. 15), Kidz in the Hall (Nov. 22) and The Black Keys (Dec. 6). Once The Black Keys are in I will countdown the hottest albums of the year. It's gonna be great because literally every artist I could possibly want to write about came out with an album.
In honor of today: "Lotus Flower Bomb" -Wale
A favorite with a similar name: "Lotus Flower" -Radiohead
Seriously, I remember watching the E! Publicity Special AKA her wedding, and only giving them 30 days at most. I guess I was wrong. 72 days is a long time for a marriage. She must be heartbroken at this "sudden" descision. I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that he hasn't been resigned to the New Jersey Nets or that the NBA lockout is still going on? Kim K. shallow? No way. Kris is your classic "Good 'ol" Midwestern boy and she is a shrew in much need of being tamed. He needs someone on this planet not a girl living in a make believe land. Side Note: I love that he is from Minnetonka, Minnesota. You all know my fave movie is Purple Rain. And if you don't know the reference from that you remember the Dave Chappelle "Prince" skit. Purify Yourself -YouTube
In case you were a hibernating bear for Halloween today and laid in a cave, here is a recap on what is going on: Kim K. and K. Humph Divorce
Now if I were Kim Kardashian, I would still be with Reggie Bush, but that's besides the point. If I were her today, these are the songs that I would be listening to:
1) "Playas Gon' Play" -3LW (Shout out to her homegirl Adrienne Ballon) Playas Gon Play-YouTube
2) "Maneater" -Nelly Furtado Maneater-YouTube
3) "Purple Rain" -Prince (just cause) Purple Rain-YouTube
4) "On to the Next One" -Jay Z (obviously) On to the Next One-YouTube
And Last but not least:
5) "It's Over" -Kurupt It's Over-YouTube
Kim, in all honesty, you cannot be mad about anything anyone says about you. You kept trying to deny the fact that this marriage was a bust. The way you shined with Reggie, never came through with Kris. I am a stranger to you and I can see that. Kris and I are the same age and even I wouldn't get involved. He's gorgeous, has good morals and is a protector; however, he is a big kid. Those types of dudes are fun for the moment but never in reality. You need a man who is not afraid of who you are and will love you for you. I do not agree with your perception of life because I think you are from "La La Land" but I do not want to spend the rest of my life with you. There is a man out there who gets it and is not afraid of who you are and what you're about.
This is the song that I use when I stop believing in love. Real love is out there. Don't settle for a man just because he's good on paper or looks good in a pic with you. There is so much more out there. Real Love-Mary J Blige-YouTube
It is technically November 1st Ladies and Gents, you know what that means...Wale's Ambition is out. Wale has been my dude since "Chillin'" with Lady Gaga. I am proud of him and the efforts he has made to get him where he is. This album is going to take him to the sky, where he will have no limits. Florence and the Machine are back with another one; Ceremonials is out today as well. "What the Water Gave Me" is a great first single and should be an indication on the greatness, which is Flo. I am pumped to hear this new record, it should shock and awe like always. Good Luck and Congratulations guys. I will be sure to include these albums in my Top 2011 albums of the year.
This has been the year of music. The last albums I am waiting for are from: Drake (Nov. 15), Kidz in the Hall (Nov. 22) and The Black Keys (Dec. 6). Once The Black Keys are in I will countdown the hottest albums of the year. It's gonna be great because literally every artist I could possibly want to write about came out with an album.
In honor of today: "Lotus Flower Bomb" -Wale
A favorite with a similar name: "Lotus Flower" -Radiohead
Saturday, October 29, 2011
I'm no Movie Blogger BUT go see ANONYMOUS
Okay so not being able to do much is lame. Yea, I would love to be out the Friday before Halloween in my costume lookin' all cute and stuff BUT I cannot. On top of everything I've got this lame cold thing going on.
ANWAY (sometimes I think you guys wanna hear about my random life anecdotes)
I decided that I wanted to see a movie, something to get my brain active. I took myself to see Anonymous (as an only child going places alone are not fears but rather desires, at times). The whole premise of the movie was in regards to the validity of William Shakespeare as a playwright/poet. Let me tell you, I never believed the rumors until I saw this movie. So many things made sense. I do not adore Shakespeare like some do BUT I love the story of Macbeth and of course Romeo & Juliet. Yes, there is something so epic about these tales. They are stories of downfall, betrayal, love, and death. Those subjects have become taboo. Okay avid readers do not riot. What I am saying is that ruthlessness and passion are not expressed in its entirety nowadays. Listen, I love Nicholas Sparks as much as the next girl, it is just not the same. "What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east and Juliet is the Sun." You let me know the next time you read something like that. Ladies, when was the last time you heard a man drop a line as good as that? OKAY!
Our generation has lost its lust for passion. Isn't that insane? Back to the movie...
I do not want to spoil it for anyone because I believe that any lover of any Shakespearian Sonnet or Play should see this movie. Put it this way, if this story has any accuracy, Shakespeare was a prick in my book. The story is a tragedy within itself. Irony is a huge theme in this movie along with love (of course). However, throughout the movie you find that this love mutates into something unforgivable.
The writing of the film is why I am here at 3:10AM. Two lines I want to give you...
The 1st: "How could I love the Moon when I have already seen the Sun" -Edward, Earl of Oxford
The 2nd (my absolute new favorite movie line of ALL TIME): "He is an undeniable perfection that plagues my soul." -Ben Johnson, Playwright. OOOOOOOO Tell me you're not gonna drop that line, I know you can't!
I just want that to rest with you.
I may not be an excellent movie critic but I do know words. Music can work without lyrics but how much better is it with them? Words can move you and touch you in a way that hands cannot. Understanding the magnificence of words, releases your restraints and allows you to go anywhere you want. You can truly feel for the first time.
New Song That You Must Hear: "That Could Be Us" -Maino (This song is tough)
Halloween Jam: "Somebody's Watching Me" -Rockwell ft. Michael Jackson (RIP)
ANWAY (sometimes I think you guys wanna hear about my random life anecdotes)
I decided that I wanted to see a movie, something to get my brain active. I took myself to see Anonymous (as an only child going places alone are not fears but rather desires, at times). The whole premise of the movie was in regards to the validity of William Shakespeare as a playwright/poet. Let me tell you, I never believed the rumors until I saw this movie. So many things made sense. I do not adore Shakespeare like some do BUT I love the story of Macbeth and of course Romeo & Juliet. Yes, there is something so epic about these tales. They are stories of downfall, betrayal, love, and death. Those subjects have become taboo. Okay avid readers do not riot. What I am saying is that ruthlessness and passion are not expressed in its entirety nowadays. Listen, I love Nicholas Sparks as much as the next girl, it is just not the same. "What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east and Juliet is the Sun." You let me know the next time you read something like that. Ladies, when was the last time you heard a man drop a line as good as that? OKAY!
Our generation has lost its lust for passion. Isn't that insane? Back to the movie...
I do not want to spoil it for anyone because I believe that any lover of any Shakespearian Sonnet or Play should see this movie. Put it this way, if this story has any accuracy, Shakespeare was a prick in my book. The story is a tragedy within itself. Irony is a huge theme in this movie along with love (of course). However, throughout the movie you find that this love mutates into something unforgivable.
The writing of the film is why I am here at 3:10AM. Two lines I want to give you...
The 1st: "How could I love the Moon when I have already seen the Sun" -Edward, Earl of Oxford
The 2nd (my absolute new favorite movie line of ALL TIME): "He is an undeniable perfection that plagues my soul." -Ben Johnson, Playwright. OOOOOOOO Tell me you're not gonna drop that line, I know you can't!
I just want that to rest with you.
I may not be an excellent movie critic but I do know words. Music can work without lyrics but how much better is it with them? Words can move you and touch you in a way that hands cannot. Understanding the magnificence of words, releases your restraints and allows you to go anywhere you want. You can truly feel for the first time.
New Song That You Must Hear: "That Could Be Us" -Maino (This song is tough)
Halloween Jam: "Somebody's Watching Me" -Rockwell ft. Michael Jackson (RIP)
Friday, October 28, 2011
Non Stop Dance Party: Theo L & Friendly Fires Rager
It has been almost 2 years since I walked into Terminal 5. As soon as I walked in I got a flashback of seeing Passion Pit on stage. Actually to be honest I got a vivid memory of seeing Tragedy the BeeJee's Metal tribute band. I distinctively remember rocking out hard to "Staying Alive" (never thought in my life I'd ever be able to say that). But anyway, I was beyond excited to see what Theophilus London and Friendly Fires were going to bring. I imagined an all out dance fest and sure enough, I was right.
I am a novice when it comes to Theophilus London. If you read my last post you'll know how I learned about him (thanks again Shawn). I loved his CD Timez are Weird these Days but honestly, with me it is all about how someone brings it on the stage. Let me tell you, this dude murdered it. And I do not think many acts could have followed his, Friendly Fires was one of the few, for sure. Theo's style is like none other. He does what he wants and how he wants, no matter what. He is 100% a trendsetter and would never dare to follow any other. For instance, Cole Haan has designed shoes for him, yes for real (Blue Suede Bucks).
On Wednesday night he rocked a denim ensemble with a gold tank underneath. Oh and his shoes, light up Jordan's, no big! Theo started with my favorite track off of the album, "Why Even Try." This song features Sara Quin from Tegan & Sara. Unfortunately she was not there but Theo kept up the vibe. He rocked the hell out of his album. My other favorites of the night were: "Wine and Chocolates", "Girls Girls $", "Love is Real" and "I Stand Alone". A great song not on the album is "Flying Overseas". Something about it makes you feel as if you are on an exotic island dancing barefoot on the beach. That is actually exactly what the video looks like too. A part of me wishes this song came out in 1999 when I was in France so I could have walked around with my portable CD player, creating my own soundtrack. With all that, the greatest part of the night was "Big Spender", yes he samples Peggy Lee (she's not the original singer but that's the one that you and I know). At first when I heard it I was into it because I used to do musical theater as a child, so I do not fear showtunes. His band began putting their instruments down and walking up front. His entourage began walking on stage. It was then I knew something was about to go down, basement (that one was for Rachael). Once the chorus of the song was over, the beat dropped and shit got live. This song is Foss (thanks Bob Fosse). It's thug, sexy, and endearing. Please check it out, you'll love it, Big Spender. All in all an A+ performance.
Now I have been a Friendly Fires fan since 2009. I have loved Ed Macfarlane since I saw him dance like a wild man in the "Kiss of Life" video. There was something so soothingly erotic about his bodily thrusts. When I saw that video I immediately downloaded their self-titled LP. I thought "Kiss of Life" was my song until I heard "Lovesick"! OH BOY! That was definitely a song that I listened to on repeat for at least an hour. This song brought me back to the 70s, and I wasn't even born yet. All I wanted to do was throw on a silver sequins dress and boogie; no, seriously! If you do not believe me, go listen to that song right now (FF YouTube Lovesick) and let me know if you want to meet me at Studio54 tonight!
After Theo I met up with my friend Kate and a few of her friends. They had all seen FF before and were pumped while we waited. Her friend Jen had this excitement that was addicting, so much so I knew this concert was going to be out of this world. I nearly passed out when they started with "Lovesick". The two performers I came to see both starting with my favorite songs; it was like an iTunes Genius Concert. Friendly Fires blew my mind right away. Ed was insane. The way he moved was better than I could have ever imagined. Within the first 5 minutes of the show he was crowd surfing. It was unreal. The lighting was perfect; and at times he blended in with the lights so well that it looked like they were one. I will not lie I do not know their second album Pala like I should. But their new songs were pretty dope. They kept my body moving and to me that is success. Great songs they played from Friendly Fires included "Paris", "Jump in the Pool" and "Skeleton Boy". I think "Skeleton Boy" was definitely my favorite of the night, UNTIL their last song. The last song they played was "Kiss of Life". I was ecstatic. My first fave was played first and my second fave was played last. I was in Concert Heaven. They played "Kiss of Life" for about ten minutes. When I tell you they rocked it out, they did just that. I haven't seen a great ending to a show probably since I saw The Killers in Summer 2009 at The Nikon Theater in Jones Beach.
I ended my night at Le Bain with my boy Shawn and his boys (see last posts for deats and check out The Cosmos). Theo was doing a dj set at his own after party and my curiosity about that led me to the West Village. It was definitely an exclusive event and I felt so honored that I got invited to go. Theo did it on the 1s&2s and played everything from a remix of Lykke Li's "I Follow Rivers" to Juvenille's "Back that A** Up". It was a great time and lots of fun had. I will not lie, I only had one drink there and I treated myself to a glass of Moet. Let me tell you, not only did it add to the ambiance but it was definitely well worth it and the perfect night cap.
A Favorite: "I Want You" -Marvin Gaye
Today's Mood: "I Do It" -Big Sean
I am a novice when it comes to Theophilus London. If you read my last post you'll know how I learned about him (thanks again Shawn). I loved his CD Timez are Weird these Days but honestly, with me it is all about how someone brings it on the stage. Let me tell you, this dude murdered it. And I do not think many acts could have followed his, Friendly Fires was one of the few, for sure. Theo's style is like none other. He does what he wants and how he wants, no matter what. He is 100% a trendsetter and would never dare to follow any other. For instance, Cole Haan has designed shoes for him, yes for real (Blue Suede Bucks).
On Wednesday night he rocked a denim ensemble with a gold tank underneath. Oh and his shoes, light up Jordan's, no big! Theo started with my favorite track off of the album, "Why Even Try." This song features Sara Quin from Tegan & Sara. Unfortunately she was not there but Theo kept up the vibe. He rocked the hell out of his album. My other favorites of the night were: "Wine and Chocolates", "Girls Girls $", "Love is Real" and "I Stand Alone". A great song not on the album is "Flying Overseas". Something about it makes you feel as if you are on an exotic island dancing barefoot on the beach. That is actually exactly what the video looks like too. A part of me wishes this song came out in 1999 when I was in France so I could have walked around with my portable CD player, creating my own soundtrack. With all that, the greatest part of the night was "Big Spender", yes he samples Peggy Lee (she's not the original singer but that's the one that you and I know). At first when I heard it I was into it because I used to do musical theater as a child, so I do not fear showtunes. His band began putting their instruments down and walking up front. His entourage began walking on stage. It was then I knew something was about to go down, basement (that one was for Rachael). Once the chorus of the song was over, the beat dropped and shit got live. This song is Foss (thanks Bob Fosse). It's thug, sexy, and endearing. Please check it out, you'll love it, Big Spender. All in all an A+ performance.
After Theo I met up with my friend Kate and a few of her friends. They had all seen FF before and were pumped while we waited. Her friend Jen had this excitement that was addicting, so much so I knew this concert was going to be out of this world. I nearly passed out when they started with "Lovesick". The two performers I came to see both starting with my favorite songs; it was like an iTunes Genius Concert. Friendly Fires blew my mind right away. Ed was insane. The way he moved was better than I could have ever imagined. Within the first 5 minutes of the show he was crowd surfing. It was unreal. The lighting was perfect; and at times he blended in with the lights so well that it looked like they were one. I will not lie I do not know their second album Pala like I should. But their new songs were pretty dope. They kept my body moving and to me that is success. Great songs they played from Friendly Fires included "Paris", "Jump in the Pool" and "Skeleton Boy". I think "Skeleton Boy" was definitely my favorite of the night, UNTIL their last song. The last song they played was "Kiss of Life". I was ecstatic. My first fave was played first and my second fave was played last. I was in Concert Heaven. They played "Kiss of Life" for about ten minutes. When I tell you they rocked it out, they did just that. I haven't seen a great ending to a show probably since I saw The Killers in Summer 2009 at The Nikon Theater in Jones Beach.
I ended my night at Le Bain with my boy Shawn and his boys (see last posts for deats and check out The Cosmos). Theo was doing a dj set at his own after party and my curiosity about that led me to the West Village. It was definitely an exclusive event and I felt so honored that I got invited to go. Theo did it on the 1s&2s and played everything from a remix of Lykke Li's "I Follow Rivers" to Juvenille's "Back that A** Up". It was a great time and lots of fun had. I will not lie, I only had one drink there and I treated myself to a glass of Moet. Let me tell you, not only did it add to the ambiance but it was definitely well worth it and the perfect night cap.
A Favorite: "I Want You" -Marvin Gaye
Today's Mood: "I Do It" -Big Sean
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
College Music Journal's 2011 Music Marathon= My Savior...
When you go through it you just need a way to survive. And not just survive but be rescued. It's hard to go looking for a solution when you cannot even comprehend the entire problem. In the midst of my "philosophical stretch" the CMJ Music Marathon was in town. LES and BK BABY! The Music Marathon is a way to get Independent artists/bands heard and HEARD! In the last few years my appreciation for music has only expanded but my attention is in the Indie Zone. I do not care if you are going hard on the bass or rhyming hard over a bass, if the crowd can feel what you feel in that moment, DONE! Every band that I had the privilege of seeing ROCKED MY WORLD! The people that I met and conversed with I FELT every word they said to me. We all spoke the same language and it was not English. It was PASSION.
So let us begin Ladies and Gents.
Tuesday, October 18th: Cameo Gallery, Williamsburg, BK
I didn't even intend on going to see any bands that night but so glad I did.
Headless Horseman:
I had a heard a few songs by them and was into it that's why I chose to go to Cameo. Absolutely incredible. Fareed Saja, the drummer/lead singer (love that like Hank and Cupcakes, if you don't know them, get to) and Conner O'Neill the guitarist. Fareed was jammin' out barefoot while Conner proved his talents when he pulled out a violin bow and played the guitar. When I saw that I lost my ish. Forgive me I've never seen that before in my life. Their vibe was what I like to call PassionMT. There was this calabo of Passion Pit and MGMT. Their voices were perfectly high pitched but their sound was deep; and, at times, intoxicatingly dark with a happy flair. Sounds crazy but does that not sound like a Passion Pit/MGMT Mash-Up? Headless Horseman draws you into their next level. You get lost with them; you're barefoot dancing with them in the middle of the Rainforest or any where you want. They take you away.
Twitter: @HDLSSHRSMN
Facebook: Headless Horseman FB
A Little Taste: Wavlgth: YouTube...Open Wide
Evan Voytas (& his Band)
Ok seriously, I don't know many people who love Prince as much as I do. Yes, my fave movie is really Purple Rain. Evan Voytas has a groove and style, vocal performance wise, very similar to my Prince. He has a high vocal range that is filled with soul. That is hard to do. His voice cries out to you and you can do nothing but bring it closer and let it in. His band was made up of a cute boyish keyboardist, tall Brandon Boyd physique like guitarist and bassist, one blond and one brunette, and a drummer stylish like Common. Evan goes into a trance and it is so desirable. You want to go to where he does.
After their performance I spoke with the bassist and drummer, Nick and Mic. They both loved doing what they were doing. Music is life for them. Nick also does graphic design, which is cool, but at the end of the day his bass is his home. And that man gets into his bass. The deep groves send him into beautiful rhythmic convulsions. Mic is a long time percussionist. Although he claims to be a novice with a drum kit, it made me skeptical because he was so good. He's a smiley drummer. He keeps that smile on and rocks with it. It illuminates him and his abilities to bring the beat. Mic was definitely a cool cat. I asked him about the music life. I was curious because there is lots of stress involved. So I asked him if he would have it any other way and he said no. That's proof that music is worth everything; there's no life without it.
Twitter: @evanvoytas
Facebook: Evan Voytas FB
A Little Taste: Tomorrow Night We'll Go Anywhere: YouTube...Open Wide
Chad Valley
Hugo Manuel, Oxford's own, did damage at Cameo. As he stood alone behind his synthesizer/drum/beat machine, one could only be curious about what he was really going to do. When he opened his mouth, I was not the only face filled with awe. I stood next to Mic, again Evan Voytas' drummer, and he looked at me and simply said "That dude is dope." Honestly, my sentiments exactly. Hugo (Chad Valley)'s voice was "blow your hair back" powerful. His voice is comparable to George Michael (thanks Mic) and Chris Martin. The beats he created were ill nasty and the range of his voice is impeccable. He has that deep opera flow. It felt like his voice could have carried me out of Brooklyn and laid me back in my Long Island bed. I had the pleasure of seeing him again with his band Jonquil. The best part about that was when I saw him I was ecstatically surprised.
Twitter: @Chad_Valley
Facebook: Chad Valley FB
A Little Taste: Up and Down: YouTube...Open Wide
Adventure
The whole night I noticed a young man with a outrageously stylish pink mohawk. I knew he had to be a performer because he had the attitude of "Pink hair he don't care." Him and another gentleman hit the stage. Their name was Adventure. Benjamin or Benny Boeldt is the man behind this group. Although, not necessarily my immediate style, I became enthralled by what they brought. Again with the synthesizer/mixer machine (clearly I'm not too tech savvy involving specific product names) he brought the beats. What I loved the most about them was their style. Benny has this Urban Bill Gates motif and he stood alongside his mohawk broheim and they fit famously. As Benny wore his glasses with a dark green button up, his boy rocked a pink tee with a bedazzled letter K, loved it.
Adventure has this electronic 80s super flow minus the cheddar. Benny's voice reminds me of Erasure's Andy Bell (minus the flamboyancy and the red high heels). It mostly reminds me of this, Erasure-A Little Respect. My favorite part of their show came when they needed the Bass turned up. He was so right, definitely needed to get in the groove. When more bass came, his response was a happy, "Holy Shit!" Nice! It took their Bass sound to outerspace.
MySpace: Adventure MS
Facebook: Adventure FB
A Little Taste: Rio: YouTube...Open Wide
Thursday, October 20th: 1st Stop: Cantora Records, Smart Lounge 2nd Stop: The Cake Shop, LES, NYC
Smart Lounge
I chose to come here because I love Cantora Records. They gave me one of my favorite groups, MGMT, and one of my favorite artists, Gordon Voidwell, whose single "Ivy League Circus", has been my ringtone for over a year. I trust anything they want to bring. My parting goodiebag included a new favorite band and some new friends.
The Stepkids
Okay! These dudes are like nothing you've ever heard before. When I tell you they find a way to combine funk, electronica, old school R&B/Reggae with a hint of folk, I AM NOT PLAYING. They took me back to my childhood where as a kid I jammed out in my basement to my dad's Jimmy Cliff and Temptations records. The Stepkids include, Dan Edinberg (bassist/keyboardist), Tim Walsh (drummer), and the former tour guitartist for The AMAZING Alicia Keys, Jeff Gitelman. They hail from Preppy America AKA Conneticut; who woulda thought?
Once they started I got up out of my seat because I had to make my way through the crowd to see who was dropping these soulful rhythms. Jeff and Dan rocked hard with their sunglasses. Jeff's long curly hair moved as he grooved and Dan's "That Thing You Do" haircut fit perfectly somehow with his Bass' powerful strum. Tim kept cool as he made love to his kit. There is this urban wave in their voices. At times their voices reminded me of Friendly Fires and Robin Thicke. As a girl who grew up with Caribbean parents who never shunned me from any type of music, I know they would definitely want to get a vinyl of The Stepkids and blast this through the house, not just in the basement. The way I purchase albums is by listening to a few samples and then immediately clicking buy. I did not even check out any samples on Amazon.com, I just hit buy. I will never regret that decesion. Their self titiled LP is fire. It was written for REAL music lovers, THIS IS NOT FOR POSERS OR THE "TRENDY".
Twitter: @thestepkids
Facebook: The Stepkids FB
A Little Taste (My Favorite Track on the Album, Tell me you do not hear a little Wailers in this one): Suburban Dream: YouTube...Open Wide
AraabMuzik
No, this is not the homie from the Jigga track. Abraham Orellana es Dominicano y Guatemalteco (like my Espanol skills, si?). This dude is one nasty producer. He's a Diplomat so you know what that means, he's worked on records with Cam, Juelz and Jim, my fave thugboos. He uses a drum machine (MPC) to make his ill beats. He hooks you right in and you have no choice but to get that deep head nod going. His fingers move faster then your eyes can follow and homie only took a two second water break in between his 45 minute set. If you are looking for something to try an keep up with, Araabmuzik is your man. His album Electronic Dream hit the people this summer and I have a feeling his fingers will lead him on a non-stop journey.
Twitter: @araabMUZIK
Facebook: Araabmuzik FB
A Little Taste: A Millie Mix (watch him work, wait for the reggae to kick in): YouTube...Open Wide
How I found out about The Cosmos and Theophilus London
I must say when you're surrounded by a group of people who seem like "Your People", you just want to meet every and anyone you can. Here I met a writer/promoter by the name of Shawn, SLJ. He was with the artists he works with and he so kindly introduced me. These dudes are known as The Cosmos and I got to watch them freestyle right off the dome. The two Cosmos I met were Mr. Ruxpin and Seqo. These dudes are from BedStuy and proud. Their flows did not deny that either. There was such a sophisticated, gritty swagger about the way they rhymed. Ryan Rux was so smooth that he placed "peons" in a verse and made it sound so hood. Just imagine the sunsetting and you're on a rooftop hearing original words by original dudes; now if that's not how to make it in America, I do not know what is.
I proceeded to talk to the dudes about the way they interacted with women. I asked the age old question, would you ever hit on a girl and then if she declines your offer proceed to tell her "F U, you're ugly anyway"? All the boys laughed and asked "What type of dudes are you messing with?" I replied with a simple, "Long Island". Rux answered by saying "If she doesn't want me then so be it. I'm not going to try and change anything. It just wasn't in the stars." We then engage in a conversation about reality. He was on point; reality is what we make of it. FACT!
My homie Shawn was talking to me about this Trini dude Theophilus London. He pulled the CD out and I was already intrigued by the cover art. It was just one dude, dressed to the nines with 80s Fresh jewlry. SLJ told me I had to check this dude out; he's serious. At a later point in the night he just hands me the album and says I can have it. That night I put Timez are Weird These Days in my laptop. Halfway through the first song, Last Name London, I go to my Facebook, post the link and tag Shawn in it and said, you were right. That album is already in my top favorite albums of this year and probably will be a life long one as well. Theophilus reminds me of KiD CuDi, that singers melody with serious yet playful lyrics. No track is like the next one; every single song brings something new to the table. I am so impressed that I'm going to see him tomorrow at Terminal 5 (he's opening with Chad Valley and for Friendly Fires). I was so mad at myself for not knowing him until I got to the last track, I Stand Alone. All my How to Make it in America fans, it was the song for the promo. I felt a little bit better that I at least heard a song by him before but disappointed that I was not obsessed long before.
The Cosmos:
A Little Taste: Stuyvesant Swing SoundCloud...Open Wide
Want More: The Cosmos SoundCloud
Mr. Ruxpin's Tumblr: Mental Pantry
Theophilus London:
Twitter: @TheophilusL
Facebook: Theophilus London FB
A Little Taste (My favorite track, ft. Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara): Why Even Try:YouTube...Open Wide
The Cake Shop
I came down to The Cake Shop to see Evan Voytas and his band (including Mic and Nick). My childhood friend Rachael S Dot came to meet me. We saw the boys kill it. After the show we stayed for a little and talked to Mic. He reminded me that there was to be a "Secret Show" at 3AM. I looked at Rach and could tell she was in. So we decided to grab dinner, make it to a 12AM opening night showing of Paranormal Activity 3, then headed back downtown for the "Super Super Secret Show" (that's what we renamed it). We got back at around 1:30. We felt the beat of a rap group from Minnesota and then proceeded to stand in the front for the next band. A young man with piercings and expanders tapped us on the shoulders and said "Are you girls sure you want to stand here, it gets pretty rough?" We of course say yea why not. He then informs us that the next band, Trash Talk, is a hardcore, heavy metal band and that people usually "punch each other in the head as soon as they come on." Rach and I took that as, "I'm going to feel bad if I punch you in the face." We then moved immediately.
To my surprise, as we sat in the back of The Cake Shop and watched Trash Talk and their fans get rowdy, Rach's face began to light up. She was infatuated with the lead singer. Rach said she loved that everyone just went crazy as soon as they started playing. Now, moshpits are not my thing, but that rush and energy is definitely captivating and intoxicating.
Where did I get Kidz in the Hall from?
As we're entrhalled by the chaos going on just a few feet away from us, Rach turned and whispers in my ear "Tall Drink of Water, right behind you, back it up now." I immediately laugh and turn around. She was not joking. There was a man, a gorgeous one at that, standing right behind me. I had to double take but this time he caught me. Rach and I then struck up a conversation with Dan. We talked about undergrad and the infamous UPENN and PENN STATE rivalry (Dan went to UPENN and Rach PENN STATE). He asked what I was involved in and told him about my recent Masters of Sports and Entertainment Management. Dan tells me that he manages these artists known as Kidz in the Hall. The name just reminded me of the Brain Candy series, which used to creep me out, just a little. We talked about the music management business and he reminded me that this business is not easy. I informed him that I'm not scared and that's what I want.
Later on he introduced us to Naledge, a member of Kidz in the Hall. He was very soft spoken, also could have been tired but it was probably just his swag. He had fresh gear but was not flashy. Thinking about it now, he is very modest. I made sure to go home and check them out. And besides, so you ladies know, the best way to see if you could even consider a dude is by what music he stands behind. Kidz in the Hall is made up of Naledge and Double 0. What I love is that Naledge rhymes flawlessly as Double O makes beats and plays the drums. Drums and Bass get me every time and anyone will tell you that. I went straight to Amazon, listened to one sample and immediately purchased Land of Make Believe, their last album released. Naledge's words are truth. Everything he speaks is something you have thought. He preaches and I dig it. Another reason I bought it was because I saw that Just Blaze and Colin Munroe did a song together on their album. Okay, if you do not know Just Blaze, you need a lot of help that I cannot give, but Colin Munroe is the artist Kanye West sampled from to make "Flashing Lights". (Want a great remake, "Sunday Bloody Sunday" by Colin is BOSS). This album just made me want more, thankfully Occassion, their next LP, is coming out 4 days before my bday, November 22nd. Ahh and they were touring with my boy Machine Gun Kelly. These dudes speak of Fresh Academy but it's truly where they belong.
I also want to officially declare "Bougie Girls" as my new anthem. I hate when people try and call me Bougie because they mean it as I'm stuck up. I am anything but. Naledge does give me a shout out, not to his knowledge (haha you like that right :-/ ), in the song he says "She's so LA chill." The best part is at the end because it made me proud to say that I am a Bougie A** B***h. He speaks this at the end, "She's a Bougie Ass Girl, but that's what I like. Like she went to college and shit. She got 2 parents, good home, stable and shit. But she wilds out from time to time." If anyone knows me can I get a FACT that please. This group is beyond innovative and what saddens me is that they have been around for years and 1) I did not know them and 2) Why the F are they not signed to a major label. It's disgusting the kind of garbage that gets played 17 million times a day on the same station at the same time.
Twitter: @kidzinthehall Naledge @NaledgeKIDZ Double 0 @Double0KiDz
Facebook: Kidz in the Hall FB
A Little Taste (from the new album ft. Bun B and David Banner...YES): Pour it Up YouTube...Open Wide
Friday, October 21st: Spike Hill Music, Williamsburg, BK
We Are Augustines
They are the reason I chose Spike Hill. Now this is the second time that my girl Dana and I have seen them. The first time was at Williamsburg Music Hall. I really wanted to see Boxer Rebellion, who are amazing. We Are Augustines were their opening act and I knew soon enough they would be headlining. The band includes Billy, the lead singer/guitarist, Eric, the bassist, and Rob, the drummer. Last time Dana and I had the pleasure of standing with Rob's proud parents, who traveled all the way from England to watch in awe. These boys killed it once again. Billy's voice is comparable to Caleb Followill, in the sense that their voices are inomparable, if that makes any sense. There are other musicians I place into that category, Lykke Li, Marcus Mumford, City and Colour, Thom Yorke and Anthony Kiedis to name a few. Rob Allen murders his drum kit. I cannot help but get lost in him when he plays. He plays hard and with all the most powerful emotions. Eric plays his bass then jumps on his keyboard. To say he is multi-talented would be a major understatement. Their individual melodies come together to make perfection.
Their set had the best ending. Billy wanted to keep going but "Steve" the sound guy said only one more song allowed. So Billy says, "Fine, we're gonna do one more song, but it's gonna be 10 minutes long, FU Steve." That was absolutely great. But Billy's best quote of the night was, "Sorry, we just did three shows today, we've been sleeping in a van, which I don't get because we live in New York, what the F***." I will see them over and over and over again. Dana and I started our year seeing them and I'm glad we ended it with them as well.
Twitter: @weareaugustines
Facebook: We Are Augustines FB
A Little Taste: Chapel Song YouTube...Open Wide
Fallulah
WOW WOW WOW WOW! Fallulah and her gang blew me away. Their Gypsy family feel could have kept me enthralled for hours. Between the stomping, clapping and tambourines, I was hooked. Fallulah and her band are from Denmark and came all the way out here to play for CMJ. Now her band consists of a keyboardist/accordionist, bassist, drummer, banjoist/guitarist and a background singer. Once I saw the ensemble and the banjo, I was done for. Fallulah rocked this small venue like it was MSG. You had to move when they started playing, there was no way around it. Her music jumps down into your soul and does something inexplainable. It is almost as if the music is coming from the inside out.
Fallulah did a cover of the Yea Yea Yeahs "Gold Lion", incredible. After their set I ran into her in the hallway. I spoke with her briefly and tried not to gush, but that was impossible. I told her that Karen O would have been so proud of that cover. I also told her that I've been a dancer since I was three and that her music brings my dancer's soul right out. She was so excited to hear that; she replied, "I feel like I have succeeded once I see people dancing." What an amazing response. Fallulah, you are more than ok in my book.
Twitter: @fallulahmusic
Facebook: Fallulah FB
A Little Taste: I Lay My Head (so familiar cannot figure out where I know this from): YouTube...Open Wide
Jonquil
Okay, so my boy Hugo is all over the place. Remember he's my boy from his one man band, Chad Valley. Jonquil also includes a drummer, bassist and guitartist. They are definitely a funkier band with lots of English boy style. I get a little ska from them as well as a little Pauly Simon. The bassist whipped out a horn and I fell deep into the Jonquil rabbit hole. They are a fun band who seem to have a mellow good time.
Twitter: @jonquilband
Facebook: Jonquil FB
A Little Taste: Pillow Quest: YouTube...Open Wide
In Conclusion...FINALLY
Not only did I discover new artists to love, I met people whose passion seeps out of their pores like mine does. CMJ Music Marathon was more than just a social gathering, it created a haven for all of us. It was amazing to stand in a room with people of all colors, classes, religions and styles; and watch them all interact and move to all the same things. Music unites and never segregates. Everything I learned, I am taking with me to the next level. Last week rescued me. My drive and motivation to succeed in this industry has gone through the roof. I am fearless, let's do this.
So let us begin Ladies and Gents.
Tuesday, October 18th: Cameo Gallery, Williamsburg, BK
I didn't even intend on going to see any bands that night but so glad I did.
Headless Horseman:
I had a heard a few songs by them and was into it that's why I chose to go to Cameo. Absolutely incredible. Fareed Saja, the drummer/lead singer (love that like Hank and Cupcakes, if you don't know them, get to) and Conner O'Neill the guitarist. Fareed was jammin' out barefoot while Conner proved his talents when he pulled out a violin bow and played the guitar. When I saw that I lost my ish. Forgive me I've never seen that before in my life. Their vibe was what I like to call PassionMT. There was this calabo of Passion Pit and MGMT. Their voices were perfectly high pitched but their sound was deep; and, at times, intoxicatingly dark with a happy flair. Sounds crazy but does that not sound like a Passion Pit/MGMT Mash-Up? Headless Horseman draws you into their next level. You get lost with them; you're barefoot dancing with them in the middle of the Rainforest or any where you want. They take you away.
Twitter: @HDLSSHRSMN
Facebook: Headless Horseman FB
A Little Taste: Wavlgth: YouTube...Open Wide
Evan Voytas (& his Band)
Ok seriously, I don't know many people who love Prince as much as I do. Yes, my fave movie is really Purple Rain. Evan Voytas has a groove and style, vocal performance wise, very similar to my Prince. He has a high vocal range that is filled with soul. That is hard to do. His voice cries out to you and you can do nothing but bring it closer and let it in. His band was made up of a cute boyish keyboardist, tall Brandon Boyd physique like guitarist and bassist, one blond and one brunette, and a drummer stylish like Common. Evan goes into a trance and it is so desirable. You want to go to where he does.
After their performance I spoke with the bassist and drummer, Nick and Mic. They both loved doing what they were doing. Music is life for them. Nick also does graphic design, which is cool, but at the end of the day his bass is his home. And that man gets into his bass. The deep groves send him into beautiful rhythmic convulsions. Mic is a long time percussionist. Although he claims to be a novice with a drum kit, it made me skeptical because he was so good. He's a smiley drummer. He keeps that smile on and rocks with it. It illuminates him and his abilities to bring the beat. Mic was definitely a cool cat. I asked him about the music life. I was curious because there is lots of stress involved. So I asked him if he would have it any other way and he said no. That's proof that music is worth everything; there's no life without it.
Twitter: @evanvoytas
Facebook: Evan Voytas FB
A Little Taste: Tomorrow Night We'll Go Anywhere: YouTube...Open Wide
Chad Valley
Hugo Manuel, Oxford's own, did damage at Cameo. As he stood alone behind his synthesizer/drum/beat machine, one could only be curious about what he was really going to do. When he opened his mouth, I was not the only face filled with awe. I stood next to Mic, again Evan Voytas' drummer, and he looked at me and simply said "That dude is dope." Honestly, my sentiments exactly. Hugo (Chad Valley)'s voice was "blow your hair back" powerful. His voice is comparable to George Michael (thanks Mic) and Chris Martin. The beats he created were ill nasty and the range of his voice is impeccable. He has that deep opera flow. It felt like his voice could have carried me out of Brooklyn and laid me back in my Long Island bed. I had the pleasure of seeing him again with his band Jonquil. The best part about that was when I saw him I was ecstatically surprised.
Twitter: @Chad_Valley
Facebook: Chad Valley FB
A Little Taste: Up and Down: YouTube...Open Wide
Adventure
The whole night I noticed a young man with a outrageously stylish pink mohawk. I knew he had to be a performer because he had the attitude of "Pink hair he don't care." Him and another gentleman hit the stage. Their name was Adventure. Benjamin or Benny Boeldt is the man behind this group. Although, not necessarily my immediate style, I became enthralled by what they brought. Again with the synthesizer/mixer machine (clearly I'm not too tech savvy involving specific product names) he brought the beats. What I loved the most about them was their style. Benny has this Urban Bill Gates motif and he stood alongside his mohawk broheim and they fit famously. As Benny wore his glasses with a dark green button up, his boy rocked a pink tee with a bedazzled letter K, loved it.
Adventure has this electronic 80s super flow minus the cheddar. Benny's voice reminds me of Erasure's Andy Bell (minus the flamboyancy and the red high heels). It mostly reminds me of this, Erasure-A Little Respect. My favorite part of their show came when they needed the Bass turned up. He was so right, definitely needed to get in the groove. When more bass came, his response was a happy, "Holy Shit!" Nice! It took their Bass sound to outerspace.
MySpace: Adventure MS
Facebook: Adventure FB
A Little Taste: Rio: YouTube...Open Wide
Thursday, October 20th: 1st Stop: Cantora Records, Smart Lounge 2nd Stop: The Cake Shop, LES, NYC
Smart Lounge
I chose to come here because I love Cantora Records. They gave me one of my favorite groups, MGMT, and one of my favorite artists, Gordon Voidwell, whose single "Ivy League Circus", has been my ringtone for over a year. I trust anything they want to bring. My parting goodiebag included a new favorite band and some new friends.
The Stepkids
Okay! These dudes are like nothing you've ever heard before. When I tell you they find a way to combine funk, electronica, old school R&B/Reggae with a hint of folk, I AM NOT PLAYING. They took me back to my childhood where as a kid I jammed out in my basement to my dad's Jimmy Cliff and Temptations records. The Stepkids include, Dan Edinberg (bassist/keyboardist), Tim Walsh (drummer), and the former tour guitartist for The AMAZING Alicia Keys, Jeff Gitelman. They hail from Preppy America AKA Conneticut; who woulda thought?
Once they started I got up out of my seat because I had to make my way through the crowd to see who was dropping these soulful rhythms. Jeff and Dan rocked hard with their sunglasses. Jeff's long curly hair moved as he grooved and Dan's "That Thing You Do" haircut fit perfectly somehow with his Bass' powerful strum. Tim kept cool as he made love to his kit. There is this urban wave in their voices. At times their voices reminded me of Friendly Fires and Robin Thicke. As a girl who grew up with Caribbean parents who never shunned me from any type of music, I know they would definitely want to get a vinyl of The Stepkids and blast this through the house, not just in the basement. The way I purchase albums is by listening to a few samples and then immediately clicking buy. I did not even check out any samples on Amazon.com, I just hit buy. I will never regret that decesion. Their self titiled LP is fire. It was written for REAL music lovers, THIS IS NOT FOR POSERS OR THE "TRENDY".
Twitter: @thestepkids
Facebook: The Stepkids FB
A Little Taste (My Favorite Track on the Album, Tell me you do not hear a little Wailers in this one): Suburban Dream: YouTube...Open Wide
AraabMuzik
No, this is not the homie from the Jigga track. Abraham Orellana es Dominicano y Guatemalteco (like my Espanol skills, si?). This dude is one nasty producer. He's a Diplomat so you know what that means, he's worked on records with Cam, Juelz and Jim, my fave thugboos. He uses a drum machine (MPC) to make his ill beats. He hooks you right in and you have no choice but to get that deep head nod going. His fingers move faster then your eyes can follow and homie only took a two second water break in between his 45 minute set. If you are looking for something to try an keep up with, Araabmuzik is your man. His album Electronic Dream hit the people this summer and I have a feeling his fingers will lead him on a non-stop journey.
Twitter: @araabMUZIK
Facebook: Araabmuzik FB
A Little Taste: A Millie Mix (watch him work, wait for the reggae to kick in): YouTube...Open Wide
How I found out about The Cosmos and Theophilus London
I must say when you're surrounded by a group of people who seem like "Your People", you just want to meet every and anyone you can. Here I met a writer/promoter by the name of Shawn, SLJ. He was with the artists he works with and he so kindly introduced me. These dudes are known as The Cosmos and I got to watch them freestyle right off the dome. The two Cosmos I met were Mr. Ruxpin and Seqo. These dudes are from BedStuy and proud. Their flows did not deny that either. There was such a sophisticated, gritty swagger about the way they rhymed. Ryan Rux was so smooth that he placed "peons" in a verse and made it sound so hood. Just imagine the sunsetting and you're on a rooftop hearing original words by original dudes; now if that's not how to make it in America, I do not know what is.
I proceeded to talk to the dudes about the way they interacted with women. I asked the age old question, would you ever hit on a girl and then if she declines your offer proceed to tell her "F U, you're ugly anyway"? All the boys laughed and asked "What type of dudes are you messing with?" I replied with a simple, "Long Island". Rux answered by saying "If she doesn't want me then so be it. I'm not going to try and change anything. It just wasn't in the stars." We then engage in a conversation about reality. He was on point; reality is what we make of it. FACT!
My homie Shawn was talking to me about this Trini dude Theophilus London. He pulled the CD out and I was already intrigued by the cover art. It was just one dude, dressed to the nines with 80s Fresh jewlry. SLJ told me I had to check this dude out; he's serious. At a later point in the night he just hands me the album and says I can have it. That night I put Timez are Weird These Days in my laptop. Halfway through the first song, Last Name London, I go to my Facebook, post the link and tag Shawn in it and said, you were right. That album is already in my top favorite albums of this year and probably will be a life long one as well. Theophilus reminds me of KiD CuDi, that singers melody with serious yet playful lyrics. No track is like the next one; every single song brings something new to the table. I am so impressed that I'm going to see him tomorrow at Terminal 5 (he's opening with Chad Valley and for Friendly Fires). I was so mad at myself for not knowing him until I got to the last track, I Stand Alone. All my How to Make it in America fans, it was the song for the promo. I felt a little bit better that I at least heard a song by him before but disappointed that I was not obsessed long before.
The Cosmos:
A Little Taste: Stuyvesant Swing SoundCloud...Open Wide
Want More: The Cosmos SoundCloud
Mr. Ruxpin's Tumblr: Mental Pantry
Theophilus London:
Twitter: @TheophilusL
Facebook: Theophilus London FB
A Little Taste (My favorite track, ft. Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara): Why Even Try:YouTube...Open Wide
The Cake Shop
I came down to The Cake Shop to see Evan Voytas and his band (including Mic and Nick). My childhood friend Rachael S Dot came to meet me. We saw the boys kill it. After the show we stayed for a little and talked to Mic. He reminded me that there was to be a "Secret Show" at 3AM. I looked at Rach and could tell she was in. So we decided to grab dinner, make it to a 12AM opening night showing of Paranormal Activity 3, then headed back downtown for the "Super Super Secret Show" (that's what we renamed it). We got back at around 1:30. We felt the beat of a rap group from Minnesota and then proceeded to stand in the front for the next band. A young man with piercings and expanders tapped us on the shoulders and said "Are you girls sure you want to stand here, it gets pretty rough?" We of course say yea why not. He then informs us that the next band, Trash Talk, is a hardcore, heavy metal band and that people usually "punch each other in the head as soon as they come on." Rach and I took that as, "I'm going to feel bad if I punch you in the face." We then moved immediately.
To my surprise, as we sat in the back of The Cake Shop and watched Trash Talk and their fans get rowdy, Rach's face began to light up. She was infatuated with the lead singer. Rach said she loved that everyone just went crazy as soon as they started playing. Now, moshpits are not my thing, but that rush and energy is definitely captivating and intoxicating.
Where did I get Kidz in the Hall from?
As we're entrhalled by the chaos going on just a few feet away from us, Rach turned and whispers in my ear "Tall Drink of Water, right behind you, back it up now." I immediately laugh and turn around. She was not joking. There was a man, a gorgeous one at that, standing right behind me. I had to double take but this time he caught me. Rach and I then struck up a conversation with Dan. We talked about undergrad and the infamous UPENN and PENN STATE rivalry (Dan went to UPENN and Rach PENN STATE). He asked what I was involved in and told him about my recent Masters of Sports and Entertainment Management. Dan tells me that he manages these artists known as Kidz in the Hall. The name just reminded me of the Brain Candy series, which used to creep me out, just a little. We talked about the music management business and he reminded me that this business is not easy. I informed him that I'm not scared and that's what I want.
Later on he introduced us to Naledge, a member of Kidz in the Hall. He was very soft spoken, also could have been tired but it was probably just his swag. He had fresh gear but was not flashy. Thinking about it now, he is very modest. I made sure to go home and check them out. And besides, so you ladies know, the best way to see if you could even consider a dude is by what music he stands behind. Kidz in the Hall is made up of Naledge and Double 0. What I love is that Naledge rhymes flawlessly as Double O makes beats and plays the drums. Drums and Bass get me every time and anyone will tell you that. I went straight to Amazon, listened to one sample and immediately purchased Land of Make Believe, their last album released. Naledge's words are truth. Everything he speaks is something you have thought. He preaches and I dig it. Another reason I bought it was because I saw that Just Blaze and Colin Munroe did a song together on their album. Okay, if you do not know Just Blaze, you need a lot of help that I cannot give, but Colin Munroe is the artist Kanye West sampled from to make "Flashing Lights". (Want a great remake, "Sunday Bloody Sunday" by Colin is BOSS). This album just made me want more, thankfully Occassion, their next LP, is coming out 4 days before my bday, November 22nd. Ahh and they were touring with my boy Machine Gun Kelly. These dudes speak of Fresh Academy but it's truly where they belong.
I also want to officially declare "Bougie Girls" as my new anthem. I hate when people try and call me Bougie because they mean it as I'm stuck up. I am anything but. Naledge does give me a shout out, not to his knowledge (haha you like that right :-/ ), in the song he says "She's so LA chill." The best part is at the end because it made me proud to say that I am a Bougie A** B***h. He speaks this at the end, "She's a Bougie Ass Girl, but that's what I like. Like she went to college and shit. She got 2 parents, good home, stable and shit. But she wilds out from time to time." If anyone knows me can I get a FACT that please. This group is beyond innovative and what saddens me is that they have been around for years and 1) I did not know them and 2) Why the F are they not signed to a major label. It's disgusting the kind of garbage that gets played 17 million times a day on the same station at the same time.
Twitter: @kidzinthehall Naledge @NaledgeKIDZ Double 0 @Double0KiDz
Facebook: Kidz in the Hall FB
A Little Taste (from the new album ft. Bun B and David Banner...YES): Pour it Up YouTube...Open Wide
Friday, October 21st: Spike Hill Music, Williamsburg, BK
We Are Augustines
They are the reason I chose Spike Hill. Now this is the second time that my girl Dana and I have seen them. The first time was at Williamsburg Music Hall. I really wanted to see Boxer Rebellion, who are amazing. We Are Augustines were their opening act and I knew soon enough they would be headlining. The band includes Billy, the lead singer/guitarist, Eric, the bassist, and Rob, the drummer. Last time Dana and I had the pleasure of standing with Rob's proud parents, who traveled all the way from England to watch in awe. These boys killed it once again. Billy's voice is comparable to Caleb Followill, in the sense that their voices are inomparable, if that makes any sense. There are other musicians I place into that category, Lykke Li, Marcus Mumford, City and Colour, Thom Yorke and Anthony Kiedis to name a few. Rob Allen murders his drum kit. I cannot help but get lost in him when he plays. He plays hard and with all the most powerful emotions. Eric plays his bass then jumps on his keyboard. To say he is multi-talented would be a major understatement. Their individual melodies come together to make perfection.
Their set had the best ending. Billy wanted to keep going but "Steve" the sound guy said only one more song allowed. So Billy says, "Fine, we're gonna do one more song, but it's gonna be 10 minutes long, FU Steve." That was absolutely great. But Billy's best quote of the night was, "Sorry, we just did three shows today, we've been sleeping in a van, which I don't get because we live in New York, what the F***." I will see them over and over and over again. Dana and I started our year seeing them and I'm glad we ended it with them as well.
Twitter: @weareaugustines
Facebook: We Are Augustines FB
A Little Taste: Chapel Song YouTube...Open Wide
Fallulah
WOW WOW WOW WOW! Fallulah and her gang blew me away. Their Gypsy family feel could have kept me enthralled for hours. Between the stomping, clapping and tambourines, I was hooked. Fallulah and her band are from Denmark and came all the way out here to play for CMJ. Now her band consists of a keyboardist/accordionist, bassist, drummer, banjoist/guitarist and a background singer. Once I saw the ensemble and the banjo, I was done for. Fallulah rocked this small venue like it was MSG. You had to move when they started playing, there was no way around it. Her music jumps down into your soul and does something inexplainable. It is almost as if the music is coming from the inside out.
Fallulah did a cover of the Yea Yea Yeahs "Gold Lion", incredible. After their set I ran into her in the hallway. I spoke with her briefly and tried not to gush, but that was impossible. I told her that Karen O would have been so proud of that cover. I also told her that I've been a dancer since I was three and that her music brings my dancer's soul right out. She was so excited to hear that; she replied, "I feel like I have succeeded once I see people dancing." What an amazing response. Fallulah, you are more than ok in my book.
Twitter: @fallulahmusic
Facebook: Fallulah FB
A Little Taste: I Lay My Head (so familiar cannot figure out where I know this from): YouTube...Open Wide
Jonquil
Okay, so my boy Hugo is all over the place. Remember he's my boy from his one man band, Chad Valley. Jonquil also includes a drummer, bassist and guitartist. They are definitely a funkier band with lots of English boy style. I get a little ska from them as well as a little Pauly Simon. The bassist whipped out a horn and I fell deep into the Jonquil rabbit hole. They are a fun band who seem to have a mellow good time.
Twitter: @jonquilband
Facebook: Jonquil FB
A Little Taste: Pillow Quest: YouTube...Open Wide
In Conclusion...FINALLY
Not only did I discover new artists to love, I met people whose passion seeps out of their pores like mine does. CMJ Music Marathon was more than just a social gathering, it created a haven for all of us. It was amazing to stand in a room with people of all colors, classes, religions and styles; and watch them all interact and move to all the same things. Music unites and never segregates. Everything I learned, I am taking with me to the next level. Last week rescued me. My drive and motivation to succeed in this industry has gone through the roof. I am fearless, let's do this.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Been Gone for a Minute Now I'm Back With a New Post
Hey Music Fiends,
Sorry I've been MIA for a few months. Life gotta a little hectic. I was in Cali for a week and workin' nonstop. Summertime is almost here and for me, as a waitress who works at a restaurant on the water, IT'S GO TIME. My girl, Fab, was talking to me last night about Blogging and I was like I really gotta get back on my game. There is so much that has happened in the music world that WE HAVE TO DISCUSS. However, I promised all of you a recap on the 2010 Albums of the Year, by my account. This is not based on Grammy Standards but mine. I'm discussing a few choice albums that have serious meaning to me in regards to what classifies an album as GREAT. I'm gonna try and do this in alphabetical order, however, my least and top faves will be discussed in detail last. LET'S DO THIS...
ALBUMS I LOVED:
1) All I Want is You by Miguel
Miguel came to fame with his single, which bares the same title as his album. All I Want is You features J. Cole on the track and to me is the best song of 2010. I can literally listen to that song all day every day. It expresses the purest regret that one can have, especially coming from a man. "All this regret gets exhausting", haven't you ever felt like that? The one that got away syndrome, bad. The rest of the songs on the album showcase his amazing vocals and ability to be sexy and tough while singing R&B.
**Not as Gangsta as the LATE GREAT, NATE DOGG! RIP. What an amazing artist; so sad we lost him so early.
I love the song Sure Thing. It is about his love and how they perfectly compliment each other. "If I'm the lyric baby, you can be the note." AHHH! Almost as good as Taye Diggs' quote from Brown Sugar, "You are the perfect verse over a tight beat." Ooooo DOIN IT! What a way to describe another person. But it takes a real man to admit that there is a woman who can be his equal and his match not just HIS. Quickie is what you think it is about. So sexy and REAL. Teach Me and Vixen are to other sultry songs that should definitely be experienced.
ALBUM GRADE: B+
2) Contra by Vampire Weekend
I cannot lie to you all. I haven't been a Vamp Weekender for too long. I have plenty of friends who have always loved them I just never got into them. I always loved the song A-Punk, but that alone didn't make me curious. HOWEVER, for Christmas I got a Wii and got JUST DANCE 2 and my fave song to dance to was A-Punk and the more I did it I got intrigued by them. A few weeks later Contra came out so I decided to buy it without evening sampling it. A "Head First" type of musical purchase. SO WORTH IT! This album is amazing. From the beginning to end. Their most popular song has been Holiday. That song is for everyone. Although intense, despite the upbeat melody, it basically describes how everyone looks forward to getting away and always wondering if that would make it better, and you know it will. "And if I wait for a Holiday, could it stop my fear? To go away on a summer's day never seemed so clear." Cousins is another popular song for sure. "Me and my Cousins, You and your cousins, I can feel it coming." Just a cool song. Got a nice cameo in the movie The Kids are All Right. (Just saw that movie, really good). My favorite song on the album is definitely The Diplomat's Son. The beat is so old school reggae, and for a kid from a Jamaican dad, I LOVE IT. I grew up on rhythms like that. The song is all about "it's now or never." Having an urge, no matter what about, it just reminds me that there is only NOW! Horchata, White Sky, and Giving up the Gun are also really great.
ALBUM GRADE: B+
3) ALL DAY by Girl Talk
Okay, I LOVE Gregory Gillis AKA Girl Talk. He is NOT a DJ nor a Mashup Artist, he is in his own category. His ability to take songs and blend them to a point where you hear the original but say the words from the GT version, is incredible. No other "DJ" can do that. For example, on this album he uses Phoenix's 1901 and Ludacris' How Low on the song Triple Double. And the way he just mixes the two it is impossible for me to sing 1901 without singing, "Folded, Folded, Folded, Folded, How Low Can you Go, How Low can you Go." Incredible. It is hard to discuss the album in details because there are an array of artists starting with Ozzy Osbourne, to Diddy, to Busta Ryhmes, to 50 Cent, to Grateful Dead to John Lennon. Feed The Animals was definitely my favorite GT album until this one.
ALBUM GRADE: A
2 NOT SO HOT (SHOCKERS)
1) I'm Not a Human Being by Lil Wayne
Okay, I know, I know! I am a hugggeee Wayne Fan. I'm sure it is documented somewhere on this internet but I said I was going to Weezy's first show in NY when he gets out AND I DID! He was incredible. He looked great and sounded great. Travis Barker (who I missed ehhh), Ricky Rose, and Nicki were all on tour with him as well. I'll go into greater detail with the concert in the next few posts.
This album he released was not bad, do not get me wrong, BUT nothing jumped out of me as being mind blowing like some of his other work. In my post entitled, "Bringin' Music Back, Yea" I said that this album was the quiet before the storm and I truly believe that. I believed he released it to let us all know that he didn't go anywhere and that he's working, writing, thinking, and getting ready for his release and next project Carter IV. At the concert he actually said the release date was May 6th but it has now been pushed back to June 21st. Ahh, I'm so ready for a summer of Weezy, again. His concert, not this mixtape, was a clear indication that he's coming back. I obviously, bought Human Being and do not regret it but I'm so ready for the real thing. See ya in June Weezy.
ALBUM GRADE: B-/C
2) Loud by Rihanna
Okay, this purchase I absolutely regret. I could never say I hate the album because I do not hate anything with a beat or melody BUT I can definitely disapprove and dislike. Me and my girls, Day and Mou, actually discussed how we like that song Man Down because it is old school RiRi; Caribbean melodies and flow. Other than that song I like Only Girl and What's my Name. She kills those songs. I cannot wait to blast that all summer long, no joke. Other than that, ehh! Okay, Love the Way you Lie (Part II) is good too but c'mon Eminem made that song and without him it's just an okay ballad. What really rubbed me the wrong way was S&M. You, speaking to RiRi hear, talked all that ish about Chris Brown beating on you but yet in this song you say you like it. I always knew deep down that something was fishy with that story. That song makes me not trust her. I like artists that are crazy but she's a shady/sneaky crazy and that I do not approve of. Her album as a whole is just not the best by any means. Not that I was ever a huge fan of her but this made me more than okay with that.
ALBUM GRADE: C-/D
HERE ARE MY TOP 6 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR...
6) Pink Friday by Nicki Minaj
I fell for Nicki with her mixtape tracks. She's nasty (in the best way ever). I love her. Her rhymes are creative, and although simple at times, they make the point. "It's goin' down, Basement." Sorry, love it. And one of my bffls, RS.Dot likes to use that, and you know what, her point is proved after that statement. Nicki is fun while being serious. Her video and concert fashion may not be what I would choose, but for artists like her and Gaga it fn works! By now most of the songs off the album have been heard. When I heard Your Love, it was July way before the album dropped and I had just met a boy in Vegas. So that was being pumped in the whip for a while. Moment 4 Life and Roman's Revenge also saw the light of day during fall pre-album. Roman's Revenge definitely had to grow on me but now I f*n love that song. What made the album for me were the songs that she sang on. Everyone knows she's a ill rapper but her vocals are also a prized possession. Blazin' and Right Thru Me are great portrayals of her voice skills BUT Save Me is what did it for me. To me that is the best song on the album. It is so beautiful and just pure Nicki. I feel like it is her true and vulnerable. "It's not your fault. I'm a Bitch. I'm a Monster. Yes I'm a Beast. And I feast when I conquer, but I'm alone on my throne...I'm givin' up Baby. This Time won't you save me..." See what I mean. Her magnitude of raw is not measured by songs like Did it on 'Em, which is my second fave song, but songs like Save Me that take you inside Onika Miraj.
ALBUM GRADE: A-
5) Come Around Sundown by Kings of Leon
I had the pleasure of seeing Kings of Leon at Madison Square Garden in November. They played 22 songs, which is very uncommon, well at least to the concerts I've been to. They played every song off of Only By the Night and Come Around Sundown and mixed it in with a few oldies like On Call and The Runner. That was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. I thought it would be impossible but Caleb Followill's voice is even better live. Ahh, those Followills are all very talented. I absolutely enjoyed every song on this album. I thought it would be hard to follow up Only By the Night but they did. I'm not going to lie to you it took me some time to have an open mind and listen to the whole thing. You know, the "Sophomore"album dread. Even though, it was their 5th album, it was the second after their top seller. Every single song on this album, just like their 4th, was AMAZING. It is even hard for me to pick a favorite song because I love them all in their own way. Mary reminds me of an old school 1950's love ballad; a Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis blend almost. "No I won't, No I won't make you cryyyyyyyy." That cry is similar, not as raspy, to Janis Joplin's "Cry" in Cry Baby. Back Down South has a great bluegrass feel to it. Very southern and very Tennessee like these boys. It's a great song to pay homage to their roots. Pyro is a song about disappointment and taking it into your own hands. "I won't ever be your cornerstone, I don't want to be here holding on." WOW! It's like I don't want you hanging on to me for hope because I have none myself. Incredible. BUT if I had to choose the best song off the album, to me it is The Immortals, which funny enough is the theme song to the NBA playoff commercial on TBS. The first line alone reels you in; "The open road, the path of greatness is at your fingers." What a powerful statement, especially to open with it. The chorus makes you fall in love, "I say, spill out on streets of stars, ride away. Find out what you are face to face." Basically, GO LIVE and LOVE, it's all out there for you and every one else. Grab life by the balls! We can be the immortals. Immortals live forever no matter if there physical body is here or not. If you don't go out there you can never be immortalized by anyone.
ALBUM GRADE: A
4) Colours by Graffiti 6
If you do not know Graffiti 6 please get to. Actually, Tommy D was the man who produced Right Said Fred's I'm too Sexy. And no matter what you say, that song is a classic. However, their music is not at all like that song. Jamie Scott, their lead singer, is not only absolutely beautiful but also incredibly talented. His voice is higher pitched but has that gritty raspy feel. This is another album that every song is great. I immediately bought their album when I heard Stare into the Sun on MTV one night. I AM SO HAPPY I DID! Stare into the Sun is a song that I can belt out in the car and dance to at the club. It is a sad song because it is definitely about a breakup but it's a beautiful creation. Then you have a song like Goodbye Geoffrey Drake, which is extremely mellow, calming, but also about a sort of break up or let down. Annie You Save Me was their debut single for the album. A great lead into Stare into the Sun. It seems as if Annie is this angel that has come into his life to "save" him. "Just when I'm finding it hard to breathe you lift the weight inside of me." Now that is love. The song that made the album for me was This Man. Ahhhh! I wish I could explain what this song does for me. I hope that one day a man says all of those things to me. I hope whoever that girl is, the one that got away, is back with him. I do not know how she couldn't be. "Oh darling, Please Baby, love this man. Put your arms around me and we can love together. Stay, let's be in love. One More Time." Ahh please, whoever you are, give him one more chance. Everyone deserves another chance. And those words aren't like the usual, "Baby comeback" words. In this song you can hear his hunger and hurt all rolled into one.
ALBUM GRADE: A
3) My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West
Okay, I'm not going to beat on this album because let's face it, this is his best. Every song is exactly what the title describes. I'll just drop my two faves, Gorgeous and Blame Game. Gorgeous has Kid Cudi on the track, so I was already sold. The Swagga that pours out of that song is absurd. To me that song is about Kanye's fear about his career and where it's headed. "No more Chances. If you Blow This, You're Bogus. I will never let you live this down." I think he was definitely talking to himself and that's what he said to himself. He took his vulnerability and put it to a beat. Blame Game is something different. The style of the song is so unique. It is exactly what you think it is about. Finger Pointing and the rush that a couple can receive from it. You can sit there and say no but it's the f*n truth. It then leads to a realization that it will not work. It's the rush from fighting and making up that keeps some people together, sad but true. You get comfortable with that person and disrespecting them. Oh wait, I cannot forget Power. Besides the fact that I'm addicted to Facebook, it was really the song playing in the trailer and commercials that got me amped to go see it. And yes some songs do have that effect on me.
ALBUM GRADE: A
2) Brothers by The Black Keys
MK put me on to The Black Keys last summer but I couldn't for the life of me remember the song. Once I heard Tighten Up at the end of the year I was sold. I remember when I got my RS in the mail and saw what these two dudes looked like I was baffled. It has nothing to do with the fact that they were two white dudes with sultry voices. Voices do not discriminate. It was the fact that they looked like Joe and John Schmo from down the block. Meaning, regular ol' dudes. Dan Auerbach's voice could make me do anything and I must certify stamp that. Tighten Up is by far my favorite off of the album. Again, this song's first lines sold me. "I wanted love, I needed love, most of all, most of all. Someone said true love was dead and I'm bound to fall, bound to fall for you." And with his voice it is just like give him whatever he wants, just like Jamie Scott. I'm Not the One is a man's song about strength. "No I'm not the one. You wanted it all but I give you, give you none. I'm not the one." It's like, I tried to give you everything, and you keep playing with me but guess what I'm not the one to be f*ed with. Ten Cent Pistol, Next Girl, and Howlin' are all incredible and definitely top favorites of mine. And not to be repetitive, but every song on this album is awesome. I probably listen to the album everyday. It is that good. If you love true singers, then this is the band for you. Who knew, two dudes from Ohio could make music like that? Well they now have two Grammys to prove it; Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group.
ALBUM GRADE: A+
1) Lungs by Florence and the Machine (Technically 2009, but it was released at the end of the year and needs to be recognized, so technically The Black Keys are number 1 and music kinda sucked in 2009 anyway lol)
Now I've always been a fan of Flo. I worked at Free People for 3 years and they were all over our playlists. Kiss with a Fist and Dog Days are Over have been faves of mine for a while now. I bought the album on a whim almost. Again, late night watching MTV, I saw the video for Dog Days are Over and thought to myself, they are awesome, they have a harp player, just do it. SO HAPPY I DID! To me this is definitely in the top 5 best albums of the decade. Every song is absolutely awe inspiring. I'm Not Calling You a Liar is a song about getting involved with someone and being cautious. "I'm not calling you a liar, just don't lie to me. I'm not calling you a thief, just don't steal from me. I'm not calling you a ghost but stop haunting me." You're not saying that this person is all those things but just putting the warning out there. The past can haunt you and push you away from people and make loving again harder. My Boy Builds Coffins is definitely a dark and twisted song but so good. It's about her man that builds coffins for everyone. Death is death and there are those who work with death. Blinding is also a dark song but absolutely beautiful. "No more dreaming like a ghost, I'm in love with the wrong one." Ah, powerful and moving. Her remake of You've Got the Love is better than the original in my opinion. What song did it for me is Cosmic Love. AHHHHH! The way that song moves me is insane. "The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out since you left me in the dark. No dawn, no day, I'm always in this twilight in the shadow of your heart." You cannot tell me that doesn't blow your mind. The melody of the song, the words, everything comes together to make the most beautiful love song. I dedicate that song to my Zack Morris. It was definitely how I felt for a long time. It is a happy darkness. It is one of those, if you let them go and they come back...blah blah. "I stayed in the darkness with you." It's like you have faith in this that is why you risk being in the darkness because you know eventually the lights will turn on when they return. Life is still going on but not as good as it could be. Flo...you did the damn thing!!
ALBUM GRADE: A+
Alright guys, I am so done. This took a lot longer than I thought. But later, some time today or tomorrow I will go through 2011 so far, my trip to LA/San Diego, I AM STILL Concert, Boxer Rebellion and We Are Augustines Concert, and all that jazz :-)
Missed chattin' with you guys!
A New Favorite: Bridge Burning by Foo Fighters
Mood for Summer: I Need a Dollar by Aloe Blacc
Sorry I've been MIA for a few months. Life gotta a little hectic. I was in Cali for a week and workin' nonstop. Summertime is almost here and for me, as a waitress who works at a restaurant on the water, IT'S GO TIME. My girl, Fab, was talking to me last night about Blogging and I was like I really gotta get back on my game. There is so much that has happened in the music world that WE HAVE TO DISCUSS. However, I promised all of you a recap on the 2010 Albums of the Year, by my account. This is not based on Grammy Standards but mine. I'm discussing a few choice albums that have serious meaning to me in regards to what classifies an album as GREAT. I'm gonna try and do this in alphabetical order, however, my least and top faves will be discussed in detail last. LET'S DO THIS...
ALBUMS I LOVED:
1) All I Want is You by Miguel
Miguel came to fame with his single, which bares the same title as his album. All I Want is You features J. Cole on the track and to me is the best song of 2010. I can literally listen to that song all day every day. It expresses the purest regret that one can have, especially coming from a man. "All this regret gets exhausting", haven't you ever felt like that? The one that got away syndrome, bad. The rest of the songs on the album showcase his amazing vocals and ability to be sexy and tough while singing R&B.
**Not as Gangsta as the LATE GREAT, NATE DOGG! RIP. What an amazing artist; so sad we lost him so early.
I love the song Sure Thing. It is about his love and how they perfectly compliment each other. "If I'm the lyric baby, you can be the note." AHHH! Almost as good as Taye Diggs' quote from Brown Sugar, "You are the perfect verse over a tight beat." Ooooo DOIN IT! What a way to describe another person. But it takes a real man to admit that there is a woman who can be his equal and his match not just HIS. Quickie is what you think it is about. So sexy and REAL. Teach Me and Vixen are to other sultry songs that should definitely be experienced.
ALBUM GRADE: B+
2) Contra by Vampire Weekend
I cannot lie to you all. I haven't been a Vamp Weekender for too long. I have plenty of friends who have always loved them I just never got into them. I always loved the song A-Punk, but that alone didn't make me curious. HOWEVER, for Christmas I got a Wii and got JUST DANCE 2 and my fave song to dance to was A-Punk and the more I did it I got intrigued by them. A few weeks later Contra came out so I decided to buy it without evening sampling it. A "Head First" type of musical purchase. SO WORTH IT! This album is amazing. From the beginning to end. Their most popular song has been Holiday. That song is for everyone. Although intense, despite the upbeat melody, it basically describes how everyone looks forward to getting away and always wondering if that would make it better, and you know it will. "And if I wait for a Holiday, could it stop my fear? To go away on a summer's day never seemed so clear." Cousins is another popular song for sure. "Me and my Cousins, You and your cousins, I can feel it coming." Just a cool song. Got a nice cameo in the movie The Kids are All Right. (Just saw that movie, really good). My favorite song on the album is definitely The Diplomat's Son. The beat is so old school reggae, and for a kid from a Jamaican dad, I LOVE IT. I grew up on rhythms like that. The song is all about "it's now or never." Having an urge, no matter what about, it just reminds me that there is only NOW! Horchata, White Sky, and Giving up the Gun are also really great.
ALBUM GRADE: B+
3) ALL DAY by Girl Talk
Okay, I LOVE Gregory Gillis AKA Girl Talk. He is NOT a DJ nor a Mashup Artist, he is in his own category. His ability to take songs and blend them to a point where you hear the original but say the words from the GT version, is incredible. No other "DJ" can do that. For example, on this album he uses Phoenix's 1901 and Ludacris' How Low on the song Triple Double. And the way he just mixes the two it is impossible for me to sing 1901 without singing, "Folded, Folded, Folded, Folded, How Low Can you Go, How Low can you Go." Incredible. It is hard to discuss the album in details because there are an array of artists starting with Ozzy Osbourne, to Diddy, to Busta Ryhmes, to 50 Cent, to Grateful Dead to John Lennon. Feed The Animals was definitely my favorite GT album until this one.
ALBUM GRADE: A
2 NOT SO HOT (SHOCKERS)
1) I'm Not a Human Being by Lil Wayne
Okay, I know, I know! I am a hugggeee Wayne Fan. I'm sure it is documented somewhere on this internet but I said I was going to Weezy's first show in NY when he gets out AND I DID! He was incredible. He looked great and sounded great. Travis Barker (who I missed ehhh), Ricky Rose, and Nicki were all on tour with him as well. I'll go into greater detail with the concert in the next few posts.
This album he released was not bad, do not get me wrong, BUT nothing jumped out of me as being mind blowing like some of his other work. In my post entitled, "Bringin' Music Back, Yea" I said that this album was the quiet before the storm and I truly believe that. I believed he released it to let us all know that he didn't go anywhere and that he's working, writing, thinking, and getting ready for his release and next project Carter IV. At the concert he actually said the release date was May 6th but it has now been pushed back to June 21st. Ahh, I'm so ready for a summer of Weezy, again. His concert, not this mixtape, was a clear indication that he's coming back. I obviously, bought Human Being and do not regret it but I'm so ready for the real thing. See ya in June Weezy.
ALBUM GRADE: B-/C
2) Loud by Rihanna
Okay, this purchase I absolutely regret. I could never say I hate the album because I do not hate anything with a beat or melody BUT I can definitely disapprove and dislike. Me and my girls, Day and Mou, actually discussed how we like that song Man Down because it is old school RiRi; Caribbean melodies and flow. Other than that song I like Only Girl and What's my Name. She kills those songs. I cannot wait to blast that all summer long, no joke. Other than that, ehh! Okay, Love the Way you Lie (Part II) is good too but c'mon Eminem made that song and without him it's just an okay ballad. What really rubbed me the wrong way was S&M. You, speaking to RiRi hear, talked all that ish about Chris Brown beating on you but yet in this song you say you like it. I always knew deep down that something was fishy with that story. That song makes me not trust her. I like artists that are crazy but she's a shady/sneaky crazy and that I do not approve of. Her album as a whole is just not the best by any means. Not that I was ever a huge fan of her but this made me more than okay with that.
ALBUM GRADE: C-/D
HERE ARE MY TOP 6 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR...
6) Pink Friday by Nicki Minaj
I fell for Nicki with her mixtape tracks. She's nasty (in the best way ever). I love her. Her rhymes are creative, and although simple at times, they make the point. "It's goin' down, Basement." Sorry, love it. And one of my bffls, RS.Dot likes to use that, and you know what, her point is proved after that statement. Nicki is fun while being serious. Her video and concert fashion may not be what I would choose, but for artists like her and Gaga it fn works! By now most of the songs off the album have been heard. When I heard Your Love, it was July way before the album dropped and I had just met a boy in Vegas. So that was being pumped in the whip for a while. Moment 4 Life and Roman's Revenge also saw the light of day during fall pre-album. Roman's Revenge definitely had to grow on me but now I f*n love that song. What made the album for me were the songs that she sang on. Everyone knows she's a ill rapper but her vocals are also a prized possession. Blazin' and Right Thru Me are great portrayals of her voice skills BUT Save Me is what did it for me. To me that is the best song on the album. It is so beautiful and just pure Nicki. I feel like it is her true and vulnerable. "It's not your fault. I'm a Bitch. I'm a Monster. Yes I'm a Beast. And I feast when I conquer, but I'm alone on my throne...I'm givin' up Baby. This Time won't you save me..." See what I mean. Her magnitude of raw is not measured by songs like Did it on 'Em, which is my second fave song, but songs like Save Me that take you inside Onika Miraj.
ALBUM GRADE: A-
5) Come Around Sundown by Kings of Leon
I had the pleasure of seeing Kings of Leon at Madison Square Garden in November. They played 22 songs, which is very uncommon, well at least to the concerts I've been to. They played every song off of Only By the Night and Come Around Sundown and mixed it in with a few oldies like On Call and The Runner. That was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. I thought it would be impossible but Caleb Followill's voice is even better live. Ahh, those Followills are all very talented. I absolutely enjoyed every song on this album. I thought it would be hard to follow up Only By the Night but they did. I'm not going to lie to you it took me some time to have an open mind and listen to the whole thing. You know, the "Sophomore"album dread. Even though, it was their 5th album, it was the second after their top seller. Every single song on this album, just like their 4th, was AMAZING. It is even hard for me to pick a favorite song because I love them all in their own way. Mary reminds me of an old school 1950's love ballad; a Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis blend almost. "No I won't, No I won't make you cryyyyyyyy." That cry is similar, not as raspy, to Janis Joplin's "Cry" in Cry Baby. Back Down South has a great bluegrass feel to it. Very southern and very Tennessee like these boys. It's a great song to pay homage to their roots. Pyro is a song about disappointment and taking it into your own hands. "I won't ever be your cornerstone, I don't want to be here holding on." WOW! It's like I don't want you hanging on to me for hope because I have none myself. Incredible. BUT if I had to choose the best song off the album, to me it is The Immortals, which funny enough is the theme song to the NBA playoff commercial on TBS. The first line alone reels you in; "The open road, the path of greatness is at your fingers." What a powerful statement, especially to open with it. The chorus makes you fall in love, "I say, spill out on streets of stars, ride away. Find out what you are face to face." Basically, GO LIVE and LOVE, it's all out there for you and every one else. Grab life by the balls! We can be the immortals. Immortals live forever no matter if there physical body is here or not. If you don't go out there you can never be immortalized by anyone.
ALBUM GRADE: A
4) Colours by Graffiti 6
If you do not know Graffiti 6 please get to. Actually, Tommy D was the man who produced Right Said Fred's I'm too Sexy. And no matter what you say, that song is a classic. However, their music is not at all like that song. Jamie Scott, their lead singer, is not only absolutely beautiful but also incredibly talented. His voice is higher pitched but has that gritty raspy feel. This is another album that every song is great. I immediately bought their album when I heard Stare into the Sun on MTV one night. I AM SO HAPPY I DID! Stare into the Sun is a song that I can belt out in the car and dance to at the club. It is a sad song because it is definitely about a breakup but it's a beautiful creation. Then you have a song like Goodbye Geoffrey Drake, which is extremely mellow, calming, but also about a sort of break up or let down. Annie You Save Me was their debut single for the album. A great lead into Stare into the Sun. It seems as if Annie is this angel that has come into his life to "save" him. "Just when I'm finding it hard to breathe you lift the weight inside of me." Now that is love. The song that made the album for me was This Man. Ahhhh! I wish I could explain what this song does for me. I hope that one day a man says all of those things to me. I hope whoever that girl is, the one that got away, is back with him. I do not know how she couldn't be. "Oh darling, Please Baby, love this man. Put your arms around me and we can love together. Stay, let's be in love. One More Time." Ahh please, whoever you are, give him one more chance. Everyone deserves another chance. And those words aren't like the usual, "Baby comeback" words. In this song you can hear his hunger and hurt all rolled into one.
ALBUM GRADE: A
3) My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West
Okay, I'm not going to beat on this album because let's face it, this is his best. Every song is exactly what the title describes. I'll just drop my two faves, Gorgeous and Blame Game. Gorgeous has Kid Cudi on the track, so I was already sold. The Swagga that pours out of that song is absurd. To me that song is about Kanye's fear about his career and where it's headed. "No more Chances. If you Blow This, You're Bogus. I will never let you live this down." I think he was definitely talking to himself and that's what he said to himself. He took his vulnerability and put it to a beat. Blame Game is something different. The style of the song is so unique. It is exactly what you think it is about. Finger Pointing and the rush that a couple can receive from it. You can sit there and say no but it's the f*n truth. It then leads to a realization that it will not work. It's the rush from fighting and making up that keeps some people together, sad but true. You get comfortable with that person and disrespecting them. Oh wait, I cannot forget Power. Besides the fact that I'm addicted to Facebook, it was really the song playing in the trailer and commercials that got me amped to go see it. And yes some songs do have that effect on me.
ALBUM GRADE: A
2) Brothers by The Black Keys
MK put me on to The Black Keys last summer but I couldn't for the life of me remember the song. Once I heard Tighten Up at the end of the year I was sold. I remember when I got my RS in the mail and saw what these two dudes looked like I was baffled. It has nothing to do with the fact that they were two white dudes with sultry voices. Voices do not discriminate. It was the fact that they looked like Joe and John Schmo from down the block. Meaning, regular ol' dudes. Dan Auerbach's voice could make me do anything and I must certify stamp that. Tighten Up is by far my favorite off of the album. Again, this song's first lines sold me. "I wanted love, I needed love, most of all, most of all. Someone said true love was dead and I'm bound to fall, bound to fall for you." And with his voice it is just like give him whatever he wants, just like Jamie Scott. I'm Not the One is a man's song about strength. "No I'm not the one. You wanted it all but I give you, give you none. I'm not the one." It's like, I tried to give you everything, and you keep playing with me but guess what I'm not the one to be f*ed with. Ten Cent Pistol, Next Girl, and Howlin' are all incredible and definitely top favorites of mine. And not to be repetitive, but every song on this album is awesome. I probably listen to the album everyday. It is that good. If you love true singers, then this is the band for you. Who knew, two dudes from Ohio could make music like that? Well they now have two Grammys to prove it; Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group.
ALBUM GRADE: A+
1) Lungs by Florence and the Machine (Technically 2009, but it was released at the end of the year and needs to be recognized, so technically The Black Keys are number 1 and music kinda sucked in 2009 anyway lol)
Now I've always been a fan of Flo. I worked at Free People for 3 years and they were all over our playlists. Kiss with a Fist and Dog Days are Over have been faves of mine for a while now. I bought the album on a whim almost. Again, late night watching MTV, I saw the video for Dog Days are Over and thought to myself, they are awesome, they have a harp player, just do it. SO HAPPY I DID! To me this is definitely in the top 5 best albums of the decade. Every song is absolutely awe inspiring. I'm Not Calling You a Liar is a song about getting involved with someone and being cautious. "I'm not calling you a liar, just don't lie to me. I'm not calling you a thief, just don't steal from me. I'm not calling you a ghost but stop haunting me." You're not saying that this person is all those things but just putting the warning out there. The past can haunt you and push you away from people and make loving again harder. My Boy Builds Coffins is definitely a dark and twisted song but so good. It's about her man that builds coffins for everyone. Death is death and there are those who work with death. Blinding is also a dark song but absolutely beautiful. "No more dreaming like a ghost, I'm in love with the wrong one." Ah, powerful and moving. Her remake of You've Got the Love is better than the original in my opinion. What song did it for me is Cosmic Love. AHHHHH! The way that song moves me is insane. "The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out since you left me in the dark. No dawn, no day, I'm always in this twilight in the shadow of your heart." You cannot tell me that doesn't blow your mind. The melody of the song, the words, everything comes together to make the most beautiful love song. I dedicate that song to my Zack Morris. It was definitely how I felt for a long time. It is a happy darkness. It is one of those, if you let them go and they come back...blah blah. "I stayed in the darkness with you." It's like you have faith in this that is why you risk being in the darkness because you know eventually the lights will turn on when they return. Life is still going on but not as good as it could be. Flo...you did the damn thing!!
ALBUM GRADE: A+
Alright guys, I am so done. This took a lot longer than I thought. But later, some time today or tomorrow I will go through 2011 so far, my trip to LA/San Diego, I AM STILL Concert, Boxer Rebellion and We Are Augustines Concert, and all that jazz :-)
Missed chattin' with you guys!
A New Favorite: Bridge Burning by Foo Fighters
Mood for Summer: I Need a Dollar by Aloe Blacc
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