New Year's Eve Eve

Hello everyone, sorry for the holiday hiatus. Both The Judge and I have been busy seeing family and such. We will be back writing futilely writing next week with our year-end lists (hooray!). Until then enjoy and rest of the holidays and have a happy new year. I'll be seeing Passion Pit at Great Scott in Boston on New Year's Eve, booyah.

Here is a little holiday mix for everyone. It is late for Christmas, but besides the first few tracks the songs are good for anytime of the year. Enjoy

Download it Here.

Bing Crosby - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Bodies of Water - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Bing Crosby - Mele Kalikimaka
Sufjan Stevens - Come on! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!
Theophilus London - Leader of the New School
Mos Def - Life in Marvelous Times
Kid Cudi - T.G.I.F
Black Milk - Hold it Down
Slumdog Millionaire - O Saya
The Vest Best - Get It Up
Gabo & Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo
The Loom - Song for the Winter Sun
Pale Young Gentlemen - The Crook of My Good Arm
Creaky Boards - Brooklyn
Secret Dakota Ring - The Fade to Black
Frontier Ruckus - Orion Town 2
Little Joy - How to Hang a Warhol
Bodies of Water - Water Here
Matt and Kim - Daylight
Parts & Lanor - Nowheres Nigh
Emancipator - First Snow

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq5ncgmYzBWxJpmwjoFjMKBVNWX3Z8xQn-oNREwU0VWh4kOsiol87ww8aAmQpXNqgwgFAPdAwlQZCJC3acca2bUtLokJl996lJwDdSpo3RQ5rJfeeymImFtQbS4QbyixAIFH71AeF1-Fx/s1600-h/p1_carroll.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285800340446925986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq5ncgmYzBWxJpmwjoFjMKBVNWX3Z8xQn-oNREwU0VWh4kOsiol87ww8aAmQpXNqgwgFAPdAwlQZCJC3acca2bUtLokJl996lJwDdSpo3RQ5rJfeeymImFtQbS4QbyixAIFH71AeF1-Fx/s320/p1_carroll.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 320px;" /></a><br />Hello everyone, sorry for the holiday hiatus. Both The Judge and I have been busy seeing family and such. We will be back writing futilely writing next week with our year-end lists (hooray!). Until then enjoy and rest of the holidays and have a happy new year. I'll be seeing Passion Pit at Great Scott in Boston on New Year's Eve, booyah.<br /><br />Here is a little holiday mix for everyone. It is late for Christmas, but besides the first few tracks the songs are good for anytime of the year. Enjoy<br /><br /><a href="http://www.zshare.net/download/53110917ff5f4a49/" taget="_blank">Download it Here.</a><br /><br />Bing Crosby - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen<br />Bodies of Water - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel<br />Bing Crosby - Mele Kalikimaka<br />Sufjan Stevens - Come on! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!<br />Theophilus London - Leader of the New School<br />Mos Def - Life in Marvelous Times<br />Kid Cudi - T.G.I.F<br />Black Milk - Hold it Down<br />Slumdog Millionaire - O Saya<br />The Vest Best - Get It Up<br />Gabo & Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo<br />The Loom - Song for the Winter Sun<br />Pale Young Gentlemen - The Crook of My Good Arm<br />Creaky Boards - Brooklyn<br />Secret Dakota Ring - The Fade to Black<br />Frontier Ruckus - Orion Town 2<br />Little Joy - How to Hang a Warhol<br />Bodies of Water - Water Here<br />Matt and Kim - Daylight<br />Parts & Lanor - Nowheres Nigh<br />Emancipator - First Snow

A Taylor Made Holiday

While we're still approaching Christmas, I thought I'd take a moment to post a couple more Christmas favorites, this time from James Taylor's "At Christmas".  These songs definitely get me in the mood for hot chocolate, christmas cookies, and the 12+ inches of snow that currently blanket Boston.

The first track is a more secular carol, and features Natalie Cole in a great duet.  It does seem a little creepy at times, since James is probably a lot older than Natalie and seems kind of desperate to keep her in his home, but overlooking that it's a great song.

The second is the old classic "Have Yourself A Merry little Christmas".  Taylor does a great job with it - in fact, he did it before on the album October Road in addition to this Christmas one.  I love this song, despite the fact that its roots are pretty dismal.  Check out the creepy original version from Meet Me In St. Louis:

Weird.  But the James Taylor version is much more uplifting.

That's all for now, have a great Christmas!  Top 10 list coming soon, I promise!

James Taylor and Natalie Cole - Baby It's Cold Outside

James Taylor - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

While we're still approaching Christmas, I thought I'd take a moment to post a couple more Christmas favorites, this time from James Taylor's "At Christmas".  These songs definitely get me in the mood for hot chocolate, christmas cookies, and the 12+ inches of snow that currently blanket Boston.<div><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283026918695635970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSs-kygM2o9S5F5QakAlZD8mEaLRX1oOkenzFfVeT2yLZvhhfgyTYgRL5PkFBWABLiRWeLQ46qIOPtF7wrrlWSRfmviA3tnadFTsb2F32kqz7aBhHnFDYriAN9p5yhL3CVFmNZ-DAZROEe/s320/Christmas_Cookies_Plateful.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The first track is a more secular carol, and features Natalie Cole in a great duet.  It does seem a little creepy at times, since James is probably a lot older than Natalie and seems kind of desperate to keep her in his home, but overlooking that it's a great song.</div><div><br /></div><div>The second is the old classic "Have Yourself A Merry little Christmas".  Taylor does a great job with it - in fact, he did it before on the album October Road in addition to this Christmas one.  I love this song, despite the fact that its roots are pretty dismal.  Check out the creepy original version from Meet Me In St. Louis:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:10px;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lPuwcAcRX3k&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lPuwcAcRX3k&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;font-family:Arial;font-size:10px;"><br /></span></div><div>Weird.  But the James Taylor version is much more uplifting.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's all for now, have a great Christmas!  Top 10 list coming soon, I promise!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/05babyitscoldoutside1">James Taylor and Natalie Cole - Baby It's Cold Outside</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/07haveyourselfamerrylittlechri1">James Taylor - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas</a></div></div>

Pre-Year End Lists

Before "The Thinking Man" aka. The Judge aka. Chris posts our fabulous year ends lists soon (nudge, nudge), I wanted to throw out two great tracks for your enjoyment. One epitomizes my personal favorites of the year and the other is a new track that I hope to hear more like it in the upcoming year.

Hercules & Love Affair and Cut Copy were two of my favorite albums of 2008. Fun, dance-y electronic jams that also had some depth of feeling and artistic talent. Here is a Hercules remix of Cut Copy's Far Away from the single. Enjoy and try not to let your head explode over this extreme combination of music.

Cut Copy - Far Away (Hercules & Love Affair Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

I found Music Go Music on GvB and they have not disappointed. (Female vocals + rolling piano) * (happy Cut Copyesque synth + handclaps) = GREAT (PEMDAS rules), but seriously, I like Music Go Music and I hope that I'll find more like it next year.

Music Go Music - Light of Love (YSI) (filesavr)

If I don't post again before then, have a Merry Christmas and looking forward to a great 2009. (new hip hop to come soon)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jcwSdtaRLXxSqfBiIdnQaw2UMWGJpIyu0G0iHTrf67n_hl2L1e7tMbww0jYfwrLPlJ_5PKpG0MGWUYZ-3zm-xZdo7snD42z8IO6x8UBwYncJIpmk22N1fMqskImfM_5oKFZkIzoLgZti/s1600-h/IMG_0359.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282629891960013106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jcwSdtaRLXxSqfBiIdnQaw2UMWGJpIyu0G0iHTrf67n_hl2L1e7tMbww0jYfwrLPlJ_5PKpG0MGWUYZ-3zm-xZdo7snD42z8IO6x8UBwYncJIpmk22N1fMqskImfM_5oKFZkIzoLgZti/s320/IMG_0359.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br />Before "The Thinking Man" aka. The Judge aka. Chris posts our fabulous year ends lists soon (nudge, nudge), I wanted to throw out two great tracks for your enjoyment. One epitomizes my personal favorites of the year and the other is a new track that I hope to hear more like it in the upcoming year.<br /><br />Hercules & Love Affair and Cut Copy were two of my favorite albums of 2008. Fun, dance-y electronic jams that also had some depth of feeling and artistic talent. Here is a Hercules remix of Cut Copy's Far Away from the single. Enjoy and try not to let your head explode over this extreme combination of music.<br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/farawayherculesloveaffairremix" target="_blank"><br /></a>Cut Copy - Far Away (Hercules & Love Affair Remix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBTaklqSEI1bmgzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/farawayherculesloveaffairremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlatwnJnGwf3uyMET4kWrulR4pGCkij1v8RxV3l5XQk6Y0ilF5sfoAFxWKRgtGVFWvIuR7ZcXHoLUGPmtnZwaXv5gbRkA5FynJmBWGuy6zbjsRz7xwT0LKEUchWEvgReaUk9FkFF84S3iL/s1600-h/rockwell_kent.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282629606887866258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlatwnJnGwf3uyMET4kWrulR4pGCkij1v8RxV3l5XQk6Y0ilF5sfoAFxWKRgtGVFWvIuR7ZcXHoLUGPmtnZwaXv5gbRkA5FynJmBWGuy6zbjsRz7xwT0LKEUchWEvgReaUk9FkFF84S3iL/s320/rockwell_kent.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" /></a><br />I found Music Go Music on GvB and they have not disappointed. (Female vocals + rolling piano) * (happy Cut Copyesque synth + handclaps) = GREAT (PEMDAS rules), but seriously, I like Music Go Music and I hope that I'll find more like it next year.<br /><br />Music Go Music - Light of Love (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBTaklqSEJRWUlLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01lightoflove" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br />If I don't post again before then, have a Merry Christmas and looking forward to a great 2009. (new hip hop to come soon)

Stu Reid Sampler III.

Perhaps these Stu Reid Samplers will get a little more regular - every Friday or so? I have a few up my sleeve that I'm itching to share.


This is one that completely blew my mind when I first heard it in a music class a couple years ago. I think what's unique about this pairing is how much a part of the secondary track the primary sample is. More than RJD2's "Smoke & Mirrors" and certainly more than most hip hop tracks featuring samples, Fatboy Slim's "Praise You" is completely built upon the sample hook.


And it's divine. The Fatboy version subtly keys up the original cut a little bit, before cutting it up and graining it out. On the original, Camille Yarbrough sounds melancholy as her voice reluctantly anchors an a cappela intro that becomes a sort of funky lounge singer type jawn. On the sample, she sounds upbeat and bouncy. Two very different takes and styles, and two phenomenal tunes.

Fatboy Slim - Praise You

Camille Yarbrough - Take Yo' Praise

Perhaps these Stu Reid Samplers will get a little more regular - every Friday or so? I have a few <span style="font-weight: bold;">up my sleeve</span> that I'm itching to share.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrfhaJ7GMfFjvhXGdavZYJLXmRYaV5f-Fy1ks9LHPFNmV1QBgC_LN0Uc7QHOkplX9fTxjRzRah_K0ghRTd2dBifpPyiX2K36NdXeEktOQM8hw8H2lhBr-UVpQA_SdtKuNQyiC-GE1lEsf/s1600-h/20061017154710.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280576768263366098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrfhaJ7GMfFjvhXGdavZYJLXmRYaV5f-Fy1ks9LHPFNmV1QBgC_LN0Uc7QHOkplX9fTxjRzRah_K0ghRTd2dBifpPyiX2K36NdXeEktOQM8hw8H2lhBr-UVpQA_SdtKuNQyiC-GE1lEsf/s320/20061017154710.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" /></a><br />This is one that completely blew my mind when I first heard it in a music class a couple years ago. I think what's unique about this pairing is how much a part of the secondary track the primary sample is. More than RJD2's "Smoke & Mirrors" and certainly more than most hip hop tracks featuring samples, Fatboy Slim's "Praise You" is completely built upon the sample <span style="font-weight: bold;">hook</span>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEcebKvtXlYpL7FqZeXsRqHULH6xTpqxtMADLFGqjiaKQwcmLuaw_MMZPsUgZFvImfMYUkJcvaDnfcq8YprTfV4UXVKqddGB_9a6LRrxY3VaSTcF0Iz7J80LhAYSnu3uQUByrrVZAv86R/s1600-h/hook.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280577299681746834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEcebKvtXlYpL7FqZeXsRqHULH6xTpqxtMADLFGqjiaKQwcmLuaw_MMZPsUgZFvImfMYUkJcvaDnfcq8YprTfV4UXVKqddGB_9a6LRrxY3VaSTcF0Iz7J80LhAYSnu3uQUByrrVZAv86R/s320/hook.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px;" /></a><br />And it's divine. The Fatboy version subtly keys up the original cut a little bit, before cutting it up and graining it out. On the original, Camille Yarbrough sounds melancholy as her voice reluctantly anchors an a cappela intro that becomes a sort of funky lounge singer type jawn. On the sample, she sounds upbeat and bouncy. Two very different takes and styles, and two phenomenal tunes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/09praiseyou" target="_blank">Fatboy Slim - Praise You</a><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/camilleyarbrough-takeyopraise" target="_blank"><br />Camille Yarbrough - Take Yo' Praise</a>

Brazilian Booty Beats - Slumdog meets its match

I'm still a little hung up on Slumdog Millionaire, and wanted to tack onto The Truth's post about World Music from a couple days ago. So I think a track from another highly impoverished shanty area that has captured my heart is appropriate.



This song dropped in my inbox courtesy of an amigo who studied music in the favelas of Rio De Janeiro, and I am completely obsessed with it. It has a frenetic energy that really embodies excitement, and uses abrupt cuts to create a stuttering rhythm that is both fluid and disjointed at the same time. I've never really heard anything quite like it, which is saying something. This track comes from a compilation called "Rio Baile Funk: Favela Booty Beats". Hard to beat that. I'm currently looking for more tracks from these guys, and I'm definitely going to hunt down this album. Hopefully the other tracks live up!

Furacão 2000 - Mengao 2000

I'll throw in another Spanish language track, just since I'm on that sort of kick. This one comes from Los Orishas and is completely contrary to the Furacão piece - smooth beat, smooth pipes, very laid back feel. This one definitely gets stuck in my head and pumps for days.

Los Orishas - El Kilo

I'm still a little hung up on Slumdog Millionaire, and wanted to tack onto The Truth's post about World Music from a couple days ago. So I think a track from another highly impoverished shanty area that has captured my heart is appropriate.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQ_2aRttqOBgMHVASSjvBSCyuEVyuTi1Ge5uDgpaHu7H_QxLPPiYdTjz57CK9aWCHS4yEp8Tp-Ztrv_OXPDg7lKxSc6LpT2xQhR91w7BmKOtk_HbK2-uFarjgA753UbQmccT0hkse7__t/s1600-h/baile-funk-7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280571986511565218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQ_2aRttqOBgMHVASSjvBSCyuEVyuTi1Ge5uDgpaHu7H_QxLPPiYdTjz57CK9aWCHS4yEp8Tp-Ztrv_OXPDg7lKxSc6LpT2xQhR91w7BmKOtk_HbK2-uFarjgA753UbQmccT0hkse7__t/s320/baile-funk-7.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><br />This song dropped in my inbox courtesy of an amigo who studied music in the favelas of Rio De Janeiro, and I am completely obsessed with it. It has a frenetic energy that really embodies excitement, and uses abrupt cuts to create a stuttering rhythm that is both fluid and disjointed at the same time. I've never really heard anything quite like it, which is saying something. This track comes from a compilation called "Rio Baile Funk: Favela Booty Beats". Hard to beat that. I'm currently looking for more tracks from these guys, and I'm definitely going to hunt down this album. Hopefully the other tracks live up!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02mengao2000" target="_blank">Furacão 2000 - Mengao 2000</a><br /><br />I'll throw in another Spanish language track, just since I'm on that sort of kick. This one comes from Los Orishas and is completely contrary to the Furacão piece - smooth beat, smooth pipes, very laid back feel. This one definitely gets stuck in my head and pumps for days.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/04elkilo" target="_blank">Los Orishas - El Kilo</a>

Jimmy Fallon Embraces His Roots

So as you may or may not have heard, Jimmy Fallon is set to take over Conan O'Brien's job as host of Late Night, as Conan takes over for Leno on The Tonight Show, as Leno takes over for someone else on some Night Show, who will then play Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck. Anyway, say what you will about Jimmy Fallon - and there is plenty to say - but he has made a brilliant choice for his house band. None other than Philly's own The Roots will be backing up the Jimster, growing crazy hair, spitting cool lyrics, and playing the loosest, jazziest, hip-hoppingest interludes to ever grace your television set.


I've long been a fan of The Roots (and was in fact thinking about posting some tracks from The Tipping Point even before hearing this news) and I'm very excited to see them in this context. They've never really completely jived with the Hip Hop and Rap worlds, and seem to dabble in all sorts of areas. Hopefully they'll be able to use this space to explore those traditional musical bounds. And maybe ?uestlove will even partake in some witty banter.
Here's the announcement of The Roots, from Jimmy Fallon's blog at www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/

Pretty cool. Everybody's heard The Seed 2.0, so I'll post up a few lesser known tracks, including the cut they play at the end of that video, "Here I Come" from Game Theory.

The Roots - Here I Come (f. Dice Raw and Malik B)

The Roots - Duck Down!

So as you may or may not have heard, Jimmy Fallon is set to take over Conan O'Brien's job as host of Late Night, as Conan takes over for Leno on The Tonight Show, as Leno takes over for someone else on some Night Show, who will then play Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck. Anyway, say what you will about Jimmy Fallon - and there is plenty to say - but he has made a brilliant choice for his house band. None other than Philly's own The Roots will be backing up the Jimster, growing crazy hair, spitting cool lyrics, and playing the loosest, jazziest, hip-hoppingest interludes to ever grace your television set.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280152666645931442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBeHb7PRwSQUMr8cLuCTSpBKTojfsd8hmhyphenhyphen8-NsACsojBkAGIt0BevliG7tjzdo-pl7tGmOUWOdTlou3a7Hj9ATET99EvIRHPp9WoP0tw0YoqUGDVIUH35S6hyphenhyphenZURTj8dJ00nyPSQpIjX/s320/Burning+House+Band.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" /><br />I've long been a fan of The Roots (and was in fact thinking about posting some tracks from The Tipping Point even before hearing this news) and I'm very excited to see them in this context. They've never really completely jived with the Hip Hop and Rap worlds, and seem to dabble in all sorts of areas. Hopefully they'll be able to use this space to explore those traditional musical bounds. And maybe ?uestlove will even partake in some witty banter.<br />Here's the announcement of The Roots, from Jimmy Fallon's blog at<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a href="http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com">www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/</a><br /><br /><object data="http://widgets.nbc.com/o/4727a250e66f9723/4948556977b325d5/4727a250e66f9723/f71d2b8d/-cpid/a9df76778e1a4a74" height="283" id="W4727a250e66f97234948556977b325d5" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="384"><param name="movie" value="http://widgets.nbc.com/o/4727a250e66f9723/4948556977b325d5/4727a250e66f9723/f71d2b8d/-cpid/a9df76778e1a4a74"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></object><br /><div><br />Pretty cool. Everybody's heard The Seed 2.0, so I'll post up a few lesser known tracks, including the cut they play at the end of that video, "Here I Come" from Game Theory.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/08-theroots-hereicomefeatdicerawandmalikb">The Roots - Here I Come (f. Dice Raw and Malik B)<br /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/09duckdown"><br />The Roots - Duck Down!</a></div>

World Invasion!

A bold prediction for the new year. As the US begins to reevaluate its role in the global community in the upcoming year, foreign music will be welcomed into the US with open arms. The blogosphere and hipsters in general will be overcome by a wave of Eastern or World Music obsession. Traditional instruments and rhythms will be in, as will vocalists. This upcoming obsession will be legitimate though. World music, particularly from Africa and Asia has been criminally under-appreciated and I'm glad to see that artists these days are learning from more diverse musical traditions and new foreign musicians are gaining prominence on the fickle internets. Not only is more world music becoming vogue in samples or beats, but many artists like El Guincho (tropical jams from Spain) and Esau Mwamwaya with The Very Best are finding their way deservedly so onto hipster's ubiquitous year end lists.

A couple of years ago while taking a class on post colonial African history at school, I stumbled upon the great blog Awesome Tapes From Africa, that relayed old tapes from African artists to the those here in the US. Whether it is ancient folk music, or 80s rap and "Voodoo Funk," Awesome Tapes is a unique opportunity to hear raw, original African music. I found one particular artist from West Africa, Ata Kak, whose blend of tinny hip hop beats and equally mousey rapping is just entrancing. While it all sounds similarly unapprochable at first, it is new and interesting to hear something so remote, but also enjoyable and somehow familiar at the same time. This is similar to what goes on with the Very Best Mixtape (which I talked about a few months ago) where famliar songs are reworked by Esau and Radioclit to take advantage of Esau's vocals and transform them into the vanguard of a new wave of foreign influenced hipster music. When I hear Esau exuberantly exclaim "And Take Your Money!" in his take on Paper Planes, everything hits home. Music is a global community where everybody is entitled to be heard. Not only does The Very Best Mixtape reinterpret contemporary hip hop jams, but also includes collaborations with M.I.A., Santogold and Vampire Weekend, all of whom are very hot right now and have utilized foreign musical arrangements on their own as well.

M.I.A. certainly began this trend by making Sri Lankan inspired dance music popular for hipsters and the general music community, while also utilizing a diverse cast of musicians from all over the world as a reflection of the growing reach of popular music. M.I.A's songs are so sick that they cannot help but be noticed and this has rubbed off on the soundtrack to perhaps my favorite movie of the year Slumdog Millionaire. As the Judge already discussed, this soundtrack is awesome. It has a new track featuring M.I.A., an incredibly catchy (and superior) DFA remix to Paper Planes and a lot of contemporary Bollywood hip hop by A.R. Rahman "the Timbaland of Bollywood." Burkra Som Sistema, a combination of Portuguese and Angolan hip hop with big beats, has also utilized the vocal talents of M.I.A. on one their the better tracks to great success (and Pitchfork's recognition). The next wave is coming.

Even hipster geeks are getting in on the world music action. Vampire Weekend uses afro sensibilities in their acclaimed record (in my year - end top 11), while a compilation of 1970's Algerian Proto-Rai Underground music was given a stellar 7.5 by Pitchfork a couple of days ago. I had purchased a compilation called African Scream Contest, a compilation of psychedelic afro sounds from Benin and Togo from the 70's earlier this year and you can certainly see reciprocal influences between contemporaneous "western" music of the period, just as it is occurring more obviously now. While still being traditional and not conforming to western expectations, these African artists are familiar and approachable by US listeners. Give it a try, read up on some history and you might learn a thing or two (woah right?).

As with Bollywood and Slumdog Millionaire, other Middle Eastern and Asian traditional artists are coming to light in the United States. American producers are remixing foreign artists from Africa and no longer are mainstream foreign artists merely mimicking western trends, but they are traditional artists utilizing elements of pop to create something entirely new. Madlib has used Bollywood samples extensively in his Beat Kunducta series so far. Tuvan throat singers were included on the top albums of 2008 list compiled by E-music and toured in the United States this past year (performed at Dartmouth), while Tinariwen have produced some fantastic naturally atmospheric tracks that have floated around the blogosphere earlier this year. Like Rainbow Arabia, who you should definitely keep an eye on, Vampire Weekend and Yeasayer, hip indie bands are going to find greater success combining traditional world music ideas with western pop sensibilities for tremendous results. I can't wait to see it, nor should you.

Tinariwen - Matadjem Yinmixan (YSI) (filesavr)
Gabo & Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo - It's a Vanity (YSI) (filesavr)
Ata Kak - Yemmpa Aba (YSI) (filesavr)
Buraka Som Sistema - Sound of Kuduro (YSI) (filesavr)
Yeasayer - Wait for the Summer (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCln3Lz6A5Ywa0O454m6oD2Ll33olVUEoX6AfNvfRG4IGybbIslzeln5GZPDPHohogKXhCZKFTLUXhn5jM7L-bfEMYwinQ2KkE8cVjAz7GxBhqKfX3pyDcjW7HXcPftPYNpE8gC_8bT5zG/s1600-h/photo12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280141184991950242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCln3Lz6A5Ywa0O454m6oD2Ll33olVUEoX6AfNvfRG4IGybbIslzeln5GZPDPHohogKXhCZKFTLUXhn5jM7L-bfEMYwinQ2KkE8cVjAz7GxBhqKfX3pyDcjW7HXcPftPYNpE8gC_8bT5zG/s320/photo12.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> A bold prediction for the new year. As the US begins to reevaluate its role in the global community in the upcoming year, foreign music will be welcomed into the US with open arms. The blogosphere and hipsters in general will be overcome by a wave of Eastern or World Music obsession. Traditional instruments and rhythms will be in, as will vocalists. This upcoming obsession will be legitimate though. World music, particularly from Africa and Asia has been criminally unde</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">r-appreciated and I'm glad to see that artists these days are learning from more diverse musical traditions and new foreign musicians are gaining prominence on the fickle internets. Not only is more world music becoming vogue in samples or beats, but many artists like El Guincho (tropical jams from Spain) and Esau Mwamwaya with The Very Best are finding their way deservedly so onto hipster's ubiquitous year end lists.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /><br />A couple of years ago while taking a class on post colonial African history at school, I stumbled upon the great blog </span><a href="http://awesometapesfromafrica.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Awesome Tapes From Africa</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">, that relayed old tapes from African artists to the those here in the US. Whether it is ancient folk music, or 80s rap and "Voodoo Funk," Awesome Tapes is a unique opportunity to hear raw, original African music. I found one particular artist from West Africa, Ata Kak, whose blend of tinny hip hop beats and equally mousey rapping is just entrancing. Wh</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">ile it all sounds similarly unapprochable at first, it is new and interesting to hear something so remote, but also</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> enjoyable and somehow familiar at the same time. This is similar to what goes on with the Very Best Mixtape (which I talked about a few months ago) where famliar songs are reworked by Esau and Radioclit to take advantage of Esau's vocals and transform them into the vanguard of a new wave of foreign influenced hipster music. When I hear Esau exuberantly exclaim "And Take Your Money!" in his take on Paper Planes, everything hits home. Music is a global community where everybody is entitled to be heard. Not only does The Very Best Mixtape reinterpret contemporary hip hop jams, but also includes collaborations with M.I.A., Santogold and Vampire Weekend, all of whom are very hot right now and have utilized foreign musical arrangements on their own as well. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnRaxuLr9884OBxIZU7tq8dku5bfZ0l1BER714DEAMbC6Dfs1FD2IqXbZ-A9y2nF-5FEus6ZO0oUhlEaavefPNhwzR3W09iur3VN7K345O9FPd0Gk2yvlxErd8JAx3-18Ed1DQDhILdKI/s1600-h/bwb_africa_stretching.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280140934731844002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnRaxuLr9884OBxIZU7tq8dku5bfZ0l1BER714DEAMbC6Dfs1FD2IqXbZ-A9y2nF-5FEus6ZO0oUhlEaavefPNhwzR3W09iur3VN7K345O9FPd0Gk2yvlxErd8JAx3-18Ed1DQDhILdKI/s320/bwb_africa_stretching.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 164px;" /></a><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">M.I.A. certainly began this trend by making Sri Lankan inspired dance mu</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">sic popular for hipsters and the general music community, while also utilizing a diverse cast of musicians from all over the world as a reflection of the growing reach of popular music. M.I.A's songs are so sick that they cannot help but be noticed and this has rubbed off on the soundtrack to perh</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">aps my favorite movie of the year Slumdog Millionaire. As the Judge already discussed, this soundtrack is awesome. It has a new track featuring M.I.A., an incredibly catchy (and superior) DFA remix to Paper Planes and a lot of contemporary Bollywood hip hop by A.R. Rahman "the Timbaland of Bollywood." Burkra Som Sistema, a combination of Portuguese and Angolan hip hop with big beats, has also utilized the vocal talents of M.I.A. on one their the better tracks to great success (and Pitchfork's recognition). The next wave is coming.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br />Even hipster geeks are getting in on the world music action. Vampire Weekend uses afro sensibilities in their acclaimed record (in my year - end top 11), while a compilation of 1970's Algerian Proto-Rai Underground music was given a stellar 7.5 by Pitchfork a couple of days ago. I had purchased a compilation called African Scream Contest, a compilation of psychedelic afro sounds from Benin and Togo from the 70's earlier this year and you can certainly see reciprocal influences b</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">etween contemporaneous "western" music of the period, just as it is occurring more obviously now. While still being traditional and not conforming to western expectations, these African artists are familiar and approachable by US listeners. Give it a try, read up on some history and you might learn a thing or two (woah right?).</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssy1SFmytf1rMutffcL1c_frlTiGUdP4i6IlzMB4nDwQr5Ay3TtO8Lw8GH1Z-gTlteCwoGxDMWQms-7jNj-Qbuxdo7vToeQVPWqDzDsWBAEYqM0TNcYKXCqRLsUVq5bUU3_FDW3EpzIOI/s1600-h/prawns.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280140614955870962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssy1SFmytf1rMutffcL1c_frlTiGUdP4i6IlzMB4nDwQr5Ay3TtO8Lw8GH1Z-gTlteCwoGxDMWQms-7jNj-Qbuxdo7vToeQVPWqDzDsWBAEYqM0TNcYKXCqRLsUVq5bUU3_FDW3EpzIOI/s320/prawns.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">As with Bollywood and Slumdog Millionaire, other Middle Eastern and Asian traditional artists are coming to light in the United States. American producers are remixing foreign artists from Africa and no longer are mainstream foreign artists merely mimicking western trends, but they are traditional artists utilizing elements of pop to create something entirely new. Madlib has used Bollywood samples extensively in his Beat Kunducta series so far. Tuvan throat singers were included on the top albums of 2008 list compiled by E-music and toured in the United States this past year (performed at Dartmouth), while Tinariwen have produced some fantastic naturally atmospheric tracks that have floated around the blogosphere earlier this year. Like Rainbow Arabia, who you should definitely keep an eye on, Vampire Weekend and Yeasayer, hip indie bands are going to find greater success combining traditional world music ideas with western pop sensibilities for tremendous results. I can't wait to see it, nor should you.<br /><br />Tinariwen - Matadjem Yinmixan (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBSeFVVdkc3N0RIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/matadjemyinmixan" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Gabo & Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo - It's a Vanity (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBSeFVWUnJJMHZIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/03itsavanity" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Ata Kak - Yemmpa Aba (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBSeFVXcWZuSlIzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/06yemmpaaba" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Buraka Som Sistema - Sound of Kuduro (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBSeFVXcWZoMlZMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02soundofkudurofeatmiadjznobiasaborosaputoprata" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Yeasayer - Wait for the Summer (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBSeFVXcWZIcWZIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02waitforthesummer" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /></span></div><div><br /></div>

Enonophone Pt. 2

Here's the rest of my thoughts on Enon. Enon is a pretty schizophrenic band, with Schmersal and Yasuda taking turns on vocals and alternating between synth/bass heavy electro and guitar driven indie rawk. In essence Enon bridges the divide between two of my most basic music loves. A funny anecdote before moving on to the tracks. So a few years ago, Enon came up to Hanover for a show in the tiny "rock club" on campus. I was amped for the show, being one of the few who had heard of them on campus. I told all my friends about the show and on the way over, my friend Mike thought he spotted our friend Paul walking to food court. Mike proceeded to hike behind a bush and jumped out giving the finger to the person he believed to be Paul, who was actualy the drummer from Enon. Trust me, it was funny. The show was awesome by the way.

Enon - Carbonation (YSI) (filesavr)
Enon - Pleasure and Priviledge (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJKGqV61TwAdjhPCcacQQEs8CHShXZNPA6kiAxvIbs-AyDU50t_rD2NsygRczOKLAT3oVzirFM-ziuV_VDjmPqSLAYgCobpb4KW-wUreVyxCHNaRYrH4vcxn4N58v8CBvAoDaUWSS4nsr/s1600-h/brainiac1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277592387818129490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJKGqV61TwAdjhPCcacQQEs8CHShXZNPA6kiAxvIbs-AyDU50t_rD2NsygRczOKLAT3oVzirFM-ziuV_VDjmPqSLAYgCobpb4KW-wUreVyxCHNaRYrH4vcxn4N58v8CBvAoDaUWSS4nsr/s320/brainiac1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" /></a><br />Here's the rest of my thoughts on Enon. Enon is a pretty schizophrenic band, with Schmersal and Yasuda taking turns on vocals and alternating between synth/bass heavy electro and guitar driven indie rawk. In essence Enon bridges the divide between two of my most basic music loves. A funny anecdote before moving on to the tracks. So a few years ago, Enon came up to Hanover for a show in the tiny "rock club" on campus. I was amped for the show, being one of the few who had heard of them on campus. I told all my friends about the show and on the way over, my friend Mike thought he spotted our friend Paul walking to food court. Mike proceeded to hike behind a bush and jumped out giving the finger to the person he believed to be Paul, who was actualy the drummer from Enon. Trust me, it was funny. The show was awesome by the way.<br /><br />Enon - Carbonation (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBRblR0dENRYTlMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/12carbonation" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Enon - Pleasure and Priviledge (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBRblRpVnNCTWxMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/10pleasureandprivelige" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Stu Reid Sampler Volume Dos

So after the first installment of Stu Reid Sampler, a musically-inclined reader - who we'll refer to as Nomo - suggested I take a look at Marion Black's "Who Knows".  How right he was.

The object of Stu Reid Sampler, for those of you who missed it, is to take a popular song that features a sample of some sort, and line it up side-by-side with the original sample, uncovering the often brilliant originals and exposing them to uneducated listeners like myself.

"Who Knows" is the backbone of RJD2's brilliant "Smoke & Mirrors", an awesome track that really utilizes sampling to its fullest.  The track isn't a throw-away mashup, but a cut that takes Marion Black's original, slows down sections, makes it moodier, and genuinely creates new art out of it.

I've long been an RJD2 fan, and "Smoke & Mirrors" is one of my faves, so I was psyched to hear Marion Black's jazzier, more upbeat "Who Knows".  It's sultry and saucy, and definitely transports you somewhere while you're listening - an echoey, smoky track that seems like it was recorded as much for Black himself as for anyone else.  I dig it in a major way.

Enjoy both contexts, the build-up-and-release of RJD2 and the free-flowing stylings of Marion Black.

RJD2 - Smoke & Mirrors

Marion Black - Who Knows

So after the first installment of Stu Reid Sampler, a musically-inclined reader - who we'll refer to as <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Nomo </span>- suggested I take a look at Marion Black's "Who Knows".  How right he was.<div><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277951477533089618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrOPqtsfZ5Psr4aJ-Uw23vnO9yf2AFdSaVNyzVrtQyMoNbBuERcHKypdA63ypPVkgHDhteXSxJxftBmJf2UVsstnUcPB43z0B5bMhdYxV_d4rQSAMEUFZKaQahOoacNk-Ujetc74GLiG5/s320/040712_nomo.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 262px;" /></div><div>The object of Stu Reid Sampler, for those of you who missed it, is to take a popular song that features a sample of some sort, and line it up side-by-side with the original sample, uncovering the often brilliant originals and exposing them to uneducated listeners like myself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>"Who Knows" is the backbone of RJD2's brilliant "Smoke & Mirrors", an awesome track that really utilizes sampling to its fullest.  The track isn't a throw-away mashup, but a cut that takes Marion Black's original, slows down sections, makes it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">moodier</span>, and genuinely creates new art out of it.</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277951470702881458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF04DDjjOjpzTbn48xlHcnFLriM0JrshJvNTTY2bp5UniegBOP6qpm1rqds7icQzWD78rtTGiZA5dewmvVvDzjv8k5WywXrMUCMblr3yNC56Wl8oKYhEaQguUyHCGRKo0jTiA_bKXk9e0y/s320/_40966996_moody.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I've long been an RJD2 fan, and "Smoke & Mirrors" is one of my faves, so I was psyched to hear Marion Black's jazzier, more upbeat "Who Knows".  It's sultry and saucy, and definitely <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">transports </span>you somewhere while you're listening - an echoey, smoky track that seems like it was recorded as much for Black himself as for anyone else.  I dig it in a major way.</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277951466882907058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBy7aMHSLHo77BioJ029eFJ5hBtDHQ1jlpscgkks7Y-PAIWnj-ld2fbDXgekgTdIThU-9_YHArhgKkEQh6FeOcgv4BlKCdMw64wIzTWO9rskxeY8YH2UE8IOPa5lCnA0LEOvAX5qp1YJru/s320/Transport.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 306px;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy both contexts, the build-up-and-release of RJD2 and the free-flowing stylings of Marion Black.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02smokemirrorsm4a" target="_blank">RJD2 - Smoke & Mirrors</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/17whoknows" target="_blank">Marion Black - Who Knows</a></div></div>

Enonophone Pt. 1

Dear Santa,

For Christmas I would like an awesome, but constantly overlooked band that combines delicate, yet entrancing female vocals with swirling guitars and synths. I don't want a one trick pony band though Santa. I want them to also play straight up rock and roll with quirky instruments and rhythms on other tracks too! Please Santa, I've been good all year.

Timmy

Well Timmy, do I have the band for you. Enon has been around for a while and contains remnants of the former indie punk powerhouse Brainiac. Enon has 4 fabulous albums, the most recent of which came out in 2007. The three tracks below showcase the more electronic side of Enon, using female vocals with sometimes mysterious and sometimes driving synths to great effect every time. John Schmersal provides male vocals and Toko Yasuda has great vocals and dominates with the heavy bass prevalent on so many songs that always mix up rhythms and tempos. I've been lucky enough to see Enon in concert three times and everytime has been amazing. On Saturday I'll post some tracks from the other side of Enon.

Enon - Disposable Parts (YSI) (filesavr)
Enon - Ashish (YSI) (filesavr)
Enon - In This City (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_zA-AnNsKkh52nlxGBu60SSkqKZOuLbWsnt1EmuDxaEyhwZpdg8Fro43VoIcENbh0_tgwsDsNka7mlNYcNMq79eOcYCL5rttu3gPGq3iyd61i9aNO-s1HBo0TaZYKzGhkXGcTUFq027e/s1600-h/brainiac.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277565091906147938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_zA-AnNsKkh52nlxGBu60SSkqKZOuLbWsnt1EmuDxaEyhwZpdg8Fro43VoIcENbh0_tgwsDsNka7mlNYcNMq79eOcYCL5rttu3gPGq3iyd61i9aNO-s1HBo0TaZYKzGhkXGcTUFq027e/s320/brainiac.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 320px;" /></a><br />Dear Santa,<br /><br />For Christmas I would like an awesome, but constantly overlooked band that combines delicate, yet entrancing female vocals with swirling guitars and synths. I don't want a one trick pony band though Santa. I want them to also play straight up rock and roll with quirky instruments and rhythms on other tracks too! Please Santa, I've been good all year.<br /><br />Timmy<br /><br />Well Timmy, do I have the band for you. <a href="http://www.enon.tv/" target="_blank">Enon</a> has been around for a while and contains remnants of the former indie punk powerhouse Brainiac. Enon has 4 fabulous albums, the most recent of which came out in 2007. The three tracks below showcase the more electronic side of Enon, using female vocals with sometimes mysterious and sometimes driving synths to great effect every time. John Schmersal provides male vocals and Toko Yasuda has great vocals and dominates with the heavy bass prevalent on so many songs that always mix up rhythms and tempos. I've been lucky enough to see Enon in concert three times and everytime has been amazing. On Saturday I'll post some tracks from the other side of Enon.<br /><br />Enon - Disposable Parts (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBUMWZJYXllaFIzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/07disposableparts" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Enon - Ashish (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBUMWZBcG95UkhIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/12ashish" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Enon - In This City (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBUMWZJYXltUUhIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/03inthiscity" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

I Got You Dahncing

I have a love affair with a couple little ladies, specifically Lil Mama and Lady Sovereign.  I don't care what you think about their music - you can say it's trashy, that it's useless pop, that it's gimmicky.

You're wrong.  Well, actually you're probably right.  But that doesn't help my addiction to "Lip Gloss" and "Love Me Or Hate Me".

So when I saw that Lady Sov had dropped her newest track for free on her myspace, I couldn't help but get excited.  And, true to form, I love it.  And I feel a little bit guilty about that.  I have previously voiced my distaste for the Autotune fad, and this track is chock full of it.  I think if someone without a British accent sang this song I wouldn't like it anywhere near as much.

That being said, I can't get enough.  Every time I listen to this song I bump in my seat like it's the first time I've heard it.  Make way for the ESSSSS OOOOOOO VEEEEEEE!

As a sidenote, this track is just DYING for a second rapper to lay some rhymes down for a remix cut.  Remember that Avril/Lil Mama collaboration?  WHAT ABOUT A LIL MAMA/LADY SOV COMBO?  Ok, sorry for the outburst.  I'm going to go listen to the biggest midget in the game on repeat.

Lady Sovereign - I Got You Dancing

I have a love affair with a couple little ladies, specifically Lil Mama and Lady Sovereign.  I don't care what you think about their music - you can say it's trashy, that it's useless <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">pop</span>, that it's gimmicky.<div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277947777597754210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATwPtF9xAv0JLlEbq4MeyjmRtONbJ6XbwHpoAV2MsVLzdN74gOfZ7c7lqmvNCrc7Eprw9POGDvI9PsSGzyPpUwNRWLrl3DUm_Sced08ZqN02RfgQTRjP0g5LI_oILEvSQccPPDLTyareH/s320/pop.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" /><div>You're wrong.  Well, actually you're probably right.  But that doesn't help my addiction to "Lip Gloss" and "Love Me Or Hate Me".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So when I saw that Lady Sov had dropped her newest track for free on her myspace, I couldn't help but get excited.  And, true to form, I love it.  And I feel a little bit guilty about that.  I have previously voiced my distaste for the Autotune fad, and this track is chock full of it.  I think if someone without a British accent sang this song I wouldn't like it anywhere near as much.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>That being said, I can't get enough.  Every time I listen to this song I bump in my seat like it's the first time I've heard it.  Make way for the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">ESSSSS OOOOOOO VEEEEEEE</span>!</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277947737479432434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnn8DR0Rk9JjASaDU9nJznBfS8_kp0tzQ8eWB6HZ18I_WrI_RZSs-Kn2h-ZhEBGOKE-Z6VX5kOeI8r_nEhCAj4VnUEvwbdFDYbV0PeBUko958IWO_Nw35Z1yoiCwZLs4SbhJ533yAsay4s/s320/ed_imgSov_38896a.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></div><div>As a sidenote, this track is just DYING for a second rapper to lay some rhymes down for a remix cut.  Remember that Avril/Lil Mama collaboration?  WHAT ABOUT A LIL MAMA/LADY SOV <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">COMBO</span>?  Ok, sorry for the outburst.  I'm going to go listen to the biggest midget in the game on repeat.</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277947688174489186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2h5vgb74HdA5SJAVWQytqMlsl1fNPo_5fIOh5_kb83vr_D5Rc29Fy3NbhwqaoS6sRR6f2AhpioSAfx4_uM2c2VCKCd19FP4OKe2kyhOBSS6up3aVKefA6NZISEt4bKTe18fZJsGg4i_Q/s320/Pics_Mini_Burger_Combo_7.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 280px;" /></div><div><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/igotyoudancing" target="_blank">Lady Sovereign - I Got You Dancing</a></div></div>

White Christmas

It snowed for the first time in Boston on Sunday. It was those big, picturesque flakes, so nothing stuck. Hooary! My family always listens to Bing Crosby's White Christmas every Christmas morning. That record is so ballin. Bing covers all the old standards with his smooth, manly voice. Also, check out Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters for more Christmas magic and a rousing square dance holiday song. Enjoy the holidays and the classics folks.

Bing Crosby - Mele Kaliki Maka
Bing Crosby - It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVRlHarg1dgTI6SQuOrC6lkut4rHyJQ5KkAa8YELnpxSCvV0mGbwwfJ393vteCCAySQH2Fo1npmNeCGpDYxtVx6NYVyXQx-GdzhryrXXfjlGNlGDUdoYjQ9MdBIEDLG6zbRgaJ1gP1Cbi/s1600-h/Bob-Hope-Bing-Crosby-.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277593924101925218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVRlHarg1dgTI6SQuOrC6lkut4rHyJQ5KkAa8YELnpxSCvV0mGbwwfJ393vteCCAySQH2Fo1npmNeCGpDYxtVx6NYVyXQx-GdzhryrXXfjlGNlGDUdoYjQ9MdBIEDLG6zbRgaJ1gP1Cbi/s320/Bob-Hope-Bing-Crosby-.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 259px;" /></a><br />It snowed for the first time in Boston on Sunday. It was those big, picturesque flakes, so nothing stuck. Hooary! My family always listens to Bing Crosby's White Christmas every Christmas morning. That record is so ballin. Bing covers all the old standards with his smooth, manly voice. Also, check out Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters for more Christmas magic and a rousing square dance holiday song. Enjoy the holidays and the classics folks.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.zshare.net/audio/524595493ad8944e/" target="_blank">Bing Crosby - Mele Kaliki Maka</a><br /><a href="http://www.zshare.net/audio/52459591d52f63cc/" target="_blank">Bing Crosby - It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas</a>

Ghosthustler

First off, I want to thank Gorilla Vs. Bear for introducing me to the fantastic Ghosthustler. I first heard about them in 2007 and was hooked on the track Busy Busy Busy all last summer. A combination of heavy hitting synths and fuzzed out vocals equals a retro winner in my book. In some respects it reminds me of those campy early 90s movies with Corey Feldman. To my pleasant surprise, GvB included a track by Ghosthustler, Someone Else's Ride in their best tracks of 2008 list, since they're both from Austin, TX. While less mysterious than Busy Busy Busy, Someone Else's Ride dials up the 80s/90s synth for an all out nostalgia trip. Pretty great. I would love to know more about those guys and am looking forward to more work from them in the future.

Ghosthustler - Busy Busy Busy
Ghosthustler - Someone Else's Ride

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDbzr3IaZPdwO6gADNGeTj034yJpr3dHJOXeMOCArboKCXOGQXuRQ4pwcz9Gz2kK1laxmQIVXF9WbHYrSKSgzAznO9Y_6C3v5sXKlQsB3LqrdaptpZocmkTlOKb8DdbJBLEaPy3aW_Bs9/s1600-h/002fw2q1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277560630305468034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDbzr3IaZPdwO6gADNGeTj034yJpr3dHJOXeMOCArboKCXOGQXuRQ4pwcz9Gz2kK1laxmQIVXF9WbHYrSKSgzAznO9Y_6C3v5sXKlQsB3LqrdaptpZocmkTlOKb8DdbJBLEaPy3aW_Bs9/s320/002fw2q1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 260px;" /></a><br />First off, I want to thank <a href="http://gorillavsbear.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gorilla Vs. Bear</a> for introducing me to the fantastic Ghosthustler. I first heard about them in 2007 and was hooked on the track Busy Busy Busy all last summer. A combination of heavy hitting synths and fuzzed out vocals equals a retro winner in my book. In some respects it reminds me of those campy early 90s movies with Corey Feldman. To my pleasant surprise, GvB included a track by Ghosthustler, Someone Else's Ride in their best tracks of 2008 list, since they're both from Austin, TX. While less mysterious than Busy Busy Busy, Someone Else's Ride dials up the 80s/90s synth for an all out nostalgia trip. Pretty great. I would love to know more about those guys and am looking forward to more work from them in the future.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/busybusybusy" target="_blank">Ghosthustler - Busy Busy Busy</a><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/someoneelsesride" target="_blank">Ghosthustler - Someone Else's Ride</a>

Slumdog Excellence

So The Truth, Dedicated Fan X, and I went to see Slumdog Millionaire last night. Wow. A completely breathtaking film. It's built around a pretty cheesy concept that doesn't sound great on paper - the film tells the life story of a poor boy from the slums of Mumbai through the questions he answers on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. 

But cheesy, it is not. Against the breathtaking canvas of India's colorful markets and seemingly endless shanty-slums, the film is visually rich. Plotwise, the main characters Jamal, Salim, and Latika are all expertly acted at four different ages by four great actors (rare for child characters). The film is funny, smart, stark, sad, uplifting, romantic. You name it, it's got it. I normally don't glow about movies, but I think all three of us left the theatre amped about what we just saw, and I would go see it again in a heartbeat.

Perhaps more importantly, in the eyes of a music blog, the soundtrack of the film is stupendous. Containing a couple much-heralded tracks by M.I.A. (yes Paper Planes is in the film, yes it works perfectly), the soundtrack also features cuts from A.R. Rahman, who has been hailed as the "Indian Timbaland" by M.I.A. herself. There's a sort of Bollywood/Hip-Hop instrumental fusion that goes on and is really fascinated and mesmerizing. Hard to describe, but definitely worth checking out. Both the movie and the soundtrack are worth your time.

O...Saya is the collaboration between Rahman and M.I.A., and it's worth the wait.

M.I.A. - O...Saya

A.R. Rahman - Gangsta Blues

So The Truth, Dedicated Fan X, and I went to see Slumdog Millionaire last night. Wow. A completely breathtaking film. It's built around a pretty cheesy concept that doesn't sound great on paper - the film tells the life story of a poor boy from the slums of Mumbai through the questions he answers on the Indian version of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Who Wants To Be A Millionaire</span>. <div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276771581037187714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtcz6lyGdNDuzOlK0Cf5O5dqD5aEYSmMVNvcruX7ltu-WvdzAx7uM78ojAMCKku1jX1cGTinzunhs-WQ-MBlzX67PoLwnSCSpeh7BCogfZJyjBgMTQ2hpeBgLQ9ZWI5fpAmuax1cbD3by/s320/Stupid_Woman_on_Who_Wants_to_be_a_Millionaire.ashx.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" /><br />But cheesy, it is not. Against the breathtaking canvas of India's colorful markets and seemingly endless <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">shanty-slums</span>, the film is visually rich. Plotwise, the main characters Jamal, Salim, and Latika are all expertly acted at four different ages by four great actors (rare for child characters). The film is funny, smart, stark, sad, uplifting, romantic. You name it, it's got it. I normally don't glow about movies, but I think all three of us left the theatre amped about what we just saw, and I would go see it again in a heartbeat.</div><div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276771474451723234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UZ6qavGsmwQJm6Yx4C7RdP1S0QAqW34jmRGNv0frHxDME0M1kioq1W01cp9pwKK44AbQ_EksmqdHq8_8vFPoJLXTPA8qQMEh0zybOOh6JNFHTOPlw3P2qeNSm7Yhu80DfS8BrPm3sE_v/s320/mumbai.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" />Perhaps more importantly, in the eyes of a music blog, the soundtrack of the film is stupendous. Containing a couple much-heralded tracks by M.I.A. (yes Paper Planes is in the film, yes it works perfectly), the soundtrack also features cuts from A.R. Rahman, who has been hailed as the "Indian Timbaland" by M.I.A. herself. There's a sort of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Bollywood/Hip-Hop</span> instrumental fusion that goes on and is really fascinated and mesmerizing. Hard to describe, but definitely worth checking out. Both the movie and the soundtrack are worth your time.</div><div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276771341451890866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWmxRiSiw2B6yawX03CsdaKL_sX5soCRSDB2NwL1_5QfWAw1OitEn859Sk2JXtv3CzghC3rPtPlKFg7tK1fyikMgVO17fsIqySicRJlkzQhXJSR-yKneih4jmGstsP7fY9pQZu72JpSbN/s320/Akshay-Snoop-pic.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 292px;" />O...Saya is the collaboration between Rahman and M.I.A., and it's worth the wait.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01osaya" target="_blank">M.I.A. - O...Saya<br /></a><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/11gangstablues" target="_blank">A.R. Rahman - Gangsta Blues</a></div>

Stu Reid Sampler, Episode 1

I love samples. I think they add an awesome texture to music, but I also just appreciate the fusion of styles that often comes along with a good sample. Smoky voiced women introduce themes before beats drop in and set the tempo for the track. The Shirley Bassey Remixes bring that sort of feeling to an entire album, and it's borderline magic.


Along with that, I love discovering where samples come from - unearthing the original, still in the plastic wrap, before some modern producer got his paws on it. So I'm starting a new feature, along with Stu Reid Under the Covers, that I want to call The Stu Reid Sampler. I'll take a track that features a sample somewhat prominently, hunt down the original, and give 'em both to ya.

This track is an amazing cut from De-Phazz, a sample-based jazz group that combines dj turntablism with ethnic hip hop beats to make some really original tunes. This one is my favorite, far and away.


The sample it draws on is from the very end of Ella Fitzgerald's Love For Sale, a tune about prostitution, most likely. The Lady and I had an epiphany moment in the car when the track hit the 5:30 mark and the sample reared it's lovely head, I hope it has a similar effect for others.

De-Phazz - Cut The Jazz

Ella Fitzgerald - Love For Sale

I love samples. I think they add an awesome texture to music, but I also just appreciate the fusion of styles that often comes along with a good sample. Smoky voiced women introduce themes before beats drop in and set the tempo for the track. The Shirley Bassey Remixes bring that sort of feeling to an entire album, and it's borderline <span style="font-weight: bold;">magic</span>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0Y0tmabIIn4CSjCaF-8cDluikKGV-kvsuLF4wejI_0jv_2ICG8RRg0c0jN7t7vGrWGVfjthVE60tl6lvpis6YspiKf_dY8mqR6hws0x3mOLb4gc_hrSaejpQENnL09AkmeShayW-rpGL/s1600-h/magic-hat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276202919042969874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0Y0tmabIIn4CSjCaF-8cDluikKGV-kvsuLF4wejI_0jv_2ICG8RRg0c0jN7t7vGrWGVfjthVE60tl6lvpis6YspiKf_dY8mqR6hws0x3mOLb4gc_hrSaejpQENnL09AkmeShayW-rpGL/s320/magic-hat.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 320px;" /></a><br />Along with that, I love discovering where samples come from - unearthing the original, still in the plastic wrap, before some modern producer got his paws on it. So I'm starting a new feature, along with Stu Reid Under the Covers, that I want to call The Stu Reid Sampler. I'll take a track that features a sample somewhat prominently, hunt down the original, and give 'em both to ya.<br /><br />This track is an amazing cut from De-Phazz, a sample-based jazz group that combines dj turntablism with ethnic hip hop <span style="font-weight: bold;">beats</span> to make some really original tunes. This one is my favorite, far and away.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0hvgVqJ0Wv7hrypH-JoHzKUv9dsF-bJ9ZhBWWX5Z2nS7Nk-R7R3pB62A9bpaJGHxS0HHUvodyuDUCwBOZ18sZhDtXhRQUvZ85APbYyZMVmmGgzlY_8b-PqFzQENLow6zZb4TeLdxYSv1/s1600-h/BinauralBeats.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276203307363465282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0hvgVqJ0Wv7hrypH-JoHzKUv9dsF-bJ9ZhBWWX5Z2nS7Nk-R7R3pB62A9bpaJGHxS0HHUvodyuDUCwBOZ18sZhDtXhRQUvZ85APbYyZMVmmGgzlY_8b-PqFzQENLow6zZb4TeLdxYSv1/s320/BinauralBeats.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 293px;" /></a><br />The sample it draws on is from the very end of Ella Fitzgerald's Love For Sale, a tune about prostitution, most likely. The Lady and I had an epiphany moment in the car when the track hit the 5:30 mark and the sample reared it's lovely head, I hope it has a similar effect for others.<br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/cutthejazz" target="_blank"><br />De-Phazz - Cut The Jazz</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/10loveforsale" target="_blank">Ella Fitzgerald - Love For Sale</a>

Clipse put on their PlayCloths

Timelines are never predictable in the world of the Clipse, so I was of course surprised to see the Road To Till The Casket Drops mixtape actually drop on December 2 as promised.  Of course, this is after some revisionist history changed the promised November release of the Till The Casket Drops LP to a single by the same name in November with a following LP in April '09.

Regardless, we won't quibble over details.  Being a bigtime Clipse head, I was pumped to get anything new in my ears.  A prologue to TLCD, the mixtape comes in conjunction with the launch of Clipse's PlayCloths line of clothes.  As for the record, well...hmmm.

We'll put it this way:  We Got It For Cheap Volumes 1, 2, and 3 are all straight fire.  Volume 3 is my go-to album when I'm getting sleepy in the car and don't want to die in a ball of fire.  Volume 2 has some of my favorite Clipse tunes on it, and some amazingly sharp verses.  Volume 1 has an aura of promise, the sense that these kids are gonna make something real pretty in the near future.

But those first three mixtapes - particularly the first pair -have something that has been missing off of the past two Clipse-related releases: urgency.  The need to announce a presence and make a scene, promising to ignore haters, overcome label issues, and preach the gospel.  The last two Re-Up productions, the ill-conceived Re-Up album and this latest PlayCloths mixtape, rely on recycled verses and empty hip-hop posturing.

Don't get me wrong, there are some fantastic tracks on this tape.  Sprinkled among PlayCloths promotions and promises of "a classic in the making" are brilliant verses and familiarly smart Clipse-isms ("Voted for Barack, McCain was my tax bracket though").  But the beats aren't quite as bomb as other tapes - Lupe's Dumb It Down sounds complacent, Jim Jones' Pop Champagneis annoying, and M.I.A.'s Swagger Like Us is beyond played.  The swagger is there, but it comes hand in hand with a bit of laziness - if you're on top of the game, what keeps you working?  There are still tracks that pack the familiar punch and get me excited for Till The Casket Drops, but they're the hidden gems rather than the norm, which is a change for Los Clipses.

In the end, it's tough to argue with free music, and I'm sure this mixtape will grow on me as I give it some more spins.  I don't foresee it replacing any of the original trilogy in my heart, but it certainly whets my appetite for the next full length from the Clipse brothers.  And the PlayCloths line is pretty fly - thinking about that black hoodie for myself.  Definitely worth checking out.  Taste a couple tracks below, and cop the whole tape for free-99 at reupgangrecords.com or complex.com.

Clipse - So Fly (Now We've Had Her)

Clipse - The Haters Wish

Timelines are never predictable in the world of the Clipse, so I was of course surprised to see the Road To Till The Casket Drops mixtape actually drop on December 2 as promised.  Of course, this is after some revisionist history changed the promised November release of the Till The Casket Drops LP to a single by the same name in November with a following LP in April '09.<div>Regardless, we won't quibble over details.  Being a bigtime Clipse head, I was pumped to get anything new in my ears.  A prologue to TLCD, the mixtape comes in conjunction with the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">launch </span>of Clipse's <a href="http://www.playcloths.com/" target="_blank">PlayCloths</a> line of clothes.  As for the record, well...hmmm.</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275332957588758658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-IJsohPPiLz0SXvpjO7nzmol63DOnBqmYDYyc_j-PUGD_7EjC1c2WI7Vyq1ENwkiVkWpB2Q4rU0RVR0jVUqvJh3km_3JyhPyHuRpud-TuDngEYMwh6-C_IWVWtI68x5oaEpyZ2QSrcVd/s320/Photo+of+Space+Shuttle+Launch.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 304px;" /></div><div>We'll put it this way:  We Got It For Cheap Volumes 1, 2, and 3 are all straight fire.  Volume 3 is my go-to album when I'm getting sleepy in the car and don't want to die in a ball of fire.  Volume 2 has some of my favorite Clipse tunes on it, and some amazingly sharp verses.  Volume 1 has an aura of promise, the sense that these kids are gonna make something real pretty in the near future.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>But those first three mixtapes - particularly the first pair -have something that has been missing off of the past two Clipse-related releases: urgency.  The need to announce a presence and make a scene, promising to ignore haters, overcome label issues, and preach the gospel.  The last two Re-Up productions, the ill-conceived Re-Up album and this latest PlayCloths mixtape, rely on recycled verses and empty hip-hop <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">posturing</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275332905063810434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQglhHuvmeVJmDRAKY1W8pfscskVI2x1y0lgZlPKq0P-yO6rDmj_wBwbZViS2PkZj2pv6v1-qVuS0JeahEDgqus3szEAyXaYP-kethERkHWTqUx85w2_RpeeZrWwHg4NTLcTCnR68eBoc/s320/posturingjpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Don't get me wrong, there are some fantastic tracks on this tape.  Sprinkled among <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">PlayCloths</span> promotions and promises of "a classic in the making" are brilliant verses and familiarly smart Clipse-isms ("Voted for Barack, McCain was my tax bracket though").  But the beats aren't quite as bomb as other tapes - Lupe's Dumb It Down sounds complacent, Jim Jones' Pop Champagneis annoying, and M.I.A.'s Swagger Like Us is beyond played.  The swagger is there, but it comes hand in hand with a bit of laziness - if you're on top of the game, what keeps you working?  There are still tracks that pack the familiar punch and get me excited for Till The Casket Drops, but they're the hidden gems rather than the norm, which is a change for Los Clipses.</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275332840981527090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqYt0e3ou1fs4V_7PU1J5EjpTocdw3yrcX_Vdc0c3-bAUzOFf8XfFNV4fPr7AQQf-q1TJVn7nckT2C9TH1SeQI48R3xjpJ7ZNemhrcT9M-1G1zkU96O1dlU4618BaugrYSTgD0Z8m1XKN/s320/PLAYCLOTHES_4_dolls.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 304px;" /></div><div>In the end, it's tough to argue with free music, and I'm sure this mixtape will grow on me as I give it some more spins.  I don't foresee it replacing any of the original trilogy in my heart, but it certainly whets my appetite for the next full length from the Clipse brothers.  And the PlayCloths line is pretty fly - thinking about that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">black hoodie</span> for myself.  Definitely worth checking out.  Taste a couple tracks below, and cop the whole tape for free-99 at <a href="http://reupgangrecords.com/" target="_blank">reupgangrecords.com</a> or <a href="http://www.complex.com/ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC/Clipse-Mixtape" target="_blank">complex.com</a>.</div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275332762272372338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhODXrAq50cofAUhGEG96sVlQV2zNDmoRwcdW7xn5Rse_lTuzPO3vIASsgb2iWZGTBUDnu1V08BeUA6vUQ3fxlpeB26jzejB-zcMjbU3EUw-ty4IHZPpqxc3Aan6z5CHutYUo3j0F_w14/s320/hoodie.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 249px;" /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/05soflynowwevehadher" target="_blank">Clipse - So Fly (Now We've Had Her)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02thehaterswish" target="_blank">Clipse - The Haters Wish</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Big Fun

Do you remember the Strokes? So many of their members are coming out with side projects right now and some of them are actually really, really good. Little Joy is composed of, among others, the Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti. Splitting time between male and female vocals, Little Joy is a happy jaunt through some eclectic countryside in a fairytale spring. The songs are short and sweet and come off as a less pretentious Vampire Weekend. The music varies from the delicate to the jaunty and is a confluence of sunny caribbean guitars and whispy vocals. Great stuff for an afternoon listen, whether its snowing, raining or sunning outside.

Little Joy - Don't Watch Me Dancing (YSI) (filesavr)
Little Joy - How to Hang a Warhol (YSI) (filesavr)

Holy crap, look at that picture. Its Harry Haggis the mascot for the Edinburgh Marathon! Does anyone remember the conversation about haggis in the movie So I Married an Axe Murderer? Classic

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9o-QWxeyjNwgA862u_JO405OVVw20BPPe-1ax21HSCVSilYY6Ki3gHYgx3C6rgTjrEhUPXYVD2t0b3Eq3MFfUqKJ3tHIEAsOlZzaQpn8TpZCP7Pl4FKj1C-RrLY9K9YweiGXFIiAoSDLF/s1600-h/hairyhaggis.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274950058553168322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9o-QWxeyjNwgA862u_JO405OVVw20BPPe-1ax21HSCVSilYY6Ki3gHYgx3C6rgTjrEhUPXYVD2t0b3Eq3MFfUqKJ3tHIEAsOlZzaQpn8TpZCP7Pl4FKj1C-RrLY9K9YweiGXFIiAoSDLF/s320/hairyhaggis.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 320px;" /></a><br />Do you remember the Strokes? So many of their members are coming out with side projects right now and some of them are actually really, really good. Little Joy is composed of, among others, the Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti. Splitting time between male and female vocals, Little Joy is a happy jaunt through some eclectic countryside in a fairytale spring. The songs are short and sweet and come off as a less pretentious Vampire Weekend. The music varies from the delicate to the jaunty and is a confluence of sunny caribbean guitars and whispy vocals. Great stuff for an afternoon listen, whether its snowing, raining or sunning outside.<br /><br />Little Joy - Don't Watch Me Dancing (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBTb2VBT001R01LSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/10dontwatchmedancing_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Little Joy - How to Hang a Warhol (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/WnBTb2VBT01lM1FLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/09howtohangawarhol_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br />Holy crap, look at that picture. Its Harry Haggis the mascot for the Edinburgh Marathon! Does anyone remember the conversation about haggis in the movie So I Married an Axe Murderer? Classic

Advent is upon us

Ah, Christmas time. I love Christmas time. Cutting down a tree in the early morning frost. Christmas lights. Crazy decorations (I've always wanted a full light-up nativity set). Christmas parties. Gift shopping. Beautiful walks. Snow dustings. Best of all, December means Christmas MUSIC!!!!

Vince Guaraldi Trio's score to A Charlie Brown Christmas is perhaps my favorite Christmas album. The jazz is smooth and delicate, while covering all the classics. A newer addition to my stable of favorites is Sufjan's Songs for Christmas set. Sufjan plays some original holiday songs, as well as his (in most cases) simple banjo renditions of the old standards that are both fun (I Saw Three Ships for instance) and captivating (like We Three Kings).

Sufjan Stevens - I Saw Three Ships
Sufjan Stevens - Come On! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!

Next up is a new take on O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by Bodies of Water from the excellent Peace on Earth: A Holiday Charity Album Vol. II available now as a digital download through Its Hard to Find a Friend. The album features carols by many of the midwest indie scene that is currently blowing my mind (dare I say Woods Rock?). The songs are cheery, funny, like Christmas with the Jews and well played. To make this album even more extraordinary, all proceeds go directly to The Children of Uganda Fund. So not only are these great carols, but by buying it you help end conflict. Isn't that the essence of the holiday season? I bought this album and I've enjoyed every minute. Its only $7.50 and it goes to a good cause, so please do it too.

Bodes of Water take O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and turn it into an elegant day dream. The delicate vocals and strings gently meander in and out, swirling through the consciousness. It seriously sounds like Banjo or Freakout's cover of Burial. So good. Really atmospheric and whispy.

Bodies of Water - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Remember to open your first advent calendar door today too!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM1YARjkpKjAEKchhkryD2ZyLN90oxSTRbLNn8Z7AWzdTJ7PciW0LjpnwYWNVTriBpHWWoN0Qxid_QG0a0b-0kyLGtR7AN-0qMJ1qmu2q-uTUnvH5BQi2M9tDdGqbcDxMIxdWxyMinmK-/s1600-h/2292925_da8ffdfcd7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274946845124625794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM1YARjkpKjAEKchhkryD2ZyLN90oxSTRbLNn8Z7AWzdTJ7PciW0LjpnwYWNVTriBpHWWoN0Qxid_QG0a0b-0kyLGtR7AN-0qMJ1qmu2q-uTUnvH5BQi2M9tDdGqbcDxMIxdWxyMinmK-/s320/2292925_da8ffdfcd7.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px;" /></a><br />Ah, Christmas time. I love Christmas time. Cutting down a tree in the early morning frost. Christmas lights. Crazy decorations (I've always wanted a full light-up nativity set). Christmas parties. Gift shopping. Beautiful walks. Snow dustings. Best of all, December means Christmas MUSIC!!!!<br /><br />Vince Guaraldi Trio's score to A Charlie Brown Christmas is perhaps my favorite Christmas album. The jazz is smooth and delicate, while covering all the classics. A newer addition to my stable of favorites is Sufjan's Songs for Christmas set. Sufjan plays some original holiday songs, as well as his (in most cases) simple banjo renditions of the old standards that are both fun (I Saw Three Ships for instance) and captivating (like We Three Kings).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/1-04isawthreeships" target="_blank">Sufjan Stevens - I Saw Three Ships</a><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02comeonletsboogeytotheelfdance" target="_blank">Sufjan Stevens - Come On! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-Exe8KpfxlfH4mtuwSjol68VLqjEtTkb0w5RffCxmEELbhtnSlurQNKmg-8dGDmB7_Sx4dsxHQu45pGGHe3NSGpn0GGNNpx7Z1OrgqVjWwTjWPMhgW1FEUbzDT_9aqN5cfvO26NS18Cb/s1600-h/santa-blow-up-on-harley-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274946652047858050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-Exe8KpfxlfH4mtuwSjol68VLqjEtTkb0w5RffCxmEELbhtnSlurQNKmg-8dGDmB7_Sx4dsxHQu45pGGHe3NSGpn0GGNNpx7Z1OrgqVjWwTjWPMhgW1FEUbzDT_9aqN5cfvO26NS18Cb/s320/santa-blow-up-on-harley-1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>Next up is a new take on O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by Bodies of Water from the excellent Peace on Earth: A Holiday Charity Album Vol. II available now as a digital download through <a href="http://hardtofindafriend.blogspot.com/2008/11/peace-on-earth-vol-ii-now-available.html">Its Hard to Find a Friend</a>. The album features carols by many of the midwest indie scene that is currently blowing my mind (dare I say Woods Rock?). The songs are cheery, funny, like Christmas with the Jews and well played. To make this album even more extraordinary, all proceeds go directly to The Children of Uganda Fund. So not only are these great carols, but by buying it you help end conflict. Isn't that the essence of the holiday season? I bought this album and I've enjoyed every minute. Its only $7.50 and it goes to a good cause, <a href="http://hardtofindafriend.blogspot.com/2008/11/peace-on-earth-vol-ii-now-available.html">so please do it too</a>.<br /><br />Bodes of Water take O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and turn it into an elegant day dream. The delicate vocals and strings gently meander in and out, swirling through the consciousness. It seriously sounds like Banjo or Freakout's cover of Burial. So good. Really atmospheric and whispy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/22ocomeocomeemmanuel" target="_blank">Bodies of Water - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel</a><br /><br />Remember to open your first advent calendar door today too!