Spring Teasers

There are a couple of huge releases on the horizon this spring: Passion Pit's Manners on May 18th and White Denim's Fits on June 22th. In anticipation, here are a couple of tracks off of each of the aforementioned albums. Most of you have probably heard The Reeling, but with this remix Calvin Harris infuses it with some crazy beats and synths tailor made for the dance floor. Mirrored and Reverse is the first track from Fits and it delivers White Denim's brand of jerky, spazzy and jazzy lo-fi rawk. Pretty great tracks all around. Good luck waiting for albums to drop. I'll be waiting with bated breath.

Passion Pit - The Reeling (Calvin Harris Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)
White Denim - Mirrored and Reverse (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FomHYNU1hXaTAcuNAikq73ch1iD8FsnfpYpFl5dKC8ykA1CuhFQyry_3Q1dft-6VXwaelpJAmKoJI-klGsQJzlbPVxcE5TDBgHMLcqL1hgIUBd8D9yqz6nrUWtK9RDT8RY4BpsKrQ4eh/s1600-h/DSCN1262.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330287509856792018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FomHYNU1hXaTAcuNAikq73ch1iD8FsnfpYpFl5dKC8ykA1CuhFQyry_3Q1dft-6VXwaelpJAmKoJI-klGsQJzlbPVxcE5TDBgHMLcqL1hgIUBd8D9yqz6nrUWtK9RDT8RY4BpsKrQ4eh/s320/DSCN1262.JPG" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a>There are a couple of huge releases on the horizon this spring: Passion Pit's Manners on May 18th and White Denim's Fits on June 22th. In anticipation, here are a couple of tracks off of each of the aforementioned albums. Most of you have probably heard The Reeling, but with this remix Calvin Harris infuses it with some crazy beats and synths tailor made for the dance floor. Mirrored and Reverse is the first track from Fits and it delivers White Denim's brand of jerky, spazzy and jazzy lo-fi rawk. Pretty great tracks all around. Good luck waiting for albums to drop. I'll be waiting with bated breath.<br /><br />Passion Pit - The Reeling (Calvin Harris Remix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwOU1mYWJsMHdLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/thereelingcalvinharrisremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />White Denim - Mirrored and Reverse (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwOU1mYWIyWGQzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/mirroredandreverse" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Stu Reid Under The Covers: Mos Def plays Chuck Berry and Beyonce takes on Etta James

What do you get when you take two fantastic contemporary musicians and have them portray two fantastic older musicians in a movie? For one, you get a pretty damn entertaining movie (Cadillac Records, which managed to keep me awake on a plane flight a month ago despite a desperate need for sleep). For two, you get a fantastic soundtrack that's worth revisiting.

Seriously, though, Mos Def as Chuck Berry is one of the coolest things ever. Love that guy. Both of them.

It's pretty great to see Beyonce really slow things down - and not in a I Am...Sasha Fierce kinda way, but in a straight up awesome songs kinda way.

First up, Mos Def playing Berry's "No Particular Place To Go".  Who knew that Mos could sing?  I'm assuming that's not him playing geetar, but if that is, I'm extremely impressed.  Either way, this cover - which stays pretty faithful to the original - is good enough to get a bunch of spins from me in the past few days.  I even set my alarm with it yesterday, a spot typically reserved for completely baller tracks (and Lil Mama, duh).

Mos Def - No Particular Place To Go (YSI) (filesavr)

Chuck Berry - No Particular Place To Go (YSI) (filesavr)

Also for your enjoyment, Beyonce's take on Etta's "All I Could Do Was Cry".  She lets some snarl creep into her voice betraying some pretty real emotion.  Don't ever let anyone tell you Beyonce can't sing.  Or act, for that matter - this track hits pretty hard in one of the movie's most emotional scenes.  Add it to the Netflix queueueueueue.

Beyonce - All I Could Do Was Cry (YSI) (filesavr)

Etta James - All I Could Do Was Cry (YSI) (filesavr)

What do you get when you take two fantastic contemporary musicians and have them portray two fantastic older musicians in a movie? For one, you get a pretty damn entertaining movie (Cadillac Records, which managed to keep me awake on a plane flight a month ago despite a desperate need for sleep). For two, you get a fantastic soundtrack that's worth revisiting.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329959689334500610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsNgR8H_SCK7TPVbr5kpMZr7lgci4VAk9T3Pp8K_Ls3n6k2CRlqVrMxVAalUSTMRMIjZCkrjiNqZ7yIMhSxvTM5rLUXqesfLpWXgGH_2TJ_nENwF5FJJednkBzIF5VDfx1-9fFGcDkFg/s320/mosdefberrytsre.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" />Seriously, though, Mos Def as Chuck Berry is one of the coolest things ever. Love that guy. Both of them.<br /><br />It's pretty great to see Beyonce really slow things down - and not in a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">I Am...Sasha Fierce</span> kinda way, but in a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">straight up awesome songs</span> kinda way.<div><br /></div><div>First up, Mos Def playing Berry's "No Particular Place To Go".  Who knew that Mos could sing?  I'm assuming that's not him playing geetar, but if that is, I'm extremely impressed.  Either way, this cover - which stays pretty faithful to the original - is good enough to get a bunch of spins from me in the past few days.  I even set my alarm with it yesterday, a spot typically reserved for completely baller tracks (and Lil Mama, duh).</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Mos Def - No Particular Place To Go</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyYkJnaFJRWUtGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/1-03noparticularplacetogo" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Chuck Berry - No Particular Place To Go</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyYkJwbWdubHgzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01noparticularplacetogo" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Also for your enjoyment, Beyonce's take on Etta's "All I Could Do Was Cry".  She lets some snarl creep into her voice betraying some pretty real emotion.  Don't ever let anyone tell you Beyonce can't sing.  Or act, for that matter - this track hits pretty hard in one of the movie's most emotional scenes.  Add it to the Netflix queueueueueue.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Beyonce - All I Could Do Was Cry</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyYkJnaFJZY1NGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/2-07allicoulddoiscry" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Etta James - All I Could Do Was Cry</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyYkJnaFJYSHhMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/10allicoulddoiscry" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Music for Driving at Night

Chris and I are back from a relaxing week in Puerto Rico. Hooray -- Although Ben and Devoted Fan X aka Claire performed superbly in our absence. I think that the sophistication index of TSRE went up a degree or two in the past week.

I found Rekid early in 2008 through their single Next Stop Chicago. Incorporating aspects of Moby and Fatboy Slim, Rekid really know how to create a DJ groove while using soulful vocal samples. Finding this track was one of the high points in Chris and my late night drive back from New York Sunday. Its always so enlightening to take a trip through the less traveled recesses of your music library.

Rekid - Next Stop Chicago (YSI) (filesavr)
Rekid - Next Stop Chicago (Jesse Rose Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GAubd-_5oF7m4fihzExBRDq1uwLIGKkTgp0oWOuBf-oTGYAJJMUJU6dTYx_V1KvdSbgPtH2cRYnc5AmUbQOb2AZqq7yYgKrIiakdvTY5RuFyb76T3pxNr3g1vj6vXFgloT3SLRckEwVl/s1600-h/TSRE+oh+hi+there.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329574070401782658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GAubd-_5oF7m4fihzExBRDq1uwLIGKkTgp0oWOuBf-oTGYAJJMUJU6dTYx_V1KvdSbgPtH2cRYnc5AmUbQOb2AZqq7yYgKrIiakdvTY5RuFyb76T3pxNr3g1vj6vXFgloT3SLRckEwVl/s320/TSRE+oh+hi+there.JPG" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 241px;" /></a>Chris and I are back from a relaxing week in Puerto Rico. Hooray -- Although Ben and Devoted Fan X aka Claire performed superbly in our absence. I think that the sophistication index of TSRE went up a degree or two in the past week.<br /><br />I found Rekid early in 2008 through their single Next Stop Chicago. Incorporating aspects of Moby and Fatboy Slim, Rekid really know how to create a DJ groove while using soulful vocal samples. Finding this track was one of the high points in Chris and my late night drive back from New York Sunday. Its always so enlightening to take a trip through the less traveled recesses of your music library.<br /><br />Rekid - Next Stop Chicago (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlxb2VObThuSlRIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/nextstopchicago" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Rekid - Next Stop Chicago (Jesse Rose Remix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlxb2VObThOQnpIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/nextstopchicagojesseroseremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

The Saddest of all Remixes

So people seem to like remixes these days. Currently, thirteen of the twenty most popular tracks on Hype Machine are remixes. I find this fad interesting. On the one hand, I can understand the interest in hearing different takes on tracks, and also understand that, with the increased accessibility of remix technologies, the number of remixes has become staggering. On the other hand, I’m not sure whether these remixes have staying power. What will be remembered in a year, the original song or one of the countless remixes of said track? Or perhaps neither?

Anyways, today I’d like to combine your love of remixes with my love of classical music. Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is one of the most famous classical pieces of the 20th century. It’s a wonderful, melancholy piece, which takes a simple ascending melodic figure and builds it slowly to a passionate climax in the upper registers of the strings. In 2004, BBC listeners voted it the “saddest” piece of music ever. It was broadcast over the radio when FDR’s death was announced, and was also played in 2001 to commemorate the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

Thus, imagine my surprise upon discovering a dance remix of this, the saddest of all pieces. I was even more surprised to learn that there are multiple dance remixes of the piece. Incredible. Talk about a remix completely reworking the mood of a piece. Anyways, here is the DJ Tiesto dance remix, as well as a recording of the original version of Barber’s Adagio, for string quartet. Enjoy.

DJ Tiesto – Adagio For Strings (Dance Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)
Samuel Barber – Adagio For Strings (Original String Quartet version) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMAoeH9MZjez3zDNe-G85UWi82y0WUlxIzJALuIh1SN1yB-grVJX46UUYcyujPmuIPv9_Jg7RfNwjlAZyhuauJye9J7nrMJJAZp4UZxT8l5k_yoeXG19i-MJ2krT69O8nj3aPv-R4tBk/s1600-h/rshjyf.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329418961113763410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMAoeH9MZjez3zDNe-G85UWi82y0WUlxIzJALuIh1SN1yB-grVJX46UUYcyujPmuIPv9_Jg7RfNwjlAZyhuauJye9J7nrMJJAZp4UZxT8l5k_yoeXG19i-MJ2krT69O8nj3aPv-R4tBk/s320/rshjyf.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 266px;" /></a>So people seem to like remixes these days. Currently, thirteen of the twenty most popular tracks on Hype Machine are remixes. I find this fad interesting. On the one hand, I can understand the interest in hearing different takes on tracks, and also understand that, with the increased accessibility of remix technologies, the number of remixes has become staggering. On the other hand, I’m not sure whether these remixes have staying power. What will be remembered in a year, the original song or one of the countless remixes of said track? Or perhaps neither?<br /><br />Anyways, today I’d like to combine your love of remixes with my love of classical music. Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings is one of the most famous classical pieces of the 20th century. It’s a wonderful, melancholy piece, which takes a simple ascending melodic figure and builds it slowly to a passionate climax in the upper registers of the strings. In 2004, BBC listeners voted it the “saddest” piece of music ever. It was broadcast over the radio when FDR’s death was announced, and was also played in 2001 to commemorate the victims of the 9/11 attacks.<br /><br />Thus, imagine my surprise upon discovering a dance remix of this, the saddest of all pieces. I was even more surprised to learn that there are <span style="font-style: italic;">multiple</span> dance remixes of the piece. Incredible. Talk about a remix completely reworking the mood of a piece. Anyways, here is the DJ Tiesto dance remix, as well as a recording of the original version of Barber’s Adagio, for string quartet. Enjoy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DJ Tiesto – Adagio For Strings</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> (Dance Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwSXQ4Q1BRYTlMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/10adagioforstringsdanceremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Samuel Barber – Adagio For Strings (Original String Quartet version)</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwSXQ4Q1BvQnNLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/07adagioforstringsoriginalstringquartetversion" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Summer Sunday

It has been a glorious weekend in Boston, with temperatures climbing up into the 80s both yesterday and today. Always nice to get a taste of summer in April. One of my favorite aspects of nice weather is how, with everyone’s windows open, you can hear a rich tapestry of sounds all around you. This is a particularly pleasant sensation after you’ve been holed up with all windows closed through a long winter. Yesterday morning, as I sat on my porch, I heard music all around me: a neighbor practicing piano, faint exclamations from the church choir down the street, birds chirping, car radios blaring for all to hear.

Music and the summer make a wonderful combination. I think this is partly because we enjoy hearing music as part of a broader soundscape, whether it be the loud variety of city noises or the peaceful rustlings of a more pastoral scene. This is why Tanglewood (the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer home) and other outdoor music festivals are so popular. Indeed, it is exceedingly pleasant to sit on the lawn out at Tanglewood, hearing one of the best orchestras in the world play as you lounge on the grass, the music mingling with the sound of rustling leaves. Or, more dramatically, to listen to a performance as rain falls around you. I'll always remember hearing Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata played at my grandmother’s funeral service, while a gentle rain grew into a summer thunderstorm outside. It was a profound match of setting, music, and weather.

Everyone has their own tastes in summer music, but here are a couple of my favorite summer tracks: a great recording of the Moonlight Sonata, as well as two other tracks in a more folksy, pastoral vein. Enjoy.

Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata (YSI) (filesavr)
James Taylor – Country Road (Live) (YSI) (filesavr)
John Denver- Take Me Home, Country Roads (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUCsUtxiEDt7tbLkDi_cwnFTQ-zzy5L1vfamJYF74HygKkgpZTTVw0T5t6V2dAqxtwfY2JXvs7DBntR6s1mxnq8ADVPSmWmVffXu3IIxgauijApOzhcED2MINx4CdSrV1LDWSdH1RHtw/s1600-h/tanglewood.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329030249987758562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUCsUtxiEDt7tbLkDi_cwnFTQ-zzy5L1vfamJYF74HygKkgpZTTVw0T5t6V2dAqxtwfY2JXvs7DBntR6s1mxnq8ADVPSmWmVffXu3IIxgauijApOzhcED2MINx4CdSrV1LDWSdH1RHtw/s320/tanglewood.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 215px;" /></a>It has been a glorious weekend in Boston, with temperatures climbing up into the 80s both yesterday and today. Always nice to get a taste of summer in April. One of my favorite aspects of nice weather is how, with everyone’s windows open, you can hear a rich tapestry of sounds all around you. This is a particularly pleasant sensation after you’ve been holed up with all windows closed through a long winter. Yesterday morning, as I sat on my porch, I heard music all around me: a neighbor practicing piano, faint exclamations from the church choir down the street, birds chirping, car radios blaring for all to hear.<br /><br />Music and the summer make a wonderful combination. I think this is partly because we enjoy hearing music as part of a broader soundscape, whether it be the loud variety of city noises or the peaceful rustlings of a more pastoral scene. This is why Tanglewood (the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer home) and other outdoor music festivals are so popular. Indeed, it is exceedingly pleasant to sit on the lawn out at Tanglewood, hearing one of the best orchestras in the world play as you lounge on the grass, the music mingling with the sound of rustling leaves. Or, more dramatically, to listen to a performance as rain falls around you. I'll always remember hearing Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata played at my grandmother’s funeral service, while a gentle rain grew into a summer thunderstorm outside. It was a profound match of setting, music, and weather.<br /><br />Everyone has their own tastes in summer music, but here are a couple of my favorite summer tracks: a great recording of the Moonlight Sonata, as well as two other tracks in a more folksy, pastoral vein. Enjoy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvK3BKYUlsamVGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01moonlightsonatabeethoven" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">James Taylor – Country Road (Live)</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvK3BKYUk5NVVLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/11countryroadlive" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">John Denver- Take Me Home, Country Roads</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvK3BKYUllaFFLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/takemehomecountryroads" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Guns and Violence

Now I’m not one to advocate violence, nor am I a member of the NRA. In fact, I totally support gun control, peace, etc. But sometimes guns and violence prove crucial components to some great music, and today I’d like to write about a couple of such songs.

Really, I’d like to focus on a single track, one of my favorite hip-hop tracks of the last couple years: Lil Wayne’s “Shooter,” off of Tha Carter II. “Shooter” features the smooth vocals of Robin Thicke, as well as lyrics about shooting, getting shot, etc. I don’t love it for its lyrical content, but because it has one of the most effective and elaborately layered backing tracks I’ve ever heard.

The beginning is understated, a simple bass line and drum beat with periods of silence between phrases, empty space waiting to be filled by a kicking beat. Then vocals are introduced, and then a lazy guitar riff. And then, at 1:20, the song kicks into gear with the start of Lil Wayne’s first verse. The backing track at times borders on the cacophonous, with brass ensemble, guitars, piano, gunshot sounds, percussion and electronic noises all layered on top of each other underneath the vocals. At one point there’s even a sort of cappella breakdown on the syllables “na nin-na nin nin…” As a former a cappella singer, it’s always nice to hear silly a cappella syllables in music that’s actually good.

Anyways, a great track, give it a listen and check out the intricacies of the background. Lil Wayne’s rapping is great too, and Robin Thicke’s vocals are a nice touch. In addition, I’ve included another gun-themed track from Biggie Smalls, “Machine Gun Funk” off of Ready to Die. My favorite part of this track is the reference to Tina Turner’s classic “What’s Love Got to Do With It” about 2 and a half minutes in. Check it out.

Lil Wayne ft. Robin Thicke - Shooter (YSI) (filesavr)
Notorious B.I.G. - Machine Gun Funk (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG_WW9YdiE5QhrebQdOSGVrAyzvL7SRj2b0hIRsREYSKYR4JEc0mbAJSzK04z0AcPp1TlhbuKirNHGenai_DqcbzuBtozqLeN_ZMhCvhBBHV9OYHVy4I15KD-D2JBkiae3AWnYfp4hRk/s1600-h/lilwayne5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328363813550824290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG_WW9YdiE5QhrebQdOSGVrAyzvL7SRj2b0hIRsREYSKYR4JEc0mbAJSzK04z0AcPp1TlhbuKirNHGenai_DqcbzuBtozqLeN_ZMhCvhBBHV9OYHVy4I15KD-D2JBkiae3AWnYfp4hRk/s320/lilwayne5.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 320px;" /></a>Now I’m not one to advocate violence, nor am I a member of the NRA. In fact, I totally support gun control, peace, etc. But sometimes guns and violence prove crucial components to some great music, and today I’d like to write about a couple of such songs.<br /><br />Really, I’d like to focus on a single track, one of my favorite hip-hop tracks of the last couple years: Lil Wayne’s “Shooter,” off of <span style="font-style: italic;">Tha Carter II</span>. “Shooter” features the smooth vocals of Robin Thicke, as well as lyrics about shooting, getting shot, etc. I don’t love it for its lyrical content, but because it has one of the most effective and elaborately layered backing tracks I’ve ever heard.<br /><br />The beginning is understated, a simple bass line and drum beat with periods of silence between phrases, empty space waiting to be filled by a kicking beat. Then vocals are introduced, and then a lazy guitar riff. And then, at 1:20, the song kicks into gear with the start of Lil Wayne’s first verse. The backing track at times borders on the cacophonous, with brass ensemble, guitars, piano, gunshot sounds, percussion and electronic noises all layered on top of each other underneath the vocals. At one point there’s even a sort of cappella breakdown on the syllables “na nin-na nin nin…” As a former a cappella singer, it’s always nice to hear silly a cappella syllables in music that’s actually good.<br /><br />Anyways, a great track, give it a listen and check out the intricacies of the background. Lil Wayne’s rapping is great too, and Robin Thicke’s vocals are a nice touch. In addition, I’ve included another gun-themed track from Biggie Smalls, “Machine Gun Funk” off of <span style="font-style: italic;">Ready to Die</span>. My favorite part of this track is the reference to Tina Turner’s classic “What’s Love Got to Do With It” about 2 and a half minutes in. Check it out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lil Wayne ft. Robin Thicke - Shooter</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwUXVseWFUME4zZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/shooter" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Notorious B.I.G. - Machine Gun Funk</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwUXVwMGtPSHdLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/04machinegunfunk" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Drumroll, Please...

And now, a guest post from Dedicated Fan X:

Greetings all you TSRE fans out there. Before Zack and Chris left for vacation, I batted my eyelashes until I got an opportunity to write my own post – you see I hear a lot about TSRE, and I wanted to try my hand at this blogging thing. This therefore is my grand debut into the blog-o-sphere: four songs, two paragraphs, and one picture. Here it goes.

It seems to me that as soon as a new song becomes popular, there are instantly endless mash-ups, remixes, and covers of that very song. Call me old-fashioned, boring, or lame (it wouldn’t be the first time) but I like old classic rock covers. There isn’t anything fancy about them – no real reinvention of the song – just one artist honoring another by singing their sweet tunes. So I’m turning back the clock on TSRE, and posting some covers of Bob Dylan songs. These are all live tracks from an anniversary concert – I happen to think they are awesome. Enjoy my tunes.

Neil Young - All Along The Watchtower (YSI) (filesavr)
The Clancy Brothers - When The Ship Comes In (YSI) (filesavr)
Eric Clapton - Don't Think Twice It's Alright (YSI) (filesavr)
John Mellencamp - Like a Rolling Stone (YSI) (filesavr)

And now, a guest post from Dedicated Fan X:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz9orZchqg_daL2QOthVi9LjizSM1G8H-f35CBGqil-1F7tms0yFjmc732vVd6TWyVSRw1evhw8BOlyxyJUDEPcviz3fq2TN70vOAuVNnfbCo4UqQ4R_K94z8cKm3bd2GRpWtdvbb8M4/s1600-h/Picture+1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327636504417906802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz9orZchqg_daL2QOthVi9LjizSM1G8H-f35CBGqil-1F7tms0yFjmc732vVd6TWyVSRw1evhw8BOlyxyJUDEPcviz3fq2TN70vOAuVNnfbCo4UqQ4R_K94z8cKm3bd2GRpWtdvbb8M4/s320/Picture+1.png" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px;" /></a>Greetings all you TSRE fans out there. Before Zack and Chris left for vacation, I batted my eyelashes until I got an opportunity to write my own post – you see I hear a lot about TSRE, and I wanted to try my hand at this blogging thing. This therefore is my grand debut into the blog-o-sphere: four songs, two paragraphs, and one picture. Here it goes.<br /><br />It seems to me that as soon as a new song becomes popular, there are instantly endless mash-ups, remixes, and covers of that very song. Call me old-fashioned, boring, or lame (it wouldn’t be the first time) but I like old classic rock covers. There isn’t anything fancy about them – no real reinvention of the song – just one artist honoring another by singing their sweet tunes. So I’m turning back the clock on TSRE, and posting some covers of Bob Dylan songs. These are all live tracks from an anniversary concert – I happen to think they are awesome. Enjoy my tunes.<br /><br />Neil Young - All Along The Watchtower (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvek9nNDQ3N0JMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/2-02allalongthewatchtower" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />The Clancy Brothers - When The Ship Comes In (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvek9uQzNsamVGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/1-14whentheshipcomesindylancover" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Eric Clapton - Don't Think Twice It's Alright (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvek9uQzNsUjlMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/2-04dontthinktwiceitsallrightdylancover" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />John Mellencamp - Like a Rolling Stone (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvek9yTERKV09Ga1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/1-01likearollingstone" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Jelly Beans Are Delicious!

But a guy in a Jelly Belly suit is pretty weird and probably felonious in some places. When I read about The Joker's Daughter, a collaboration between Danger Mouse and Helena Costas, a British folk singer/songwriter, I was intrigued. While at first such a team up may sound strange, it actually works. Danger Mouse crafts his beats to fit Costas's delicate folk vocals. The songs remain distinctly Costas's, albeit with some thumping, quasi hip-hop undertones subtly mixed in. Give it a listen, its pretty awesome that artists from such seemingly disparate fields of music and levels of recognition can produce such great stuff.

Joker's Daughter - Jelly Belly (YSI) (filesavr)
Joker's Daughter - JD Folk Blues (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8FFyVeCZLCaL4gF4ewiNSu3J7fA76JWWb7tnYmBwJVpa8heJvCFEA-dhKlGjS61nLbt8RHcyvig8E-3Y5unk2eJDAf9hYCzXYneCbUGM_WZsI-lVUXJC9o18c_SkW-hw7-9Po6sXoX3N/s1600-h/TSRE+Jelly+Belly.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325488914161771570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8FFyVeCZLCaL4gF4ewiNSu3J7fA76JWWb7tnYmBwJVpa8heJvCFEA-dhKlGjS61nLbt8RHcyvig8E-3Y5unk2eJDAf9hYCzXYneCbUGM_WZsI-lVUXJC9o18c_SkW-hw7-9Po6sXoX3N/s320/TSRE+Jelly+Belly.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 215px;" /></a>But a guy in a Jelly Belly suit is pretty weird and probably felonious in some places. When I read about The Joker's Daughter, a collaboration between Danger Mouse and Helena Costas, a British folk singer/songwriter, I was intrigued. While at first such a team up may sound strange, it actually works. Danger Mouse crafts his beats to fit Costas's delicate folk vocals. The songs remain distinctly Costas's, albeit with some thumping, quasi hip-hop undertones subtly mixed in. Give it a listen, its pretty awesome that artists from such seemingly disparate fields of music and levels of recognition can produce such great stuff.<br /><br />Joker's Daughter - Jelly Belly (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdpVnNVbStGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/08jellybelly" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Joker's Daughter - JD Folk Blues (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdpVnNRWUtGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/05jdfolkblues" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

AV: Sigur Ros Remind Us Why Earth Day Is Worth It

Music and movie trailers is (are?) one of the best combinations on this green earth.  They go together like Fish and Chips, like Baseball and Apple Pie, like two other things that go really well together.  Sometimes, like in the Where The Wild Things Are trailer, they are perfect.

This is one of those times.

First off, it's a great idea for a movie - take Planet Earth and put it in theaters.  Count me in.  I would love to see the wonders of the blue sphere on the big screen...as if seeing those scene in the first place wasn't gorgeous and breathtaking enough.

Second off, I can't think of a better group to back these fantastic images.  Sigur Ros could score the big bang.  Seriously, the addition of the hopelandic group makes the trailer that much more inspirational.

Today is Earth Day, and this movie comes out.  Go see it and remember how freakin' cool the world is.

Sigur Ros - Med Sud I Eyrum (YSI) (filesavr)

Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla (YSI) (filesavr)

We Are Scientists - Hoppipolla (Sigur Ros Cover) (YSI) (filesavr)

Music and movie trailers is (are?) one of the best combinations on this green earth.  They go together like Fish and Chips, like Baseball and Apple Pie, like two other things that go really well together.  Sometimes, like in the Where The Wild Things Are trailer, they are perfect.<div><br /></div><div>This is one of those times.</div><div><br /></div><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-T6APT6_w7I&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-T6APT6_w7I&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>First off, it's a great idea for a movie - take Planet Earth and put it in theaters.  Count me in.  I would love to see the wonders of the blue sphere on the big screen...as if seeing those scene in the first place wasn't gorgeous and breathtaking enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>Second off, I can't think of a better group to back these fantastic images.  Sigur Ros could score the big bang.  Seriously, the addition of the hopelandic group makes the trailer that much more inspirational.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today is Earth Day, and this movie comes out.  Go see it and remember how freakin' cool the world is.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Sigur Ros - Med Sud I Eyrum</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdncG9waFFLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/06medsudieyrum" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Sigur Ros - Hoppipolla</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdvYXlvQUozZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01hoppipolla" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">We Are Scientists - Hoppipolla (Sigur Ros Cover)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdncG84Q1FLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/hopppollasigurroscover_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Stu Reid Sampler: Luda Meets Classical

I love classical music. And thus, I love those rare moments when I come across a track in the popular sphere that samples classical music. Such an occasion came when I discovered the Ludacris track entitled “Coming 2 America,” off of Luda’s 2001 Word of Mouf. The track samples not one but two of the most well-known works from the classical canon: the “Dies Irae” from Mozart’s Requiem and the final movement from Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World.”

What first struck me about the track was how powerfully odd the juxtaposition of rap language and classical music is. "Coming 2 America" opens with a woman speaking the words, “The royal penis is clean your highness,” to which a male voice responds, “Thank you, king shit.” Then the track proceeds into the Mozart sample. Talk about cultural dissonance.

Yet the more interesting sample is certainly the Dvorák. Indeed, the use of the famous “New World” Symphony is pretty loaded. It was written by Dvorák in the years just after he had moved to the United States from Czechoslovakia to teach in New York, and served as a musical reflection on the America he found. Thus, it fits nicely with the idea of “Coming 2 America.”

But the use of the Dvorák is powerful on a deeper historical level. Dvorák was a famous composer, but he also was famously the first major figure from the Western music tradition to speak to the value of African-American musical traditions. In an 1893 New York Herald article titled “Real Value of Negro Melodies,” he wrote:

I am now satisfied that the future music of this country must be founded upon what are called the negro melodies…In the negro melodies of America I discover all that is needed for a great and noble school of music. They are pathetic, tender, passionate, melancholy, solemn, religious, bold, merry, gay or what you will…There is nothing in the whole range of composition that cannot be supplied with themes from this source. (Quotation from Alex Ross’s The Rest is Noise)

How fitting, then, that rap music, the most prominent contemporary form of musical expression for African-Americans, would sample a work by Dvorák, particularly this symphony which draws on African-American music. I have no idea if Bangladesh, the producer of “Coming 2 America,” had any knowledge of these associations. His better-known tracks, such as Luda’s “What’s Your Fantasy” and Lil Wayne’s “A Milli”, don’t display such historical awareness. Regardless, in "Coming 2 America" he creates a juxtaposition of two seemingly disparate musical traditions that is compelling on several levels, and a great track to boot.

Ludacris - Coming 2 America (YSI) (filesavr)
Dvorak - Finale from Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" (YSI) (filesavr)
Mozart - Dies Irae (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuI934-U_YeiVgUwJkHfzDhLSk0FnD-LOTywRnG97G_ukCiDPCLMyk6hAlK4HQc5lrmHT1T32SfTToUbaqTOdWVAHPThPQB9r4AJGUjjn-zSDGoQTTajVPVnyq-LdFzj-FsdfDSGRmlf4/s1600-h/ludacris.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327223971155197058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuI934-U_YeiVgUwJkHfzDhLSk0FnD-LOTywRnG97G_ukCiDPCLMyk6hAlK4HQc5lrmHT1T32SfTToUbaqTOdWVAHPThPQB9r4AJGUjjn-zSDGoQTTajVPVnyq-LdFzj-FsdfDSGRmlf4/s320/ludacris.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 209px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OPb26_xU1NgAxOwNr-Cox98s28imZA8PAMOryAlzvyc2iJTCRBc-kF2Nb0FxkqT83B8I3A-dUkjPqfyoEkpr9OZfNKl6Wq3D0OvjaFDr0fduToPOIuGnDPinU_wmLae5XVymPAnDZ4U/s1600-h/Dvorak01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327224143004571442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OPb26_xU1NgAxOwNr-Cox98s28imZA8PAMOryAlzvyc2iJTCRBc-kF2Nb0FxkqT83B8I3A-dUkjPqfyoEkpr9OZfNKl6Wq3D0OvjaFDr0fduToPOIuGnDPinU_wmLae5XVymPAnDZ4U/s320/Dvorak01.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 210px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I love classical music. And thus, I love those rare moments when I come across a track in the popular sphere that samples classical music. S</span><span style="font-size:85%;">uch an occasion came when I discovered the Ludacris track entitled “Coming 2 America,” off of Luda’s 2001 </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Word of Mouf</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. The track samples not one but two of the most well-known works from the classical canon: the “Dies Irae” from Mozart’s </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Requiem</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> and the final movement from Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World.”<br /><br />What first struck me about the track was how powerfully odd the juxtaposition of rap language and classical music is. "Coming 2 America" opens with a woman speaking the words, “The royal penis is clean your highness,” to which a male voice responds, “Thank you, king shit.” Then the track proceeds into the Mozart sample. Talk about cultural dissonance.<br /><br />Yet the more interesting sample is certainly the Dvorák. Indeed, the use of the famous “New World” Symphony is pretty loaded. It was written by Dvorák in the years just after he had moved to the United States from Czechoslovakia to teach in New York, and served as a musical reflection on the America he found. Thus, it fits nicely with the idea of “Coming 2 America.”<br /><br />But the use of the Dvorák is powerful on a deeper historical level. Dvorák was a famous composer, but he also was famously the first major figure from the Western music tradition to speak to the value of African-American musical traditions. In an 1893 New York Herald article titled “Real Value of Negro Melodies,” he wrote:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">I am now satisfied that the future music of this country must be founded upon what are called the negro melodies…In the negro melodies of America I discover all that is needed for a great and noble school of music. They are pathetic, tender, passionate, melancholy, solemn, religious, bold, merry, gay or what you will…There is nothing in the whole range of composition that cannot be supplied with themes from this source. (Quotation from Alex Ross’s <span style="font-style: italic;">The Rest is Noise</span>)</span></blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">How fitting, then, that rap music, the most prominent contemporary form of musical expression for African-Americans, would sample a work by Dvorák, particularly this symphony which draws on African-American music. I have no idea if Bangladesh, the producer of “Coming 2 America,” had any knowledge of these associations. His better-known tracks, such as Luda’s “What’s Your Fantasy” and Lil Wayne’s “A Milli”, don’t display such historical awareness. Regardless, in "Coming 2 America" he creates a juxtaposition of two seemingly disparate musical traditions that is compelling on several levels, and a great track to boot.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ludacris - Coming 2 America</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwTXRYQzN0QTEzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01coming2america" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dvorak - Finale from Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwTXRiTER3NUpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/06symphonyno9newworld4finaleallegroconfuoco" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mozart - Dies Irae</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwTXRUQzdtNEpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/03diesiraefromtherequiem" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /></span>

AV: Illustrated Strangers

Caught this video via Wooster Collective, the best street art site on the web.  If you're at all interested in graffiti, street art, culture jamming, etc, and you haven't heard of Wooster, you're missing out.  So check it out.

I really like this video - kind of an alternate take on Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" video.  The song is The Doors' "People Are Strange" and the illustrations are done by Violenn Simon.  Great illustrations, and Violenn is a really cool first name.  I dig it.

And I dig this video in a major way.  

Clare Maguire - Strangest Thing (YSI) (filesavr)

Eva Cassidy - Wayfaring Stranger (YSI) (filesavr)

Little Joy - With Strangers (YSI) (filesavr)

<div>Caught this video via Wooster Collective, the best street art site on the web.  If you're at all interested in graffiti, street art, culture jamming, etc, and you haven't heard of Wooster, you're missing out.  So check it out.</div><div><br /></div><object height="450" width="800"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2354261&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2354261&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br /><br /><div>I really like this video - kind of an alternate take on Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" video.  The song is The Doors' "People Are Strange" and the illustrations are done by Violenn Simon.  Great illustrations, and Violenn is a really cool first name.  I dig it.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I dig this video in a major way.  </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Clare Maguire - Strangest Thing</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdvWlR3TGhMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/strangestthing_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Eva Cassidy - Wayfaring Stranger</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdrMVhWRCtGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/03wayfaringstranger" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Little Joy - With Strangers</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdvWlR0QTFMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/07withstrangers" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Please Leave a Message

After the beep because Chris and I are currently out of the country. We're in Old San Juan right now, just taking it easy. A much needed break. But we've left a bunch of great tunes in the meantime. I don't really know much about Villains except that they crank out some awesome remixes and covers. I would compare their reinterpretation of Thrilla to putting it in an electro blender. The Polly Scattergood track is filled with disco hand clapping goodness.

Villains - Thrilla (YSI) (filesavr)
Lykke Li - Little Bit (Villains Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)
Polly Scattergood - Please Don't Touch (The Golden Filter Dub Mix) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JrDz9SzSHeyG9h7tYAJuknC4kKVlIM9CT6a8sbE86XSonu3Dt22JUdzHmPUg4ayRF494r5IIuEaCOJUzBCJVjabFfinJfFQxGo4fqt3mjnGt3YHDcY4_aKzBtGxuOMaIHLpYMqUQbkBn/s1600-h/TSRE+Villains.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325482437229897202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JrDz9SzSHeyG9h7tYAJuknC4kKVlIM9CT6a8sbE86XSonu3Dt22JUdzHmPUg4ayRF494r5IIuEaCOJUzBCJVjabFfinJfFQxGo4fqt3mjnGt3YHDcY4_aKzBtGxuOMaIHLpYMqUQbkBn/s320/TSRE+Villains.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 320px;" /></a>After the beep because Chris and I are currently out of the country. We're in Old San Juan right now, just taking it easy. A much needed break. But we've left a bunch of great tunes in the meantime. I don't really know much about Villains except that they crank out some awesome remixes and covers. I would compare their reinterpretation of Thrilla to putting it in an electro blender. The Polly Scattergood track is filled with disco hand clapping goodness.<br /><br />Villains - Thrilla (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVd0NmNCMTVMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/thrilla" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Lykke Li - Little Bit (Villains Remix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVd1dzhtMEozZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/08lykkeli-littlebitvillainsremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Polly Scattergood - Please Don't Touch (The Golden Filter Dub Mix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVd1dzg5NVVLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/pleasedonttouchthegoldenfilterdubmix_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Marathon Monday

So today is Patriot's Day, a holiday observed in Massachusetts, Maine, and oddly enough, the Wisconsin public school system. It is a celebration of the first shots of the Revolutionary War, in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. But in the Boston area, it is perhaps best known as the day of the Boston Marathon, the oldest annual marathon in the world, first run in 1897. I used to go and watch the marathon as a child, but today I was content to sit and watch the whole race on TV. I was particularly interested as this year there was a serious American contender in both the women's and men's races: Kara Goucher and and Ryan Hall. Both ended up coming in third, but it was exciting to watch nonetheless, as the women's race came down to the final stretch with the winner edging out the runner up by less than 2 seconds. Pretty incredible that a race would be so close after 26 miles of running.


Anyways, in honor of the marathon, a few tracks vaguely associated with running. Enjoy.

Pink Floyd - Run Like Hell (YSI) (filesavr)
The Velvet Underground - Run Run Run (YSI) (filesavr)
Wolf Parade - You Are A Runner And I Am My Father's Son (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZV8sKd-1o0nWhwJYsZ5jcM89x7aDkdHL2CXNc56XIXTrIIRNjEOk1imWguNv7jZHF4ZnisarDMow7TMokdWtVG9SzB1jbjRI3m7TW6VriP02ii6YZazHQwobwjnrglxwgNrM-1AQbmk/s1600-h/Boston-marathon-45.3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326817947651758338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZV8sKd-1o0nWhwJYsZ5jcM89x7aDkdHL2CXNc56XIXTrIIRNjEOk1imWguNv7jZHF4ZnisarDMow7TMokdWtVG9SzB1jbjRI3m7TW6VriP02ii6YZazHQwobwjnrglxwgNrM-1AQbmk/s320/Boston-marathon-45.3.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 242px;" /></a>So today is Patriot's Day, a holiday observed in Massachusetts, Maine, and oddly enough, the Wisconsin public school system. It is a celebration of the first shots of the Revolutionary War, in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. But in the Boston area, it is perhaps best known as the day of the Boston Marathon, the oldest annual marathon in the world, first run in 1897. I used to go and watch the marathon as a child, but today I was content to sit and watch the whole race on TV. I was particularly interested as this year there was a serious American contender in both the women's and men's races: Kara Goucher and and Ryan Hall. Both ended up coming in third, but it was exciting to watch nonetheless, as the women's race came down to the final stretch with the winner edging out the runner up by less than 2 seconds. Pretty incredible that a race would be so close after 26 miles of running.<br /><br /><br />Anyways, in honor of the marathon, a few tracks vaguely associated with running. Enjoy.<br /><br />Pink Floyd - Run Like Hell (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyV284R3NlM1NGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/2-09runlikehell_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />The Velvet Underground - Run Run Run (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyV28zTWMrV3pIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/05runrunrun_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Wolf Parade - You Are A Runner And I Am My Father's Son (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyV28zTWNsUi9IRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01youarearunnerandiammyfathersson" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Streetlab Gets Back to Bass-ics

Recently some slick tracks landed in my inbox courtesy of Streetlab - a mix of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and some Hall and Oates.  I listened to the tracks once on my earbuds and thought - cool, those tracks are pretty decent.

When I got home, I threw on some quality cans and listened to the tracks again on some headphones with bass.  WHOLE NEW BALLGAME.

These tracks are seriously good.  Combine them with an earlier bass-crunching Streetlab remix of Passion Pit's "Sleepyhead", and you have my heart.

The Hall and Oates tune combines some overtly mechanical drums and autotune with the original organic vocals for a great juxtaposition that really highlights the best parts of the original while giving it some well received thump.

The Beatles remix is dark, heavy, and occasionally disjointed.  But in the best way possible.

The Passion Pit remix is completely bonkers.  The low end blows my mind.

Instructions:

1.  Listen to a song to adjust your volume to optimal level.

2.  Double that volume.

3.  Play these 3 songs in a row.

4.  If you don't bump to these you're probably not human.  

Lights down, Volume up, that's the way we like to THUMP.

Hall and Oates - Can't Go For That (Streetlab Mix) (YSI) (filesavr)

The Beatles - Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Streetlab Mix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (Streetlab Mix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Recently some slick tracks landed in my inbox courtesy of Streetlab - a mix of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and some Hall and Oates.  I listened to the tracks once on my earbuds and thought - cool, those tracks are pretty decent.<div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325477922808631266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8710v9S8hMlLl4Bqo9ln8wlhjwHNqRuB0baQpp1z2xRBhSPJTKlZV3mwsgJNRs-ch98hrZeQqhY05MO-h7pew1pA_8khBIIWuZgO8zua3Y0fZWLLkfwFo-sf2-tJVTtzZc-FEj8JQqX8/s320/laboratoryTSRE.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" /><div>When I got home, I threw on some quality cans and listened to the tracks again on some headphones with bass.  WHOLE NEW BALLGAME.</div><div><br /></div><div>These tracks are seriously good.  Combine them with an earlier bass-crunching Streetlab remix of Passion Pit's "Sleepyhead", and you have my heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Hall and Oates tune combines some overtly mechanical drums and autotune with the original organic vocals for a great juxtaposition that really highlights the best parts of the original while giving it some well received thump.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Beatles remix is dark, heavy, and occasionally disjointed.  But in the best way possible.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Passion Pit remix is completely bonkers.  The low end blows my mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instructions:</div><div>1.  Listen to a song to adjust your volume to optimal level.</div><div>2.  Double that volume.</div><div>3.  Play these 3 songs in a row.</div><div>4.  If you don't bump to these you're probably not human.  </div><div><br /></div><div>Lights down, Volume up, that's the way we like to THUMP.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hall and Oates - Can't Go For That (Streetlab Mix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdpTk1Fc0tGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/icantgoforthatstreetlabmix_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>The Beatles - Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Streetlab Mix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdpTk05bEIzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01sgtpepperslonelyheartsclubb" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (Streetlab Mix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdxV3IzS3BMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/sleepyheadstreetlabmix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Stu Reid Sampler: Talib Kweli Does The Beatles

Since the last psuedo Stu Reid Sampler was full of questions - "Is it Zombies?  Is it Ben E. King?  It sounds like the Zombies, but then why does Talib Kweli say 'That's like some Ben E. King'?" - I decided to run it back right away.  With an unmistakeable sample that's incorporated into a completely dope track.

And - what's this! - it involves Talib too!  Full circle.

A friend played this track for me the other day, and I immediately needed to listen to it over and over.  It's sick.  Like really sick.  Like takes "Eleanor Rigby", one of the most revered, covered, and spun songs on the planet and manages to put it into a cool hip hop context.  So good.  It's called "Lonely People", features Latoiya Williams' vocals, and comes from Talib's 2004 mixtape "The Beautiful Mixtape".  

Here's the original Beatles track, along with Talib's version.  Also, the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, does an amazing cover of Eleanor Rigby on her fantastic album Live from the Filmore West, which I just have to share.  The concert is incredible, with Aretha belting out awesome songs, covering the Beatles, singing a duet with Ray Charles, and more.  Phenom.  Check it out if you haven't already.

The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby (YSI) (filesavr)

Talib Kweli f. Latoiya Williams - Lonely People (YSI) (filesavr)

Aretha Franklin - Eleanor Rigby (YSI) (filesavr)

Since the last psuedo Stu Reid Sampler was full of questions - "Is it Zombies?  Is it Ben E. King?  It sounds like the Zombies, but then why does Talib Kweli say 'That's like some Ben E. King'?" - I decided to run it back right away.  With an unmistakeable sample that's incorporated into a completely dope track.<div><br /></div><div>And - what's this! - it involves Talib too!  Full circle.</div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325475210017084626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLOHl11W4Qhv673m_B2OdVVK0zzpT7kzg8E2YBAqe3qr62_kyuGHlBVgtB60zM1_8ywkarFlS_1ltOguwf59iRGXvJb179SPh5nGqwOjvygGaL7m1AE0vy2-qzmKJMjIYW2DOGeiP1ak/s320/BeetlesTSRE.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></div><div>A friend played this track for me the other day, and I immediately needed to listen to it over and over.  It's sick.  Like really sick.  Like takes "Eleanor Rigby", one of the most revered, covered, and spun songs on the planet and manages to put it into a cool hip hop context.  So good.  It's called "Lonely People", features Latoiya Williams' vocals, and comes from Talib's 2004 mixtape "The Beautiful Mixtape".  </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the original Beatles track, along with Talib's version.  Also, the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, does an amazing cover of Eleanor Rigby on her fantastic album <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Live from the Filmore West</span>, which I just have to share.  The concert is incredible, with Aretha belting out awesome songs, covering the Beatles, singing a duet with Ray Charles, and more.  Phenom.  Check it out if you haven't already.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdtRStTRTdIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02eleanorrigby_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Talib Kweli f. Latoiya Williams - Lonely People </span>(<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdtRStZY1FLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/12lonelypeoplefeatlatoiyawill_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Aretha Franklin - Eleanor Rigby</span> (<a href="http://download.yousendit.com/WnBURkJYQVN6RS9IRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/04eleanorrigby_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Smooth Saturday

Wow, I'm not one usually for Euro electro, but Parov Stelar is incredibly refreshing. Both tracks are smooth and groove laden, with just enough repetition to really generate atmosphere. Parov Stelar makes suave music, thats really the best adjective I can use to describe it. Great jazzy rhythm and mood without resorting to anything too meretricioius.

Parov Stelar - Chambermaid Swing (YSI) (filesavr)
Parov Stelar - Kiss Kiss (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UrwYpp6yl5cHYnPMODKkPi6CeKQj1XuXqDukJwTWprYlQH8BPGEhliqa-Tv8hbqD5mEYOChHDsSBhnbYq7QFf6VsaNzJakRKFAc92MLsvVW5aHnIY8cqMKWg9azrLQ9RcxcQPe_yf5zs/s1600-h/TSRE+Wall.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325291646878995842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UrwYpp6yl5cHYnPMODKkPi6CeKQj1XuXqDukJwTWprYlQH8BPGEhliqa-Tv8hbqD5mEYOChHDsSBhnbYq7QFf6VsaNzJakRKFAc92MLsvVW5aHnIY8cqMKWg9azrLQ9RcxcQPe_yf5zs/s320/TSRE+Wall.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 275px;" /></a>Wow, I'm not one usually for Euro electro, but Parov Stelar is incredibly refreshing. Both tracks are smooth and groove laden, with just enough repetition to really generate atmosphere. Parov Stelar makes suave music, thats really the best adjective I can use to describe it. Great jazzy rhythm and mood without resorting to anything too meretricioius.<br /><br />Parov Stelar - Chambermaid Swing (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwckhaY3lwTVYzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/chambermaidswing" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Parov Stelar - Kiss Kiss (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwckhjR3N6NEpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/kisskiss" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

AV: Beats and Breaks

Stumbled across this video the other day and had to share it.  I love classical music, I love beatboxing, and I love breakdancing.  So a video that combines all three is a definite win in my book.  Hard to sum up this video in words - check it out.

Some of the beatboxing in this video really reminds me of the solo beatboxing that Rahzel from The Roots used to do - phenomenal, multi-faceted, throaty and crisp.  Rahzel is a guy that made a lot of noise (pun intended) in the late 90s but has mostly disappeared since.  He was known as The Godfather of Noyze, and although his stuff hasn't really grown much, it's still pretty essential listening.  Here are two of his best tracks - "If Your Mother Only Knew" and "Battle w/ DJ Scribble".  On the first he shows off his chops, beatboxing and singing at the same time, live in concert.  The second is a DJ vs. beatbox battle that pretty much defined my white suburban teenage years.  Lap it up.

Rahzel - If Your Mother Only Knew (YSI) (filesavr)

Rahzel - Battle w/ DJ Scribble (YSI) (filesavr)

Stumbled across this video the other day and had to share it.  I love classical music, I love beatboxing, and I love breakdancing.  So a video that combines all three is a definite win in my book.  Hard to sum up this video in words - check it out.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yASr1gNLD34&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yASr1gNLD34&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>Some of the beatboxing in this video really reminds me of the solo beatboxing that Rahzel from The Roots used to do - phenomenal, multi-faceted, throaty and crisp.  Rahzel is a guy that made a lot of noise (pun intended) in the late 90s but has mostly disappeared since.  He was known as The Godfather of Noyze, and although his stuff hasn't really grown much, it's still pretty essential listening.  Here are two of his best tracks - "If Your Mother Only Knew" and "Battle w/ DJ Scribble".  On the first he shows off his chops, beatboxing and singing at the same time, live in concert.  The second is a DJ vs. beatbox battle that pretty much defined my white suburban teenage years.  Lap it up.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Rahzel - If Your Mother Only Knew</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdrdGpJMHQzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/14ifyourmotheronlyknew" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Rahzel - Battle w/ DJ Scribble</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdndWNCMTZGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/battlewdjskribble" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

A Tale of New Technology

Last week I went into my concerns regarding the effects of new technologies such as the iPod and file sharing. What follows is an anecdote that demonstrates how current music technologies can help the listener (in this case me) to unlock fascinating musical associations and back stories with just a few clicks of a button.

It all began yesterday with iTunes Genius. Genius, for those unfamiliar, is a system within the iTunes player which takes a single song that you input and proceeds to recommend a playlist of anywhere from 25-100 similar songs from your own library. How well it works is obviously subject to the contents of your music collection, but on the whole it seems to work pretty well. My input yesterday was Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day,” as I’ve been on a bit of a Lou Reed kick since seeing Adventureland last weekend. Anyways, the next song on the Genius-generated playlist was “Life on Mars?” by David Bowie, a track I must have downloaded a while back and never really listened to.

David Bowie – Life on Mars? (YSI) (filesavr)

As I discovered, it’s a terrific song—well orchestrated, with a Broadway feel at times and a catchy chorus that really arrives. Thank you iTunes Genius! I proceeded to listen to the song on repeat while looking it up on Wikipedia, whence I learned this rather fascinating story behind “Life On Mars?”

In 1968, while Bowie was still obscure, he was hired to write English lyrics to a popular French song entitled “Comme d’habitude” (translation: as usual). But the song he wrote never ended up being released. Then, the Canadian songwriter Paul Anka bought the rights to “Comme d’habitude,” and wrote his own English-language version of the song. The result was “My Way,” which would become an instant classic when recorded by Sinatra the next year. Bowie then wrote “Life on Mars?” as a parodic response to the success of Sinatra's recording, success that Bowie felt he had been tantalizingly close to enjoying. He went so far as to use the exact chord progression of “My Way” in the verses of “Life on Mars?” anchored by the same descending chromatic line. As I'd never associated these two songs before, I was curious to hear the connection.

But I wouldn’t have been able to hear these similarities for myself without file sharing technology. Or at least I would have had to leave the house to do some record shopping. But with it, in about thirty seconds, I had recordings of both “My Way” and “Comme d’habitude.” And upon listening to "My Way" and "Life on Mars?" back to back, I realized that the harmonic commonality was quite clear, and my curiosity was satisfied.

Now, with blogging technology, I can share these tracks with you so that you can hear the similarities. I've also added my favorite cover of "Life on Mars?" by the innovative jazz trio The Bad Plus. It starts out slow, but builds to a strong finish and is worth a good listen.

Claude Francois – Comme d’habitude (YSI) (filesavr)

Frank Sinatra – My Way (YSI) (filesavr)

The Bad Plus – Life on Mars? (YSI) (filesavr)

<span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.thestureidexperiment.com/2009/04/ipod-nation.html" target="_blank">Last week</a> I went into my concerns regarding the effects of new technologies such as the iPod and file sharing. What follows is an anecdote that demonstrates how current music technologies can help the listener (in this case me) to unlock fascinating musical associations and back stories with just a few clicks of a button.<br /><br />It all began yesterday with iTunes Genius. Genius, for those unfamiliar, is a system within the iTunes player which takes a single song that you input and proceeds to recommend a playlist of anywhere from 25-100 similar songs from your own library. How well it works is obviously subject to the contents of your music collection, but on the whole it seems to work pretty well. My input yesterday was Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day,” as I’ve been on a bit of a Lou Reed kick since seeing <span style="font-style: italic;">Adventureland</span> last weekend. Anyways, the next song on the Genius-generated playlist was “Life on Mars?” by David Bowie, a track I must have downloaded a while back and never really listened to.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">David Bowie – Life on Mars?</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdpVnMzeUtGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/04lifeonmars" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br />As I discovered, it’s a terrific song—well orchestrated, with a Broadway feel at times and a catchy chorus that really <span style="font-style: italic;">arrives</span>. Thank you iTunes Genius! I proceeded to listen to the song on repeat while looking it up on Wikipedia, whence I learned this rather fascinating story behind “Life On Mars?”<br /><br />In 1968, while Bowie was still obscure, he was hired to write English lyrics to a popular French song entitled “Comme d’habitude” (translation: as usual). But the song he wrote never ended up being released. Then, the Canadian songwriter Paul Anka bought the rights to “Comme d’habitude,” and wrote his own English-language version of the song. The result was “My Way,” which would become an instant classic when recorded by Sinatra the next year. Bowie then wrote “Life on Mars?” as a parodic response to the success of Sinatra's recording, success that Bowie felt he had been tantalizingly close to enjoying. He went so far as to use the exact chord progression of “My Way” in the verses of “Life on Mars?” anchored by the same descending chromatic line. As I'd never associated these two songs before, I was curious to hear the connection.<br /><br />But I wouldn’t have been able to hear these similarities for myself without file sharing technology. Or at least I would have had to leave the house to do some record shopping. But with it, in about thirty seconds, I had recordings of both “My Way” and “Comme d’habitude.” And upon listening to "My Way" and "Life on Mars?" back to back, I realized that the harmonic commonality was quite clear, and my curiosity was satisfied.<br /><br />Now, with blogging technology, I can share these tracks with you so that <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> can hear the similarities. I've also added my favorite cover of "Life on Mars?" by the innovative jazz trio The Bad Plus. It starts out slow, but builds to a strong finish and is worth a good listen.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Claude Francois – Comme d’habitude</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdqb0I4aU1LSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/03commedhabitude" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Frank Sinatra – My Way</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdqb0JOQnlGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/16myway" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Bad Plus – Life on Mars?</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlweVdqb0JreEJMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/03lifeonmars" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>

AV: David Lynch Draws Moby's New Video!

I've really been into this video, which caught my eye sometime yesterday.  It's for Moby's newest song (which is actually really good!  very post-rock...) and features an animation by David Lynch.  Pimp-a-limp it's really good.

Here are a couple of great Moby tunes - 2 from his amazing album "Play" and one live Radiohead cover.  Woot!

Moby - Natural Blues (YSI) (filesavr)

Moby - Find My Baby (YSI) (filesavr)

Moby - Creep (Live Radiohead Cover) (YSI) (filesavr)

I've really been into this video, which caught my eye sometime yesterday.  It's for Moby's newest song (which is actually really good!  very post-rock...) and features an animation by David Lynch.  Pimp-a-limp it's really good.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q7zQlsLgYhg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q7zQlsLgYhg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div><br /></div><div>Here are a couple of great Moby tunes - 2 from his amazing album "Play" and one live Radiohead cover.  Woot!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Moby - Natural Blues</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyaXRNR3N0NjhLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/08naturalblues" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Moby - Find My Baby</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyaXRITWNVVGwzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/05findmybaby" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Moby - Creep (Live Radiohead Cover)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlyaXRFNkc5bEFLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/creepradiohead" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Thunder Down Under

Despite being relatively little known in the western hemisphere, the Australian music scene is actually pretty sick. Hopefully many of you are already familiar with Muscles and now I would like to introduce you to Snob Scrilla. Snob Scrilla is a rappa MC from Australia with a pretty distinctive voice who isn't afraid to use live piano and guitars to great effect. Heartbreak Scorsese is Snob's first single off of his new album. The '96 Bulls remix (SUCH A GREAT NAME!) adds some heavy clubs synths and makes the track a real banger worthy of the dominance that was the '96 Bulls. I'm looking forward to hearing the entire album. Good stuff.

Snob Scrilla - Houston (YSI) (filesavr)
Snob Scrilla - Heartbreak Scorses ('96 Bulls Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHM5xOc0-f7nkxoXULj2-lQd1MQHz1KUcVykJ5b_9jlkpZqZXHzlGfl3xtFVru-UjJj0uGCaY2eWR_p96MRIBhM6fS_yLIAP7aHunCiUBd3jj4bKg1bg7pDpmPbN2qOEHgva8wwmiSTArK/s1600-h/TSRE+96+Bulls.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325091125752683874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHM5xOc0-f7nkxoXULj2-lQd1MQHz1KUcVykJ5b_9jlkpZqZXHzlGfl3xtFVru-UjJj0uGCaY2eWR_p96MRIBhM6fS_yLIAP7aHunCiUBd3jj4bKg1bg7pDpmPbN2qOEHgva8wwmiSTArK/s320/TSRE+96+Bulls.JPG" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 238px;" /></a>Despite being relatively little known in the western hemisphere, the Australian music scene is actually pretty sick. Hopefully many of you are already familiar with Muscles and now I would like to introduce you to Snob Scrilla. Snob Scrilla is a rappa MC from Australia with a pretty distinctive voice who isn't afraid to use live piano and guitars to great effect. Heartbreak Scorsese is Snob's first single off of his new album. The '96 Bulls remix (SUCH A GREAT NAME!) adds some heavy clubs synths and makes the track a real banger worthy of the dominance that was the '96 Bulls. I'm looking forward to hearing the entire album. Good stuff.<br /><br />Snob Scrilla - Houston (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwckhRMm1mVFpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/houston" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Snob Scrilla - Heartbreak Scorses ('96 Bulls Remix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlwckhRMm1PSHpIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/heartbreakscorsese96bullsremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Afternoon Video Meets Stu Reid Sampler: John Lennon, Ben King, and the Fugees Play Stand By Me

Following up on this morning's Melanie Fiona post, here's a bit of a delayed Stu Reid Sampler.  Fiona's tune, "Give It To Me Right" samples "Stand By Me", a song originally by Ben E. King but performed the world over by numerous well known artists.  In fact, in 1999 BMI ranked it the 4th most performed song ever, with over 7 million performances.  Wow.

UPDATE:  HA!  As an astute reader points out, the song actually samples the Zombies' "Time of the Season".  So this post doesn't make a ton of sense.  BUT, "Stand By Me" is a great song with a well-known and interesting chord progression anyway, so let's talk about it!

The chord progression is famous, known as the 50s progression.  You might recognize it from songs like "Every Breath You Take", "Blue Moon", and Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls".

Perhaps the most famous cover of the tune is John Lennon's.  It's pretty cool - here's a video of him performing it in studio.

Additionally, here are two of my favorite versions.  The first is the original, by Ben E. King.  The second is a mostly a cappella cover by The Fugees - dope.

Ben E. King - Stand By Me (YSI) (filesavr)

Fugees - Stand By Me (A Cappella Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Following up on this morning's Melanie Fiona post, here's a bit of a delayed Stu Reid Sampler.  Fiona's tune, "Give It To Me Right" samples <s>"Stand By Me", a song originally by Ben E. King </s> but performed the world over by numerous well known artists.  In fact, in 1999 BMI ranked it the 4th most performed song ever, with over 7 million performances.  Wow.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">UPDATE:  </span>HA!  As an astute reader points out, the song actually samples the Zombies' "Time of the Season".  So this post doesn't make a ton of sense.  BUT, "Stand By Me" is a great song with a well-known and interesting chord progression anyway, so let's talk about it!</div><div><br /></div><div>The chord progression is famous, known as the 50s progression.  You might recognize it from songs like "Every Breath You Take", "Blue Moon", and Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls".</div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps the most famous cover of the tune is John Lennon's.  It's pretty cool - here's a video of him performing it in studio.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/O4_ghOG9JQM&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O4_ghOG9JQM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Additionally, here are two of my favorite versions.  The first is the original, by Ben E. King.  The second is a mostly a cappella cover by The Fugees - dope.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Ben E. King - Stand By Me </span>(<a href="http://download.yousendit.com/WnBSTXRYTkEzeUpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01-standbyme" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Fugees - Stand By Me (A Cappella Remix)</span> (<a href="http://download.yousendit.com/WnBSTXRYTkFwM21Ga1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/standbymeacapellacbb9a" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Stand By Melanie Fiona

Recently a fly track from an arist by the name of Melanie Fiona swept my way and took me by surprise.  First of all, the track features a familiar intro.  Second of all, it features a phenomenal female vocalist strutting her stuff all over the tune.  Third, Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, and Talib Kweli all added verses on Remix versions.  You had me at hello.

The intro comes from "Stand By Me", an oft covered Ben E. King tune (check back this afternoon for some Ben King goodness).  It sets a smooth but unobtrusive beat that proves to be the perfect backdrop for Fiona's vocals, which are soulful and nimble.  Perhaps more importantly, it keeps some wide open space on the track that is a perfect canvas for some verses from rappers.  Fiona's version is great - and definitely stands well on its own - but it lacks a little bit of pizazz, gladly provided by hip hop extraordinaires.  

I can't decide which version I like more.  Talib's verses are great and I'm a little more partial to his stylings, but Raekwon and Busta kill it in a very laidback way.  And the original is smooth as butter.  I do love the way Melanie Fiona's voice stabs through on what becomes the chorus in the remixes, though.

Regardless, I'll definitely be keeping my eyes on Fiona in the future.  She's got some chops and she's gotten some deserved attention.  Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go listen to these three tracks all day.  Thanks.

Melanie Fiona - Give It To Me Right (YSI) (filesavr)

Melanie Fiona f. Talib Kweli - Give It To Me Right (Talib Kweli Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Melanie Fiona f. Busta Rhymes and Raekwon - Give It To Me Right (Busta Rhymes and Raekwon Remix) (YSI) (filesavr) 

Recently a fly track from an arist by the name of Melanie Fiona swept my way and took me by surprise.  First of all, the track features a familiar intro.  Second of all, it features a phenomenal female vocalist strutting her stuff all over the tune.  Third, Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, and Talib Kweli all added verses on Remix versions.  You had me at hello.<div><br /></div><div>The intro comes from "Stand By Me", an oft covered Ben E. King tune (check back this afternoon for some Ben King goodness).  It sets a smooth but unobtrusive beat that proves to be the perfect backdrop for Fiona's vocals, which are soulful and nimble.  Perhaps more importantly, it keeps some wide open space on the track that is a perfect canvas for some verses from rappers.  Fiona's version is great - and definitely stands well on its own - but it lacks a little bit of pizazz, gladly provided by hip hop extraordinaires.  </div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324767709777134066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtQetCaHoMRJphM1MudL8i5UK_3oTMGFuAd_XxAz7-qMmqnHia8BRexYaY5XQu_MflmrWyMfDdZXHc9v7MN96nPx-nRll5lTpzRfhqK2UWyyUfjO5YudifGKLzZaDpOwT71Ami6RKdlo/s320/fiona+and+shrek+tsre.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 258px;" /><div>I can't decide which version I like more.  Talib's verses are great and I'm a little more partial to his stylings, but Raekwon and Busta kill it in a very laidback way.  And the original is smooth as butter.  I do love the way Melanie Fiona's voice stabs through on what becomes the chorus in the remixes, though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless, I'll definitely be keeping my eyes on Fiona in the future.  She's got some chops and she's gotten some deserved attention.  Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go listen to these three tracks all day.  Thanks.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Melanie Fiona - Give It To Me Right</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvclVLZy9nYVBIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/giveittomeright" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Melanie Fiona f. Talib Kweli - Give It To Me Right (Talib Kweli Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvclVLZy90d0dGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01giveittomerighttalibkweli" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Melanie Fiona f. Busta Rhymes and Raekwon - Give It To Me Right (Busta Rhymes and Raekwon Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/dVlvclVGSWh0TWwzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/giveittomerightbustarhymesan" target="_blank">filesavr</a>) </div>

AV: Talking Heads meet Talking Puppets. MUPPETS!

In keeping with this morning's Talking Heads theme, here is a hilarious video of the Muppets, fronted by Kermit the Frog, doing a cover of "Once In A Lifetime", the Talking Heads' biggest hit single. Pretty awesome. Kermit does a pretty good David Byrne impression, although the suit is a little too small. Enjoy.




For the music side of things, here are three amazing muppets-influenced tunes. The first is "Rainbow Connection", most famously sung by Kermit el Frog. This is a different version - I'm not sure who's singing, but at the same time, I'm not sure it matters. The song is dope to the max.

Kermit The Frog - Rainbow Connection (YSI) (filesavr)

Secondly, Michael Franti and Spearhead give a live performance at All Good Music Festival back in 2007. It's a live combo of Sublime's "What I Got", the Sesame Street Theme Song, "C is for Cookie", and Kermit's "Rainbow Connection", and it's pretty awesome. Hilariously, Franti mixes up like half of the words of "What I Got". I thought everybody learned all the lyrics to that song in like 5th grade...

Michael Franti and Spearhead - What I Got/Rainbow Connection (YSI) (filesavr)

And, if that weren't enough, we've also got...Menomena. Whatever that means.



The question is, What is a Menomena?
The question is, Who cares?
I could watch that video on loop for days.

Menomena - Wet and Rusting (YSI) (filesavr)

In keeping with this morning's Talking Heads theme, here is a hilarious video of the Muppets, fronted by Kermit the Frog, doing a cover of "Once In A Lifetime", the Talking Heads' biggest hit single. Pretty awesome. Kermit does a pretty good David Byrne impression, although the suit is a little too small. Enjoy.<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-jbya4kxC6E&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-jbya4kxC6E&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />For the music side of things, here are three amazing muppets-influenced tunes. The first is "Rainbow Connection", most famously sung by Kermit el Frog. This is a different version - I'm not sure who's singing, but at the same time, I'm not sure it matters. The song is dope to the max.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Kermit The Frog - Rainbow Connection</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJZUNwbWdLVlYzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/rainbowconnection" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br />Secondly, Michael Franti and Spearhead give a live performance at All Good Music Festival back in 2007. It's a live combo of Sublime's "What I Got", the Sesame Street Theme Song, "C is for Cookie", and Kermit's "Rainbow Connection", and it's pretty awesome. Hilariously, Franti mixes up like half of the words of "What I Got". I thought everybody learned all the lyrics to that song in like 5th grade...<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Michael Franti and Spearhead - What I Got/Rainbow Connection</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJZUNtRStUWUNGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/whatigotrainbowconnection" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br />And, if that weren't enough, we've also got...Menomena. Whatever that means.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QTXyXuqfBLA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QTXyXuqfBLA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />The question is, What is a Menomena?<br />The question is, Who cares? <br />I could watch that video on loop for days.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Menomena - Wet and Rusting</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJZUNtRStvQUlLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/wetrusting" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

What a Great Album: Talking Heads, Remain In Light

On my drive to work yesterday I was in a bad mood.  It was Monday.  I was tired. 

And then, a magical thing happened.  I turned on my iPod, put on the Talking Heads, and blissed out for an hourlong drive listening to one of the best albums of all time.  That's not a term I toss around lightly - Remain In Light is truly a great album.

And it's one that I didn't appreciate until very recently.  I was first exposed to the Talking Heads by my best friend's dad, and didn't really get it.  The lead singer didn't sound like a lead singer.  They were kinda schmalzy, goofy.  I didn't think about them for like 10 years.

But the more I heard them later in life, the more I liked them.  I caught wind of Brian Eno and started getting into his tunes.  I listened to My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts, his collaboration with Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, and loved it.  I finally got around to listening to Sand in the Vaseline: Popular Favorites, Talking Heads: 77, and Remain in Light.  Wow.

I can't hope to do justice to Remain in Light with words, so I'll let a couple of the tunes speak for themselves.  Enjoy.

Talking Heads - Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On) (YSI) (filesavr)

Talking Heads - Once In a Lifetime (YSI) (filesavr)

Fun Facts:

• Phish performed Remain in Light in its entirety on Halloween 1996.  It was probably incredible.

• Radiohead is named after a Talking Heads song, "Radio Head".

• The Talking Heads' first gig was opening for The Ramones at CBGB.  

• Everything about the Talking Heads is Awesome.
  

On my drive to work yesterday I was in a bad mood.  It was Monday.  I was tired. <div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324357638372010818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-O_QpfFSskSwWePXVwLkRlONWq0w4c0EAmtmpKWhg-_OealafsnsDYRAZrWiovQdy0IKHSQ7HytTh4_lDZL__vq_ArxRAvl3j_GvsRkLaiGwh0nDRqJO7s_p68VnwOgLYazXsKUwcLsg/s320/bigsuittsre.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" /><div>And then, a magical thing happened.  I turned on my iPod, put on the Talking Heads, and blissed out for an hourlong drive listening to one of the best albums of all time.  That's not a term I toss around lightly - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Remain In Light</span> is truly a great album.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it's one that I didn't appreciate until very recently.  I was first exposed to the Talking Heads by my best friend's dad, and didn't really get it.  The lead singer didn't sound like a lead singer.  They were kinda schmalzy, goofy.  I didn't think about them for like 10 years.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the more I heard them later in life, the more I liked them.  I caught wind of Brian Eno and started getting into his tunes.  I listened to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts</span>, his collaboration with Talking Heads frontman David Byrne, and loved it.  I finally got around to listening to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Sand in the Vaseline: Popular Favorites, Talking Heads: 77, </span>and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Remain in Light</span>.  Wow.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't hope to do justice to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Remain in Light</span> with words, so I'll let a couple of the tunes speak for themselves.  Enjoy.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Talking Heads - Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJZUN1YStPSHhMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01bornunderpunchestheheatgoes" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Talking Heads - Once In a Lifetime</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJZUN1YStsMHhMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/04onceinalifetime" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun Facts:<br /></div><div><ul><li>Phish performed <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Remain in Light</span> in its entirety on Halloween 1996.  It was probably incredible.</li></ul></div><div><ul><li>Radiohead is named after a Talking Heads song, "Radio Head".</li></ul></div><div><ul><li>The Talking Heads' first gig was opening for The Ramones at CBGB.  </li></ul></div><div><ul><li>Everything about the Talking Heads is Awesome.<br /></li></ul></div>

R.I.P. Harry Kalas

Best broadcaster ever.

We'll miss you.

Harry Kalas

Best broadcaster ever.<div><br /></div><div>We'll miss you.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.filesavr.com/phillieswinworldseries">Harry Kalas</a></div>

AV: Bluegrass Covers...Good Ones.

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing the Carolina Chocolate Drops perform last year, opening for Old School Freight Train and completely stealing the show.  A trio of multi-talented and easy-going musicians, CCD is built for success.  Their shows are fun, interactive, inspirational, and full of energy.  I would wholeheartedly recommend grabbing tickets if you see them coming to your area anytime soon.

The highlight of their set was a funky-as-all-get-out cover of Blu Cantrell's "Hit 'Em Up Style" - an amazing example of a band taking a song and truly transforming it by playing it in their own style.  I would kill for an album version of this song, but for now, this video will have to suffice.  Whooo, I love this cover.

And since this morning was full of some covers, might as well make this a full-day of cover tracks.  We'll stick with the bluegrass stylings laid down by the Carolina Chocolate drops in that video with the next couple covers.  

First we have a cover from the Bluegrass Tribute to Radiohead.  I'm not usually a fan of tribute albums, but this cut turned out pretty well - I think the key is that the instrumentation is far enough away from the original that they're not tempted to just recreate it note for note.  The artistic expression that shows through is what makes the track worth it.  

Bluegrass Tribute to Radiohead - 2+2=5 (Radiohead Cover) (YSI) (filesavr)

The second cover of the afternoon comes from Deer Tick, a bluesy folk band out of Providence (PVD!).  It's a great cover of Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years", a song which Simon once performed on SNL wearing a chicken suit (another Afternoon Video contender).  Love this song, like this version.  Enjoy.

Deer Tick - Still Crazy After All These Years (Paul Simon Cover) (YSI) (filesavr)

<div>I had the distinct pleasure of seeing the Carolina Chocolate Drops perform last year, opening for Old School Freight Train and completely stealing the show.  A trio of multi-talented and easy-going musicians, CCD is built for success.  Their shows are fun, interactive, inspirational, and full of energy.  I would wholeheartedly recommend grabbing tickets if you see them coming to your area anytime soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>The highlight of their set was a funky-as-all-get-out cover of Blu Cantrell's "Hit 'Em Up Style" - an amazing example of a band taking a song and truly transforming it by playing it in their own style.  I would kill for an album version of this song, but for now, this video will have to suffice.  Whooo, I love this cover.</div><div><br /></div><div><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wKTXJUYiAT4&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wKTXJUYiAT4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And since this morning was full of some covers, might as well make this a full-day of cover tracks.  We'll stick with the bluegrass stylings laid down by the Carolina Chocolate drops in that video with the next couple covers.  </div><div><br /></div><div>First we have a cover from the Bluegrass Tribute to Radiohead.  I'm not usually a fan of tribute albums, but this cut turned out pretty well - I think the key is that the instrumentation is far enough away from the original that they're not tempted to just recreate it note for note.  The artistic expression that shows through is what makes the track worth it.  </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Bluegrass Tribute to Radiohead - 2+2=5 (Radiohead Cover)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNLWUhsSWhRWUpMWEE9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01225radioheadcover">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div>The second cover of the afternoon comes from Deer Tick, a bluesy folk band out of Providence (PVD!).  It's a great cover of Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years", a song which Simon once performed on SNL wearing a chicken suit (another Afternoon Video contender).  Love this song, like this version.  Enjoy.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Deer Tick - Still Crazy After All These Years (Paul Simon Cover)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNLWUhsSWgwVWxMWEE9PQ">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01stillcrazyafteralltheseyears">filesavr</a>)</div>

Stu Reid Under The Covers

Woot - another installment of Stu Reid Under The Covers, that surprising and saucy minx that we haven't heard from in a bit.

We'll kick things off with Katy Perry, everyone's favorite and/or least favorite fake bi-curious singer.  Here, she shows off her surprisingly impressive vocal prowess on a cover of Sam Sparro's great song "Black and Gold".  Perry shows that she has potential to be more than just a pretty face and contagious pop songstress.  I feel like in some alternate universe, Katy Perry could be a Kelly Clarkson type figure.  Weird.  Anyway, the track is from the Sweetheart covers compilation that Starbucks put out a while ago, and it's dope.

Katy Perry - Black and Gold (Sam Sparro Cover) (YSI) (filesavr)

The next cover is a bit of a spacier and less crisp track, from the English band Kyte.  Here they slow down Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill" to give it a totally new feel.  This song really grew on me, and I have come to like it quite a bit.  My only gripe - they leave out the "boom boom boom" from the original, one of the song's highlights, if you ask me.  A great cover, nonetheless.

Kyte - Solsbury Hill (Peter Gabriel Cover) (YSI) (filesavr)

Finally, a cover of "Paper Planes", the ubiquitous M.I.A. track.  I feel like the buzz/backlash has died down a bit for this track, so it's a good time to post up a pretty great bell+drum machine cover.  Panda Riot preserves the backbone of the song and gets rid of pretty much everything else.  Definitely sounds a little bit at times like it was made in GarageBand, but it's still a refreshing take on a song that's been beaten into the ground like 3 times over.  Word.

Panda Riot - Paper Planes (M.I.A. Cover) (YSI) (filesavr)

Woot - another installment of Stu Reid Under The Covers, that surprising and saucy minx that we haven't heard from in a bit.<div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322912717822814082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRoJG1tQM_tl0IM8b-ZFQujqeeb-UuYaydhctK6ZcXeelwmP_rM3rMDTJ22vaYcHy4B-XRZV20QvLbzkIsJUrbqjmnzaXlNiceOAzCdSBeihP2OcI_wEUzewYSf4mkVgEkuv6L9g4zuY/s320/tsreundercovers.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" /><div>We'll kick things off with Katy Perry, everyone's favorite and/or least favorite fake bi-curious singer.  Here, she shows off her surprisingly impressive vocal prowess on a cover of Sam Sparro's great song "Black and Gold".  Perry shows that she has potential to be more than just a pretty face and contagious pop songstress.  I feel like in some alternate universe, Katy Perry could be a Kelly Clarkson type figure.  Weird.  Anyway, the track is from the Sweetheart covers compilation that Starbucks put out a while ago, and it's dope.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Katy Perry - Black and Gold (Sam Sparro Cover)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZ282bEpPSHlGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02blackandgold-samsparrocove" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>The next cover is a bit of a spacier and less crisp track, from the English band Kyte.  Here they slow down Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill" to give it a totally new feel.  This song really grew on me, and I have come to like it quite a bit.  My only gripe - they leave out the "boom boom boom" from the original, one of the song's highlights, if you ask me.  A great cover, nonetheless.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Kyte - Solsbury Hill (Peter Gabriel Cover)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZ282bEpOMUNGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/03solsburyhillpetergabrielcove" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, a cover of "Paper Planes", the ubiquitous M.I.A. track.  I feel like the buzz/backlash has died down a bit for this track, so it's a good time to post up a pretty great bell+drum machine cover.  Panda Riot preserves the backbone of the song and gets rid of pretty much everything else.  Definitely sounds a little bit at times like it was made in GarageBand, but it's still a refreshing take on a song that's been beaten into the ground like 3 times over.  Word.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Panda Riot - Paper Planes (M.I.A. Cover)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZ282bEozeUlLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/03paperplanesmiacover" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Stu Reid Under The Covers Easter Edition

Happy Easter everyone. Boy was I looking forward to just relaxing at home with my parents today. Planning on going to church, eat tons of candy and have a nice dinner. While I had difficultly finding music that was meet for Easter, I did stumble across a lovely, very soothing cover of my favorite Britney Spears jam, Toxic. Enjoy the day, whatever your plans may be.

PS: Werner Herzog's Encounters at the End of the World is amazing!

Yael Naim - Toxic (Britney Spears cover) (YSI) (filesavr)
Britney Spears - Toxic (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWzJalbY42L6Aqp2LGyytDKucnE_whCL_LofhUD8JkaaiBCG3NWOzwejve2IrwrHPFCqZyIfYZspqmz4ytJYR_n9eEc2AMnfmupdkPD732226rfyI5sFp7QBEsKnPodSQiQiZ6ULa9vD3/s1600-h/TSRE+Easter.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323589591405166418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWzJalbY42L6Aqp2LGyytDKucnE_whCL_LofhUD8JkaaiBCG3NWOzwejve2IrwrHPFCqZyIfYZspqmz4ytJYR_n9eEc2AMnfmupdkPD732226rfyI5sFp7QBEsKnPodSQiQiZ6ULa9vD3/s320/TSRE+Easter.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" /></a>Happy Easter everyone. Boy was I looking forward to just relaxing at home with my parents today. Planning on going to church, eat tons of candy and have a nice dinner. While I had difficultly finding music that was meet for Easter, I did stumble across a lovely, very soothing cover of my favorite Britney Spears jam, Toxic. Enjoy the day, whatever your plans may be.<br /><br />PS: Werner Herzog's Encounters at the End of the World is amazing!<br /><br />Yael Naim - Toxic (Britney Spears cover) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNMUWVyTERUMFBIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/11toxicbritneyspearscover" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Britney Spears - Toxic (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNMUWVyTERqV0NGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/toxic_2" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Afternoon Video: Charles Hamilton's Cypher/Battle with fans

I've been sitting on this video for a while, but today seems like the right day to post it up - Charles Hamilton got some facetime in the Asher Roth post this morning, and he cyphers (like battle rapping but supposedly non-competitive) here with a fan after a show at Penn State. And the fan name-drops Asher Roth, so it comes full circle.

Points about the video:
- It's not a battle, nobody won. That being said, it was kind of a battle, and Charles Hamilton didn't win.
- Bigtime props to Charles Hamilton for doing this with his fans. So cool.
- The white dude is sick.
- Love the flannel, especially when backed with a Hot Topic dig.
- Phill-ays!



Good times, I like that video a lot. Reminds me of Scott Baker freestyling on the microphone. Anyone?

Here are some tunes to go along with the vid. The first is probably the best verse I've heard from Charles Hamilton, although over a somewhat lackluster beat.

Charles Hamilton - Jeezy Hamilton (YSI) (filesavr)

The second is a hot freestyle from Dizzee Rascal over the beat from Lil' Wayne's "Fireman". God I love Dizzee. His accent can make any song sound dope.

Dizzee Rascal - 16 Bars Freestyle (YSI) (filesavr)

Finally, a hot freestyle from Liva, the most underrated member of Clipse's Re-Up Gang. It comes off of the first We Got It 4 Cheap mixtape, and it's pretty tasty.

Re-Up Gang - Don't Let Me Die (Liva Solo Freestyle) (YSI) (filesavr)

I've been sitting on this video for a while, but today seems like the right day to post it up - Charles Hamilton got some facetime in the Asher Roth post this morning, and he cyphers (like battle rapping but supposedly non-competitive) here with a fan after a show at Penn State. And the fan name-drops Asher Roth, so it comes full circle. <br /> <br /> Points about the video:<br /> - It's not a battle, nobody won. That being said, it was kind of a battle, and Charles Hamilton didn't win.<br /> - Bigtime props to Charles Hamilton for doing this with his fans. So cool.<br /> - The white dude is sick.<br /> - Love the flannel, especially when backed with a Hot Topic dig.<br /> - Phill-ays!<br /> <br /> <object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xchx_PrON6M&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xchx_PrON6M&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /> <br /> Good times, I like that video a lot. Reminds me of Scott Baker freestyling on the microphone. Anyone?<br /> <br /> Here are some tunes to go along with the vid. The first is probably the best verse I've heard from Charles Hamilton, although over a somewhat lackluster beat.<br /> <br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Charles Hamilton - Jeezy Hamilton</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZ28rZ2puSlRIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01jeezyhamilton" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> The second is a hot freestyle from Dizzee Rascal over the beat from Lil' Wayne's "Fireman". God I love Dizzee. His accent can make any song sound dope.<br /> <br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Dizzee Rascal - 16 Bars Freestyle</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZ293dWM1aVpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/dizzeerascal16barsfreestyle" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /> <br /> Finally, a hot freestyle from Liva, the most underrated member of Clipse's Re-Up Gang. It comes off of the first We Got It 4 Cheap mixtape, and it's pretty tasty.<br /> <br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Re-Up Gang - Don't Let Me Die (Liva Solo Freestyle)</span> (<a href="http://download.yousendit.com/WnBRb254Z1BvQUpMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/clipse-wegotit4cheapvol1-16-dontletmediesolofreestyle" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Asher Roth, Cee-Lo Green, and Sam Cooke: One of These Things is Not Like the Other

I resisted the Asher Roth train for a really long time.  I didn't listen to "I Love College", despite it being plastered everywhere for the past couple weeks.  I'm not really sure why.  Probably because "I Love College" sounds like just what it is - a song about drinking and smoking weed.  And now that I've finally listened to it, I can safely say it's in a dead heat with "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" for least profound song I've ever heard.  It's repetetive and trite.

And obviously, it's really freakin' catchy.  

But that's not what I'm here to talk about.  I'm here to talk about what finally got me to listen to "I Love College" - Cee Lo and Sam Cooke.  I know at first a Goodie Mobster from ATL and one of the best vocalists in American history seems like an odd pairing to bring a young white dude from the Philly 'burbs to my ears, but big names attached to Asher's caught my attention.  So when I caught wind of some tracks pairing the young rapper up with established musicians, I got interested.

Cee-Lo came in the picture via "Be By Myself", the sixth track on Roth's forthcoming Asleep In The Bread Aisle.  He sings the hook, in his signature style, and it completely rocks the track.  Asher drops some nifty rhymes on the track, and it wins me over quickly.  The song has a Gnarls Barkley-ish feel, organ, drums, guitars, etc.  And I love the chorus of shouts in the background, definitely adds to the jubilant feel of the track (as if Cee-Lo weren't enough).

The second song that grabbed my attention comes from B.o.B.'s latest mixtape and features verses from B.o.B., Asher Roth, and Charles Hamilton, 3 of XXL's 10 Freshmen of Hip Hop.  They each drop verses over a keyed up Sam Cooke sample taken from "A Change Is Gonna Come", one of the greatest songs ever.  Hamilton goes first and spits a nice verse, Asher comes on second and tears it up, and then B.o.B. calls out bloggers (cough cough) saying "Well as you're listenin' to this track, you're probably about to blog about it, and maybe say it's wack..."  Hilarious.  And definitely not wack.  Love hearing the three of these guys on the same track - great balance and good verses from all of them.

So yeah.  That's how I came to listen to some Asher Roth.  I'm still not totally sold that he's more than a one trick pony, but I do think he has some talent.  I feel like he's a prime candidate to follow the  anti-50 Cent path: ride to the top on schmalzy hip-pop before letting loose with some really great and poignant stuff.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Oh, and don't compare him to Eminem, that's just dumb and irresponsible.

Asher Roth f. Cee-Lo Green - Be By Myself (YSI) (filesavr)

B.o.B., Charles Hamilton, and Asher Roth - Change Gone Come (YSI) (filesavr)

Asher Roth - I Love College (YSI) (filesavr)

I resisted the Asher Roth train for a really long time.  I didn't listen to "I Love College", despite it being plastered everywhere for the past couple weeks.  I'm not really sure why.  Probably because "I Love College" sounds like just what it is - a song about drinking and smoking weed.  And now that I've finally listened to it, I can safely say it's in a dead heat with "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" for least profound song I've ever heard.  It's repetetive and trite.<br /><div><br /></div><div>And obviously, it's really freakin' catchy.  </div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322905088658718274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXJzqXjKP5-ZTbnbWj-iFZXifhRvHWtckBSXS5Ib8pMclHHg6CZoTw3fj5DzQADwnZfMn6_WF0GxgYqy08O8tB1KfTUoXxytcH-hKSEci9-acmgoRIaN4Shk_-UladeMITlzXmxDBmLA/s320/asherroth.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" /><div>But that's not what I'm here to talk about.  I'm here to talk about what finally got me to listen to "I Love College" - Cee Lo and Sam Cooke.  I know at first a Goodie Mobster from ATL and one of the best vocalists in American history seems like an odd pairing to bring a young white dude from the Philly 'burbs to my ears, but big names attached to Asher's caught my attention.  So when I caught wind of some tracks pairing the young rapper up with established musicians, I got interested.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cee-Lo came in the picture via "Be By Myself", the sixth track on Roth's forthcoming <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Asleep In The Bread Aisle</span>.  He sings the hook, in his signature style, and it completely rocks the track.  Asher drops some nifty rhymes on the track, and it wins me over quickly.  The song has a Gnarls Barkley-ish feel, organ, drums, guitars, etc.  And I love the chorus of shouts in the background, definitely adds to the jubilant feel of the track (as if Cee-Lo weren't enough).</div><div><br /></div><div>The second song that grabbed my attention comes from B.o.B.'s latest mixtape and features verses from B.o.B., Asher Roth, and Charles Hamilton, 3 of XXL's 10 Freshmen of Hip Hop.  They each drop verses over a keyed up Sam Cooke sample taken from "A Change Is Gonna Come", one of the greatest songs ever.  Hamilton goes first and spits a nice verse, Asher comes on second and tears it up, and then B.o.B. calls out bloggers (cough cough) saying "Well as you're listenin' to this track, you're probably about to blog about it, and maybe say it's wack..."  Hilarious.  And definitely not wack.  Love hearing the three of these guys on the same track - great balance and good verses from all of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>So yeah.  That's how I came to listen to some Asher Roth.  I'm still not totally sold that he's more than a one trick pony, but I do think he has some talent.  I feel like he's a prime candidate to follow the  anti-50 Cent path: ride to the top on schmalzy hip-pop before letting loose with some really great and poignant stuff.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Oh, and don't compare him to Eminem, that's just dumb and irresponsible.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Asher Roth f. Cee-Lo Green - Be By Myself</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZ28zTWNBNkdGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/bebymyself" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">B.o.B., Charles Hamilton, and Asher Roth - Change Gone Come</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZ28zTWNsUi9IRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/changegonecome" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Asher Roth - I Love College</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZ28zTWN3NUtGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/ilovecollege" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

iPod Nation

We live in a world where iPods are ubiquitous. People use them to provide a soundtrack to a whole range of everyday activities, from working out to walking down the street. The idea is appealing—why not have a soundtrack to one’s life? For decades music has played in every restaurant, store, bar, etc. and the iPod phenomenon seems a natural extension. Yet I wonder if this is problematic. Are we becoming so used to having music in the background of our lives that we are in effect relegating music to the background? And, by having music as a constant presence, are we coming to ignore the music of the world around us—chirping birds, humming automobiles, distant conversations?

This past summer there was an article in The Atlantic about how Google and the internet are affecting our brains. In essence, the immediate availability of thousands of sources of information is reshaping our brains in a way that is shortening our attention spans. The article focuses on reading, but I wonder if the same thing isn’t happening with music. Are we losing our ability to really focus on music, to really listen hard? Might we no longer be able to listen through a complete album, or give a challenging track the multiple listens required in order to appreciate its complexities? Why give a difficult song or piece or album an hour of your time when with The Hype Machine you can sample 30 tracks in the same time period in order to find a track that is immediately pleasing?

I don’t know the answer to these questions, but I am a little worried. To many, listening to music is no longer a primary activity, but a sideshow, a soundtrack, to other activities. No longer do people gather around a record or CD player and listen through an entire album. Furthermore, a generation is growing used to music being free—i..e. without value. Value in its most basic sense is what one is willing to exchange for a good or service (or such is my layman’s understanding). And many are unwilling to exchange anything for recorded music.

Granted, live music is doing extremely well, and that is wonderful. But I do wonder about the future of recorded music. Many suggest that music will soon become a service rather than a product, where one pays a fee as part of their internet subscription and can then have access to any music they want. In essence, it will become a utility, like electricity, the internet, and water. And while utilities are certainly valuable, and it would be hard to imagine life without them, lumping music into the same category seems unjust to something as interesting, diverse and powerful as music.

Anyways, these are some of my thoughts and concerns. I am making no attempt to fight iPods or free music downloading—it would be a pointless fight at this point, and I’ve offered up many free tracks on this very blog. And I’m not going to stop (see below). Call me a hypocrite, but there are certainly benefits as well as costs to the ready availability of music (perhaps a topic for another post). I just think we need to think hard about and be aware of how technology is affecting our relationship with music. In truth, I know that people value music, and I have faith that people will always value music. After all, many claim that music evolved before language. I’m just trying to spark some thought and discussion. My worries may be misplaced, or totally off base, and if so, tell me. Leave a comment.

And here are a couple long tracks off of great albums that deserve a good, focused listen. Listen, and then go buy the albums.

Isaac Hayes - Hyperbolicsyllablecsesquedalymistic (YSI) (filesavr)
Fela Kuti - Sorrow Tears and Blood (YSI) (filesavr)

<span style="font-size:85%;">We live in a world where iPods are ubiquitous. People use them to provide a soundtrack to a whole range of everyday activities, from working out to walking down the street. The idea is appealing—why not have a soundtrack to one’s life? For decades music has played in every restaurant, store, bar, etc. and the iPod phenomenon seems a natural extension. Yet I wonder if this is problematic. Are we becoming so used to having music in the background of our lives that we are in effect relegating music to the background? And, by having music as a constant presence, are we coming to ignore the music of the world around us—chirping birds, humming automobiles, distant conversations?<br /><br />This past summer there was an <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200807/google?ca=dKrbGwMe9ADPa6feEcoP%2Fbb0mDIIajLetbHUyjBiOu0%3D" target="_blank">article</a> in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Atlantic</span> about how Google and the internet are affecting our brains. In essence, the immediate availability of thousands of sources of information is reshaping our brains in a way that is shortening our attention spans. The article focuses on reading, but I wonder if the same thing isn’t happening with music. Are we losing our ability to really focus on music, to really listen hard? Might we no longer be able to listen through a complete album, or give a challenging track the multiple listens required in order to appreciate its complexities? Why give a difficult song or piece or album an hour of your time when with The Hype Machine you can sample 30 tracks in the same time period in order to find a track that is immediately pleasing?<br /><br />I don’t know the answer to these questions, but I am a little worried. To many, listening to music is no longer a primary activity, but a sideshow, a soundtrack, to other activities. No longer do people gather around a record or CD player and listen through an entire album. Furthermore, a generation is growing used to music being free—i..e. without value. Value in its most basic sense is what one is willing to exchange for a good or service (or such is my layman’s understanding). And many are unwilling to exchange anything for recorded music.<br /><br />Granted, live music is doing extremely well, and that is wonderful. But I do wonder about the future of recorded music. Many suggest that music will soon become a service rather than a product, where one pays a fee as part of their internet subscription and can then have access to any music they want. In essence, it will become a utility, like electricity, the internet, and water. And while utilities are certainly valuable, and it would be hard to imagine life without them, lumping music into the same category seems unjust to something as interesting, diverse and powerful as music.<br /><br />Anyways, these are some of my thoughts and concerns. I am making no attempt to fight iPods or free music downloading—it would be a pointless fight at this point, and I’ve offered up many free tracks on this very blog. And I’m not going to stop (see below). Call me a hypocrite, but there are certainly benefits as well as costs to the ready availability of music (perhaps a topic for another post). I just think we need to think hard about and be aware of how technology is affecting our relationship with music. In truth, I know that people value music, and I have faith that people will always value music. After all, many claim that music evolved before language. I’m just trying to spark some thought and discussion. My worries may be misplaced, or totally off base, and if so, tell me. Leave a comment.<br /><br />And here are a couple long tracks off of great albums that deserve a good, focused listen. Listen, and then go buy the albums.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Isaac Hayes - Hyperbolicsyllablecsesquedalymistic</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNLRGw1YUl1Yk5MWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02hyperbolicsyllablecsesquedalymistic" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fela Kuti - Sorrow Tears and Blood</span> (<a href="https://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNLRGwzcHZTRTRLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/03sorrowtearsblood" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><br /></span>

DEL-icious Funk

Things I like:

1. Free things

2. Funky things

3. Homosapiens

Hence, the latest album from Del The Funky Homosapien (formerly known as Del Tha Funkee Homosapien), released for $Free-99 on Tuesday, is basically the best thing that's happened to me in days. It's called Funk Man (The Stimulus Package). And it's um...like really good.

Crisper than a mixtape, fresher than most hip-hop on the market, I dig it. If you haven't heard of Del, you might recognize his voice as one of the lyricists for the Gorillaz. Or you might just be missing out.

Fun Fact: Del is Ice Cube's cousin. True story.

Anywho, you should definitely check out this album, as well as Del's back catalogue - he's pretty fly.

From Funk Man:

Del The Funky Homosapien - Young Adrenaline (YSI) (filesavr)

Del The Funky Homosapien - Land of Funk (YSI) (filesavr)

Old Skewl:
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien - Mistadobalina (YSI) (filesavr)

And cop the whole Funk Man album here.

Things I like:<div>1. Free things</div><div>2. Funky things</div><div>3. Homosapiens</div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322904171987876146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kBoavRyt7vremHu1ofyIdbloobeYvU_RsKJjBib3jq7XokU84tYecwqPGLIYNgGnmXIHl9lAWTUCqmwyCNy-ninyY2eCcxfoaZoYVTXzjXJeEtRU_yW7ZSVstoPf9BCNiExbU6E4_p8/s320/Deltsre.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px;" /><div>Hence, the latest album from Del The Funky Homosapien (formerly known as Del Tha Funkee Homosapien), released for $Free-99 on Tuesday, is basically the best thing that's happened to me in days. It's called <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Funk Man (The Stimulus Package)</span>. And it's um...like really good.</div><div><br /></div><div>Crisper than a mixtape, fresher than most hip-hop on the market, I dig it. If you haven't heard of Del, you might recognize his voice as one of the lyricists for the Gorillaz. Or you might just be missing out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fun Fact: Del is Ice Cube's cousin. True story.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anywho, you should definitely check out this album, as well as Del's back catalogue - he's pretty fly.</div><div><br /></div><div>From <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Funk Man</span>:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Del The Funky Homosapien - Young Adrenaline</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZ296b0JTRTUzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/13youngadrenaline" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Del The Funky Homosapien - Land of Funk</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZ285dENENlIzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/12landoffunk" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Old Skewl:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Del Tha Funkee Homosapien - Mistadobalina</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNLWUhuTmFtUUhIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/mistadobalinia" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /></div><div><br />And cop the whole <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Funk Man</span> album <a href="http://delthefunkyhomosapien.bandcamp.com/album/funk-man-the-stimulus-package" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>

Thursday's Wacky

I stumbled across the Brooklyn rapper Elucid this week and was simply floored by his track Laser Days. Elucid's flow is good, but it is really his use of a dubstep mix by Kode9 as the backing to his vocals that really sets this track apart. You can download a couple of Elucid's mixtapes for free from his myspace. I eagerly await hearing more from him.

Here are a few other interesting remixes I've been listening to recently. Remember Banjo or Freakout? He's the one who released that excellent atmospheric cover of Burial last year.

Elucid - Laser Days (YSI) (filesavr)
Banjo or Freakout - Mr. No (Phaseone Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)
Rainbow Arabia - Omar K (Ghosts on Tape Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_Z7MwY3Y7Y1KwWFUUPGYdYVIsHWrrJasQHLSLrCmPqeVcHNKl9r_7Zo5VcQcWVXvJKR2ScGDmrziMmzilgsaxY556NdCqz6dhuN19walrKRuKuA85SoZQtzM-6M96E1LfzTTSktsqqzO/s1600-h/TSRE+Laser+Eyes.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322495286978622498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_Z7MwY3Y7Y1KwWFUUPGYdYVIsHWrrJasQHLSLrCmPqeVcHNKl9r_7Zo5VcQcWVXvJKR2ScGDmrziMmzilgsaxY556NdCqz6dhuN19walrKRuKuA85SoZQtzM-6M96E1LfzTTSktsqqzO/s320/TSRE+Laser+Eyes.JPG" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 275px;" /></a>I stumbled across the Brooklyn rapper Elucid this week and was simply floored by his track Laser Days. Elucid's flow is good, but it is really his use of a dubstep mix by Kode9 as the backing to his vocals that really sets this track apart. You can download a couple of Elucid's mixtapes for free from his <a href="http://www.myspace.com/elucidmusic" target="_blank">myspace</a>. I eagerly await hearing more from him.<br /><br />Here are a few other interesting remixes I've been listening to recently. Remember Banjo or Freakout? He's the one who released that excellent atmospheric cover of Burial last year.<br /><br />Elucid - Laser Days (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJYUp3YTI3bUNGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/laserdays" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Banjo or Freakout - Mr. No (Phaseone Remix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJYUp3YTI3N0RIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/mrnophaseoneremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Rainbow Arabia - Omar K (Ghosts on Tape Remix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJYUo5bThtUUdGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/omarkghostsontaperemix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

AV: You're Watching The Streets, Lock Down Your Aerial

Caught this great video on P4k (courtesy of Stereogum) yesterday.  I have long loved Mike Skinner and The Streets, from Original Pirate Material to his disparate recent effort Everything is Borrowed.  A Grand Don't Come For Free remains by far his best album to date, but everything under The Streets moniker is pretty much guaranteed to be a) Catchy, b) Light-hearted, and c) Different, a combination that is hard to find in modern music.

I think the thing that I like most about this video is its simplicity - it doesn't try to do too much, and in the process adds to the original song.  I never thought too much about "On The Edge Of A Cliff" before, and this video really drove home the lyrics, which I definitely appreciate.

Also, this video seems like a total excuse for Skinner and his buddy to grow beards.  Girl Talk looks better with a beard, Mike, although you can rock the scruff alright.  

God I love The Streets.  The phones dialogue on "Such a Twat" may be one of the coolest and most unique breakbeats ever.  And "Heaven For The Weather" probably won't leave your head for days...

The Streets - Such A Twat (YSI) (filesavr)

The Streets - Heaven For The Weather (YSI) (filesavr)

The Streets - On The Edge Of A Cliff (YSI) (filesavr)

Caught this great video on P4k (courtesy of Stereogum) yesterday.  I have long loved Mike Skinner and The Streets, from Original Pirate Material to his disparate recent effort <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Everything is Borrowed</span>.  <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">A Grand Don't Come For Free</span> remains by far his best album to date, but everything under The Streets moniker is pretty much guaranteed to be a) Catchy, b) Light-hearted, and c) Different, a combination that is hard to find in modern music.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I think the thing that I like most about this video is its simplicity - it doesn't try to do too much, and in the process adds to the original song.  I never thought too much about "On The Edge Of A Cliff" before, and this video really drove home the lyrics, which I definitely appreciate.</div><div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VFLdIGNUKuw&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VFLdIGNUKuw&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Also, this video seems like a total excuse for Skinner and his buddy to grow beards.  Girl Talk looks better with a beard, Mike, although you can rock the scruff alright.  </div><div><br /></div><div>God I love The Streets.  The phones dialogue on "Such a Twat" may be one of the coolest and most unique breakbeats ever.  And "Heaven For The Weather" probably won't leave your head for days...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Streets - Such A Twat</span> (<a href="http://download.yousendit.com/WnBRclVORkVOQnhMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/08suchatwat_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Streets - Heaven For The Weather</span> (<a href="http://download.yousendit.com/WnBRclVORkVlaFIzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/02-thestreets-heavenfortheweather" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Streets - On The Edge Of A Cliff</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZFh1Z2pqY3FGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/06ontheedgeofacliff_1" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

Stu Reid Sampler: Nina Simone, Talib Kweli, and Timbaland

It's been a hot minute since I've posted up a Stu Reid Sampler, so I thought I'd jump back into things with a big one - one of the coolest samples in my mind.  The diversity of tracks featured here, along with the pure brilliance of the original, make this one a winner for sure.

The track in question is "Sinnerman", a 10 minute long jazzy piano tune sung best by all-time great Nina Simone. 

The tune is a traditional spiritual, but Simone really makes it hers with her 1965 version.  Her voice is distinctively captivating - the kind of voice you know you shouldn't argue with as soon as you hear it.  Despite thick instrumentation, Simone manages to carry the track on her back, keeping her audience entranced throughout.  The song is an epic feat.

Nina Simone - Sinnerman (YSI) (filesavr)

Perhaps even cooler, the song's piano riff is sampled and rehashed in one of my favorite hip hop tracks ever, Talib Kweli's "Get By".  Produced by Kanye West (who loves the old-school samples, for sure) the track throws some Simone vocals and piano twinkling in with a heavy beat and chorus to make a completely baller track.  So good.  This is a great example of a well used sample - the song doesn't just take a sampled lyric, spin it faster, and repeat it for the chorus.  Instead, Kanye and Kweli use the original song as a foundation for their jam, recontextualizing the snippets to weave seamlessly into the fabric of a new song.  I can't get enough of this song.

Talib Kweli - Get By (YSI) (filesavr)

Finally, the most recent sampling of "Sinnerman".  This time, it's Timbaland who yoinks the song, again using both melody and piano part.  Timbo crafts a piano intro before dropping a heavy bass beat punctured by Simone's "Hey" call.  The chorus explicitly calls out the original tune, replacing "Oh Sinnerman" with "Oh Timbaland".  The beauty of this sample is that Timbo manages to make "Oh Timbaland" still sound like it's being sung by Nina Simone - not some B-side dubbing.  Really makes the track work nicely.  This cut is much more relaxed than "Get By" but uses the "Sinnerman" sample equally well.

Timbaland - Oh Timbaland (YSI) (filesavr)

Posting this reminded me how much I like these Stu Reid Samplers.  Look for more coming soon.

It's been a hot minute since I've posted up a Stu Reid Sampler, so I thought I'd jump back into things with a big one - one of the coolest samples in my mind.  The diversity of tracks featured here, along with the pure brilliance of the original, make this one a winner for sure.<div><br /></div><div>The track in question is "Sinnerman", a 10 minute long jazzy piano tune sung best by all-time great Nina Simone. </div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322171366647035906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwN3SkKfylvBZDFTaeu_FwmqRtweAU27z9R3X8Oc5WjSHt90G6QjAE7bkFjxS3c1PPyA5BKx_pPv94taQGhOhMuHaPiSeeyHMcidsO7p3tXh_Cgkd0Q9Y_1KpjdodEoySem0CbXLGp3c/s320/ninasocooltsre.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" /><div>The tune is a traditional spiritual, but Simone really makes it hers with her 1965 version.  Her voice is distinctively captivating - the kind of voice you know you shouldn't argue with as soon as you hear it.  Despite thick instrumentation, Simone manages to carry the track on her back, keeping her audience entranced throughout.  The song is an epic feat.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Nina Simone - Sinnerman</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZFhwY3lqY29LSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/sinnerman" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps even cooler, the song's piano riff is sampled and rehashed in one of my favorite hip hop tracks ever, Talib Kweli's "Get By".  Produced by Kanye West (who loves the old-school samples, for sure) the track throws some Simone vocals and piano twinkling in with a heavy beat and chorus to make a completely baller track.  So good.  This is a great example of a well used sample - the song doesn't just take a sampled lyric, spin it faster, and repeat it for the chorus.  Instead, Kanye and Kweli use the original song as a foundation for their jam, recontextualizing the snippets to weave seamlessly into the fabric of a new song.  I can't get enough of this song.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Talib Kweli - Get By</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZFhrNXZreEJMWEE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/getby" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, the most recent sampling of "Sinnerman".  This time, it's Timbaland who yoinks the song, again using both melody and piano part.  Timbo crafts a piano intro before dropping a heavy bass beat punctured by Simone's "Hey" call.  The chorus explicitly calls out the original tune, replacing "Oh Sinnerman" with "Oh Timbaland".  The beauty of this sample is that Timbo manages to make "Oh Timbaland" still sound like it's being sung by Nina Simone - not some B-side dubbing.  Really makes the track work nicely.  This cut is much more relaxed than "Get By" but uses the "Sinnerman" sample equally well.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Timbaland - Oh Timbaland</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNKZFhrNXYwMEdGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01ohtimbaland" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Posting this reminded me how much I like these Stu Reid Samplers.  Look for more coming soon.</div>

9

I first saw an early version of 9 a few years ago at school when it was still a Shane Acker short making the college rounds. It was visually stunning and very atmospheric. The movie 9 that expands Acker's short by Tim Burton looks similarly amazing and dark. I cannot wait to see it. Plus, they picked some perfect tracks for the trailer, especially The Knife for the opening views.

The Knife - The Captain (YSI) (filesavr)
The Knife - We Share Our Mother's Health (Ratatat remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

<object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JIpZxBczWUg&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JIpZxBczWUg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="295" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br />I first saw an early version of 9 a few years ago at school when it was still a Shane Acker short making the college rounds. It was visually stunning and very atmospheric. The movie 9 that expands Acker's short by Tim Burton looks similarly amazing and dark. I cannot wait to see it. Plus, they picked some perfect tracks for the trailer, especially The Knife for the opening views.<br /><br />The Knife - The Captain (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNMYUlrMVhreERIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/03thecaptain" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />The Knife - We Share Our Mother's Health (Ratatat remix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNMYUlnT01samNLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/01weshareourmothershealthratatatremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

More Micachu

Welcome to day 2 of my gushing over Micachu. Today's feature: remixes. Micachu's Mica Levi lends her vocals to Metronomy in her remix of Radio Ladio and strips away their slick electro production to reveal a lo-fi herky-jerky romp replete with horns and handclaps. Quite a departure from the original actually. Along similar lines, We Have Band's remix of Micachu's Lips, offers a stripped down version of the song (if that is even possible), isolating Micachu's voice in a haze of percussion. While not as engrossing and fun as any of the original songs by Micachu & The Shapes, these remixes are definitely worth a listen.


Metronomy - Radio Ladio (Micachu Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)
Micachu & The Shapes - Lips (We Have Band Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08S79FV1r6YjuiNvqrZKVOymz3FkB99mzqULFF7LsVnpvC4IDsJEohDlUAudVIx1OH5HCzLUwre76sCRH08BikYjiCVN_CAE3pBnan3dLz6EXpyrjUALq3EvHjvV76AUl2kKSH0yGD5z4/s1600-h/TSRE+bling.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321558613171252850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08S79FV1r6YjuiNvqrZKVOymz3FkB99mzqULFF7LsVnpvC4IDsJEohDlUAudVIx1OH5HCzLUwre76sCRH08BikYjiCVN_CAE3pBnan3dLz6EXpyrjUALq3EvHjvV76AUl2kKSH0yGD5z4/s320/TSRE+bling.JPG" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 275px;" /></a>Welcome to day 2 of my gushing over Micachu. Today's feature: remixes. Micachu's Mica Levi lends her vocals to Metronomy in her remix of Radio Ladio and strips away their slick electro production to reveal a lo-fi herky-jerky romp replete with horns and handclaps. Quite a departure from the original actually. Along similar lines, We Have Band's remix of Micachu's Lips, offers a stripped down version of the song (if that is even possible), isolating Micachu's voice in a haze of percussion. While not as engrossing and fun as any of the original songs by Micachu & The Shapes, these remixes are definitely worth a listen.<br /><br /><br />Metronomy - Radio Ladio (Micachu Remix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNLSkhkWkJsMHpIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/radioladiomicachuremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Micachu & The Shapes - Lips (We Have Band Remix) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNLSkhYT2JRYS9IRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/lipswehavebandremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Afternoon Video: Young Ivy gets the Euro treatment

Back in college, we had a pretty weak on-campus music scene at Dartmouth - a dearth of campus bands, poor choices by Programming Board (see: Vanessa Carlton, Augustana, Third Eye Blind), and general apathy regarding live music.  Some huge indie names came to campus courtesy of an organization known as Friday Night Rock, but the homegrown talent was pretty limited.

One of the few musically talented individuals at our small beloved college was Simon Trabelsi, better known as Young Ivy.  Occasionally mocked for his shirt off antics, Young Ivy made some undeniably catchy tracks that made their way into brains and basements across campus.  He had like...two three songs, but they were pretty good.

Recently, I heard word that Young Ivy teamed up with Swedish production duo Blänk, putting out a "Euro" version of "Shirt Off", by far Trabelsi's best tune.  The song is catchy, with a nicely placed beat, and the video is kinda cool.

Here's to more people I sat in music class with getting famous!

Young Ivy - Shirt Off (U.S. Version) (YSI) (filesavr)

Young Ivy - F.I.N.A.L.S. (YSI) (filesavr)

Back in college, we had a pretty weak on-campus music scene at Dartmouth - a dearth of campus bands, poor choices by Programming Board (see: Vanessa Carlton, Augustana, Third Eye Blind), and general apathy regarding live music.  Some huge indie names came to campus courtesy of an organization known as Friday Night Rock, but the homegrown talent was pretty limited.<div><br /></div><div>One of the few musically talented individuals at our small beloved college was Simon Trabelsi, better known as Young Ivy.  Occasionally mocked for his shirt off antics, Young Ivy made some undeniably catchy tracks that made their way into brains and basements across campus.  He had like...<strike>two</strike> <b>three</b> songs, but they were pretty good.</div><div><br /></div><div>Recently, I heard word that Young Ivy teamed up with Swedish production duo Blänk, putting out a "Euro" version of "Shirt Off", by far Trabelsi's best tune.  The song is catchy, with a nicely placed beat, and the video is kinda cool.</div><div><br /></div><div><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9E-EdfPOMM8&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9E-EdfPOMM8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's to more people I sat in music class with getting famous!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Young Ivy - Shirt Off (U.S. Version)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJbGtLV3JoMlhIRGc9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/shirtoff" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Young Ivy - F.I.N.A.L.S.</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJbGtLV3JOQndLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/finals" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)</div>

My New Love

Is Micachu & The Shapes. I really cannot say enough about how much I enjoy their new album Jewellery. The amount of eclectic musicianship crammed into each brief song is staggering, while each song assumes a new feeling. Micachu's voice is incredibly charming, but also completely arresting. Taking into account what is popular in the hipster blogosphere these days, I really appreciate how Micachu has been to create such an awesome record while using no snyth whatsoever! While at first all the seemingly disparate sounds (think breaking glass and guttural sounds) Micachu & The Shapes utilize may be off putting, but after a listen you will begin to appreciate the cohesive and happy songs they manage to weave together. While some will call it weird and point out the nontraditional instrumentation, Jewellery is a great pop record that is going to be getting heavy rotation by yours truly for a while.

Micachu & The Shapes - Golden Phone (YSI) (filesavr)
Micachu & The Shapes - Just in Case (YSI) (filesavr)
Micachu & The Shapes - Calculator (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyV_uY5-rAY4ru8ApB0VDdt0MGdE1rsKvGBWuWfLKmIIV5oYYSqAOJ-b1RpfXTzYeCyP6lenc-HuIzfi00QY_GNMdTKHs-IqlJhU4oown17SlDGWF0dmfXrP0AkJObN3rPqkNVo8I2RZOV/s1600-h/TSRE+Sun.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321394000543449298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyV_uY5-rAY4ru8ApB0VDdt0MGdE1rsKvGBWuWfLKmIIV5oYYSqAOJ-b1RpfXTzYeCyP6lenc-HuIzfi00QY_GNMdTKHs-IqlJhU4oown17SlDGWF0dmfXrP0AkJObN3rPqkNVo8I2RZOV/s320/TSRE+Sun.JPG" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 275px;" /></a>Is Micachu & The Shapes. I really cannot say enough about how much I enjoy their new album Jewellery. The amount of eclectic musicianship crammed into each brief song is staggering, while each song assumes a new feeling. Micachu's voice is incredibly charming, but also completely arresting. Taking into account what is popular in the hipster blogosphere these days, I really appreciate how Micachu has been to create such an awesome record while using no snyth whatsoever! While at first all the seemingly disparate sounds (think breaking glass and guttural sounds) Micachu & The Shapes utilize may be off putting, but after a listen you will begin to appreciate the cohesive and happy songs they manage to weave together. While some will call it weird and point out the nontraditional instrumentation, Jewellery is a great pop record that is going to be getting heavy rotation by yours truly for a while.<br /><br />Micachu & The Shapes - Golden Phone (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJbGtBTXYwVW1Ga1E9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/06goldenphone" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Micachu & The Shapes - Just in Case (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJbGtBTXZvQUozZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/09justincase" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br />Micachu & The Shapes - Calculator (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJbGtBTXZIcWQzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/10calculator" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)

Remixes by the Letter

It's Sunday! I'm off to baseball practice, but in the meantime, here are some tasty remixes for your perusal. Today's remixes are brought to you by the letter 'A'. We'll start off with A-track's "Say Whoa" for your bass thumping pleasure, kick in some Animal Collective for your trip-fix, and finish up with Amadou and Miriam for that blind-singers-from-Mali hankering you've been having. Sidenote: "Sabali" was Pitchfork's 15th best track of 08, and this remix is tight - check A&M out if you haven't before.

Please enjoy these remixes responsibly.

Amadou and Miriam - Sabali (Paul Epworth Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

Animal Collective - My Girls (Gigamesh Proper House Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

A-trak - Say Whoa (Craze Remix) (YSI) (filesavr)

<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pqxCcXgTSFo/Sdh3qzOwN1I/AAAAAAAAAAU/EPNwA-x_1OU/s1600-h/1a.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321134536928540498" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pqxCcXgTSFo/Sdh3qzOwN1I/AAAAAAAAAAU/EPNwA-x_1OU/s320/1a.gif" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" /></a><br />It's Sunday! I'm off to baseball practice, but in the meantime, here are some tasty remixes for your perusal. Today's remixes are brought to you by the letter 'A'. We'll start off with A-track's "Say Whoa" for your bass thumping pleasure, kick in some Animal Collective for your trip-fix, and finish up with Amadou and Miriam for that blind-singers-from-Mali hankering you've been having. Sidenote: "Sabali" was Pitchfork's 15th best track of 08, and this remix is tight - check A&M out if you haven't before.<br /><br />Please enjoy these remixes responsibly.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Amadou and Miriam - Sabali (Paul Epworth Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJSU5KMHc5eFVLSkE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/sabalipaulepworthremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Animal Collective - My Girls (Gigamesh Proper House Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/mygirlsgigameshproperhouseremi" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJSU5KMHdiV3lGa1E9PQ" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">A-trak - Say Whoa (Craze Remix)</span> (<a href="http://www.yousendit.com/download/UmNJSU5KMHc5NVYzZUE9PQ" target="_blank">YSI</a>) (<a href="http://www.filesavr.com/saywhoacrazeremix" target="_blank">filesavr</a>)