contributors
El Keter ben Tzadik
Emeyesi
Cereffusion
Miss Behavin'
Lady Glock
Add-Mmm
Sankofa
Iron Giant
R-Uh
RosemaryX
m. Cody
Reverend She-Ra
categories
Back-Fence Talk
Buy Our Junk
Film Notes
Film Reviews
God Cipher Divine
In Your Motherf**kin' Mouth
Life Imitates Art
Live and Direct
Music Notes
Music Reviews
Not Safe for Work
Personal Journals
Playlists and Charts
Podcasts
Print Notes
Print Reviews
Real Man Talk
Reign of the Tech
Shameless Consumerism
Site Updates
Sports are for F**s
Street Corners and Soap Boxes
Television Notes
The Best of...
The Dream Cafe
The Information are True
Win Free Stuff
blog archive
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
July 2003
June 2003
April 2003
March 2003
February 2003
January 2003
December 2002
November 2002
October 2002
September 2002
August 2002
July 2002
mog network
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Today's video comes from French rapper Disiz La Peste. The song is called "Jeune De Banlieue" which means literally "young person from the suburbs." Now for those who don't know, the "banlieues" or suburbs in France are completely different from the suburbs here in the States. This video touches on the cultural commodification of the "Other" in French culture.
For more information on the situations in the banlieues, you can check here and here. Also, check out the movie 'La Haine' which is a personal favourite of mine. The film is over ten years old, but in a lot of ways, things haven't changed at all. If you want some heavier reading about race, identity and the influence of French culture, check out Franz Fanon's book 'Black Skin, White Mask.'
For more information on the situations in the banlieues, you can check here and here. Also, check out the movie 'La Haine' which is a personal favourite of mine. The film is over ten years old, but in a lot of ways, things haven't changed at all. If you want some heavier reading about race, identity and the influence of French culture, check out Franz Fanon's book 'Black Skin, White Mask.'
Thursday, March 29, 2007
I REAAAALLY wanted to go peep out Lo-Fi-FNK tonight in Boston...or Cambridge...but I was falling asleep towards the end of my day at work and I made a B-Line for sleepyland as soon as I got home. So my apologies to my secret Swedish boyfriends, otherwise known as Lo-Fi-FNK. I suck. And not in the good way that they would like me to.
So, to make some sort of amends, here's some videos of them performing.
Yeah, I suck.
So, to make some sort of amends, here's some videos of them performing.
Yeah, I suck.
Quite some time ago I read on the internets about two of my favorite bearded, guitar strumming men of all time hooking up over in France and performing a cover of the Bee Gees "To Love Somebody." Well finally the footage has hit the internets and you can see and hear it all right here, right now!
Ray LaMontagne and Damien Rice "To Love Somebody"
Now that Damien has parted ways with long time collaborator Lisa Hannigan, I think that it would be best if he and Ray cranked out an album of cover songs. But all the songs would have to have been originally performed by, yep you guessed it, bearded men! So get to work on that cover of "The Gambler" fellas.
Ray LaMontagne and Damien Rice "To Love Somebody"
Now that Damien has parted ways with long time collaborator Lisa Hannigan, I think that it would be best if he and Ray cranked out an album of cover songs. But all the songs would have to have been originally performed by, yep you guessed it, bearded men! So get to work on that cover of "The Gambler" fellas.
I was posed this question this past week as I watched an episode of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' with my parents. I told them that yes, Detective Odafin Tutuola a.k.a. Ice-T a.k.a. Iceberg a.k.a. Tracey Marrow was in fact "still rapping." Now, what he sounded like while rapping I had no clue. I remember reading all about the cover of 2006's 'Gangsta Rap,' but nothing about the actual content of it. Well that was up until today. While fading away on my futon I caught a glimpse of what looked like an animated Ice-T rapping. I thought I was dreaming...but I wasn't. It was indeed an animated Ice-T rapping, courtesy of the folks over at Plates Animation Inc., (who also were responsible for videos by Arcade Fire and El-P) who hooked up this fresh lil' video for "Walking In The Rain." Now the song...wow...I did not expect Ice-T's "still rapping" to sound like this.
"Kudos." © Meatwad
"Kudos." © Meatwad
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Aesop Rock and El-P perform "None Shall Pass" from the recent 'Definitive Swim' compilation at an 'I'll Sleep When You're Dead' tour-stop at Mezzanine in San Francisco.
I've never seen Aesrock live. He's been a no-show at every gig I ever had a ticket for where he was supposed to be. So I kinda assumed he sucked live. I must admit I'm impressed with his breath control.
I've never seen Aesrock live. He's been a no-show at every gig I ever had a ticket for where he was supposed to be. So I kinda assumed he sucked live. I must admit I'm impressed with his breath control.
That's right, it's another free download-only album on the internet! This time from New Jersey's Tim Fite. The album is called 'Over The Counter Culture,' and it's full of the sort of Midwestern-sounding white-guy Indie-Rap shit I haven't heard since the early '00s and honestly didn't think I'd ever hear again.
My favorite track on the album is a joint about the Rap industry's championing of gun-violence called "I've Been Shot," but I like the RATM-ish politicizing he gets into on "Camoflauge" too. He even made a cool, well-crafted, video for "Camoflauge." Peep it.
To listen to the 'Over The Counter Culture' album visit Tim Fite's website, or click the link below to download it all in one fell swoop.
Tim Fite 'Over The Counter Culture' Anti- ( .zip file )
My favorite track on the album is a joint about the Rap industry's championing of gun-violence called "I've Been Shot," but I like the RATM-ish politicizing he gets into on "Camoflauge" too. He even made a cool, well-crafted, video for "Camoflauge." Peep it.
To listen to the 'Over The Counter Culture' album visit Tim Fite's website, or click the link below to download it all in one fell swoop.
Tim Fite 'Over The Counter Culture' Anti- ( .zip file )
Indie Hip-Hop producer J.J. Brown, known for his work with emcee Louis Logic, has done the unthinkable; he's made Ludacris and Mary J. Blige's atrociously hacky "conscious" Rap anthem "Runaway Love" listenable! He's done so by mixing it, and all the other songs from Luda's 'Release Therapy' album, over original beats made solely from samples taken from Jackson 5 records.
The project is called 'Re-Release Therapy,' it's a free download, and it's exactly the sort of record a legitimately dope emcee like Ludacris should be making, but doesn't. Visit the 5G Productions 'Re-Release Therapy' web-page ( linked above ) to listen, or to download the project in full.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
It's so hard to know what to say about Weird Al and his latest effort 'Straight Outta Lynwood.' I guess a question that pops into my head whenever I think of Weird Al is "What white-pushing-50-year-old-male listens to acts such as Chingy and R. Kelly?" I think that making references to such pop culture automatically makes him ultra hip.
Here's an animation of "Trapped in the Drive-Thru" from Doug Bresler off of 'Straight Outta Lynwood.'
I've watched this three times already and I keep laughing.
Here's an animation of "Trapped in the Drive-Thru" from Doug Bresler off of 'Straight Outta Lynwood.'
I've watched this three times already and I keep laughing.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Everything is better in color and with a good beat by Simian Mobile Disco.
This UK duo creates some hot dance/electronic beats that's for sure. They are known for their production and remixes and their resume includes mixes of songs by groups such as the Klaxons, The Go Team, Air and are rumored to hook up with the Arctic Monkey's next.
Here is their latest video for the single for "It's The Beat."
Enjoy.
This UK duo creates some hot dance/electronic beats that's for sure. They are known for their production and remixes and their resume includes mixes of songs by groups such as the Klaxons, The Go Team, Air and are rumored to hook up with the Arctic Monkey's next.
Here is their latest video for the single for "It's The Beat."
Enjoy.
.jpg)
From Sweden, bearing glitchy, electronically-produced dreamy Pop comes Stefan Ternemar a.k.a. ST and his debut LP 'People I Barely Know,' out now on the Music Related label. The track "Rest Your Eyes On Mine" is sort of like a downtempo Postal Service thing, but less jittery, and there's an unstoppable droney-jangle to it that gives it something of a Shoegaze-y vibe. I don't know who the female vocalist on the track is, but she sure pretties up the joint a little.
.jpg)
Bleepy lo-tech Electro-Pop has a home in the UK thanks to London duo ( made up of two dudes from Piano Magic ) Future Conditional, whose debut disc 'We Don't Just Disappear' drops April 3rd on LTM Records. The track "Broken Robots" has a Kraftwerkian quality to it musically, as well some cold, New Order sort-of undertones to the vocals courtesy of Angele David-Guillou. And it's about robots for chirssakes! What more could you ask for?
.jpg)
London-based vocalist Kathy Diamond teams up with dance-music producer extraordinaire Maurice Fulton for a trip back to the Paradise Garage on her debut album 'Miss Diamond To You,' which drops on Fulton's Bubbletease Communications label May 3rd. Kathy's voice is clean, fresh, and subtle, and Fulton's beats are on some Larry Levan throwback shit. The track "All Woman" sounds like a cross between "Another Brick In The Wall" and "Forget Me Nots," has an ill keyboard break, and references the outro to Electro classic "Jam On It" oddly enough. Shit is 100% pure Disco goodness.
.jpg)
Portland, Oregon quartet Small Sails sounds sort of like Prefuse to me, with a little taste of Polyphonic Spree or Skeletons and the Kings of All Cities thrown in and blended a long with some '80s Synth-Pop keyboard riffs. The track "Aftershocks and Afterthoughts," including all of the aforementioned and more, is available on their debut 'Similar Anniversaries' which hits stores tomorrow on the Other Electricities label. They're also touring the US, including a number of east coast dates ( NY, Worcester, Amherst, Providence, etc ) throughout the month of April. Peep their MySpace for more info.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
This video shows why having giant bunnies in your music videos can lead to disaster on the set. It also shows CGI bunny sex.
Friday, March 23, 2007
I don't know if it's just me, but it seems like the new big fad recently has become random cute hipster broads making crunky Electro/Club-Rap. One of the better tracks I've heard out of the sub-genre in a while is a joint called "Pro Nails" from Chicago-based rapstress Kid Sister. No, she's not a lyrical wizard or anything, but she's a little more traditionally "rappy" than say Uffie, and her beats, from A-Track, straddle a line between old-school New Wave/Synthpop, Freestyle/Clubhouse and modern Crunk/Snap/Hyhpy shit. Check out the track "Pro Nails" below.
And thanks to the "Vice Broadcasting System" you can also see some live video of Kid Sister and crew rocking at SXSW. It's a live performance of the track "Damn Girl," which unfortunately is not a freestyle over the beat from the Justin Timberlake song of the same name.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Canada's preeminent Synth-Funk duo, and masters of the vocoder Chromeo rocked the fuck out of South By South West down in Austin, Texas. They performed their new tune "Tenderoni" and their now classic hit "Needy Girl." The 'Vice' affiliated VBS.tv caught it all on tape, and you can watch it now on the interweb.
Chromeo "Tenderoni ( Live )"
Chromeo "Needy Girl ( Live )"
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
I have to admit, I was caught of guard when I heard this. It's an instrumental Hip-Hop project from one of the many colorful characters on the Okayplayer message boards. His name is Enemy Earth ( also known as Recor, of "fuck hip-hop though" fame, on the board ) and the collection of beats is simply titled '3.' It's sort of like a dark, paranoid take on 'Donuts' or something, with short, moody compositions, weird vocal samples and odd, almost misplaced, acapellas weaving in and out. Really interesting, and surprisingly good, stuff.
Check out the free download.
Enemy Earth '3' ( .Zip file )
And if you dig it go leave a comment on his page.
In case you didn't know, the big dual disc special edition re-release of J Dilla's 'Ruff Draft' from Stones Throw Records dropped today as well.
Originally released only on vinyl with European distribution back in February of 2003, 'Ruff Draft' has been one of the most sought-after releases in Dilla's catalog. The new version contains four previously unreleased tracks and a bonus CD of the instrumentals.
There's also a dope box set available from select locations that comes with a "Turn It Up" tee-shirt and a limited edition cassette version of the album.
"Let Me explain it. It's Ruff Draft. For my real niggaz only. DJs that play that real live shit. You wanna bounce in your whip, sound like it's straight from the ma'fuckin' cassette!" - J Dilla
To honor Dilla and all the excitement that's followed his work since his untimely passing Stones Throw has put together a series of video interviews ( with footage of Dilla ) about him, his work, and even the 'Ruff Draft' project.
There's also a surprise Madlib remix of "The $" from 'Ruff Draft' that you can download if so inclined.
J Dilla "The $ ( Madlib Remix )"
El-P's hotly anticipated sophomore opus 'I'll Sleep When You're Dead' arrived in stores today. I'm currently working on my review, which will hopefully be done later today. But in the meantime check out this little video EPK where El-P talks about the album a little bit.
After that grab an MP3 of the Cassettes Won't Listen remix of "Flyentology," El-P's collaboration with Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.
El-P feat. Trent Reznor "Flyentology ( Cassettes Won't Listen Remix )"
And if you're not too busy actually listening to 'I'll Sleep When You're Dead,' which you should have copped today, listen to an interview with El-P conducted by Hip-Hop legend Chuck D of Public Enemy for Air America Radio.
El-P and Chuck D on Air America Radio Pt. 1
El-P and Chuck D on Air America Radio Pt. 2
After that grab an MP3 of the Cassettes Won't Listen remix of "Flyentology," El-P's collaboration with Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.
El-P feat. Trent Reznor "Flyentology ( Cassettes Won't Listen Remix )"
And if you're not too busy actually listening to 'I'll Sleep When You're Dead,' which you should have copped today, listen to an interview with El-P conducted by Hip-Hop legend Chuck D of Public Enemy for Air America Radio.
El-P and Chuck D on Air America Radio Pt. 1
El-P and Chuck D on Air America Radio Pt. 2
Monday, March 19, 2007
This is the video for Amy Winehouse's new single "Back to Black" off her album of the same name. It's kind of interesting that this video was released quite recently after reports of her split from her chef boyfriend.
Let me get one thing straight. On occasion, I like crap music. But for the most part, I really can't stand most of the stuff they try and pass off as "good" these days. However, if you put a mediocre artist with a legendary producer (like say Timbaland), then there is a better chance it will get my attention. This is what happend with Omarion's single "Icebox."
I'm not sure how it did Stateside (I'm sure it did well), but it's getting a lot of airplay over here in the UK. It's hard not to like a track that is A) that catchy and B) played so many times. But I've resisted. However, I am a HUGE fan of the remix and I found a remix of "Icebox" that I really feel is worth the mention. Featuring the new talented duo Kidz in the Hall, this version is set to the beat of the Eurythmic's "Sweet Dreams" (which just so happens to be one of my all time favourite jams). Granted, the synth riff from "Sweet Dreams" is a frequently used sample, but it really works on this track...in my opinion.
I don't know who did this remix, but whoever it was has a real winner on his or her hands.
.jpg)
Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Danielle Stech-Homsy, otherwise known as Rio En Medio is on some psychedelic Freak Folk shit to be sure. Her new album 'The Bride Of Dynamite,' out now on Gnomonsong Records, is full of stripped down but noisy weirdo Folk songs. My pick from the album is a little different though. It's called "The Baghdad Merchant's Son," and it makes me feel like it's 1999 and Trip-Hop is still the "cool" thing.
.jpg)
A far less freaky take on Folk comes courtesy of London, Ontario, Canada's Basia Bulat. Her forthcoming album 'Oh, My Darling' ( which the above photo is so not the cover to ) is due either later this month or sometime before the end of April on Rough Trade, and it's pretty sweet. She's a really cute girl, her voice reminds me a little bit of Regina Spektor, and her songs give me sort of a Kimya Dawson vibe. This track, "I Was A Daughter," kills with it's uptempo rhythm, raucous soul-clap and string accompaniment. Pretty music from a pretty girl, who'd have thought?
.jpg)
Canada seems to be having a good week, as Vancouver, British Columbia based Dance Punk outfit You Say Party! We Say Die! provide our next spotlight track. Their new LP 'Lose All Time,' which delivers quite a bit of badass, female-fronted dancefloor friendly, melodic Punk jams, drops Tuesday on Capa Records. The track "Monsters" boasts a really catchy keyboard ( Mellotron? ) intro, pretty New Wave-ish vocasl and the sort of rhythm that you can't help but tap, or stomp, your feet along to. All it's missing is some cowbell.
.jpg)
Also in stores Tuesday is 'Myth Takes,' the new Warp Records LP from experimental Dance outfit !!! (Chk Chk Chk). I'm kind of on the fence about this one, especially since it's dropping the same day as LCD Soundsystem's 'Sound of Silver,' which is fuckin' smokin'. But I haven't really given it a fair shake either. I'm digging the track "Break In Case Of Anything" though, as it has a weird '80s breakdance/Club vibe to it, like you might have heard it at the Paradise Garage, or in the movie 'Beat Street' or something. Plus the horns, synths and toms, not to mention the female "na-na-na" chorus, has a decidedly "Heaven Or Hell" thing going on. Oh, that, and they shout "break" at the beginning. Uprock away!
Friday, March 16, 2007
If you wanna see the new Abu Ghraib/Gitmo themed video for "Smithereens" from El-P's sophomore solo LP 'I'll Sleep When You're Dead' you're gonna need to visit the New York Times website, as they've got the exclusive. They've also got a little article cum interview that you might want to read, despite the fact that it doesn't really tell you a whole lot you might not know if you're already a fan.
El-P's new record 'I'll Sleep When You're Dead,' which is already a contender for album of the year, hits store shelves Tuesday, March 20th, on the Definitive Jux label. You should go buy it.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Being over here, I'm never sure what music from the UK has been shipped over to the States. Last time I went home, I was very disappointed to see that some of the great tracks I'd been listening and dancing to in London had not even made a blip on any American club radar.
So in the meantime, I figure I can post some tracks on Imageyenation and maybe...just maybe...give y'all back home something other than Bloc Party or Kaiser Chiefs or even the Klaxons (though I do love all those groups greatly).
One group that is really getting a lot of airplay right now is a band called Unklejam. The trio was recently touted as one of the front runners of Britain's "Afropunk" movement by this month's edition of Touch Magazine, the UK's original urban music source. Their music is sort of pop, sort of R&B, sort of 80's flashback and their fashion sense is even more eclectic. (Lots of eyeliner is involved) I almost want to say that if Prince and Haddaway had a lovechild, it would be Unklejam.
Whether or not they are the saviours of UK urban music (as Touch starts out by saying), they do have a catchy sound and are appealing to the eyes. Their debut single "Love Ya" is already a success in clubs and on the radio. Their other single "Stereo" is also not too bad (check out their MySpace page to listen to it).
I have to say...I may just go out and get their album. You know, for those dreary, rainy London days where all you can do is stay inside and dance around in your knickers.
Here's the video for "Love Ya" as well as a very cool remix by Herve that I got from the guys over at Discobelle.
[17:48] elketerbentzadik: son, have you heard this fabolous "diamonds on my damn chain"?
[17:48] Emeyesi: Naw mayne
[17:48] Emeyesi: Who did it?
[17:48] Emeyesi: Neps?
[17:48] elketerbentzadik: some douche
[17:48] elketerbentzadik: nah
[17:48] Emeyesi: Blaze?
[17:48] elketerbentzadik: it sound like some down south snap shit
[17:48] Emeyesi: Shit is wack?
[17:48] elketerbentzadik: "diamonds on my damn chain, diamonds on my damn chain" repeated over and over
[17:49] elketerbentzadik: he took a huge L with this
[17:49] Emeyesi: Booo
[17:49] elketerbentzadik: i was never a big fan
[17:49] Emeyesi: He knows the formula
[17:49] Emeyesi: Me neither
[17:49] elketerbentzadik: but that "breathe" shit was classic
[17:49] Emeyesi: Dude did manage some catchy joints
[17:49] elketerbentzadik: and the other singles from that album were good
[17:49] Emeyesi: Plus when u have the neps
[17:49] Emeyesi: U good
[17:49] elketerbentzadik: so i'm disappointed
[17:49] Emeyesi: Oh well
[17:50] elketerbentzadik: young jeezy in the video wearing a bedazzled ski mask
[17:50] Emeyesi: Effa Fab
[17:50] Emeyesi: Noooooooooo
[17:50] elketerbentzadik: it's raining diamonds
[17:50] elketerbentzadik: dude poured himself a bowl of diamonds from a breakfast cereal box and started eating them
[17:50] elketerbentzadik: didn't chappelle do that in that cribs parody?
[17:50] Emeyesi: Son
[17:51] Emeyesi: U lie
[17:51] Emeyesi: Blog it
[17:51] elketerbentzadik: dude
[17:51] Emeyesi: Yeah
[17:51] elketerbentzadik: i'mma blog it, just so i can post this conversation
[17:51] Emeyesi: He also ate a dinosaur
[17:51] Emeyesi: Lol
[17:51] elketerbentzadik: well, there's no dinosaurs in this video
[17:52] Emeyesi: Boo
[17:52] elketerbentzadik: shit is terrible
Fabolous "Diamonds"
Real Media Lo
Real Media Hi
Windows Media Lo
Windows Media Hi
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Chicago emcee Serengeti's 'Dennehy' was one of the most engagingly different Hip-Hop albums of 2006. One of my favorite tracks off the album was called "I Don't Know." He recently filmed a video for it.
I've been following dude's career since Imageyenation homie Kate Livingston hooked us with his 'Dirty Flamingo' LP a number of years back. Since then he's released a whole slew of albums, only a handful of which I've been able to get my hands on. If the ramblings on his MySpace page are any indication he apparently has no intention of slowing down any time soon, as he seems to have at least three new albums lined up for release this year.
I've been following dude's career since Imageyenation homie Kate Livingston hooked us with his 'Dirty Flamingo' LP a number of years back. Since then he's released a whole slew of albums, only a handful of which I've been able to get my hands on. If the ramblings on his MySpace page are any indication he apparently has no intention of slowing down any time soon, as he seems to have at least three new albums lined up for release this year.
Words can't really describe how dope El-P's forthcoming sophomore solo opus 'I'll Sleep When You're Dead' ( out March 20th on Definitive Jux ) is. He's on some real next level type shit. And apparently he understands that his "next level" music deserves a next level live presentation. That's why he's put a band together for his upcoming tour. He debuted the new live steelo with a performance of "The Overly Dramatic Truth" at the Plug Awards. Peep it.
Apparently the band is comprised of Mr. Dibbs on turntables, somebody named Quinn on backup vocals, and members of the Dap-Kings, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra and Pela on various instruments. After seeing this I'm really hoping El announces a more extensive string of North American tour dates for him and the band really soon. I think it'd be awesome to go out and cry like a little girl at the sight of the sublime beauty of dude baring his soul over swelling horns in a dark, hot nightclub some time this year.
Apparently the band is comprised of Mr. Dibbs on turntables, somebody named Quinn on backup vocals, and members of the Dap-Kings, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra and Pela on various instruments. After seeing this I'm really hoping El announces a more extensive string of North American tour dates for him and the band really soon. I think it'd be awesome to go out and cry like a little girl at the sight of the sublime beauty of dude baring his soul over swelling horns in a dark, hot nightclub some time this year.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Are Canadian husband-and-wife duo Dragonette just another in a long line of random sleazy Electro/Pop/Punk bands who make a song with an ambiguously sexy video that gets a little blog pub? Or are they more? Well, since vocalist Martina Sorbara is the voice behind Basement Jaxx's hit "Take Me Back To Your House" I'd say they're a little bit more than that. But they're also that, so here's the ambiguously sexy video.
The song itself ain't bad. And the video is appropriately dark and greasy. But what really sold me on the band is their bio, which is freakin' hilarious. They describe Ani Di Franco and the Lilith Fair types as "tamponics," talk shit about Nickelback ( something I can always support ) and describe their music as "depicting a world of guilt-free promiscuity and sexual predators on the prowl" and sounding like "a bubblegum pop girl singing over a Pat Benatar record." Cheeky!
The song itself ain't bad. And the video is appropriately dark and greasy. But what really sold me on the band is their bio, which is freakin' hilarious. They describe Ani Di Franco and the Lilith Fair types as "tamponics," talk shit about Nickelback ( something I can always support ) and describe their music as "depicting a world of guilt-free promiscuity and sexual predators on the prowl" and sounding like "a bubblegum pop girl singing over a Pat Benatar record." Cheeky!
.jpg)
I've only listened to it a couple times, but I've been tempted over the last week to declare CocoRosie's forthcoming third LP 'The Adventures of Ghosthorse and Stillborn,' out April 10th on Touch and Go Records, their best effort yet. This is due mostly to the fact that they've matured their songwriting and fleshed out their song structure quite a bit. It's sort of the culmination of everything they've done on the last two albums. And it pays off. The album opens with the track "Rainbowarriors," which right out of the gate lets you know you're in for a refreshing new brand of CocoRosie. It's uptempo, with booming Hip-Hop style drums and a bunch of beatbox-style clicks, noises and scratches. It's really good.
.jpg)
Rhode Island's pre-eminent poet/emcee Sage Francis totally puts his foot in Hip-Hop's ass on the track "Underground For Dummies." It's from his forthcoming disc 'Human The Death Dance,' which is set for release May 8th on Epitaph Records. Featuring a chorus refrain of "this is music for the people, stop calling it Emo" and verses that outline Sage's history in Hip-Hop since the '80s it comes off sort of like Sage's "Stakes Is High." Referencing X-Clan and 3rd Bass lyrics, Sage calls Chuck D his "father figure" and KRS One his "teacher" and shouts out numerous figures and events of the last 20-something years of Rap music culture. At my age,and with my history in this Hip-Hop shit and continued support of the artform, this is exactly the sort of song I need to hear.
.jpg)
Changing their name as well as their sound, Skeletons and the Kings of All Cities ( formerly Skeletons and the Girl-Faced Boys, formerly just Skeletons ) are preparing the release of their new LP 'Lucas,' which is set to drop on May 8th on the Ghostly International label. The music is still very experimental, but the playful soulfulness of 'Git' and the heavy drum-machine beatiness of "Fit Black Man" is gone in favor of "Wall of Noise" Pop that puts me in mind of Deerhoof. Vocalist Matt Mehlan still likes the potty mouth though, as you'll see if you listen to this track, "Fake Tits."
.jpg)
I don't know too much about Dan Deacon other than the fact that he's a Baltimore based absurdist Electronic musician and performer. His new album 'Spiderman of the Rings,' which is sort of like a cross between the poppy/soulful electronic experimentation of Skeletons 'Git,' a freaked out version of Postal Service's blippy electronic Pop, and the old-school Nerd-Punk of Devo, drops May 8th on Carpark Records. The song "Snake Mistakes" is straight drugs, with a punky bassline, helium-voiced singing, vocoded vocals, and squiggly synths aplenty.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Part of me thinks that Imageyenation team-member Add-Mmm wishes he was a member of a band like Battles. Another part of me thinks that he also wishes he lived in a big transparent cube, like the one seen in their new video "Atlas," rather than the condo in which he currently resides.
Still, yet another part of me thinks Battles is sort of like the band I'm already in ( along with Emeyesi and our boy 12XU ) called Thunderstorm... just... better... and with a budget for cool videos. Regardless, Battles new album 'Mirrored,' from which "Atlas" was taken, hits stores May 14th on Warp Records.
Still, yet another part of me thinks Battles is sort of like the band I'm already in ( along with Emeyesi and our boy 12XU ) called Thunderstorm... just... better... and with a budget for cool videos. Regardless, Battles new album 'Mirrored,' from which "Atlas" was taken, hits stores May 14th on Warp Records.
I don't know what the hell sort of music Dutch quintet C-Mon and Kypski are supposed to be making. Their features elements of turntablism, Pop, Hip-Hop, Electronica and Klezmer. It sort of goes without saying that it defies categorization.
What I do know though is that their new video, for the single "Bumpy Road," from their latest album 'Where The Wild Things Are,' is really fun. The song is some upbeat, throw-your-hands-in-the-air, Pop party shit. And the video captures the weird but accessible vibe of the song perfectly. Check it out.
C-Mon and Kypski "Bumpy Road"
Windows Media
Real Media
Quicktime
Friday, March 09, 2007
I'm not sure where this is, but I want to go there. Just so I can hang out with these French car guys and watch a "merciless decibel battle."
Originally seen at Discobelle.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
I hate dogs. But if I were a dog I think I'd have to be a Labrador Receiver because I just can't stop pumping music from Swedish Pop label Labrador Records into my brain. The newest Labrador sensation is Swedish quartet The Mary Onettes, who have a new EP, titled 'Void' available from the label. The title track has been on constant repeat here at Imageyenation HQ this afternoon. In fact, according to my Last.fm page I've played it no fewer than eight times within the last 26 minutes!
The song is so totally '80s, reminding me of early Cure, Smiths, Echo and the Bunnymen and even the B-52's for some odd ass-reason ( I think it's the bassline, which is a shade of "Rock Lobster" ). It's the sort of dark but melodic New Wave tune one might have expected to hear on the soundtrack to 'The Lost Boys' back in the day, or more recently films like 'Grosse Pointe Blank' or 'Donnie Darko.' It's so good.
The Merry Onettes "Void"
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
You might recall I posted the MySpace stream for the video of "North American Scum," the first single from LCD Soundsystem's forthcoming sophomore LP 'Sound of Silver,' which hits stores March 20th on the DFA Records imprint, a couple weeks back. If the MySpace embedded video player wasn't high quality enough for you I'd like to offer you the opportunity to check it out now in your choice of streaming video formats.
LCD Soundsystem "North American Scum"
Windows Media Lo
Windows Media Med
Windows Media Hi
Quicktime Lo
Quicktime Med
Quicktime Hi
You can also check out streaming audio of a couple of not too exciting remixes of "North American Scum" as well. I say not too exciting because DFA in and of itself is a remixing powerhouse who has jacked up all sort of artists for the dancefloor over the years, so when they hand off one of their own tunes for remixing you expect only the best in return. These remixes aren't really in that caliber. Oh well, you can still listen to them at the links below.
LCD Soundsystem "North American Scum (Kris Menace Remix)"
Windows Media
LCD Soundsystem "North American Scum (Onastic Dub)"
Windows Media
Starting at the end of this month you can catch the incredible LCD Soundsystem live show at any of the following dates they have lined up for their Spring 2007 North American ( Scum? ) Tour.
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM SPRING 2007 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
3/30 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
3/31 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
4/28 Indio, CA Coachella
4/30 San Francisco, CA Mezzanine
5/02 Seattle, WA Showbox
5/03 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
5/06 Chicago, IL Metro
5/07 Detroit, MI Majestic Theatre
5/08 Toronto, ONT Phoenix Concert Theatre
5/09 Montreal, QC Spectrum de Montreal
5/11 Boston, MA Axis/Paradise
5/12 Brooklyn, NY Studio B
5/13 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
5/14 New York, NY Webster Hall
And if that's still not enough James Murphy to satisfy your cravings you can check out the March 2007 issue of 'Remix' magazine which features an engaging cover story on James and LCD. Murphy indulges in some patented "real man talk" about his own live show and the state of live music in general.
I played in rock bands my entire life, and I never made any money. I lost money. If you are willing to waste my two fucking hours and take my $20, and you aren't willing to lose money to do it -- if you aren't going to try -- then fuck off. I think that's an abominable excuse, and they all fucking suck. Time will prove these acts to be pieces of shit. If your show sucks, then don't play a show. Go DJ. To go out on a regular basis and know that your show is garbage is disgusting. It's a betrayal of making art. The right to voice this on people is deplorable. I'm not saying to burn money and rent a light truck. We did it really cheap and cheerful for a long time. We would put down a piece of plywood with Casio's taped to it. Now it's more expensive because now I'm old, and it hurts and I can't carry anything anymore. I don't see touring as an income. Especially when I can stay home and mix people's records. I can make a lot more money if I'm not on tour.
Tell 'em why you mad son!
I feel super late on this one because Emeyesi actually played "Fancy Footwork" on last week's Urban Alternatives radio show. But apparently Vice Records just uploaded an MP3 of the track yesterday. So I guess I'm actually on time? Either way you cut it, the face of Arab/Jew unity that is Chromeo have been hard at work on their follow-up to 2004's 'She's In Control' and at least two tracks from the forthcoming sophomore LP have been revealed recently.
The two new jams, "Tenderoni" and "Fancy Footwork," are exactly what you've come to expect from Pee Thug and Dave 1, synth-heavy Funk meets New Wave/Synthpop with Disco/Club overtones replete with hand claps, vocoded vocals and cowbell. These are the kinds of tunes people my age used to hear on the radio, sandwiched between Suzy Q, Prince and Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, during the morning bus ride to school back in the day.
Chromeo "Fancy Footwork"
Chromeo "Tenderoni"
Monday, March 05, 2007
.jpg)
If you're the type of person ( read: hipster ) who likes naughty Disco-Punk jams you're gonna love Spektrum, an interracial foursome from the UK whose debut LP 'Fun At The Gymkhana Club' came out overseas via the Nonstop Records label last year. There doesn't seem to be a US release forthcoming, and the disc isn't widely available here in the states, but a little leg-work should yield results. The track "Don't Be Shy" is a freaky bass-driven workout that features the lyrics "your hands are sticky, on my waist and on my titties" and a slowed-down chorus come-on that sounds like Buffalo Bill coming on to himself in 'Silence Of The Lambs.' It's prime "dance around in your underwear" material.
.jpg)
Canadian Electro-Pop duo Junior Boys' sophomore LP 'So This Is Goodbye' was one of the smoothest albums of 2006. Now in 2007 they're poised to drop an EP of remixes, by the likes of Hot Chip, Ten Snake, Carl Cox, Kode 9 and Marsen Jules, from that same project. It's called the 'Dead Horse EP,' and it hits stores April 10th on Domino Records. Seeing as how we loved 'So This Is Goodbye' and we're obsessed with all things Hot Chip it should come as no surprise that I[m presenting you with Hot Chip's stellar reworking of "In The Morning." It's near ten minutes of gurgling, buzzing, twinkling synthesizes, four on the floor kick-drums, hand-claps and beautifully vulnerable vocals.
.jpg)
You might remember Swedish Indie Pop virtuoso Loney, Dear from a "New Music" feature I did on him last year. Back then he was pretty much a localized phenomenon, little known here in the states. But now he's back with a new LP, 'Loney, Noir,' which came out in February on venerable American indie Sub Pop Records. And he's currently out on tour throughout the states with Imageyenation favorites Of Montreal. Hopefully his connection to Sub Pop will result in a remix or other collaboration with Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello of Postal Service fame. This track, "And I Won't Cause Anything," with it's delicate electronic texture and pure Pop vocals, should give you a good indication as to why I think that might be a nice fit.
.jpg)
For whatever reason I can't seem to find any fucking information on this band Chromatics other than the fact that they're signed to Troubleman Unlimited. I don't know if or when their album 'Shining Violence' might be released. I don't know how many people are in the band. I don't even know where they're from! What I do know is that their track "Lady" is a serious slab of robotic, lo-fi Disco goodness. With a steady drum-beat, percolating synths, cascading lazer noises and an ill ( but wholly unintelligible ) vocoder vocal this is some classic drugged-out, dance your ass off at the Paradise Garage business. Just get some dubbed out electro-hand-claps whipping around and it's on!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
From the Samwellmusic.com website.
Samwell is something of an enigma.
He represents a cross-pollination that rouses complicated thoughts. To closed eyes, Samwell is an object of hate. To eyes open to beauty, he is a symbol of love and liberation.
A gay black man sugared by a more "effeminate" nature, Samwell is also possessed of a wholehearted spiritual sensibility. Samwell is not exclusive in his invention, yet similar characters are rarely as unconflicted. Samwell is unerringly comfortable with his would-be-judged-incompatible attributes. He seeks only to inspire the more exotic of birds to love themselves and others in the process.
Samwell embodies the absurd, loving, and fun nature in all of us.
Son!
Best. Song. Of. The. Year.
For more on Samwell and what is going into his butt check him out on Myspace.com or visit his site to cop some merch.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
The brokest rapper you know, Boot Camp Clik veteran Sean Price, wears a variety of hooded garments in the video clip for his new single "Mess You Made" featuring guest vocals from Block McCloud.
His newest project, the sophomore solo LP titled 'Jesus Price Supastar,' is on store shelves right now on Duck Down Records.
His newest project, the sophomore solo LP titled 'Jesus Price Supastar,' is on store shelves right now on Duck Down Records.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Even though his single "Acceptable in the 80s" isn't available in stores yet, Calvin Harris has already managed to gain recognition from radio stations and even MTV.
I myself am smitten for both Harris, who happens to be Scottish, and his song. Calvin himself appears to have affection for the 80's especially anyone born during the decade.
"I got love for you if you were born in the 80s"
"I got hugs for you if you were born in the 80s"
"I'll do things for you if you were born in the 80s"
Calvin, being a girl born in 1981 I deserve some hugs!
Anywho, if you are an 80's gooroo check out this tune and nifty video featuring Harris, a stuffed weasel (or otter) named Pablo and more. Good times.
I myself am smitten for both Harris, who happens to be Scottish, and his song. Calvin himself appears to have affection for the 80's especially anyone born during the decade.
"I got love for you if you were born in the 80s"
"I got hugs for you if you were born in the 80s"
"I'll do things for you if you were born in the 80s"
Calvin, being a girl born in 1981 I deserve some hugs!
Anywho, if you are an 80's gooroo check out this tune and nifty video featuring Harris, a stuffed weasel (or otter) named Pablo and more. Good times.
I'm not a huge fan of so-called "turntablists" per-se, but I like Bay are turntable guy Mike Relm. I had the opportunity to see him live on a tour with Gift of Gab a couple years back and the dude was just dope. Yeah, he did some fancy "turntablist" stuff. And he did "tricks" too. But he actually played records in a really interesting way, and in the process performed a set that was listenable and enjoyable, not just him jerking off on a turntable for a half-an-hour. It was artful. It was musical. It was good stuff.
After making a name for himself as a turntable musician and releasing a number of a "scratch tools" records and a live DVD he's trying his hand at releasing some music of his own. His first single is "Body Rock," featuring voclas from Gift of Gab and Myron Glasper, both of the Quannum Projects massive. And it's not even all "scratchy-scratchy." Download it.
| « Newer Posts | Older Posts » |
search & syndication
send us goodies
If
you'd like to send music, movies, books, periodicals—or anything
else—to Imageyenation for review or feature consideration, please inquire
about our shipping address via e-mail at keter (at) imageyenation (dot)
com. All submissions of MP3s, media links, news, gossip, press releases
and other pertinent information should be addressed to the same e-mail.
Please note that while we're always glad to receive music and other goodies
we can't guarantee that all submissions will be featured on the site.
leave us comments
If you read our blog, download our MP3s, enjoy listening to our podcasts, and generally love us, do yourself—and us—a favor and leave a comment or two. We know you're visiting. We know you're reading. We know you're downloading. And we know you're listening. The only thing we don't know is what you're thinking. So by all means, leave a comment and let us know! We promise to try not to make fun of you.
podcasts
Our Urban Alternatives radio program is now 100% digital, 100% portable, and 100% uncensored! Due to radio station politics the long-running—formerly terrestrially broadcast—radio show is now being made available solely as a downloadable PODCast here on the internet. Look for a new episode here on the blog every week—sometime after midnight Wednesday night—or subscribe to the URB ALTcast RSS Feed and get up-to-date episodes downloaded automatically. You can't stop the bumrush!
event calendar
To view all of our upcoming concerts and events visit our Upcoming.org profile page. If you'd like to have your event listed here on our calendar all you've got to do is add it to the listings at Upcoming.org, then send us a note requesting we check it out or send us a request with all the pertinent details via e-mail. If it fits in with our interests and sounds like something we'd like to help get the word out on we'll add it to our listings or list it for you.
And if you plan on attending any of the events listed on our calendar don't hesitate to hit us up about meeting up to share a beverage or something. We always enjoy making new friends and acquaintances.
disclaimer
Please note, all MP3s offered on this site are for promotional purposes only, are only offered for a limited time, and are changed frequently. If you happen to be an artist—or you represent an artist—whose music is featured on this blog and you want us to remove a song, please let us know via e-mail and it will be removed from the server immediately. And if you download MP3s and you like what you hear please take the time to seek out more material from the artist and make an effort to purchase the albums from which the MP3s are taken!
links
CODE
15 Minutes To Live
The Awesome Hall of Fame
Beats Per Minutez
Best Week Ever
Beta Kerosene
Birthday Cake Nation
Blame It On Steinski
Brooklyn Vegan
Chances With Wolves
Chilly-O
Cocaine Blunts
Compound 440r
Cool Hunting
Cute Overload
Deadspin
Douglas Rushkoff
Dreamy Rantings of a Bourgeoisie Revolutionaire
Drunken Stepfather
Eclectic Hermit
The Fader
Fluffy Lychees (NSFW)
Fly
Friends of Friends
Fuck Your Blog, Son
The Full Clip
Ghost Ramp
Grandgood
Hai Karate
HBML Fresh Garbage
Hel Looks
Herfection
The Home of Hump Jones
I'm So Chris-py
In a Cyclone of Stones
In the Valley
Interplanetarians
Jewschool
Jonn Nubian
Keepin' It Right Radio
Kicks-n-Jams
Lady Chavez and Fluffgirl
Life in text Format
Linear Beanfield Carousel
The Mangina Monologues
Media Assassin
The Megatron Don
merkley???
Miles of Mental Debris
Money, Hoes, & Clothes!
Music Ramen
Music Thing
News of Ryan Shull
Oh Word?
Overheard In New York
Palms Out
ponyXpress (NSFW)
The Pop Culture Wastelands
Post Secret
Potion Lords
Put Me On It
Radio Belly
The Rebel E
Robotobots
Rumblestrip
Skinbyrd
Snow Day Music
Step Up
Subterranean
Table of Mal-Contents
Target Queen
That Ol' New York Rap
Things I've Bought That I Love
This is Process
This Recording
Threadbanger
Trolley Races
Uncrate
Notes From the Underground Bastard
Wifebeater
PEOPLE
Facebook
Friendster
Last.fm
MOG
MySpace
OkCupid
Twitter
PAPER
Arthur
Beautiful Decay
Blender
Complex
Cool'eh
Elemental
The Fader
Fancy
Frank151
Giant Robot
Heeb
Missbehave
ReadyMade
Remix
Spin
Stay Free!
Urb
Vice
Wax Poetics
Xlr8r
WAX
Dance Tracks
Darla
Dusty Groove America
Hip Hop Site
Juno
Mystery Train
Sandbox Automatic
Turntablelab
Underground Hip Hop
THREADS
5 & a Dime
Acapulco Gold NY
Adidas
American Apparel
aNYthing
Boundless NY
Commonwealth™
Concrete Wave
Converse
Design by Humans
Digital Gravel
Fresh Jive
Harputs San Francisco
Hellz Bellz
Huf SF
The Hundreds
ifa*
IHMDJ!
Jacks Surfboards
Johnny Cupcakes
Karmaloop
Kidrobot
King Stampede
Married to the Mob
Mishka NYC
Moose Shirts
Nike
Nike iD
Nike SB
Oddica
One Anthem
The Originators
Recon
Ride the Rockett
ScumLife
The Seventh Letter
Shoe Biz SF
Stussy
Threadless
Timberland
Tokidoki
True Clothing
Undefeated
Worn Free