19 posts tagged “music”

I've been in a 90s hip hop mood lately. It's been a cross divide between the early (happier) sound of things like Pete Rock and DJ Premier productions. The other end of the spectrum is that grimey, hide-your-chains-because-the hoods-are-coming-out music (like Onyx, Mobb Deep, and MOP)l So this week I made a "happy chappy" mix (what up Alain!). The hood music (part 2) is coming soon. In the meanwhile, enjoy Timbs Go With Everything, Part 1. If you like it, leave a comment.

The heat might smother you...

5|365 I Wish Music Could Adopt Me

172|365 His Dream Lives

I could not fall asleep last night so after I watch the Giants sneak into the Super Bowl I started this little QuickMix in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I really wonder what Dr. King would think about the state of today's world. I observed the other day that although his dream has not been fully realized the ball has been dropped in a major way. As a result, today's generation have little to no idea what real struggle is, self-included. For that I'm sad yet hopeful. I'm a master of paradox.

Best Blockbuster Movie: Transformers

Best Rock Album: Foo Fighters' Echoes Silence Patience & Grace

Best R&B Album: Jill Scott's The Real Thing: Word And Sounds Vol. 3

Best Neo-Soul Album: Eric Roberson's LEFT

Best UK Album: Mark Ronson's Version (Sorry Charlie Murphy, I was having too much fun...)

Best Album Not Released This Year: Amy Winehouse's Back to Black

Recently I particpated in a roundtable discussion. After much anticipation, the BART has arrived!

What is BART?

The Best Albums Round Table 2007 (BART) connects five (5) people from the blogging and podcasting community in a round table discussion about this years Top 10 albums from the urban genres (e.g., neo-soul, R&B and hip hop). This podcast is available here as well as iTunes. The purpose of BART is to engage people in a discussion that will enlighten listeners on the artists and celebrate the contributions made by these artists in 2007.

For a list of the albums and panelists, visit the website @ http://fridayfavecast.com/bart

Last night I was listening to Your Mac Life. Shawn King brought up the news story about Jay-Z not wanting to sell his new album, American Gangster, on iTunes because it's a concept album and wants it sold and promoted that way (instead of by single download). I quickly realized that I was the minority voice (in more ways than one) as the chat room chatter turned to slams on Jay-Z and rap music on a whole. The repeated rant of a respected colleague (and friend) was "HE'S A GREEDY BASTARD!" I'm sorry you feel that way, Lesa. I know many share the sentiment, whether it's him or Metallica (they get the same complaint so there's no reason to play the race card as someone suggested). After seeing her post that over and over it got me thinking about something...

Flash back about three years ago to the advent of the iTunes Music Store. As a Mac enthusiast, I remember the excitement of seeing my favorite musician or band's label make the decision to add the artist's catalog to iTunes. While I usually had most of the catalog it was cool to have access to alternative mixes and tracks. When new albums became available at the same time as the retail chains we all thought it was cool that the labels decided to do that. Flash ahead to present day and the scene has changed so drastically. Now there are singles released on iTunes that aren't available anywhere else. For many, iTunes IS the way to purchase music. I know of at least five people who haven't bought a CD in two years. I also know people of the other end of the spectrum, who have never bought anything on iTunes because of the lack of availability of certain indie labels. And they're OK with that too. Somewhere along the line, especially among those of us who listen to popular music, we have come to demand the availability of music in iTunes. For proof just Google search "Beatles on iTunes" and enjoy over 2 million hits of expectation and anticipation. The way I see it, if Jay-Z was truly "greedy" he would exploit his artistic work for every penny possible, making it available to every venue possible in every form. He actually has the ability to do that since he is the CEO of his recording label. But he chose not to do so because he wanted people to experience a modern day concept album. If you're not a rap music fan it must be hard to see it as an art form compared to "insert your favorite genre of music here." Not growing up listening to classic rock, metal, and country I felt the same way before taking the time to listen with an open ear and mind. And when compared to classic concept albums like Pink Floyd's The Wall and The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band it may even seem trivial. But isn't the decision still in the hands of the labels, let alone the artist? Personally, I had no problem spending the same $9.99 at Best Buy for the CD, bringing it home, ripping it to iTunes, and syncing it to my iPod. Different "experience," same result. I just don't see what the big deal is.

Now if you want to talk greedy, let's talk baseball and Alex Rodriguez...

Music-wise, what was the first 45, single or download you bought?  
Submitted by Paddy Melt Wagon.

45 - Don't Give Up On Us by David Soul (yeah, Hutch from Starsky & Hutch) - 1977

12" Single - King Tim III (Personality Jock)  by The Fatback Band - 1979

Download - What's Up by 4 Non-Blondes - 1995

No guesses, no lies. I remember each one.

Last night as I stopped to get gas in the hood (KCMO) I was blasting my iPod and playing this song, cause that's how I roll...

Audio: Share what you're listening to right now.

I was going to do this anyway because my friend Tom tagged me to list my last five songs that I purchased online. I tend to purchase albums so I'll note songs of interest on them.

1. The Roots - Marathon Man

When I saw a track from my favorite hip hop band that I didn't own I purchased it immediately. It goes without saying that The Roots is a guaranteed buy. I like the groove on this one and it makes me wonder why they left it off Game Theory.

2.  Alicia Keys - No One

Talking about "not so blind buys" I heard snippets of the new Alicia Keys song and when I saw it on iTunes it had to be mine. It's not her strongest single but it's worth the listen.

3. Jill Scott - Come See Me

My most anticipated album this year wasn't from Mr. West, Curtis, or Jack and Meg. It was the third major release from Jill Scott. This woman exudes grace and beauty through her lyrics and soulful sirens. This track creates this scenario in my head of coming home from work, kicking off the corporate look, and relaxing with some libations and my lady. Yeah, Jill does that to me.

4. Kanye West - Barry Bonds (feat Lil Wayne)

Love him or hate him, Kanye West personifies the pure essence of rap music: braggadocio. He who went from strug-ga-ling to having a house in LA filled with modern pop art and classic couture luggage as furniture deserves to be a bit cocky about himself and his accomplishments. This song just embodies it. While listening to an interview on BBC radio I heard him admit that he thinks Lil Wayne is the only rapper out there better than him. Sun Tzu would be proud.

5. Foo Fighters - The Pretender

And because a blipster cannot live on urban contemporary alone I had to get the new one by Dave and the boys. It's... different. Did Dave go through a breakup or something? I don't think there has been this many mellow tracks on one FF album. I'm still giving it initial spins but the first single definitely grabbed me from first listen.

In other news I picked up the Feist album based on Tom and Todd Kelley's liking of it. Hopefully I can drill out the iPod Nano commercial if I listen to more than "1,2,3,4."

Next up... The Twitters! Todd Kelley, Jason Toney, EJ Flavors, RPM, and Angela Michelle. Leave me a comment when you post it. Everyone else, feel free to play along by leaving your five in the comments.