The Early Show

What is going on with M.I.A.?

2010-08-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

Unless you have decided to stop reading magazines, newspapers and blogs in the last two months, you have probably heard quite a bit about M.I.A. recently. I did not read the New York Times article that supposedly exposed her as a fraud by contrasting her revolutionary rhetoric with her currently privileged lifestyle, but it was hard to ignore the aftermath, which included M.I.A. tweeting the reporter's name and phone number. Spin and Rolling Stone have both done recent articles tht reference the NYT article, and try to give a balanced account of what M.I.A. says versus what she does. Ecko Complex did a puff piece on her with lots of nice pictures. Diplo, a former partner and producer, has wasted no bandwidth telling the world exactly what he thinks of MAYA, the latest album. (Spoiler alert: he doesn't like it.)

I was finally able to hear the record after reading all of this primarily negative press. I hoped the music would overshadow the hype. I was excited about M.I.A. when she debuted with "Arular" and was being hailed as the newest, most exciting thing in hip-hop. "Arular" was spotty, but where it was good, it was really good. I loved "Galang," "Pull up the People," and "Sunshowers." The album as a whole showed a lot of promise and potential and a new, fresh voice. Her second album, "Kala," was dope: much more consistent, with great beats and hooks. I still didn't understand what she was talking about half of the time, but I didn't care. I have never been sure why people spend so much time talking about her revolutionary lyrics. M.I.A.'s thoughts never seem finished, at least in her songs. Even some of her quotes in articles seem more like slogans than real revolutionary or anarchist thought. But her inability to spend enough time in the U.S. to allow Timbaland to produce all of "Kala" forced her to go in many different directions, including using full Indian drum sections, sharing the mic with street kids, remaking Bollywood classics, etc. "Kala" was a successful hodgepodge, in my opinion.

Unfortunately, the new album sucks. There was not one song I wanted to listen to more than once. There were a few I couldn't even sit through one time. M.I.A. appears to adhere to the "all publicity is good publicity" school, but the music has to back it up. This album does not. I have read reviews that talk about her subversiveness, singing lines that sound like she might be saying "I really love Allah." Whether that is what she said, or that is just what she wants you to think she said, does it matter if the song isn't any good? Unfortunately, no. The hype machine will probably continue revolving around M.I.A., but there is no substance to back it up this time around.

Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

2010-07-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

It was with some trepidation that I listened to Big Boi's new solo album. Like most of us, I am a HUGE OutKast fan and have been somewhat disappointed by some of their later output, like the "Idlewild" soundtrack and some of the guest spots Andre 3000 has put out recently. I hold on just barely to hopes of a successful OutKast reunion, especially since Andre's guest spots make it sound like he's given up on rapping altogether (or should). But the press surrounding Big Boi's "Chico Dusty" project made it sound like a return to form, as did some of his performances on the late night talk show circuit. I saw him do "Shutterbugg" on Leno with a band similar to OutKast performances: dj, horns, guitar, bass, back-up vocals, hype man. It was pretty good.

And that is probably the best thing I can say about the album. It is pretty good. Highlights are "Shutterbugg," the two versions of "Shine Blockas" (remix with Bun B is the better version), and "Tangerine," featuring T.I. and Khujo from Goodie Mob. "Tangerine" is unfortunately typical misogynistic fare, but that doesn't negate the talent of the m.c.'s involved. Overall, though, the album reminded me of the "Speakerboxx/The Love Below" double album from OutKast. It was pretty good, but didn't live up to the high standards of "ATLiens," "Aquemini," or "Stankonia." That is probably not a fair standard for any solo artist leaving an amazing group, but it can't be helped. I'm interested in what our readers think, and if the rumored OutKast reunion will be better.

How I Got Over

2010-07-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

This is the ninth studio album by The Roots, who now have a day job playing for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. I'm still not sure how I feel about that. The Roots are one of my favorite groups, they put on an amazing live show and put out thought-provoking, challenging records. I'm glad they're making regular money, but Black Thought, the primary M.C., is underused on the program and sometimes it feels like they could be doing something else that is less silly. On the other hand, I like knowing they have a sense of humor and it is fun to guess what song they'll play for each guest's walk-on.

Anyway, "How I Got Over" was originally scheduled for February release, but was pushed back to June, reportedly by Def Jam. Is it worth the wait? Kinda. I think I am still holding The Roots up to the incredibly high standards of "Things Fall Apart," which might be unfair. No one can keep recreating the same dope album, and no one should try. Artists have to grow and change. "How I Got Over" has a theme of introspection, questioning God, looking at the problems around our communities and pondering how to change them. It also has way too many guest stars, similar to "Rising Down." Both albums are good, and challenge conventions of what hip-hop is. This is a good idea in theory. But not always great sounding in practice. The title track is very good, especially Black Thought's sung verses. He started using this style on the "Game Theory" album, to particularly good use on "Baby." "Dear God 2.0" is another good track, featuring Jim James of Monsters of Folk. It's a stellar reworking of the Monsters of Folk original, and deserves multiple listens, even if it doesn't make you nod your head until your neck hurts. Overall, the album is heavy on content and not heavy on beats. The only track that really bangs is "Web 20/20," featuring Peedi Peedi and Truck North.

The Roots have every right to make an album that makes you think. But they used to make you want to dance, too, or at least bang your head while listening on the train. Are they growing up? Getting soft? Enjoying that talk show money? Or just following their muse as real artists? I am not entirely sure.

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe: Friday @ The Brooklyn Bowl‏

2010-05-26T01:17:00.000-07:00

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe @ The Brooklyn Bowl
There are certain artists, that when you say their name, you expect everyone in the vicinity to know that name. You expect them to register your statement with a big bright smile on their face in recognition of the greatness of said name that just escaped your lips. When I say Karl Denson, I immediately expect people to raise their heads, their glasses, and their hearts in salute to THE MAN who can manipulate a saxophone with the best of the best. Often times, this doesn't happen! Many of the greatest artists on the scene are, for lack of a better word, hidden, for those of us willing to seek them out.

On the other hand, if I were to say Lenny Kravitz, everyone would know that name. He is plastered all over the radio and TV and I don't ever turn those contraptions on. What is a radio again? But, saying Lenny Kravitz's name, it would register, even with the most uneducated of music lovers. What a lot of people do not know is that Karl Denson was in Lenny Kravitz's band years ago and where his fame grew. Now, not to knock him by any means, but I have and never will go to a Lenny Kravitz concert. Karl on the other hand...I will NEVER EVER EVER miss a Karl Denson show. This past weekend at the Brooklyn Bowl, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe brought THE HOUSE DOWN with funky goodness two nights in a row. I honestly, don't know where to begin...

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe @ The Brooklyn Bowl
I arrived at the venue with my friend. We thought we were running late but there was not even a line at the ID check and it was already past 9pm. OK? Again, my point being made that people don't know good music when it come and hits them in the face. But no worries, the slow start gave us plenty of time to talk with friends, maneuver to the front and lay down our belongings, setting up for the rager that was about to take place. Standing around a little while longer, still nothing so we took a trip outside. While hanging out in the fresh air, a taxi pulls up and chills by the stage door. My friend and I continue our conversation and see Pete Shapiro, owner of the Brooklyn Bowl and in my opinion, probably the luckiest man on earth, come out talking to a roadie. "I have to pay the taxi," he says, as Karl Denson steps out of the taxi and into view. "Hi Karl," I say, "JAM CRUUUUISE!" He turns and smiles :) My friend and I quickly turn away to make our way inside because NOW the show can commence!
I am at the Brooklyn Bowl so often, it seems funny to have to describe it in every review. All I am going to say this time is that it is the coolest venue in all of New York City. Hands down. Period. End of story. Get your fannys there as soon as you can. Members of Karl Denson's Tiny Universe took the stage sometime between 10:10pm and 10:30pm. OK, right up front, I am telling you this is a long review, even for my standards...the show was three hours of straight raging funk from one of my favorite artists...it's a doozie and worth the read! :) The stage was set up as follows, from left to right:

David Veith (keyboards)
Chris Littlefield (trumpet)
John Staten (drums)
Karl Denson (saxophone/flute)
Chris Stillwell (bass)
Brian Jordan (guitar)

Oh man, what a line up. Karl has put together a talented group of musicians who all deserve to be fronting their own bands. I just truly love every single player in this group and I don't say that often. Karl came out in a jacket and slacks, Brian Jordan began strumming his guitar, Karl picked up the microphone and immediately blasted into Sister Jane. And at that point there was "nothing going on but a FUNKY SONG!!" Good lord! He just slammed right into it. The horns went at it. He beckoned us to warm up our pipes and join the song. There was shouts into the audience and we returned them. "Ahh, Yaa, Yeah, Yoooo!!" Karl fiercely laced into his saxophone, screaming at us with that blessed thing then throwing it down to pick up the tambourine. First song into the night and I almost broke into tears!
...Click For More

BoCoCa is Around the Corner

2010-05-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

We wrote about the BoCoCa Arts Festival back in March but thought it was time to do a follow-up as June is around the corner. A lot of exciting things are happening in their second year! BoCoCa has partnered with the Brooklyn ArtWalk, another annual event that happens June 5th and 6th. If you stop by Atlantic Avenue, you'll most likely see performers from BoCoCa and get some information about the festival.

They've also confirmed a lot of outstanding performers this year. There will be a theater production called "Stephen King's High School: The Musical," which satirizes the popular "High School Musical" franchise. There will be visual artists with installations all around the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill. There will be "Podcast Plays" from the Conflict of Interest Theater Company.

And there will be music from a few of the groups we've talked about on this blog, (Illard Scott, Ganessa James, BR and Timebomb), as well as some other exciting bands and soloists: Rawson, a soul/rock quartet from upstate NY with a not-to-be-believed live show; Colorform, an acoustic trio (vocals, guitar, cello) that performs with a live visual artist; Gallons to Ounces, a blues/funk trio from the D.C. area that has some great live clips on Myspace and many more! What's even better if you're not getting regular stock dividends is that some of these shows are free. Check out the BoCoCa website soon for a full schedule.

BR and TIMEBOMB : The TIME IS NOW Tour

2010-05-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

We wrote about BR and Timebomb a couple months back, just because we dig them. We said it then, and we'll say it again: their live show is BANANAS. Trumpet, violin, dope mc'ing, and a tight rhythm section that keeps the crowds dancing. And now we hear they're heading out on tour. Starting this weekend, the 'Bomb is heading out to Ohio and Chicago, then back to NYC for a bunch of outdoor shows. If you're in the Midwest and reading this, thank you. Now go find this band.

www.brandtimebomb.com

Red Baraat

2010-05-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

Red Baraat is a band we recently came across and they are pretty unique, something we can't say very often. They describe themselves as "the first and only dhol 'n' brass band of its kind in the States melding the infectious North Indian rhythm Bhangra with brass funk and expressing the human spirit through improvisation and a powerful live sound." They are based in Brooklyn, which is where we caught them when they performed at the Brooklyn Museum of Art for Target First Saturdays. The mixture of five horn players (clarinet/saxophone, trumpet, bass trumpet, trombone, sousaphone) and three percussionists makes for a PARTY. To us, it seemed like the Indian music was mixed with New Orleans second line. Their leader, Sunny Jain, is a very enthusiastic performer who keeps the crowd hyped.

We picked up their debut album, "Chaal Baby," last week. Although it is not as exciting as their live show, a real band should be better live and their jazz roots show up well on the recording. Our favorite track, by far, is "Punjabi Wedding Song," but "Tunak Tunak Tun" and "Hey Jamalo" are also really good. They've got a bunch of upcoming dates around NYC and you need to go check these guys out.

www.redbaraat.com

Richie Goods & Nuclear Fusion @ The Zinc Bar (04.21.10)

2010-05-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

Jazz Fusion!!! FUUUUUUUUSION!!! This was to be special night of music. First night of fusion music all year. God that word alone makes me tingly….There are certain things that are constantly stirring in the back of my head on any given day. Oddly enough, there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think of fusion…of artists like Al Di Meola, Zawinul, Stanley Clark, Chick Corea, George Benson, Jean-Luc Ponty, George Duke. Just their gorgeous sounds…I hear it in my head all the time…Oh dear lord, I’m getting heated. If you have never listened to these artists, I DEMAND you download anything by them…IMMEDIATELY!....
Read More Here

Big Sam's NYC Sullivan Hall Review

2010-04-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

Oh, Big Sam!! You ripped us up GOOD!!!!

Big Sam's Funky Nation's New Cd: King of the Party

New York City was NOT prepared for what hit it Friday night. How do I know this? Because EVERYONE I know who attended Friday’s show was crying from the pain on Saturday after we danced OUR ASSES OFF!!!! Big Sam’s Funky Nation rolled in hard and strong to Sullivan Hall for the Album Release Party of their fourth studio album, King of the Party this past Friday. OK! I am just going to say it: Big Sam is…STRAIGHT UP…the King of the Party. What an amazing, fun, fantastic performance!

I was unable to make it for the opening acts as I had a previous engagement uptown with a group of my favorite girlfriends. Yes, just sometimes, I make room for things other then music in my life. S0, I quite literally arrived at the venue as the The High & Mighty Brass Band was wrapping up. SORRY H&MBB!!

As I entered the venue, I walked up to the right front of the stage and there they all were; the lovely members of the NYC Funk Live Group who were able to make it out that night. I was immediately bombarded with hugs, introductions and smiles. Apparently, I had missed a hell of an opener as they all seemed energized. My good pal, Russ, says “I wasn’t sure of the set list, but I got this for ya,” as he hands me The High & Mighty Brass Band’s set list from the stage!!! Enjoy:

New Deftones Album

2010-04-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

A good friend told me last week to check out the two new singles from Deftones: "Diamond Eyes" and "Rocket Skates," off of their "Diamond Eyes" album which comes out May 4. Boy, do I owe him one! These tracks are off the chain, definitely up there with the band's best. I first heard this band when they got signed to Madonna's Maverick label and their single, "My Own Summer (Shove It)," got a lot of airplay. At the time, they were lumped in with other nu metal and rap metal bands, partially due to Chino's unfortunate "rapping." Most of those bands are gone thankfully, but Deftones keeps moving. Their bass player, Chi Cheng, is unfortunately still in a coma after a car accident in November 2008. Chino Moreno, their lead singer, states they now have two bass players while Cheng recuperates. If you are new to the band, you should check out these two new singles, as well as some of my personal favorites: "Rapture," "Beware" and "Kimdracula" from "Saturday Night Wrist;" "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" and "My Own Summer (Shove It)" from "Around the Fur;" "Bored" from "Adrenaline;" and the entire brilliant "White Pony" record.

Deftones Website

Stephanie White and the NJ Philth Harmonic

2010-04-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

This is a great band with a long name. We first heard them at Webster Hall back in 2007 as part of a Battle of the Bands and we've also seen them on bills with fellow New Jerseyites Defending Champions and Hyphen-One and Daylow. The band's CDBaby page describes them as "a sexy fusion of R&B, rock, reggae and jazz with a delicious pop." We think that's a fair description. Stephanie has a great, powerful voice and is backed by a strong band featuring a horn section, guitar, bass and drums. Rob LaFalce, the drummer, also handles most of the songwriting for the band (which is more than I can say for a lot of drummers I know). These guys tour a lot along the East Coast and you should check them out. Definitely peep their single, "Cheat on My Best Friend." Always good for a sing-along.

Stephanie White and the NJ Philth Harmonic Myspace

Mos Def, Whosane, Ski Beatz - "Taxi"

2010-04-07T21:43:00.001-07:00

Check this out: The first clip is of Mos Def working with Ski Beatz on this new song "Taxi". The next is the completed song (just audio) with Mos Def and Whosane. I'm feelin the song but it's also cool to see it in progress before hearing the whole thing.

Wu - Massacre

2010-04-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

Once again, Wu-Tang Clan has renewed my love for real hip-hop music all over again with this release from 3 of its best: Method Man, Ghostface and Raekwon. Twitter has been all over this one for a couple days. Even other artists were tweeting about it, Questlove, for example. The best thing about this is that Wu-Tang is back to putting out multiple quality albums in a row. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 came out last year and was dope. Then Ghostface did his R&B album, which was a failed experiment in our opinion. (Ghost, you're the best, but we weren't feeling that one.) And now, Wu-Massacre comes out to completely crush the game.

Standout tracks include "Gunshowers," "Youngstown Heist," and "Smooth Sailing." There was some debate in our office over "Mef vs. Chef 2." The verses are hot, but there isn't the battle feel that we got on the first "Meth vs. Chef" on Method Man's first "Tical" album. "Criminology 2.5" is also good, but I have to wonder how many times you need to recycle the same beat, title and feeling of a great song. "It's That Wu S**t" is also a good track, which reworks the "Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz" hook.

Wu-Tang was once the freshest, most dynamic, different group out there with consistently great work. I remember being incredibly excited to be the first kid I knew to cop "Enter the Wu-Tang" and my friends and I used to debate which members would be the first to put out solo albums and whose would be the best. I think it's safe to say that the excitement is back.

5 Major Misconceptions about Hip-Hop

2010-04-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

1. Today's hip-hop music is mostly crap.
Okay, this is largely true. But not entirely. If you listen to the radio (I try not to), or watch the 10 minutes a day when MTV isn't playing reality shows (I don't), you'll hear a lot of crap. Here at the Early Show, we listen to some of everything and you can tell by what we've posted about so far. When it comes to hip-hop, we like the established artists, we like the popular artists and we like the newer, underground folks. We've been huge fans of Jay-Z since Reasonable Doubt. We loved Lil' Wayne around The Carter II and whichever DJ Drama mixtape had "Cannon" on it. Swizz Beatz puts out some good stuff. Sometimes. But all of these guys also put out some crap BECAUSE THEY CAN. People buy it no matter what because it's what's "hot in the game right now." Please. In my opinion, Lil' Wayne and his Young Money clown posse set hip-hop back several years with their Grammy performance. Profanity doesn't equal quality and, for the love of God, pull your pants up.

2. Hip-hop music only uses samples and/or over-simplified synthesizers and drum machines.
Again, there is some truth to this. But it's not always a bad thing. Go back for a second to the Golden Age of Hip-Hop. We'll wait. There was a lot of creativity in sampling back then. Folks like De La Soul, Public Enemy, Biz Markie and the Beastie Boys had some sick productions where they'd take pieces of 8-10 songs and make something new and unique with them. Then the artists they borrowed/stole from found out how much money they were making. Now no one can afford to do this. So today's producers either sample one old song and let it ride, or over-do it with the synths and drum machines. It sure would be nice if some of these producers knew how to play some instruments.

Oh, wait a minute, some of them do! First off, all respect is due to the Roots. They've been doing this live hip-hop thing and making it work for longer than anyone else. (I'm not talking about the whole Jimmy Fallon thing right now.) But the Roots are not the only ones doing it. I saw a couple of great shows in the mid-90s by Common and the Fugees with live bands behind them. A lot of MCs just ask the Roots to back them up, because it's easier. On the local NYC scene, there are tons of bands doing the live hip-hop thing. Going back to the early 2000s, we had the Higher Circle and Alter Egos doing it. These days, we have BR and Timebomb, the Ideas, LAW and Planet 12, Dujeous, Hyphen-One and Daylow out of New Jersey and Swift Technique holding it down for Philadelphia. Flobots is doing their thing in Denver. There are probably more out there we don't know. Holla if we missed someone good.

3. Hip-hop is male-dominated and misogynistic.
Male-dominated? Yes. But there have always been some dope female MC's in the game: Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte, Salt 'n' Pepa, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Missy Elliot, Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown, Jean Grae, Bahamadia, M.I.A., etc. You can make arguments that some of them had male ghost writers and that some of them used their bodies and sexuality as a crutch but I'm not making that argument. And I just heard a piece last night on NPR (what? I know.) about newer female MC's they heard at this year's SXSW: Kid Sister, Invincible and Malaga. All of them were doing innovative stuff.

Misogynistic? Yes, unfortunately. But not everyone. Step past the radio crap and you'll hear men and women writing some positive, conscious lyrics where you can tell they actually gave some thought to relations between men and women as well as other real-life issues that don't include Cristal or diamond jewelry.

4. Hip-hop is one-dimensional.
I think I've already made my point on this one. I can disprove this misconception just by listing some of my favorite hip-hop artists of all time: OutKast, the Roots, Mos Def, Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul, Brand Nubian, EPMD, MF Doom, Cee-Lo, Lauryn Hill, A Tribe Called Quest, Rakim. Need I say more? How many dimensions is that?

5. Hip-hop is dead.
The funny thing about this one is most of the people who say it continue to make hip-hop albums (I'm looking at you, Nas). Back in the day, De La Soul called their second album, "De La Soul is Dead." And they were basically stating that the style they brought on their brilliant first album of Daisy-era, hippie stuff was pretty much over. And if you think about it, the people who have created every kind of American music have gone on to completely evolve it and remove themselves from the older sub-genres. Sometimes the creators and their fans leave the music altogether to other people. I'm talking about jazz, blues, rock, and now hip-hop. Commercial hip-hop is just that: commercial. And yet, it's still ignored by people who base their ignorance on these 5 misconceptions (I'm talking to you, L Magazine. Is indie rock really the only music worth listening to? Jeez.)

I had to read this book once for an economics class (got a C minus, thank you very much) that stated that in a global economy, there was less of a need and less market for talented musicians in different parts of the world because everyone now has access to the very best worldwide. They used opera as an example. Everyone can buy Pavarotti, so they don't need their local opera singer whose name I don't know. The same seems to be happening with hip-hop. Everyone can buy Young Money or Gucci Mane, so they don't have to look for quality in their local market. But it's high time that they do.

2010-03-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

Gorillaz, the imaginary/animated group created by Damon Albarn of Blur fame and comic book artist Jamie Hewlett (Tank Girl co-creator), released their third album, "Plastic Beach" this month. My official opinion of this new effort is "eh." I don't like it much. The first single, "Stylo," featuring Mos Def and Bobby Womack, is bad as hell and so is the video. Bruce Willis stars in the video and he makes almost everything better, except maybe those two movies he did with Matthew Perry. And it's in 3D, which seems to be all the rage with the young kids. But the rest of the album is pretty boring. I tried to listen to it during a meeting with my co-writer and we fast forwarded through most of the tracks.

Now I know you might say we should give it another listen, maybe listen more carefully. And you're right, we might do that. But that wasn't a necessity with "Demon Days," Gorillaz' second effort. That record grabbed you right away and kept your interest. Same thing with the self-titled first record, especially the singles. Now Gorillaz is one of those bands that features tons of guest stars, but that's not the problem here. Mos Def is on a couple of tracks (so is Bobby Womack) but only one is good. Other guest stars include De La Soul, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Lou Reed, Mick Jones and Snoop Dogg. De La Soul had a great track on "Demon Days" called "Feel Good, Inc." that I still listen to. Del tha Funky Homosapien has guested on some of their best tracks, and members of The Pharcyde have done some great work with Gorillaz. The difference this time might be in the production. Dan "The Automator" Nakamura did the first album and Danger Mouse did the second. "Plastic Beach" was produced primarily by Damon Albarn, and this proves the old adage that you shouldn't produce or edit yourself. Let us know what you think. If you really love this record, we'll give it another listen. Maybe.

Gorillaz - Stylo

Ganessa James

2010-03-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

Ganessa James is a songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, bassist, producer, and all-around music lover. We first checked her out about 6 years ago when she performed with Onliest, her band with her twin sister, Tiffany "Zelle" James. Ganessa's music includes irresistible earnest delivery, harmonies, and lyrics that implore you to listen and be moved. Her beautiful music and positive spirit make everyone love her: parents, wives, husbands, friends, babies, you name it. Ganessa is a self-taught singer with influences that include Take 6, En Vogue, Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor and Joan Armatrading. She has performed at venues all over New York City both as a solo artist, and with other artists such as Onliest, the Soulfolk Experience, Me'Shell Ndegeocello and Shelley Nicole's Blakbushe. She has also performed at The Michigan Womyn's Music Festival. She's performing in the Bronx next month and at a few local festivals over the summer.

Facebook
Myspace

Illard Scott

2010-03-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

This post is about a young MC out of Queens we've been following for a minute. His name is Illard Scott, and this cat definitely combines old-school flow with some hard-hitting DJ Premier-style beats. His content is on the conscious side, but he can flow about NYC, love, God, and MC'ing in general. Illard Scott has performed all over New York: at the Nuyorican Poetry Club, End of the Weak, last year's Forest Park International Music Festival, the Metro Hope Lounge in Harlem, and his own open mics in Mavi Lounge in Queens. You should check out his videos on Youtube. Dude has serious production skills and works with some of the best: DJ G-Biz and Mark Carrenceja (also known for working with the Roots). If you're tired of the same old crap in today's hip-hop, you're reading the right blog and you should give this cat a listen.
Myspace Page
Guidon Records Website

Them Crooked Vultures

2010-03-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

This group debuted a couple months ago, but when I heard about them, I immediately thought, "Why didn't I hear about this sooner?" It was kinda like that Chappelle Show skit where Arsenio Hall punches a guy in the face at a wine and cheese party and goes, "Why didn't you tell me this cheese was so good, motherf***er?" Them Crooked Vultures consists of three greats in hard rock music, all famous with their own bands, all known for collaborating a lot. Josh Homme is the main songwriter, singer, guitairst for Queens of the Stone Age. He got his start with Kyuss and also releases semi-regular albums called the Desert Sessions that can include just about anyone he's friends with in music. John Paul Jones is best known as the bass player/organist/mandolin player for Led Zeppelin. I always wondered why he got kinda ignored in that band, but I think the answer to that question is Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Bonham. Jones has also played and produced with tons of people all over (I saw a clip on Questlove's Myspace page once with Jones, Questlove and Ben Harper playing "Dazed and Confused." Ridiculous.) And Dave Grohl is best known for playing drums for this little band called Nirvana, as well as fronting the Foo Fighters. Grohl has also played drums on my favorite QOTSA album, "Songs for the Deaf," drummed for Probot along with Lemmy from Motorhead, and a couple other projects I haven't heard.

Them Crooked Vultures' self-titled debut has some great tracks on it, but it's not perfect. There are a couple clunkers, but highlights include "Dead End Friends," which sounds like the best of QOTSA and has some really sad lyrics (I had to look them up). "Bandoliers" and "Elephants" are also good, with great instrumental breakdowns. "Scumbag Blues" has a melody and falsetto singing by Homme that remind me of "Strange Brew" by Cream, but that's not a bad thing. If you're gonna be in a hard rock supergroup trio, you might as well reference the best. Vultures' live show has been described by a friend of mine as "loud." You can stream a full concert by Them Crooked Vultures from Austin City Limits on pbs.org.
themcrookedvultures.com

Devlin Miles

2010-03-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

We came across Devlin Miles a couple years ago and we really dig her sound. It's a combination of melody-driven pop, rock and country, with influences like Sheryl Crow and Pat Benatar (not the kind of stuff we listen to all the time), but Devlin makes it work. Devlin puts on a great live show and we've seen her perform in NYC a bunch of times, most recently in December at the Bitter End where she released her CD, "Autumn's Fires." She also composed a song to benefit suicide prevention called "The Extra Mile" and performed it for National Survivor Day on November 21. Anyone reading this blog in Massachusetts is likely to see her up there over the summer.
Her Myspace,
Facebook,
and CDbaby

Clipse feat. Cam'ron - "Popular Demand"

2010-03-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

This song is tight. I used to listen to the Clipse when their 1st album came out but not so much now. I dont know why cuz they're pretty consistent. I never stopped likin them. I just didnt check for them that much. But I came across this and like I said, they're consistent. This bangs just like their old stuff. Even though the beat sounds a bit like Nas "On the Real", I'm not gonna knock it. It's dope regardless. Plus Pharell tends to show respect to the great producers before him so it's all good. Listen to both and you be the judge. Clipse do put it down, plus the videos in Bk.

We are the World 25- Why, Lord, Why?

2010-03-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't listened to the remake of "We are the World" and I probably won't. Here's why: they brought together over 30 singers and songwriters to do this. Why couldn't they write a new song? I saw Natalie Cole and Lionel Richie and Justin Bieber on Extra or Access Hollywood or one of those shows (whichever one has the dude from Saved by the Bell) talking about how excited they were about this. Natalie Cole said she was honored to sing Michael Jackson's part. Justin Bieber and Lionel Richie talked about how Bieber sang Richie's part. I respect Natalie Cole and Lionel Richie; I have nothing to say about Justin Bieber. But why not write a new song? MJ and Lionel came up with "We are the World" on the spot in the studio with Quincy Jones. Do you mean that no one currently making music is talented enough to do that? (Maybe not.)

The funny thing is that "We are the World" was not the only time that a bunch of artists got together to sing a song for a good cause. It happened a lot in the 80s, less so later on. There was that "Do They Know It's Christmas" song with a bunch of British pop singers. There was "Sun City" that protested apartheid in South Africa. KRS-One put together "Self Destruction" with the best MC's of his time to talk about gun violence. Even Michael Jackson ripped off his own song later on and wrote "Heal the World" But so few people do anything original anymore. Does anyone remember when they remade "What's Going On?" a couple years ago and had Fred Durst singing? I'm trying my best to forget it. I'm also trying to forget Fred Durst and his red Yankee cap. General consensus on Facebook, at least in my circle of friends, is that "We are the World 25" was made for a great cause (helping Haiti) but that didn't mean anyone wanted to hear Wyclef warble all over it. (Sorry, Wyclef. Loved "The Carnival," by the way.)

BoCoCa Arts Festival

2010-03-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

The BoCoCa Arts Festival came to our attention last year, which was fortunate since that was the first year it existed. The festival was created by a group of actors, dancers and musicians who lived in Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn to connect new theatre, dance and musical acts with unique spaces to perform and reach new fans. Here's what they say about it on their website:

"The BoCoCa Arts Festival seeks to incorporate the varied and unique aspects of the Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens Communities through artistic expression, support of local businesses and the provision of entertainment and inspiration relevant to members of the BoCoCa’s community and beyond."

Last year, the festival went for about 2 weeks at clubs and lounges such as the Bell House, Deity and Ceol Pub. Loud Apt., Aprille Goodman, Diet Kong, The Spanish Channel and BR and Timebomb were some of the bands we checked out last summer. (There was also some fantastic burlesque dancing and some Shakespeare but we didn't catch the names of those folks. Sorry.) We hear BR and Timebomb has signed on to be part of the festival again this year and Loud Apt. is a maybe. If the first year was any indication, this summer (June 18-27) will be dope. They're accepting submissions until April 2.
www.bococaartsfestival.com

BR and TIMEBOMB

2010-03-17T21:37:00.001-07:00

Oh BR and Timebomb, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways. This is hands-down one of our favorite up-and-coming bands. They do a little bit of everything. We know, everybody says that and they usually suck, but this band combines live hip-hop, conscious lyrics, some jazz, some rock, some classical and makes something new. We don't even know what to call it yet but we're working on a name. Their first album, "Believe in Something (Greater Than Yourself)," came out in September 09 and is blowing up right now, and they just put out a live DVD. We understand they're working on a Northeast tour and outdoor shows in parks around NYC for the summer. If you haven't seen them live, you need to go check them out. Their live show is bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S. (Shoot us, we made a Gwen Stefani joke.)
BRTB Website
Myspace page

Rest In Peace Pimp C

2010-03-16T10:54:00.001-07:00

I love that good UGK music so I'm gonna post it whether it's old or new so get used to it. Their music is different from NY shit but also not stereotypical Southern rap either so if you dont get it at first, let it grow on you. Check out this joint, "Hogg in the Game". It's hot. For the Muslims, Jews, 5 percenters, Israelites, etc., I dont eat pork either. It aint about that. It's about gettin greedy and taking yours cuz sometimes that's necessary.

Massive Attack - Heligoland

2010-03-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

Massive Attack recently released their newest album, "Heligoland," and we couldn't be more thrilled with it. We fell in love with them around the time they released "Mezzanine," so we were a little late to the game. "Heligoland" features many collaborators, some old (Martina Topley-Bird) and some new (Tunde Adebimpe from TV on the Radio, that guy from Elbow). We read a great feature in the New Yorker that pointed out that Massive Attack as a group has always been greater than the sum of their parts, and they relied on collaborators to make their sound. "Pray for Rain," the track with Tunde is a standout, as is "Flat of the Blade" with the lead singer from Elbow. The beats on "Flat of the Blade" remind us of some of Matmos' work with Bjork on her "Vespertine" album. Since we heard this record, we have been recommending it to all our friends. If you're reading this, consider yourself a friend and go get this album.

MassiveAttack.com

Sound Frontier

2010-03-15T22:18:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite local bands for the last few years is Sound Frontier, a blues/rock trio that started at the New Amsterdam Musical Association in Harlem. The band is fronted by Ali Bishop, a fantastic guitarist who actually started out as an MC before moving over to what he calls "street blues." While the line-up of the band is changing even as we write this, Sound Frontier is still not to be missed. They are finishing their first album right now and performing at Public Assembly in Williamsburg on March 26. We might not be able to catch this show, but you should.
Sound Frontier Myspace Page

OB4CL2 = FIRE

2010-03-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

I follow Raekwon on Twitter (as you should), so I know he's currently on tour supporting his dope album released last year, "Only Built for Cuban Linx 2." His latest tweets say he's in either Brisbane or Byron Bay. I don't know where either of those places are, but that's what Google is for. OB4CL2 was one of my favorite hip-hop albums of last year, and not just because I was born before 1990. It had the style and soulful quality of our favorite older Wu-Tang albums while remaining exciting and current to our times. All of the guest stars shined (Ghostface, Cappadonna, Method Man, Master Killer, Slick Rick, etc.). If you consider yourself a true hip-hop fan and you didn't cop it last year, you should hit yourself with a pain stick.

OB4CL2 on itunes
Raekwon Myspace Page