Hey there Gheyng...I know I've been neglecting my duties. In all honesty, I've just been playing a LOT of Jenga lately. Just when you think you're gettin' somewhere, that tower comes toppling down...so frustrating...
This week's double-header is partly thematic and 100% rad. A few months ago my roommate told me about this band: Death from Above 1979. I only listened to one song, and it was aight, but didn't really catch my fancy. Enter CSS: in preparation for what will undoubtedly be one of the best indie shows of 2011, I started listening to some CSS. These (mostly) Brazilian emo chicks have some very catchy, danceable tracks What is it about Brazilian emo chicks that is so awesome? I asked myself. I then answered: pretty much everything.
The track: "Let's Make Love and Listen (to) Death from Above" stands on its own:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7agPOt1XZz8
It's got a great bass line, infectious hooks and various additional awesomeness. Upon several listens, I had to learn more about what is clearly an influential band: Death from Above 1979.
Luckily, I had already ripped DFA's LP from a few months ago, entitled: "You're a Woman, I'm a Machine". Could there be a better album name / band name combo? I put the disc on shuffle and a song called: "Little Girl" came on. The volume turned up, the windows came down, speed on 75 increased, and radness ensued.
I later learned that DFA 1979 is a DUO! 2 dudes put out that wall of sound! DFA 1979 is the kind of band that makes me feel like I wasted 5 years playing bass with the wrong tone. It's metal, but accessible.
Here's the only decent music vid from DFA: "Romantic Rights"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wnl9PpnTXI
Now the real question: How would one make love to Death from Above?
Answer: TBD
Hope you Dig,
JZ
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Song of the Week (DJ Khaled - All I do is Win vs. Beck - Loser)
Well...it's official: Charlie Sheen is a total badass...just ask him. Much of the last 4 meals I've had were with work people. And much of the conversation revolved around the abominable Charlie Sheen interview. If you haven't seen it, you're probably in Libya and don't have internet access...thanks Muammar...GAW!
I would like to apologize to Charlie Sheen, because I joined in the fun. Charlie, I'm sorry I quoted the "I've got Tiger's blood and Adonis DNA" quip to laughter at your expense. Who's to say you don't? Judgers. That's who. Those judgers probably sign their checks on the back instead of the front...I'm just sayin'.
And another thing: F Chuck Lorre! That's right. Who gives him the right to put Charlie in the corner? He probably tried the drug known as Charlie Sheen and couldn't handle it. He's lucky his face didn't melt.
Charlie Sheen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGXzlRoNtHU
Chuck Lorre
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgSPaXgAdzE
In case you didn't catch the song of the week, it's "Loser" by Beck. This song is clearly dedicated to Messr. Lorre, cuz he could never roll like Charlie Sheen. Charlie Sheen is the Chuck Norris of winning, and Chuck Lorre is the Chuck Lorre of losing. I never thought that something like that would be possible, but it is.
Personally, I feel like I just won by contributing to the Charlie Sheen meme, and you just won by reading this.
PS: DJ Khaled's "All I do is Win" isn't really good...yet so very topical.
Hope you Dig,
JZ
I would like to apologize to Charlie Sheen, because I joined in the fun. Charlie, I'm sorry I quoted the "I've got Tiger's blood and Adonis DNA" quip to laughter at your expense. Who's to say you don't? Judgers. That's who. Those judgers probably sign their checks on the back instead of the front...I'm just sayin'.
And another thing: F Chuck Lorre! That's right. Who gives him the right to put Charlie in the corner? He probably tried the drug known as Charlie Sheen and couldn't handle it. He's lucky his face didn't melt.
Charlie Sheen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGXzlRoNtHU
Chuck Lorre
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgSPaXgAdzE
In case you didn't catch the song of the week, it's "Loser" by Beck. This song is clearly dedicated to Messr. Lorre, cuz he could never roll like Charlie Sheen. Charlie Sheen is the Chuck Norris of winning, and Chuck Lorre is the Chuck Lorre of losing. I never thought that something like that would be possible, but it is.
Personally, I feel like I just won by contributing to the Charlie Sheen meme, and you just won by reading this.
PS: DJ Khaled's "All I do is Win" isn't really good...yet so very topical.
Hope you Dig,
JZ
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Song of the Week (Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone)
I caught part of a documentary on Bill Withers the other day entitled "Still Bill". There was nothing particularly awesome about the documentary, except that Bill Withers is just a total badass.
Popstars and crooners of today could stand to learn a great deal from Messr Withers. I would hazard to guess that Bill never had a personal stylist. He probably never wore makeup. He also didn't have an over-choreographed stage show that focused more on dance moves than on the music. I'm looking in your direction Chris Brown?
Did anyone else catch Chris Brown's atrocity-laden performance on SNL last week (as an aside, I've been sick, so I've had a lot of TV time lately...what else was I gonna do?) I had to listen to an hour of the Withers just to wash the bad taste out of my ears. If I had a choice between going tandem sky-diving with Robert Mugabe and attending a Chris Brown concert, I would ask Mugabe if he wants to be the big spoon or the little spoon. Chris Brown...Ess a Dee.
So I would like to juxtapose the SOTW: "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone" with Chris Brown's "Yeah 3x". Sweet name btw.
Withers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIdIqbv7SPo
Brown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HuGSqQN-uE
FYI...Bill Withers' drummer is clearly ballin' outta control.
Bday shout out to Benjamin Bunny and T. Smith.
Hope you dig,
JZ
Popstars and crooners of today could stand to learn a great deal from Messr Withers. I would hazard to guess that Bill never had a personal stylist. He probably never wore makeup. He also didn't have an over-choreographed stage show that focused more on dance moves than on the music. I'm looking in your direction Chris Brown?
Did anyone else catch Chris Brown's atrocity-laden performance on SNL last week (as an aside, I've been sick, so I've had a lot of TV time lately...what else was I gonna do?) I had to listen to an hour of the Withers just to wash the bad taste out of my ears. If I had a choice between going tandem sky-diving with Robert Mugabe and attending a Chris Brown concert, I would ask Mugabe if he wants to be the big spoon or the little spoon. Chris Brown...Ess a Dee.
So I would like to juxtapose the SOTW: "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone" with Chris Brown's "Yeah 3x". Sweet name btw.
Withers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIdIqbv7SPo
Brown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HuGSqQN-uE
FYI...Bill Withers' drummer is clearly ballin' outta control.
Bday shout out to Benjamin Bunny and T. Smith.
Hope you dig,
JZ
Friday, February 4, 2011
Song of the Week (Sleigh Bells - Rill Rill)
OK, so I wanted to spend the SOTW time espousing my new found fascination with Sleigh Bells. We'll get to that, but first I must address what is on everyone's minds right now: Snow Ballz
Not since Disney's "Snow Dogs" have I been this disgruntled about all things icy cold. I mean am I the only one who gives a sh!t anymore!? Sorry, that didn't exactly make sense there, but such is life. Some of you No-Goods have been living in the lap of luxury this week with your PRECIOUS Snow Days! Oh I've noticed your Facebook posts: of your dogs acting like people, of your new babies seeing snow for the first time, of your nonsensical ramblings about buying a car at Mel Hambelton Ford, of your "what's everyone doing right now?", of your "I've been at the Loon since 11am." I'm glad you've been at the Loon all day. That's awesome. You wanna know a secret: Microsoft Excel doesn't take Snow Days.
OK...I'm done with my pity-party diatribe.
Sleigh Bells has been in heavy rotation all weak, not because of the winter-holiday inspired name, but because I just listened to em for the first time last week. I know...where the F have I been? I would describe Sleigh Bells as Crystal Castles playing at a High School Pep Rally. Less Nintendo, more big beats. It's insanely listenable, and it just makes you wanna roundhouse kick a snowman in the face.
Please just watch this and enjoy this cold-blooded hottness with a bleached denim jacket
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP_ChuxYg8o
FYI...I have that Metal Shop hoody on order...so Ess It.
These guys are coming on a FRIDAY! To GRANADA! I think on April 22nd, so secure your tix, and start practicing Karate.
Hope you Dig,
JZ
PS...I hope everyone enjoyed their Snow Dayz...4 realz
Not since Disney's "Snow Dogs" have I been this disgruntled about all things icy cold. I mean am I the only one who gives a sh!t anymore!? Sorry, that didn't exactly make sense there, but such is life. Some of you No-Goods have been living in the lap of luxury this week with your PRECIOUS Snow Days! Oh I've noticed your Facebook posts: of your dogs acting like people, of your new babies seeing snow for the first time, of your nonsensical ramblings about buying a car at Mel Hambelton Ford, of your "what's everyone doing right now?", of your "I've been at the Loon since 11am." I'm glad you've been at the Loon all day. That's awesome. You wanna know a secret: Microsoft Excel doesn't take Snow Days.
OK...I'm done with my pity-party diatribe.
Sleigh Bells has been in heavy rotation all weak, not because of the winter-holiday inspired name, but because I just listened to em for the first time last week. I know...where the F have I been? I would describe Sleigh Bells as Crystal Castles playing at a High School Pep Rally. Less Nintendo, more big beats. It's insanely listenable, and it just makes you wanna roundhouse kick a snowman in the face.
Please just watch this and enjoy this cold-blooded hottness with a bleached denim jacket
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP_ChuxYg8o
FYI...I have that Metal Shop hoody on order...so Ess It.
These guys are coming on a FRIDAY! To GRANADA! I think on April 22nd, so secure your tix, and start practicing Karate.
Hope you Dig,
JZ
PS...I hope everyone enjoyed their Snow Dayz...4 realz
Friday, January 28, 2011
Song of the Week (Boards of Canada - ROYGBIV)
Scotland fraternal duo, Boards of Canada isn't for everyone. They will never get radio play. They rarely tour. You probably haven't heard of them. And they are awesome. I don't remember how I came across them, maybe it was an early Pandora recommendation circa 2004, maybe it was from a Nintendo game soundtrack, but they have had a fairly significant impact on post-college JZ musical taste, for better or worse.
If you're like me, you probably work a fair amount of weekends and you just want to get in there do work and get out. Boards occupies a permanent slot on my "Do work" mix. This is not to be confused with the "Du werk" mix. Allow me to expound upon the differences:
Do work mix:
1) Characterized by minimal lyrics, soundscapes and awesomeness
2) Applicable listening moments: at work, while running at night, on flights
3) Representative bands: Boards of Canada, Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Air
Du werk mix:
1) Characterized by upbeat party music, some hip-hop, some pop-tronica, other music that dominates
2) Applicable listening moments: post-shower / pre-T-shirt time, at a party, on your Friday drive home from work
3) Representative bands: Justice, J-5, Health (remixes), Crystal Castles, Outkast
As there is a time for every season, so there is a song for every moment...(<--= so F'ing deep)
Allow me to weird you out with this hit Boards of Canada song: "ROYGBIV"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT0gRc2c2wQ
I'm fairly certain this is fan-created content, but it I think Boards would approve. The video is a collection of 1980s UK TV advertisements. Remember when you had to watch TV ads? Man that sucked! The synth-bassline to this song, just absolutely kills. Coincidentally, this song straddles both the "Do work" and the "Du werk" mixes...a feat in itself.
Hope you Dig,
JZ
If you're like me, you probably work a fair amount of weekends and you just want to get in there do work and get out. Boards occupies a permanent slot on my "Do work" mix. This is not to be confused with the "Du werk" mix. Allow me to expound upon the differences:
Do work mix:
1) Characterized by minimal lyrics, soundscapes and awesomeness
2) Applicable listening moments: at work, while running at night, on flights
3) Representative bands: Boards of Canada, Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Air
Du werk mix:
1) Characterized by upbeat party music, some hip-hop, some pop-tronica, other music that dominates
2) Applicable listening moments: post-shower / pre-T-shirt time, at a party, on your Friday drive home from work
3) Representative bands: Justice, J-5, Health (remixes), Crystal Castles, Outkast
As there is a time for every season, so there is a song for every moment...(<--= so F'ing deep)
Allow me to weird you out with this hit Boards of Canada song: "ROYGBIV"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT0gRc2c2wQ
I'm fairly certain this is fan-created content, but it I think Boards would approve. The video is a collection of 1980s UK TV advertisements. Remember when you had to watch TV ads? Man that sucked! The synth-bassline to this song, just absolutely kills. Coincidentally, this song straddles both the "Do work" and the "Du werk" mixes...a feat in itself.
Hope you Dig,
JZ
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Song of the Year 2010 (???? - ?????)
Friends,
I came to some startling conclusions this week while doing research on the "Song of the Year: 2010 Totally Blogged". The main conclusion is this: I am wildly out of touch with today's music...at least according to Billboard, Rolling Stone, Said the Gramaphone, and some other stupid music blog. Well, if you have read more than one entry in this blog, then you are probably aware that I have some definite opinions on what music is awesome and that which is awesome at sucking...
Here are Rolling Stone's top 10 Songs of 2010:
10) Kanye West and a bunch of other people - "Monster" (sucked 'cep for Nicki Minaj...soooo hawt right now)
09) Broken Bells - "The Ghost Inside" (OK, I have heard of/seen these guys, and they are f'ing sweet...although not my fave Bro-ken Bellz track)
08) Janelle Monae ft. Big Boi - Tightrope
07) Vampire Weekend - "White Sky" (If it aint Cousins...I don't wanna hear it. Suck it Vampy Weekend)
06) Mavis Staples - "You Are Not Alone" (Written by Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco/Uncle Tupelo fame...dece)
05) Arcade Fire - "We Used to Wait" (totally radd!)
04) Katy Perry - "Teenage Dream" (Eye candy...that's basically it)
03) Sade - "Soldier of Love" (Love Sade...but the song is not #3 material for 2k10)
02) Cee Lo Green - "F*ck You" (Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 6 months, you've heard this song. Just so you are aware...even my Mom has heard of this song. She said the other day, "Hey Johnny have you heard that new Gnarls Barkley guy sing "Forget You?!" I hope for your sake, that my Mom isn't cooler than you.)
01) Kanye West - "Runaway" (Has the whole world gone CRAYZY!? I've ranted enough this year about the self-felatio known as Kanye West. I do hate the argument that: "Well even if you don't like Kanye, you have to respect his music." Well by that logic should I respect Hitler's ability to commit genocide? Too far? I know...my bad...)
Oh Rolling Stone...your relevancy is becoming increasingly questionable.
Best Video (which I hadn't watched until yesterday): Janelle Monae - "Tightrope"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnefUaKCbc&ob=av2el
I really enjoyed this video. It was just fun watching this super-hot yet strange looking girl straight dominate a hallway / cafeteria dance party while singing w/ Big Boi. Just greatness.
Other awards won by Janelle:
1) Best slow-motion dance moves
2) Best hair cut
Song of the Year: Mark Ronson - "Bang Bang Bang featuring Q-Tip and MNDR"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx-EQTIHp2A
I can't get over how rad this song/video is. Such epic synths. Such awesome dance moves. Such elegant use of lasers. I mean was I just late to the party on this one? Why is this not playing at every club in America. One thing is for certain...it is playing at Club John & Roman on the reg.
2010 was a solid year for music. Bands like Yeasayer, Arcade Fire, M.I.A., Massive Attack all had huge years. I like where things are headed, and I'm expecting great things for 2011.
Put it in 2011,
JZ
I came to some startling conclusions this week while doing research on the "Song of the Year: 2010 Totally Blogged". The main conclusion is this: I am wildly out of touch with today's music...at least according to Billboard, Rolling Stone, Said the Gramaphone, and some other stupid music blog. Well, if you have read more than one entry in this blog, then you are probably aware that I have some definite opinions on what music is awesome and that which is awesome at sucking...
Here are Rolling Stone's top 10 Songs of 2010:
10) Kanye West and a bunch of other people - "Monster" (sucked 'cep for Nicki Minaj...soooo hawt right now)
09) Broken Bells - "The Ghost Inside" (OK, I have heard of/seen these guys, and they are f'ing sweet...although not my fave Bro-ken Bellz track)
08) Janelle Monae ft. Big Boi - Tightrope
07) Vampire Weekend - "White Sky" (If it aint Cousins...I don't wanna hear it. Suck it Vampy Weekend)
06) Mavis Staples - "You Are Not Alone" (Written by Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco/Uncle Tupelo fame...dece)
05) Arcade Fire - "We Used to Wait" (totally radd!)
04) Katy Perry - "Teenage Dream" (Eye candy...that's basically it)
03) Sade - "Soldier of Love" (Love Sade...but the song is not #3 material for 2k10)
02) Cee Lo Green - "F*ck You" (Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 6 months, you've heard this song. Just so you are aware...even my Mom has heard of this song. She said the other day, "Hey Johnny have you heard that new Gnarls Barkley guy sing "Forget You?!" I hope for your sake, that my Mom isn't cooler than you.)
01) Kanye West - "Runaway" (Has the whole world gone CRAYZY!? I've ranted enough this year about the self-felatio known as Kanye West. I do hate the argument that: "Well even if you don't like Kanye, you have to respect his music." Well by that logic should I respect Hitler's ability to commit genocide? Too far? I know...my bad...)
Oh Rolling Stone...your relevancy is becoming increasingly questionable.
Best Video (which I hadn't watched until yesterday): Janelle Monae - "Tightrope"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnefUaKCbc&ob=av2el
I really enjoyed this video. It was just fun watching this super-hot yet strange looking girl straight dominate a hallway / cafeteria dance party while singing w/ Big Boi. Just greatness.
Other awards won by Janelle:
1) Best slow-motion dance moves
2) Best hair cut
Song of the Year: Mark Ronson - "Bang Bang Bang featuring Q-Tip and MNDR"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx-EQTIHp2A
I can't get over how rad this song/video is. Such epic synths. Such awesome dance moves. Such elegant use of lasers. I mean was I just late to the party on this one? Why is this not playing at every club in America. One thing is for certain...it is playing at Club John & Roman on the reg.
2010 was a solid year for music. Bands like Yeasayer, Arcade Fire, M.I.A., Massive Attack all had huge years. I like where things are headed, and I'm expecting great things for 2011.
Put it in 2011,
JZ
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Song of the Week (Boyz II Men - Motown Philly)
Welp, my sister and brother-in-law are moving to Philly. WTF!? I'm just playin. I actually think it's pretty sweet. I hear there are some pretty cool haircuts out there, and I'm looking forward to learning if Philly hipsters are hipper than Austin hipsters...me thinks not.
In salute to Philadelphia I perused the Philly music wikipedia page, however even before I did this, I knew what the SOTW was gonna be: Motown Philly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHzkICG47LU
This choice was made even more difficult when I discovered that Hall & Oates hail from the city of Brotherly Love...watch out for Maneaters (YIKES!).
Couldn't we all use a little more East Coast Swang in our lives? I sure could. If someone bottled East Coast Swang, I would drank it...so long as it had a similar composition to that of 4Loko.
The more important distinction here is that Zard and Stanton, up until this point, were simply Boyz with dreams. Now...well now they are Men...and they are goin' off! Not too hard, not too soft.
If you take nothing else away from this experience, please learn to harmonize...that's definitely the best part of the song. If I were a bully back in the day in Philly, and I heard Boyz II Men do this, I would totally wanna pound em (a la Buzz from Home Alone), but I wouldn't be able to, because it just sounded too sweet. You've escaped this round Boyz II Men...
Special bday shout out to Zard and Tom-bone. Tom, you're also a Boyz II Man.
Hope you Dig,
JZ
In salute to Philadelphia I perused the Philly music wikipedia page, however even before I did this, I knew what the SOTW was gonna be: Motown Philly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHzkICG47LU
This choice was made even more difficult when I discovered that Hall & Oates hail from the city of Brotherly Love...watch out for Maneaters (YIKES!).
Couldn't we all use a little more East Coast Swang in our lives? I sure could. If someone bottled East Coast Swang, I would drank it...so long as it had a similar composition to that of 4Loko.
The more important distinction here is that Zard and Stanton, up until this point, were simply Boyz with dreams. Now...well now they are Men...and they are goin' off! Not too hard, not too soft.
If you take nothing else away from this experience, please learn to harmonize...that's definitely the best part of the song. If I were a bully back in the day in Philly, and I heard Boyz II Men do this, I would totally wanna pound em (a la Buzz from Home Alone), but I wouldn't be able to, because it just sounded too sweet. You've escaped this round Boyz II Men...
Special bday shout out to Zard and Tom-bone. Tom, you're also a Boyz II Man.
Hope you Dig,
JZ
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