Pharoahe Monch's highly anticipated album is quickly nearing its February release. The album is sure to be fantastic as is everything with Monch behind the mic. Here is the title cut "Desire" produced by The Alchemist.
The follow up to the fantastic Chrome Children Vol. 1 was just recently released for free on Stone Throws webspace. Also I apologize for the lack of posting lately I have been busy with wedding plans, work, school and Wii Zelda. I will try to step up my blogging game real real soon.
The new record features more of the usual suspects; Madlib, Guilty Simpson, Four Tet, MED, Dabrye, MED, Percee P, Koushik, James Pants and J. Rocc.
Download: Get the .zip file here.
One of the baddest bands on the planet is Ozomatli out of LA. I love all of their records and their sounds is truely unique. Perfect combination rock, hip hop, latin, ska and jam band. Few can get you straight up acting wild and down right dance. In my opinion they are the perfect blend of so many genres. The fact that they bring that socially conscience message only adds to their appeal.
Their new record is Don't Mess With the Dragon and is due out sometime in 2007.
Well what better to pair some militaristic Afrocentric hip hop then with a schizophrenic indie pop outfit from Portland, Oregon. The Blow originally was visual artist and performer Khaela Maricich's "group" (she was the only member) but is now paired with Jona Bechtolt. Bechtolt like Maricich has his own "group" called Y.A.C.H.T. The pairs' release under Maricich's band The Blow was Paper Television. The album is a great indie-pop record that came out in October of 2006 (I know I am a bit late on this one).
Their track "Pile of Gold" caught my ear with Maricich's "rap-singing" over some steller instramentals. Check that out:
Here is a remix featuring Claire L. Evans done by Y.A.C.H.T. of The Blow's song "Hock It" which appeared on The Blow's Poor Aim: Love Songs back in 2004.
Buy: Get Paper Television here.
Few outside of Dead Prez take the same Afrocentrism and militant activism approach to their hip hop music like X-Clan. X-Clan started in Brooklyn back in '89 with their release of To the East, Blackwards that reached #11 on the hip-hop/R&B charts. Tradegy struck the group in March of 2006 when it lost its leader and really a hip hop cultural leader in Professor X (RIP).
X-Clan's newest record is titled Return from Mecca (originally titled The Trinity) is scheduled for release in 2007, and features a truely impressive list of talent from Damien Marley, Chali 2na, KRS-One to RBX and Abstract Rude.
Mp3: X-Clan feat. Damien Marley - "Culture United"
The first single is a track called "Weapon X." Reviews of the upcoming record here and here.
Buy: Be sure to get this record when it drops Jan 30th here or here.
Its a shame that there isn't more ladies in the game. Until they start cracking through in greater numbers (wake up sexist record execs!) you find yourself saying "boy she sounds like Jean Grae or Lady Sov" which now that I think about it is real shallow thinking, not all women rappers sound the same.
Regardless Romy Hoffman's and the Macromantics have skill and merit outside of their gender. Hoffman's rapid fire delivery and playful lyrics are great. Check out this track off their upcoming release due out Jan. 27th on Kill Rockstar Records.
My dude Sage Francis also shows up on the record with another fantastic track named "Locksmith." "Scorch" is certainly the most radio ready but "Locksmith" and "Miss Macro" stand out as my favorites.
Buy: Get Moments in Movement here.
Speech started off strong. I was actually agreeing with a lot he had to say, thought he was delivering the speech well, hell he even mentioned global warming?! His talk about reauthorizing no child left behind made me ill but over all the first portion was tolerable. Well then almost halfway through it all started going downhill. Domestic policy and optimism quickly morphed into fear and violence.
Talk about the escalation of war, increasing military spending and war in foreign lands dominated the rest of the speech. Its also funny how he somehow forgot to mention one of the largest human disasters to ever occur in the history of the United States (calling Kanye West).
Bush's speech was a more of a State of US Foreign Policy rather than a speech about the State of the Union. As the speech wound down and there was a Dikembe Mutumbo appearance?! I waited for what is typically a limp and pointless Democratic rebuttal. I couldn't have been more wrong.
Senator James Webb of Virginia took the President to task like few I have ever seen. Delivering a pointed and terse rebuttal of the Administration's war and the President's actions. Calling him "reckless" and he made a point to feature the Katrina humanitarian disaster prominately at the beginning of his speech. His talk about the revitalization of the middle class and talk about the ridiculous gap between workers and CEOs was on point. Well done by freshman Senator Webb. Best rebuttal I have EVER seen and one of the more pointed speeches I have seen made by a Washington politician.
Link: Webb's speech
Stones Throw is re-releasing J. Dilla's brilliant "Ruff Draft." The record includes "Nothing Like This" one of the best intramental hip hop tracks I have ever heard. The album is going to be a deluxe 2-CD or 2-LP set with bonus vocal tracks, interludes and instrumentals set to drop in March of 2007. The audio is taken from the original master tapes.
Listen: J-Dilla - "Wild"
Don't download it someplace or get it for free. Dilla's family deserves and needs your support. Respect his memory.
Buy: Watch for it here.
Plain and simple if you listen/watch Fox "news" you really don't care about news what you are looking for is a propaganda filled mess from the neo-cons of the religious right. They're most recent load of steaming crap is trying to bash Senator Obama.
CNN debunks false report about Obama by CNN
Headmaster Disputes Claim That Obama Attended Islamic School by Washington Post
Fox has NO standards for journalism. I am actually under the belief that by reading Fox you are doing yourself a disservice and filling you head with slanted garbage that is usually twisted or down right untrue. So it could be said that reading/listening to Fox News make you MORE stupid not less.
Ubiquity is one of those labels that only seems to release good records. I have yet to listen to a Ubiquity release that I have thought to myself, "daaamn what were they thinking when they signed this dude (or lady)?"
Shawn Lee is a bit of an instrumental maestro and when I heard his new record is going to feature is instrumentation with vocals by fellow Ubiquity dudes Ohmega Watts and Nino Moschella you have to take notice. Moschella's 2006 release The Fix was one of last years best. Also Nino Moschella vs. Shawn Lee's Kiss The Sky EP (mp3 sample) is another must own.
Check out a track from the upcoming record:
Mp3: Shawn Lee - "Song for David"
Buy: Get Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra Voices and Choices here. More samples here.
Not sure what it is about some of the recent stuff I have been listening to out of Japan, but I seem to be drawn to pop/experimental minimalist types. In 2006 I fell in love with Chihei Hatakeyama Minima Moralia and now its Radicalfasion.
Pitchfork called Radicalfashion's music "as lucid and fragile as a memory on the verge of recollection, the track coils telegraphic urgency into a serene, wintry nocturne." I am not totally sure what a wintry nocturne is supposed to sound like or the fragility of a memory, but I am sure that Radicalfashion's music is pleasant and relaxing to listen to and that at times is good enough for me.
Their debut record, Odori comes out tomorrow on Hefty Records. Here is an mp3 for good measure.
Mp3: Radicalfashion - "Shousetsu" (more samples here)
While "Shousetsu" is a good song I prefer thier myspace featured track "Surrey." I guess at some level both Radicalfashion and Chihei Hatakeyama appeal to the subconscious, something to be enjoyed while not having to fully engage...for whats that's worth.
While Fader Magazine's podcasts are always of the finest quality this most recent one raises the bar to the next level. Its focus on dancehall, reggae, and the emerging hybrid soul movement that is taking place in LA makes this podcast all the more crucial. Montano's "Higher than High" has got to be my favorite song so far of 2007. The addition of GLC and Blacc (pictured) only makes the podcast that much stronger.
Download: Get The FADER along with the podcast here.
Track List
1. Collie Buddz, "Come Around"
2.GLC, "Chi State Of Mind"
3. Machel Montano, "Higher Than High"
4. Aloe Blacc, "Find A Way"
5, White Flight, "Timeshake"
8. Stephen Marley, "The Traffic Jam"
9. Ta'Raach, "Yeah!"
10. Georgia Anne Muldrow, "Leroy"
11. A Race of Angels, "The Main Attraction"
12. Nas, "Where Are They Now"
15. Daedalus, "Sunshine"
17. The Good, the Bad and the Queen, "Kingdom Of Doom"
18. Death Vessel, "Snow Don't Fall"
Its too bad that the feel good story of the year had to get in the Bears way, but all good things must come to an end. The Bears rolled the Saints 39-14. Saints made it close in the 2nd but the Bears defense and the ground game proved to be too much.
Well done Coach Smith. Dude deserves an extension and some big time money as he is currently the lowest paid coach in the league which is a damn travesty. Ohh and how classy was Reggie Bush on that 88 yard run? Yeah your right he wasn't.
One of my goals is to learn more about reggae, dancehall, and soca. It is coming along and I feel I know more about the genre than I did a couple months ago. What has proven invaluable is talking and listening to those who really have a grip on the whole scene.
One of those people is DJ Double L of G13 sounds. His new mixtape In Ya Blood Clot Face: The Toughest Riddims Outta Yard is essential listening for those that want to learn more or those who are already experts just want a great dancehall mixtape. Couple of my favorite tracks are off the Stage Show Riddim. Check them out:
Mp3: Baby Cham - "Rude Boy Pledge"
Mp3: Assassin - "Good Over Evil"
In all the album is 58 songs over 9 riddims. Amazing compiliation and a great education.
Buy: Get in contact with Double L about picking up this mix tape. You can also email him.
Essential reading for those that haven't yet:
Drama and Cannon Arrested on Some Bullshit by Tom Breihan
Lil Wayne Weighs In On DJ Drama Raid by Rap Basement
The Law Takes Aim at Mixtapes by Kelefa Sanneh (NY Times)
For those that don't know this is what went down on Tuesday of last week according to the NY Times:
"On Tuesday night he was arrested with Don Cannon, a protégé. The police, working with the Recording Industry Association of America, raided his office, at 147 Walker Street in Atlanta. The association makes no distinction between counterfeit CDs and unlicensed compilations like those that DJ Drama is known for. So the police confiscated 81,000 discs, four vehicles, recording gear, and “other assets that are proceeds of a pattern of illegal activity,” said Chief Jeffrey C. Baker, from the Morrow, Ga., police department, which participated in the raid."
I am not really a fan of any of the music these dudes put out, but I can still acknowledge that this is some really messed up stuff given what mixtapes do for generating hype and buzz in hip hop. Where were dudes when Drama was promoting T.I. a year ago and helping him sell a bazillion records (think he went gold in a week)? Its just another illustration of the complete disconnection with the traditions of hip hop and the suits that make the decisions. They act like Drama and Cannon were in there making copies of retail albums.
Sorry this is late but I just felt I HAD to weigh in on this. They just don't seem to get it. Ohh and Lil' Wayne is a hypocrite and obviously forgot that Gangsta Grillz and Dedication 2 are the only reasons why anybody gives a damn about Lil' Wayne in the first place.
Free Drama and Cannon. Boycott Lil' Wayne.
No its not that extremely underrated Goose from Top Gun (he and Merlin really should have been runnin' things).
This is an electro/rock outfit out of Kortrijk, Belgium. There 2007 release is Bring It On (might have already been released overseas I am not sure) and it really hits.
Here is a little fun fact. Goose started out as an AC/DC cover group named Loamy Soil (geology buffs rejoice). Its good for all of us that they decided to changed it up because this record really bumps. Check out my favorite track of "Bring it On."
Mp3: Goose - "Bring it On"
Buy: You can get yourselves an import copy here, but I think I would wait till the stateside release.
The Beta Band comparisons must be ramped with The Earlies. They have a very very similar sound maybe a bit more spaced out and loose, but hell I love the Beta Band so when I was passed The Earlies upcoming record The Enemy Chorus I was eager to check it out.
If you are into the Beta Band and that British electro, pop, psychedelic rock sound I would def recommend it. Album comes out Jan. 29th.
Mp3: The Earlies - "No Love in Your Heart"
Pre-order: Make sure you pre-order The Enemy Chorus here.
DJ Krush has long been a champion of that trip-hop sound. Born Hideaki Ishii in 1962 in Tokyo, Krush is actually the first DJ in Japan to perform with live musicians. Aside from that he's resourceful as hell, releasing albums on all sorts of labels; Sony in Japan, Mo'Wax and Virgin in the U.K., and Axiom, Shadow, and A&M in America.
The Message at Depth is one of my favorite trip-hop albums and it wasn't until recently that I was able to give his compilation Stepping Stones: The Self-Remixed Best Lyricism a proper run through on my iPod.
While no true music fan will say that a comp album is an artists' best work and I am not about to call this Krush's best record, the names he has gotten to work on records over the years is impressive. Black Thought, Mr. Lif, Aesop Rock and El-P to name a few show up on this record. For those not familiar with Krush this makes for a nice intro to his more hip-hop oriented cuts. Check out some of the highlights:
Buy: Don't forget to support the best DJ off the long island here.
You heard the news about the exploratory committee. Dude is getting real serious and it's time everyone that wants to make a change and switch things up does the same. Get with the facts and get on that OBama bandwagon for 2008.
Link: Donate to the OBama Campaign.
As you know I am a big fan of the DJ scene out there in the Bay Area. My dudes Ross Hogg and DJ B.Cause have already been featured here. But they aren't the only ones keeping the Bay's music scene fresh.
The Oakland Faders (composed of DJs Spair, Platurn, Mere, and Quixx) are a fearsome foursome that orgininated in the East Bay of Northern Cal. Dudes have shared a stage with some legends from M.F Doom, Maseo, Melvin Sparks, Madlib and Mixmaster Mike.
Here is a live set of DJ Spair with his trusty side-kick DJ Platurn:
Mp3: Oakland Faders (DJ's Spair & Platurn) - "Live Set"
Support: Be sure to stop by their webspace and their myspace to support these dudes. The official Oakland Faders store can be found right here.
An excuse more than anything to post that picture but the most confident dude in hip hop. His new album Graduation is set for release late this year and I am most certainly excited about that. Not sure if this track is going to be on it but its certainly a reference to Common's classic "I Used to Love H.E.R." off of his 1994 release Resurrection.
Mp3: Kanye West - "I Still Love H.E.R."
Thanks to Martin for the heads up on this one. Swede's on top of their game.
EDIT: This track is NOT going to be on Graduation, its a track that Kanye did with the Teriyaki Boyz (that name is ridiculous! how can you not do better than that?) from Japan (thanks Mike). Its a new single out Jan. 24th.
The Teriyaki Boyz were created by Bathing Ape founder and producer, Nigo and now that we are on the subject their Beef or Chicken album (which I haven't heard) has crazy producers on it the Neptunes, Ad Rock (Beastie Boys), Daft Punk, DJ Premier (Gang Starr), DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist, Mark Ronson, Dan the Automator, and Just Blaze.
Spent a large portion of my high school and some of my college years hiding my love for 80s smooth burners. I'd be rocking some Christopher Cross or Level 42 then as soon as I'd pick anyone up be sure to switch it up before they got in the car.
It wasn't until I started checking in on the Hollerboard that I realized that there was no need to be ashamed. There are lots of people out there with a love for Alan Parsons Project or some Bruce Hornsby and the Range. This type of music might be classified best by Cosmo Baker as "white heat." Whatever it is, its nice to know that all those years of ridicule and shame over listening to this brand of music, the white 80s smooth rock there were others suffering as well.
Check out Low Bee's "Smooth Holiday" mix that he made which is 60 solid minutes of "white heat" with appearances by Chistopher Cross, Toto, Alan Parsons Project, Steely Dan, Hall & Oats, Michael McDonald and others.
Mp3: DJ Low Bee - "Smooth Holiday Mix" (62:37 mins/63.7 mbs)
Bonus Mp3: Damien Marley - "Jamrock" (Low Bee Club Mix)
Visit: Make sure you swing by Low Bee's website or get some of his records here.
Don't get me wrong I love America Ferrera but the Golden Globes outside of that and giving Forest some damn and extremely overdue love, messed it up big time. How?
The best show in the recent history of mankind, The Wire, didn't even get nominated. It's one thing if it didn't win, but the damn thing didn't even get a nod. Things just aren't right at times. Congrats to America and Forest but The Wire needs to get some respect.
"How you expect to run with the wolves at night when you spend all day sparring with the puppies?" - Omar Little
By now you are familiar with the Nature Sounds label. It sported some of my favorite records of 2006 in Masta Killa's Made in Brooklyn, Omega One Low-Fi Chronicles and Ayatollah's Now Playing. Its also set to release some burners in 2007 with Ghostdoom and this new compiliation record which follows their fantastic 2006 release.
The new record features heavy hitters like Talib, Pete Rock, Babu and GZA to name just a few. Album is due out in Febuary. Here is a beats only track that really goes by DJ Babu (of Dilated Peoples fame). Check it out.
Buy: Make sure you stay up on everything Nature Sounds here.
Its a day to remember one of the greatest people in the history of the world. A heavy claim but something I believe whole heartily. Its so so sad he never got a chance to realize his ultimate goal.
Its no surprise that somebody of such promise, such vision, and such love would be cut down by hate and ignorance. Its also sad that today we have yet to realize his vision, yet to become one, and still cannot love each other as fellow humans. Maybe one day...maybe.
Rest in Peace Dr. King.
Mp3: Mr. Fingers - "Can You Feel It?" (MLK Mix)
Mp3: Common feat. Will.I.Am - "I have a dream"
While you are probably thinking that the remixing of Jay's The Black Album is a bit overdone and you have a very good case, especially with the complete saturation of Danger Mouse's Grey Album.
This might be something you are interested in, I know I sure as hell am. In anticipation of the release of Kingdom Come 9th Wonder of Little Brother and solo fame "released" his complete remix of Jay's classic album (9th also produced the original track "Threat" which is on the album). Check out a couple highlights.
Buy: Get the Black Album here if for some obsurd reason you don't own it. Watch for that Little Brother The Getback record to drop real real soon.
I have already discussed my love for the emcee Busdriver aka Regan Farquhar. There is no more eccentric dude behind the mic out there and his delivery is truly unique. Its not often you'll catch a dude rhyming about veggie dogs and dinosaur dung in the same track (check out "Kill Your Employer" on the new record).
Busdriver has a new record set to drop January 30th. Here is my favorite track off the upcoming record:
Mp3: Busdriver - "Mr. Mistake" (Bested by the Whisper Chasm)
Buy: Be sure to buy this record when it comes out on the 30th here.
Looks like my file host is once again down. Well XDrive it was a nice couple week run.
I will work on getting a new host ASAP but no promises on uploading past tracks (I did re-up the Clipse tracks). Hopefully the problem will resolve itself but your guess as good as mine.
Yousendit links for the time being till I sort something else out. I am sure that gets everyone excited to hear that.
Its not typical that you come across two very good remixes from different sites that have a common link in a single day but today is one of those days. Both the genius Soul Sides and my dude at Notes from a Different Kitchen have great remixes featuring The Clipse in some form.
Buy: Get Hell Hath No Fury here.
Look I am just a kid trying to run a semi-decent blog out of a city and to a greater extent state that doesn't support/care about the music I listen to (at least most of it). Somedays I feel like I am doing a good job some days I realize I've got alot to learn.
What I am always flattered by is when I'm contacted by a musician (not a publicity/promotions company but the actual person). I don't have a musical bone in my body so when a dude with talent tells me he's "def feelin' (my) coverage of the music" I'm humbled.
Bisc 1 puts out experimental hip hop records on the Embedded Music label (whats up Ese?!). His latest n' greatest is a 17 track mixtape called The Stay Up Project mixed by DM Fields of Grand Prize in Boston. Here is just a sample track. Don't miss it. This kid is good. You can get the whole damn thing here.
Mp3: Bisc 1 - "Heavy Metal" produced by J. Vegus
Buy: Purchase The Basics Ep also recommended on iTunes here. ALSO Bisc is playing at The Mercury Lounge in NYC tomorrow night for all you NYC kids.
While everyone is off hyping the new Arcade Fire record Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah have leaked another new track exclusively to Pitchfork entitled "Love Song No. 7" from their new album Some Loud Thunder. I am defiantly enjoying it, check it out when you get the chance.
Mp3: Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah - "Love Song No. 7"
Pre-order: Be sure to pre-order it here.
The French know good electronic music. Superstars Daft Punk and Air make that evident. Premiers Symptomes and Moon Safari rank as two of my my favorite electro albums of all time and the Virgin Suicides Soundtrack isn't too shabby either.
The new Air record Pocket Symphony (out Febuary 6th) is being leaked all over the place. Their 2006 mixtape Late Night Tales: Air was fantastic and is a must own and what I have heard so far of the new record its going to be great. Check out what I would heg my bets on being the first single.
The album was recorded with Nigel Godrich over the last year and a half. Both Nicolas Godin and JB Dunckel (aka Darkel), sing on the album, and Jarvis Cocker and the Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon contribute vocals as well.
Buy: Don't give into the leaks make sure you pre-order this record here.
I was looking over TTL's top records of 2006 and realized that I made a big blunder in contructing my list. I neglected to put up Skream aka "The Dubstep Wonder Boy" on my best of list.
Skream! his first full length release is certainly one of my favorite records of 2006. I was talking about him a couple months ago and got some great feedback from the dubheads in the UK. If you haven't heard check him out. AG top rec right here.
Buy: Get this essential dupstep production from TTL here.
Damn my dude DJ B.Cause knows how to make some blends. Every single mix the dude puts out is solid. I am not lyin' or just being kind cause I think he's a cool dude.
I'm looking over his latest reggae inspired mixes and see that he's crossed Sean Paul with Ms. Pantyless' track "Toxic." I'm thinking ok dude has lost his edge...then I listen and its awesome, best of the bunch or as Paul would say "hot as a sauna." Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself and let me know if I'm crazy.
Mp3: Sean Paul - "Tempurature" (DJ B.Cause Toxic Blend)
Support: If you haven't copped Soul Boulders or Night of the Living Remix Vol. 1 you are no friend of mine.
Bonus Mp3: Divide & Kreate – "Temperaturized" (Sean Paul vs. Yaz)
*another track that uses Paul's track. From Bootie's best mashups of 2006.
Been awhile since we featured some indie around these parts and I was just passed this today off of Deerhoof's upcoming release Friend Opportunity. While I am not a universal hater of indie music by any means and I was a fan of Reveille. On top of that Deerhoof's label is claiming that they "love hip hop" which I am not totally sure what that justifies or means, but here is the new track for better or worse.
Mp3: Deerhoof - "+81"
Support: Stop by their myspace to support and get more info on the new record. Buy some stuff from my home town label, Kill Rockstars here.
My favorite Sweeds over at Discobelle just got this awesome Ghislain Poirier mix. The mix is exclusively African hip hop. Check it out. Also keep your eyes peeled for Ghis' new mixtape Bounce le Remix Vol. 2 which is coming out soonish.
Mp3 link: Ghislain Poirier - "African Hip Hop Mix"
Buy: Get Bounce Le Remix Vol. 1 and Rebondir here.
The newest edition of Fader magazine arrived just in time. The weather here in Vermont has been awful, sleet and rain in January?! Two days ago it was 60 degrees. Well between 3 seasons of The Wire and the newest edition of Fader...staying inside hasn't been all that bad.
The article highlights a dude called Machel Montano and is written and researched by Nick. Who on top of being a kick ass DJ is also an editor at Fader. Until now I had never heard of this rising soca/dancehall star.
According to Craig Harris of AMG, Montano is "not only one of the Caribbean's youngest performers, but one of its most successful. With his unique blend of soca and dancehall, and sensual stage persona, Montano has risen to the upper echelon of Caribbean music." From little I have heard this dude definately lives up to the hype.
Check out a couple tracks:
Mp3: Machel Montano - "Higher than High" (Full Mix)
Mp3: Machel Montano & Patrice Roberts - "Light it Up"
Buy: Support Machel by buying some records here and here.
As promised here are some of my favorite remix/blends from 2006. Again this is only my second mix so be nice. Check out the tracklist with links to these DJ's myspaces. Be sure to support them. Peace all.
Here is the tracklist:
1. Purple Ribbon - "Kryptonite" (Curtis Vodka 2001 Tokyo Remix)
2. Duran Duran - "Nice" (Eric Prydz Remix)
3. Masters at Work - "Work" (DJ Ayres Chinkuzi Remix)
4. T.I. - "What You Know About That" (Ross Hogg Hard Times Remix)
5. Hot Chip v. Pitbull - "Shake It Over & Over" (Diplo Blend)
6. Kelis - "Bossy" (SebastiAn Remix)
7. Lady Sovereign feat. Missy Elliot - "Love me or hate me" (Remix)
8. Federation - "What If I Had a Gun?" (DJ B.Cause Disco Dub Blend)
9. Cassie v. Gap Band - "Me and You" (DJ G2 Outstanding Remix)
10. Ciara - "Promise" (Siik Remix)
11. Franz Ferdinand - "Fade Together" (Avalanches Remix)
12. Alice Smith - "Love Endeavor" (Free Form Five Reform)
13. DJ Dave Nada - "Gnarls v. Angie"(Nada Blend)
Mp3: V/A - "Analog Giant's Remixes '06es" (45:47 mins/62.8 mb)
Been on the hip hop kick here for awhile so its time to switch it up a bit. Who better to choose to do that than the great Amon Tobin? Brazilian-born he started off under the pseudonym of Cujo in the mid 1990s, while living in the UK. He would later move to the monumental Ninja Tune records and begin recording under his own name.
Tobin's newest record Foley Room is set for release on Febuary 27th. Supermodified and Out from Out Where are fantastic records (and some of the genre's best) and if the new single is any indication, this record will be awesome as well.
Mp3: Amon Tobin feat. Kronos Quartet - "Bloodstone"
On "Bloodstone" Tobin teamed up with one of my favorites in the Kronos Quartet.
Support: Since you can't pre-order it yet be sure to stop by here and here to keep in tune with Amon.
Gilles Peterson does a J.B. tribute like only Gilles Peterson can. If you are down with the Godfather of Soul, Mr. Dynamite this is a must. 2 hours of non-stop James Brown. Peterson pays testimony to the Godfather who passed on Christmas day. Set features exclusive remasters and a bunch of other stuff. Check it out.
Link: Gilles Peterson - "James Brown Tribute"
TTC has been the topic of discussion here before, but with the release of their new record 3615 TTC they are once again a feature here. Here is the standout track on the record, written by AG favorite, Modeselektor.
Mp3: TTC feat. Modeselektor - "Une Bande De Mecs Sympas"
3615 TTC just dropped in France and is set to be out America in February/March. On a different note if you haven't checked out "Dancing Box" featuring TTC on Modeselektor's Hello Mom! you are missing one of my favorite tracks of 2005.
Buy it: Get 3615 from Boomkat here.
The album title 3615 is some type of French prefix for some type of program that predated the internet that allowed people to type messages to each other...or something like that...if somebody knows more about it I am certainly interested.
Since we are talking about France check out this fantastic remix by Thomas Bangalter (1/2 of French House gods Daft Punk). Thanks Discobelle for this!
Bonus mp3: Alan Braxe - "Vertigo" (Thomas Bangalter Virgo Mix)
I missed this record unfortunately. Not sure what I was doing at the beginning of November but I sure as hell wasn't paying attention. Maybe it was the saturation of PE stuff being put out (Bring That Beat Back & Rebirth of a Nation) but that's no excuse for missing this record.
Beats and Places is a Public Enemy collection of "the unleashed and the unreleased." According to Jared Jefferies of AMG this album isn't really leftovers "they're venom-filled, immediate cuts originally set free on the Internet in hopes of viral destruction." That couldn't be more on point. Check out a couple of my favorites:
Mp3: Public Enemy - "Grand Theft Oil"
Mp3: Public Enemy - "Hell No, We Ain't Alright"
Don't overlook this record like I did. It's definitely worth the purchase especially if you are into the PE sound of the early days, that rebel music of outrage and unrest.
Buy: Get Beats and Places here and here.
There are some interesting projects and records lined up for release in 2007. Hell 2006 was a damn good year for hip hop in my opinion. Here are some of the 2007 projects that I am particularly excited about:
Pharoahe Monch - DesirePharoahe Monch - DesirePharoahe Monch - Desire
*Ohh that's not much of a list...let me revise that. If "Push" is any indication and given the sure genius of Monch this album is going to be great. I am not going to believe it until I really see it but this album, produced by The Alchemist is a long time coming. Can't wait to hear Monch do what Monch does best, create socially aware songs with one of the best deliveries out ever. Album is also set to feature some of the best ladies in the business Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Aretha Franklin.
Little Brother - The Getback
* Love 9th's productions and The Minstril Show was a hell of a record. Count me in for this one in 2007.
Lupe Fiasco - The Cool
* Lupe plus possible guest spots from the remaining members of Pink Floyd? Sign me up as very interested.
Ghostface & MF Doom - Swift & Changeable
* Was on a bit of Ghost O.D. at the end of 2006 and More Fish wasn't all that great but the teaming of Doom and Ghost is intriguing.
Kanye West - Graduation
* Is it possible to top his two masterpieces? I know its going to be damn hard for his head to get any larger, but you gotta be excited about a 3rd record from somebody with the skill of Kanye.Talib Kweli & Madlib - Liberation
*Stratch that off the list. Great record. Delivers as expected. Go get it.
Talib Kweil - Ear Drum
* With production from Madlib, Hi-Tek, Kanye and Rick Rubin and guest spots by Jean Grae, Norah Jones and UGK and an already very good single ("Listen"), this album has got my attention and I'll be looking forward to it soon.
El-P - I'll Sleep When You're Dead
* Trent Reznor and Cat Power on a hip hop record? Hmmmm....
Common - Finding Forever
* There is a track with Kanye simply titled "Chicago" thats enough for me.
Dr. Dre - Detox
* Beatmaker extraordinaire plans to drop an album, but will it fall flat like other hip hop heavyweights (Nas, Jay-Z, Outkast) in 2006? I remain guardedly optimistic.
Talib Kweli and Madlib know how to kick 2007 off just right. Drop an album. The Madlib production is ace (isn't it always?) and Kweli's socially conscious driven lyrics and on point delivery blends ohh so well. Can it get any better? Well actually yes it can. The whole record is free for download from Stones Throw.
Mp3: Talib Kweli & Madlib - "Funny Money"
Get it: Go ahead download the whole album here.
Unreal. Hats off to these dudes. Ohh and get all those Mind Fusion Records by Madlib. Like you should have done that yesterday.
2007 is already looking good for hip hop. Can't wait to hear projects from Monch, MF Doom & Ghostface, Little Brother and others.
A couple remix records came to my attention at the close of 2006; Omega One's The Remix Chronicals and Kan Kick's Untamed Chambers. AG already featured the essential Omega's tune of Africa meets Ghostface. Here is a couple more tracks from these dudes records (all with that Wu-theme). Don't forget to grab these if you are diggin'em.
Mp3: Ghostface & Pharoahe - "Metal Healthy Things" (Omega One Remix)
Mp3: Ghostface vs. Baby Huey - "Run" (Omega One Remix)
Mp3: Inspectah Deck - "Show 'n Prove" (Power of God Remix)
Support it: Get Omega One stuff here and support Kan Kick here.
Made it back to Vermont this evening. Had a great time in Chicago. Was busy splitting time between the fiance's family and mine but it was all good. New Years was a blast. Got the chance to hang out at Pressure Point Studios and see a Bears game (albeit a blow out, but still had a lot of fun).
Hope everyone had a great New Year as well and I am looking forward to getting things here at AG back on track after the spotty posting and layoff. Peace.
