So apparently Carly Simon as let everyone in on another clue in the "Your So Vain" song. The tight lipped singer has just released a new version of the song, and said that when you play it backwards who can hear the name of who the song is about. So, somebody did this, and I guess the name is "David" which as had everything to think that that song is about David Geffen. Geffen was the head of Elektra Records when the label released "You're So Vain". He was really pushing Joni Mitchell at the time and supposedly this upset Simon. She wrote one of the most iconic songs of all time to get back at him, and then didn't let anyone know what it was about? I love have inside jokes with just myself.

This whole "Your So Vain" mystery has been haunting us since the 70s. Everyone pointed to the lovers in Simon's life. Then she said gave some initials of man in question and it sent everyone in a tizzy trying to figure it out. Warren Beatty is vain enough to think the song is about him, even though we have now found out that it's about someone named David. Dick Ebersol paid some huge amount of money at a charity auction to be told the secret. At least the money went to a good cause.

Now we have another clue, and if you put all the clues together it seems to point to David Geffen. But has anyone stopped to think that maybe Carly Simon is just messing with us? If it were me, and I wrote a song about Warren Beatty, and he was like, yeah, this is about me, I would say it wasn't, just to annoy him. Also with all this attention seeking secrecy it seems like Carly Simon is a little vain. I don't know, I guess I just don't get the mystery that will never really be solved. Carly Simon's secrets and Lost are two things I don't need to understand.

Coachella Predicition #1

Honestly this is not a mind shattering prediction, but I predict that De La Soul and Gorillaz get on stage together Sunday night at Coachella. They are both scheduled to play on Sunday April 18th. Also no one can forget the "Feel Good Inc." collaboration, and I can't imagine the Gorrilaz doing a show and not playing that song. That and De La Soul and the Gorrilaz have teamed up again for a new song called "Superfast Jellyfish". Also on the track is the Gruff Rhys the lead singer of Super Furry Animals, and terrific Welsh band my dad introduced me to. You can check out the new Gorillaz song on their youtube page... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4UtbrbsrjY

This seems like more than a coincidence. A month and a half before they both happen to be playing the same festival on the same day a new single comes out? Also, knowing the Gorillaz, this track is going to be huge. You couldn't get away from Feel Good Inc. in 2005. My real question is, how is this going to take place? The Gorillaz is an animated band and I believe that when they do lives shows they play behind a giant silk screen or something that have the animated characters projected on it. I am dying to see this in person. I want to know is will De La Soul come out as themselves or as those giant animated monsters from the music videos? I for one would love to see them come out on stage. Half the fun of seeing a band live is watching how they play to a crowd, I am beyond intrigued by the Gorillaz style of live show, but I think that adding real life humans will make it even more dynamic.
"
Also, starting today you can stream the entirety of the Gorillaz's new album "Plastic Beach" through NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124114812

Countdown Friday! Cover Songs

We are at a period in music where a nationally televised karaoke contest is producing best selling artists. Twice a week (is that how often American Idol is on? I don't watch) the majority of television watching Americans watch hopefuls perform covers of our favorite songs. The sheer amount of material out there has made this the hardest countdown I've done so far, and that's out of four! So a quick disclaimer so all 10 of my readers don't get upset with me. I am not including songs that people associated with the coverer more than the coveree. That said, there is no "Proud Mary" by Ike and Tina (originally CCR), no "Respect" by Aretha Franklin (originally Otis Reading), and none of the many covers the Beatles performed. That said, here we go!

1. "Killing Me Softly", The Fugees. Lauryn Hill definitely did Robert Flak justice, and you will see her again on this list.

2. "Heartless", The Fray. The fact that this song has only been out for about two yeas and has been covered by so many people is a testament to the genius that is Kanye West. Just remember many geniuses are also lunatics, and I love the crazies. Also, for all those covers out there, Isaac Slade's voice blows them all out of the water.

3. "Hallelujah", Jeff Buckley. Everyone has covered this song, with two great new versions in the last month by Justin Timberlake, and another by K.D. Lang. Jeff Buckley's is still my favorite. Maybe it's because I don't know much of his other work so I don't associate it with other songs. Still it's haunting.

4. "All Along the Watchtower", Jimi Hendrix. It was a toss up between this great Bob Dylan orginal or "Star Spangled Banner", but since that song is covered every day at sports games, I decided to go with this one.

5."Can't Take My Eyes Off of You", Lauryn Hill. She raps, she sings, she makes amazing covers. She also popped up in Australia a couple weeks ago doing some shows. There she goes getting my hopes up again.

6. "Mrs. Robinson", The Lemonheads. This was one of my favorite bands in middle school. I wonder what happened to them? Anyway, if you've never heard their cover of Simon and Garfunkel's song made famouns by "The Graduate" please look for it now.

7. "The Man Who Sold the World", Nirvana. I could be wrong but I believe that the unplugged version of this is the only one Nirvana did. It's a great juxtapose to David Bowie's sorta of trippy 70s original. Also Cobain's scruffy voice fits the song so well and is so different from Bowie's soft almost whisper. I love both version.

8. "I Will Survive", Cake. I HATE the original of this song. The fact that I can even listen to it, let along enjoy it speaks volumes to Cake.

9. "Higher Ground", Red Hot Chili Peppers. RHCP has a thing for covers, which doesn't bother me because it shows respect for past work, and who wouldn't want to honor Stevei Wonder. Also Flea's bass line that opens the song is sick. Also, check out the band Atoms For Peace, it's Flea and Thom Yorke and the drummer from R.E.M. and some other dude. Sick.

10. "Whatever You Like" Anya Marina. This is just a fun entry, that I never would have known about it if it wasn't for one friend, and I think she first heard it on Gossip Girl. I bet T.I. likes it too. She has such a sweet voice and I love how she drags out "Patron on icccccccce".

Late Night Loyalties

I'm not sure why, but the whole ousting of Conan O'Brien from The Tonight Show really bothered me. I have been a huge Conan fan since middle school, and frankly I find Jay Leno to be thoroughly annoying. As the Winter Games wrap up Jay will be returning to his former gig hosting the tonight show, and NBC is bringing in the largest stars they can produce to try to recapture a disappointed audience. I for one will not be watching, and because of this I will be missing Adam Lambert and Ben Harper. I could care less about Adam Lambert. I have not actually listened to his music so I should probably not judge. I also think that the treatment of his American Music Awards performance was a complete double standard. I also think he is an attention whore who cares more about being controversial than making artistic statement. He and Leno can enjoy each others company on the island I have created for people that irritate me.

What I am a bit heartbroken about is Ben Harper. He is one of my favorite musicians. I have seen him live twice, and I could listen to Live from Mars on repeat for days. The reason I am so disappointed in his decision to appear on The Tonight Show is he was one of the last people to be on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. During that memorable performance of "Free Bird" that was Ben Harper on the slide guitar. It is ridiculous to get this caught up in stupid television drama, but I wanted to share that I am saddened by this news. I wonder how Conan feels.

Britain Rocks!

What is it about the British that they created such amazing rockers? The united Kingdom is roughly a fifth of the size of the Untied states in terms of population but is the birthplace of some of the best guitarist to ever play, and is constantly coming out with new and interesting bands. Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Jeff Beck, Pete Townshend, The Beatles, the Stones, The Who, The Kinks, Queen, all call England home. On top of that, some of my favorite newer bands are born out of the Britpop scene. I love the Kooks, the Ting Tings, Hot Chip, Mika, Coldplay, Oasis and The Fratellis (Scottish) Franz Ferdinand (also Scots), all are from the U.K. I’ve said this before but it makes me want to go to London clubs and pubs and rock out.

It’s interesting because while I’m sure the first generation of British rockers inspired each other you can also see that they were influenced by the United States music scene. If you read early interviews or look at the history of the Beatles or the Rolling Stones they will show you that the blues and rock men of America inspire them. They looked to Buddy Guy and B.B. King. The Beatles constantly covered Little Richard and Chuck Berry early on in their careers. Later they looked to the Beach Boys and Bob Dylan, who in turn looked back to them. It is clear from the latest cover article for Rolling Stone that both Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck were inspired by Jimmy Hendrix.

I am not saying that the United States does not produce great rock as well; it’s obvious that they do. It’s just in comparison to the size of Great Britain to the size of the United States it’s a bit overwhelming. Maybe all the fog and cold weather forces the youth to stay inside until they master their crafts. Maybe the British Empire felt the need to expand musically after they had to give back all that land they took from native populations, dominate the world by guitar. No matter the cause I am pleased with the output.

More Banjo Please

Sometimes a piece of music of an artist comes my way that I enjoy so much that it will change what I’ve been listening to and inspire me to reintroduce myself to some of my more neglected music collection. Last week a friend of mine told me to check out Olentangy John whose real name is John Atzberger. He is a talented banjo player and has this gorgeous soulful voice that fits perfectly for his toned down bluegrass style. It is one of those voices that cuts straight to your soul, just enough of a backwoods twang, but not so much that it is off putting. I have listened to “Daniel” on his myspace page over and over again. He will be playing at SXSW in a few weeks, and I wish I could be there to see him live, but there’s no way of making that one happen. I do expect that next year we will see him at some of the larger festivals, as these things typically go.

I think it says a lot about an artist when he or she can pull you out of a music rut. As you can probably tell if you’ve been reading this blog, I have been in hip hop state of mind for a while. It’s hard no to be when there’s so much good stuff coming out all the time. Also rap has like no other musical style out there embraced the mixtape. I love mixtapes because they are free and introduce you to new artists before buying their album. They have sucked me into a hip hop void. Olentangy John is pulling me out of that void (just in time to see Old Crow Medicine Show at Coachella!). I’m getting reacquainted with Old Crow Medicine Show, Ray LaMontagne, Ben Harper, Modest Mouse (just in time for Pitchfork!), and even going back to my old faithful love of Neil Young. I even told my concert buddy who comes to live shows with me all around the city that they next show we’re seeing is going to involve a banjo. I’m being transported back to being 16 growing up outside Boston and going to the many different college campuses to see Dispatch. Olentangy John is much better than Dispatch, though I’m not sure 16 year old self would admit that.

All that being said, check out the link his myspace page, I’m going to put Old Crow Medicine’s Show “Wagon Wheel” on genius and see where it take me.

Mike Posner at Enclave in Chicago

This is from like a month ago, not great quality, but I thought I would share.

Where Are You Mr. Magoo?

Last night over crab cakes and martinis my friend and I were discussing the latest top ten post on the blog. She and I are kindred spirits in the sense that somewhere around 7th grade we both become enamored with rap. That being said, she was delighted to see that Magoo had made it onto the best MC voices list. This led to a discussion about how no one remembers the before he became a mega producer, Timbaland was part of the rap duo Timbaland & Magoo. My friend even went on to say that she has “Luv 2 Luv Ya” on her ipod. Now this I found shocking, because when I go on itunes there is no record of Timbaland and Magoo. I showed her this and she admitted to her criminal downloading activities, but it still begs the question, what happened to Timbaland & Magoo.

I tried to look into this a little bit today, because you never hear about Magoo anymore. I feel like I’ve read Timbaland articles and it’s never brought up. He did give him a guest spot on “Board meeting” on 2007’s Shock Value, but there is no Magoo on 2009’s Shock Value II. Timbaland & Magoo released their first album in 1997 entitled “Welcome to Our World”. It sold over a million copies and went platinum. You may remember the songs “Clock Strikes”, “Up Jumps Da Boogie”, and the aforementioned “Luv 2 Luv Ya”. I own this album, and I’m glad I do because it’s no longer being produced in the United States. I saw a new copy of it on Amazon today for $81.00 (also saw a new one for $21.99, so who knows why you would pay $81, but the point is that’s still ridiculous). I want to know why Atlantic Records is totally holding back on them.

The other weird thing is the total lack of information on Timbaland & Magoo. They were pretty big in the whole late 90s rap scene. They were from Norfolk, VA but were part of that whole ATL crowd with Missy Elliot, Alaliyah, and Ginuwine that was huge. Now if you go to the “Timbaland & Magoo” wikipedia page it’s just a list of their discography. Poor Magoo doesn’t even get his own wikipedia page. There’s a few song and a quick bio listed on Rhapsody, but then when you click on their link to their official page, the link is broken. Their Yahoo Music profile is more a history of Timbaland’s producing track record with time with Magoo as a footnote. I mean where is Magoo? I don’t know why I find this so unsettling?

Finally, I guess that the argument could be made that Timbaland was the more talented and deserves the success that he’s had more than Magoo. Here’s my problem with that, the two solo record Timbaland has put out have relied so heavily on guest spots that I don’t think Timbaland could carry a record. He has one track off of Shock Value that is just him, “Oh Timbaland” and it relies heavily on a much loved Nina Simone track. He does the same thing on Shock Value with “Ease Off the Liquor” being the only solo track. I really like both Shock Value and Shock Value II, and I don’t mean to sound like such a Timbaland hater, because really I’m not. I just want to know why there seems to be a cover up conspiracy of Timbaland & Magoo.

Also, thank you to Pandora for having a Timbaland & Magoo station. You never let me down.

See Mom and Dad?

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/music_blog/archive/2010/02/the_vaticans_to.shtml

I told you it wasn't a joke! Geez.

The Pope Rocks

Just a quick note because I forget to post today. In case you didn't know the Vatican came out with their top ten list of rock albums. I know, shocking. Anyway their number one album was Revolver. I guess they forgave John Lennon for that whole, "we're bigger than Jesus" thing.

LMFAO "Get Crazy" with Mitt Romney

I just thought this was hilarious and people should know about it. Apparently Sky Blu from LMFAO and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney got into an argument before a flight took off from Vancouver, and Sky Blu was escorted from the plane. It also sounds like Mitt Romney made the first contact. Check it out...

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2010/02/19/lmfaos-sky-blu-and-mitt-romney-scuffle-on-flight-to-l-a/

Countdown Friday! MC Vocals

This week’s countdown will be my favorite MC voices. This is not about their skill for rhyming, their message they bring through their music, or the beats they lay their voice over. This is just about the voice. I have to give credit to one friend (you know who you are) who’s help me craft this list in the last week. Countdowns seem more accurate when you can bounce ideas back and forth. She definitely included two of biggies that I would’ve forgotten (oh the shame!). I did find that for the most part the ones I chose either fell into raspy or smooth.

1. Lil Wayne. The Martian’s voice is other worldly. That rasp is so perfect; it’s clear why they gave him Bob Dylan’s part in the “We Are the World” remake.

2. Mos Def. It’s a bit nasally, but still deep. I love listening to him rap and speak. He’s also probably the best rapper/actor. (Sorry Common).


3. Ludacris. Representing the ATL. It’s his voice and they way he drags out the last word of every line. Thinking about him has just put him on my top ten of shows I want to see.

4. The guy from the Pharcyde. The guy who does opening to “Passin’ Me By”, that guy’s voice is dope. God I love that song, there’s a reason it’s been sampled a million times by everyone.

5. Snoop. It’s smooth like butta.

6. Pharrell. It’s half singing half rapping and always delightful.


7. Magoo. Timbaland’s partner from the 90s, before he met Nelly Furtado, Ciara, and Justin Timerblake. To be fair Timbaland did give Magoo a guest spot on Shock Value, but then again he gave everyone a guest spot. That album should have been Timba and Friends. Anyway, check “Board meeting”.

8. Big Sean. A newcomer, I think he maybe 19 or 20 years old. He has his first album coming out this year, but he has two free mixtapes you can download.


9. Lupe Fiasco. He's got that Go Go Gadget Flow.

10. LL Cool J. Ladies Love Cool James. How does someone whisper and shout at the same time? Who knows but he’s been doing since the 80s. Also he makes me dance like a spaz.

MGMT and no singles?

I feel like everyday I keep getting more excited for Coachella. I was talking to my parents about it today and it was getting me even more pumped. I’m especially excited to see MGMT on Saturday April 17th. What’s even more exciting is that this will be four days after the duo releases their sophomore album Congratulations. What’s even more interesting is that the group has said that they will not release any singles off of this album. I’m not quite how Columbia Records feels about this, but to me it seems like a really interesting experiment.

The first thing I think this might do is get people interested in their album as a whole. I’ve mentioned it before and I will say it again, album sales are not where they used to be. People pick and choose based on singles and 30 second clips on itunes and pull albums apart. By not releasing singles MGMT is giving the album more importance, and I hope it works. I also think that doing this four days before they play one of the largest music festivals in the country will lead to larger album sales. Concerts are always more fun when you know the music, and without singles the audience will be less clued into what MGMT’s set list will be. My prediction is that it will lead to more people buying the album as a whole so they will be familiar with the songs when they are played. Oh April cannot come fast enough!!!

The other issue that pops up with a lack of singles is the possible lack of music videos. As of right now MGMT has three music videos for “Kids”, “Electric Feel”, and “Time to pretend” all off their first album Oracular Spectacular. All three of these videos are sort of trippy and fun. In “Kids” they don Kiss like make up. In “Electric Feel” there’s some kind of dance party going on in the jungle (I want to go to that party!). There’s a whole tribal feeling to “Time to Pretend”, and just lots of crazy stuff in general. The point is it seems like the two of them enjoy making music videos. Without singles it seems like they have two choices. Either they make no music videos at all, or they make nine music videos for the nine tracks on the album.

Finally, I haven’t listened to the radio in a few years, but what does this mean for the radio stations? Do they just play whatever they want from the album or do they play nothing and MGMT trusts that the internet will get the album out enough to be successful? It seems to be working for mix tapes, why not work for an album?

The bottom line is that I am excited for the new album; I’m excited to see them live in California. Also this is a really cool video you should check out. It’s Chiddy Bang, they’ve sampled MGMT’s “Kids” and made it into their own “Opposite of Adults.” I love clever sampling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McRgkE_vgjU&feature=player_embedded#

Louie Vito!

Anyone else see Louie Vito turn his ipod on before he dropped in on his first run in his qualifying round? He was definitely listening to something good from the way he was bumping his head before he dropped in.

Also, watching Shaun White riding “conservatively” on his qualifying round is nuts. He is sick.

Gold Medal Music

I’m going to have say that today’s post is a bit of a cop out. In fact it’s just a list of what Olympic snowboard team is listening to. Also, I know they’ve done studies that show that runners with music run faster than runners without music. This really shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who’s been on a treadmill with an ipod. Anyway, with that, here’s some music to pump you up on hump day!

Seth Wescott won the gold for the U.S. two days in snowboard cross. Being a good New England boy, he told one reporter that he was listening to Dropkick Murphy’s “Shipping Up to Boston” during his time trial. Great choice.

I found a “Shaun White Snowboarding: Official Soundtrack” online, which I find hilarious. THIS SOUNDRATCK IS OFFICIAL! Anyway, I’d like to highlight my favorites from the list include, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult (I need more cowbell!), “Great DJ” by the Ting Tings, “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry. This actually looks like a pretty decent playlist, pulling out some classic rock, old hip hop and newer rock. Here’s the link if you want to check it out. It is from October 2008 so it’s a bit dated. http://www.emusic.com/album/Shaun-White-Snowboarding-Original-Soundtrack-Shaun-White-Snowboarding-Official-Soundtrack-MP3-Download/11549706.html

Snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler as to have one of my favorite playlists solely because she includes “Da Booty” by Tribe Called Quest. Tribe Called Quest has to be one of my all time favorites. The rest of her list is pretty eclectic as well including The Strokes, TV on the Radios, and Bob Dylan’s “Hurricane.”

Not so eclectic but a great combo of songs is Snowboarder Scott Lago. He had Neil Young’s “Rocking in the Free World” which is on my list as a favorite. He also includes, “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns and Roses. Am I the only who had “Welcome to the Jungle” or “Paradise City” on a pump up mix on the bus to away games in high school? I highly doubt it.

Finally, if I were an Olympic snowboarder these would be on my list right now. Blur’s “Song2” (the woohoo! Song, love it). “All Eyes on Me” by Clipse featuring Keri Hilson. Then I also love the beat behind Kid Sister’s “Pro Nails” and Kanye West’s cameo is one of my favorite guest pieces. Finally, “Wasted Time” by Kings of Leon. This is old Kings of Leon, when they were more Southern Rock. Finally, I’ve been addicted to David Guetta featuring Kid Cudi, “Memories” for the past week. Since I am not an Olympic snowboarder I will just have to listen to these while I’m on the treadmill watching coverage of the Olympic snowboarders.

Music On Television

I am not exactly sure when this happened, but to me, it seems like music on television has become a huge thing. I think the first time I ever really noticed it was when Dawson’s Creek came on the air. At the end of each episode they had that whole, “music featured on tonight’s episode” thing. Whoever thought of that is a genius. Of course teenagers with disposable income are going to go buy the music that Pacey and Joey passionately embraced to. Music appearing on television series is now a viable way for indie bands to have commercial success

Take Spoon for example. I think the first time I heard them was on The O.C. The infectious song, “The Way We Get By” (I bet you’re even singing it your head right now) off of their album Kill the Moonlight seemed to fit the Californian teenagers so well. And when “The O.C.” died along with Marissa, and new teenagers ruled television from Upper East Side New York on Gossip Girl, Spoon went with them. Considering they have the same creator, I was not surprised in season one when“I Turn My Camera On” came on through my TV screen. According to tunefind.com they’ve also been featured on Scrubs, Brothers and Sisters, Mercy, Bones, One Tree Hill, Life, CSI: NY, Friday Night Lights, Veronica Mars, October Road, and Chuck. It is working for the band that has been together for 17 years. Their seventh album, “Transference” debuted at number four on the charts Billboard charts. They’ve also kept their indie credibility, remaining on the Austin based independent label Merge. Even more proof they’re still hip, “Transference” debuted at the sixth position on the “to cool” College Radio Top 10 Albums charts.

In a whole new way to meld music and television, How To Make It In America has been promoted with a free mixtape you can download from the show’s Facebook page. It is Kid Cudi, DJ Green Lantern, and Broke Mogul collaboration and features some of the music heard in the first episode. I wonder if the idea was brought to HBO by Kid Cudi, or if it was inspired by the casting. Either way it is a great marketing strategy to make a show about young hipsters young and hip. Here’s the facebook link if you want to listen to it. I’ve been enjoying it thoroughly.
http://www.facebook.com/howtomakeit?v=app_4949752878

My theory on why there’s this rise in music and television colliding is the lack of musical television. MTV is most famous for 7 or is in 8 Italian Americans getting wasted at a beach house. VH1 is known for it’s washed up celebrity dating shows, and washed up celebrity rehab shows. I have no idea what happens on country music television stations, but I bet it has something to do with Taylor Swift. With a lack of good and attention worthy music on these music dedicated channels then entertainment networks have picked up the slack.

I Like to Move It Move It

Does music make you want to move? I’m not talking about get up shake, jump or do whatever it is you call dancing. I’m talking about pack up your abode and take it to a different city. I have been thinking about moving for about a year now, and I change destinations of a bi-weekly basis. Most of the decision is based on where my family is, and the job opportunities in various cities. Sometimes though listening to gets me caught up in the romance of a city. The way an artist describes it, or just the energy that city has that comes out through the music. I also think about going to the shows of these artists in their home towns. Here’s a few that get to me the most.

Blue Scholars are a hip hop due from Seattle (thanks big bro!) that makes want to move to the Northwest so badly. In “Southside Revival” they rap about the monorail construction displacing families. Most of their songs are peppered with Seattle allusions, and the people of Seattle love them in return.

Next up is NYC. Black Star has to be one my favorite albums in my collection. Talib Kweli and Mos Def came together for this epic collaboration in 2002. They don’t even mention New York, I just know that’s where they’re from, so I want to go there and see them. Kid Cudi does this to me too. He’s originally from Cleveland, but he just has the NYC energy in his music. Makes me want to move to Williamsburg and spend my nights at hip hop shows peppered with some indie rock.

Then I’ll turn off the hip hop, and I’ll put The Kooks, or The Fratellis, the XX, Hot Chip or The Tings Tings. This takes me to London. I don’t know what it is about the British and rock but they are always putting out the best. Maybe it’s the deep history they have from the British Invasion, or maybe there’s something in the fog that breeds inspiration. It makes me want to hop across the pond and find the next hip band playing in some basement pub.

Maybe I just need to figure out a way to pay for more extensive travel plans.

Guitar Hero and the Guitar Hero

So here's another great article to read if you're interested.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/14/arts/music/14beck.html?ref=music

It's about how Jeff Beck won't cave in and join Guitar Hero, which I think is fantastic. My dad plays the guitar, and I think he plays pretty well. We've had conversations before about the best guitar players of all time. (I have a need to categorize things, not a huge shocker). Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Page, and Eric Clapton usually make the list, (as does John Mayer in recent years despite being a complete tool and scumbag). Along with these greats is usually the less known Jeff Beck. I believe he may have actually replaced Eric Clapton in the Yardbirds, but I'm not positive. I should probably call my dad and check that one out. Anyway, I loved this article because it shows how Jeff Beck will not cower to the commercially successful power that is Guitar Hero. Who needs Guitar Hero when you are a guitar hero?

I have a real disdain for Guitar Hero and Rock Band. To be fair, I have only played it a handful of times and I performed dismally. That being said, I have played a guitar, my often than Guitar Hero and just as dismally, and the two are only similar in the sense that you use you right hand to do one motion and you left hand to do another. I think my biggest qualm with the video game is that it is keeping people who would otherwise try to actually learn to play an instrument from doing so. There are no studies on this but it seems logical that these people have a real interest in creating music with their hands and are now doing it in a superficial way. Also, and I won’t name names, but I have one friend who seems to think that getting a high score on Guitar Hero equates musical prowess. I’m sorry, but it does not. I am also aware that shooting at birds in Duck Hunt is probably nothing like actually shooting a duck, but I don’t think that duck hunt is keeping would be hunters from learning that skill. Even with DJ Hero real DJs will tell you that the game and actually spinning and mixing records are nothing alike.

So kudos Jeff Beck! Stay true to Gibson and Fender!

Great Wall Street Jorunal Article.

For those you who don't know the Wall Street Journal has fabulous music critics that my dad reads religiously. This morning in my inbox was this gem.

This is exactly how I feel about Mayer and "Battle Studies", and reaffirms my decision not to buy tickets to his newest tour.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703427704575051204158344096.html?KEYWORDS=john+mayer

Also, I got my dad a subscription to Rolling Stone as part of his Christmas gift, and the first copy to show up to the house had a cover article of John Mayer discussing in detail his masturbatory habits. Awkward.

Remembering McQueen and Music

Two days ago Alexander McQueen was found in his apartment in London, apparently a victim of himself, he committed suicide. Unbelievably shocking and depressing, McQueen was considered a genius in the fashion world and one if, if not the most, recognizable British designers. He was scheduled to show at Fashion Week in New York next week. I thought that to honor his memory we’d look back on the role he played in music. Many musicians had a love for McQueen’s edgy sense of style. Rihanna, Madonna, Kanye West, Courtney Love and David Bowie have all been clad by the late designer.

Last October in Paris was the first time anyone heard Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” She chose to unveil it at McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2010 show. The world had heard pieces before, but this was the debut of the song in its entirety, as McQueen wrapped the show and the world saw what would become one of his last lines. In return, Alexander McQueen designed all the clothing for the “Bad Romance” music video, many of them pulled straight from the runway of that show. Also, that red lace outfit Gaga wore to the VMAs, red lace face covering and all, was and Alexander McQueen original. It is clear that both these artists were inspirations to one another.

McQueen didn’t just dress musicians he also had a chance to direct them. In January 2008 McQueen and Bjork teamed up for her music video for her song, “Alarm Call”. It features Bjork on a raft in the jungle. I really really wanted to watch the whole thing, but in bounced back and forth between Bjork and snakes and various other animals. Since it’s pretty much only my friends who read this blog, you all know that I cannot look at snakes. Actually I’m getting goose bumps all over writing about them, so I’ll stop. But apparently McQueen was not terrified of snakes, and he it’s clear that his artistic talents go beyond the fashion world and like many of us he found deep inspiration in music.

On another non-musical note. The McQueen line was majority owned by Gucci (51%). I wonder if they are going to appoint a new designer to carry it on. It’s hard to imagine that anyone could replace him.

Countdown Friday! Best Instrumentals

In respect to the start of 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies in Vancouver tonight, I thought I would make this entry Winter Games related. I am pretty sure that the music that accompanies figure skaters must be instrumental. For this reason I am going to do a countdown of my favorite wordless pieces of music.

1.“Life in Technicolor” by Coldplay off of Viva la Vida. It is gorgeous, it is simple. I love how it slowly builds up. I love how long it takes for the drums to come in. I love how by the end of it I can’t help smiling. (it does have four seconds of chanting so it’s not entirely instrumental, but it’s close).

2. “Rhapsody in Blue”. I think the first time I ever heard this was watching Fantasia as a little kid, but I am obsessed with it. No idea who composed it, but I know it has been played by the best of the best. Everyone from Duke Ellington to the Philharmonic Symphony plays this song.

3. The Dexter Theme Song – I can’t actually watch the opening credits because the close ups of blenders and frying bacon and squeezing juice freak me out, but I do love the music. You can almost hear the knives he uses in it. But the same way the humor in the show keeps it from being too dark, the “pings” in the theme song keep it from being too eerie.

4. “Fur Elise” – Beethoven. I used to put this on a loop and write papers while listening to it. Just the piano, it is heaven. It’s also a lot of fun to put your own words to it when you’re in the mood…

5. The Mission Impossible Theme Song – The 1996 version before they made it too techno-y. You mission if you choose to except it is to go youtube this song and remember why it’s so much fun.

6. “Classical Gas” – Mason Williams – I love guitar instrumentals and this has to be one of the best.

7. “Tubular Bells” – Mike Oldfield. I had no idea this song existed until I read Richard Branson’s autobiography. I guess it’s also the theme song to the Excorsist, but I hate scary movies so I avoided that one.

8. “Hoedown” from Rodeo. This is the song that was on those “Beef it’s what’s for dinner” commercials in the 90s. I don’t know why I love it, but I do. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones do a very speedy version of it.

9.. The Pink Panther Song – Slightly jazzy and seductive.

10. The Mad Men Song – I think I have a problem with television theme songs

Kid Cudi Is Everywhere

Let me start out this post by saying I love Kid Cudi. Man on the Moon: The End of Day was probably the best album I bought in 2009. I love his voice, his lyrics, and his use of imagery. Also his mixtape A Kid Named Cudi is amazing. I was not surprised to find out that he held writing credits on Kanye West’s “Heartless”, the best track off of 80s and Heartbreak that has been covered everyone in all genres of music. The kid is talented I love being this excited about an artist. That said, Scott Mescudi bordering on overexposure.

I say bordering because I can’t decide if we are seeing too much of Kid Cudi or just enough. I just recently watched the music video of Techno superstar’s David Guetta’s song “Memories” which features Cudi. They must be good buddies because they were both in Black Eyed Peas “I’ve Got a Feeling” video. Dan Black and Kid Cudi also have a new video out together for the track “Symphonies.” Kid Cudi was also on Mike Posner’s mixtape with 3OH!3 for the song “Don’t Trust Her”. Along with that he does the opening to “Elevetas” off of Robin Thicke’s new album Sex Therapy. He’s on Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 in “Already Home”. He teamed up with Shakira for “Did Again” on her album She Wolf. (That video is siiiiiiiiiiiiiick.) These are just the one’s I can remember without doing a search on the internet, but trust me, there are more out there.

I think what really struck me was when I heard that Kid Cudi would be in the HBO show “How to Make it in America”. I saw and ad for it on the back of the new Rolling Stone, and thought, “That guy looks like Kid Cudi, but it can’t be.” The picture is a bit blurry, and if made no sense for Kid Cudi to be in ad with who I thought might be Lake Bell (it is). Then I thought the show might be some sort of documentary on finding success in the music and the arts. It’s not. This is another brainchild of Mark Whalberg, and I watched the first ten minutes of the show last night, and it looks good, but I was still shocked to see “Scott ‘Kid’ Mescudi” appear in the opening credits. Being all over the place with music I can accept. Kanye and Lil Wayne have been on everyone’s tracks, yet I have yet to seem them try to act. Maybe Cudi is going the Common route.

Either way, it’s probably actually not overexposure and just me being sad that I will probably never get to see him perform in a small venue, because it’s clear he’s going to be huge. OH! And he’s playing Bonaroo! I may have to find a way to get to Manchester, Tennessee in Mid June.

A Brief Look at Supergroups

Inspired by booking my plane reservations out to California for the Coachella Music Festival and my excitement to see Them Crooked Vultures, I thought I would write today’s post about the rise of the super group in the 21st century. I was going to talk about Them Crooked Vultures, Velvet Revolver, Audioslave and Gnarls Barkley. Then I realized I that in my naïve, self-centered youth I managed to omit half a century of super groups.
Probably one of the most important super groups of all time was Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Both Stephen Stills and Neil Young came from Buffalo Springfield. David Crosby had been playing with The Byrds, and Graham Nash played with The Hollies (2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee). I have no idea how I could’ve even thought about super groups without thinking of this first. Maybe it’s because I have never heard them referred to them as a super group. Maybe the idea of a super group didn’t exist in the 60s and 70s because Eric Clapton was joining and leaving new bands every two years, and it was too exhausting to dub reach of them a super group. Who knows, but it is clear that Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young by today’s definition is a super group.
1985 saw the creation of another awe inspiring super group that cannot be ignored. The Highwaymen was made up of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. They released three albums during their time together. I have no idea why there is not a bio-pic made about this group, but I’m going to talk to me screen writer friend and see if that’s something he could do. That could make bank.
Finally I will point to the Traveling Wilburys, which is another super group that rivals all other super groups. Its members included the Late GREAT George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lyne of the Electric Light Orchestra and Roy Orbison. They put out two albums; “The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1” and “The Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 3”.
There are many that are left out of this list, but these are the big ones I could think of. The real problem with super groups is that when you put that many musical geniuses together it can lead to clashes of ego and artistry, so they don’t seem to last much past a few albums, but it is great to enjoy them while they are around.

Globalization of Music

Globalization is the process of taking something worldwide and it has been a buzz word in recent years with people arguing the pros and cons. The globalization of music in something that makes me very excited. It breaths new life into some of my favorite songs, blends music genres, and creates new infectious songs.

There can be no better example of the globalization of music than M.I.A. She was born in London, but when she was 6 her family moved back to Sri Lanka, where they were originally from. Her father was a Tamil Tiger, and because of the danger, she barely saw him. She and her family returned to London in the 80s as refugees from the Sri Lankan Civil War. It is these mixtures of cultures, literally a globe apart, which led to her fusion of eastern music and London hip hop. It is an original sound that has been recognized and praised around the world. Following in M.I.A.'s footsteps in Nneka, a Nigerian and German artist, and the newest act to the re-risen Lilth Fair this summer. It seems like her goal is to remind the world of the problems in Africa. I suggest that you go to her myspace page and put on “Suffri” and feel the global influence. (Also I will forgive Rolling Stone for dubbing her an “African born Lauryn Hill”). Finally I am a bit obsessed with Panjabi MC. Another British artist, he is of Indian decent and his goal is to mix bhagnra and hip hop, and he does it well. Probably his most well known is the Jay-Z infused “Mudain to Bach Ke”, and yes, that’s the Knight Rider theme song you’re hearing. I cannot get sick of this track.

Globalization of music is hardly a new idea. Paul Simon’s “Graceland” is heavily influenced by African music. I think what is making it so widespread today is once again the internet and technology. It’s easier than ever to distribute music to a global community. “Graceland” was influenced by Simon’s trip to Africa. There on tracks on Vampire Weekend’s “Contra” that remind me of Graceland, but I doubt they had the same experience.

Also, it is impossible to ignore that all three of the first artists I’ve mentioned are European based. I did read that M.I.A. is in a studio in Brooklyn working on her third album, but she definitely rose from the London music scene. For the United States, that claims to be a melting pot, Europe is producing the fondue of music.

All The Single Ladies

The Grammy’s a week ago was a high point for women. Beyonce broke the record for Grammy’s won in a single night by a woman (6). Pink was by far the greatest performance of the night. Taylor Swift took home coveted Album of the Year (total crap to give it to a flat singer who sings about the woes of high school. Also she is gorgeous and was making cash from writing songs for other artists, how hard could high school have been?). Regardless, 2009 in general was a great year for the ladies. Lady Gaga may have lost best new artist, but she was without a doubt the artist of 2009. However, even with all this success it should be pointed out that these are all solo artists. Where are the female led bands? It seems like for every one female fronted band there are fifty all male assembles. I can only think of three commercially successful examples from the 90s; Hole, Garbage, and No Doubt. The Donnas were there but I would hardly call them commercially successful. The 80s had the Bangle, Go-Gos, and Joan Jett was singing with the Blackhearts. Finally the 70s had Fleetwood Mac with Stevie Nicks, and then there was Joan Jett again with the Runaways. However in comparison with the male bands it’s dismal.

Also, once a femme rocker reaches a certain success level within their band, there seems to be a huge amount of pressure to go solo, the Diana Ross syndrome. We have seen this in the small amount of girl power bands that have made an impact in popular culture. Joan Jett left both the Runaways and the Blackhearts for a solo career. Stevie left Fleetwood Mac. Gwen Stefani has had two successful albums sans the rest of her band mates. And Fergie, who helped Black Eyed Peas to be one of the most successful bands globally, gained so much acclaim from her solo album I think most people were surprised to see her return to BEP. I don’t have any theories or answers, but why is it that it’s easier to except women alone as artists than part of a group?

Hopefully this is changing a bit with the rise of the Tings Tings, Shiny Toy Guns and La Roux. But it should be noted these bands are their infancy, and nowhere near the global recognition of the others. Well maybe the Ting Tings, who were also nominated for best new artist. With that success, who’s to say that in five years we won’t see Katie White release her first solo album?

Who are playing the Half Time Show? The Who!

The Who are performing later tonight at the Super Bowl Half Time Show. I was a bit surprised to hear that they were playing, because to me, they do not seem to be as big as a name as Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, or the Rolling Stones, all past Super Bowl performers since 2004’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction”. Yesterday I was really thinking about it and I realized that The Who, despite only have two of the original four still alive is probably one of the best choices made since 2004.

The Who has been one of the greatest influential rock bands of all time. They were trendsetters and are still mimicked today. You remember the Offspring song “The Kid’s Aren’t All Right.” It’s a play of words on The Who’s “The Kids Are All Right.” Did you like it when Kurt Cobain used to destroy the bands instruments at the end of a show? I remember hearing a story on a “Fresh Air” interview with Dave Grohl talking about how he really wanted a new drum set for the rest of Nirvana’s first tour, but the band manager didn’t want to spend them money. That night Grohl asked Cobain to destroy his drum set so that there was no hope of playing it again. Cobain took a head first dive into the kit. Well, Keith Moon, the drummer for the Who had a stage hand load his kit with explosives an the “Smothers Brother’s Comedy Hour.” Roger Daltrey actually says he believes that incident is when his hearing started to go. Also with they’re loud sound and anti-establishment lyrics, they have been named as an influence for many of the greatest punk bands. Some even go as far to say that it was The Who who started the punk movement. Finally, I can’t begin to list the number of times The Who’s “Baba O’Reilly” has been covered.

Let’s not omit probably the biggest influence The Who created not just for rock n’ roll but for performers across all musical genres, “Tommy”. “Tommy” is the first full length rock opera. If you haven’t heard the album or seen the movie I suggest that you netflix it immediately. In doing this The Who in a way created a new genre in music. David Bowie had the “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.” In 2004 Green Day came out with “American Idiot”. Two years later in 2006 My Chemical Romance released “The Black Parade”. Probably the most well know rock opera to follow Tommy was Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” in the 1970s. In turn, I think that the rock opera and the movie “Tommy” contributed to the rise in theatrics you see on stage in performances through the 70s until today. The Who pushed the envelope and in turn contributed others to do the same. First it was Elton John and Bowie, Then Queen and Madonna, and today we have Lady Gaga who is as well known for her music as for the shows she puts on while on stage.

I just hope that Roger Daltrey at 65, and Pete Townshend at 64 still know how put on a show, and please please please no wardrobe malfunctions.

War on Drugs

It is not shocking or novel news that musicians use drugs. I would give examples, but what would be the point, it would be harder to names a few that don’t do drugs. It’s also not particularly fascinating when musicians are arrested and charged with drug possession. Maybe it’s a little humorous when Willie Nelson’s tour bus is pulled over and pot is found, but that’s because the obvious tends to be hilarious. What grabs headlines and our attention is when musicians are charged with possession with intent to distribute. In Florida in December Reggae singer Buju Banton was nabbed trying to buy 5 kilograms worth of cocaine. Back in 2008 Warren G was pulled over in L.A. and a search of his car led to possession of marijuana with intent to sell charges. Also in 2008 in Arizona, Lil Wayne’s tour bus was stopped with 29 grams of cocaine, 41 grams of ecstasy and 3.75 ounces of weed. There was also a firearm on board. Surprisingly, this is not the incident that is about to send him to prison for a year. Why do seemingly successful musicians continue a life in drug distribution when it seems that they have so much more to lose?

Maybe for musicians this is a way of life that is hard to give up. The same way that many musicians keep their family and childhood friends nearby or on the payroll, this could be a way to for to stay connected to their roots. It’s not secret that Lil Wayne’s Cash Money Millionaires made their millions through the Louisiana drug trade. In Empire State of Mind Jay-Z gives the address of a former stash house. Clipse named their record company, “Re-Up” records. I’m also pretty sure that T.I’s rap sheet includes drug dealing charges. I’ll stop there because it would take days to list all the drug selling references in rap music. The point to be made, is that drug dealing was a career and a way of life for many musicians before they made it. It's possible that one doesn't want to completely let go of that former life.

Another factor could be the money. Yes musicians are making money through their craft, but nowhere near where they used to. Album sales are down and illegal downloads are rampant. The best way for a musician to make money is through exhausting tours and commercials endorsements. I don’t know about you but I don’t see Pepsi hiring Warren G for a Super bowl commercial anytime soon. Lil Wayne for careerbulider.com? Maybe the Christian Right can get Buju Banton to do anti gay marriage ads considering the appalling use of violent homophobia in his lyrics. The money in drug distribution is lucrative. In 1989 Pablo Escobar was ranked by Forbes at the 7th wealthiest man in the world. (Not that any of these musicians are at the level of Escobar, but it still highlights the wealth that can be gained.) Gwen Stefani, Pharrell, Beyonce, Jay Z, Russell Simmons, and a handful of others have clothing lines. 50 Cent had a pretty huge pay day with Vitamin Water. Even Courtney Love had her own guitar line with Fender. Drug dealing could be seen as just another business venture, albeit illegal, for musicians looking to gain a little more capital.

I should keep in mind that I don’t believe there have been trials for any of these, and we are all innocent until proven guilty.

One More Movie

AH! I totally forgot to mention A Mighty Wind! I don't want to bump the Doors or Sid and Nancy, but A Mighty Wind deserves to be included. "There was abuse in my family, but it was mostly musical in nature"

Countdown Friday! Favorite Music Movies:

Friday means countdown. In honor of both Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal being nominated for Oscars I thought I should countdown the best music related movies. I have not actually seen Crazy Heart yet, but I’ll get to it, so it will be omitted from the list. Also these are not musicals, which is why there’s no Grease, The Wiz, Tommy or Dreamgirls.

1. Almost Famous – It combines some of my favorite things, Rolling Stone, inspiring storylines, and Jason Lee. Also it’s nice to remember a time when Kate Hudson wasn't running amok like a character dreamed up by Lauren Weisenberger.

2. Hard Day’s Night – Nutty British humor, a weird old man playing Paul’s grandfather, and it’s the Beatles. I love Help too.

3. 8 Mile – Who knew Eminem could act? Who new reenacting one’s rise to fame was acting? No, seriously, it’s a great movie and my second favorite role of Mekhi Phifer after Clockers. Oh, and Lose Yourself could be the best song ever to do sit ups to.

4. Empire Records – The third time I’ve mentioned this movie in the blog. Quotations will suffice. “What’s with today today?” “My name isn’t fucking Warren!” “I went to rock n’ roll heaven and I wasn’t on the guest list.” “Not on Rex Manning Day!” “Who knows where thoughts come from? The just appear.” “If you guys ever wonder if it was nice to know you, I tell you now that it was.”

5. Hustle and Flow – I hope when I have a midlife crisis I can become a rapper and come up with something as Oscar worthy as “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp”. Also, let’s not omit the unforgettable, “Whoop That Trick”.

6. High Fidelity – It’s about a record store owner who likes to rank things and obsesses over music. For some reason I identify.

7. Ray - I have a weakness for biographies and bio-pics to begin with. Then on top of that, that dude from In Living Color won an Oscar.

8. This is Spinal Tap: I am not explaining this.

9. Sid and Nancy – Ah, the Kurt and Courtney of punk. Sid the junkie bassist of the Sex Pistols. Nancy the groupie of the junkie bassist of the Sex Pistols. Their love came to an end when Sid may or may not have stabbed Nancy to death in a drug infused blackout. Despite this, the movie makes the lovers seem as tragic and romantic as Romeo and Juliet

10. The Doors – Ah, the Sid and Nancy of rock. And Oliver Stone’s not too shabby either.

We All Love the 90s

The 1990s were a great decade for rock. There is a reason the “Lithium” station is one of my favorites on Sirius Radio. Three of the best soundtracks I own are Singles, Empire Records, and Reality Bites. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Green Day, 311, Sublime, No Doubt … it’s endless. It was the high note the rule before disposable boy bands and pop tarts. This is why I am especially happy to see the attack of 1990s rock nostalgia in music recently, and hope that it continues through 2010.

Last Sunday at the Grammy’s Beyonce paid homage to Alanis Morrisette when she threw, “You Oughtta Know” into the middle of her performance of “If I Were a Boy”. It was unexpected and it was genius. If it wasn’t for Pink it would have been the performance of the night. Who would have known that Beyonce’s sultry voice could pull off Canadian angst so well? And while Adam Lambert was the talk of November’s American Music Awards, is was the Black Eyed Peas that brought the surprise rock. They wrapped up their performance with a little piece of the timeless, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. I’m not sure what Kurt would’ve thought, but I loved it.

It’s not only the live performance covers that are throw backs to the 1990s. Last week Lil Wayne released Rebirth, the rock album he’s been promising for the past two years. Specifically, “Runnin” reminds me of combination of Pearl Jam and Incubus. “Knockout” sounds like early Blink 182 or Less Than Jake, towards the end of the 90s when pop punk reigned. Interesting fact that Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker is the drummer on “One Way Trip” which almost reminds me of Korn (but sort of doesn’t too). What I can tell you is that the drumming is a lot better than Lil Wayne’s attempt to sing. And it is clear after listening to Rebirth that Lil Wayne’s idea of rock music was formed growing up in the 1990s.

Side note: Rebirth is so all over the place that it’s hard to listen to in one sitting. I love Lil Wayne, and the lyrics are strong, but he should really stick to rapping, or get some guitar lessons while he’s locked up. Do they do that in prison?

"Lauryn Hill said her heart was in Zion, I wish her heart was still in rhyming"

This may be a massively outdated topic, but I put on The Fugees' “The Score” this morning and started to feel a sense of loss for Lauryn Hill. “Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” was released in 1998 and garnered 10 Grammies. It is a staple on my ever changing top ten albums of all time list of all time. Despite this, she never came out with a follow up, and it is depressing. I’ve chosen to be my own therapist and work my way through the five stages of grief for my loss of Lauryn Hill.

1. Denial
Lauryn Hill is holed up in a studio in New Jersey working on something that will blow our minds. It’s only been 12 years. Other artists have taken longer hiatuses. (No I can’t think of any off the top of my head). Also she is not helping to issue by releasing the sub par “Take it Easy” with the Fugees in 2005. That was tease.

2. Anger
Lauryn Hill is a musical and lyrical genius and she is keeping that talent away from all us. I can not think of another female singer/rapper that can so artistically and articulately put together words and also keep her edge. Oh fuck this; I’m going to go put on “The Carnival” and Wyclef Jean rock out.

3. Bargaining
Here comes the deal maker. How about if we stop calling every other soulful female that comes on the scene “the new Lauryn Hill”, the real Lauryn Hill will make a record? I do love Estelle and Jazmine, but they are great artists in their own rights, not the new Lauryn Hill.

4 .Depression
I put on “Miseducation” and won’t leave my apartment. There might be tears. (This has never happened, though there was one particularly painful break up during which “Miseducation” had to me taken away from me.)

5 .Acceptance
Lauryn Hill did give us one of the best albums of all time. She also was part of one of the most iconic hip hop groups of all time. She covered “Killing Me Softy” so well, that I think as many people associate with The Fugees as they do Roberta Flack.
I am willing to appreciate what she has left us with and be content if we never hear a new track from Miss Hill again.

But is would be sick if we did.

Two Turn Tables and a Microphone

Not long ago socialites, models and d-list celebrities tried to find credibility in fashion design. More than just a pretty face or famous name, pseudo celebrities attempted to prove the have creativity that was worth purchasing. Nicky Hilton and Monica Lewinsky had handbag lines, Amanda Bynes designed a line for the now defunct Steve and Barry’s clothing chain, and even Rev Run’s offspring had their own shoes. While this still happens, and there are many extremely successful and amazing celebrity lines, there seems to have been a shift to the celebrity DJ. Samantha Ronson gets paid in the tens of thousandsto strap on the headphones and get a crowd to dance. Successful model Agyness Deyn doesn’t only date musicians, she tries to be one. I have a friend whose company Christmas party was entertained by Joel Madden on his laptop.

The rise of the celebrity DJ can be attributed to the new technology that allows people without musical ability to call themselves DJs. It used to be that to become a successful DJ you would need to fork over the cash for at least two turn tables, a mixer, and sizable record collection. Then you would have to practice. You would have to find songs that had matching bpm (beats per minute) or be able to successfully slow down or speed a record up to match the bpm within enough of a gap to make the songs meld perfectly. Now you can down load software that tells you the bpm of each song and matches other songs accordingly. Singles can be downloaded for $1.29 and there is no more hunting for the newest record for you turntable. You don’t even need a mixer, just download the software and slide the knob on the screen over like you would slide it over on a real mixer. You don’t even really need a laptop. Matt Creed a New York based DJ is known for alternating between two ipods. And this is all coming from someone with just the tiniest idea about what DJs with turntables do. I’m sure Spindarella could be much more elaborate.

I have touched on this before, but I also feel like the loss of the album has led to a rise in celebrity DJs. When people care about singles and they are so easily available it’s no surprise that the ones streaming these songs together are getting more gigs than that artist that write and perform them. Why hear Timberland perform “Carry Out” and then 12 songs you don’t know because you didn’t buy the album, when you can hear Samantha Ronson play “Carry Out”, and Matt and Kim, and MGMT, and Dr. Dre?

With all that said, I’m going to go download virtualDJ software and start alternating through my own playlist, because when it comes down it, the rise of celebrity DJs probably has to do with the fact that its fun.

R.I.P. Albums

Taylor Swift just won a Grammy for Album of the Year and it reminded me of an idea I had about a year ago maybe more. I have no way of getting in touch with Kanye West but I really think he needs to sample Video Killed the Radio Star and write a song about digital downloading killing the album. Album of the Year is the last Grammy given out of the night. It is the most prestigious of all music awards, but how many people actually buy albums anymore? Rhapsody, Napster, and let’s not leave out the almighty iTunes, have made it easier than ever to pick apart an album. It’s a sad story, but these things happen and someone needs to record it.

I think that person should be Kanye West. All four of his albums are strong as a whole. I obviously have favorite songs, but I do not think there is a weak track on any of them. These albums are meant to be heard as a whole, and you’re seriously missing out on something if you just focus on the singles. I’m not the only one who believes this. Rolling Stone put all four in the following order, College Dropout, Late Registration, Graduation, and 808s and Heartbreak on their list for top 100 albums of the decade. If there is one man who should lament the death of album it is Mr. West. He also has the talent and genius to re-work Video Killed the Radio Star into something fresh and new. If Flo Rida tried my ears might start to cry.

Along these same lines, digital music downloads has killed the record store. The Virgin Megastore on Michigan Avenue in Chicago is now a Forever 21. (P.S. well done Richard Branson on selling Virgin Music, I don’t think you foresaw this, but it was very smart). If I want a hard copy of an album I now have to go to Best Buy and hope they have it. This particularly depresses me given that Empire Records is one of my favorite movies. Lucas may have been able to “Damn the Man! Save the Empire!” from Mitch, but he won’t save it from iTunes.