"Hurt"

This song is an oldie but a goody and I can't stop listening to it today.  Everyone knows "Hurt" by Nine In Nails in 1994.  It is one of those songs that perfectly shows Trent Reznor's genius.  However this is not the song I can't stop listening to.  On repeat I have the 2002 Johnny Cash cover.  Haunting lyrics for a haunting voice.  The video id unreal too, showing video footage from Cash's life.  I like listening to it and thinking about everything from "Walk The Line", and imagining all the hurt he went through and what he put others through.  Watch It Here

Countdown Friday: Favorite Christmas Music

It's actually Saturday but I didn't get to this yesterday, so I guess it's Countdown Saturday, but who cares.  I love Christmas and Christmas music, and seeing as the day after Thanksgiving is the official start of the holiday season, I have decided I will give you all my favorite Christmas Music.  So download and enjoy!

1. "Carol of the Bells" by the Trans Siberian Orchestra and Metallica.  An instrumental and beautiful way to start off any holiday music mix.

2. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - Bare Naked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan. It's a folksy fun rendition of the classic Christmas tune, and the harmonies are beautiful.  Canadians know how to celebrate musically.

3. "White Christmas" - Otis Redding.  This is one of the many great songs on the Love Actually soundtrack.  The man is known for the emotion that comes through his voice.  And I think it's funny when he says, "May Your Days" is sounds to me like, "May-O-Naise".

4. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - Judy Garland.  There's nothing like and original classic.  This song came out in 1944 when Garland sang it for Meet Me In St. Louis.  I love the Frank Sinatra version too.

5.  "I Wish I Had a River I Could Skate Away On" - Joni Mitchell.  Not exactly a Christmas song, but I love it and it is always a staple on my Christmas mixes.

6.  "Oi To The World" - No Doubt.  This song was actually originally done by the Vandals, but I really like the No Doubt cover, it's very ska-ed up.  It's my favorite let's rock out and bounce around Christmas song.

7. "Rebel Jesus" - The Chieftans. First off, the Chieftans are one of the best Irish bands out there.  Sorry Bono.  Second, I've grown up on their Christmas album, and it is no the season until I hear it.  Third, I love the line "The birth of the rebel Jesus".

8. "Christmas in Hollis" -  Run DMC.  The group has a reverend in it.  They know how to celebrate Christmas, and I feel like breakdancing for Jesus.

9. "Christmas In the City" - Mary J. Blige featuring Angie Martinez.  This was on one of my Christmas cds with the Keith Harring art on the cover.  I love it, it's got the 90s hip hop soul and reminds me of driving my Cabrio to the Natick Mall to buy Christmas gifts in high school.  Thanks Newbury Comics.

10. "Ave Maria"  Any version of this song, I think is so beautiful, and is a great way to end a Christmas mix.

The actual best way to end a Christmas mix is with "Polly Anderson's Christmas Party." By Stuart McLean.

New Nirvana Exhibit at EMP

If you ever go to Seattle you have to check out The Experience Music Project (EMP).  It's one of the coolest museums in the country, and I actually think that I've enjoyed it more than I enjoyed the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame.  The EMP already had an extensive exhibit honoring hometown heroes Nirvana, and this spring it gets even deeper.  In April Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses will be open to the public.  Nirvana bassist Kris Novoselic dug through his attic to contribute new material to the museum.  Novoselic gave up his bass, unseen photos of the band, T-shirts Cobain wore on stage, and posters.  Also with the focus on punk music I am sure we will see what type of music influenced  the members of Nirvana.  Last year when I was reading "Heavier Than Heaven" the Cobain biography by Charles R. Cross, I found it fascinating to see what Kurt listened to.  There was plenty of things I had never heard.  I'm discovering the same thing now with Keith Richard's "Life".  I plan on getting out to Seattle this April to see what new Nirvana memorabilia has gone on display.

A History of Rap

I am sure that everyone has seen this clip, but I had to throw it up here anyway.  While I was out with my broken wrist Justin Timberlake was on Late Night promoting the social network.  (Amazing by the way, and maybe I need to do another post about Trent Renznors faboulous score.)  There are somethings on Late Night that while I'm drifting back to sleep back me sit straight up and SMILE and freak out alone in my apartment.  This was one of those things.

Best clip I could find was on redbalcony.com

Even if you have seen a million times, it was probably two months ago and it is totally worth watching again.

Score of the Day: Fuck You Remix

If you saw my post last week you'll know that I haven't been giving Cee Lo Green's "The Lady Killer" the thorough listening that it deserves.  Well this morning while working out I finally did, and at the end I was greatly rewarded.  I like everyone else loves "F*ck You".  At the end of the album is the "F*ck You (Le Castle Vania Remix)".  It is amazing.  It's a bonus track so it might only be on the deluxe album version, but it's worth the extra 99 cents to buy it.  It's the original with this great dance Jamiroquai-esque beat.  The original already is already amazing to dance to, with that Motown 60s feel, and this just works with that.  It also has an amazing faux-strings section at the very end.  It makes me want to go to a dance club in Paris or Barcelona.  I was listening to it while waiting for the elevator back from my gym to my apartment and I couldn't help but dance a little.  I'm sure the door woman watching the security cameras really enjoyed that, but they've probably caught me rapping in the elevators as well.  I'm going to have to check out more from Le Castle Vania.  I think I'm going to be in peppy mood the rest of the day because of this track. I suggest you click the link below and have a listen.

"F*ck You (Le Castle Vania Remix)"

Whoops Kanye

So I thought Kanye's new album, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" came out tomorrow, seeing as tomorrow is Tuesday and that is when new albums come out.  As it so happens, it came out today.  It looks like I might be hitting up Best Buy after work.  I'll give my thoughts tomorrow.

Lennon Reminder

Just a quick reminder to all the John Lennon fans, tonight on PBS American Masters presents "Lennon NYC" about the last few years on John Lennon's life in NYC.  I am hoping that they do a good bit on Nixon's paranoia about John Lennon and the FBI's special investigation into him.  I just learned about this recently and I am eager to learn more.   This year would've marked John Lennon's 70th if he were still alive and there have been lots of different projects and tributes to Lenonon and The Beatles.  This is by far one of the ones I am most excited for.  I encourage you to check it out, and below is a link to PBS's website.

PBS "LENNON NYC"

Alberta Cross Free Download

Oh it's not just a free download, it's a free download AND A STENCIL!  I've downloaded the single, I haven't looked at the stencil yet.  I'm actually sort of interested in it, if it's cool maybe I'll use it in an art project.  Alberta Cross came to me as the opening act of Them Crooked Vultures, and I really like them.  They have an updates 70s feel.  Reminds me a lot of 1970s Neil Young, who's from Alberta.  Alberta Cross is not from Alberta.  They are from London and Brooklyn.  It says a lot that they've stayed with me even after seeing Them crooked Vultures, which was one of the best live shows ever.  Anyway this single is pretty great.  I really like the guitar feedback at the end.  However my favorite song from the group is still, "Old Man Chicago".  Here's the link for your free song and STENCIL!

Alberta Cross Free Single

Cheerleader Music

I'm just throwing this out there.  I'm listening to the new Girl Talk album for the third time.  It's great, I love Girl Talk.  I mean how can you not, he's taking the most popular music from the last 40 years and throwing it into one great mix.  That said, doesn't this seem like something Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders or The Laker Girls would dance to?  I can see this being the perfect thing for some half time entertainment.  Like I said, how could you not like the music?  I really do not mean this in a disparaging way what so ever, just a thought.  Throw on some Girl Talk and get the T-shirt cannon out.

K'Naan Photos

About a month ago I saw K'Naan for the second time in concert.  This was a much different experience than the first.  First of all this is post World Cup and he is much better known, especially by hippies.  There were lots of hippies there.  Second, I now know all the songs he played, so there was more of that moment of excitement when I'd hear the opening notes of my favorite ones.  Finally, I was on pain killers as I had just had a metal plate put into my wrist, which I think made the hippies dancing in front of me much more interesting.  Here are some photos from the concert...

Countdown Friday! End Of Year List Predictions

I love this time of year, the month before Christmas when lights go up and look forward to seeing family.  I  love it because in about a month the best albums of the year lists are going to start coming out.  I have some hypothesis es about what will be on that list.  Just a quick note, I would put Them Crooked Vultures on my list, but these are my predictions for what other critics are going to do.

1. Kanye West - Runaway.  So it doesn't come out until Tuesday, but if the G.O.O.D. Music Friday free downloads are any hint this album will not disappoint.  Also I know I shouldn't hold so much stock in Rolling Stone, but they gave it five out of five stars. We know if Rolling Stone loves it other critics will love it too and will include it on their lists as well.

2. Janelle Monae -  The ArchAndroid.  This is a concept album that has done really well commercially.  Critics love that.  Also it's an amazing album you can listen to over and over again and still pick up new things.  One of my major disappointments of the year is that I missed seeing her live in Chicago. 

3.  Elton John and Leon Russel - The Union.  Leon Russel was one of Elton John's idols in the 60s before he even played in the States.  Then Leon Russell fell into obscurity, but Elton John remembered him, found him, and they together put out this record. Add a guest spot by Neil Young, and Cameron Crowe filming for a documentary, and you've got one of the top albums of the years.

4. Yeasayer - Odd Blood.  I actually thought this album would get bigger than it has.  I thought they would be the MGMT of 2010, but I guess when MGMT puts out an album of their own that's a little difficult.  Still the Brooklyn band has made a name for themselves and put out their first album that I am sure critics are going to love. 

5. The Roots - How I Get Over. I have not heard anyone say a bad things about this album.  Impressive considering how busy they're been.  They are the house band on Jimmy Fallon, played around the country when they could, and put out another album with John Legend.  They are the biggest live band in hip hop, and critics love them.  Expect to see this on loads of top ten lists.

6. M.I.A. - Maya.  Another album with lots of buzz.  Everything I have heard said this is her best album yet.  I have not listened to it enough to really form my own opinion, but with what people are saying and how good the first two are, I can't imagine not seeing this on critics lists in December. 

7. Vampire Weekend - Contra.  Another band breaking the curse of the sophomore record.  This record is one of the inspirations to start this blog. This record blended so many genres of music and just puts the listener in a good mood.  Also inspired people to find out what "Horchata" is. 

8. Broken Bells - Broken Bells.  I loved this album, not so much the live show.  Critics loved this album, I don't know how they felt about the live show.  It's a haunting and soothing album at the same time.  There is no doubt this will be all over top ten lists. 

9. Sade - Soldier of Love.  This might just make the list because it's been 10 years since Sade's last album.  when this came out in February it was huge news.  Plus it's Sade.

10.  Eminem - Recovery.  This is the album on 2010.  You can't go a week without hearing "Love the Way You Lie" played somewhere.  Eminem got clean and came back with a vengeance.  I have heard a few critics say that his cultural references are outdated, but I can't imagine this not being on top ten lists. 

Rock N' Roll Book

You can add Patti Smith's memoir "Just Kids" to you gift list for rock fans and literary fans alike.  It jsut won the National Book Award for nonfiction.  The book describes her time in New York in the 60s and 70s and her relationship with famed photographer Roger Mapplethorpe.  I haven't read this book yet, but I think I might read it and then pair it with Cameron Crowe's 2007 documentary Black White + Gray which explores both Smith's and Mapplethorpe's influences on the art world in the 1970s.  Congratulations to the Godmother of Punk on the award, another high note in an amazing artistic career.

Willow Smith Whips

I couple weeks ago I was obsessed with the Willow Smith video for "Whip My Hair" and I felt the need to share it.  It's not surprising the daughter of Da Fresh Prince, and her metal loving mother Jada, would have the talent and creativity to pull this off.  The song isn't the greatest, but the girl is 11.  This is an amazing video.  I don't think I've been this excited since the "Men In Black" music video.

Willow Smith "Whip My Hair"

Will Smith "Men In Black"

Kanye Bieber

I know I sort of made fun of the fact that Kanye and Justin Beiber were Twitter buddies, but I sort of love the "Runaway Love" remix.  I had never actually listened to a Bieber song before this came out.  Actually, I haven't listened to any other Bieber song.  It also doesn't hurt that Raekwon is on there too.  There's not much that Wu-Tang doesn't make better.  I like that what Kanye tweets can become a reality.  Back in August he was all about mixing Raekwon and Bieber, and he made it happen.  If you have time journey over to kanyewest.com and download all of the G.O.O.D. Friday releases.  Kanye's gifts to his fans, and reminder that he's crazy in a great way.

Beatlemania 2010

So I guess I was a little wrong saying it's not that big of a deal that Apple got the rights to sell The Beatles catalog on iTunes.  The Beatles hold three of the top ten spots on iTunes Albums list.  Abbey Road is the 5th most downloaded album.  The White Album comes in at number 8, followed by Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band at number 9.  It's probably a good thing, The Beatles music will be passed down to even more generations.  It would be sad if only Taylor Swift and Britney Spears endured because that's what's what was downloadable.

Queen Bio-Pic

So while I was out with my injuries and schedule it was announced that a Queen bio-pic will be made.  I am ECSTATIC!  Queen is on my top ten favorite bands of all time.  I have always said that if I could bring anyone back from the dead to see perform live it would be Freddie Mercury, cause Queen was supposed to be unreal live.  Probably one of the most interesting things about this film is that Sacha Baron Cohen has been picked to play the iconic singer.  Yes that is right, Borat will be playing Freddie Mercury.  Looks wise this is a great decision, and both men were British.  It will also be interesting to see what Cohen will do with a more dramatic role.  I really hope this project comes together.

Nevermind Reunion

Well it's not really a reunion because Kurt Cobain is dead, and Dave Grohl won't be playing drums.  It is a reunion though because Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic and Nevermind producer Butch Vig are hard at work on the Foo Fighters new album.  According to Rolling Stone the 7th studio album from the group is expected to be "the heaviest Foo Fighters record ever."  And Novoselic not only plays bass, but lends his hand with the accordion too.  I guess this means no more Them Crooked Vulutres for a while, but for this reunion it's totally worth it.

"It's My Party"

Good news for Amy Winehouse fans.  First, she's been sober for at least 6 months now, which menas her chances of overdosing, dying and never making music again have greatly reduced.  Second, Mark Ronson and Miss Winehouse have teamed up again for a cover of "It's My Party".  I'm actually not so excited about the song, but the hope it give me that there may actual be a follow up album to 2007's "Back In Black".   Maybe there can be a song about saying "yes, yes, yes" to rehab.  Here's a link to "It's My Party" if you're interested.  Has that great 60s sound...

Amy Winehoue, "It's My Party"

Man on the Moon Volume II

Last Tuesday two albums I've been eagerly awaiting were released, Kid Cudi's "Man on the Moon Volume II: The Legend of Mr. Rager", and Cee-Lo Green's "The Lady Killer".  Sometime I hate when two albums come out on the same day because I tend to focus on one and don't give the other one a proper listening.  That seems to be happening again with Kid Cudi mainly playing in my ears.  It is a great sophomore album, which we all know is a rarity.  It seems like it will really hold up against the first "Man on the Moon".  I was a bit worried that this album might not be as good considering the issues that Cudi has been through.  He was booted from Lady Gaga's tour for punching a fan in Vancouver.  Then he was arrested in NYC with cocaine on him after he ripped a women's apartment door off the hinges.  It seemed like he might be setting himself out for a crash and burn.  We all saw what addiction did to Eminem's writing skills.  Cudi has taken that addictions and fueled it into an amazing project.  He also doesn't glorify drugs and alcohol the way it was done in the 90s and somewhat the early 2000s.  He let's the world into the dark dark side of his addiction.  He makes the would aware of his attempts to numb himself and the suicidal urges he resisted.  I hope Scott Mescudi knows how upset his fans would be if he ever did off himself.  I hope in a couple years we'll have a "Man on the Moon Volume III" to listen to.  For now I have "Revofev" on repeat.  I love the way Cudi let's his voice break on the word "revolution" towards the end of the song.  It sounds like his "heart of a lion" coming out of him.  Listen for yourself.

Revofev - Where will you be for the Revolution?

G.O.O.D. Mixtape

I think my favorite mixtapes usually come out from artist on Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music Label.  They've got Kid Cudi, Consequence, Mos Def, and Mr. Hudson.  I adored both of Big Sean's mixtape.  Now they have a new Chi-Town rapper with a new mixtape.  CyHi Da Prince is playing the Beauty Bar this weekend in Chicago and you can download his mixtape for free by clicking on this link...

ChyHi Da Prince Mixtape

I personally like "Hero" but that's probably because of the Outkast "Aquemeni" sample.

Beatles on iTunes

I guess I should mention this because it is everywhere, but Apple has finally negotiated to have Beatles music available on iTunes.  As of yesterday you can download the entire catalog for $1.30 a song, or by the album.  While many seem to think that acquiring the last holdout in digital music is a HUGE deal, I think many people learned to upload their compact discs to their computers a long time ago.  I guess when we see the numbers come out we will see just how big this is.

Aloe Blacc

If you're in a Starbucks anytime soon you might see a free download "Pick of the Week" for Aloe Blacc's "I Need A Dollar".  I suggest downloading it, as it is awesome and free.  It's going on my playlist of "what is old is new again".  Also on that playlist is Cee-Lo's "F*ck You" and Jay-Z and Robin Thicke's "Meiple".   Aloe Blacc has this great bluesy, soul feel.   He's also does the theme song for "How to Make it in America".  I missed his show last week at Schubas since it sold out in two seconds, but I look forward to his next stop in Chicago.

Girl Talk Album

In case you missed it Girl Talk released the album, "All Day" on Monday.  I wouldn't be surprised if you did miss it considering that there was no press of it, no promoting, just the release.  I love stuff like this, it's like having flowers delivered for no real reason.  The new album contains mash ups of Rihanna, Black Sabbath, Big Boi, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Radiohead, Soundgarden, Waka Flocka and probably one else you're thinking of right now.  Also, everyone's favorite old school jam, "I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller..."  Another great perk; it's free.  Follow the link below, download, and enjoy.  Thanks Gregg Gills.

Girl Talk- All Day

Jay-Z Interviews

It seems, at least to me, a rare occurrence when Jay-Z agrees to interviews.  That's why I was surprised and thrilled yesterday when he was a guest on NPR's "Fresh Air".  Hova is promoting his new book "Decoded", which explains 30 something of his songs.  For his fans, this is huge.  The interview with Terry Gross is probably one of the best I have heard or read with the artist.  It is much better than this summer's Rolling Stone article that I feel repeated information that I already knew.   Plus it is great to hear Jay-Z in his own voice answer the thoughtful and insightful questions Ms. Gross is known for.  The interview obviously focuses on music and includes his thoughts on "The Grey Album", by DJ Dangermouse, and his unique style of not writing down lyrics.  However what I found most interesting was his view on how crack changes The Marcy Projects of Brooklyn and how he got into dealing the drug, and how some of that spilled into hip hop.  It's a great interview and you can find the link below to listen to the interview, and a link to purchase "Decoded", because obviously Jay-Z needs more of our money.

Jay-Z on Terry Gross

And I'm back!

I fell off my bike and broke my wrist a couple months ago, so I was out for a bit with that. Then I was lazy and had a big work month and big personal month.  No more excuses though, I am back!  I am re-committing myself to this blog.  One reason is this fall is big for music.  A week ago both Kid Cudi and Cee-Lo Green released new albums.   Kanye has a new one slated for Tuesday.  Jay-Z has a book coming out and a greatest hits album.  The end of summer means the end of festivals and the return of the smaller more intimate concerts I prefer. Thought Lupe Fiasco, Damien Marely and Nas, and The Disco Biscuits were amazing at the North Coast Festival in Chicago in September.  (That was a week or two before the tragic wrist debacle and surgery that followed.)  Aloe Blacc is starting to breakout, along with Ninjasonik and Dan Black.  I've just started Keith Richards Memoir, and 30 pages in I can already tell it's amazing.  The Rolling Stones are nothing if not charming.  I caught "Nowhere Boy" and loved it, and this Saturday PBS will be airing a documentary about John Lennon's time in NYC.  All things John Lennon in celebration of what would have been his 70th brithday.  I also need to figure out NYE plans.  Last year is was Girl Talk, this year I'm leaning towards Yeasayer.  The point is that there are tons of music related items to babble about and I am here to ramble about all them.  Stay tuned.