If I were a DJ 2

In anticipation of NYE with Kid Sister in Madison, WI [!!!!!!]
here are some killer dance jams [most jukeworthy of course] with some Kid Sis highlights.


Passion Pit: The Reeling (Calvin Harris Remix) [removed]

Kid Sister: Control [removed]

Major Lazer: Pon De Floor (Chewy Chocolate Cookies Remix) [removed]

Treasure Fingers: Cross the Dancefloor [removed]

Kid Sister: Right Hand Hi [removed]

A-Trak: Throw Some D's In Your Life [removed]

Solange: Would've Been the One (Edwin van Cleef Remix) [removed]

Diplo & Buraka Som Sistema: Inna De Ghetto (Remix) [removed]

Kid Sister: Switchboard [removed]

The Hood Internet: Juke & Pop (Mic Terror & Green Velvet) [removed]

A-Trak: Stuntin' Like My Guitar [removed]

Kid Sister: Get Fresh (Alex Gopher Remix) [removed]

Hood Internet: Wetter and Jeffer (Twista & Boys Noize) [removed]



Well there ya go. End the decade with a BANG!

You've got the...

Julie Doiron: The Sweetest Eyes (When You Laugh) [zshare]


Will Stratton: Sonnet [zshare]

Oh you look so pretty and full of fear


Blossom Dearie: Tea For Two [zshare]

We won't have it known that we own a telephone


Gordon Jenkins: Caravan [zshare]


Audrey: Pocket Arms [zshare]


Fat Freddy's Drop: Boondigga [zshare]

Tried everything, then tried it again


Washed Out: Luck [zshare]


Kings of Convenience: Boat Behind [zshare]

And you know your heart

Sunset Rubdown: Idiot Heart [zshare]

I've got dreams to remember

Closest thing you're gonna get to a holiday post. [From me at least]
I kinda lost my Christmas spirit 5yrs ago.



But here are a couple of my fave "Boooo! It's Christmas so soon?" songs.


Okkervil River: Listening To Otis Redding At Home During Christmas [zshare]

Vince Guaraldi Trio: Christmas Time is Here (Instrumental) [zshare]

Broken Social Scene: Handjobs for the Holidays [zshare]

Scully, check this out...

In the episode of The X Files called "Orison," an escaped convict named Donny Faster (making his 2nd appearance) comes after Scully because he loves her red hair. He also wants to eat her pinky, no euphemism. Anyways, this song features prominently in the episode, as Scully and Mulder try to chase down Faster they hear it everywhere. The song isn't bad, but you'd have to try hard to make a music video with more absurdity for your buck than this one.

Sea Above, Sky Below

Dirty Three: Sea Above, Sky Below [zshare]

Dirty Three speaks to me in a way that few other bands/artists can.
I can't even begin to describe them.

Batting a thousand...

Passion Pit: I've Got Your Number [zshare]

Somewhere between Architecture in Helsinki and Black Kids.

What can a man do...

Lee Fields & the Expressions: Do You Love Me (Like You Say You Do) [zshare]

What can a man do
When a woman is all he's got


Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings: Stranded In Your Love (feat. Lee Fields) [zshare]

Is this romance
or circumstance?

You, in the cardigan...

Just what I needed on my 3am, 40m, bike ride home last night.


Owen: Poor Souls [zshare]

Memory Cassette: Asleep at a Party [zshare]

There you go there you go...

Rory Kane: The Choice (featuring Nika Roza Danilova) [zshare]

Madison representin'!

Where do you and I begin?

Soylentgreen23 on flickr

Solange: Stillness is the Move [zshare]

I'm sorry. I meant to post this the first day I heard it. It's been on repeat all week.
This makes me want to look up more Dirty Projectors. I don't know what is, but I havent liked the stuff I've heard by them. Though I did enjoy their stuff on La Blogotheque.
But back to Solange. The star. This girl has moxy. I really hope she gets the respect and attention she deserves. Without having to cut off all of her hair.
I found Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams a much better and more inventive throwback than R.Saadiq's The Way I See It but she still flew under the radar.
Indie cred won't but you a house, but that's what big sisters are for.


Meshell Ndegeocello: Shirk [zshare]

...I'm sorry I lied

Loving Meshell right now. And it didn't occur to me that she was on the Love & Basketball soundtrack. Man, I love that soundtrack. Well here she is now with Shirk. Don't even know if you can call her Neo-Soul. I don't.


The Watson Twins: Just Like Heaven [zshare]

Show me how you do that trick...

You know the song. This version is beautiful. Simply.

Papa...

If only I could choose some witty section of lyrics for the title of this post, but alas, I cannot. I have absolutely no idea what this song is about except that it has something to do with Mr. Keita's papa? It could be someone else's papa but it's not really important. There's absolutely nothing I could put into words that would compare to the beauty of this song.

Download: Salif Keita - Papa [zshare mp3]

The world is yours...

[Movie still from La Haine]

Nas: The World is Yours [zshare]

If I were a DJ...

[Photo by K.Allcox]

Think About Life: Johanna [removed]

An unexpected dance track from our peeps up north. It has its slower parts but overall it succeeds as an original dance floor jam.
Helloooo, Montreal.


The Big Pink: Dominos (Switch Remix) [removed]

It's been coming up all over the webs lately.
You just can't help but jerk it to this killer track.


Mochipet: Banana Split (Fliami Vice Remix) [removed]

This was such a good find. It's a funky good time. I can't resist getting down [reeeeal low] when it comes on. Hope youve been practicing your curled lip, stank-dancing face.


BBU: Chi Don't Dance [removed]

It's true. We don't dance. I go to Madison to get my bloghouse bangers. Not Chicago.
I'm here to juke. And everyone needs a fresh juke track.


Gappy Ranks: Stinkin' Rich (Stefski Rremix) [removed]

This is possibly my favorite dancehall song. If you can get past the Carib "HEY!" you'll really dig this song. Time to get those hips swaying and grind on someone that loves you.


Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Heads Will Roll (A-Trak remix) [removed]

You gotta love A-Trak.
This man ruled my dance life with an iron [pumping] fist for all of 07 & 08.
And here he is again laying down the law. Youre welcome, Karen O.


Weird Tapes: My Babe Walk [removed]

I know that I've posted this before... but it'll always be one of my go-to dance tracks.
Cyndi Lauper anyone?


The Dream: Walking on the Moon (Moon Man Remix) [removed]

Some more Chicago reppn. Moon Man serves up a stellar hype version of a song I didn't originally like. Success!


Does It Offend You, Yeah?: Dawn of the Dead (Station X Remix/Buffetlibre) [removed]

Anytime I'm driving my friends to a party, you can bet I'm playing this song.
It's a great preparty song. I'm not saying it can't hold its own at an actual party, it's just a great prologue to a great night.




Feist: My Moon My Man (Boys Noize Remix) [removed]

[Saving the best for last]
I'm in love with this remix.
I always found the original kinda depressing, and Boys Noize kept the melancholy undertone and made it suitable for the dance floor. Sad people need to dance too!
I could on and on about what this song means to me, but I wont.
You! Listen! Dance! Now!



Geez, I miss throwing parties.

Everywhere I'm lookin' now...

I know this isn't exactly new or unknown in any way, but I've been listening to this song a lot. Just wanted to remind everyone that Beyonce can actually make quality music. If you never really paid this song any attention, give it another try.

Download: Beyonce - Halo [zshare]

Hoping you'd hear my plea

City and Colour: As Much As I Ever Could [zshare]

= J.Buckley + Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos + My Morning Jacket




Okay. I'll post some more upbeat tunes soon. Promise.

One of these days

...I'll make some money

Owen: One of these days [zshare]

you would rather be far away...

...just to have it go all your way

Of the so-called Freshman Class as delineated by XXL magazine, there are a few of the ten that really stand head-and-shoulders above the rest. The most well-rounded talent of them all, B.o.B. brings real musicianship to his work, along with clever lyrics and an upbeat infectiousness that is impossible to resist. Listen and enjoy!

B.o.B. - Wonderland [zshare]

this place that I go, I never wanna leave...

Someday, one day, they all gonna believe/
that everything I said that I'll achieve/
and then it come fast like highway speed/
so I Tokyo Drift to a place in my dreams

This song is a bubbling, rolling ride through XV's lyrics, the kind of song you can just zone out to while walking somewhere on a sunny Korean afternoon, ignoring students yelling at you from all sides. That said, when I first heard it I was hooked from the first line:

As I hop on my bike...

XV - Final Fantasy XV [zshare]

my ignorance is *such* on a higher level...

I told y'all that my name is Theo,
the Rhode Island hero!

As silly as that claim seems, this is a wonderful song and I'm sure if, say, Rolling Stone was compiling a list of Rhode Island heroes, Theo would be on it.

I love this song.

Theo - There's Meaning [zshare]

Inside a Silent Tear

I'm in love...

Blossom Dearie: Inside a Silent Tear [zshare]

Gah, Blossom. La la la la la la... you had me.


Inside a silent tear, I have a silent dream
That sometimes sails across the patterns of my mind.
The silence follows me and dreams just disappear
and then I find myself inside a silent tear

Sometimes I laugh too much
to hide the emptiness,
to lose the loneliness.
I'm not the laughing kind.
I can't say anything I really want to say.
I guess I try so hard I stumble on the way.

I'm always finding love when it's not meant to be.
What is reality and can it be defined?
When you're a fool like me it's never really clear
so you have silent dreams inside a silent tear.

I'm always finding love when it's not meant to be.
What is reality and can it be defined?
When you're a fool like me it's never really clear
so you have silent dreams inside a silent tear.




I couldn't resist.

Blossom Dearie: Figure Eight [zshare]

I love the beginning. It reminds me of The Nightmare Before Christmas.
If she has yet to jog your memory, check the video.

I dare you to get this song out of your head

Or her. I was humming this song as we left a bar and one guy says "catchy song, huh... and it's sung by the hottest woman in the world." Perhaps only a small exaggeration.

I stand outside this woman's work

[Photo by Ilona Olkonen]

COVERS!!!

Here are a few covers that I've been obsessing over lately:


Maxwell: This Woman's Work [zshare]

Okay. To be honest, I didn't even know this was a cover until very recently. [Boohoo].
I listened to the original. Sadly, it didn't do anything for me. I grew up listening to this version.
I remember Maxwell's album, Now, so clearly. My mom would play it all of the time. And do you guys remember the music video?! Falling into the concrete like it was water and swimming across the street? Haha It was so groundbreaking at the time.
But seriously, this is one of my classic faves.
If you like this look up Kem, Floetry, even some Jill Scott.


She & Him: Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want [zshare]

I love The Smiths. I know that I probably shouldn't say that out loud, but I love 'em.
The cover isn't that much different than the original but who cares, it's Zooey Deschanel!
If ZDeschanel, M.Ward, and The Smiths didn't get you to download this song... I don't know what will.

This Ojibwe saying is so fitting:

Sometimes
I go about in pity for myself,
and all the while
a great wind is bearing me across the sky


Ellie Goulding: Wolves [zshare]

I was a little weary of this one. Bon Iver's Wolves (Act I & II) became an instant favorite at first listen and is still fresh in my mind. But not to fear. This cover is amazing.
She didn't change much about the song but the different voice and cadence alone makes this song worth listening to. Keep and eye out for this girl!

Here we go again, mo' quotables from him...

I thought the original beat for Go Hard was cool, but this remix is by far superior in every way, and Harlem's Cash and the Kid Daytona absolutely kill it. The only problem I have with the song is that I'm almost 100% certain that Humphrey Bogart has nothing to do with Gone With the Wind, but other than that it's a perfect song.

Download: Harlem's Cash - Go Hard ft. The Kid Daytona (Gov't Remix)

I know you see em with they hands up high...

I've been meaning to post this song for a really long time, but just haven't got around to it until now. It's a good thing I did because now I have the full version of the song to give to you. From The Kid Daytona's mixtape "Come Fly With Me"

I can see clearly now, the sun is gone
And the bright lights in the city on
Let the smoke rise, and the liquor pour
In the twilight, I be in the zone

Download: The Kid Daytona - Twilight prod. Jet Audio

And the words came like a hard rain

[Photo by Anastasia Genkina]

Keeping the theme, delusions, of the last post:



Shout Out Louds: Hard Rain [zshare]

Ah, it's been a long time since I've heard this song.
Some friends and I made some pistachio & cardamom ice cream [delicious!] last week and I instantly thought of this song. And I've been listening to it since... in between watching pieces of the past Harry Potter movies on TV this weekend.
The song definitely has a BSS feel to it, which I don't see as a bad thing!
[Indie rock at its best]

It's a lovely, romantic, delusional, heart breaking 7m 26s.
You need to hear this.

I never tried,
I never dared,
I wish I'd said something.
But I've been standing outside your door,
at least that's something.
And your breath smells like cardamom.
And the words came just like a hard rain.



****

Sorry about the "older" songs recently. I haven't been able to update my mp3 player in a minute. So when it decides to turn on when I want it to, it's a trip down memory lane. And I'm constantly rediscovering old gems.

And I hope... I hope...

[Photo by Adriana Lopez Sanfeliu]

Delusions... where they've always been.
Cobwebs removed and the book is off the shelf again.
Same characters. Same plot. Same ending.
But I can never put it down.


I don't think that I completely understood this song until tonight.
This song is making me so sick. And yet it's still on repeat.

M. Ward: Poison Cup [zshare]

If you don't have it, get it here.
If you do, go to your media player and play the darn thing!

She said
"If love
If love
Is a poison cup
Then drink it up

'Cause a sip
A sip
Or a spoonful won't do
Won't do nothing for you
Except mess you up"

Your picture...

Beach House: Some Things Last A Long Time [zshare]

Your picture
Is still
On my wall
On my wall

Daniel Johnston's lyrics are so simple and perfect. It's no coincidence that he's been covered by so many artists. Some Things Last A Long Time is one of my favorite D.Johnston songs and Beach House does a great job making this song their own.

tell me why...

This remix by Beatnik & K-Salaam (created before his death) is a pretty good tribute to the best-selling musical artist ever. It's hard to remix a legendary artist and a legendary song, but this is definitely worth a listen.

Download: Michael Jackson - Never Can Say Goodbye (Beatnik & K-Salaam remix) [zshare mp3]

Bonus: Michael Jackson - Wings of My Love [zshare mp3]

Goodbye My Love (video)

I saw this video on MTV in Korea today, and what I thought was a first a semi-interesting/cheesy video about a guy who is the lonely third wheel suddenly became so much more (ridiculous/interesting/whatever). Awesome?

EDIT: I forgot to mention that it didn't have english subs on TV so my initial viewing was comprised of visuals alone.

I'll always be by your side...

[Photo by Caterpillars @ Flickr]

CocoRosie: By Your Side [zshare]

This song makes me so happy. For some reason I always thought that I didn't/wouldn't like CocoRosie. But this song has been on repeat since Thursday. [Ashley should have stayed!]. It's what I imagine Aaliyah and Timb's love/crack child would sound like.

...I'd wear your black eyes
Bake you apple pies
I don't ask why
And I try not to cries...

Is the song a satire? Or is she just completely smitten? Is it romantic or creepy?

...And all I want with my life
Is to be a housewife...

stop, let me paint you a picture...

Donnis rocks over a Jay-Z song and more than holds his own, this and Underdog have already earned 4 star ratings in my Winamp library. What more can I say?

Download: Donnis - Blueprint Freestyle [zshare]

gyal don't stop tick tock tick tock...

It's been a long time coming, but I'm finally posting this song. When Zay disappeared into the Caribbean and returned as the more powerful Trinizay, he brought back with him some ridiculous(ly awesome) music, and one day hanging out at his house I heard this song and as soon as it was over I said "Iz, what song was that? you need to give me it." This song is steadily pushing its way up my Most Played songs in Winamp, and deservedly so. I don't really know how to describe it but this song is a musical masterpiece from front to back.

Download: Vybz Kartel - Whine to the Ground [zshare]

Bonus(es):

Senor Kaos - Word Play rmx ft. Wale & Curren$y prod. 9th Wonder [zshare]

A nice, bouncy 9th Wonder beat to play at your summer rollerskating jams

QuESt - Ayo Freestyle [zshare]

QuESt continues to put out solid music, of course this is not really a freestyle, and Q delivers on both the hook and the verses.

QuESt - She's Wrong [zshare]

Another song where QuESt does all the vocals, and it works. He's got two mixtapes on the way in the next couple of months so keep an eye out.

Hollyweerd - Triple Chrome Undipped/Hold Up Zeldaq [zshare]

Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and watch Stagolee stamp on the beat

Donnis - Underdog [zshare]

Donnis has started to make his name on the nets recently with his Snack Packs vol. 1 & 2, and he definitely gives reason to take notice on this song, featuring some very nice horns on the beat.

It's raining on me in Korea, so there'll be more coming soon.

ain't enough of me to go around...

So I'm in Korea now, and on the drive from Seoul to Namyangju, Sun Man is listening to his mp3 player which conveniently plugs into the USB port in his center console, and one of his Korean pop/semi-hip-hop/r&b style songs has a chorus part that goes "baby baby baby baby," and after a couple of minutes I realize that it is extremely similar in melody and tone to this B.o.B./Bobby Ray song, and now for the past couple days I've had "B-O-B-O-B-O-B" stuck in my head, and the song on repeat in my iPod whenever I have a chance. If there's one thing B.o.B. does well its making upbeat/funny/happy songs (see: I'll be in the Sky) and/or extremely catchy tunes (see: Haterz ft. Wes Fif)

Download: Wait Your Turn by B.o.B. (NoDJ courtesy of 2dbz) [zshare]

Bonus: Shine All Day ft. Q-Tip by Grandmaster Flash [zshare]

...we can do it real big, bigger than you ever done it

[Sandhill Planes @DBH]

[PWS @DBH]

Drake: Best I Ever Had [zshare]

It's funny. I was completely against this song when I first heard it. But then, I got back to Chicago
I was shocked that my 11yr old cousin knew who Drake was. Damn [a lot happened when I was out of the country]. He is all over the radio and this song slowly creeped into my head. I can't get it out!
And that's not such a bad thing either.
Guess the radio is good for something. Brainwashing.
Get this song if you don't have it already!





And after you cop that song.
Check out my shirt designs over at Design By Humans!
Vote. Comment. Buy.
[pictures/links above^]

Delicate

[Photo by Elizabeth Lattern]

Damien Rice: Delicate [zshare]

Why do you sing with me at all?

to a place I've seen only in my dreams

If you don't know about Tanya Morgan then you are seriously, seriously missing out on on some future classic music. I really don't know what I can say about this album except just listen to it (myspace.com/tanyamorgan), check out the website (www.brooklynati.com) and buy it (www.imculture.com). Here are some of my favorites from the album (which I bought twice!)

Tanya Morgan - On Our Way

This song is amazing, and a great intro song for the album. I was about 30 seconds into this song when I decided to buy the Brooklynati Survival Kit. So, I pretty much bought the album twice on the strength of this song.

Tanya Morgan - So Damn Down

This is the lead single from the album, and comes third on the album after Alleye Need (not posting it here). The three together make a pretty perfect kick-off trifecta.

Tanya Morgan - Never 2ndary

Just listen, I've said enough.

Please, buy the album and support these guys.

...but I'm not worried at all

[Photo by Guy Sargent]

All of these tracks deserve their own separate post.
Keep that in mind.
Here is a short list of my favorite songs at the moment...
Enjoy.




Thiago Pethit: Fuga Nº1 [zshare]

I love Portuguese. And I love Beirut.
So this song became an instant favorite.


Menahan Street Band: Tired of Fighting [zshare]

I have to thank Soul Sides for getting me into this group. THANK YOU!
I've been listening to them for a while now, and not until recently did I actually look into the group. And everything just came full circle.
Sharon Jones & Dap Kings [Yes, please!] + El Michels Affair [more on these guy later] + Budos Band [!!!] = Menahan Street Band. What more could you ask for.
And this song. This song is my new "That Hump". And that's saying a lot.


Novel: Sky Might Fall [zshare]

I'm not a big fan of Kid Cudi's "Sky Might Fall". So I was definitely open to some remixes and covers. Novel did not disappoint. His soul version is amazing. This track has been on repeat for a while now. Cudi should seriously consider producing from some R&B acts.


Dionne Warwick: You're Gonna Need Me [zshare]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this song. It's just simply amazing.
"You're gonna need me one day" is something that everyone has said at least once.
On my list of all time favorite songs. Thank you, Dionne.


MC Solaar: Caroline [zshare]

There's no surprise that MC Solaar is France's most well know rapper. Not knowing any French at all, one can easily recognize this man's talent.
"Caroline" is about love, loss, and a hint of gambling. It's filled with beautiful poetry and plenty of wordplay [the interwebs told me so].
The most infectious line "L’as de trèfle qui pique ton cœur" is literally "The ace of clubs that stings (also ’spade’) your heart".
Marvelous.

[translated chorus]
I’m the ace of clubs that trumps your heart
The ace of clubs that trumps your heart…
The ace of clubs that trumps your heart…
Caroline…


El Michels Affair: Shimmy Shimmy Ya [zshare]

Wu Tang. Kids chanting. Horns.
How could this cover [?] get any better?
Check this pretty dope article over at NPR by O.Wang. Won't disappoint.


Vybz Kartel: Last Man Standing [zshare]

I was in Trinidad & Tobago from January to May.
Basically what I'm trying to say... this isn't the last V.Kartel song that will be posted here on the Interstate.
This is a great example of some popular dancehall at the moment. And it turns out that rap feuds are universal. This is a great diss song, and the crowds get hyped at T&T parties when it comes on.

BACHANAL

my boy, Carlos doing his thing with the almighty Destra Garcia.

I miss you Trinidad and Tobago

yes it is quite lovely in my atmosphere...

This post is the *official* interstate 8 space/stars/sky/martians/future/robots post. I figure, if so many hip-hoppers are taking this "I'm from outer space" angle, I might as well do a little chronicle of the (unexplained) phenomena, word to Fox Mulder. Honestly, not all these tracks fit the theme exactly but they do all contain lines stating their not-from-earthiness.

Ced Hughes - Polite Rap Song

This is the source of the title quote, and is one of my favorite Ced Hughes songs, which is actually saying a lot considering What Up Tho?! is one of my favorite mixtapes. Anyways, despite the atmospheric lyric, I'm posting this song because it has what I refer to as the "moment." For any song to be good, or worth listening to over-and-over again, it has to have that moment that makes you really notice it. Sometimes, the moment doesn't actually happen, but the song teases you the whole time with brief glimpses and never actually hits it (example: Gnarls Barkley - Open Book). Anyways, for me the moment when the beat swings up and Ced jumps in for the third verse is the reason I keep listening to this song. Check it out.

David Bowie - Space Oddity

A classic space song detailing the happenings in the mind of Major Tom as he experiences outer space. Probably one of the earliest really popular space-y songs.

K-Os - Mirror In the Sky

From Atlantis: Hymns for Disco. I honestly can't say if this truly fits the space theme, but this song is awesome and the whole album is awesome, and his new album YES! is awesome, so buy it (like I did).

B.o.B. - Starship Strobelite

The adventures of Spaceman BoB as he searches for a Strobelite honey. Just a very entertaining song all around.

KiD CuDi - Embrace the Martian (Round Table Knights remix)

I honestly wasn't a big fan of Embrace the Martian when I first heard it on A KiD Named CuDi, but this remix has changed all that. Usually, I'm not a big fan of CuDi remixes because they usually focus on Day N Nite and they pretty much always make it worse, so this is a refreshing chance to catch a CuDi remix that actually improves on the original.

KiD CuDi - Sky Might Fall prod. Kanye West

The early version of the CuDi single, great production by Mr. West, sorta makes me wonder what could've been if the KiD from Cleveland had done all the vocals for 808's. Beatwise, this song fits right in with Kanye's production on that album and of course KiD CuDi shows his skills on here. I'm certain that the album, when it comes, will be one of the best of the year.

Drake - I'm Still Fly

This is an amazing use of the Big Tymers song, and Drake puts down some very solid lyrics. Great moment a couple minutes in when he "wastes" some lines, if you're not looking for Drake's lady-killers like Best I Ever Had, this should fit right in your library.

U-N-I - Hey Neighbor

Alright just get on the spaceship and go. A pretty dope song from the Cali-based duo U-N-I, from Before There Was Love, the prelude mixtape to their album, A Love Supreme. This song and Night Nurse are my current favorites from them, and both the mixtape and album are definitely worth a listen.

I had sorta hoped that I could showcase a little bit of hip-hop history regarding the outer space theme, but I seem to have completely missed that target. Oh well, good music all around anyways.

I come in peace, but I need y'all rockin with meeeee, pleeeeease, embrace the martian, and this is how it sounds...

"and at the end of it all, its you"

In case you forgot, The Renaissance was possibly the best rap album of last year. Here's a couple reminders to check it out if you haven't yet, plus some extra random tracks.

Q-Tip - Official [zshare]

Q-Tip - You [zshare]

Both these songs are great, as expected Q-Tip holds it down lyrically but where this album really stands out is the production. Every beat on this album is absolutely incredible, and there's really no better music to just throw on and relax, or to put on the iPod when you're walking around on these sunny spring days.

Q-Tip - Gettin' Up Megamix [zshare]

A Tribe Called Quest - Scenario (original demo unreleased) [zshare]

A couple bonus tracks, a very dope remix of Gettin' Up and a true gem in the original demo of ATCQ's hit Scenario, not great sound quality but the pure joy of listening to the rough draft of a hip-hop classic like this should be enough for you.

QuESt - Sky Might Fall remix ft. Nero [zshare]

As I've pointed out before, QuESt is dope, and Nero is pretty solid too. This definitely gives the leaked CuDi version a run for its money.

Del Tha Funkee Homosapien - And they thought that was hell [zshare]

From Del's recently released album Funk Man available for free on the internets, this song is definitely nice.

Aceyalone - Mr. Outsider [zshare]

Aceyalone - Anywhere You Go [zshare]

Aceyalone - Deep and Wide [zshare]

Three great songs from Aceyalone's classic album All Balls Don't Bounce, probably one of my top 5 hip-hop albums ever. I remember playing NFL 2K5 with my friend Jim back in 2004/2005 and they had "Deep and Wide" on their jukebox thing, and you could customize soundtracks so we made a soundtrack that was just "Deep and Wide" and it would repeat for hours while we played.

Mr. Lif - Pull Out Your Cut [zshare]

RJD2 - Clean Living [zshare]

These two songs were the only others on the NFL 2K5 soundtrack that got any play. 2K5 has a special spot in my heart as not only the greatest football video game ever, but also for having the best game soundtrack ever, and introducing me to some classic underground hip-hop, thank you 2K Sports. Sadly, it was so good that Madden had to buy exclusive rights to the NFL and video game football has sucked ever since. It actually took me a long time to eventually hunt down all three of those songs from the game, so I hope you appreciate what I'm doing for you.

The New Lyricists (Unofficial Mixtape)

I've been sitting on this idea for a while, but I needed enough songs to make it worthwhile. Needless to say, I've got the tracks I needed and here it is: a little compilation I threw together of tracks from Wale, Skyzoo and Young Chris. These dudes absolutely rip every track, check it out.

I'm way too lazy to photoshop any "art" for this mixtape, and I honestly couldn't care less.

Tracklist:

1. Skyzoo - Lyrically Inclined ft. Wale
2. Wale - The Cyphr ft. Young Chris, Freeway & Beanie Sigel
3. Young Chris - Searchin' ft. Wale
4. Wale - 5 Minutes ft. Skyzoo
5. Skyzoo - Do Remember ft. Young Chris
6. Young Chris - Large ft. Wale
7. Skyzoo - Freshfest ft. Wale
8. Wale - Whole Time ft. Young Chris
9. Wale - Nightlife ft. Young Chris & Tre of UCB
10. Wale - No Better Love (Live) ft. Young Chris
11. Young Chris - Searching Remix ft. Wale, Bun-B & QuESt
12. Wale - The Hacksaw Jim Duggan ft. Skyzoo
13. Wale - The Cyphr (Live) ft. Freeway & Young Chris

Download untagged version: The New Lyricists unofficial mixtape
Download it tagged as an album: The New Lyricists unofficial mixtape

"back in my go mode, back in the go-go"

I'll be honest, there's nothing really inspiring this post linking these songs together other than the fact that I just want to post them (and the Wale concert last night). In that respect, I'm gonna give you a couple go-go songs, but other than that this is all random.

Jimi Hendrix - Midnight [zshare]

I don't really think I need to explain a Jimi Hendrix song, but nevertheless I'll say that this song is an incredible showcase of his skill.

Jimi Hendrix - Star Spangled Banner live @ Woodstock [zshare]
Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower [zshare]

If you know anything about Hendrix and Vietnam and Woodstock and Bob Dylan, these songs not only are brilliant but show the incredible social power of music and the incredible talent of Jimi to cover a Dylan song (Watchtower) and make it more popular than the original. I forget who it was but some famous artist said after Jimi performed at Woodstock he didn't want to touch a guitar for a year. That's ballin.

Go-Go time:

The Northeast Groovers - Aquaboogie (by Parliament Funk) Live [zshare]

Not *quite* a cover in the strictest sense of the word, but I guess it's an interpolation? Anyways, from a live performance in 1993, this is pretty cool if you like drums. What more can I say? Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop.

The Northeast Groovers - Represent (by A Tribe Called Quest) Live [zshare]
The Northeast Groovers - Sadie (by the Spinners) Live [zshare]

A couple more live performances from that 1993 show, covering one of my favorite Tribe songs and a great classic by the Spinners you may recognize as the sample for 2pac's "Dear Mama"

The Northeast Groovers - You Got me (by the Roots) Live [zshare]

As far as I can tell, Go-Go bands don't have songs unless they're doing covers, so here's another go-go version of a great song. Right now I actually don't know if this is really a cover or if they're just playing but I'm calling it that because I've got nothing else to call it.

[/Go-Go]

Diz Gibran - Truly Yours ft. BJ the Chicago Kid [zshare]

I don't know if I've posted this before, but I'm posting it anyway because he just released a new free mixtape, Soon You'll Understand, available on the internets via google search.

Kanye West - Amazing (live on VH1 Storytellers) [zshare]
Kanye West - See You In My Nightmares (Live on VH1 Storytellers) [zshare]

The whole VH1 performance by Kanye was amazing, if you're down with 808's and Heartbreak, and these two performances are definitely better than the album versions. I've cut off most of the talking/interlude parts, leaving just the music.

KiD CuDi - Sky Might Fall [zshare]
KiD CuDi - Look Up in Da Stars ft. Wale [zshare]

A couple recent tracks by Dat Kid from Cleveland, both are pretty good, I'm glad he didn't actually retire.

QuESt - Bigger Than World remix [zshare]

Why not, I like this song. QuESt is pretty dope, keep an eye out for him.

Wale - The Feature Heavy Song ft Bun B & Pusha T [zshare]

In honor of the Wale show last night, I bring you the final piece in this posting puzzle, also known as "Back in the Go-Go," this song is from Wale's Mixtape About Nothing, one of the best hip-hop releases of last year, without a doubt. Featuring two rap heavyweights in the legendary Underground King Bun-B and Pusha T representing the Clipse, how can you doubt this?

"I do it for the capital, Wale Ovechkin"

Teenage Wildlife

[Teenage Wildlife by Cecily Brown]

Doing things a little differently this time.
First: Posting. Now that's a new concept around here.
Second: Decided to do a theme post. The theme is Cecily Brown. And more specifically Teenage Wildlife.





Iron & Wine: The Sea and the Rhythm [zshare]

This was the first song that came to mind. Sad that I didn't discover it till late last year.
With lines like "Our hands they seek the end of afternoons" and "Your hands they move like waves over me. Beneath the moon, tonight, we're the sea" how can this song not be beautiful? S.Beam does a great job at keeping this song [about sex] intimate, romantic. I wish I was in my car in Chicago right now, driving home at 4a, blasting this song with the windows down.


Lauryn Hill: When It Hurts So Bad [zshare]

I've been listening to a lot of L.Hill lately. I love this song so much. Though it makes me so sad sometimes. "I loved real, real hard once." This definitely fits the Teenage Wildlife theme. Figuring out what love is and isn't... the hard way. Listen.


Air: Playground Love [zshare]

Taken from the Virgin Suicides soundtrack [Watch it!]. Obsession, passion, fear, confusion, playground love.


Amy Whinehouse: Love is a Losing Game (Original Demo) [zshare]

Okay. Okay. Yeah I know. Who likes Amy Whinehouse, right?
And yeah, her racist remarks? I know. Did you see/like Apocalypo? Watch Seinfeld? Inspired by Gandhi's teachings? blah blah et cetera. Getting off topic...
I've always glanced over A.Whinehouse. I didn't like Rehab or the other popular tunes she's managed to pump out. But scanning the interwebs I came across this song and it wasn't at all what I expected. The acoustic guitar makes her voice sound so sincere and callous. It's quite nice.


Jihae: Do I Move You? [zshare]

A beautiful trip hop cover of a great Nina Simone song. I was a little apprehensive about it until I heard the horns blend blending into the sensual feedback, ambiance, and drum machine within the first 20sec of the track. Probably a little too mature for teenage love but the passion is there. "When I touch you do you quiver?"


The Stylistics: Betcha By Golly, Wow [zshare]

No explanation needed. Can't you hear it in his voice? Come now.


Anthony Hamilton: Charlene [zshare]

"Come on home to me, Charlene."
Another heartbreaker. Usual ending to teenage romance.
And the last track to this post.
A.Hamilton's voice is so great. I just wish he made 'better' songs, chose better collaborations, and not be so predictable. Sorry for being so hard on ya, boy. I'm just saying is all.
Oh! Trust me. That is not the case with "Charlene."

I know it's crowded at the top, cuz I'm on the tip...

...And that's as high up at the top that a brother can get

So, this post has inadvertently turned into The Roots post, but I've still got a few random goodies to throw in. For those of you that don't know, that picture (cover of The Tipping Point) is Black Thought recreating this mugshot of Malcolm Little before he became Malcolm X. In my mind, that's brilliant album art.

On to the music...

The Roots - Please Don't Go demo

I don't know the story behind this song but it's tagged as demo so I might guess it's pretty old. My favorite part of this song is that Black Thought sings the hook, a lot of people don't know that Black Thought can actually sing in addition to rap. There was a rumor going around that he was gonna release a Gnarls Barkley style album with Danger Mouse, but who knows if that'll actually happen.

The Roots - Lovely, Love my Family

This song was performed by The Roots on Yo Gabba Gabba, and every time I hear it I'm reminded of Questo rockin out for the entertainment of small children and I laugh uncontrollably.

Cradle Orchestra - Live Forever ft. Black Thought

This song is really good. The music is great and Black Thought, as usual, delivers a stellar lyrical performance. Cradle Orchestra are a Japanese group and I don't know what project this song is from but hopefully we hear some more from them soon.

Other tracks:

Fashawn - Sunday Morning (K-Os remix)

Originally a K-Os song, Fashawn jumps on Sunday Morning and does it well. I was highly skeptical of this song at first because K-Os' version is so good I didn't think someone could do this and make it worthwhile at all, but Fashawn does, so give him credit.

Idle Warship - Try It On

One of Talib Kweli's many side projects, Idle Warship brings us this track which I actually can't remember at all what it sounds like but I remember that it's cool, so check it out.

Santogold - Shuv It Remix ft. Three 6 Mafia & Project Pat

This remix is amazing, to say the least. For some reason, Three 6 Mafia remixes that get them out of their dirty south sound and into something new usually turn out really well.

Jean Grae - This World

One of the best recent lyrical performances I've heard from an MC of any gender, hands down. Plus the sample is amazing and the beat is pure fire.

B.o.B. - Don't Break My Heart

B.o.B. flips "Build Me Up Buttercup" for this love song, continuing his tradition of bringing hope to the future of hip-hop.

All songs are mp3 uploaded to zshare

Rukus ft. Soulbrotha - I'm Nigerian

Nigerian Coat of Arms

Soulbrotha just hit me up with this new track from him and Rukus. As you might be able to guess, the hook samples A Milli, but despite my hatred for that song this beat is nice and the track overall is pretty dope. Check it out...

Rukus ft. Soulbrotha - I'm Nigerian [sharebee mp3]

Previously: Soulbrotha - Twittersong

Her morning elegance...

What a beautiful, refreshing music video. Enjoy.

Oren Lavie: Her Morning Elegance [zshare]

We're A Winner

That guy ^ is President. Bush is gone. What more can I say?

Curtis Mayfield - We're A Winner [zshare]

Curtis Mayfield - People Get Ready [zshare]

Young Jeezy - My President ft. Nas [zshare]

Common - The People [zshare]

T.I. - Sittin On Top of the World ft. B.o.B. and Ludacris [zshare]

B.o.B. - I'll Be In the Sky [zshare]

The Roots - Rising Up [zshare]

Sam & Dave - Soul Man [zshare]

Raphael Saadiq - Keep Marchin [zshare]

Max Roach - Freedom Day [zshare]

Marvin Gaye - Can I Get A Witness? [zshare]

Sam & Dave - Hold On! I'm Comin! [zshare]

Little Brother - We Got Now [zshare]

Little Brother - When Everything is New [zshare]

Shuggie Otis - Freedom Flight [zshare]

Salif Keita - Tomorrow [zshare]

And of course...

Wale - Nike Boots [zshare]

...because Barack Obama is officially flyer than the rest of 'em.

Enjoy Inauguration Day

...I don't want to spend another day here

[Movie still from Fallen Angel]

Wow. It's been a while since I've posted something.
So I've decided to go all out before I leave the country for 5months... and forget all about Chicago/Madison/-7°F weather... by posting more songs today than I have since the creation of this blog.
It took me a while to decide how to arrange the following tracks. I hate genres. Well, I hate putting music in categories [I'm just bad at it]. Brian [that other guy that's been, more or less, picking up the slack on i8] suggested I sort them by their "uptemponess."
Yes, now a word.
So here goes nothing...




[Let's start off with the slower ones and gradually pick up the pace]

Port O'Brien: The Whiskey Song [zshare]

I love this group. I love this song.
I discovered California/Alaska based group Port O'Brien from Pitchfork [Does anyone want to admit that?] and I fell in love. "I Woke Up Today" [the first released version] was great and then I found "The Whiskey Song." Their co-ed chorus and minimal plucking and strumming just tugs at your heart.

Though we know that the whiskey is sour, sour we will drink it down anyways

If you like this new breed of indie folk that's been moping around...
and know how it feels to be down on your luck, give this song a listen.


The Middle East: Lonely [zshare]

We have material minds
and restless hands
Longing hearts
and lonely beds

I agree with Tsururadio, "ambient post-rock folk" is dead on.
At 7:27min long, this song will not disappoint. Not that these bands sound like The Middle East, but TME reminds me of the first time I heard Appleseed Cast or Explosions in the Sky.
Now if only their name was a little more Google-friendly.


She & Him: You Really Got A Hold On Me [zshare]

Ah. I've always loved the song "You Really Got a Hold On Me" (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles via Youtube). The perfect song about being attracted to another person, uncontrollably longing for them, even though you know that this person isn't right for you.
That unexplainable attraction I can definitely relate to. I could go on and on about this song... with Rules of Attraction references... The Beatles... the whole shabang.
But let's not. I didn't even like She & Him until this song. If case you didn't know, Zooey Deschanel can sing!
And so can Bonnie Bramlett. This is my childhood right here (Bonnie Bramlett on Roseanne via Youtube). Well, that and Martin.
[And look at that. Y'all get 3 versions]




Final Fantasy: That's When The Audience Died [zshare]

Owen Pallett. Wow. The most beautiful "indie" music I've ever heard has come out of this one man show. This song, with strings galore, and apparently about Canada's tumultuous history, builds and builds till it melts in complete heartbreak.

Close your eyes. Listen.


Jill Scott: I Keep / Still Here [zshare]

People bringin' you down? Jill Scott has the remedy.
An uplifting, empowering two part track that has J.Scott written all over it.
Personal fave that seems to be hard to find on the interwebs.... what gives?


Drake: Say You Will [zshare]

Kanye? Wait... Jimmy?! Nope, Drake.
This is what Kanye should've sounded like. I was pretty disappointed with his latest album. I'll admit it, I can't stand this vox shit craze. I couldn't even hear the genius [good work, Kanye] behind this track until I heard Drake's version [thanks, Drake].


Curumin: Misterio Stereo [zshare]

My friend introduced me to Curumin a couple of years back and I've been forever grateful. His funky Brazilian samba style gives me the chills and Portuguese... is just beautiful.
This track is from their newest album, Japanpopshow, which I sadly don't own yet. Take this one out for a spin in your car... windows up [it's cold out in these parts], bass pumping, attempting to sing along, and just jam.


Shirley Kwan: Mong Gei Ta [zshare]

The original "Mong Gei Ta" ("Forget Him"), according to Wikipedia, is arguably the most widely known Cantonese pop song ever produced. Now that's something. This Shirley Kwan cover is a great pop song that is easy to understand even if you don't know Cantonese.
I first heard "Mong Gei Ta" in Wong Kar-Wai's film Fallen Angel and I remember going to my computer when it was over and anxiously searching the internet for the tracks. Look at it as the the advice from the best friend to the singer of "You've really Got a Hold of Me." Forget Him.


Shuggie Otis: Aht Uh Mi Hed [zshare]

Aw hell Shuggie Shuggie. Inspiration Information is an amazing album. After listening to it for the first time I was more upset than happy. I was upset that I hadn't discoverer it sooner.
Released in '74, Shuggie's album, filled with beautiful funk, R&B and innovative arrangements, went overlooked. Now don't let history repeat itself.
Listen to this, and then go look for Strawberry Letter 23, Rainy Day... wait, just go buy the darn thing!


Q-Tip: We Fight/Love (featuring Raphael Saadiq) [zshare]

Taken from Q-Tip's latest album, The Renaissance, this song is so... Q-Tip.
How could this not be golden?
Q-Tip doing what he does best. Raphael Saadiq on the chorus. Solid samples.
If you don't already have it get it now.




A. R. Rahman: Ringa Ringa [zshare]

Go see Slumdog Millionaire! [All right. I feel better]
This track is taken from Slumdog's amazing soundtrack.
This song will have you on your feet, Bollywood style, in no time. Guaranteed.


Ananda Shankar: Dancing Drums [zshare]

Picking up the pace, and keeping with the Indian theme, up next is Ananda Shankar's popular hit, "Dancing Drums."
This song is epic. Just epic. It's like a soundtrack to a short film... teleporting you back to the 70s. To a smokey room, hookahs and pillows, colored lights, and saris draped everywhere. Basically the inside of I Dream of Jeannie's bottle.
If you like trippy experimental music... with SITARS! this song will not disappoint.


Weird Tapes: My Babe Walk [zshare]

An odd favorite of mine. It's the type of song that most of my friends find too awkward to dance to. And I can't for the life of my understand why? Hell, we can still juke to this.
You won't believe what sample they end up squeezing into this little gem.
Hint: The singer was in this movie. Yeesh. I had a strange childhood.


Paper Route Gangstaz: 'Bama Getting Money [zshare]

I really wish that they released this version, along with the remixed version [which you can get from B.Rizzle's post below ], with their mixtape. After hearing this song, you'll understand why their mixtape included remixed tracks by artists like Diplo. This song might be cheesy, but I was a fan as soon as I heard it.


Izza Kizza: Georgie Porgie [zshare]

Another great artist gracing the internet with an amazing, free mixtape is Izza Kizza. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this song [on repeat] riding my bike around campus. He takes the usual "used to be a playa" theme and makes it so much more.


Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (OCD Automatic Remix) [zshare]

Oh Whitney. This comes straight from the dance floors of Madison, WI. OCD Automatic has made many of my Friday/Saturday nights out on the town into heart-thumping, air-humping, dance-filled nights of shameless dancing to amazing songs like this. The original means nothing to me anymore. There is only OCD.
There's enough room on the dance floor for you and your 40 when this song gets going.




Willy Joy: The Barn Owl

And to cap it all off is a nice dance mix from Willy Joy. I was lucky to get his cd, Fly By Night Vol. 1, when I saw him play in Madison last year. He was great and so is this mix.
Here's a rough list of the songs found on this track [courtesy of Mashit]:

Rasheeda: "My Bubblegum"
Clipse featuring Slim Thug: “Wamp Wamp”
Anthony B, Wyclef & Bonecrusher: “Lighter (Remix)”
Idonia: "Chicken Head"
Project Pat: "Chicken Head"
Mike The 2600 King: “Let Me Bang (Mike 2600 remix)”
Lil Flip featuring David Banner: “Like A Pimp (Kirby Remix)”
Lil Flip: “Game Over (Remix)”
Beck: “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime”


ENJOY!





And a lil somethin' somethin' on the side:

Tommy Guerrero: Salve (featuring Curumin) [zshare]

This track is gold. I just wish it was longer.

Soulbrotha - Twittersong

Big shout out to Soulbrotha, if it wasn't for him I would've been twittering into empty space during the NFC Championship game.

Soulbrotha is a rapper from Houston who makes some pretty good music. As his twitter bio says, he's the best rapper you've never heard of. To show my appreciation to the man for some good football talk today, and because this song is so fitting, I'm gonna help raise awareness.

Soulbrotha - Twittersong [zshare mp3]

Follow Soulbrotha on Twitter
Follow Me on Twitter

The Ezekiel Hanani LP

Bonus Tracks:

Wale - Breakdown (DJ Infamous remix) [zshare mp3]

Rhymefest - Breakadawn [zshare mp3]

Aw hell sooky sooky...

So, this post is the first of hopefully multiple posts in a new format I'm trying. I'm tentatively calling it "Music ADD" and it works like free association with words. Essentially, I was listening to a song, and it reminded me of another song, so I listened to that, and it reminded me of a third song, and now I'm bringing all three of those songs to you.

First, I was listening to the So True EP by Inverse (review coming soon hopefully) and I got to the song "Spark My Soul." I'm not sure what the sample is or if it is a sample on the hook, but it sounds a lot like Sade to me. So, as soon as I finished that album I went to Sade's album Promise, where I heard the song "Jezebel." The horns on that song reminded me of "Careless Whispers" by George Michael. Of course, I didn't listen to George Michael after that. Nope, I listened to the Diplo remix of "Bama Gettin Money" by the Paper Route Gangstaz from their mixtape Fear and Loathing in Hunts Vegas. The songs may seem like a random collection of three, but they are all good songs.

Inverse - Spark My Soul [zshare mp3]

Sade - Jezebel [zshare mp3]

PRGz - Bama Gettin Money Diplo remix [zshare mp3]

Dowload So True EP or Fear and Loathing for Hunts Vegas for free (or for dollars if you feel like it)