The Return Of Mechasmack

There must be something wrong with my ears. Those earphones that came with my iPod don't fit. So I went out and got the in ear plugs. And they only stay in for about 23 seconds before they slide out enough so that I don't get good bass. So while I get to floss my iPod on the train like other peeps, I'm not really enjoying it. I could get other earphones, but part of the coolness of having the iPod is having the white earplugs so that everyone knows you have the iPod. Then you can nod to the other iPeeps while commuting like you're in a special club.

So I've been searching for a couple of months now ever since I saw that Nintendo commercial with the new retro Gameboy Advance SP. Google at first pointed me here, which lead me to look for Good Dancers (Gerling Remix) by The Sleepy Jackson. And of course it's an import and not on iTunes so it took me a while to track it down and of course it's not the right song. So I had to do a little more investigating before finding another post which made more sense and I should have know who it was to begin with...

Goldfrapp
Strict Machine

At least it won't cost me $40 to get this cd.

Wish I still had mine...

http://www.wilenkin.com/transformers/Video_player_06_content.html

I start to think
And then I sink
Into the paper
Like I was ink

When I'm writing I'm trapped in between the lines
I escape, when I finish the rhyme
I got soul

I can't hold this state,
Anymore,
Understand me,
Anymore.

To tread this fantasy, openly,
What have I done.
Oh, this uncertainty,
Is taking me over.

Portishead - Over

Hell yes now I'm moving this way, I'm doing this thing
Hell yes now I'm turning it on, I'm working my legs
Hell yes now I'm calling you out, I'm switching my plates
Hell yes now I'm cleaning the floor, my beat is correct

Beck - Ghettochip Malfunction (Hell Yes)

So I found this new visual search engine for music and movies:

liveplasma.com

It's cool how it maps out albums and movies for you with related media. But I'm not sure yet how that's going to help me. I guess I need to play with it for a few more hours.

But so far this is more interesting:

www.hivegroup.com/demos/itunes/

I really dig that new Adidas commercial. Well, it's not so new anymore, but it's a really cool commercial and that song just gets in your head. Glad I found a link to it:

http://rapidshare.de/files/807908/Adidas-1-advert-Karen-O.mp3.html

Can't take me anywhere (Can't take you anywhere)
Can't take me anywhere, (Wouldn't take you anywhere)
I'll take you anywhere you wanna go

You can't stand me now

The Libertines - Can't Stand Me Now

If I were president, if I were president
I'd make sure all the money spent
Onnnnnnnn, good things
I wouldn't have no lint in my pocket
I'd rock it rock it I'd shock it
I would not jock the fact that there are
Rich people in the world because yo I got a girl
And she needs new clothes and I need new sneakers
And that's all I know
If I were president, if I were president
If I were president, if I were president!

If I was president (what would you do? )
I would not carry, oh no spare change
I would just rearrange, the whole government structure
Cause there seems to be something that's
Messing with the flucture of the money (what? )
It's not coming to me
So now it's time for me to tell my homey jarod d
So i'm, looking at my wallet and I do not have a buck
Damn I'm out of luck, damn I'm feeling stuck

The Pharcyde - If I Were President

I was struck by lighting
Walkin' down the street
I was hit by something last night in my sleep
It's a dead man's party
Who could ask for more
Everybody's comin', leave your body at the door
Leave your body and soul at the door ...
(Don't run away it's only me)

Oingo Boingo - Dead Man's Party

definitely worth linking to:

http://porktornado.diaryland.com/albumcover.html

http://porktornado.diaryland.com/covers2.html

When it feels like the world is on your shoulders
And all of the madness has got you going crazy.
It's time to get out, step out into the street
Where all of the action is right there at your feet.

Well, I know a place where we can dance all night away
Underneath electric stars.
Just come with me and we can shake your blues right away
You'll be doing fine when the music starts.

To the beat of the rhythm of the night
dance until the morning light.
Forget about the worries on your mind
you can leave them all behind.

Debarge - Rhythm Of The Night

when criminals in this world appear
and break the laws that they should fear
and frighten all who see or hear
the cry goes up both far and near
for Underdog! Underdog! Underdog! Underdog!

I'm the king of boggle
There is none higher
I get eleven points
Off the word quagmire

Beastie Boys - Shame In Your Game

http://www.lejo.nu/dj.html

Wow, I don't know why. But someone has compiled a list of 622 music videos on the web for your viewing pleasure:

http://granfaro.blogspot.com/2005/04/622-music-videos-various-from-perfect.html

From A Perfect Circle to Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs

Meet Cathy, who's lived most everywhere,
From Zanzibar to Barclay Square.
But Patty's only seen the sights.
A girl can see from Brooklyn Heights --
What a crazy pair!

But they're cousins,
Identical cousins all the way.
One pair of matching bookends,
Different as night and day.

Where Cathy adores a minuet,
The Ballet Russes, and crepes suzette,
Our Patty loves to rock and roll,
A hot dog makes her lose control --
What a wild duet!

Still, they're cousins,
Identical cousins and you'll find,
They laugh alike, they walk alike,
At times they even talk alike --

You can lose your mind,
When cousins are two of a kind.

Theme from The Patty Duke Shoe

Yes, I got more bounce than the fuckin' bump
And then you want to know why
Because I'm motherfuckin' truckin'
I'm in the pocket just like Grady Tate
Got supplies of beats so you don't have to wait
'Cause I'm the master blaster drinking up the shasta
My voice sounds sweet 'cause it has to
So light a match to my ass 'cause I'm blowin' up
I'd like to thank the people for just showin' up
But but now I want y'all to move it
Put your point on the floor and just prove it
And I'm smurfin' not rehearsin' gettin' live y'all
A little puffy so you know what I'm doin' right
'Cause that's the kind of frame of mind I'm in
I got this feelin' that is back again
So don't touch me 'cause I'm electric
And if you touch me you'll get shocked

Beastie Boys - Professor Booty

I hate it when hype alters my expectations and then those expectations are not met.

Don't get me wrong. I've been a fan of Common since before he dropped the Sense. I've always respected his words if not always agreeing with what he had so say. And in the current state of hip hop, his is a much needed voice. Either I'm getting too old, or there really is too much hip hop about nothing. I want to hear a song, not a bunch of words thrown together that rhyme. Don't tell me about your big house and how many cars you have or how the ice on your wrist cost more than I'll ever make. If you can tell me that again in 10 years then I'll shut up. Right now, I'm much more interested in hearing some good music.

Be by Common (and Kanye West) has been heralded an instant classic. So of course this has raised my expectations to a point this album could not reach. It's a good album, but I don't know if will go on my Classic playlist anytime soon. Common is on point once again. I am drawn in by the lyrics and it's so refreshing because I usually am not. Being the technical person that I am, I have a tendency to overanalyze the music, breaking it down to its individual elements and pondering why it works or doesn't work for me. This analysis goes even deeper with loop-based music such as hip hop. What is that drum sound? Is that bass-line real or sampled? What song is this sampled from? Where have I heard this sample before? Couldn't they have differentiated the beat a little more throughout the song? Stuff like sometimes ruins the fun for me. And unfortunately it ruins the fun for me here.

Be starts off wonderfully. I can only say that I was uplifted by the title track. It's like a sunrise. I love it. It's followed up by The Corner which is a poignant song with a good beat. Then I start to have trouble.

Go would be a much better song without Kanye constantly repeating "Go, go go... and on the count of 3" throughout the track. I'm not sure why this bugs me, but the more I listen to it the more it does. Unfortunately there are little elements like this that bother me throughout the rest of the album. I can't keep from thinking "I'd like this song so much more if that vocal wasn't looping in the background." Just a bit too much Kanye here and there.

So I've been rocking this album for the past few weeks. I like it, it's good. It could have been really good, but the little things add up. I'll definitely have to revisit this in about year to see how I feel about it.

You spend four nights a week now looking for your inner child.
What you gonna say when you find him?
Suppose you don't like him or he doesn't like you?
Suppose once you wake him up he won't go back to bed and wants to stay up late
watching TV?
But you say there must be some reason why you feel this way.

Big deal, that's the way we all feel.
Big deal, what is it you wanna feel?
Big deal, that's the way we all feel.
Big deal, what is it you wanna feel?

Everything But The Girl - Big Deal

At night I hear the shots
Ring so I'm a light sleeper
The cost of life,
it seems to get cheaper
out in the desert
with my street sweeper
The war is over
So said the speaker with the flight suit on
Maybe to him I'm just a pawn
So he can advance
Remember when I used to dance
Man, all I want to do is dance

Gorillaz - Dirty Harry

Parents, you better put in your order now cuz I'm sure this is gonna be hotter than xBox 360 this Christmas. The new iPod Nano looks hella cool. I have to be honest - I want one!

If you ever get close to a human
And human behaviour
Be ready to get confused

There's definitely no logic
To human behaviour
But yet so irristible

There's no map
To human behaviour

They're terribly moody
Then all of a sudden turn happy
But, oh, to get involved in the exchange
Of human emotions is ever so satisfying

There's no map
And a compass
Wouldn't help at all

Bjork - Human Behaviour

There's just something wrong about Madonna sampling ABBA.

Get down girl go 'head get down

Said Superman had come to town
To see who he could rock
He blew away every crew he faced
Until he reached our block

His speakers were three stories high
With woofers made of steel
And when we boys sit outside,
He said "I boom for real"

He said, "I'm faster than a speeding bullet
When I'm on the set
I don't need no fans to cool my ass
I just use my super breath
I could fly three times around the world
Without missin' a beat
I socialize with X-ray eyes
And ladies think it's sweet

And then he turned his power on
And the ground began to move
And all the buildings for miles around
Were swayin' to the groove
And just when he had pulled the crowd
And swore he won the fight
We rocked his boat with a 12 inch cut
Called Disco Kryptonite

Well, Superman looked up at me
He said, "You rock so naturally"
I said now that you've learned the deal
Let me tell you why I'm so for real
I'm Cozmo D from outer space
I came to rock the human race
I do it right ‘cause I can't do it wrong
That's why the whole world is singin' this song

Newclues - Jam On It

I don't give money, I don't support the needy
Schooled in America, taught to be greedy
And everything ought to be, easy
But I never could say goodbye to my friends who get high
I wonder why, I'm rockin with that guy, it's serious
Still make him cry when the satire's hilarious
Cold for your areas, flows come in various shapes and sizes
so hot that you despise it

De La Soul feat. Butta V - No

Finally, someone has taken the time to categorize dance music and all of it's sub-genres in an enlightening and hilarious way. This person had way too much time on their hands but I sure appreciate the effor.

http://www.di.fm/edmguide/edmguide.html

We like the breeze flow straight out of our lids
Them they got moved by these hard rock Brooklyn kids
Us flow a rush when the DJ's boomin classics
You dig the crew on the fattest hip hop records
He touch the kinks and sinks into the sounds
She frequents the fatter joints called undergrounds
Our funk zooms like you hit the Mary Jane
They flock to booms man boogie had to change
Who freaks the clips with mad amount percussion
Where kinky hair goes to unthought-of dimensions
Why's it so fly cause hip hop kept some drama
When Butterfly rocked his light blue-suede Pumas
What by the cut we push it off the corner
How was the buzz entire hip hop era?
Was fresh and fat since they started sayin audi
Cause funks made fat from right beneath my hoodie
The puba of the styles like miles and shit
Like sixties funky worms with waves and perms
Just sendin chunky rhythms right down ya block
We be to rap what key be to lock

Digable Planets - The Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat)

How can I believe this miracle
Where the wind blows dry
Thru the force of a man
Undenied by his eye You abandoned me
How I suffer
Ridicule breathes a sigh
You abandoned me
Lost forever
Hush, can you hear

Enter and rejoice this pedestal
Where the rainbows hide
Your destiny
Mystery of all time
No time, make or reason
Ridicule breathes a sigh
No time, make or reason
Hush, hear him cry

No time, make or reason
No time, make or reason
No time, make or reason

Portishead - Pedestal

Ok Go - A Million Ways

As I've said before, I'm loving this resurgance of the disco punk sound and how it's carried over into the indie scene. I'm a sucker for a good bassline. And it helped that the band put together a funny dance routine video for this song.

Kanye West & Adam Levine - Heard 'Em Say

I thought I could stay above it, but Kanye's attitude got on my nerves this year. Yeah, you've put together some nice loops for hip hop in the past few years but you're not the greatest, fool! Having said that, what really makes this song is the vocals by Adam Levine and piano part by co-producer Jon Brion. I definitely give Kayne props for trying something different. I think most people were lovin' Gold Digger the most this year. And Touch The Sky would be another gem to me if I didn't recognize the Curtis Mayfield sample. But Heard 'Em Say got into my system.

Gorillaz - Dirty Harry

Going against the mainstream again (and again), I like Dirty Harry over Feel Good, Inc.. Don't get me wrong, Feel Good, Inc. is a great song even if it does sound like Cake. But Dirty Harry was the lead single that most people didn't hear and I think it was a great intro to the new album. It's got this nice bouncy beat that reminds me of Tom Tom Club. And the vocals by Bootie Brown (Pharcyde) make it solid (extra points for talkinga bout G.Dub)

The Chemical Brothers feat. Q-Tip - Galvanize

I'm always looking forward to new releases by The Chems. Their music over the past few albums has moved from the dance floor to the lounge in my opinion. They've been making music that's more song-oriented, not so centered on the beat, but still got kick. This lead single from Push The Button was a nice return as well as a nice return for Q-Tip since the rumors about A Tribe Called Quest getting back together hasn't produced anything.

Imogen Heap - Hide And Seek

This has got the be the most organic electronic music I've heard in a while. I haven't been so enamourmed by the use of a vocoder since Daft Punk's Discovery. She has crafted an utterly beautiful song that I'm glad so many people had the opportunity to hear this year even if it was through The O.C.

Annie - Me Plus One

Last year my guily pleasure was Usher. This year it's Annie. My music snobbery has caused me to shun most of what I hear on the radio. And if it sounds too manufactured then it has little merit in my book. But Anniemal is like the sugary pop album that never got to shine. Maybe it's too saccharin for radio. But after a few listens I had to buy it and I've managed to get a few others to induldge in the sweetness.

White Stripes - My Doorbell

Unkle C played this for me when Get Behind Me Satan first came out and it's undeniably catchy. I never thought I'd say that about a White Stripes song. But like Heard 'Em Say, it's the piano that grabs me. Makes me wish I had a doorbell.

Lupe Fiasco - Kick Push

Chris Rock may be tired of defending hip hop, but there is not defense for most of the cRap they play on the radio these days. How did we get stuck in this mediocre hip hop wasteland where no one is saying anything relevant? I know there are a lot of people who would say that no rapper has ever said anything relevant. But I'll save the debate for another time.

But after hearing this songs on the radio a couple of times and actually listening to the lyrics I was blown away - not so much by the song, but that I was hearing it on the radio. Refreshing to say the least. And he's from the Chi. Represent! Too bad this hasn't gotten an official single release yet.

Little Brother - Not Enough

Little Brother, I feel you. What more will it take for you to get some recognition? I'm glad I found you in 2005. I almost put Cheatin' here cuz that song is hilarious. But Not Enough is more, um... relevant.

Basement Jaxx - Oh My Gosh

I was a bit disappointed with Basement Jaxx's last album. It just didn't have that funky house sound that I'd come to love from them. There were a couple of standout songs, but nothing I'd put in one of my mixes. But they're back to form with this new single. Oh My Gosh gives us more of that Prince-inspired funky house sound that only the Jaxx can bring.

Ladytron - Destroy Everything You Touch

I'm not exactly sure how to articulate why I like this song. Perhaps it's the driving beat. Maybe it's that it's more aggressive than previous songs I've heard from Ladytron. Maybe it's because for some reason it makes me think of Max Headroom.

D'Nell - That's How I Know

My renewed interest in hip hop was aided this year by D'Nell. I've found quite a few gems on the iTunes free songs of the week. This was one. Some people may listen to this and try to put it into that stupid trip hop genre but it's all the same. This is a nice, soulful song with a jazzy rhythm that creates a good groove. That's it.

Weezer - Bevery Hills

I know a lot of you Weezer fans might think this is the cheesiest song they've put on the radio, but you've got to admit it's catchy. It's good 'ol riff-based guitar rock with that beat that reminds me of The Stroke by Billy Squire. And that beat pretty much makes any song.

Snoop Dogg- Let's Get Blown

How the hell does Snoop stay so f*ckin cool!? I'll tell you why - cuz he rhymes the way most of us breath. He always comes across so laid back and as an MC, he makes it sound effortless.

Why the hell does Pharrell keep trying to sing!? I'll tell you why - cuz as one half of the Neptunes, he keeps producing so many phat tracks that you just gotta let him indulge himself every once in a while.

Snoop + Neptunes = Crazy Delicious!

This track just takes you back. Makes you think of a nice, breezy summer afternoon with nothing to worry about except where the party at tonight.

Chris Parnell & Andy Sandberg - Lazy Sunday

SNL hasn't been worthy of mentioning at the water cooler in quite a while. But I still Tivo it when I remember and I've had a few chuckles here and there. But this has been the best laugh all season. MC's Chris Parnell & Andy Sandberg drop the dope rhymes here on their way to the movies on a Sunday afternoon. And you gotta admit, it's a lot better than what you'd expect from two SNL cast members rapping. People will be saying "double true" all through 2006.

We're like crystal, we break easy
I'm a poor man, if you leave me
I'm applauded, then forgotten
It was summer, now it's autumn

I don't know what to say, you don't care anyway
I'm a man in a rage (just tell me what I've got to do), with a
girl I betrayed
Here comes love, it's like honey
You can't buy it with money, you're not alone anymore,
(whenever you're here with me),
You shock me to the core, you shock me to the core

New Order - Crystal

Ok, so I didn't watch the Grammy's the other night. I'm too caught up in Lost to care about Kanye West or Mariah Carey. Even if I wasn't caught up in Lost I still wouldn't care. But I am a bit bothered by U2 winning Album Of The Year. It seems like they just give U2 Grammys because of their history. I'll admit I haven't really listened to How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, but what I have heard didn't really impress me. It seems like whoever is voting is just giving it to them because they've made such great music in the past.

Now I don't want to sound like a hater. I love U2. They're one of my favorite bands. But they haven't really impressed me lately. And didn't How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb come out in 2004? What's the statute of limitations on releases for Grammy consideration?

Also, didn't Kanye West look like Kool Moe Dee? Where did he get those glasses? And he certainly didn't deserve Best Rap Album. Does the committee even listen to anything that doesn't go platinum?

Can I get your hand to write on
Just a piece of leg to bite on
What a night to fly my kite on
Do you want to flash a light on
Take a look its on display - for you
Coming down no not today

Did you meet your fortune teller
Get it off with no propellor
Do it up it's on with Stella
What a way to finally smell her
Pick it up but not to strong - for you
Take a piece and pass it on

Fly away on my Zephyr
I feel it more then ever
And in this perfect weather
We'll find a place together
Fly on my wind

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Zephyr Song

Well, it took 'em long enough, but they finally added a Reggae genre to iTunes. What took so long? I recommend Fire House Rock by Wailing Souls.

I was sad to hear this past weekend about the passing of producer Jay Dee (aka J Dilla). I remember reading in URB last year about his health problems. He simply wasn't taking care of himself. He spent way too much time in the studio and now it seems he has worked himself to death. He was only 32. In my old age I've become more critical about music, especially hip hop, and I've come to enjoy the underground sounds way more than the cRap on the radio. I usually enjoyed his productions. He will definitely be missed in the hip hop community.

I'm Mr Plow
That's my name
That name again
Is Mr. Plow

So lately I've discovered how much I like Death Cab For Cutie. I've known about them for years but didn't really pay too much attention. Then of course when the hype machine got started with them a couple of years ago they were relegated to my Music Snob Blacklist. But I recently got Plans and have been playing it nonstop.

My love for this album of course has led me to read reviews about it and most are what I expected. Lots of people agree that it's good, but not as good as their last album. This is to be expected since it's their major label debut. But one thing that kept popping up in the reviews on Amazon is how they sound over-produced. And that reminded me of something I often think about when it comes to indie bands...

Is a large part of the appeal of the indie band the unpolished sound?

Think about it - most of the instrumentals of these groups don't hold a torch to what you'd get from a seasoned session musician. And none of these singers would get anywhere on American Idol, not that I'm advocated the manufacturing of pop stars. But they do write good songs with good pop sensibilities that retains a rough edge to it. But why would it be less appealing if they sounded more polished? And wouldn't their sound naturally evolve to that as they continued to produce music? After playing an instrument for so long you pretty much have to get better.

Death Cab For Cutie - Soul Meets Body

OK, this one might technically belong in 2006, but the album came out in 2005 so it goes in that list for now. Why does this song make me think of Fleetwood Mac? It's just such a good song it's hard for me to put in words why I feel that it is. It invokes so many images and just makes me feel while I hear all the nuances that make it go.

Knocked up 9 months ago
And what she finna have she don't know
She want neo-soul, this hip-hop is old
She don't want no rock-n-roll
She want platinum or ice or gold
She want a whole lotta somethin' to fold
If you a obstacle she just drop ya cold
Cuz one monkey don't stop the show
Little Mary is bad
In these streets she done ran
E'er since when the heat began
I told the girl look here
Calm down I'ma hold your hand
To enable you to peep the plan
Cuz you is quick to learn
And we can make money to burn
If you allow me the latest game
I don't ask for much, but enough room to spread my wings
And the world finna know my name

The Roots feat. Cody Chesnutt - The Seed 2.0

I miss Portishead.
:(

Here it is
BAMMM
And you say Goddamn
This is the dope jam
But lets define the term called dope
And you think it mean funky now nope
Here is a true tale
Of the ones that deal
Are the ones that fail
Yeah
You can move if you wanna move
What it prove
It's here like the groove
The problem is this we gotta' fix it
Check out the justice and how they run it
Sellin', smellin'
Sniffin', riffin'
And brothers try to get swift an'
Sell to their own, rob a home
While some shrivel to bone
Like comatose walkin' around
Please don't confuse this with the sound
I'm talking about...BASE

Public Enemy - Night Of The Living Baseheads

Thanks Visa for helping me re-discover this break dancin classic!

I do believe it's true
That there are roads left in both of our shoes
If the silence takes you
Then I hope it takes me too
So brown eyes I hold you near
Cause you’re the only song I want to hear
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere

Death Cab For Cutie - Soul Meets Body

artists

songs

I've been rocking Paul's Boutique by Beastie Boys during the commute a lot lately. It's definitely one of those overlooked albums that gained more recognition after time. A lot of that attention may be due to the success of Beck's Odelay, putting the spotlight on the Dust Brothers.

One thing that keeps popping in my head as I listen to this album is how it would be virtually impossible to make this album today. They used so many samples that it would be too cost probibitive to make or they probably wouldn't be able to get permission for half of them. Luckily they were able to get away with it when they did. And lucky for us, someone has done the grunt work for us and tracked down all the samples and references throughout the album:

www.moire.com/beastieboys/samples/

This album also reminds me of a quote from Beck from an interview on Pitchfork. He was commenting on the current sound of hip hop, which he felt was affected by how sampling how become too expensive for certain endeavors. That definitely seems to be the case with the latest Beastie's album. It sound anemic compared to previous works.

Of course now that I'm writing this I'm reminded of the jackass bowling alley DJ that blew me off when I suggested that Beck was hip hop. And of course that reminds me of the dumbass at Q101 that tried to tell me that Beastie Boys aren't hip hop.

On a completely different note, I really like the last two mixes I did a couple of weeks ago. Sunday Afternoon Series: Volume 7 is more laid back than my usual House music tastes, but it's a good spring/summer lemonade sippin' mix. Volume 8 is some straight up dirty robot funk. Definitely went diggin in the crates for that one and kind of surprised myself with what came out. Listen. Enjoy.

bootytronic.com/djs/tmm/

Listen to the tales and romanticize,
How we follow the path of the hero.
Boast about the day when the rivers overrun.
How we rise to the height of our halo.

Listen to the tales as we all rationalize
Our way into the arms of the savior,
Feigning all the trials and the tribulations;
None of us have actually been there.
Not like you.

Ignorant fibbers in the congregation
Gather around spewing sympathy,
Spare me.
None of them can even hold a candle up to you.
Blinded by choices, hypocrites won't [seek / see].

But, enough about the collective Judas.
Who could deny you were the one who
[would have made it, / illuminated]
You'll have a piece of the divine.

Tool - 10,000 Days

I needed a laugh today.

I'll be your chauffeur on a midnight drive
It takes a miracle just to survive
Buried animals call your name
You keep on sleeping
Through the poignant rain

I think we're going crazy
Her left eye is lazy
She looks so Israeli
Nicotine and gravy

I'll feed you fruit that don't exist
I'll leave graffiti
Where you've never been kissed
I'll do your laundry
Massage your soul
I'll turn you over
To the highway patrol

I think we're going crazy
Her left eye is lazy
She looks so Israeli
Nicotine and gravy
I think we're going crazy
Things don't even faze me
Her left eye is lazy
Nicotine and gravy
Miracles amaze me
She looks so Israeli
Love the way she plays me
I think I'm going crazy

Beck - Nicotine And Gravy

Important data that could save your live one day.

Enter your date of birth (or any other date for that matter!) to discover what was at Number One at any week in the past 60 years.

You'll also see a list of eminent musicians who share your special day.

everyhit.com/dates/

Speaking of important information, I caught a bit of the World Series of Pop Culture this morning on VH1. Why didn't someone tell me about this show earlier!? I owned those so-called contestants. OK, maybe I didn't own them, but I think I got 26 out of 30 questions correct while I was watching. Then it got too frustrating to watch cuz I just kept thinking about all the money I could have won.

So the recording industry is continuing their campaign to alienate their customers. Don't think they've stopped suing grandmothers and dead people. And now they're coming after you hippies who have the nerve to actually post the lyrics to songs on the web without paying them for it. How dare you steal money from the artist like that. Do you realized how much money the recording artists lose every time someone obtains the lyrics to a song without paying for it? I suppose I'm contributing to the problem so they'll be coming after me soon.

Seriously, do they think people are going to pay for lyrics? I suppose they might have a case since they've conviced people to pay $2.50 for a ringtone when they could buy the entire song for 99 cents. Seems like it's only a matter of time before they start charging people for singing along with the radio, especially in front of other people because then it's a pubic performance and the artist is losing money.

But what did you do?
What did you say?
Did you walk or did you run away?
Where are you now?
Where have you been?
Did you come alone or did you bring a friend?

I need to know this cause I noticed you're smiling
Out in the sun, having fun and feeling free
And I can tell you know how hard this life can be
But you keep on smiling for me

Gnarls Barkley - Smiley Faces

I am the stone that the builder refused
I am the visual, the inspiration
That made Lady Sing the Blues

I'm the spark that makes your idea bright
The same spark that lights the dark
So that you can know your left from your right

I am the ballot in the box, the bullet in the gun
The innerglow that lets you know
To call your brother sun

The story that just begun
The promise of what's to come
And I'm a remain a soldier 'til the war is won

Asheru - Boondocks Theme

Sunday Afternoon Series Volume 13 is done. And not to pat myself on the back too much but I like it. I even threw in some Madonna this time. However, I realized yesterday while listening to it on the way home from work that I'm getting senile since I put 2 different versions of the same song in the same mix. tsk tsk tsk

Download and boogie!

bootytronic.com/djs/tmm

And download the rest if you haven't already.

I’m the ugliest version of passed down toxic capitalist
Rapid emcee perversion -- I’m america!
Your bleeding-heart liberal drivel gets squashed
Wash em with sterilized rhyme patriot-guided weaponry bomb
From the makers of the devious hearts -- I’m america!
You bitchy little dogs don’t even phase my basic policy
The bomb’s smarter, my ronald reagan’s crush carter
With bay of pig tactics makin young men into martyrs
(come on down!) come to my happy promised land
Smiley faced opportunity cypher
And jump on the coflow pension plan
A proletariat, crushing state of the union
Between serpentine words and mass confusion
Of media controlled blurb advertising disillusionment
Your family will love my low-rent, low-life
No-brain, reality-dagger, movement
Hop over the border for amusement; try to test the waters
That the other slaughter crews pay all the usance
You up against -- jesus freak, formin corporations in young republicans
Indelible nato force hidden agenda, puppet governments
I’m lovin it! keep the people guessin who I’m runnin with
Control the population and hide behind sacred covenants
Fuckin with me? !? ! means liberal wildlife burnin, gasoline seized
And an automagnetic third world printed with metal plates in they knees
Can’t you hear the disenchanted, hide the scream of
Gabriel’s reflected new wind instrument, a judgment played in flat c
I replace humans like robots in a gm factory (warning! warning!)
Then explore metaphors to sweat shops, cause the price is satisfactory
Your pious little cries of injustice get met with apathy (awww, shucks!)
Soak, cloak, hormone injected dairy product
And conservative right-wing anti-eroticism; the poisonous
Resevoirs and power lines in your neighborhood cause botchilism
Senseless! join the census, censorship sentences sentence
Triple-felon citizen paid pennance!
Dissension against c-f ends in, penetentiary residence
Lock em up first, then ask questions
Omniscient presence, my charm is the weapon
With cameras mics and satellites that leave privacy breathless
You don’t even know the chemicals you’ve ingested
Urine tested -- beat innocent man til he confesses

Company Flow - Patriotism

Do you think that you can hold on
When the beat get too strong
And you feel that you need help to move along

Do you think that you can hang tough
When the rhythm gets rough
And the DJ says 'I think you've had enough'

Do you think that you can digest
When I start to digress
Better get yourself a lyric-proof vest

Do you think that you can compete
When you hear the phat beat
You need stamina like an athlete

Unique
Continue the future technique
To full heat
Let the microphone burn when I speak
Alright
Now we're getting into this sound
Pick it up
Shake it up
Turn it upside down

Roni Size / Reprazent - Railing

I decided to watch the VMA's this year because MTV has a new hi-def channel.

Black Eyed Peas just won Best Hip Hop Video for My Humps.

Time to see what else is on.
Right after Shakira shows me the truth with her hips.

Well, I supposed it's not the end of an era, but the last mix in the Sunday Afternoon Series is done. I slowed down the beats a bit more than I did in Volume 7 for this one, really rooting around for some soulful, jazzy house. I was inspired by Saturday night's adventure. And I can't believe the first song was sitting there the entire time without me noticing it before. My jaw dropped when I heard the intro and then again when the vocals come in. Amazing.

So now I move on to the next mix series. All will be available on bootytronic.com. Enjoy.

Sunday Afternoon Series Volume 14

I was just talking to some co-workers during lunch and I remembered that Apple was making some announcements today. One of the guys said he wants an iPod that somehow knows what he wants to hear next and will play it. I don't think this next generation of iPod will incorporate telepathy, but I am happy about 3 improvements.

1. 80 GB iPod Video - where's the 100 GB model?
2. Gapless Playback - why did this take so long? As someone who listens to lots of dj mixes, it'll be nice to not have to have it as one long mp3 file
3. Automatic Album Cover Art - this would have been nice when I ripped about 900 of my cd's a couple of years ago. But it will come in handy for new rips and music I get from Beatport and eMusic.

I don't think I'll be downloading movies anytime soon. They'd have to be significantly less than the cost of the DVD. Hopefully the new HD Tivo will be significantly less by Christmas 2007. Maybe I will have upgraded to a larger screen in the living room by then. And maybe Comcast will have finally got the CableCard thing right.

Oh yeah, one more thing...

That new iTV looks cool. I was thinking about getting a mini to hook up to the tv but this might just be the better choice - and less expensive too!

Whitney Houston - I Have Nothing

Whitney and Bobby breaking up? Say it ain't so! Anyway, there was promo for this movie on some cable channel last night and as I listened I remembered how great a song this. You can't deny that Whitney's voice was a force to be reckoned with back in the day. Maybe she can get her act together and rebuild herself and recapture some of the magic of yesterday.

Anyway, this is probably the first song I heard from Whitney that really moved me. Of course I'd heard the other hits and liked her music and was impressed by her voice blah blah yada yada. But this song really reached me and I'm not afraid to say it. Musically and lyrically, this is a great song.

Tool - Vicarious

I mortally offended someone earlier this year when I explained why I like Tool. I had no idea that I had that kind of power. Sticks and stones ain't got shit on me. Anyway, one of the reasons I like Tool is their willingness to step away from the usual 4/4 riff formula. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I just appreciate that they're trying to do something different and do it well. When I listen to Tool (and A Perfect Circle for that matter) I really get the sense that a lot of thought has gone into the crafting of the songs. And their sound is really tight. Even when it gets fueled up, it sounds clean and precise.

Vicarious is the perfect opening to 10,000 Days. The buildup is very satisfying, moving at its own pace with a purpose. It hits you just the right way when it needs to and thoroughly keeps you interested for more than 7 minutes.

Gnarls Barkley - Smiley Faces

Just like Gorillaz, I was surprised to hear DJ Dangermouse and Cee-Lo on the radio. I was very interested in this project when I first heard about it and next thing you know Crazy is all over the radio. I think it even took the duo by surprise. I think I read someplace that Cee-Lo was a little peeved that his solo project has been pushed back because the label wants to promote St. Elsewhere since it has exploded.

Anyway, of course Crazy is the breakout hit of this album and I'm sure it will end up a million best of lists for 2006. But I have to admit, I didn't like any other song on this album at first listen. But I stuck with it and now there are songs that I really like. And for me the standout song on the album is Smiley Faces. I know not everyone will feel me on this, but I love how it takes a Motown type beat and brings it into space with that organ and eerie backup vocals. It's almost like a mashup. And you know how Dangermouse gets down with the mashups.

Journey - Any Way You Want It

I heard this on the way to work this morning. Thanks Jack FM. Anyway, it immediately took me back. Now I was too young to really rock out to this song when it came out, but I do remember when it came out. And it still makes me think about Caddyshack.

This one is high on my chart when it comes to guitar riffs. It's good enough to make your Mom rock out. The boys were on fire with this one. Dare I say this song was the beginning of the journey they would take into the stratosphere with their next album Escape. And you know I'll get to that one soon.

in a forrest pitch-dark
glowed the tiniest spark
it burst into flame
like me
like me

my name isobel
married to myself
my love isobel
living by herself

in a heart full of dust
lives a creature called lust
it surprises and scares
like me
like me

my name isobel
married to myself
my love isobel
living by herself

when she does it she means to
moth delivers her message
unexplaind on your collar
crawling in silence
a simple excuse

Bjork - Isobel

Underworld - Cowgirl

Underworld reinvented themselves on this album. Karl Hyde and company put some dark and long beats behind the words pouring from his conscrious and created a classic. It's regarded by many as one of the best techno albums of all time. This album takes it's time, bringing you in and then lifting you up. And the height of this trip is Cowgirl. It's pure kinetic energy. The beat is defined by that synth sound that bounces and stabs. The monotone ranting of Hyde is almost hypnotic here.

I know most people are only familiar with Born Slippy, and that's only because of Trainspotting (another song I was surprised to hear on the radio). And for most people, that's probably the song that defines them. But I think Cowgirl is the definitive song for Underworld. C'mon, they named their live CD/DVD Everything, Everything.

Flavor Flav is the sun
Public Enemy number one
Gotcha runnin' from the gun (pow)
Of a brain that weighs a ton
Can't face my facts that's on the shelf
Cause you want a hand out for your wealth
Eatin' welfare turkey out of the can
I can't do nuttin' for ya man

Public Enemy - Can't Do Nuttin For Ya Man

New Order - Blue Monday

Way back in the day, I used to stay up late on Friday and Saturday nights listening to the DJ's spin house music. It was just gaining steam at this point and Chicago was the place to be to hear it. At this point, it was still young and innocent and you could see it's roots in disco and Kraftwerk. Most of it was very simple electronic beats and samples that eventually took on traditional song structures with an emphasis on the endless beat.

In 1983, New Order released Power, Corruption & Lies. This was the album that locked the door on their previous incarnation, Joy Division. This was also the album that introduced one of the greatest dance songs ever.

The mixes I used to listen to late at night incorporated lots of different styles that still fit within the beat mentality. It was not unusual to hear some Kraftwerk or Art of Noise. When New Order released Blue Monday, it became and instant classic. It fit right in with that drum machine beat, infectious bassline, and haunting lyrics. And it still fits right in today. As dance music has evolved, this song still universally evokes something in most people. I know Bizarre Love Triangle is their seminal track, but Blue Monday will always get me to the dance floor.

Vincent would be proud.

I dugg an interesting article from the Washington Post this morning. It's title Why I Gave Up On Hip Hop. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/13/AR2006101301426.html)
As someone who grew up on hip hop and is now in their thirties I can certainly relate. But I'm still not giving up.

This article reminded me of part of Chris Rock's last stand-up special. He loves hip hop, but he's getting tired of defending it. And it is definitely hard to defend a lot of what's on the radio and MTV these days. Now, just to qualify, I think most of ALL the music on the radio these days is not worth my time, not just hip hop. But I can't imagine wanting to hear most of these songs 20 years from now. Sometimes I'll hear a nice beat with a catchy hook, but I know I'll be sick of it in 2 weeks and don't even get me started on the lyrics.

But I'm not completely jaded. Thank goodness for the indie scene. I wrote earlier this year about the appeal of indie rock. I questioned how the raw sound has an appeal over the slick production of pop. I suppose the same goes for hip hop. There are still plenty of groups out there producing what some would call true hip hop. They're not rapping about bitches and ho's. They not rapping about rims or cristal. They not rapping about being hard or gangsta. And they don't need to litter every verse with nigga. That element of hip hop may reflect the reality of those producing the music, but it has unfortunately come to dominant the scene. So now we have a generation of listeners who are getting the wrong message.

I'd like to thank the old school and underground MC's that are still holding it down. The rappers that have something to say and realize there needs to be a balance between the bling and the violence and enlightenment. I wish I heard more of you on the radio. Hopefully, some day soon hip hop will implode upon itself so it can start over. Until then I'm grateful that the internet has exposed me to so much better music.

Everything's so easy for Pauline
Everything's so easy for Pauline
Ancient strings set feet a light to speed to her such mild grace
No monument of tacky gold
They smoothed her hair with cinnamon waves
And they placed an ingot in her breast to burn cool and collected
Fate holds her firm in its cradle and then rolls her for a tender pause to savor
Everything's so easy for Pauline

Girl with the parking lot eyes
Margaret is the fragments of a name
Her bravery is mistaken for the thrashing in the lake
Of the make-believe monster whose picture was faked
Margaret is the fragments of a name
Her love pours like a fountain
Her love steams like rage
Her jaw aches from wanting and she's sick from chlorine
But she'll never be as clean
As the cool side of satin, Pauline

Two girls ride the blue line
Two girls walk down the same street
One left her sweater sittin' on the train
The other lost three fingers at the cannery
Everything's so easy for Pauline

Neko Case - Margaret vs. Pauline

So De La Soul has stormed to the top of my charts:

I doesn't seem like I've been listening to them that much more lately. But apparently I have. I know most of you think of them as one hit wonders, but I still insist that they've been putting out better music since the last time you paid attention to them.

This coming Sunday, my alter ego TMM will be spinning on Leet Radio. So the four of you should check it out. It you have iTunes, it's one of the radio channels in the Electronica section. The stream should work with any music player that accepts streams. Check out the Leet Radio web site for more details.

I don't know exactly what the joke is yet, but it's funny to me:

http://www.molvania.com/video_medium_2.html

Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a-wand'ring
So fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

We are not daily beggers
That beg from door to door,
But we are neighbors' children
Whom you have seen before
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

Good master and good mistress,
As you sit beside the fire,
Pray think of us poor children
Who wander in the mire.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

We have a little purse
Made of ratching leather skin;
We want some of your small change
To line it well within.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

Bring us out a table
And spread it with a cloth;
Bring us out a cheese,
And of your Christmas loaf.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

God bless the master of this house,
Likewise the mistress too;
And all the little children
That round the table go.
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail, too,
And God bless you, and send you
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.

I've been asked to man the decks again for the next Intelligent Minds event. This Saturday (Dec.9) at the Pontiac Cafe at 10pm I'll be spinning more Drum&Bass. Come out if you get a chance. I understand that we're in the midst of the holiday party mayhem, but you can stop by for a drink on the way to your real party.

1531 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago

Madonna - Get Together

Yeah, that right! Madonna! Get over it.

I've heard that Confessions On A Dancefloor is much better than her last album. I don't own it, but I'll take that at face value since I've heard 4 singles from this album and only remember hearing one from the last. I've always enjoyed Madonna on some level. I wouldn't call myself a fan, but she has put out good pop music over the years and she does a good job of staying current. Get Together really caught my ear after hearing it a few times. It's a bit reminiscent of One More Time by Daft Punk with that looping synth chord structure. But Madonna puts her own spin on that and I really like how the vocal rhythm is a little disjointed from the rest of the music. And as with a lot of Madonna songs, the remixes are good. I even got the 12"

Yo La Tengo - I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass

OK, I'll admit, I haven't even listened to this yet. But I finally downloaded it from eMusic the other day so I'll get to it soon. I have to give it props just for the name alone.

Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

Though I've had some exposure to Neko Case over the years, I never really got into her music until 2006. I had downloaded a couple of tracks from Fox Confessor Brings the Flood from her web site early in the year but it took a while for me to really listen to them. And when I did I was convinced I needed to hear the entire album. I'm so glad I finally got around to 'discovering' her.

I've always said I like a little bit of everything... except country. But that's not true. I do like country music. I just don't like the popular country music. I enjoy the older, more traditional styles like Patsy Cline or Loretta Lynn. And I do like this new-fangled alt.country music the kids are into these days. Having said that, it's all about the voice with Neko. I just love it. While listening, it feels like she's just hanging out in your living room, playing with her friends. It's a warm feeling.

Lupe Fiasco - Food And Liquor

I told you I wasn't giving up on hip hop. Album's like Food And Liquor are exactly why. I won't get started about the state of commercial hip hop. I've said it all before. So it's refreshing to finally get the proper debut from an MC who's been making noise for a minute.

Kick, Push, the single from Lupe that turned a lot of heads in 2005, is finally followed up by his full-length debut album. And it does not disappoint. I have to say, when I first popped in the CD I wasn't really feeling the first few tracks. But I got excited when it got to I Gotcha. This Neptunes produced track is the bomb, reminiscent of some mid-nineties jazz inflected sound that is sorely missed. I've opened my ears to more of the album and am happy that Lupe has a chance to show his skills. The roster of guest artist here is a definite sign of respect he has from his peers. Collaborations and production by artists like Jill Scott, Jay-Z and Mike Shinoda broadens the range of sound while allowing Lupe to show his diverse lyrical skill and wit. Not that there's much competition, but this may be the best hip hop album of 2006. Maybe if he wins the Best New Artist Grammy he can share it with Kanye so he'll calm down for a bit.

Wendy?
Yes Lisa
Is the water warm enough?
Yes Lisa
Shall we begin?
Yes Lisa

Where is my love life?
Where can it be?
There must be something wrong with the machinery

Where is my love life?
Tell me, tell me
Where has it gone?
Somebody please please tell me what the hell is wrong

Until I find the righteous 1
Computer blue
Until I find the righteous 1
Computer blue

Prince - Computer Blue

I posed the question to some of my co-workers to list their top 10 albums of 2006 during lunch today. So a reverse challenge was issued for me to list the top ten albums of 2007. Seeing as how it's only the beginning of February, that's a bit hard to do so I'm going to have to guess. So here's the list, which of course will change.

• Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist
• MF Doom & GhostFace - Swift & Changeable
• The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
• Dinosaur Jr. - Beyond
• Common - Finding Forever
• Dexy's Midnight Runners - It's OK Joanna
• Wu-Tang Clan - 8 Diagram
• Bloc Party - Weekend In The City
• Kanye West - Graduation
• Quaid - Get Your Ass To Mars

Corine Bailey Rae

I think I resisted her on some level when I first heard about her. She was the free download of the week on iTunes. I saw commercials about her. It just seemed like she was being marketed too heavily as the next genuine thing. And, I have to admit, were it not for Starbucks I probably would have missed out on her. One afternoon I was working at Starbucks and about halfway through her album, I realized how much I was enjoying it even though I didn't realize until then that I was listening or who I was listening to. And all of a sudden I just knew it was her and that I had to get this album

I'm not going to go on about how genuine her sound is, or how soulful she is, or how refreshing it is to hear good songwriting again. It all sounds cliche at this point. All I know is that this album makes me feel at peace. At that's a good thing in my life right now.

As some of you know, I sometimes pretend to be DJ. It's something I've been doing casually for several years but also something I'm still very much interested in continuing. In the past couple of years I've met some guys and we've formed a crew. We're finally starting to really get organized and I'm hoping that 2007 is the year we make some noise. So prepare to get served when we stomp the yard!

I'm happy to announce that our new fancy schmancy web site is up. It's a work in progress but it's coming along nicely. So check it out when you get a chance. Also, if you'd like to know about when we finally get an event organized or post a new mix, please sign up for our mailing list. That will be the official announcement mechanism going forward. I promise we won't spam you. You know where I live. We also have a message board on the site. I'd like it to be a general discussion forum for music-related topics so feel free to register there and start talking about the new Michael Buble album or whatever it is you kids listen to these days. (For some reason the software doesn't make it obvious how to register - you have to go to the login page to find the link)

Hope you all are doing well and staying warm. Thanks for all your support and hopefully you'll be hearing about a bootytronic even soon.

bootytronic.com

People climbed into the night like space suits
People stepped into the night like moon boots
Marching like moon troops
In their zoot colored zoot suits

People climbed into the night like cool wells
Shiny bottles in their hands
Drinking their new selves
They say its their true selves

People climbed up in the night like green trees
They were hanging from the night like green leaves
Buzzing like queen bees

People climbed into the night like space suits
People stomped inside the night
Stomping and stomping and stomping and stomping and stomping

Where are they going?
Whats the rush?
Everybodys embraced but so out of touch
Hey

Night-time is when the things get heavy
You feel alone and you want somebody
Loneliness whispers desperate measures
And youre frantic all by yourself

Night-time is when the things get heavy
You feel alone and you want somebody
Loneliness whispers desperate measures
Baby dont make no fast moves
Baby dont make no fast moves
Baby dont make no fast moves
Baby dont make no fast moves--- tonight

Mos Def feat. Vinia Mojica - Climb

Eddie Murphy - Party All The Time

I guess it's the combo of Oscar buzz,Norbit box office numbers, and Scary Spice baby mama drama - but for some reason Party All The Time by Eddie Murphy has been playing more often lately. And also getting a lot of hate. I'm not sure why people are picking on this song so much. I was reading something in the Red Eye yesterday (which featured my neighbor) about how it's one of the worst songs ever. First of all, I hate when people use that phrase, because I can thing of maybe 223 songs worse than Party All The Time. And second, it's not that bad. Of course it's kinda cheesy, but it was 1985! Can anyone put a number on the amount of cheesy music that came out of that decade?

So all you haters can suck it. That's right, I said it. Party All The Time is a great 80's song. C'mon, it was produced by Rick James, bitch! If you ever come to an 80's party hosted by me you better expect to hear it, cuz it's gonna be played, and asses will be shakin'.

Hey Mr. Tough
Don't you think we've suffered enough?
Why don't you meet me on the dancefloor
When it's time-to-time time?
And if you need to tell me something once
You won't have to say it twice
And if you ask for a nickel
I'm gonna hand you a dime
And we'll forget about our problems at home
For a little while
And leave our worries in the corner
Leave them in a big big pile
Pretend everything can be alright

Hey Mrs. Blue
Time to think of something new
We pause from spinning our hits
The old soft shoe
And if you wanna lose the rest of the night
There's nothing better I have to do
And if I tell you something
You won't have to ask if it's true
And we'll forget about our problems at home
For a little while
And leave our worries in the corner
Leave them in a big big pile
Pretend everything can be alright

Alone and uptight
On a Saturday night
?? by the room
I'm hiding in a crowded party
The records playing
For just me and you

Hey Mr. Tough
Don't you think we've suffered enough?
Why don't you meet me on the dancefloor
When it's time-to-find-it time?
And if you need to tell me something once
You won't have to say it twice
And if you ask for a nickel
I'm gonna hand you a dime
And we'll forget about our problems at home
For a little while
And leave our worries in the corner
Leave them in a big big pile
Pretend everything can be alright
Pretend everything can be alright
Pretend everything can be alright

Yo La Tengo - Mr. Tough

The crew has been holding it down at TarBar for the past couple of weeks. It's been fun, and exhausting. I might have to see if I can telecommute every Thursday cuz it's rough getting up after being out so late on a school night. Plus I'm missing Lost and somebody and work might blurt something out and make me hurt them. Actually it's not that big a deal. That show has been stringing us along too much lately.

So if you can muster up some strength to make it to Lincoln Square on a Wednesday night, the crew starts spinning around 9:30. TarBar is located at 4662 N. Halsted in Chicago.

bootytronic.com
myspace.com/bootytronic

You've got them all, by the balls
causin' waterfalls
Stone walls
Bar brawls
Common stalls that cause 'em all

To you they crawl, body sprawl
Smokin' Pall Malls
Close call, stand tall

Doll, you make them feel so small
AND THEY LOVE IT!

The boys wanna be her (The boys)
The girls wanna be her (The girls)
The boys wanna be her (The boys)
The girls wanna be her (The girls)
The boys wanna be her (The boys)
The girls wanna be her (The girls)
The boys wanna be her (The boys)

I wanna be her

Yes I do

The way you rock, don't stop (or lone star)
Girl, you got the chops
Flip flop
She bop
Self-taught
You lick so hot
Are you conceived
Kids receive
Crawling up the sleeve
Parents bleed
Can't conceive
That indeed we'll never leave

AND WE LOVE IT!

The boys wanna be her (The boys)
The girls wanna be her (The girls)
The boys wanna be her (The boys)
The girls wanna be her (The girls)
The boys wanna be her (The boys)
The girls wanna be her (The girls)
The boys wanna be her (The boys)

I wanna be her

So do you

Peaches - Boys Wanna Be Her

Ever since I got to play with Serato Scratch earlier this year, I've been eager to get a vinyl emulation setup for myself. It seems as though the tech has reached prime time in the past year or so. I see more and more DJ's using them. As someone who has schlepped crates of records all over and whose back isnt' getting any younger, I welcome the increasing variety of services and software that allow you to download and spin music. And I feel like if I'm going to continue doing this, I need to be up on the new dj and production tools out there.

I got Traktor DJ as a gift a couple of years ago and have played around with a little bit. But when Native Instruments decided to make their own hardware to couple with the software, I became very interested. And when they announced the introductory pricing for owners of the software and competing vinyl emulators, it was a no-brainer.

So I got my Traktor Scratch set in the mail yesterday. It was a long day and I planned to wait unti today to start playing with it. But I started installing the software last night and after reading the first few pages of the manual decided to see how far I could get in 30 minutes. I was pleased that I was pretty much up and running after about 10 minutes of hooking up cables and configuring the software. I've been reading the bad experiences of users with G4 processor machines online and I was expecting problems from the get-go. So far so good. The Audio 8 interface is top notch. It feels really solid and has plenty of inputs and outputs The vinyl and pitch control was very responsive with no hiccups. I was able to start mixing right away. But I've only just begun. Round two tonight.

I got home last night while the sun was still up. And for some reason everybody in the building was doing laundry yesterday. I guess too many people were out enjoying the weather or watching Shrek to get to it over the weekend. Anyway, I have clean clothes now and had a chance to play with Traktor Scratch for a couple of hours.

Supposedly there's an update coming this week for G4 users such as myself as many people have expressed disappointment at the performance on their laptops. But I have to say, I haven't had any problems yet. Now I'm not a turntablist so I'm not really pushing the boundaries of the hardware or the software (yet). But based on what I've been reading online the past couple of weeks I expected it to just not work well at all. But in the couple of hours I was messing around with it, there were no major problems. I think the audio dropped out for a split second on one track about halfway through my session. That's it. The only other problem I had was I thought I was recording but I had the input set to the wrong channel - user error.

So hopefully it will continue to perform well for me. And the software update will only help I'm sure. I might actually venture out with this in a couple of weeks.

I'm glad that Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk is getting some play these days. It was one of the few songs that immediately grabbed me from their second album, before I grew to appreciate the other songs on that great album.

Kanye West may be the one to put that songs back in our heads for the summer, but these guys get my vote.

And for those of you who have been bugging me to have another party, I'll see what I can put together this fall.

The world is a vampire, sent to drain
Secret destroyers, hold you up to the flames
And what do I get, for my pain?
Betrayed desires, and a piece of the game

Even though I know - I suppose I'll show
All my cool and cold - like old job

Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved
Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage

Now I'm naked, nothing but an animal
But can you fake it, for just one more show?
And what do you want?
I want to change
And what have you got, when you feel the same?

Even though I know - I suppose I'll show
All my cool and cold - like old job

Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage
Then someone will say what is lost can never be saved
Despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage

Smashing Pumpkins - Bullet With Butterfly Wings

Hey there, Bret, I see you lookin’ down
Don’t wanna see my little buddy there with a frown
Just because I get more women then you, well,
That’s only because they don’t know you like I do

Sure, you’re wheat-y and kinda shy
But some girl-y out there must be need-y for a wheat-y shy guy
They want you as the needle when their rollin’ in the hay
Just hear me out when I say
Bret you’ve got it goin’ ahha-on

The ladies get to know your sexuality
When they get to know your personality
I said Bret you’ve got it goin’ ahha-on

Not in a gay way, just in a ‘hey mate’, I wanted to say that you’re looking okay mate
Why can’t a heterosexual guy tell a heterosexual guy that he thinks his booty is fly?
Help me out now
Bret you’ve got it going ahha-on

Bret: I got it goin’ on!

Well that’s the conclusion that I’ve come to
But that doesn’t mean that I want to bum you
Bret you’ve got it goin’ ahha-on

No doubt ‘bout it, we’d be gettin’ crazy, if one of us was lucky enough to be born a lady
Oh! If one of us was a lady, yeah and I was your man, I was your man,
Well sometimes it gets lonely when we’re touring and I ne-hee-heed a woman.
Oah, I ne-heed a woman, little friend, Oooh you look good when I put a wig on you,
when you’re sleepin’ and I put a wig on you,
That’s right I lie down and put a wig on you.
I put a wig on you and pretend you’re my ex-girlfriend.
Or sometimes Winona Ryder.
Oooh Oooh, Oooh Hooh Hooh.

Bret: Oh, that’s enough, man!
That’s enough. That was a weird song.

Flight Of The Conchords - Bret, You’ve Got It Going On

I’m the mother flippin’ Rhymenocerous
My beats are fly and the birds are on my back
And I’m horny
I’m horny
If you choose to proceed you will indeed concede
Cos I hit you with my flow
The Wild Rhino Stampede.
I’m not just wild, I’m trained,
Domesticated
I was raised by a rapper and rhino that dated
And subsequently procreated
That’s how it goes
Here’s the Hiphopopotamus
The hip hop hippo

They call me the Hiphopopotamus
My lyrics are bottomless

They call me the Hiphopopotamus
Flows that glow like phosphorous
Poppin’ off the top of this esophagus
Rockin’ this metropolis
I’m not a large water-dwelling mammal
Where did you get that preposterous hypothesis?
Did Steve tell you that, perchance?
Steve.

My rhymes and records they don’t get played
Because my records and rhymes they don’t get made
And if you rap like me you don’t get paid
And if you roll like me you don’t get laid.

My rhymes are so potent that in this small segment
I made all of the ladies in the area pregnant
Yes, sometimes my lyrics are sexist
But you lovely bitches and hoes should know I’m trying to correct this.

Other rappers dis me
Say my rhymes are sissy.
Why? Why? Why?
What?
Why exactly?
What? Why?
Be more constructive with your feedback, please. Why?
Why?

Why, because I rap about reality?
Like me and my grandma drinking a cup of tea?
There ain’t no party like my nanna’s tea party.
Hey! Ho!

I’m the motherflippin’
I’m the motherflippin’
I’m the motherflippin’
Who’s the motherflippin?

I’m the motherflippin’
I’m the motherflippin’
I’m the motherflippin’
Motherflippin’

Flight Of The Conchords - Rhymenocerous vs. Hiphopopotamus

Thrillseeker, heartbreaker
Shapeshifter, secret keeper
You know I love to see ya
All the time shakin' down
Movin' with the sound
You know we like to turn it up loud

Price is right

Rhyme, we steppin' up and dance oh
Move on up and get yours
You know, right on up and they go

We say, "Go move your body baby"
All right, we're movin' up and inside
And get to ride, move your body baby
This place is live movin' with the ride

Thrillseeker, heartbreaker
Shapeshifter, secret keeper
I love to see ya
Movin' it on
shake your body down yeah
I'm moving with the sound

With the ride we're moving up and inside
I'm feeling high upon life
I'm feeling good tonight
And there's strange vibe
Don't know what it is
Let's check inside
Open it, space is too tight

Hey you know, somebody say hello
You know it's time to go say flow so
A different kind of style you never know
Never right, we're so slick we slip and slide

We say, "Go move your body baby"
All right, we're movin' up and inside
And get to ride, move your body baby
This place is live movin' with the ride

Timo Maas feat. MC Chickaboo - Shifter

Inside your pretending
Crimes have been swept aside
Somewhere where they can forget

Divine upper reaches
Still holding on
This ocean will not be grasped
All for nothing

Did you really want
Did you really want
Did you really want
Did you really want

Refuse to surrender
Strung out until ripped apart
Who dares, dares to condemn
All for nothing

Did you really want
Did you really want
Did you really want
Did you really want

Portishead - Mysterons

Come wit it now!
Come wit it now!
The microphone explodes, shattering the molds
Either drop tha hits like de la O or get tha fuck off tha commode
Wit tha sure shot, sure ta make tha bodies drop
Drop an don't copy yo, don't call this a co-op
Terror rains drenchin', quenchin' tha thirst of tha power dons
That five sided fist-a-gon
Tha rotten sore on tha face of mother earth gets bigger
Tha triggers cold empty ya purse

Rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells

Weapons not food, not homes, not shoes
Not need, just feed the war cannibal animal
I walk tha corner to tha rubble that used to be a library
Line up to tha mind cemetary now
What we don't know keeps tha contracts alive an movin'
They don't gotta burn tha books they just remove 'em
While arms warehouses fill as quick as tha cells
Rally round tha family, pockets full of shells

Rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells
They rally round tha family! With a pocket full of shells

Bulls on parade

Rage Against The Machine - Bulls On Parade

People don't you know, don't you know
It's about time
Can't you hear the jam is pumpin
While you taste the piece of mine
Many different flavors
And the bass is strong
Get into the hot stuff
Let me pour a little song

Baby let me show you how to do this
You've gotta move this
You're doing fine
There's nothing to it
You gotta groove it
Come on and move this
Shake that body for me

People don't you know, don't you know
It's about time
Can't you hear the jam is pumpin
While you taste the piece of mine
Many different flavors
And the bass is strong
Get into the hot stuff
Let me pour a little song

Baby let me show you how to do this
You've gotta move this
You're doing fine
There's nothing to it
You gotta groove it
Come on and move this
Shake that body for me

People don't you know, don't you know
it's about time
Can't you hear the jam is pumpin
While you taste the piece of mine
Can you feel the mellow crawling fast
Drum on baby, rhythms blast
Pump it pump it pump pump it up
Bet you can't make this one stop

You've gotta move this
You've gotta move this

Shake that body ah
Shake that body cool

Toes be tapping
Fingers snappin
Hands clappin, mamas rappin
Talkin about I'm cold laughin
Shut up and do the wop
Use what you got show me
You're on the floor so let me see
Don't say nothing less I saw
And remember I like it raw

You've gotta move this
You've gotta move this

Shake that body for me

Technotronic - Move This

I've posted a funky new house mix for all to enjoy. Fans of Purple Monkey Washing Machine should like this one.

download

Thank you Mary J for holding it down for so long.
Thank you Mary J for revealing your pain so that others can heal.
Thank you Mary J for continuing to grow as an artist.
Thank you Mary J for performing with all your heart.

16 years ago, one day,
I was walking down the street
I was cruising in brooklyn
You know what I mean?
Something was cooking,
But wasn't yet a chicken.

There was a man,
Selling chicks in a box.
He said, 2 for 1, but 3 for 2.
I said, thats not bad,
Here's money for you.
One was magenta,
The other was blue.

I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken

One day, the blue one went away.
The other grew up fuckin well.
She was noisy every night.
I had always chicken-bite.

Then I met a lover
One night, she made me dinner.
Licking finger, I wondered
Where she got the chicken.
Then I met a lover.
One night, she made me dinner.
Licking finger, I wondered
Where she got the chicken.

I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken

Spare the rod and spoil the chick
Before you go and shit a brick.
Spare the rod and spoil the chick
Before you go and shit a brick
Spare the rod and spoil the chick
Before you go and shit a brick
Spare the rod and spoil the chick
Before you go and shit a brick

I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken

She went to college to study anatomy
I followed her fathers butchery
We got 2 babies. is it cool?
One was magenta, the other was blue.

I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken
I know my chicken
You got to know your chicken...

Cibo Matto - Know Your Chicken

In the first days
of the spring time
made you up and split from one thousand enemies
Made a trail of
of a thousand tears
Made you a prisoner inside your own secrecy

There's a ghost in me
who wants to say "I'm sorry"
Doesn't mean I'm sorry

At the first hour
of the springtime
made you up ad split from one thousand enemies

Now I see you
from the corner
clock strikes
and I know you will be drinking alone

There's a ghost in me
who wants to say "I'm sorry"
Doesn't mean I'm sorry.

Ladytron - Ghosts

I first heard this wonderful artist on last years Version by Mark Ronson and company. And boy am I glad she stayed on my radar until her debut album recently dropped. I picked it up a couple of weeks ago and I can't stop listening to it! I'm afraid I'm going to be sick of it soon because I just keep listening to it over and over. I'm just so impressed. So I think everybody should go buy it right now.

Do it again
and I'll see you tomorrow
I want to get it
You've got something to borrow

Can't make it feel right on my own
That's when I turn you on again
I buy it but it don't measure up
What is the missed ingredient

I, I see you fade
I, I see you fade away

Under the skin
It's not so easy to swallow
Don't reel me in
To find my dreams are so hollow
What is it you got I don't get
I watch you fumbling again
Look dreamy behind your cigarette
Know it ain't true now

We all find you easy so amuse us
Don't get too heady you might abuse luck
You're starstruck

Santogold - Starstruck

Carry on my wayward son
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more

Once I rose above the noise and confusion
Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion
I was soaring ever higher
But I flew too high
Though my eyes could see
I still was a blind man
Though my mind could think
I still was a mad man
I can hear the voices when I'm dreaming
I can hear them say

Carry on my wayward son
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more

Masquerading as a man with a reason
My charade is the event of the season
And if I claim to be a wise man
It surely means that I don't know
On a stormy sea of moving emotion
Tossed about I'm like a ship on the ocean
I set a course for winds of fortune
But I hear the voices say

Carry on my wayward son
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more
No

(Carry on)
You will always remember
(Carry on)
Nothing equals the splendor
Now your life's no longer empty
Surely heaven waits for you

Carry on my wayward son
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more

Kansas - Carry On Wayward Sone

The summer sun
It blows my mind
It's falling down on all that I've ever known
Time to kiss the world goodbye
Falling down on all that I've ever known
Is all that I've ever known

A dying scream
It makes no sound
Calling out to all that I've ever known
Here am I, lost and found
Calling out to all

We live a dying dream
If you know what I mean
All that I've ever known
It's all that I've ever known

Catch the wind that breaks the butterfly
I cried the rain that fills the ocean wide
I tried to talk with God to no avail
Calling my name from out of nowhere
I said "If you won't save me, please don't waste my time"

Catch the wind that breaks the butterfly
I cried the rain that fills the ocean wide
I tried to talk with God to no avail
Calling my name from out of nowhere
I said "If you won't save me, please don't waste my time"

The summer sun
It blows my mind
It's falling down on all that I've ever known
Time to kiss the world goodbye
Falling down on all that I've ever known
Is all that I've ever known

Oasis - Falling Down

I don't what kind of Kool-Aid the guys who are King Kooba have been drinking, but I need several pitchers of that stuff. They have been on fire this year and I just have to give them praise. 5 EP's of deep funky house music that I've had to include in just about every set lately.

Thanks KK.

I know this is old but I'm impressed with how well it syncs.