My Bad
You’ll have to excuse me for indulging in The Beatnuts last week. I mean, I know they never sported makeup like Dr. Dre, and they’ve released more albums and they actually write their own rhymes, but they still deserve some props.
Random Thoughts on My Recent Musical Purchases
Last week I actually went to down to Big B’s & HipHipSite.com and picked up some music. I had originally intended to pick up only three albums. While I ended up coming home with more that I intended up cop, I actually only copped one of the albums I wanted to.
Coldplay – X&Y
I don’t really want to say this because I know how sensitive Chris Martin is, but here goes anyway; I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t disappointed with this album. While I was digging Speed of Sound as the first single, the album let me down. It’s not on par with either of the previous albums. At least those albums brought be down because the music was beautifully depressing. X&Y just brings be down because it’s not up to par.
Bloc Party – Silent Alarm
I’m way loving this album. In fact I’m listening to it as I type this column. There’s an intensity and urgency to the sound and the lyrics. This is what a rock album should sound like. The only way this album could be any better is if the inlay booklet included lyrics.
Jeff Buckley – Live at Sin-é
This “Legacy Edition” has been on heavy rotation. I actually picked this up on a whim, I saw it used and decided to grab it. And man, am I glad that I did. What’s really dope about this double disc live album is that it includes the banter between songs. Up to hearing this album Jeff Buckley was just a talented artist, but this collection really gives a glimpse into his personality. After hearing this document I’m about ready to place him just under Biggie as “the artist I most wish were still alive.” I was completely slayed with his renditions of Calling You and Strange Fruit.
Common – Go
For some reason I buy singles. It used to be because I had ambitions of buying CD turntables, but that dream has long since passed, now I buy them out of habit. All this single really offers is just an instrumental. But that’s cool because I dig the beat.
Common – The Corner Remix
Now this single offers a remix and the beat. Mos Def kills the remix. I mean he really does his thing. Scarface, whom I’m usually indifferent toward, gives me reason to listen to his verse. It’s a pretty dope remix.
Psycho Les – Music For The Soul
This is what I was listening to while I was procrastinating writing this column. This could possibly have my vote for “background music of the year.” It’s a cool album of a DJ cutting up some pretty decent songs. What’s cool is how he incorporates songs that were sampled by other artists. It’s nutty to hear how produces flip samples.
Tegan and Sara – So Jealous
I’m ashamed to admit it, but this album is getting entirely too much burn. I can’t explain it, but I’m really connecting with this disc. Like, I don’t know if it’s my current state of being or if I’d picked this up in 2004 I’d have hit me in the same way, but I’ve got a Matthew Michael/Juliana Hatfield type vibe going on with this album. It freaks me out.
ODB – Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
Part of me wants to hate this song, but the other half wants to cherish it because of one of ODB’s last songs. It’s a quirky cut and seems to really bank on ODB’s persona rather than genuine artistry, but it works. I dig it. I’m not saying it’s a “great” or “classic” joint, but it serves its purpose.
And that about does it for this week. I’m sure that next week will be better. In the meantime check out these folks;
The Corner Remix
Shawn makes a case for The Aristocrats and adult diapers.
Aaron gets feedback about his family pictures and has a column devoid of Nick, yet feedback about Nick.
Warren Woo comes back with a vengeance as he gives a rundown of the year (up to this point) in Hip Hop releases.
Jeff claims that his column isn’t his best effort, but he still slays me. I can’t wait to read what he’s going to write about Diddy this weekend.
Kyle David Paul blows your mind with the truth.
Mike Eagle also returns this week as he details his new enlightened way of thinking. It’s a pretty deep read. In fact you probably shouldn’t read both him and KDP in the same day or your mind really will explode.
Gloomchen reveals that women also dig twins.
Trevor is the third and final “lost” IP members to return this week. Witness as he brazenly disregards his spellchecker.
Tom reviews Carole King? No, wait. My mistake Tom covers rock as always.
Go Instrumental
Apparently during my two month hiatus from the net our neighbors had a new Hip Hop guy debut. Read all about it.
Ian starts his second year with good news about CBGB’s and Pete D!
Phil gives us a rundown of Heavy Rotation albums. It’s a great read. I agree with most of his picks.
Five CD Cases I Can See From My Current Seat
1. Juelz Santana – From Me To U
2. MC Paul Barman – Paullelujah
3. ?usestlove Presents – Babies Makin Babies
4. Nada Surf – Let Go
5. White Zombie – Astro Creep 2000
