All Apologies
I was talking to Aaron Cameron (you might remember him from a little column called The Friday Bootleg) the other day and he chastised me for my contributions to the Music Zone. He’s completely right.
I’ve really got to apologize for slacking on the column lately. I guess I’ve just been less than inspired due to the less than inspiring musical climate.
As much as I protest and try not to be pigeonholed as a “Hip Hop guy”, that is the music that I feel the most passionately about. Wait, that’s not right; I feel passionate about music in general, I’m just more knowledgeable when it comes to Hip Hop. Hip Hop just appears to be stagnating as of late.
I hate the current state of Hip Hop. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it. I remember when “crunk” was an unfamiliar concept from an OutKast chorus, and I’d preferred it stayed that way.
I don’t think that every region needs their moment in the sun. As a general rule, I think that movements belong in the toilet. “Hyphy” is garbage. “Snap” is idiotic. “Crunk” is probably the soundtrack to hell.
I don’t understand why people need to show off their local flavor. St. Louis, which pretty much started the trend, offered nothing new and certainly nothing of substance. Atlanta might has it’s moments of inspiration, but those moments are supremely overshadowed by the tons of mediocrity produced.
How Oakland and the Bay Area are getting attention is beyond me. As far as I’m concerned any city name that, when associated with Hip Hop conjures up the numbers “3”, “5” and “7” should be avoided. In fact when you combine that group with Hammer (in any incarnation) that entire area should be treated like a Hip Hop Chernobyl; it should be quarantined and nothing it produces should be anywhere near humans until the calamity is 20 years in the past.
Regional music isn’t necessarily fit for national consumption. There is a reason why Go Go never caught on in a national sense; only those folks in P.G. and D.C. really dig (or “get”) it. It’s the same reason few “Jam Bands” have heavily promoted albums; their stuff isn’t for everyone. So even though I’m from Arizona, I really don’t want to hear what the ‘Zona has to offer in regards to Hip Hop.
However I could be swayed on the notion of regionalism if someone where to come out with a “New Millennium Minstrel” movement. As much as I loved Little Brother’s The Minstrel Show, I’m afraid that they didn’t take it far enough. I think that the next movement should be full on blackface, shuckin’ and jivin’, watermelon and fried chicken. I mean, that’d be only a pinch more offensive than what Houston and Atlanta are churning out right now.
A Note For Sufjan Stevens
So, I’ve been listening to, and loving, the first two installments of Sufjan Stevens attempt at recording an album for every one of the United States. I think the albums are genius, but I’m really not digging the prospect of waiting for at least 47 years for the project to be completed. In fact I’m dreading it.
I had some free time and I came up with some things that I’d like to see Stevens do with the project.
Make These Five States His Priority
Maryland – The state where I attended university and lived immediately afterward.
Arizona – My home state.
Nevada – The state I live in now.
New York – Because, really, isn’t this going to be a great album?
Iowa – It’s a state that I’ve spent quite a bit of time in.
Make Wise Use of Double Albums
Let’s be honest; is anyone really clamoring for North Dakota and South Dakota? So then why not package them as a double album? The same can be done with the Carolinas (North and South) and the Virginias (West and directionless).
Don’t Forget About the “Other” States
I know that up until this point I was being selfish, but I think that both Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. deserve some recognition. Maybe they could get the Ep treatment or something. But those two regions shouldn’t be ignored.
Speaking of “the Ep Treatment”
I don’t think that anyone would argue if Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and Nebraska also got the Ep treatment.
And there you have it. I’m digging the work that Stevens’ done thus far, I just want to be around to see it reach its completion.
Meeting That Bootleg Guy
(Aaron was actually in Sin City this week, and despite my repeated corrections, insisted in pronouncing my name “May-thin.” In honor of that, every writer will be linked by how I think their name is pronounced.)
Tom keeps the new classics coming.
Gloomken has news about how diverse Maynard is.
Mike has Tom Cruise video, attacks a Busta and gives Gnarls props.
Reading That Bootleg Guy
Eyein’ gives me three bits of good news about Johnny Cash, Radiohead and Bloc Party.
Fill has dismal numbers of Mobb Deep, good news for Stones Throw and tantalizing news about a rumored collaboration between Madlib and Mos Def.
The Next Five Albums I’ll Probably Cop
1. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Stadium Arcadium
2. Gnarls Barkley – St. Elsewhere
3. Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins – Rabbit Fur Coat
4. Tha Alkaholiks – Firewater
5. ?uestlove – Babies Making Babies, Vol 2: The Misery Strikes
