More Reasons Why Being Deaf Sucks/Rocks

Ok, so the last few week’s I’ve slacked off on my “revisiting” of old columns. The main reason for that is because three years and two weeks ago I recounted my run in with Method Man. Surprisingly enough I’ve yet to meet anyone famous here in Vegas, I mean musically famous (I did bump into Cameron Crowe, but it was hardly musical.)

And the column from three years and one week ago was mostly a response to my collaboration with Jeff on The Dirty Dozen (bonus points if you remember that great column.)

However since three years ago this week I wrote about getting relationship advice from Prince (interesting note; I’d planned on getting “advice” from other artists in the future, but I never followed up on that idea) I thought that I’d dispense some advice of my own this week;

Avoid Big B’s Like a Bloody Plague.

Barely over a month ago I recounted my last visit to this establishment. It was less than pleasant.

But this week Pete Yorn and The Roots had new columns out, so I decided to pick them both up on the same day. I mean I was going to pick up Game Theory at Hip Hop Site (they were including a copy of the Best of the Roots mixtape), and right across the street is Big B’s, so why not.

Of course I was on a bit of a schedule, so I was a tad rushed. Whereas I’d usually browse Big B’s used racks, I planned on grabbing Nightcrawler and bouncing. So I go in the store and skim the “New Releases”.

Nothing.

Then I decide to check out “Pete Yorn” in the “Rock” area. I mean, it’s not that huge of a crime to have a new release with his other stuff. But I still come up short.

Now I loathe asking for help. I feel like a newbie, who can’t find a simple album. But I’m short on time, so I suck it up ask for help. Unfortunately I ask the same guy as last time.

I’m barely confident that this dude knows how to look it up, but I’m kind of pressed so I suck it up.

Me “Hey, do you have the new Pete Yorn?”

Him “Um, lemme check”

Random typing.

Picks up the phone and calls someone.

Him (to the person on the other end of line) “Yeah, do you remember seeing Pete Yorn? Nightcrawler. One? But it’s gone. Yeah, you’ve got to order new releases.”

So now at this point I’m a roller coaster of emotions. First off, I’m angry that, not only do they apparently not have it, but that they’re not competent enough to actually order what’s being released. Secondly, I’m kind of insulted that he’s having a phone conversation, two feet away from me, well within my earshot, and he’s not giving me the news or even shaking his head “no.” Thirdly, I’m kind of hungry, because I hadn’t really eaten anything up to that point.

He gets off the phone and proceeds to tell an associate, who was calling people who special ordered stuff that their stuff was in, how to denote what action was taken (“no answer”, “left message”) before returning his attention to me. I literally have steam shooting out of my ears.

Finally he appears ready to answer my question.

Him “Um, yeah, we got a promo version in, like two weeks ago, but that sold quick. It was supposed to be out today, but we didn’t reorder it. I told him that we need-“

Me (cutting him off) “So you don’t have it.”

Him “No, but we’ll-“

And I went on my way before he could finish his thought.

I did manage to pick up Nightcrawler Wednesday at Circuit City. I really don’t like shopping there, but Big B’s makes it hard to support non-chains.

Nothing to do with Anything

Tupac is on the cover of the latest issue of XXL.

The only thing I can really say to that is that Machine Gun Funk is an underrated Biggie song.

It doesn’t really make any sense, but personally I feel that this column has been way too coherent up to this point.

Break You Off feat. D’angelo

Reading Tom will put hair on your chest.

Greg plays second fiddles.

KDP had a catastrophic loss.

Gloomchen confronts change.

Break You Off feat. Musiq

Ian has great Radiohead news and Weezer news that I’m ambivalent about.

Phil has interesting news about The Roots and urges you to cop The Shining. I agree, The Shining is dope.

Five Things I Don’t Dig About Game Theory

1. The lack of ?uestlove’s amazing liner notes.
2. Not enough Malik B.
3. No hidden tracks.
4. It’s brevity (though it doesn’t really feel “under an hour)
5. No, seriously, where are ?uest’s liner notes?

Five Songs From Game Theory In Heavy Rotation

1. In the Music
2. False Media
3. Game Theory
4. Long Time
5. Can’t Stop This

Five Reasons Why You Should Watch the Fourth Season of The Wire

1. It’s going to be a great “jumping on” point. .
2. The show is amazingly well written.
3. It’s one of the realest shows on television.
4. It’s got amazing actors.
5. It’s the best show on television.