Thursday, April 29, 2010

Video: Lupe Fiasco - I'm Beamin


New album "Lasers" coming soon.

Monday, April 26, 2010

The Xaphoone Jones Mixtape Vol. 1


Download his full Mixtape here. I recommend you do.

Three Songs: The National, M.I.A., Crystal Castles.



The National- Afraid of Everyone
The National - Afraid of Everyone by Fantastic Plastic Mag

M.I.A. - Born Free
MIA - Born Free by Lukkyboy

Crystal Castles - Celestica
Celestica by Speaker Snacks

MGMT: SNL

MGMT - Brian Eno


MGMT - Flash Delirum

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Conflict Between Marketing and Music: Kid Cudi



Let’s look back about at the music scene three years ago. No one knew who “Kid Cudi” was, except music blog addicts and mix tape fiends. Then suddenly, Kanye West picks this kid up, and helps him release the catchy “Day N’ Nite,” and Cudi is an instant superstar. Next, he releases a song featuring (and produced by) Kanye West, followed by an entirely pretentious and bland album that is once again marketed and produced by Kanye West. The result: Kid Cudi is instantly proclaimed the savior of rap music. I mean hell, if Kanye West produced and marketed an album for me, I would be just as rich as this dude.

What exactly does “Kid Cudi” do? I’m going to be quite honest, I have no idea why this guy is so great. He is mediocre rapper, an illiterate lyricist, and he is an even less talented singer. However, somehow, his DEBUT album was produced arguably better than JAY Z’s last album. What did he ever do to deserve this canvas to work with in the first place? From a musical aspect, a debut album isn’t supposed to be an over-produced pretentious circus of cameos and special effects. A debut is supposed be a raw representation of what makes a musician or artist special. After listening to “Reasonable Doubt” or “Ready To Die,” everyone knew who Biggie and Jay Z were, where they came from, and what they brought to the table. Despite the great production, marketing, and cameos (MGMT Ratatat), after listening to Cudi’s album multiple times and seeing him at Lollapalooza, I still have no idea who this guy is, or what differentiates him personally from other mediocre artists.

I will tell you plain and simple, “Kid Cudi” is a product of marketing. The notorious Kanye West is simply using him to make money, and it is working. Do we really want KANYE WEST telling us who, or what is cool?
So, do me a favor, don’t buy into Kanye West’s marketing ploy and save your $27 next time Kid Cudi comes into town. You can could have taken that money and seen the much more talented rappers Wale and Chiddy Bang for $22 on April 12th, and still have money left over for a “Crunch N’ Munch.”


Sunday, April 18, 2010

Friday, April 16, 2010

The Black Keys New Album "Brothers" To Be Released On May 18th

The Black Keys latest album "Brothers" is going to be on shelves May 18th. It's a 15 track album featuring their single "Tighten Up" which was produced by Danger Mouse. The album was Co-Produced by Mark Neill.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Live: She & Him - Thieves.

Covers: Joanna Newsom

Fleet Foxes- On A Good Day


M. Ward - Sadie


Would anyone else enjoy a Joanna Newsom collab with any of these two artists?

Three Songs: The Hold Steady, Big Boi, LCD Soundsystem



The Hold Steady - The Weekenders


Big Boi - Shutterbug


LCD Soundsystem - Drunk Girls