Snoop Dogg just dropped one of the hottest new music videos I’ve seen in a while. Directed by Francois Rousselet, the video for “So Many Pros” uses the artistic stylings of vintage movie posters from the late 70s and 80s, and it pays off visually. Check out the video below! Continue reading
Using Fred Durst’s vocal track from Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff” and the theme music from the classic television show “Seinfeld”, Youtube user JJ P has created an unexpected joy of a mash up. Had me smiling pretty big. Enjoy! Continue reading
OLD SCHOOL JAM YOU’VE NEVER HEARD BEFORE
Darondo. “Do You Really Love Me”. No more music to come from this unheralded gem of funk and soul. He passed away in 2013. But his music lives on
HIP HOP VIDEO OF THE WEEK
THIS is what hip-hop artists should aspire to. Hip-hop just ain’t what it used to be.
THE NICKI MINAJ “ANACONDA” (FART REMIX)
No words. Pure comedy. Yeah, I’m immature like that.
MUSIC NEWS/STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
There’s a great article in Esquire Magazine that has Andre 300 dropping some knowledge. If you love Andre 3000 as much as I do, this is a must read.
When Ferguson police pulls guns on Talib Kweli, the hip-hop ambassador of cultural movements, you know our system is messed up.
Could Robert Plant’s next album be his last? The thought of this makes me sad.
Are you a Bon Iver fan like I am?You may be interest in the recently released collaboration album he worked on with Jason Feathers.
THE MUSIC VAULT
Paul McCartney, his guitar and “Blackbird”. Love this song.
VINE POST OF THE WEEK
I could watch this over … and over … and over … and over … and over again. Swoon.
KILLER COVER: KIDS COVERING TOOL’S “46 AND 2”
I only wish that I had a chance to play in a band like this when I was a kid. Kudos to these little ones killing some Tool. Maynard would be proud.
MUSIC INSTA-BABE: AVRIL LAVIGNE
http://instagram.com/p/oUiUF7I4Kr/?modal=true
I may not be a fan of her recent music, and I know she’s married to that Nickleback dude … but yeah … Avril Lavigne is a cutie. You can follow her on Instagram: @AvrilLavigne
WHAT’S BETTER THAN MUPPETS? WHAT’S BETTER THAN THE BEASTIE BOYS? HOW ABOUT THE MUPPETS RAPPING “SO WHAT’CHA WANT”?
SINCE WE’RE ALREADY TALKING MUPPETS …
This makes me laugh all … of … the … time. Where’s my cookie!!!!!
SO…. MICHAEL CERA RELEASED AN EP
It’s lo-fi, folky, kinda what I’d expect from Michael Cera … and I can’t tell if I like it or not. Do you?
TWEET OF THE WEEK
I was at this show. And, yes. It was definitely worth a $53 parking ticket.
https://twitter.com/brennanmcnally/status/499829229807091712
MUSIC NEWS/STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
How does an unreleased, unfinished recording become the most talked about track in the music sphere? Easy. Just be Kanye West.
Attorneys, managers and agents … YOU MUST READ THIS ARTICLE. Seriously, this could effect your bottom line.
Even if managers may be getting the short end of the stick when it comes to commissions in California (you should really read the article above), managers seems to be treated with respect in Australia. The police in Sydney are offering a $100K reward for information leading to solving the crime of AC/DC’s manager from back in the 80s.
There’s no better way to endear yourself to your home-town professional sports team than getting them fined $25K. As nice a guy as DRAKE is, he should probably turn it down a notch.
THE MUSIC VAULT
It doesn’t get more sublime that this.
KILLER COVER: BON IVER COVERS BONNIE RAITT
I featured this cover in a prior blog entry, but Bon Iver does a heartbreaking cover of Bonnie Raitt’s classic “I Can’t Make You Love Me”. Chills.
MUSIC INSTA-BABE: VICTORIA JUSTICE
Victoria Dawn Justice (born February 19, 1993) is a singer-songwriter who actually got her start in the entertainment industry with acting stints on various Nickelodeon shows. Follow this beauty on Instagram: @victoriajustice.
THE WORST TWITTER POST OF THE WEEK
This Twitter post made me think twice about following TMZ. Unfortunately for me, I do get some decent news from them every so often. But this? Maybe they were going for funny. Maybe they were going for sexy? It just made me go away.
THE MOST IRONIC TWITTER POST OF THE WEEK
There was a memorial tree planted near George Harrison’s (of The Beatles) grave that was killed by …. wait for it …. wait for it …
“CLASSIC” COMEDY
“No cue cards, no teleprompters, and no second takes–legendary funnyman Sid Caesar pioneered live television sketch comedy with his 1950s sitcoms Your Show of Shows and Caesar’s Hour. This classic sketch is “Argument to Beethoven’s 5th,” Sid Caesar and Nanette Fabray play a married couple in a argument with pantomimed action and the dialogue is classic music.Enjoy! (Taken from the video description on Youtube”
MONSTER MASH-UP: MILEY CYRUS & MUMFORD & SONS: “LITTLE WRECKING BALL”
MUSIC NEWS/STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
During the Alternative Press Music Awards, the Black Veil Brides won the award for “Most Dedicated Fans”. When Andy Beirsack accepted the award, he subsequently gave the award to the a fan. Sincere fan appreciation or PR ruse? It was a cool gesture, so I’m hoping it’s the later.
The UK’s privacy laws for celebrities are much more strict that the privacy laws in the US. Case and point? Adele’s son was awarded a six-figure sum for damages in a lawsuit over paparazzi photos. Will this news encourage other stateside celebrities raising families to move their residence across the pond? Only time will tell, but if I were a celebrity, I would consider it.
Apparently, silly parodies of popular songs can still sell records. Just ask Weird Al Yankovic. His 14th studio album, “Mandatory Fun”, sold a whopping 104,700 copies in its first week, making it not only the number 1 album of the week, but the first comedy album in 54 years to debut at number 1 as well.
Do you have a StubHub! account? Well … just may want to check up on it. Apparently, cyber thieves hacked 1,000 StubHub acccounts, and may have bought ticket on your dime! Well, that’s another reason for me to purchase tickets at the box office (the other being that there isn’t a dam service charge!).
I’ll give it up for Avicii. I was skeptical of the last album (an album mixing EDM with folk/country music), but he pulled it off. News is that he’s starting to recruit for his next album, this time featuring artist’s like Jon Bon Jovi, Wyclef Jean, Chris Martin and Serj Tankian. I can’t lie … I’m interest to hear what it sounds like.
THE YOUTUBE MUSIC VAULT
Santana in his prime. Doesn’t get much better than this.
KILLER COVER: STEVIE WONDER COVERS STING
I love Stevie Wonder (after all, I named my blog after one of his albums). Stevie loves Sting’s song “Fragile”. I love this cover. Hopefully, you do too. It’s stays true to the original arrangement, but anytime Stevie can his own flare to a song, I’ll take it.
MUSIC INSTA-BABE: TAYLOR SWIFT
http://instagram.com/p/qHVoXmDvFZ/?modal=true
Taylor Swift = Legs For Days. And at 5’10”, she’s definitely got some to spare. It’s amazing to watch this talent grow into her skin. Hopefully, she keeps it classy. Follow here on Instagram @TaylorSwift
SWEET FOLKSY GOODNESS
Found this video of the band Miner performing an acoustic version of their song “When I Win You Over” … in a gondola. It’s sweet folksy goodness.
HIP HOP HEADS! MIXTAPE ALERT
Snoop Dogg & The Eastsidaz had been on hiatus for a few years with Tray Dee being incarcerated. Well, he’s out, and Snoop & The Eastsidaz just dropped one of the hardest mix-tapes I’ve heard in a while. I have a feeling these guys will be getting some major label distribution sooner rather than later. Before they stop the downloads, I seriously suggest you do it now. Click on the link below to get redirected to the Datpiff site for the download.
SELFIE OF THE WEEK
This kid got a selfie with Paul McCartney and Warren Buffet, which was subsequently retweet by Paul McCartney. Ugh. I’m so jealous right now … of a kid!!! LOL.
Just hanging out with friends “@WHITE_estkid: pic.twitter.com/QDqnZFoj7m”
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) July 14, 2014
MUSIC NEWS/STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
R. Kelly is going to release a house album? Hmm … he’s a musical genius, and I would put it past him that he can pull it off. After all, he did successfully meld musical styles with bands outside his comfort zone for recent festival performances (i.e. Phoenix). I’ll reserve judgement until I heard what’s being offered.
What’s the easiest way to settle a beef between playaz? Cold hard cash. Drake pays Rappin’ 4-Tay $100,000 to make sure that there was no ill-will between the two over Drake’s use of 4-Tay’s lyrics in “Playaz Club”in the YG hit “Who Do You Love”. I don’t care what anybody says. Money makes things better.
The Brooklyn based, middle school band Unlocking The Truth scored a pretty huge deal with Sony. Their deal starts with a $60,000 advance, and depending on their success, could make as much as $1.7 Million. As impressive as the deal is, let’s not get too carried away. I really want these kids to succeed, but let’s be honest, there have been hundred of bands that got backloaded deals that never even had their debut album released. Fingers crossed for these kids.
THE YOUTUBE MUSIC VAULT
Because I’m going to see Greg Allman perform on Saturday, I figure I’d feature this badass song by The Allman Brothers Band.
MUSIC INSTA-BABE: Katy Perry
Katy Perry is a babe. She’s been able to be both America’s sweetheart and America’s pin-up at the same time without having to bear more than she has to. Class with curves. I’m hooked. Follow her on Instagram: @katyperry
KILLER COVER: Fiona Apple covers “Pure Imagination”
Written by the prolific composers and lyricists Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, “Pure Imagination” was written specifically for the movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and originally sung by Gene Wilder who portrayed Willy Wonka. Though I never imagined that Fiona Apple would agree to perform a song for advertisement to a fast-food chain (even a healthy fast-food chain), I am glad she did as it yielded this gem of a recording. Your welcome.
FOR THE TRUE MUSIC NERDS (LIKE ME)
Below is a video of “The Oldest Song in the World”. You can click through the Youtube links to read a more in-depth history of the music in this video, but long story short, a professor deciphered clay tables excavated in Syria. Her conclusion? The inscriptions on the clay tablets reveal the oldest existing song in the world. Pretty darn cool if you ask me.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
Of all of the late night hosts that graced our television screens, Jimmy Fallon is by far the most musically inclined. His impersonation of Neil Young is always spot on. His cover of Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy”? Hilarious. The fact that he got Crosby, Stills & Nash to join him in the performance? Epic.
MUSIC NEWS/STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
I would have guessed that if you had a multiplatinum single that saturated the radio waves all of last year, your follow up album would AT LEAST have reasonable sales upon it’s release. Well, Robin Thicke proved me wrong. His opening week sales were dismal. In fact, in all of Australia, he didn’t even sell 100 copies of his album. Hell … I could sell 100 copies of an album out of the truck of my car. I guess cheating on your wife is, in fact, a momentum/career killer.
If your friend sleeps with your dad, she probably shouldn’t be your friend. Somebody should tell Beyonce what’s up.
Coachella made BANK this year. Over $78,000,000 for two weekends? I need to figure out how to set up a music festival.
Taylor Swift wrote a terrifically optimistic and smart op-ed for The Wall Street Journal. Yeah … I think I’m in love with her.
If you love watching professionally shot, live music clips, then you’ll love what Youtube has recently done. Youtube has worked out an arrangement with Wolfgang’s Vault (a private archivist/memorabilia shop) to publish over 13,000 amazingly classic never before seen live performances and interviews by historic and vintage acts. Everyone from Santana, to Aerosmith, Lou Reed, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen … the list goes on and on and on. If you use youtube, YOU MUST subscribe to the Music Vault account. Trust me … it’s worth your while. Her’e a terrific video of Van Morrison performing “Try For Sleep” below. I’m thinking I’ll be posting a weekly video from this account.
MUSIC INSTA-BABE: Christina Milian
http://instagram.com/p/p5hMBzsWiL/?modal=true
Christina Milian is an R&B/hip-hop/pop artist who released her first album in 2001. A multitalented performer, she not only sings, but also has starred in various feature films like “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” and “Be Cool”. Though there are rumors that she may be dating Lil Wayne, as far as I’m concerned, until she says so, she’s single (wishful thinking, I know). Follow her on instagram: @christinamilian
KILLER COVER: Iron Horse Bluegrass covers Metallica
A bluegrass band covering Metallica? I never though it could have been possible … until now. Covering Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”, Iron Horse Bluegrass proves that virtually any well written song, can cross genres. Such a terrifically fun cover.
If You Haven’t Seen It Already
Music journalist Zane Lowe had a rare opportunity to interview Rick Rubin, and it is a terrific interview that any music enthusiast should take the time and watch. The interview runs just short of an hour, but trust me … the hour is well worth your time.
Music In Movies
Any motion picture worth its salt needs to have have killer soundtrack. The soundtrack for “Reality Bites” (a motion pictures that every young adult related to during the mid-90s) has one of the best. Perhaps it’s most iconic scene is the one where (most of) the main characters bust out in dance to the Knack’s “My Sharona”. You’re welcome.
Speaking of Music In Movies ….
The official trailer for the new Jimi Hendrix biopic “Jimi: All is By My Side” starring Outkast’s Andre 3000 was released this week. I must say, Andre 3000’s portrayal of Jimi Hendrix is amazingly good. Definitely a movie that I plan on catching when it hits the theaters. Check it out.
MUSIC NEWS/STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Afrika Bambaataa and The Universal Zulu nation calls out World Star Hip Hop as being not hip-hop at all. In an open letter, he sets forth the negative impact the globally popular website has had on the hip-hop community at large. I’ve always felt the same way. I’m glad someone is speaking out about it now.
Are you fan of punk or heavy metal? Do you venture into the mosh pit at shows? Do you have “Mosh Pit Etiquette”. The Village Voice wrote a great article. You should check it out. Speaking of heavy metal, does anybody else find it interesting that countries where heavy metal is popular are more wealthy and content with life?
You hear about Google buying Songza? Though Songza isn’t as popular as Pandora, iHeartRadio, iTunes Radio … basically every other streaming services, Google bought Songza because of their technology. Trust me … Google can pick up music catalogues down the road. They are doing the smart thing.
In a Facebook post to their fans, Death Grips have apparently called it quits (a copy of their handwritten note is below). I’ve had the chance to see them two times … and I ended up not going to see them perform. D’Oh! Add that to my list of things to regret.
MUSIC INSTA-BABE: Ariana Grande
She’s not even old enough to buy an alcoholic beverage yet, but 20 year old Ariana Grande gets my nod this week for Music’s Insta-Babe. This actress, singer-songwriter and philanthropist is wholesome beauty who’s artistic endeavors has already garnered her many awards: The People’s Choice Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year, The American Music Awards Best New Artist Award, NAARM- Music Business Association’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year Awards, and the list goes on. If her very capable vocals don’t impress you enough, maybe her demure and classic looks will win the award of your heart. If have an Instagram account, why don’t you follow her @ArianaGrande
KILLER COVER: Dirty Loops Cover Adele
Dirty Loops is a band from Stockholm, Sweden, consisting of Jonah Nilsson ( vocals and piano), Henrik Linder (bass) and Aaron Mellergårdh (drums) whose “Classic Jazz-Jam” style of play is otherworldly. They are currently touring the U.S. in support of their debut album. Their cover of Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” blew my mind last year, and still does today. If you are into their style of music, you NEED to see them on tour.
DID YOU KNOW THAT …
Speaking of covers, did you George Harrison’s chart topping hit from 1987, “Got My Mind Set On You” was a cover?!?!? I sure didn’t until Gizmodo let me know. George Harrison’s covered James Ray’s 1963 recording “I’ve Got My Mind Set On You”, and personally, I like the original more. Take a listen to both versions below, and chime in.
WATCH JACK WHITE’S CONCERT AT THE FONDA THEATRE
I wasn’t able to get tickets to either of Jack White’s concerts in Los Angeles, but God bless NPR (National Public Radio) because they taped the show at the Fonda Theatre and have it streaming on their website. If you were as unfortunate as I was, and aren’t able to score tickets to any of the shows he has coming up in the city you live in, CLICK THIS LINK TO WATCH JACK WHITE’S CONCERT AT THE FONDA THEATER IN ITS ENTIRETY!
MUSIC NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
It may have taken over 40 years to get there, but The Ramones’ debut album finally goes gold (sold 500,000 copies). About damn time, if you ask me.
There’s a Kickstarter campaign to win the auction for The Wu-Tang Clan’s latest album. For what you may ask? To destroy it. Kindly silly (and pointless) if you ask me.
Death Grips latest EP (below) “features” Bjork. I dunno … I think I heard her vocals in a few spots here and there. Can you? It’s like an auditory “Where’s Waldo”. LOL.
Chad Smith (drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Will Farrell challenged Lars Ulrich (drummer for Mettallica) to a drum-off challenge … and the battle was accepted!!! This should make for some hilarious television.
Most people aren’t aware that prior to becoming an acclaimed soul/funk singer, Sharon Jones worked as a corrections officer at Rikers Island back in the 90s. Rolling Stone Magazine asked her to weigh in on the authenticity of the new Netflix show “Orange Is The New Black”, and she had some interesting things to say. Personally, I thought this article was a great read.
A band outsmarted Spotify for $20,000 to give their fans free concerts. This was an awesome story. More power to them.
SNOOP AND PSY DOMINATING SOCIAL MEDIA
It was released less than a week ago (June 8, 2014), and as of 6/12/14, Snoop’s and PSY’s video for their collaboration, “Hangover”, already has over 47,000,000 views … 47,000,000 VIEWS, people!!!! Mind Blown. You can criticize the track as much as you want. Criticize K-Pop. Criticize Snoop. Criticize music, generally. Let’s just say, everyone behind this collaboration knew what was up. For better or for worse, this track isn’t going away anytime soon, and Snoop and Psy will reap the rewards (translation = $$$).
UPDATE: 6/13/14: The video now has over 52,000,000 views…
MUSIC INSTA-BABE: Jhene Aiko
http://instagram.com/p/oKBprnD350/
Jhene Aiko is an R&B, soul singer with the voice of an angel who is of mixed race background: her mother is of Japanese, Spanish and Domincan Descent, while her father is of African American, Yaqui, Choctaw, Cherokee, Navajo and German Jewish descent. What ever she is, she is super find. Follow her on Instagram @JheneAiko. I’m pretty sure you won’t regret it.
KILLER COVER: Kings of Leon Covering Robyn
I like Swedish, synthpop recording artist Robyn plenty, but I happen to like the Kings of Leon a lot more. Their cover of Robyn’s hit single “Dancing On My Own” is an example of how talented musicians can make a composition used in seemingly disparate style of music their own.
OH, FIDDY. STICK TO THE RAP GAME
Some musicians are athletic enough to play certain sports. 50 Cent is a ripped dude. Maybe his muscles got in the way.
MUSIC NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Beats By Dre was purchased by Apple Inc. for $3 BILLION! Surely, this will make Dr. Dre the first hip-hop billionaire. Hopefully, he uses some of the pocket change to help bolster the community he grew up in.
As reported in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Jack White goes OFF on everybody from Adele to the Black Keys.
UK crooner Sam Smith comes out of the closet. I still wonder why this kind of stuff is “news”.
Oh, and Steve Perry, the ORIGINAL lead vocalist of Journey performed live for the first time in two decades. The video below brings tears of joy to my eyes. Hopefully, he keeps popping up at shows to perform songs here and there. His voice has been missed.
BECAUSE IT’S HISTORY
I’m Korean, but I’m not a fan of K-Pop. The fact that PSY’s “Gangnam Style” music video passed the 2 Billion view mark this week, making it the most viewed video on youtube, proves that I know nothing about music. Want to be a part of music history? Watch the video below, and be able to say, for the millisecond that Youtube registers your view, that YOU broke the world record for PSY. LOL.
#DKLPHOTOS 