Pretty Sick – “Streetwise”
2 hours ago
Dec 22, 2008
For the cLubs of 2008
1. Also one of my favorite songs of the year, Estelle made a name for herself with this jam (produced by Will.i.am.) and made people dance from when it came out until next weekend when your at the club.
2. As soon as I heard this beat, I knew it was gonna be a keeper. Snoop's rapping was just a plus to this track, which was....my shit this year.
3. Pitbull does it again. Him and Lil Jon use another sample from a song that only ravers should know, but throw some Yeeaaaahhh's, add a lil' crunk-ness, and you got yet another high-energy club-banger.
4. This was the "Hot N Herre", "Get Low", and "In Da Club" of the year. Everyone heard, everyone got low.
5. Janet pretty much always makes at least one good song for the clubs. Only problem is, every time she puts one out, less and less people listen to it.
Rap/Hip-Hop of 2008
1. What can be said about this track that hasn't been said before. By far, the grittiest beat of '08. I've probably heard over 7 artists sample this beat on freestyles, and no matter where I am...if this song plays, the whole house goes wild.
2. With production-style behind a lot of my choices for best songs, an obvious favorite this year comes from members of The Neptunes. There's a lot going on in this song, and I like every part of it. One of N.E.R.D.'s best songs to date.
3. Miami's biggest rapper teams up with T-Pain for this Beastie Boys-sampled track. Although T-Pain didn't produce it, this song wouldn't be as catchy if he wasn't Auto-tuning it.
4. Q-Tip impresses the critics with his most recent album, The Renaissance, and it was this song that started things off. A retro beat and Q-Tip's one-of-a-kind voice is sure to keep this album buzzing throughout the next year.
5. Common hits this track hard with 2 of his greatest weapons, Kanye on the hook & Pharrell on the beat.
pOp of 2008
1. The strums of the guitar, and subtlety of Mraz's voice equals pure, fluffy pop-ness. This song is simply the most relaxing song of the year.
2. I was a fan of their debut album, and have been anticipating to hear a follow-up, and this is it. The Fray hasn't changed much, but this is the sound that made me get into them in the first place.
3. Recently Grammy-nominated, young Brittish singer Adele has the lyrics and aww-inspiring soulful voice that makes us all forget about last year's infamous, drug-addicted, trashy female Brit singer.
4. Another British import, The Ting-Tings were a nominee for the VMA's Best New Artist. This new-wave, retro pop track was a big hit early this in the indie world.
5. All-American Rejects are a great live band. After last seeing them, I've grown to be a fan of their music, and this catchy sing-a-long song makes it easy.
Dec 21, 2008
R&B of 2008
1. I think its been a while since any artist could be considered "The Next" Lauryn Hill. This high acclaim comes from Jazmine Sullivan. She has a raw, soulful sincerity in her voice with great lyrical content. She's Grammy nominated for Best New Artist.
2. Yeah, I watched Making the Band 4. In my defense, these guys are no Boyz II Men, but I bet if they weren't put together by reality TV, this album could have been taken seriously. Yeah, there's some over-singing, but I really like the production on this track. Good r&b
3. Here I Stand is Usher's follow-up to his massively popular, 2004's, Confessions. Although this album is no where near its successor, tracks like this one remind me how good he is at slow jams, and how talented Timbaland is.
4. Jazmine is a modern Lauryn Hill, Keri Hilson on this song, is reminiscent of a young Janet. Her fresh, youthful voice syncs perfect with the beat (from the Runaways) that sounds a new trend in R&B.
5. It looks like Thicke got sick of hearing his "Lost Without You" as often as the rest of us, and decide to liven up the party. This song's got trumpets, strings, lively percussion, and a lot of energy from the soulful voice his.
Rock/Alternative of 2008
Because I can't just pick my top 10 songs of the year, I have to split up my favorite songs by genres.
1. Paramore has proven to be much more than a one-hit-wonder. Their young lead singer has an amazingly powerful voice. This track from the 'Twilight' movie shows the group's maturity, and I expect big things on their next album.
2. Reluctant to hear new Offspring, and hoping that they've strayed away from "Pretty Fly for a White Guy", the punk-rock veterans are back to the sound that made them legendary in the 90s.
3. Shiny Toy Guns are a pretty unique band. It's rare to hear guy/girl lead singers, they mix up electro-rock and should be more popular than they are.
4. In the blurry world of pop-punk, this track from We the Kings stood out this year, with lyrics and those claps.
5. The Killers never dissapoint and even though I haven't listened to their latest album, Day and Age, it was their SNL performance of this song that is making me hope I get their album for X-Mas.
1. Paramore has proven to be much more than a one-hit-wonder. Their young lead singer has an amazingly powerful voice. This track from the 'Twilight' movie shows the group's maturity, and I expect big things on their next album.
2. Reluctant to hear new Offspring, and hoping that they've strayed away from "Pretty Fly for a White Guy", the punk-rock veterans are back to the sound that made them legendary in the 90s.
3. Shiny Toy Guns are a pretty unique band. It's rare to hear guy/girl lead singers, they mix up electro-rock and should be more popular than they are.
4. In the blurry world of pop-punk, this track from We the Kings stood out this year, with lyrics and those claps.
5. The Killers never dissapoint and even though I haven't listened to their latest album, Day and Age, it was their SNL performance of this song that is making me hope I get their album for X-Mas.
Dec 10, 2008
Top Albums of 2008
As 2008 quickly comes to an end, I start to read all the blogs and music magazines I follow, to see their year-end charts. Even though there are dozens of albums I have yet to listen to from the year, I could only come up with these 15 records. This took me a lot of time to reflect, and put together my list of favorite albums of the year...enjoy.
15. Panic at the Disco - Pretty.Odd.
2 things are fitting about the band name and album title. They dropped the "!" after Panic for this record, and the songs should explain why. Also, compared to their last album of keyboard happy, electronic alternative-rock, this record is comparatively pretty odd....that this album is very grassroots, folk, ragtime, and pop. It takes a couple listens, but it starts to grow on you.
14. Beck - Modern Guilt
Beck may be one of the most re-inventive artists in music, and this album proves why. His sound of industrial rock, groove-heavy bass, and new wave only lasts a little over 30 minutes in this 10-track album. Even though his voice gets a little Enya-esque, the beats and lyrics are good enough to where you can't believe its over so soon.
13. The Cool Kids - The Bake Sale
To me, The Cool Kids are the product of what would happen if the Beastie Boys gave musical birth. The album is filled with gritty, garage beats, and grad student lines delivered by high schoolers that are easy to understand and follow. Makes me wanna nod my head to a bass-heavy stereo chillin on my shoulder walking through Brooklyn.
12. Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple
Bouncing back from the success of their first album, St. Elsewhere, the duo didn't create as much buzz with their sophomore effort, this year's, The Odd Couple. I've always like these guys because none of their music sounds like "Crazy". The diversity within energetic, clever beats from DJ Danger Mouse, mixed with vintage-souled voice of Cee-Lo sets the pace for an exciting album.
11. Slightly Stoopid - Slightly Not Stoned Enough To Eat Breakfast Yet Stoopid
I was amazed to find that this was Stoopid's 7th album released within a career lasting over a decade. After seeing their recent live show, I can see why they are one, if not the biggest cali/dub/reggae/punk bands in the country. This album is full of never-released tracks, remixes, and new versions of older songs, from the most not-stoopid band around.
(Note: This is not the album with "2AM", that is from 2007's Chronchitis)
10. Coldplay - Viva La Vida
All I can say about Coldplay is this. #1, I think it was Rolling Stone Magazine that says they are the biggest band in the world #2, the people of “40-year-old Virgin” think that they’re gay and #3, they make pretty damn good music. Every song is epic and I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a fan of Coldplay.
9. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
The band was an indie hit that was introduced to me via Mtv and KROQ with their first single, “A-Punk”. I was intrigued by the baseline, their lyrics, and the bouncy vibe their music gives off. The album became an indie hit, and after only reading good things, I dove in to their debut album. These ivy-league college guys were influenced by African popular music mixed with Western classical, which doesn’t mean squat until you actually listen to it.
8. The Fashion - The Fashion
Pure boredom during a class break in college was how I found this band. Playing random music online, I stumbled upon the opening to their first single, “Like Knives”, and became a fan. The album is filled with an array of hard-to-label genres that went completely "under the radar" to the rest of the world.
7. Lykke Li - Youth Novels
First off, it's pronounced Leekee Lee. This Swedish sensation carries a truly unique sound that was another hit among those in the indie music world. I’d describe her music to be filled of danceable, subtle beats, bouncing under her angelic, soft and fragile voice. Her song, “Little Bit” was used in a Victoria’s Secret commercial, and got a lot of play on Indie 103.1.
6. kanYe West - 808's & Heartbreak
The only thing about the person Kanye West that I like, is that he doesn’t apologize for anything. This is nothing like any other album West has released, because its straight up – not hip hop. Some say the audio-tone voice things is lame, I think he’s just trying new things. The beats are hipster-ready, electronic, and pop-tastic which may take a couple listens, but I appreciate kanYe's diversity and the new sound on this album.
15. Estelle - Shine
Estelle captivated my attention with "American Boy" early this year. Her album is like a tasty, soulful collection of R&B traks with collaborations that really impressed me. Describing herself as a "London Chick", Estelle is a fresh, unique new face for the female R&B world. Even though this is her second album, Estelle truly makes great choices with some of the best songs Will.I.Am has produced along with the collabos from Cee-Lo, Sean Paul, Mark Ronson, and John Legend.
4. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III
Let me start off by saying that I don't think Weezy is the best rapper alive. He is definitely somewhere in the top 5, and I give him much praise after listening to this album. The way he delivers his rhymes are what, I think, set him apart from Jay-Z, Biggie, Snoop, etc. His voice reaches levels of charisma that fit with every vibe of each song on Tha Carter III.
3. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Undoubtedly, my favorite new band of the year. I read a lot about this young duo from NYC, and their story is pretty interesting. More importantly, the music they released this year has set a tone for the future of indie music. Synthesized-pop, electronic-funk, and future-disco are all adjectives I've heard to describe their sound, and they still don't do justice to how brilliant, innovative, and catchy this group is. Listen to "Electric Feel" once and if you're not hooked, clean your ears.
2. Santogold - Santogold
You've heard some of her songs on commercials, seen a snippet of her video "L.E.S. Artistes" in between shows on Mtv, and if you still haven't listened to this album, you owe yourself the favor. Think Gwen Stefani combined with the 80's punk/new wave of Debbie Harry, with a sprinkle of M.I.A.'s creativity, and you have 11 of the sickest tracks and the most unique beats in music today. She's versatile, got great hooks, and a unique voice that draws you in. I believe in Santogold.
1. Radiohead - In Rainbows
All technicalities aside, this album was availabe in 2007, but wasn't officially released in stores until this year. It is so good, that I'm carrying it over for this year's #1 album. If you already like Radiohead, then this album will not dissapoint. If you're not a fan, or haven't listened, Thom Yorke and the guys made an album that brings joy, pain, melancholy, intrigue, and sincere creativity that's absolutely worth a listen.
15. Panic at the Disco - Pretty.Odd.
2 things are fitting about the band name and album title. They dropped the "!" after Panic for this record, and the songs should explain why. Also, compared to their last album of keyboard happy, electronic alternative-rock, this record is comparatively pretty odd....that this album is very grassroots, folk, ragtime, and pop. It takes a couple listens, but it starts to grow on you.
14. Beck - Modern Guilt
Beck may be one of the most re-inventive artists in music, and this album proves why. His sound of industrial rock, groove-heavy bass, and new wave only lasts a little over 30 minutes in this 10-track album. Even though his voice gets a little Enya-esque, the beats and lyrics are good enough to where you can't believe its over so soon.
13. The Cool Kids - The Bake Sale
To me, The Cool Kids are the product of what would happen if the Beastie Boys gave musical birth. The album is filled with gritty, garage beats, and grad student lines delivered by high schoolers that are easy to understand and follow. Makes me wanna nod my head to a bass-heavy stereo chillin on my shoulder walking through Brooklyn.
12. Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple
Bouncing back from the success of their first album, St. Elsewhere, the duo didn't create as much buzz with their sophomore effort, this year's, The Odd Couple. I've always like these guys because none of their music sounds like "Crazy". The diversity within energetic, clever beats from DJ Danger Mouse, mixed with vintage-souled voice of Cee-Lo sets the pace for an exciting album.
11. Slightly Stoopid - Slightly Not Stoned Enough To Eat Breakfast Yet Stoopid
I was amazed to find that this was Stoopid's 7th album released within a career lasting over a decade. After seeing their recent live show, I can see why they are one, if not the biggest cali/dub/reggae/punk bands in the country. This album is full of never-released tracks, remixes, and new versions of older songs, from the most not-stoopid band around.
(Note: This is not the album with "2AM", that is from 2007's Chronchitis)
10. Coldplay - Viva La Vida
All I can say about Coldplay is this. #1, I think it was Rolling Stone Magazine that says they are the biggest band in the world #2, the people of “40-year-old Virgin” think that they’re gay and #3, they make pretty damn good music. Every song is epic and I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a fan of Coldplay.
9. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
The band was an indie hit that was introduced to me via Mtv and KROQ with their first single, “A-Punk”. I was intrigued by the baseline, their lyrics, and the bouncy vibe their music gives off. The album became an indie hit, and after only reading good things, I dove in to their debut album. These ivy-league college guys were influenced by African popular music mixed with Western classical, which doesn’t mean squat until you actually listen to it.
8. The Fashion - The Fashion
Pure boredom during a class break in college was how I found this band. Playing random music online, I stumbled upon the opening to their first single, “Like Knives”, and became a fan. The album is filled with an array of hard-to-label genres that went completely "under the radar" to the rest of the world.
7. Lykke Li - Youth Novels
First off, it's pronounced Leekee Lee. This Swedish sensation carries a truly unique sound that was another hit among those in the indie music world. I’d describe her music to be filled of danceable, subtle beats, bouncing under her angelic, soft and fragile voice. Her song, “Little Bit” was used in a Victoria’s Secret commercial, and got a lot of play on Indie 103.1.
6. kanYe West - 808's & Heartbreak
The only thing about the person Kanye West that I like, is that he doesn’t apologize for anything. This is nothing like any other album West has released, because its straight up – not hip hop. Some say the audio-tone voice things is lame, I think he’s just trying new things. The beats are hipster-ready, electronic, and pop-tastic which may take a couple listens, but I appreciate kanYe's diversity and the new sound on this album.
15. Estelle - Shine
Estelle captivated my attention with "American Boy" early this year. Her album is like a tasty, soulful collection of R&B traks with collaborations that really impressed me. Describing herself as a "London Chick", Estelle is a fresh, unique new face for the female R&B world. Even though this is her second album, Estelle truly makes great choices with some of the best songs Will.I.Am has produced along with the collabos from Cee-Lo, Sean Paul, Mark Ronson, and John Legend.
4. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III
Let me start off by saying that I don't think Weezy is the best rapper alive. He is definitely somewhere in the top 5, and I give him much praise after listening to this album. The way he delivers his rhymes are what, I think, set him apart from Jay-Z, Biggie, Snoop, etc. His voice reaches levels of charisma that fit with every vibe of each song on Tha Carter III.
3. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
Undoubtedly, my favorite new band of the year. I read a lot about this young duo from NYC, and their story is pretty interesting. More importantly, the music they released this year has set a tone for the future of indie music. Synthesized-pop, electronic-funk, and future-disco are all adjectives I've heard to describe their sound, and they still don't do justice to how brilliant, innovative, and catchy this group is. Listen to "Electric Feel" once and if you're not hooked, clean your ears.
2. Santogold - Santogold
You've heard some of her songs on commercials, seen a snippet of her video "L.E.S. Artistes" in between shows on Mtv, and if you still haven't listened to this album, you owe yourself the favor. Think Gwen Stefani combined with the 80's punk/new wave of Debbie Harry, with a sprinkle of M.I.A.'s creativity, and you have 11 of the sickest tracks and the most unique beats in music today. She's versatile, got great hooks, and a unique voice that draws you in. I believe in Santogold.
1. Radiohead - In Rainbows
All technicalities aside, this album was availabe in 2007, but wasn't officially released in stores until this year. It is so good, that I'm carrying it over for this year's #1 album. If you already like Radiohead, then this album will not dissapoint. If you're not a fan, or haven't listened, Thom Yorke and the guys made an album that brings joy, pain, melancholy, intrigue, and sincere creativity that's absolutely worth a listen.
Dec 3, 2008
X-Mas comes early for me
Thanks to the Gods of Rock out there in the heavens, some genius invented a free and innovative personalized online jukebox. The site is called Pandora, and as you search through their library and find the songs you like, this site breaks down the songs by sound, genre, instrumental style, etc. and, at your request, creates a customized radio station. It's very informative, and ridiculously easy to use.
There are a lot of sites out there like this (LastFm, Imeem, etc) but this one is the best
Pandora = my new best online friend.
Don't take my word for it, try it yourself
Click here for Pandora
Sample of Pandora:
There are a lot of sites out there like this (LastFm, Imeem, etc) but this one is the best
Pandora = my new best online friend.
Don't take my word for it, try it yourself
Click here for Pandora
Sample of Pandora:
Dec 1, 2008
Concert Review
Last night, I was lucky enough to watch 2 great bands, Iration and Tomorrow's Bad Seeds, for the first time. The Bad Seeds absolutely KILLED it, and Iration is one great jam band. Another great night of live music, and this epic picture.
Tomorrow's Bad Seeds, taken from last nights show @ the House Of Blues on Sunset.
Tomorrow's Bad Seeds, taken from last nights show @ the House Of Blues on Sunset.
Nov 25, 2008
Out of Hibernation
Been a while, so to refresh this page with my current taste in music.... another playlist!
Sep 28, 2008
Ode to an Underated Genre
I created this playlist to introduce the versatility that is reggae music. It's unfortunately rare to hear a reggae song on the radio but I guess that's what satellite and mp3's are for nowadays. If you can get over the stereotypes of reggae, you can get into a rhythmic world of politics, love, punk, and dance music all over smooth and bouncy beats that are must-see live. Here are 10 tracks that are heavily influenced by reggae's beautiful sounds.
Sep 10, 2008
My Roots
These are the albums that changed the way I listen to music.
Every one of these albums opened the door to the music I enjoy and appreciate now.
From the eloquence that is/was Lauryn Hill, to the pop-punk of New Found Glory that I listened to more than my teachers, to the genius that is the Beatles, Fiona Apple, and Outkast, to hiding the fact that Sublime taught me more about life than my mom should know, all the way to the one and only Michael Jackson, these are the albums that I'm greatly indebted to.
Every one of these albums opened the door to the music I enjoy and appreciate now.
From the eloquence that is/was Lauryn Hill, to the pop-punk of New Found Glory that I listened to more than my teachers, to the genius that is the Beatles, Fiona Apple, and Outkast, to hiding the fact that Sublime taught me more about life than my mom should know, all the way to the one and only Michael Jackson, these are the albums that I'm greatly indebted to.
Aug 18, 2008
From the 2008 Warped Tour
Just some footage proving that Van's annual music festival is sometimes more of an experience, than a concert
2 videos captured with the (lack of) greatness that is a 2.0 Megapixel camera phone.
Here is what it looks like to be in midst of a junk-throwing BattleZone waiting for Rise Against to start playing.
Who knew the skank pit still existed..I didn't, but glad to see its return. Leave it to ska kings Reel Big Fish to get it going!
Warped Tour Highlights:
Against Me!
Say Anything
Rise Against
Story of the Year
*Reel Big Fish
Warped Tour Dissapointments:
the weather
Motion City Soundtrack
Katy Perry (didn't expect much)
2 videos captured with the (lack of) greatness that is a 2.0 Megapixel camera phone.
Here is what it looks like to be in midst of a junk-throwing BattleZone waiting for Rise Against to start playing.
Who knew the skank pit still existed..I didn't, but glad to see its return. Leave it to ska kings Reel Big Fish to get it going!
Warped Tour Highlights:
Against Me!
Say Anything
Rise Against
Story of the Year
*Reel Big Fish
Warped Tour Dissapointments:
the weather
Motion City Soundtrack
Katy Perry (didn't expect much)
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About Me
- DC
- Let's just say I'm a big fan of all things music. A bad day turns good when I hear a new band, listen to a CD for the first time, hear a new song, or get into why music from the past was so good. Since I try to get into as much music as I can, and because my brain can only handle so much..this blog is my venue to let it all out.