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Royall Advertising

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NM...F

New Music Friday!

So its supposed to be Tuesday. But I was busy. TGIF.

Three hot albums on my radar. I've already spoken my piece on Nas and Damian Marley's: Distant Relatives. The album is great and versatile. Two awesome guys making awesome music for a cause. Pick it up. Let's make a change.

Here is one of the more relaxing joints off the album.

Next is the new release Brothers by the Black Keys. Just what you'd expect. I'm really digging this tune:

Garage rock: Austin based Harlem sounds like a swinging party. Check out their album Hippies.

Here is a kwik list of some other songs you may enjoy:

Swoon-Chemical Brothers (ethereal sound, reminiscent of...something stellar)

Tigallo for Dolo-Little Brother (another great example of HIP HOP. Too bad this is the last album. Listen to the reasons why)

Blue Blood Blues-The Dead Weather (they don't call 'em supergroups for nothing)

The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade-The Joy Formidable (dumb name for a band, but some nice epic sounds)

***p.s. if you haven't yet, pick up Astro Coast by Surfer Blood. The whole album is great. The evolution of the Maui Wowee. Surf music for 2010. Gnarly.

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M.I.A., M.I.A.?

I don't know if I'm feeling M.I.A.'s XXXO single. First off, I have to say I love M.I.A., and have since her first album. But this song just doesn't sound like her. Too much synth, not a clever enough construction. Almost poppy.

I love that M.I.A. makes music about her native Sri Lanka, blasting sounds unlike any producer. Her persona, "association" to the Tigers, hard hitting beats...they all add up to such a unique artist. I really do admire her.

So there is no way I'm going to let this affect my judgement of M.I.A., it just won't be my favorite song on the album. You can judge the new joint for yourself.

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Distant Relatives

On a much brighter note, what do you know...music.

A few quick facts.

-Nas and Damian Marley collaborate to bring a full length LP: Distant Relatives.

-Dedicated in heart and soul to Africa

-Intended to bring about change in the hearts of listeners

-Proceeds go to Africa, to build schools

-Lyrics are thought provoking, poetic and fresh

Not much needs to be said when two great voices like this come together. I'm sure you've heard "As You Enter", now take a look at these:

You see, these people are musicians. They choose to make music, not talk about themselves. They choose to give rather than keep. How refreshing.

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Thoughts

"People there's something you should be considerin', things could turn bitter when you don't use discipline."

Haven't posted in a bit. A lot of things have been on my mind about hip-hop. A lot of things have been happening as far as hip-hop. I will get some negative things off my chest later on, but I'll start with the brighter points. For instance, rather than focus on the loss, I'll focus on the life and rhymes of GURU, a true hip-hop mc, architect of thought provoking lyrics and all around artist. If you haven't heard of Gang Starr, go type it up on youtube now. Guru never really achieved Mass Appeal like the song said, but he surely was an inspiration, and listening to his lyrics fills people like me with hope. At a time when people were saying rap wasn't about anything but guns and violence, Guru was an exception. He gave lessons, told stories and rapped in his own unique style, behind hot beats. Even splitting from the group that gave him a name, he continued to pursue the music he had a passion for, questing for the essential sound from his soul with solo projects and collaborations, including Jazzmatazz.

"Just because I want to, it don't mean I will. And just because I'm angry, it don't mean I kill."

Today a song about Discipline would be laughed off the radio, but Guru provided knowledge to young people listening to his music, taking responsibility for the the blessings he earned. Many people don't value these things, and I think its a real shame that music like this isn't what's popular.

"Instead of preaching death in my songs, I breathe life."

Rap music today is a lyrical culture which prizes mechanic musicality, bartering for talent, self-indulgence, and the pursuit of ones desire not only to be recognized, but idolized. In a game where a rapper's worth is now judged by the cleverness of his punch lines, what can the music be called but a joke? Rap music isn't bad. But rappers today are solely concerned with glorifying their own made up legends, constructed by themselves and packaged for the mindless. When a new artist like Drake, isn't talking about himself and his entitlement, he doesn't have enough life experience to offer something interesting to say. We understand you worked very hard with little or no help to get to your fame. Once you've received the power you've sought, is this how you use it? To preach about...yourself? We understand you are famous and now people are after your money. You're so busy talking about how big you are that nobody really ever got the time to know you.

"I'm doin' me."

A few weeks back I watched Anderson Silva, an extremely popular and talented MMA fighter make a fool of himself, displaying the ugliness of pride for the association and millions of fans to see. Mocking his opponent, refusing to stand toe to toe, running around the ring just to prove his own self worth as opposed to the man looking him eye to eye, he made a mockery of the fortune he was given. He spit on his God given talent. He didn't give back to the fans, his opponent or God with a performance of his skills. Rather, like a child, he chose show everyone that he could do whatever he wanted, that he is better. That he does not value anything but himself. That he is an ugly person on the inside. He doesn't deserve what he's got.

You may see where I'm going with this, but I'll say it just to clarify. Musicians are doing the same thing, squandering their talents on their own fancies. They don't care to give back to young people with what they really need, a positive voice. And the excuses for their selfish behavior will never end, but blaming others for their own actions is a trademark of the generation as a whole, so why be accountable? So they continue to make music for themselves and only that.

In one song Wayne diagnoses the pitiful situation. Drop the World at one point reveals his struggle and pain, the ice he chooses to coat himself in...then reveals his blind, stubborn response to anyone who contradicts him, offensively giving off the power well beyond his means...

"So I pick the world up and I drop it on your fucking head. Yeah, I could die now rebirth motherfucker. Hop up in my spaceship and leave Earth motherfucker. I'm gone. Motherfucker, I'm gone."

I learn from these people. I learn to the best of my ability that I will keep the darker sides of myself from coming out with success. I have them. It is my choice not to spread them. Not to preach them. But many people see these characteristics and prize them. Emulate them. It's sad the amount of young people's lives will be ruined by this music, it truly is.

Instead of getting defensive, instead of justifying the music with the person's story, instead just listen and try to understand. As a generation, we all must grow up. These young men have been given way too much responsibility, way too fast, it is true. In the same situation, it is only their behavior that will inspire some to act differently, their choice to pursue the glory traded for a another's choice to be a man. For all his pride, at least Kanye took a stand. For all his anger at least Pac spoke his soul. For all the riches at least Big revealed his faults...

...for all the temptations, at least Guru had discipline.

The music is what I'm talking about. Your life is your choice, but you don't choose your audience, they choose you. They gave you what you have. Don't leave them by the wayside. You didn't ask for them, but you got them. They look up to you. Take care of them. Instead of satisfying the jealousy of a hater, satisfy the hunger of the kids who just need something to lift them up, your music. Giving back in the face of the overwhelming force telling you to take for yourself makes you not only an artist, but a hero.

RIP GURU 1966-2010

Music Trend of the Week: All Talk

Fuck singing...seriously. I am going to go to this PARTY and I am going to tell you EXACTLY what's going down, bitch. There will be boozing. And I will be alll up in that piece with all my hoes looking fly and wearing cool shit like glasses indoors. And after all that I'm gona wake up and do it all again. Lastly, DON'T EXPECT ME TO TELL ALL ABOUT IT WITH MELODIES AND SHIT! Talking's just fine. Who do you think I am, an artist?

Love, Kesha

It seems that Kesha has put beat talking on the map.

It's not just girls though. More and more peeps have decided that talking is the way to go. I'll admit, Tik Tok is a guilty pleasure. I think it's everyone's. Does this asshole deserve to make a ton of money off the song? No. But hell, I've seen my guy friends squeal when it came on the radio (not naming any names but...Gore and Spiller.)

About those other artists...even guys are jumping at this party.

As for the above artist, Uffie, you might say she sounds like a rip of Kesha. But hold the phone! Anyone who's copped that Justice album Cross knows that their song The Party (with like 27 R's and 52 T's...and featuring Uffie) came out like two years ago! Take a listen and see if you notice any similarities:

Come on you little gypsy...didn't think we were going to find out?

Now if you really want to be that girl who needs to play this song every night before you go out with your girls to 'just dance', fine. Be that girl. We don't like you anyway. Guys...own up to it. You listen to this song when it comes on the radio. Stop acting like you don't. Just don't do it with the windows down...

Does this type of music glamorize the act of being a drunken, sloppy whore? Yes it certainly does. Thankfully, a drunken sloppy whore who happens to have access to all the alcohol and fame she can shove in her ass will probably squander it before she can do any real damage. So...to conclude:

Kesha! She's got Amy Winehouse's vices, but none of her talent.

and...

Beat Talking! Talentless work, but damn if it isn't catchy.

It's like the sassy version of the vocoder box. But is it really something to worry about? Hopefully not. I don't think many more people are gona jump on this bandwagon. If they did...can you imagine the new types of battles over who came out first and so on? Nothing more than gossip on a beat. And that would suck.

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Kwik List

You wana be cool? Huh? Is that what you want to do????

Here's a quick playlist for early 2o1o. Gotta have the right music.

Talamak-Toro y Moi

Karen-Chew Lips

Audience of One-Cold War Kids

Love Cry-Four Tet

Ambling Alp-Yeasayer

The Uncomfortable Truth-Nneka

Animal (Mark Ronson Remix)-Miike Snow

Fader-Temper Trap

C'mon-The Soft Pack

Oh My-Redman feat. Reggie

Rocket-Goldfrapp

Mystery Zone-Spoon

As We Enter-Damian Marley and Nas

Chasing Pirates-Norah Jones

Flickin'-Kidz In The Hall

The High Road-Broken Bells

Promises-The Morning Benders

Golden-Bear Hands

My Baby Left Me (Arms Remix)-Rox

Cranberry-The Ruby Suns

Kites-Geographer

Odessa-Caribou

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Wale: Attention Deficit

Wale's album has finally dropped: Attention Deficit, and it was worth the wait. Make sure you pick it up/download/whatever the hell you do. I'm sure Wale will be one of the most talked about mc's of 2010. Check out these two tracks, as well as the rest of the album:

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Quantic and his Combo Barbaro

At times the internet acts as a quest, of sorts, to stumble upon gems hidden from the masses yet available to all. When it comes to music, these discoveries yield happiness, especially for someone with a love for the sounds of the world.

Music is a story, from the artist to the delicate beat of the drum...and in some ways, the fact that individuals from all walks of life cultivate rich stories gives me faith in our sometimes wavering generation.

This brings me to Quantic, originally William Holland, from Bewdley, Worcestershire. In 2007, Holland moved to my father's hometown of Cali, Colombia, and subsequently began to mix all of the elements of my favorite types of music, notably salsa, bossa nova, jazz, hip-hop, funk and soul, into eclectic and contemporary dance floor rhythms. It's simple, perennial and fun...music you don't need to strain yourself to enjoy, a vision of several loving slices of life.

His 2008 track Mi Swing es Tropical was recently featured on HBO's 24/7 program. I loved it. Luckily, HBO remains courteous enough to treat it's viewers to lists of the fantastic music featured in their programs, a feature they debuted with the Entourage series on hbo.com.

When I went to look into Quantic I found several things out. First, what can turn into a simple search for a groove can lead to the discovery of a story told though beautiful music. As you'll see in the videos, this man loves the country he moved to, and his videos feature real people. He samples less than most. And every song on his latest release, Tradition in Transition, is better than most. Quantic is signed to the independent U.K. label, Tru Thoughts. Look up their website for motley crew of artists each with their own style. I will be researching and bringing more to you as the weeks go by.

Until then, here is the video for it's single Un Canto a Mi Tierra featuring folk singer Nidia Gongora, filmed near her hometown of Timbiqui, Colombia. I'll also toss in Mi Swing Es Tropical, which is verry chill. Throw that one on while you're out by the pool.

Un Canto a Mi Tierra:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5_Fusasy2s (copy/paste...embedding disabled)

Websites/articles:

http://www.quantic.org/

http://www.tru-thoughts.co.uk/artists (read the about section)

http://bongohead.blogspot.com/2009/09/working-with-quantic.html (blog, featuring the album artist. The artwork is great)

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New Dimensions

Two artist are making me slap that ass this week...

First, Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas has come out with a solo album, entitled Phrazes for the Young. You'll notice his distinctive voice over vibrant electronic music. Some of this stuff is completely out of the 80's, which isn't a bad thing to me. It's definitely a fun batch of music have in the old i-pod while walking or in the car. Check out the first single 11th Dimension, as well as Left and Right In The Dark.

Next, there's Das Pop. You'll be hard pressed to find their music for download here in the states; their album isn't even available yet on iTunes. But they are a Belgian band with some feel good music, slightly reminiscent of Phoenix. Slightly. I like 'em. You can watch their single Never Get Enough of Your Love on youtube, but the song I'm into is Wings. All I could find was this live video, but if you get the chance, download the track.

This is unusual cuz I'm not a big Juvenile fan. This song just sounds cool for no particular reason.

And last but not least, I started following John Delamora, DJ producer of Trance Nation Radio. If you're into trance, he's got some great music on his websites:

www.trancenation.de

johndelamora.com

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Duck Sauce

Well known DJ's A-Track and Armand Van Helden have joined forces to create Duck Sauce! Which, explained by them,

"...is Armand Van Helden and A-Trak making house music

and eating Chinese food. Who's hungry? Quack quack."

Awesome. The music is much more, however, immediately catchy and funky. I'll post an interview below, as well as their first single (which was JUST released in the UK), aNYway. For some reason, I have a feeling that this music is gona be big as far as house gos...they say they're strictly going for music to tear clubs down. And I am down with that.

...and another song, You're Nasty................IS nasty.

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Hot Albums fo' That Ass

Don't need to say much to get you to pick up Blueprint 3. Just listen to Empire State of Mind and you'll see what you're working with. Can I say the album lives up to that quality as it goes on and on? Yes. And yes, I am in love with Alicia Keys...so hot, so talented. Damn....

Here is the video, courtesy of the Japanese. And Lil Mama...get the hell off the stage?

Next...some unexpected great stuff. Break Up, a collaboration between Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johannsen, is delightfully splendid throughout. With just enough variation between tracks, every song puts you in a good mood, no matter what the hell they're talking about (refer to album title). You will see this music in a huge batch of indie films, guaranteed. And yes, I am in love with Scarlett Johannsen. So hot, so urban outfitters. Step off Pete. Damn...

Not the full video. Check out the whole album though. Good beach music?

Next! Muse's Uprising. The album starts of with the title track and a bang, and quickly goes into hard hitting sounds that lift Muse to unexpected territories. A definite highlight is Undisclosed Desires, and I can't go without mentioning the epic, three part rock symphony that ends the album off.

Last, but not least, Kamaal The Abstract from the man Q-Tip. I'm a big fan of a Tribe Called Quest, and this album is exactly what I would expect for someone with Q-Tip's talent. His other solo efforts were...meh...but this record has such a balanced sound, which runs from funky and hip to straight up soulful. Check out the final track Even If It Is So to see what I mean.

This is good music. Fuck the radio, listen to people that are actually putting out something worthwhile.

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New Music Tuesday

Here's four new tracks I downloaded on this fine new music Tuesday:

First, a track which is so nice and fresh it makes me want to run outside naked. The artist is The Very Best, a combination of Esau Mwamwaya, a singer from Malawi and Radioclit, a pair of UK dj's. This particular track features Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend, a band that takes a lot of inspiration from African sounds. Lovin' it.

Here is a live performance. You'll notice Ezra's vocals off the bat, although he isn't present.

They released a mixtape not too long ago, featuring Esau on top of some familiar tracks. You can download it here:

http://stereogum.com/archives/mp3/new-very-best-feat-ezra-koenig-warm-heart-of-africa_074692.html

Next...another single from Tiesto: Kaleidoscope.

"This is small town music. This is big time music. He's ahead of his time you know, but, he can't use it." So goes Song Away by Hockey, a band from Portland Oregon, receiving more attention from overseas than at home. The entire time, the lyrics are nothing but honest about what the band is trying to do, "writing an honest song over an 80's groove among other things. Their sound is laid back, and very American. Reminiscent of Tom Petty. Definitely check it out. Funny video with that weird girl from Knocked Up:

Next is a more ethereal track by a band called The Big Pink. Not sure, let me know what you think...

Enjoy...Out

New Music Tuesday

Three songs today from my perusing...

First, an obvious one, Feel It In My Bones, by Tiesto feat. Tegan and Sara. His new album, Kaleidoscope, drops on October 20. Let's hope it gives us a little more variety than Guetta's One Love. Judging from this track, its sounds like Miami's golden boy won't disappoint.

Feel It To My Bones - Tiesto feat. Tegan and Sara

Next is The Cribs, a new indie rock band (for U.S. audiences) from West Yorkshire. Here is their single We Share The Same Skies.

We Share The Same Skies (Album Version) - The Cribs

Maybe So, Maybe No, by Mayer Hawthorne, proves that white boys with black rimmed glasses still got soul. I'm really digging this music. Also check out Just Ain't Gonna Work Out. I've posted both official videos below.

Enjoy, Out

The Drank

Here's a big one. Myself and my friend Justin Campagnano have been making rap music for a few years now, gettin better as time goes on. We've just refined our sound and made a name for our group: The Drank. Our first full length album, JuiceBox, will be out in 2010, and until then we will release music as it gets done.

Well our first single is done: "Where The Love Is Free". We wanted to capture an old school feel with our own twist. This track takes inspiration from A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast and Dr. Dre among others. Enjoy, and let me know what you think.

Where The Love Is Free | Music Upload

Expect a music video soon as well boi...

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Wax Poetics

I was watching current (aren't I hip?) and I found out about this magazine called Wax Poetics. It's a publication that takes a look at hip-hop through the lens of jazz, funk and soul. I think publications like this are what make music journalism great. It's not about what's most popular, it's about learning about the music itself, loving it, and discovering where it came from. Whether your interested in the new, the old, or both...poetics will deliver an entertaining read that, as the founder said: "you will never think about throwing in the garbage" like another magazine.

This month is it's first Brazil issue, featuring an interview with Tropicalia founder Gilberto Gil. As a sidenote...the Brazilians have come out with some of the greatest music on Earth, creating new genres and a distinct sound. I'll get into them more in another post.

But for now, check out waxpoetics.com for more information on the magazine. This is what music is about.

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New Music Tuesday

It's Tuesday, and I've got a couple new songs to show you all. First, though, a few big albums came out this week.

First off is Humbug by the Arctic Monkeys. This band's been huge in England for several years now, and you may know their songs I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor or Teddy Picker. Humbug takes a much darker and slower turn than their previous two albums. It's different, to say the least, but I'm still getting into it. Check out:

Cornerstone - Arctic Monkeys

Dance Little Liar - Arctic Monkeys

Next is David Guetta's One Love. To be honest, if you've heard one of his new songs you've heard them all. Party anthems for the club, in the vein of Love Is Gone. Substitute big name artist for each track and you get the idea. I wish his album had more musical variance, but it really doesn't.

Jet came out with Shaka Rock. There is some nice progression in their sound on certain songs. Others sound like the same old wannabe rock and roll. Maybe it's just me but sometimes this band sounds like it's trying too damn hard.

Here are some interesting stand alone tracks I found this week:

Passion Pit: To Kingdom Come

A catchy song with a neat video...

Needtobreathe: Lay 'Em Down

Soulful, reminiscent of K.o.L.

The xx: Islands

Nice, chill, electronic sound

Lily Allen's new single 22 live

...and In For The Kill by La Roux

In For The Kill - La Roux

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Two Cool Songs + Love From New York

Here are two cool new songs from the UK!

Animator by Pull Tiger Tail

Superhuman Touch from Athlete

Also check out this preview for the new film New York, I Love You. It is a sequel of sorts to Paris J'Taime, which I saw a while back and was amazed by. What's notable is that Phoenix's 1901 is featured in the trailer. If you don't know, Phoenix is one of my favorite bands, and I'm so glad they're finally getting out there. Enjoy!

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3eb and Anjulie

I'm back, feeling a bit lazy today. But...here is another song from Anjulie

Also, Third Eye Blind came out with their new album Ursa Major today. There's been some internet contraversy about them. A lot of current bands think of Third Eye Blind as a huge inspiration, apparently, and a lot of critics are baffled. Personally I love Third Eye Blind. They were a big part of my 90's music experience, and their latest album before this, Out of the Vein, was good as well. I haven't listened to all of Ursa Major yet, cuz my cd burner is broke and my I-pod was stolen...but I will soon. For now, here is the video for their new single, Don't Believe A Word:

Hope it didn't give you a seizure...

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Hiatus

I'm gona be leaving for a cruise to Belize and the Western Carib tomorrow, so this'll be my last post for about a week. The computer I'm using sucks so some of the posts I've done already might not be working. Never fear, I'll get 'em when I come back. Have a great week, I know I will.

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