Monday, December 28, 2009

It matters where you spend...

I recently started a new gig working with a great start-up, shustir.com. As someone who has always had issues with large corporations, chain stores, and the like, I feel aligned morally with the mission of the site. The main focus and goal is to build, create and support an online small business community, like-minded consumers included, as well as offer virtual storefronts for the businesses that become members. Shustir wisely defines small business not only as companies but also entrepreneurs, self-employed people, freelancers, creative types, etc. Basically, for the type of person I, and many others of my generations and the next, have been our entire adult lifes.

It's a great idea which couldn't have come at a better time. Given the direct effect corporate America and big business have had recently on the economy worldwide, as well as on the general quality of life of the average American and world citizen (not to mention animal), it's pretty clear that there needs to be a major change. While my personal political views might call for more extreme and immediate measures, Shustir is a key part of a larger movement which can positively change the direction of things from within. By helping shift the national, and worldwide, consciousness towards supporting local businesses, choosing small business over large and seeking to work for oneself instead of for a corporation or big company, there is much that an entity like Shustir can accomplish.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Uptown gold....




Harlem's Cash = Monster Rap (i.e. this dude is way, way ahead of his peers)

I'm always happy when a rapper comes along who reinvigorates my passion for the music. I'm even happier when it's a New Yorker. When they're from uptown, where I was born and raised, it's the icing on the cake. Harem's Cash is just that MC. I've heard bits and pieces of his music for a minute now but I finally got around to downloading his mixtapes. I was really impressed. He's extremely lyrical, has an excellent flow, a great voice, as well as great choruses and concepts for his songs. Some of his choices of original beats weren't as impressive but they were definitely different and well produced. The Government, his main producer, certainly pushes the envelope. How he isn't signed and on the radio with all of the cornballs that are out there I'll never know. But it sure wouldn't be the first time.


Friday, November 6, 2009

Depth Charge...


Floating Points - " Vacuum EP " ( Eglo Records UK 2009 )

A couple of months ago I picked up what would become my favorite House track is quite a while at Turntable Lab. It was on a label I knew little about from an artist I had heard of but associated with downtempo, experimental electronic stuff. That track was "Vacuum Boogie" of off the "Vacuum EP" by Floating Points on Eglo Records UK. From what I've read the man behind the EP has just recently started working in the House Music realm. If this is any indication he has a bright future ahead of him.

It's a record that has the elements I love in a track; deep, dubby, spacey, melodic and bass heavy. I was hooked from the first time I heard the hard, lo-fi drums which start the song. From there Floating Points builds up the track nicely, adding sounds after sound until the full groove is revealed in all it's sonic glory. Yeah, it's that good. One of those 12's I've listened to repeatedly at one time, happily getting up to put the needle back to the beginning again and again.



BUY IT ON VINYL HERE. Unfortunately, the record seems to be sold out at both Turntable Lab and Dopejams, the only two U.S. retailers I've seen the record stocked in. So that means ordering it from overseas unless the 12" can be tracked down domestically. You can always buy the digital version but I'm a vinyl guy so I'll let you figure that out on your own.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

In Fashawn...


Fashawn - " Boy Meets World. " ( One Records )

I'm back after a looong break. Work and life got in the way for a while. One of the things that inspired me to return is a great new Hip Hop album which may be under the radar for a lot of people. It's "Boy Meets World", a collaboration between Fresno, Ca MC Fashawn and one of my favorite current producers, LA's Exile. Like Exile's last collabo "Below The Heavens" with Blu, this album is produced entirely by him and has a cohesive sound which isn't heard much anymore nowadays in the era of multi-producer LPs.

The record touches on a wide array of subject matter with a fresh, conscious yet streetwise approach. Fashawn has an energetic style and doesn't really sound like anyone else, which is always nice considering how many rappers lack originality in 2009. I like the fact that he can be substantive and thoughtful without being preachy. Oh yeah, and he's only 21 years old. Definitely one to watch in 2010 and beyond.

Exile comes with his usual sample-driven style which while definitely similar in some respects (particularly on this album which has many piano/keyboard heavy tracks) maintains an eclectic feel. Also, he still has some of the best drums in the game right now, which is something I look for in a producer. If you get a chance check the album out and support the artists.

Here's a link to "Freedom" one of the standout cuts from the album.

Here's a link to it's Amazon page. The album is worth previewing at the very least. Cop it if you have the dough....

Thursday, September 3, 2009

$, Money,$....


A lot of people are feeling like this lately....The mix of a recession and gentrification can be a deadly brew.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Brown Baggin' it....



Brown Bag All Stars - "I'll Remain" (Produced by Tailor Made NYC)

I just added a track I produced for good friends Brown Bag All Stars to my Mixpod. It's actually the song you're hearing right now. The mp3 was just leaked online and is already getting a lot of blog love. I'm really glad people like it, this is one of my favorite beats and BBAS really do their thing lyrically. In the near future look for songs I produced for Brown Bag Member Koncept on his upcoming EP as well as his new mixtape "Konverses V.2"



Sunday, July 26, 2009

Syreeta & Stevie get housed...

Rainer Trueby - "To Know You " (Compost Recs White Label 2009)

Great House reworking of the 1972 classic "To Know You Is To Love You" by Stevie Wonder's protege, Syreeta. The original was written by and featured Stevie. This new mix is great, using snippets of the original smartly to build a great Deep House track. This is on a limited edition white label released by Compost Records out of Germany, a label usually known for Deep Techno. I was fortunate enough to be able to track down a copy here in NYC. It's a very recent release so 12"s should still be floating around. Easily one of my favorite club records of 2009.





Friday, July 17, 2009

My mixtape's better than your album....



WALE & 9th WONDER - " BACK TO THE FEATURE " MIXTAPE


I don't plan on posting much new Hip Hop on here, there are a million blogs out there for that, but I will on occasion when it's a project as good as this one by one of DC's finest, Wale.

I've been a fan of Wale's since I first heard the "100 Miles & Running" mixtape a couple of years ago. Since then he's kept working hard, growing as a lyricist and songwriter. Add to that 9th Wonder's consistent boom bap production and a bunch of established and up & coming MC's and you've got one of the better releases of 2009. And yes, like has been the case for years now, this free mixtape, or "street album" really, is better than of the most official releases that are out right now. Enjoy...

DOWNLOAD IT HERE


Monday, July 13, 2009

One Step Forward, Two Steps Backwards..


Yes, a Whites only kid's pool in the Philly area, 2009.


Despicable but not surprising unfortunately. Many in the mainstream media, particularly on Cable News, have feigned shock in this case. Reporting this incident as something that doesn't fit into the current racial climate, even in the "liberal" Northeast, is to ignore the realities of racism, particularly towards Blacks, in Modern America. In my opinion, only when situations like this, and the causes of them, are openly and honestly discussed and dealt with can things really move forward in this country. That may sound like a cliched statement, but it's also a true one.

If you'd like to be involved in bringing justice to this case, here is a good place to start: http://www.colorofchange.org/swim/email/?id=2082-70047


Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Rudeness...




Sun Palace - " Rude Movements " ( Passion Recs UK 1983 )

What can I say about this song? While it's not your typical "club" track because of it's tempo and laid-back vibe, it is a much loved early eighties classic for those familiar with it. The term "beautiful" comes to mind when describing it. I first heard this song as a kid on WBLS's late night show "The Quiet Storm." Known for playing slow jams and very mellow club tracks, "Rude Movements" was regularly played for years.

At that time I thought it was a Jazz record because of the instrumental solos that are featured. Little did I know it was actually a British 12" produced by a couple of guys who were experimenting with synths and drum machines. Later, I started to hear it in clubs during closing sets. I watched as the older club heads went crazy to it, doing their steps like they would to the early House records of the time. I never found out the name of the 12" and it was eventually forgotten.

Then some years later I was enthusiastically reintroduced to the song by Bobbito Garcia who considered it one of his favorites. After that I went on the hunt and was fortunate enough to find a copy for cheap. This is not a cheap record, to say the least. Look it up on Discogs or Ebay, it costs $$$$. If you do decide to track it down be aware that this is the B-side. The A-side is titled "Winning" so it might be easier to search for it under that name.


Saturday, June 13, 2009

Body...


Stephanie Mills- " Put Your Body In It " 12" Mix ( 20th Century Fox Recs 1979 )



While Disco heads have always loved both sides of this 12", it's unfortunate that the A-side, "What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin' ", the title cut of the related album, is the much more popular and well-known of the two songs. As is so often the case, the B-side wins again.

Here we have the extended 12" mix of one of my favorite late-70's Disco records. Produced by the great team of James Mtume (of "Juicy Fruit" fame) and Reggie Lucas (first Madonna Album, etc), this song features easily one of the best synthesized bass/keyboard lines in Disco as the main groove. Luckily, that part is featured even more on the 12" version. Released in 1979, it would be easy to mistake this for an early 80's track if it weren't for the strings and the change-up which are classic orchestrated Disco.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Raphie boy...


A portrait of Ralph Nader by the Lorimer stop of the L train, Brooklyn, NYC. This is sadly somewhat fitting...

Friday, June 5, 2009

Somebody....


Glenn Jones - " I Am Somebody Instrumental " ( RCA Recs 1983 )

Even though this 12" is 26 years old, it's one of my current favorites of any genre. While this is a slept on record, it's a prime example of very well-produced major label Boogie. I was hesitant to share this track because it's an ignored hidden gem, but it's too good not to. I really love the hook, which was fortunately included in the instrumental, as well as the synth bass line, the main keyboard groove, and pretty much everything else. It's close to a perfect track, I don't even mind the slightly cheesy change up which appeared on many of the productions from this era. Check the ridiculous extended keyboard riff that shows up only once towards the end of the record, if only it was used more...

This is more proof that RCA Records was hands down one of the strongest, most consistent major labels when it came to club-oriented music in the early to mid-Eighties. Enjoy...

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Restless natives...


This stencil was in front of Classickicks right above Houston St. Was the artist targeting sneakerheads? Hhmm.

To be honest, what's written here represents the sentiment which I hear from many native New Yorkers nowadays (actually for the last 10 years.) It's not easy to feel like a stranger in your own neighborhood, especially if it's the one you grew up in. Some may see this stencil as a bit extreme. I can understand that.

Some might also say the city has only benefited by the vast gentrification that has taken place. I wouldn't agree. Certain racial and economic groups certainly have reaped the rewards, while others have suffered greatly. I will say that gentrification has been way out of hand for a long time now and the city has been culturally decimated in a number of ways because of it.

I like that someone else completely flipped the piece with just a subtle black marker by adding an arrow inferring that "Damon Damon" isn't from here either. I wouldn't be shocked if he/she wasn't. That's a whole other story though....

Friday, May 29, 2009

Games...


Sweet G - " Games People Play Instrumental " ( Fever Recs 1983 )

I'm posting this track because I found a $4 mint copy of the 12" a couple of days ago which will be replacing the worn out one I've had since I was a kid. It's not rare, but I figured it deserved a posting. The A-side is of course an Old School Hip Hop classic that has been sampled endlessly. It was also a big club and radio record produced and arranged by Kurtis Blow and mixed by John "Jellybean" Benitez.

The song had a strong early 80's R&B/Boogie feel to it as well. Using live musicians along with some studio effects, it is superbly mixed and mastered. The drums are ridiculous, the bass line is heavy, the arrangement is layered and very musical, and the breaks are constant. While the vocal version was huge in the early Hip Hop scene and everywhere else, at least here in New York, the instrumental version also got play in the dance clubs and on R & B mix shows on stations like WBLS. It really became it's own record and much more than just a b-side.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Thursday, May 28, 2009

I'm not a member...


Here is a link to an excellent short piece from the LA Progressive. The article deals with the sad fact that the Obama Administration is getting constant passes from progressives, and the "liberal" media, for many of the really bad decisions it's made since taking power. Calling them out on the decision to not release the Iraqi torture photos after promising to do so is not enough. Other issues need to be fully addressed. Obama's recent decisions on policy include many broken promises and reversed stances. Particularly in regard to issues which the Obama campaign used to rally support among a very disparate group made up of Democrats, liberals, progressives, and sadly, members of the left who should have known better.

I've never been a member of Obama's apologist fan club, or his cult of personality for that matter. I didn't even vote for the guy (the horror!!) and I'm happier about that choice with every backtrack, every continuation of Bush's policies, and every act which disregards the people who really mobilized to get him elected. Dude is a mainstream American politician, plain and simple. A charismatic, likable politician who has advanced some good causes. But still, at best, a centrist Democrat hiding in liberal clothing. The fact that the far right keeps attacking him doesn't make him a "socialist," a member of the left, a progressive, or even a liberal for that matter. Actions speak louder than words.

As more progressive and left wing groups take issue with his, and his cabinet members', decisions every day, it will only be a matter of time before the average liberal realizes they've been taken advantage of. Hopefully, at that point we will see greater scrutiny and criticism of the Obama administration's actions from the left of center.

Friday, May 22, 2009

The logo man...


The man behind my (still unfinished) logo, Koncept, drops a really solid track featuring blog favorites Donny Goines and 6th Sense. If you don't know, Koncept is part of Brown Bag Allstars, one the up and coming NYC crews making noise right now. Check for one of my beats on their upcoming EP, as well as (hopefully) one on Koncept's upcoming EP as well, if he hears something he likes that is. We're doing it Music biz 2009 style; trading beats for logos, supporting friends with free beats and verses, etc. Nowadays, you better be making music for the love first and not the money, or you're in for a rude surprise.

CHECK THE SONG OUT HERE


BONUS:



I also produced a track for Koncept's 2008 mixtape "Konverses" titled "Livelihood." I've always liked the beat, the scratched hook is great, and Koncept flows nicely with his usual high energy style.

CHECK THE SONG OUT HERE

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Movement...



Freda Payne - " In Motion - Instrumental " ( Sutra Records 1982 )

The legendary singer Freda Payne come through with a straight uptempo early Eighties Boogie track. Produced and arranged by a couple of the Sylvers brothers using a combination of live and synth parts. The B-side wins again; an instrumental version of the song with the hook and some sparse vocals included, as well as a robo-vocoder on the hook.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Looks fun...


A Sunset Disco Rooftop BBQ w/ People Don't Dance No More
Thursday May 21, 2009 A Sunset Disco BBQ with...
People Don't Dance No More

With resident DJs
ROBOT BLAIR + DAVID BRUNO

$5 Plates of BBQ!
Drink specials all night!

FREE admission, 6-10pm

I have no involvement in this, but the free weekly parties on Weds and Thurs at Studio B this summer could be fun. Especially when there's Disco to be heard...I just hope this pic doesn't represent the crowd, although I'm sure there will be some dudes with mustaches just like these, plus plenty of disco beardos, yaayyyy.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Back to the music...


Weeks & Co. - "Rock Your World - Instrumental" ( Chaz Ro Records 1981)

I'm taking it back to more of a live sound with this 12" which was recorded with a full band. "Rock Your World" was a pre-Salsoul release from the classic early Eighties group Weeks & Co. which features great horn arrangements, breaks, and an uptempo groove. Once again, I'm picking the instrumental version, which seems to be much harder to find online than the quite popular vocal version.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Welcome back.....


Over the last week I've been listening to the new De La Soul "album." Basically, it's a cohesive, continuous mix of brand new songs which loosely tie in to the work out theme of the company, Nike, who both sponsored released the album (on Itunes only.) It's nice to hear De La continuing to expand their sound. There are major electronic influences on this record which work on most cuts, and don't on a couple. as usual, they are on point lyrically and manage to drop knowledge in a subtle manner. They even dis Nike on a song and got away with it, probably because the suits over there didn't catch the references. Too bad for them.

While I love Nike kicks, and always have, I'm not a fan of their business practices, particularly when it comes to sweatshops and labor exploitation. I'm also unsure about this corporate giant releasing albums to promote their products. I suppose it isn't very different from Sony or Universal doing the same. I'll say one thing, De La used the opportunity to get more press than they have in years, and I feel they deserve it. They're an under appreciated group, to say the least.

If you're a fan, definitely check the album out. I'm not posting a download link, you can find one yourself. Or you can go to Itunes and cop it for $9.99.

Old to the new...


For many, many years this was my weapon of choice for making music:

The beautiful machine known as the MPC 2000Xl.



Very recently I bought one of these:

The new Macbook. (The $999 joint with all of the expansions)



One of the main reasons I bought it was for music production. Basically to drag myself out of the stone age of hardware and into the modern era of software. I have friends (shout out to J57 and AMD) who murder beats using computer programs. I've resisted. But no longer. Not to say my MPC is going anywhere, I still plan on using it as a central part of my production, but I am no longer a "purist."

I'm also no longer a Mac hater like I was when I used PCs. Sorry to say it but Macs are just more user friendly. I don't like how Apple manipulates their loyal customers or the market in order to make more profit (i.e. the iphone's original cost versus a couple of weeks later when it was lowered), but I can tell already that my music, DJing, and online presence will greatly benefit from the change. To all my friends who have been trying to get me to switch to software for years: you're all right. There I said it.

Global Warming as "hype" and "misinformation"


Do you see anything wrong with this picture? I sure hope so. Even if you don't care about animals like I do, you probably care about your family and friends. The Polar Bear is in deep trouble now, we're a couple steps behind.

Right-wing ideologues have joined forces with some oil, coal and gas interests to unleash a torrent of fake science, scare-mongering statistics and propaganda designed to stop climate progress in Washington. They are willing to destroy the planet's future to make profits now.

Consider:

  • A $500 million war chest to run scare ads and pressure lawmakers.
  • Thousands of D.C. lobbyists with one goal to stop climate progress.
  • A reckless disregard for truth or for the planet's future.

The opposition is in full fury. Time to step up if you give a shit about anything of value. I won't even put into print what I think should happen to these people. Hey, if they're gone, there will be more resources for the decent people of the world. 'Nuff said.

Please consider supporting non-profit environmental groups who are desperately trying to fight the lies, deception and trickery of these snakes in suits and ties. The Environmental Defense Fund is a good place to start.

Respect to LA rapper, and Strong Arm Steady member, Phil The Agony for releasing what I believe is the first environmentally friendly Hip Hop album. The CD was produced using green methods, a tree is planted for every CD sold, and crucial issues about the environment are rhymed about by Phil, Talib Kweli, Planet Asia, Jean Grae and others.

CHECK IT OUT HERE


Tuesday, May 5, 2009

One of the forefathers...


The Paul Simpson Connection - "Treat Me - Dubmental Mix" (Atlantic Recs 1985)

If you aren't familiar with the man, Paul Simpson was one of the producers who forged the New York House sound in the early to mid- Eighties. He's best known for the track "Use me, Lose me" (Streewise Recs 1982) which even that far back clearly had all of the elements that would soon be referred to as House music.

As usual, I'm going with the dub mix on the b-side which actually has a slightly different title from the vocal version on the flip, which was named 'Treat her Sweeter." Anyway, I'd call this an early House record, but some would call it Proto-House or even late Boogie. However you choose to label this nine minute plus track, enjoy the really great production which was a prime example of what a couple of years later became known as NY Deep House.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Monday, May 4, 2009

The man...


I went to the 90th birthday celebration of Pete Seeger last night at Madison Square garden with my parents, who have been fans since their early days as radicals in the 60's. If you don't know who he is, you at least know some of his songs. Since childhood, I pretty much guarantee it. Unless you grew up under a rock that is. For over seven decades he has fought for civil rights, peace, the environment, etc. He still is, plus he's influenced so many generations of musicians that last night looked like a who's who of the last 50 years in rock and Folk.

True music and film legends, African-American icons, Native American groups, even Obama, who sent a personal letter, all praised him. I have to say, the shit was touching, and more importantly, inspiring. My question is, who is going to replace people like Pete Seeger when they're gone?



Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Right on target...


THE JONES GIRLS - "On Target" Instrumental (RCA Recs 1983)

By 1983 The Jones Girls were an established act with hits under their belt. Even so, this is a lesser known track, but a really good one. A solid uptempo, boogieish production. The song was co-produced by Fonzi Thorton, who was an artist in his own right (Check out "(Uh Oh) There Goes My heart".)

I chose the B-side, which is the instrumental version of the album's title track. Really it's a dub in that the chorus and some backing vocals are included. Once again, I prefer this to the vocal version. I have to say, RCA records was killing it in the early 80's when it came to 12's. They put out many known classics (Evelyn "Champagne" King- "I'm I Love') as well as excellent releases that went under the radar of the general public, or that were limited to promo-only pressings, often with exclusive mixes.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Let's begin.....


Jeffrey Osborne - "Plane Love (Dub Version)" (A & M Records 1983)

Might as well start with a great track. Shout to DJ Seeps for playing this record, it helped me to remember I even had it. For the longest I slept on it, even though it's been in my collection for years. I'd heard played it out and in mixes but didn't put two and two together, duh. Yet another example of the dub version murdering the vocal one. George Duke's production is top notch, which is no surprise. Although he may generally be associated with Jazz Fusion stuff, Duke also produced some great Disco, Boogie and Club tracks. This is one of them...

A Fresh Start.....

We've been a round for a minute, just not on blogspot. Check us out...