Friday, 21 November 2008
I've got one hand in my pocket, and...
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Vahé:LeisureCAST - 006. The "Other" Final Frontier
earth, heading underground, you start to hear the forgotten classics of hip hop's yesteryear.
01. illegal - back in the day (5:01)
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Vahé:LeisureCAST - 005. Smoke Suite
01. cut chemist - the garden (6:16)
Monday, 10 November 2008
Vahé:LeisureCAST - 004. House Is The Home Where The Heart Is (Pt. 2)
01. sunaga't experience - chitose airport (9:04)
12. the rurals - i'm lost (ananda project remix) (6:55)
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
Vahé:LeisureCAST - 003. A Naked Dream As You Sleep (Pt. 1)
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Vahé:LeisureCAST - 002. Back Down To Earth (Pt. 2)
01. sonar kollektiv orchester - ain't no dream (no use introduction) (0:58)
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Vahé:LeisureCAST - 001. Space Is The Place (Pt. 1)
perfect marriage of the "live" and the "programmed".
Vahé:LeisureCAST
Friday, 10 October 2008
Multi-Facial (starring Vin Diesel)
no it's not a porno. it's actually a short film written, directed and produced by Vin Diesel, which first got him noticed by Hollywood and pretty much led to the career he has now. it's apparently based on Vin's real life experience going for auditions as a mixed-race actor, and how he has to struggle with it. it's surprisingly decent, and while i always knew Vin had acting chops (he showed hints of it here n there), this proves he does without a doubt. it's only 20mins long so check it out.
V.
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
what does the "T" in T-Pain stand for?
my friends have their say:
"Theodore", -Vahe.
"Testicles", -Bec.
"Tro", -Hagop.
"Thrums", -Jeremy.
"Timbuck", -Raff.
"Terminal. Terminal Pain. thats why he chose black music to sing. cause it's one of the more upbeat and faster genres, and he doesn't have long left. you feel me?", -Mel.
"Throbbing", -Big Dave.
"Thyroid", -Nish.
"i heard it really stands for Trunk", -Bonaccers.
"what's a T-Pain?", -Al.
"Tigger Pain. cause everyone knows that's his secret identity", -Mel...again.
"it is in fact Tomahawk-Pain", -Tronsie.
"T = testicle", -Harryjuku.
"Tyrannosaurus", -Awad.
"Testicle :)", -Aram.
"Testiculor-Pain", -Taz.
Friday, 12 September 2008
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Eric Benet - You're The Only One
Eric's back! Maxwell's back! D'Angelo's back! 2008/09 is when sexy will TRULY be back. just wait.
V.
Musiq Soulchild - Radio
still not sure what to make of this, but i'm sure i'll find it catchy as hell in a couple weeks time. overall, an interesting new direction for Musiq, and for the boho camp in general. everyone's headin' for the clubs these days.
V.
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Sunday, 24 August 2008
Ghetto Puppets - My Mind Is Playing Tricks On Me!
i realise just posting YouTube vids isn't exactly quality blogging, but once my PC gets fixed i'ma hit u all with some new mixes.
V.
Saturday, 23 August 2008
John Legend - Green Light (feat. Andre 3000) OFFICIAL VIDEO
lol. Andre steals the show. i love it.
V.
Monday, 18 August 2008
Maxwell - This Woman's Work (Live @ 2008 Holly-Rod Foundation Fundraiser)
"awesomesauce" (c) Becton.
V.
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Burn After Reading (Trailer)
the brand new Ethan and Joel Coen film, harkening back to their crazy comedy days (see: Raising Arizona). stars Pitt, Clooney, Malkovich and a buncha other stars. early word is that it might be a contender for several Oscar nods, including a Best Actor nod for Brad Pitt in a comedic turn.
V.
he said/she said
he said i'm right
she said you're wrong
he said mistakes were made
she said you never gave
he said we never had a chance
she said this was just a dirty dance
he said i felt more inside
she said you took me for a ride
he said it's hard, you don't understand
she said you had my heart open in the palm of your hand, but now...
he said ...did you love me?
she said ...i buried it in the sand
he said feelings were growing, i could've loved you
she said who said i wanted you to?
he said don't leave it like this...
she said i will get over you...
he said ...you're saying you won't miss...
she said ...because i have to...
he said ...the time we had together?
she said you won't get this chance again: not in forever.
V.
Friday, 8 August 2008
Esperanza Spalding - I Know You Know/She Got To You live on Jimmy Kimmel
i know you know
she got to you
i am falling further and further in love with this lady. fantastic voice, great lyrics, awesome HAIR, excellent musician. what the fuck else do you want really?
V.
Monday, 4 August 2008
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
my "100 fav films evar" list
----------------
01. punch-drunk love
02. solaris (Clooney/Soderbergh version)
03. teenage mutant ninja turtles (the original live-action film)
04. bill & ted's bogus journey
05. they call me trinity
06. trinity is still my name
07. the last boyscout
08. double trouble
09. american psycho
10. fear & loathing in las vegas
11. watch out, we're mad
12. eternal sunshine of the spotless mind
13. donnie darko
14. barton fink
15. gattaca
16. l.a. story
17. kuffs
18. zeitgeist
19. the dark knight
20. fulltime killer
21. beerfest
22. event horizon
23. dead man
24. confession of pain
25. odds & evens
26. batman beyond: return of the joker
27. city of god
28. heat
29. benny & joon
30. charlie wilson's war
31. hero
32. the crow
33. oldboy
34. bangkok dangerous
35. waking life
36. dark city
37. unbreakable
38. swingers
39. spaced invaders
40. angel heart
41. batman: mask of the phantasm
42. what's eating gilbert grape?
43. before sunrise
44. before sunset
45. happy gilmore
46. batman begins
47. don juan demarco
48. legionnaire
49. o brother, where art thou?
50. brick
51. lord of war
52. pulp fiction
53. the abyss
54. i'm for the hippopotamus
55. kindergarten cop
56. 2001: a space odyssey
57. insomnia (Chris Nolan version)
58. lord of the rings: the return of the king
59. harlem nights
60. the matrix
61. two missionaries
62. men at work
63. three amigos
64. the thirteenth floor
65. perfume: story of a murderer
66. good morning vietnam
67. the machinist
68. forget paris
69. fletch
70. clerks
71. ed wood
72. bulworth
73. lord of the rings: the two towers
74. return to oz
75. another 48 hours
76. collateral
77. who finds a friend finds a treasure
78. fight club
79. super troopers
80. go for it
81. hotrod
82. toys
83. troublemakers
84. serenity
85. mallrats
86. wonder boys
87. se7en
88. earth girls are easy
89. secretary
90. dead poet's society
91. once upon a time in america
92. interview with a vampire
93. chasing amy
94. children of men
95. men with brooms
96. mo money
97. tape
98. crime busters
99. kiss kiss bang bang
100. jarhead
---
V.
Monday, 28 July 2008
as i lay down to die
never again to know the touch or smell
forever in the dirt, a world away from hurt
the nothingness expanse
no heaven, no hell
regrets aplenty? for you maybe
fear of the unknown? not me, not i
for when i die, religion man-made will not have tainted
the one, the only TRUE life i haved lived through
suffered, enjoyed
highs, lows
drugs, hos
ok maybe one regret?: breaking my nose
death comes for us all, but hope
take from it the inspiration to live, you'll cope
smoke that weed, pop that pill
don't be slave to the dollar bill
as a celestial body bound to this plain
i can only hope to reform and join the universe once again
universe, star-stuff: father/mother to us all
spare me your holy schtick
i am free in mind, conscience is clear
things i hold dear you will never understand
i am consigned to being a wandering mind, a one-man band
among a bevy of cohorts who see me, but simply don't understand
the purpose of life? up to you
make it up as you go along
do what feels right, brings you and others joy and fulfilment
heed no one's call, follow your own
live, love, fuck, fight
and in the end you'll die:
and everything will be alright.
V.
Friday, 25 July 2008
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Gnarls Barkley - Who's Gonna Save My Soul (Video)
my favourite song off their new album, and their latest single, and one badass video. i love it.
V.
The Dark Knight
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Soul Deep - Lollipop (feat. Mista Vee)
Sunday, 13 July 2008
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Jazzanova - Absolut Kravitz
so apparently Lenny put out this new song called "breathe" for a new Absolut Vodka ad, and Absolut put the video and acapella out there for anyone to remix and re-edit. there's a whole buncha remixes out there. this is Jazzanova's stab at it, and i gotta say, they sound reeeealll good together.
V.
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Lil Wayne - Lollipop (feat. Static Major)
i know i'm late, but i love this goddamn song. i may have just become the newest Lil Wayne fan. he looks like a black Aphex Twin.
R.I.P. Static, i'll have more ruminations over the death of this cool artist later.
V.
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Naked Music - Re-Creation
Vahé Presents...The Leisure Suite: 010. Mashed Potatoes Vol. 2
tracklist:
02. grooveman spot - 1,2,3,4 (feat. jeru the damaja) (4:50)
GONZO: a Hunter S. Thompson documentary
this is the man who penned the awesome literary work which became the awesome film (starring Johnny Depp & Benicio Del Toro, directed by Terry Gilliam): Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas. Johnny spent a lot of time with Hunter when learning how to play him on screen, and subsequently they both became pretty good friends, which (i assume) is why Johnny's reading that quote at the start of the trailer. the important thing is, they're both cool cunts and i'm not :( ...
oh yeah! doco!
go watch it!
V.
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Esperanza Spalding - Precious (Live @ Letterman)
this woman is the truth. i'm listening to her album as we speak, very beautiful stuff. GO GET IT.
V.
Monday, 30 June 2008
brand new Raphael Saadiq tracks: "Like It" | "Love That Girl"
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Sam Sparro - Black & Gold
can you believe this guy's an Aussie? what a fucking classic song! i've also managed to get a copy of his album, and it's probably one of the most faithful and authentic-sounding nods to the nu-retro/80s genre since the prophetic Darkdancer by Les Rythmes Digitales in 1999.
V.
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Violent Femmes - Crazy (Gnarls Barkley cover)
V.
Club Noir - One Noiry Night: Chachi's Bornday Session
this is our gift to you, on behalf of me (the birthday boy).
tracklist:
01. robotic brain (7:13)
02. i'm a mess (0:55)
03. that place where inspiration dwells (pt. ones) (3:52)
04. that place where inspiration dwells (pt. twos) (0:57)
05. emm ahh (pt. ones) (5:13)
06. emm ahh (pt. twos) (2:21)
07. nice shot (3:57)
08. ambulance (2:20)
09. level 3, boss (4:51)
10. metallic hair (keep on truckin') (pt. ones) (2:42)
11. metallic hair (keep on truckin') (pt. twos) (2:49)
12. metallic hair (keep on truckin') (pt. threes) (2:14)
13. kiss my ass, herbie (5:45)
14. 3! 3! 3! (3:43)
15. i want to...i want 3 (4:41)
16. 1 smile, 2 smile, 3 smile! (bonus track) (0:05)
Club Noir are:
Entré = keys + guitar + vocals
Chachi = drums
Financial = keys + bass
John Legend - Green Light (feat. Andre3000) FULL SONG
Sunday, 1 June 2008
Foo Fighters - My Poor Brain
can't.stop.listening.to.this.song.
FUCK IT ROCKS.
------
Real life is so hard
We hide in the stars
Thats where our heads are
My head and your heart
This is a black out
Dont let it go to waste
This is a black out
I want to detonate
When you are so far
Im falling apart
Lose all my sonar
You jam my radar
This is a black out
Dont let it go to waste
This is a black out
I want to detonate
Sometimes I feel Im getting stuck
Between the handshake and the fuck
Youve got me on guard
Ive got my head start
My head and your heart
The same in the stars
This is a black out
Dont let it go to waste
This is a black out
I want to detonate
Sometimes I wish that I could change
I cant save you from my poor brain
Brain
Brain
Brain
O.k.
------
V.
SugaRush Beat Company - L-O-V-E
self-titled album is coming out through RCA Records in August...and it's ABOUT FUCKING TIME!.
V.
Saturday, 31 May 2008
my interview with...myself
oh yeah, there's lotsa F-bombs throughout so uh, listen by urself or on headphones in case there are old ppl around.
cheers,
oh, and for ur reference:
fos·sick (fsk)v. fos·sicked, fos·sick·ing, fos·sicks Australian v.intr.
1. To search for gold, especially by reworking washings or waste piles.
2. To rummage or search around, especially for a possible profit.v.tr.To search for by or as if by rummaging.
V.
Thursday, 29 May 2008
RZA (as Bobby Digital) - You Can't Stop Me Now
i like it. sounds like it features Stone Mecca on the live tip, though dunno for sure. they got a cameo bit in the video at any rate.
V.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
N.E.R.D. - Everyone Nose
video and mp3 links below. looks like along with this track and "spazz", N.E.R.D. are explorin drum n bass territory with great results. they're 2/2 sofar.
Sunday, 25 May 2008
Vahé - "Tip-Toe (Rough Mix)" (a lil new sumthn sumthn i made)
Saturday, 24 May 2008
Musiq - People Everyday (feat. Estelle)
Friday, 23 May 2008
John Legend - Green Light (feat. Andre 3000) (snippet)
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Common - Universal Mind Control (feat. Pharrell)
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Friday, 16 May 2008
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Djavan - Para Raio
a muso sent me this today. who the fuck is he and why haven't i heard of him before???
V.
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Vahé (aka araQual) Presents...THE LESSON MIXTAPE #006 - Fuck The Box
well after a long wait, here it is (finally). i was struggling to come up with a subtitle to suit the theme this time around, but i think "Fuck The Box" lays it down as well as anything. in case you're thinking it's actually a sexual metaphor, the theme this time around was basically "anything goes". meaning, submissions weren't just limited to the sphere of hip-hop (don't get me wrong, what a lovely sphere it is), but included any and every kind of music out there. as a result, i've recieved tracks that range from: hip-hop, reggae, dub, rock, futuristic breakbeat, electro, pop, acoustic guitar, funk, samba, soul, drum n' bass, r&b, bossa nova, downtempo and a few styles which i can only describe as "experimental". this is the Okayplayer online community really stretching its wings and going in all sorts of directions. i mainly wanted to do this because OKPs have large and varied tastes when it comes to music. although hip-hop is front and center most of the time, we do all share some eclectic styles. i figured, why not show em off? shame no one submitted any polka, tho.
DISC ONE
01. chachi mandela - whatchadoin (feat. soulbrotha) (2:07)
02. cee knowledge, sabrina cuie & poesh wonder - menaj a trois (prod. by quiroga) (4:34)
03. blinx - lately (feat. willie dudat) (2:19)
04. carlis p. - que groove (3:02)
05. zaire - solay veebay (3:51)
06. dawhud - who's next! (feat. fash 1, ak-write & just be) (2:47)
07. dub spt drop (0:14)
08. duble treble - treblefreebasin' (rough mix) (3:09)
09. frank black - sidewalks (feat. the ubolts) (2:26)
10. random - boss battle metalman (the megas remix) (prod. by the megas) (4:46)
11. maxwell shell & real soon - rockin' with the king (3:34)
12. rhyson & the heist - still raw (2:32)
13. anu-sun - gr8ful dead (4:39)
14. totalrequestlovelive - dilla's lawn mower (0:35)
15. holdin caufield - candy flippin' (2:13)
16. islasoul - i am the riot, the one man army (3:57)
17. kouhei & athena - invite only (2:55)
18. kentucky prophet - i sell drugs to celebrities (4:20)
19. undefined - shorter days (4:06)
20. korga - phispeed (5:41)
21. nekaybaaw - nude (2:34)
22. shameless plug - anthem (3:50)
23. kite - fading fast (feat. billy kincaid) (4:36)
24. everything that's fly - backyard (rough) (3:32)
:::DOWNLOAD:::
DISC TWO
01. malachi the nutcracker drop (part 1) (0:39)
02. athena - i alone (remix) (prod. by orphan) (3:56)
03. live manikins - anywhere (3:35)
04. made in japan - babyspace (4:10)
05. m.c. logic - progression (3:59)
06. preach - dance (radio) (4:14)
07. mr. sun - in the lobby (2:59)
08. e major - you don't understand (feat. madaz godfree) (3:45)
09. little vic - my own curse (prod. by k-v) (1:22)
10. honor flow productions - the master plan (4:23)
11. dj chuck 'the old soul' drop (0:31)
12. meis - electric underground (1:40)
13. kiar - whatever u wanna do (feat. mar-var) (prod. by mar-var & g code) (2:41)
14. kidd - so sincere (2:24)
15. safe sounds crew - irie members (4:21)
16. q-swag & jon reyes - imagein (feat. 5th ave & dj kwan) (3:39)
17. malachi the nutcracker drop (part 2) (0:08)
18. milly july - good (prod. by curiosity) (3:36)
19. key - kay sara (3:42)
20. fermented spirits - can't lose (3:57)
21. lebadi - yawning (4:07)
22. ayana soyini - rock steady (raw mix) (2:11)
23. black disciple - peace of mind (4:05)
24. tap genius - light in the day of... (feat. dr. martin luther king jr.) (6:11)
:::DOWNLOAD:::
hope ya dig it, and please feel free to pass this link on anywhere the Internets may exist.
peace,
V.
Duffy - Mercy
i kept seeing this on TV, finally tracked it down online. VERY cool tune. seems like Amy Winehouse sparked a bit of a 60s revival.
V.
Saturday, 10 May 2008
Thursday, 8 May 2008
DJ Chachi Mandela - Newborn Old Soul
DEEP THOUGHTS by Annonymous
---------
Instead of a trap door, what about a trap window? The guy looks out it, and if he leans too far, he falls out. Wait. I guess that's like a regular window.
If you're a circus clown, and you have a dog that you use in your act, I don't think it's a good idea to also dress the dog up like a clown, because people see that and they think, "Forgive me, but that's just too much."
If you're ever stuck in some thick undergrowth, in your underwear, don't stop and think of what other words have "under" in them, because that's probably the first sign of jungle madness.
Instead of having "answers" on a math test, they should just call them "impressions," and if you got a different "impression," so what, can't we all be brothers?
You know one thing that will really make a woman mad? Just run up and kick her in the butt. (P.S. This also works with men.)
If you want to be the popular one at a party, here's a good thing to do: Go up to some people who are talking and laughing and say, "Well, technically that's illegal." It might fit in with what somebody just said. And even if it doesn't, so what, I hate this stupid party.
How come the dove gets to be the peace symbol? How about the pillow? It has more feathers than the dove, and it doesn't have that dangerous beak.
---------
V.
Vahe's 16th B'Day Invite: "The Garage Party"
[- - - - - - - - = = = = = = = = - - - - - - - -]
[- - - - - - - - = = = = = = = = - - - - - - - -]
So…when can I leave?
B.Y.O. ALCOHOL
Ph. No.: (removed)
Mobile: (removed) … and yes, it’s an Optus mobile so ring me at Free Time ya tight-asses. :P
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Fall Out Boy - Beat It (feat. John Mayer)
nice cover of MJ's classic. features John Mayer on guitar, and you can also catch Donald Faison (he plays Turk in Scrubs) bustin' a few moves too lol.
V.
our first look at Harvey Dent (aka TWO-FACE) from THE DARK KNIGHT
new Dwele album: "Sketches Of A Man", dropping June 24
original story here:
----
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - April 30, 2008) - Soul singer, songwriter and producer Dwele, will release his highly anticipated 3rd studio album "Sketches of a Man" on June 24th through RT Music Group/KOCH Records. "Sketches of a Man," a long time in the making, will be lead by the soulful single "I'm Cheatin'," produced by G-1, the man behind Dwele's breakthrough hit "Find a Way" (from "Subject"). "I'm Cheatin'" is a mind bender which tells of a man who loves his girlfriend's conservative side as well as her care-free side and dreams of cheating on one with the other as if they were two different people. "It's based on a true story that I put a spin on. Unless you really pay attention, you might get the wrong idea," Dwele admits.
This year, Dwele was nominated for a Grammy in the "Best Urban/Alternative Performance" category for his interpretation of "That's The Way of the World," from the Stax Records compilation, "Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire." He also appeared on long-time friend Kanye West's Grammy-winning mega hit "Flashing Lights" and on rapper Common's Grammy-nominated single "The People," which made Rolling Stone's list of "100 Best Songs of 2007."
"'Sketches of a Man' is ultimately what I am and where I am in 2008," Dwele explains. "It is inspired by life and love, and it is about finding out how I fit into these different musical genres, or how I would fit into these new cultures. Like, if I spoke French, how would it sound?... I think that's what inspiration is."
"Sketches of a Man" finds Dwele writing, producing, arranging and playing all instruments on nearly all of the tracks on the project. One of the few exceptions is "A Few Reasons," a bouncy groove with a hip hop feel written and performed by Dwele with production from Nottz (Snoop and R. Kelly's "That's That"). Dwele shows us his hip hop side on "Sketches... " with tracks like "Body Rock," and funky ballads like "Open Your Eyes," (a Bobby Caldwell cover), and "Love Ultra," but doesn't stray too far from the soulful roots that we love on tracks like "Vain." On "Vain" Dwele speaks of how difficult it is to hold on to a relationship. "With my music I try to touch on things that everyone can relate to. Things like, being a musician and trying to find the balance between work and love," Dwele says of "Vain."
Dwele is also a fine artist and has created a series of color and black & white mural-size works in acrylic. He is also an accomplished photographer who works in digital as well as the old-fashioned way -- using manual cameras.
One of the most refined and stylish singers to emerge in recent years, Dwele infuses the musical traditions of Motown visionaries Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, who he listened to growing up on Detroit's west side, into his own contemporary sound. He taught himself to play several instruments including piano, trumpet, guitar and bass before embarking on his journey as a soul singer. His demo tape, 1998's "The Rize," got significant buzz around the Motor City and collaborations with fellow Detroit hip-hop group Slum Village also helped Dwele gain visibility.
He released his critically acclaimed full-length debut "Subject" in 2003, and cemented his appeal to European audiences with an extensive tour that summer. His second album, "Some Kinda," followed in 2005, and featured production from the late J Dilla, as well as Mike City and G1.
----
yeah! bring it on.
you can peep some Dwele tracks over at his Myspace page.
V.
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Lupe Fiasco - Paris, Tokyo (Remix) (feat. C.L. Smooth)
Saturday, 3 May 2008
HANCOCK (Trailer) - starring Will Smith
LOL. did anyone else know this was coming out? looks like mad fun.
V.
Friday, 2 May 2008
Avatar: The Last Airbender - Season 3 Finale (Trailer)
oh.mah.GAWD this is gonna kick so much ass.
V.
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Son Of Rambow (trailer)
A runaway audience smash at the Sundance Film Festival, SON OF RAMBOW is a hilariously fresh and visually inventive take on friendship, family, film heroes and the death-defying adventures of growing up in the video age. It all begins in 1980s Britain, when young Will Proudfoot, raised in isolation among The Brethren, a puritanical religious sect in which music and TV are strictly forbidden, encounters something beyond his wildest fantasies: a pirated copy of RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD. His virgin viewing of the iconic thriller blows his mind -- and rapidly expanding imagination -- wide open. Now, Will sets out to join forces with the seemingly diabolical school bully, Lee Carter, to make their own action epic, devising wildly creative, on-the-fly stunts, not to mention equally elaborate schemes for creating a movie of total commitment and non-stop thrills while hiding out from The Brethren. But when school popularity finally descends on Will and Lee in the form of the super-cool French exchange student, Didier Revol, their remarkable new friendship and precious film are pushed, quite literally, to the breaking point.
V.
Sunday, 27 April 2008
i have become a very angry, angry man
my take-it-easy nature is slowly dissapating and i don't know why :( feels like im goin through teenage rebellion 10yrs too late, cept there's no one to rebel against (unless u count the whole fucking world).
V.
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Lunatic Calm - Leave You Far Behind
y'all may remember this killer track from The Matrix soundtrack. it's been stuck in my head all week, especially the opening line: "i wanna take you on a rollllercooooaasteeerr..."
V.
Citizen King - Mobile Estates
you probably remember the one huge hit this band had back in the day, that song was called "better days". ever since then, i had always been curious about Citizen King. i always admired the amalgum of styles present in just that one song (and only single from this album). then, in 2007, i was able to track down the album from whence this classic hybrid poprock/hip hop/folk ditty came from. it took only two listens through to grab me by the ears and not let go, and has subsequently become one of my prized possessions. the album is a genre soup comprised of elements from rock, hip hop, bluegrass, punk, and even a few tracks i can't even find a classification for. even the worst song on the album, the cacophanous "salt bag spill", grows on you after a few listens. the overall appeal of this record is the undeniable simplicity of it, the instant appeal of its catchy lyrics, clean yet somehow organic production, the perfectly pitched and smooth vocals. there are more than a few rock anthems present on the album, and if they were ever released as follow-up singles to the gold certified "better days", they would've surely been hits.
V.
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Ashlee Simpson - Outta My Head (Ay Ya Ya) (Prod. by Timbaland)
no your eyes don't deceive you. Ashlee Simpson has put out one HOT pop song, probably one of the most decent stabs at an authentic 80s track then anything i've heard in a long while (outside of retro electro disco and house). what's even more surprising, is that Timbaland is listed as the producer. what results is a very authentic 80s tribute song with simple, catchy lyrics, sung in such a way that it doesn't require a vocalist with any real skill. all you need to achieve the desired effect (that of the classic 80s pop ditty) is the right inflection in your voice, and a certain off-kilter swagger. the video too is pretty dope, loaded with heaps of 80s references. i had seen the video numerous times on cable music channels, but strangely i didn't hear much about it on the mainstream U.S. music scene. i expected it to blow up to massive proportions, but i have a feeling pre-conceptions about Ashlee Simpson, the manufactured lip-synching younger sister of Jessica, have worked against her. the song is all-around great, but i'm pretty sure its lack of success can be attributed to the negative public opinion on this little starlet in the making. i myself had the same notions about her, but ultimately i made myself promise to adhere to the following mantra a few years ago: if Britney Spears made a great song, i will not be afraid to like it. basically, i don't wanna limit the music i listen to or hear simply because of the name attached to the song, and the consequent baggage that comes with openly applauding someone as unstable as Britney, or someone who is only a star because of their older sibling. but i've held true to that promise thus far, and in the name of disseminating good music to the masses, in all its various forms, i now make my case for Ashlee Simpson's latest single.
pop music has its place, and when done right, is worthy of praise.
V.
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Foo Fighters - On The Mend / What If I Do? (album versions)
"on the mend"
"what if i do?"
Foo Fighters - On The Mend / What If I Do? (Live 2006)
One more day that i've survived
I'm here
Wake me when the hour arrives
I'm here
I'm here
Was it you?
Close your eyes and stay a while
I'm here
I'm here
Was it you?
"what if i do?"
What if I do love
It's my turn this solo burn so throw me in the fire
What if I do love
Carolina, Caroline
What if I do love
Carolina, Caroline
V.
Friday, 18 April 2008
Thursday, 17 April 2008
Schoolboy corrects NASA 'killer asteroid' maths
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A 13-year-old German schoolboy corrected NASA's estimates on the chances of an asteroid colliding with Earth, a German newspaper reported today, after spotting the boffins had miscalculated.
Nico Marquardt used telescopic findings from the Institute of Astrophysics in Potsdam (AIP) to calculate that there was a one in 450 chance that the Apophis asteroid will collide with Earth, the Potsdamer Neuerster Nachrichten reported.
NASA had previously estimated the chances at only one in 45,000 but told its sister organisation, the European Space Agency (ESA), that the young whizzkid had got it right.
The schoolboy took into consideration the risk of Apophis running into one or more of the 40,000 satellites orbiting Earth during its path close to the planet on April 13, 2029.
Those satellites travel at 3.07 kilometres a second, at up to 35,880 kilometres above earth - and the Apophis asteroid will pass by earth at a distance of 32,500 kilometres. If the asteroid strikes a satellite in 2029, that will change its trajectory making it hit Earth on its next orbit in 2036.
Both NASA and Marquardt agree that if the asteroid does collide with Earth, it will create a ball of iron and iridium 320 metres wide and weighing 200 billion tonnes, which will crash into the Atlantic Ocean.
The shockwaves from that would create huge tsunami waves, destroying both coastlines and inland areas, whilst creating a thick cloud of dust that would darken the skies indefinitely.
The 13-year old made his discovery as part of a regional science competition for which he submitted a project entitled: "Apophis - The Killer Astroid".
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wow. 45,000 and 450? that's a huge discrepancy. either way the manufactured image you see at the top of this post? could be a possibility. you know what sucks tho? my first instinct is to say "well, i guess that strikes a blow for religious types, cos why would God be so willing to destroy us so soon and with space-debris, of all things?", but then i realise that the religious would use the asteroid as a harbinger for the End Of Days. in each case, religion once again barely covers its ass. why do i bring up religion in a post about asteroids and eventual impending doom at the hands of the one true god, SPACE? i'll save that for another post. i will however say, that it's got a lot to do with this guy.
V.