A Hard Day's Night

During the day, when I was plotting my post for today, I had this elaborate post in mind. I don't remember what it was going to be on, but it was gonna be slammed with awesome thangs. BUT somewhere around 2ish, I learned I may have an interview tomorrow, so I'm going to stay up tonight trying to come up with questions. So whilst I'm up till the wee hours of the morning, watching gumby on youtube instead of writing, I'd like for you to take note of another interesting cartoon. Class of 3000, a cartoon staring Outkast's Andre 3000, has its theme song up for grabs. It is the most slammin theme song since Chip n' Dale we're droppin beats. I have yet to actually watch the show, due to my lack of cable, but from what I hear, which is pretty much nothing, it's decent at best. Still there is the theme song to enjoy, and that often is more memorable than the show itself. The link to the song is provided by my friend exitfare. Good night, and Good luck.

The End Has No End

Hey! I'm trying to decided what I'm doing with my header. So-It's up to all of yous who read this blog. If you like the new one, let me know. If you prefer the old one, throw a fit. If you don't care, continue doing what you've been doing...which is sucking at life. I'm just lookin for a little help. Thanks

Indie Hood

Although many would swear "indie hood" is a stolen idea, I reassure you that its an original creation. However, the Hood internet is an idea completely foreign from me. Recently, they have posted some of the most awesome hood mashups I've heard this summer. I'd "toat" check them out. To facilitate you're hood integration, I shall post links. You're welcome in advance.

UGK/ TV on The Radio

KID SISTER vs LOUIS XIV

RIHANNA vs M83

I've posted my favourites, for the rest, go to Hood Internet. Laters!

Island in the Sun

Do you remember Weezer, or was "Make Believe" such a traumatic experience that you have blocked them from your memory? Well, Weezer is trying to win back your heart. Stereogum posted some Weezer news earlier today to this affect:

"Hey Party-People,

Weezer is just polishing up a batch of songs for a recording session that is going to start at the beginning of July. This will be the final recording session for our 6th album which we aim to put out in the first half of 2008. We hope you are all having good times.

Love,

R-dawg"

Isn't that precious? Now we can all take comfort in the fact that Weezer will be producing more songs for you to be annoyed at when drunk people start singing them in bars! WEEEEEEE!!

Stronger

Yay for kanye improving an already awesome song by Daft Punk. Most of us have been drooling over the single, but now we have a video to go along with it. And since 25% of the stuff I blog about is Kanye related (63.4% being fob concentrated) I figure im obligated to post the video.

So.... (I need you right now)

Kanye West - Stronger
Uploaded by Sugarwill

On The Corner A Boy Is Waiting The Moonlight Feels Cold And Desperate

Today marked a new day of freelancing for me. It was tough, gruelling, and fevered, and resulted in me starving earlier in the day than expected. I was working in Columbus Circle, and I really really wanted pizza. Lord knows if I go more that two days without a slice, I start getting the shakes. I hadn't had a slice since Thursday, so I figured I was due for a fix. Then I realized, "Golly, I don't know where to get pizza round these here parts!" Luckily Slice NY pointed me in the direction of a Columbus Circle pizzeria. The pizza wasn't the best I've had, in fact, it was quite poor, so I wiped the name from my memory. The fact of the matter is, Slice NY helped me find marginally good pizza. Cherish it as an excellent survival tool.

Time After Time

As I sit in my dimly lit living room, borrowing internet from where ever I can & listening to the gospel float in from across the street, I have started thinking in need some better post info. My good friend Mischa, who is kickin it in the Uk has promised some coverage of an open source conference, I believe it will be the Open Source In Mobile conference which will be held in September in Madrid, Spain. So that's something to look forward to.
Till then, I'm just going to keep it steady with the good ole updates till I can figure something out, or start making my own news. So, with that, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the Roots will be dropping their 10th album soon. "Rising Down" will be the name of the project, and ?uestlove says they are all pretty pumped about it. The album is very synthesiser based, but no other info is available yet. Wes's Hip-hop round-up has all the key links, plus all the other stuff he post about for your enjoyment.

Walk The Line

Sundays were made for not doing anything, so today I used it to its fullest. It gave me a chance to look around for fun things to blog about, that would mildly entertain those who check out my page on a somewhat consistent basis. So what did I find? Extreme ironing! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! It stems from men wanting to fight against domestic work, but I just felt like no one else would throw this up, so you're welcome.

What Up, Gangsta?

So...fifty, new album coming out soon? Gonna be another dud like the Massacre? Lets hope not, but I'll keep my reservations till I hear it. If you are one of those dedicated fans, who needs to know every aspect of album release, I have for you the track list from the upcoming album Curtis. I'm actually interested in the Robin Thicke track. Other than that, I'm not sure what else fifty has to drop on the the table aside from half dollars.

Tracklist:
The tracklisting is:

'Straight To The Bank'
'Still Will Kill' (feat. Akon)
'Smile'
'She Wants It'
'Peep Show'
'My Gun Go Off'
'Movin On Up'
'Hands Up High' (feat. Tony Yayo)
'Fully Loaded Clip'
'Follow My Lead' (feat. Robin Thicke)
'Fire' (feat. Nicole Sherzinger and Young Buck)
'Destiny'
'Officer Down'
'Come and Go'
'Amusement Park'
'All Of Me' (feat. Mary J Blige)
'187'
'The Mechanic' (feat. Tony Yayo)

Subterranean Homesick Alien

Remember Radiohead? Remember a few months ago, when I said they were working on a new album?

Do you?

I didn't think so. It's ok, I forgot too. Luckily, the tripwire has a preview of some new tracks in video format for you to viddy, to no less! So we can all rest easy (group sigh).

Alone Together

Candidly, I've been slacking on the whole "blog" thing. It's not that I'm lazy, nor is it that I don't care, its just that my thoughts have been trapped in a weird haze lately, and I haven't been able to vocalize much of anything. You would think I was the one with the canker sore, only...a canker sore for writing...whatever that is. So in an attempt to not completely abandon those readers in NC, NJ NYC...and parts of Europe and Asia, I bring you: Cool things other people are blogging about!!
A cop out? Hardly. In the spirit of giving those who do things fantasticly well their propers, I just want to shout out a few blogs/ lifestyle sites who speak to ya'lls with as big a love of sneakers as myself.

FRESHNESS
HYPEBEAST
KIXINTHECITY

you won't be disappointed.

Heart of The City (Ain't No Love)

Gentrification is a bitch, but the inhabitants of Brook-land, NY know this all too well. In a trend that can be dated back to Robet Moses' projects in the Bronx and the seedier parts of New York City, more and more neighbourhoods in NYC are becoming real estate hot beds. The NY Times is reporting on the changes that are taking on Greenpoint's waterfront, and how uppity the yuppites are getting over it. I can hear the war cries now: "We don't want cooler, richer people to move in"! In an effort to maintain the historic beauty of the area, the "National Trust for Historic Preservation plans to sound the alarm by declaring Brooklyn’s industrial waterfront one of America’s 11 most endangered historic places", the Times reports.
This makes me laugh. When those too poor to live in Manhattan were booted to outer boroughs to make space for the elite, no one said word one. When those same entrenched communities were then forced out of Brooklyn, nothing muttered on their behalf. Now the Historic Preservation is coming to the aid? I guess I wouldn't be so concerned if I wasn't one of those scraping by. Lets just hope that the Historic club of nerds protects Bed-Stuy in respect of Biggie.

Sign O' The Times

I'm seriously starting to consider becoming the next Open All Night, since I don't actually post during hours when "normies" are awake and blog reading. Most often I find myself in the shadow of dim light, looking up random info, between the hours of 12 and 3 am. In any event some of tonight's after hour research yielded some nice things, and this is the point in the post where I tell you something interesting. We all know I have a man crush on Prince, and if you don't, you don't pick up clues very well. NME.com tells that Prince shall be working with ole revolution chums Wendy & Lisa on his upcoming album Planet Earth which is due to be released July 16th. That will hopefully have a tour supporting it, which means I am going to have to save all of my lactaid money to go see him. I think its worth it. Does anyone know if they make size 12.5 platform shoes?

Baby Ballin

If there are two things in this world that I thought would forever be constant, they are these:
A) Black people will always try to put rims on anything...even a toaster, and B) babies, no matter how cute, will ultimately end up annoying me. Luckily, This video has proven me wrong on both accounts. Nothing about this screams "metropolitan segue", but in the spirit of breaking down stereotypical barriers, I felt it my duty.

Baby, You're a Rich Man

Ever wonder how tax dollars are spent? I'm glad you asked.

Feel Like Rain aka Crocodile Mile Lifestyle

It's rare for me to write anything outside of verifiable news, mostly because I don't really have anything worth saying that is of my own creative powers, but today, while swimming my way to the subway, I saw a couple completely oblivious to the rain. Yes, they had an umbrella, so technically, they new how the whole rain thing works, but they clearly didn't care. Usually, PDA makes me feel horridly uncomfortable...or jealous. This time, it really didn't bother me, and I almost said "awww". Almost.
Anyway, It was so nice, I wanted to share with all you hopeless romantics. I'll try to keep these kind of things to a minimum.

Ain't No Way (You Won't Love Me)

Today was a fun filled adventure with a Manhattan monsoon. I went to Piano's to check out Wes' Cross Pollination, but after I received beef nachos...I had to peace. Hopefully I can check it out next week, sans beef. After the nacho fiasco, I made my way to the Mercury Lounge to see a band one of my roommates promotes called Death Comes To Matteson, and was blown away by the vocal ability of the lead, who's opera training almost made me cry. Fortunately, the melancholy tone of the lyrics had me crying long before his voice could crack me, so I could save face. With obvious influence from The Smiths, Death Comes To Matteson put on a really amazing show even with extensive technically difficulties. Matteson's playing skill was also impressive, and carried the band rather than playing solo's like many lead vocal/ guitarist often do. Since they are from Nashville, I'm not sure when I'll get to see them again, but if you happen to see them on the bill, run to the bathroom, and stuff your pockets with paper towels, then get ready for some awesome rock, and if you're like me, also emasculation.

Death Comes To Matteson myspace

Tell That Mick He Just Made My List Of Things To Do Today

Oh Peter Wentz, when will you learn? Crashing bottles over the heads of fans who taunt you about your "private" relationship is just not right. You can't even keep your "privates" private, let alone a romance that you have been parading all over the world like she's the first girl you've never cried about. Come on now. If I had a nickel for every time I was taunted for my relationships I'd have...err...regardless, you shouldn't over react, sir.
For those not aware of Mr. Peter's misbehaviour, whilst kicking it at the SPIN/Diesel afterparty, a not so loyal Chicagoan was dissin Pete, and apparently, Pete don't play that noise (nor does he really play the bass, but that's neither here nor there). Nevertheless, I commend you sir on defending the honour of your lady, but lets try to save all your strength for making out in the bathroom, and leave the fighting to those who's vision isn't blurred by guyliner. [origin]

Shock Value

Timbaland dolin out beat downs? I know he wanted to kick up his rep, but beating up people in Germany is a tad intense. TMZ.Com via Pitchfork reported that after a Justin Timberlake show in Cologne, Germany, Timba got all durrty south on some dude's ass and sent him packing...to the hospital. Good For him! I think this is a far better approach to looking tough than putting out a crappy album.

Next To Argyle

Reebok has jumped into the Asian kick market (about damn time), and has joined with ST/ART which is rooted in Hong Kong. Of course they are limited edition, and since I've been slacking on posts on sneakers, I figured I'd give you the heads up on these. Cop before someone else gets the jump on them. Sneaker conflict is so socially awkward.

My Mood

We at MS like fashion. The royal we, of course. We love looking fresh, and also like to help those in dire need of freshness. So with that, I bring you Refinery29.com. Need to search designers? Looking for store locations? Not sure how to match socks to your belt, with dapper cuff links? Refinery29 can pimp your sorry excuse for a wardrobe, all at your expense. Not to mention, it mixes music with clothing to add a little extra attitude to your walk-in closet. It's worth a gander.

When You Don't Have To Work

Having trouble remembering when show dates are? I know I do. Often, I find that I can be pumped about a show, but just not write down the date, due to my heavily booked schedule. The folks at Google calender and Atlantic records have come to the rescue of the itineraryily challenged. Billboard.com has reported that Atlantic will start distributing artist information via Google calender, and that the info can be sent to mobile phones and to friends and family. Yay Google, bringing people and rock stars together!

Making Friends

Lastly, we have Sure Juror. Like stated previously, they say this was one of their worst shows, but aside from some fuddled new songs, and some slurred lines, it sounded pretty crisp...crisp for being fuddled at least. Not bad for a band who's members are scattered throughout the tri-state area, which means it's hella hard to practice. Regardless, aside from some mess ups, and wavering balance, the skills of Sure Juror are founded in good ole fashion rock, and they made a good showing last night.

You Are You And That's Beautiful

Band Number Two, Show Two: The Pawns
The project of Hello Tokyo's bassist, Blake, is a punkier earthquake-chaos explosion than I had anticipated. Although the structure is essentially the same as HT, the presence of more solos for our beloved bassist and guitarista [John] really displayed the talents of the members.

Waiting For a Change

Friday marked my triumphant return to show-going. I saw Hello Tokyo there with some chums of mine, and had a pretty awesome time. The energy was pretty impressive for an opening band, and the dynamic and stage precesses was equally as spectacular. The lead singer, Kat, has a strong voice, with a deepness that was really appealing. Guitar and bass players John and Blake, respectively were both skilled in their own rights, but the drumming of Sam is really what caught me. His fluidity really impressed me, and the band as a whole is pimp business.

A Love Letter To My Adopted Hometown

Dear Brooklyn,
It has really been a hectic couple of days. I moved to you yesterday, a little later than planned. Once I stepped foot off the train, and into your hood...I got lost. But luckily, you're filled with friends both new and old that helped me find my way. What makes it better, is that my old friends happen to be friends with my new friends. Who, you may wonder? Well my friends Sure Juror played at the Trash Bar last night. The Pawns, who share members with Hello Tokyo, also played. The Pawns, my new friends, played an awesome set, and Sure Juror, too modest to admit it themselves, played a really awesome set as well. I needed the sonic kick in the face to welcome me, and now I feel warm inside [more on the shows in a separate post].
I hope our relationship works out. You take care of my friends, and I'll take care of you, and also try to dupe other friends of mine to coming to inhabit you. It's really a win win. Also--I saw a mural of ODB last night. That was the true sign that I belong. Thank you Brooklyn, for being a friend.

Can We Chill

Its summer, practically at least, and that means workspace tensions are as high as gas prices and temperatures collectively. The folks at balance bar are trying to help alleviate some of your cubical stresses with a daily blog that promotes inner peace, and free marketing, for them at least. The Lift is all about helping the Manhattan man on the go with upping his game. But there's a catch, you cant get to the page, unless you are an official urban daddy member. If only you new someone who could get you into the secret club...

[If that link doesn't work, I guess you ain't down]

Those Were The Days

Lady Sov, the most depressed midget in the game, has released an EP of remixed tracks from her album Public Warning. Since she has been canceling shows, and freakin out on stage due to stress, it was only a matter of time till this EP appeared to help her recoup some of the lost funds . It is now available on itunes, if your really dying to get a hold of it, but seriously, I would almost buy that Darfur: We Want To Destroy John Lennon's

Thundercats, NOO!

A Thundercats movie? That's cheese. I'm not one to knock the cartoon, I used to be a proud owner of a Thundercats big wheel, but I still feel that this could be a poor choice on Warner Brothers part. There is just something about Lion-O, Tygra, Panthro and Cheetara that doesn't scream "Blockbuster" and instead just says "toy licencing". I'm all for merchandising options, butI have a feeling this is going to be a loss for ole Warner.

Linux Wha?

I've done a couple posts on Linux software in the past, to try and introduce those unaware of its existence. To help illustrate how it is actually used, and that it is not just some pet project for dorks, I present to you: Shrek 3!

Dreamworks, where Shrek was made, is one of the largest commercial users of Linux, with more than 1,000 Linux desktops and more than 3,000 server CPUs. The Linux Journal has the story on all the interesting little aspects of the movie that were made possible by Linux software. I won't bore you with the details, but it's just good to see free software help entertain youths, and empower the wallets of the already financially well off.

International Player's Anthem

I've been pretty obsessed with this song since I read about it a month or so ago. The background vocal harmonies, and Andre's intro is really what do it for me. Also, it kinda makes me feel like these guys listened to Morrissey's "The Last of The Famous International Playboys" enough to want to put some "southern stankonia" on it. Hope you enjoy it too!

Hello New World

Firstly-Happy Birfday to Miss Fountain of Youth! The years keep coming, yet apparently she has stolen the secret of youth from either Joan Rivers, or Prince.

In completely unrelated news, I must be completely out of the fashion circle. The Official Tourist site just launched, and along with blog news, and music info ( Spank rock mix tape anyone?) they also are selling hoodies, in the purest sense. Its just a hood, and reversible at that . I guess its perfect for summer, but honestly? I guess TimeOut was right...I am such an L7.

Know what "imeem"

I've been playing with imeem today, and figured why not let you guys enjoy it as well. From what I've gathered it is another social network robot similar to Last.fm. Since Open All Night has been the premier provider of sites to steal your attention, I figured I'd help out too. Imeem is very much like myspace except for its dedication and linkable use of playlists. This is where the similarity to last.fm rests, because "friends" are linked by similar tastes. Its really just another example of media bringing people together.


As an aside--I am getting a strong feeling of deja vu, and perhaps have already posted this. If that is in fact the case, my bad.

If Y'all Fresh to Death, Then I'm Deceased

While prepping myself for the start of a new job next week, perusing the endless amounts of pages targeted toward pop culture and contemporary life, I stumbled across this article on Moli that raises an interesting question. In relation to fashion trends, is fashion an oligopoly? "Hrm", I found myself wondering, "this is an excellent concept." Unlike music trends, that are a little more based on consumer tastes from the bottom up, Fashion is dictated from the couture epicenter in Europe, and then spreads out from there. Those that design tell us what is in, and usually there is some counter culture that reacts (hipsters). Is there a legion of Vogue elite that tell us skinny men with boyish looks and strong cheek boned women are in, and that short men with body hair, and curvaceous ladies are out? I'm pretty sure the answer is yes, but you can read these links to the NYtimes and Fashonista, and decide for yourself.

Working Class Hero

I like John Lennon. I don't like when people muddle up his work with piss poor covers. Now that there is this Save Darfu album coming out, I'm going to have to endure bad covers like Xtina's crapfest excuse for "Mother." Stereogum just posted the video for Green Day's version of Working Class Hero, which is probably my favorite Lennon song right now. Due to my current "technological" issues, I can't here what it sounds like, so I shall reserve judgment. From the comments I've read...it sucks. Big surprise.

Killer Bees

No, this isn't another post about Wu-Tang. This is about real, good ole fashion, Thomas J. killin bees. In a rare conversation with my father this weekend, he randomly informed me that the bee population world wide is decreasing. "It's about damn time global warming stated doing positive things!" was my initial reaction, but then I though, "who shall protect the honey for my cheerios?!" After further research, due to the fact that my father is far from a reliable source on many things, I discovered that not only is my cereal in danger, but also many fruits that I hold dear. Granted, bees are a pain in...where ever you may get stung, but I don't want to imagine a world without apples OR honey flavored cereals. There isn't a "Save the Bee" coalition, but I just though this information would be good to pass on. Tis a sad state of reality...thanks a lot Halliburton (and the Bush Administration).

Isn't It Ironic

TimeOut NY writing on it's hate of hipsters? Really? I think this is pretty fantastic that a magazine that is the "go to" guide for hipsters is creating a guide against itself. There is even a hipster quiz!

And with the quiz, can you really win? If you pass, and are voted hipster guru, then is that winning? Or even worse...you could fail and just be king nerd, a title I currently hold dear, and that sure as hell ain't winning.

I realize this is TimeOut's attempt at ironic distance, which would make them clever, and even more pretentious, thereby solidifying their hipster ways, and alienating those that "just don't get it", but i just think this is dumb. Labels are for whores.

Also this is a mean test, I answered this quiz honestly, including the question about FOB (Damn you again Peter!) and rediscovered how lame I am...

My results:

"What's a Moz? We hate to be the ones that have to break this to you, but unless khaki-colored, baggy cargo pants, Yanni and a pleasant disposition come back into style, you're consigned to a life of unremarkable blandness. We're sorry."

I love Morrissey, and I DON"T LISTEN TO YANNI!!! ...everything else, quite true.

Go Speed Racer Gooo!

I like how many cartoons are being converted into movies, although it worries me that high paid Hollywood writers can't think up new, cooler cartoons and movie plots. Speed Racer is the next cartoon love of mine to be cinematized, and a shot of the car, one of the most important aspects, is now here! I pray that this movie is cool, and hope that the courses are cool too. So far, so good.

Ken Kaniff

Michale Jackson is out buying up catalogues again. This time, its Eminem's early work. I'm not sure how much licencing he's going to get out of it, but I guess when you get paid millions of pounds to attend birthday parties, you can afford to blow it on whatever you want. Bankruptcy, you don't scare MJ, he's straight up gangsta, BITCH!

Freaky Black Greatings aka 6 Degress of Prince

I recently celebrated a birthday, which was quite glorious. The plans were relatively simple, yet yielded awesome results. While I was planning for this day, I was contemplating going to NYC to see Mos Def at the Highline Ballroom. From an account from Brooklyn Vegan/Angry Citizen, maybe I should have...

"If you expected to hear Mos Def rip through 'Black on Both Sides', you left the Highline Ballroom disappointed, but if you did leave disappointed Saturday night, well, then you‘re officially excommunicated from the Mos Def community.

His performance was that kind of performance - provided you went in with an open mind, and permitted Mos and his band Black Radio the room to breathe, groove, and explore the different areas of funk and jazz that Mos has gravitated towards recently. Once their groove took hold, Mos Def rolled through inspired versions of 'Umi Says', 'Boogie Man Song' and 'Napoleon’s Dynamite'. He even threw in a batch of eclectic covers including a Stevie Wonder and Cyndi Lauper song, Bel Biv Devoe's 'Poison', and a portion of The Pharcyde’s 'Passing Me By'. The real fun and show stopper came when Mos brought out special guest, Q-Tip. Tip led the crowd through the chorus of 'Lyrics To Go' as well as 'Bonita Applebum' before jumping into 'Check the Rhime', with Mos picking up Phife’s lines. You on point Mos? All the time Tip!"

No worries though, Mos will be performing on MTV's 45th At Night with Amy Winehouse. This is to air Friday, June 8th at 11:30pm on MTV. It should promise to be a night of beehive hair and black fists!

To connect this all together, and explain the title of this post some, Amy said she would be down for performing with Prince during his 21 London Shows. Whether or not Prince is serious about performing with her, is a different matter. Could you imagine the hair stylist budget?!