Etchasketchasaurus

I feel gangster. Damn. That feels good.

2010-02-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

Shad

Black Star

Danger Doom

It's my day off, and here's some hip-hop albums that I listen to fairly regularly.

Bringing it back to 98'. Mos Def and Talib Kweli join forces and become the self proclaimed "best alliance in hip-hop". I am in no way going to dispute their claims. This album is very heavy on the old school stylings, and with two mic masters like Mos and Talib collaborating, I shouldn't have to convince you it's good.

Black Star

http://www.mediafire.com/?cx5im9cazvn

Everyone knows Danger Mouse from his work with Cee-Lo as Gnarls Barkley, and perhaps as the guy who remixed The Beatles' White Album and Jay-Z's Black Album to make his own Gray Album, an extremely impressive mashup. But this, dear readers, is my favorite piece of his musical catalogue, a collaboration with MF Doom and Adult Swim. Danger's Production: A+ Doom's Rhymes: A+. Talib's even back in there for "Old School". Doom should also be recognized for the lyrical prowess he displays on these tracks. Constructing bizarre and complex metaphors and references to various Adult Swim shows that he voices from behind his ever present iron mask. Not to mention a whole army of Adult Swim characters make appearances, including: Master Shake, Meatwad, Frylock, Carl, Space Ghost, Brak, all the classics. It's a great album, and one of the few that I can put on at any social gathering without any complaints. (That goes for Black Star up there as well.)

Danger Doom- The Mouse and The Mask

http://www.mediafire.com/?mcwz4wcjzng

London rapper Shadrach Kabango (Shad K) is not your average mic rocker. First off, these beats are fucking great. Every one is well produced, catchy as hell. Secondly, his lyrical skills are astounding. This self-produced album lists as one of my favorite from any rapper, if only for the song, "Out Of Love", which expresses the message that guys like myself want to hear more often in popular culture. Maybe the ladies will take heed. His style is smooth, laid back, he's having fun, he's making me bob my head and wish I wrote the song. It's good, it's great. He comes off a little like what Gym Class Heroes might sound like without all the Fall Out Boy. Anyways, it's really good. I enjoy it. You should listen to it. Then you should buy it.

Shad- When This Is Over

http://www.mediafire.com/?kcgsmeg1z3e

CULT RITUAL

2010-02-13T20:44:00.000-08:00

Some great guys playing some mean ass hardcore out of Tampa Bay. Friends of mine release their stuff and I've seen them live a few times. Good shit.

Cult Ritual - Second EP
http://www.mediafire.com/?dueez5md4xz

STUFF: Albums you should have.

2010-02-13T20:38:00.000-08:00

American Football - American Football

http://www.mediafire.com/?znwmyjzynco

American Football - EP
http://www.mediafire.com/?tjqadg1oy2m

Archers of Loaf - Icky Mettle

http://www.mediafire.com/?omozyynwmm5

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti - The Doldrums
http://www.mediafire.com/?1gumeey1jwy

Braid - The Age of Octeen

http://www.mediafire.com/?iqlgtdgantm

Braid - Frame and Canvas
http://www.mediafire.com/?yzyhtnidyww

Crass - Penis Envy
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?lx8zuwpd8ks

Das Oath - Das Oath
http://www.mediafire.com/?wdnyiywnncy

Dinosaur Jr. - Bug

http://www.mediafire.com/?etwulwndyyq

Dinosaur Jr. - You’re Living All Over Me
http://www.mediafire.com/?znrxon2byzf

Drive Like Jehu - Drive Like Jehu

http://www.mediafire.com/?3ihlicndtks

Drive Like Jehu - Yank Crime
http://www.mediafire.com/?k2z1hjpggjn

Gang of Four - Entertainment!

http://www.mediafire.com/?y5yjnjjbmjv

Good Luck - Into Lake Griffy
http://www.mediafire.com/?tnbbioo270r

Gorilla Biscuits - Start Today
http://www.mediafire.com/?7hw4baiuywe

Harriet the Spy - God Gave Us Music

http://www.mediafire.com/?c5mzyyxq0uj

I Hate Myself - 10 Songs

http://www.mediafire.com/?gsxmzbj1d1x

I Wrote Haikus About Cannibalism In Your Yearbook - 8 Song Demo
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?9xi1dc1dpny

Japanther - Skuffed Up my Huffy

http://www.mediafire.com/?fx5mdyc54ro

Japanther - Tut Tut Now Shake Ya Butt
http://www.mediafire.com/?lmzzwmomi00

La Quiete - La Fine Non e La Fine

http://www.mediafire.com/?mkfljkh7rir

Lake - Oh, The Place We’ll Go
http://www.mediafire.com/?n2ooumimijn

Native Nod - Today Puberty, Tomorrow the World!

http://www.mediafire.com/?43vdjm1ngzx

Orchid - Chaos is Me
http://www.mediafire.com/?wk3yjmymz0m

Paul Baribeau - Grand Ledge
http://www.mediafire.com/?3wx3m8oxys2

Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary

http://www.mediafire.com/?csmtnifnzgb

Oh, and[BLAKROC]

2010-02-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

the picture has nothing to do with the post.
everyone should have this if they don't. Neo-Blues band the Black Keys lay down some instrumental songs, and invite prominent rappers to spit over them. Ludacris, Raekwon, Mos Def, Ol' Dirty Bastard(still dead, pre-recorded), Jim Jones, Q-Tip. It's really fucking good, if only for both of the tracks that Mos-Def is involved in. Highly Recommended for people who like really good music.

Blakroc-s/t

http://www.mediafire.com/?tmwizkmmzie

CAP'N JAZZ REUNION!

2010-02-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

Cap'n Jazz, one of the most influential bands in mid-westmo, joined together for a reunion show in Chicago a couple of weeks ago to promote the new Joan of Arc album. I wish I could have gone, but instead we have this lovely bootleg of the show to listen to. They played 4 songs over 13 minutes(Little League, Oh Messy Life, We Are Scientists, and Que Suerte!) and the sound of the crowd yelling along stirs things in me, wonderful things that make me want to throw my limbs around and join them, convulsing in auditory ecstasy until my glasses break or they throw me out. I love this band and I don't feel the need to explain why. Because most likely if you're reading this you've already heard of them, so just get this and listen to it.

Cap'n Jazz- Live at The Empty Bottle 1-22-2010

http://www.mediafire.com/?ryb2geyqlwi

If you build a house on the beach, it's automatically a beach house.

2010-02-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

Well, what can I say about this band? A few of my friends got into them before I did, one of those being my roommate. He happened to have the vinyl for this album and I put it on last night, needless to say I've been listening to it constantly all morning. This trio of musicians from Olympia, WA have recorded what is almost guaranteed to be one of my favorite albums for a long time to come. It makes you dance, it makes you sing, it makes you scratch your head and wonder what the fuck he's talking about. And by he I mean vocalist and guitarist Jacob Wilson, churning out jazz-soaked and chaotic guitar riffs that dance and formulate under his off kilter, half-desperate sing/scream/wail. I would list his voice as one of the main instruments in the band. The album is fun, catchy, genuine and heartfelt. Unfortunately this band is no longer with us, but carry on their memory in these songs.

Kickball- Everything Is A Miracle Nothing Is A Miracle Everything Is

http://www.mediafire.com/?ljnynnlapuo

seriously.

2009-12-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

as soon as I get my own computer I will go back to doing this full time. I'm sure you're all waiting with (master)baited breath.

Karp

2009-10-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

"Karp
http://www.mediafire.com/?9bz9m2vmzjt
Suplex
http://www.mediafire.com/?o5nzmnyvnpo
Action Chemistry
http://www.mediafire.com/?7jib1wjxmyw
RIYL: Pissed Jeans, Torche, other bands who sound dirty and riff a lot. Not taking yourself seriously."

Love this band. Thanks to Celadon for the links.

The Expendables

2009-10-13T15:26:00.001-07:00

Ok, let me get this straight. This is an action film with Jet Li, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren(who's always been ok except for that terrible fucking Punisher movie back in the late 80's), Sylvester Stallone, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, 3 Time UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture, Mickey Rourke and Danny Trejo(who both tie for actor with the most haggard face), Arnold Schwarzenegger(you read it right, the governor himself) and MOTHERFUCKING BRUCE WILLIS? This is either going to be a star-studded piece of over-produced shit, or the breath of fresh air that the genre has needed, either way, I'm going to be first in line to see this.

Top 5 Comedy Duos

2009-10-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

Inspired by my re-reading of High Fidelity, I'm going to start doing Top 5 lists of my own as I fancy it. This one's the Top 5 Comedy Duos, as you probably read on the title, therefore my reiterating it is exceedingly pointless.

1.)Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder
2.)Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon
3.)John Belushi and Dan Akroyd
4.)Chris Farley and David Spade
5.) Bud Abbott and Lou Costello

Dear person who doesn't listen to Jawbreaker,

2009-10-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

We interrupt whatever free-form psychadelic hipster bullshit you were just pretending to listen to. It's ok, turn the volume down, it'll still show up on your Lastfm and you'll still get laid. But I want you to listen to this, because this is MUSIC. This is creative output, this is inspiration, this is art. This is Jawbreaker, one of the most influential bands of all time when it comes to heartfelt and honest rock and roll. I have an unending amount of love for this band, and you should too. Here, this is everything you'll need for the next week. No no, you go ahead, I'll wait.

Love,

James

Bivouac

http://www.mediafire.com/?aukkznnaatb

Etc.

http://www.mediafire.com/?zys9ijc2z2l

Unfun

http://www.mediafire.com/?guyu132wdcn

24 Hour Revenge Therapy

http://www.mediafire.com/?5yndnmydyzt

Dear You

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=djguiayy

Ol' Dirty Bastard- Return To 36 Chambers

2009-10-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

Dirty is a person who's always interested me, from his eccentric life and style of musicianship, to the way he just makes you feel like a good motherfucker when you listen to his music. He was one crazy son of a bitch, but highly motivated, higly influential, highly respected, and just plain high as hell.

Oh baby I like it raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw.

ODB-Return To 36 Chambers

http://www.mediafire.com/?swts4imqxul

Heathers- Here, Not There

2009-10-06T13:41:00.001-07:00

Holy shit. I can't say enough good about these two girls. I remember being blown away by their contribution to the Plan-It-X comp I picked up at their table during Harvest Of Hope. 18 year old twin sisters operating out of Dublin, Ireland and signed to the PIX roster. Flawless dual harmonies, beautifully composed melodies, and the pop sensibilities of a fucking Beach Boy. This album is really good. It's written withthe stylings of traditional irish folk, and you will not be disappointed.

Assuming you like good music.

Heathers - Here, Not There.

http://www.mediafire.com/?mojody1mjzi

Hooker, John Lee

2009-10-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

Not sure if anyone else likes classic Blues records, but I certainly do. John Lee Hooker is one of the greats, up there with B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, and the Granddaddy of Delta Blues, Robert Johnson. I used to have an old album from JLH, and it was so raw and beautiful. You could hear his foot taps echoing on the recordings. really good stuff.

John Lee Hooker- Collection

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IXTDYMKJ

Polar Andrew Bear Jackson Club Jihad

2009-10-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

Andrew Jackson Jihad- Can't Maintain
http://www.mediafire.com/?hhndyegiymy

New stuff from one of my favorite bands of all time, the songwriting is fantastic, as always, the perfect amount of self-deprecation, irreverance, humor, and skepticism. Alot more electricity and drums on this album, but still very good.

Polor Bear Club- Chasing Hamburg
http://www.mediafire.com/?zt1mjno12ow

What if Rise Against made really good music? It might sound like this. Really catchy, sing/scream vocals with good elements of pop-punk and hardcore. Thanks to Ian for this one as well.

Castevet

2009-10-04T14:06:00.001-07:00

Wow, what a pleasant surprise. Castevet has taken parts from mid to late 90's emo groups like Braid and Boys life, driven them all the way down to sunny Gainesville, FL and gotten them piss drunk. You know that Florida Punk sound, we're all very proud of it down here. Those rough yelling melodies, barreling past as much facial hair as can be grown. But there's also some serious PA guitar stylings going on here. Some of the riffs would seem quite at home in a SSC or Algernon Cadwallader song. I'm really enjoying this, but I'm a huge sucker for G-Ville style vocals. Maybe you will too?

Thanks to Ian for the recommendation and the link.

Castevet-Summer Fences
http://www.mediafire.com/?3qtzzwztmny

(New Andrew Jackson Jihad will be up soon!)

Converge- Axe To Fall

2009-10-04T13:46:00.001-07:00

Not really a huge fan of this band, I find the vocals to be a bit grating, but I completely understand why people like them, and I'm mostly posting this for Opti-Sean Prime.

Converge- Axe To Fall
http://www.mediafire.com/?dmk2lmzyzdy

The Mountain Goats- The Life Of The World Come

2009-10-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

That's right motherfuckers, I'm back, and so is one of the most talented and prolific singer-songwriters in the history of creative thought. John Darnielle and his band are back with a new release, and this time, the album is inspired by the Bible.

Oh fuck.

Not you too! I thought I had finally escaped the dogmatic ridiculousness that is the modern American church, only to find it has seeped into the music that I love so much. But never fear, John does it will a style and grace that I would have thought impossible. Every song is named after a bible verse, with the song itself somehow pertaining to the message of that particular verse. As always, he writes some fun melodies, tells intricate tales, and gernerally blows you away with his songwriting. Steve Albini's crew are in on the production for this one, which was good throughout. "Matthew 25:21" is a gem, a truly beautiful and haunting song. "Genesis 30:3" is a little bleh, as are a couple of other tracks, which you can find for yourself. But overall as an album, even the cream of the indie crop aren't writing songs this good on their best day. He is a true genius, and seeing him live was one of the best experiences of my life.

http://www.mediafire.com/?znlmumxkrl3

Thanks for the future fish.

2009-08-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

I'm bringing this back soon. Finally got my own computer again. I'm branching out though, I want to start reviewing all forms of media. Look for it!

-James

I love Ginger Ford.

2009-03-12T00:16:00.000-07:00

I wish she was my big sister. Her voice is fucking stellar and I can't stop listening to Good Luck and One Reason. Here's the full length by One Reason. It's not perfect, but when it's good, it's great. If you like it, by it from Plan-it-x.com.

One Reason-All Rivers Run South, All Roads Lead Home
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?jhfxyzuxhzj

And you think it doesn't haunt me?

2009-02-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

In this post I will shamelessly whore my good friends from Miami, Paperdolls. I first met Guido and Tara when they played a show at the legendary Hoople Mansion with Nice and Friendly and A Drum And An Open Window. They fucking blew me away. I've seen them 4 times in all, and I am never disappointed. Most recently they played a set at my house Thursday night, and played my favorite song, "Thought Yelling Fire" for me, and it made my week much better.

Paperdolls are an acoustic band, with a sort of post-apocalyptic, gypsy/mariachi feel to their music, the instrumentals weave around each other to form a near-hypnotic blend. Tara's melodies sung in contrast to Guido's raspy vocals are just a perfect fit. Here are some mp3s they put up, listen to them, love them, buy their album. They have a new 7" out with Viva Le Vox on Incest Records, and it's amazing.

Sounds:
http://paperdolls.50webs.org/sounds.html

Website:
http://paperdolls.50webs.org/

2009-02-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

did anyone

2009-02-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

else notice that the banner on the top is fucking spelled wrong?

I am legend.

touching the wings of an angel doesn't mean that you can fly...

2009-02-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

Indian Summer- Discography

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=alxh9SLG

This should have been in my big ass 90's emo post, but it wasn't, so. Classic. Amazing. If you like music that builds from whispered melodies, subtle drumming and single guitar notes to frenzied chaotic madness with harsh, screamed, sometimes indecipherable lyrics, this is you. Screamo godfathers.

Also, for those of you that enjoyed Street Smart Cyclist, maybe you'll enjoy this pleasant little phoenix my friend Ryan found stirring around in those Braid-worshipping ashes. It's called Hightide Hotel, and their 4 song EP Porch Luck is free as fuck. Listen to it if only for the title track, which never ceases to amaze me.

Hightide Hotel- Porch Luck EP
http://www.sendspace.com/file/btp007

want a fantastic free album?

2009-02-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

www.bombthemusicindustry.com

great dudes, seen them live twice, enjoyed them both immensely. missing them at HOH fest in a few weeks though, unfortunately.

Poseidon, look at me!

2009-02-12T21:25:00.000-08:00

Andy Samberg and some buddies make funny music. Shit's hilarious. Download it, everyone loves a good chuckle.

The Lonely Island-Incredibad
http://www. mediafire. com/?a2ctzvz3h13

Thanks to Nathan for the link.

Try not to wake up on fire!

2009-02-12T21:15:00.000-08:00

Even though the newer episodes of Heroes are lacking what the first season had. There is still one undeniable truth to the series.

You do NOT fuck with The Haitian.

Korea?

2009-02-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

I've been watching far too many foreign films lately. Today's choice was Sympathy For Lady Vengeance from Korea, which, on top of being a fantastic movie, has the most transfixing opening credits I've ever seen. Chan Wook Park or Wook Park Chan or however the hip-film elite are saying it this week is a masterful director, and I'm excited to watch Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and finish out the trilogy that I started when I watched Oldboy.

Today Will Bring Only The Worst

2009-02-11T09:36:00.001-08:00

DOWNLODE:

Storm The Bastille- Dismantled 10"
http://www.mediafire.com/?q25juhm4bum

(If you like it, buy it. This isn't Nickelback)

KAMEHAMEHA!

2009-02-08T11:26:00.000-08:00

Maybe nostalgia is lending itself a bit to why I'm posting this, but I think that this is one of the best albums of the 90's screamo movement, even though it was generally written jestingly about the scene's pretensions, that doesn't mean there was no love for it. The Brothers Marburger both seemed like nice guys when I met them a couple years back, and this remains one of my favorite albums.

I Hate Myself-Ten Songs
http://www.mediafire.com/?397tffdwb3s

Fuck a bag of hot butter.

2009-01-23T23:31:00.000-08:00

Eugene Mirman is one of the funniest comics currently performing, and I'm very happy that his recognition is growing. Here are some of his albums, if you like them please buy them {www.eugenemirman.com} and support Eugene, he's not Adam Sandler, and he deserves money for his work.

The Absurd Nightclub Comedy Of Eugene Mirman

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?gjqymcg5y2o

En Garde, Society!

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?wd0nzfqyzmm

Thatcher fucked the kids.

2009-01-23T22:40:00.000-08:00

Really great folk-stuff from the ex-singer of British hardcore band Million Dead. Touring with Chuck Ragan, formerly toured with Fake Problems, saw him at Fest last year, and also when he played with those dickheads in Fake Against Me when they came back. Clever, honest, tongue in cheek, plenty of earnest self deprecation and uplifting sing-alongs. GET IT.Start with these:

Frank Turner-

Sleep Is For The Week

http://rapidshare.com/files/18653436/FrTu_SIFTW.rar

Love, Ire, and Song

http://www.mediafire.com/?dr9mpgbgfgy

Then if you like, move to the EPs:

Campfire Punkrock EP

http://rapidshare.com/files/16671037/2006_-_Campfire_Punkrock.rar

The Real Damage EPh

ttp://www.megaupload.com/?d=A8Y54BFH

Holy fun fucking joy-punk Batman!

2009-01-18T19:40:00.000-08:00

I can't reccomend this album enough, although it would probably be better in the summer. This just strikes me as a bike ride down the boardwalk album, or hanging out with friends drinking on the beach. It's so wonderfully catchy and poignant and lovable. Matty Pop Chart and that passioned female vocalist from One Reason along with a drummer make 12 songs of near perfect pop-punk, but don't be fooled into putting this under the bad Descendents tribute band category, it falls under the small wave of newer bands that fall into that unfortunate moniker, with New Jersey's The Ergs! as their champions. This band is heartfelt, kind, and just having a goddamn good time playing their music. Cause let's be honest, I can't listen to tormented boys from DC howling over bad punk riffs all the time, right?

Good Luck - Into Lake Griffy

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?tj5tetzmtxm

2009-01-09T21:04:00.001-08:00

Eminem "Breaking Bottles" (Produced By Dr Dre)

2009-01-03T14:33:00.001-08:00

source: Rap Basement

New Eminem track. Dre's production is still great, I don't know though. Marshall sounds a bit flat on this one, it almost seems like he's covering someone else's song, it doesn't have the unique energy he adds to something personal.

The Best Christmas album

2008-12-25T16:23:00.001-08:00

I have a copy of this in my car that I stole from Starbucks a few years back. I listen to it every Christmas, and it remains my favorite holiday album ever.

Vince Guaraldi Trio- A Charlie Brown Christmas

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FXJXLC6H

So basically, what you're saying, is that the Japanese language was created after the teacher from Peanuts snorted a speedball and went apeshit?

2008-12-24T22:09:00.001-08:00

Happy fucking Christmas.

This is a copy of a CIA made manual to teach the Contras how to overthrow the government in Nicaragua. Apparently it lies in throwing wrenches in sewers and fake hotel reservations. Why did we never think of that ourselves?

http://geocities.com/eco-action/crapaganda/xcia.html

Also,

Mt. Eerie-Dawn: Winter Journal

http://rapidshare.com/files/138633146/MED_Vic.zip

Had the good fortune to see this gentleman live, and it was fairly impressive. Ambient, quiet, acoustic for the most part. Sort of like if Iron And Wine didn't write the same song 45 times before becoming a jam band.

Punk as folk.

2008-12-21T00:09:00.000-08:00

Ghost Mice are a band in Gainesville by way of the legendary Bloomington, Indiana punk scene, themselves and their label [www.plan-it-x.com] have essentially been the figureheads of the recent folk-punk explosion, driven forward by other bands like Defiance, Ohio and This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb. Brook Pridemore is a fantastically honest and heartwarming newcomer to my collection, cute songs, awkward lyrics and all around fun abounds. Great release in my book, and definitely buy it if you like it, Plan-It-X is a fucking amazing label, and will sell you almost anything for dirt cheap ppd. Mail order only though, but they're all amazing people, I've met most of them and they're always the nicest, most caring people. Listen to this, but I repeat, if you like it, BUY IT. These artists are on the same economic bracket as you, they make music for reasons other than money, and everything helps.

Ghost Mice/Brook Pridemore split 7"

http://www.mediafire.com/?nz2gw5jxykc

Pastor Of Muppets

2008-12-14T21:37:00.000-08:00

This post is mainly for my one follower.

Street Smart Cyclist from PA is seemingly a conglomeration of the best part of every 90's math-emo band, Kinsella inspired for sure, and hypnotically catchy.

Street Smart Cyclist-Demo 7"
http://www.mediafire.com/?cz4y3xmtjma

DOWNLODE

2008-12-05T22:57:00.001-08:00

La Quiete/ Phoenix Bodies- Split

http://www.sendspace.com/file/gwrme8

Let's finish this motherfucker.

2008-12-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

To no one's surprise, my fifth and final Top 5 hip-hop album is the killer and brutal album that blasted five young guys from the CPT into the halls of the Gangsta Hall of Fame. It's Straight Outta Compton, and if you can't listen to this album while understanding the context of the time that it came out in, and understand the controversy and huge affect on the entire country it had, then you're just an idiot, and I'm too hungover to explain it.

NWA(Niggaz Wit Attitude)- Straight Outta Compton

http://rapidshare.com/files/53915253/faxcool.blogspot.com_nwa-straight_outta_compton-1989.rar

Whats worse than zombies? Double zombies! The undead souls of satanist conjoined twins! Flee, or your brains will be twice devoured and once digested!

2008-11-26T16:09:00.000-08:00

Final album in the countdown in a few days. Tonight, we will eat, drink and be merry, Joey is returneth, and tomorrow we shall die.

straight out the fuckin' dungeons of rap

2008-11-22T23:27:00.000-08:00

On to another installment of what is becoming known all over the internet as the fairly predictable Top 5 Hip Hop albums with pictures that are too big. Now, to those three people who have said I'm not covering any new ground with this list, well, that's true, but the reason these are obvious choices is because they've had such an obvious impact. So, on to the next one, as we shoot back into the 90's again. The Source magazine has a rating system of Mics for albums, one being the worst, five being the best. Now, before this album, no record was given 5 Mics. It was given for review to a newer member of the Source's reviewing team, and when she brought it back with 5 Mics, they considered it a mistake and had someone else review it. That person also came back with 5 Mics, and it was quickly realized that it was completely justifiable praise. I'm referring, of course to Nas' debut album Illmatic. I can't say that I had this album when it came out, or that I knew it before it was big, I listened to this one well after I heard the hype, and my high expectations still weren't enough to not be blown away by it. This album tops anything else under the rap banner that was released in the 90's by far, and is still to this day one of the gold standards of true thug music. The release timing was near perfect, coinciding with the decline of hip-hop's golden age and the true genesis of the gangster hard life posturing that would come. An absolute east-coast classic, the only thing that's more perfect for the atmosphere it creates than the beats are Nas' lyrical prowess on this album, which is near flawless and has yet to be matched in that way since, even by himself. Gang violence and the true hardness and struggle of the streets are captured perfectly, but not without a feeling of love for them at the same time. It's as if to say, "I know that the things we do and the way we live are fucked up, but this is who we are, and this is our home." It truly captures a feeling that alot of people in the city at that time could relate to. A 5 star, near perfect album.

Nas-Illmatic

http://www.mediafire.com/?izdrok3yn1b

Party For Your Right To Fight!

2008-11-20T21:50:00.000-08:00

Now, teens of the world, with that crazy clock wearing Flava-Flav all over your MTVs, you're probably wondering who he is, or why he's at all relevant. No, he's not just some crazy bastard they gave a show full of crack-whores to. Flav is an iconic figure in the world of Hip-Hop. The original hype man, he was the cartoon like character going Steve Ballmer on the stage of every Public Enemy concert. That particular group brought us the latest edition to my Top 5 Hip Hop records with "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" This is a group that came out in the eighties atmosphere of the late eighties, which included such jems as MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice, except they sound like the soundtrack to a Black Panther party. One of the most influential rap groups of all time, lead man Chuck D's political, racial, and socially charged lyrics struck a chord among african-americans young and old. Criticism of the government, the police, the media, and of course, the 911 in your town. In a time before rap became about who was more real, who sold more drugs, who had nicer shoes and fucked the most women, the illest beats, the highest club play, the most ringtones sold, this album was made and it was more than that, it was important. Dre may have had better production, and Wu-Tang better rhymes, but this album affected and influenced more people than 400 Lil Wayne mixtapes all melted together into a two ton ball of auto-tuned singing and a voice like a six year old.

Public Enemy-It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QVXUF85E

bitches ain't shit but good people.

2008-11-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Part 2 in the world-unreknowned saga that is James' Top 5 Hip Hop Albums of All Time. This time, the motherfuckin D-R-E steps into the spotlight for his record The Chronic, which is basically The White Album of Gangsta Rap. The cool synth and laid back style of this album paved the way for the entire west coast style of that era. And before one more jackass steps up and says, "But hey, SNOOP wrote the whole album!", that may be true, but it's not the lyrics that make it a classic, it's the production. Find me a person who says Dre wasn't miles ahead of the rest of the game production wise, and I'll show you someone who needs to have their tongue nailed to the ceiling. Seriously, this album is an absolute must have, and really put Death Row on the map, effectively securing the rift between the members of NWA and showing that Dre was to really be the only one to carry on influencing the genre.

CAUSE YOU KNOW WE BOUT TO RIP SHIT UP!

Dr. Dre- The Chronic

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4C2JT8BR

Bring Tha Mothafuckin' Ruckus

2008-11-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

This begins a segment called, "My Top 5 Hip Hop Albums Of All Time"

Starting with:

Wu-Tang Clan- Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
http://rapidshare.com/files/72778040/Enter_36_Chambers.rar

Someone showed me this album on the school bus when I was in like the fourth grade. Now granted, at this point was around the same time of the New Orleans' No Limit blow up, so I listened to alot of Master P and Silkk The Shocker as well thanks to a friend on the bus with a cd player. Now as much as I enjoyed bumping to P at a young age, and was more than happy to make someone say "Ugh" and "na na na na", I instantly recognized that this was something more, something better. I was pretty fucking brilliant even at a young age. So if you know it and don't have it, get it cause you know you love it. And if you don't know it, slap yourself in the genitals really hard like 5 times, then listen to it.

WU TANG CLAN AINT NOTHIN TA FUCK WIT!
KILLAH BEES ON THE SWARM!

sorry, I had to.

2008-10-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

Am I welcome at your house?

I fucking love Calvin And Hobbes.

90's EMO (the real kind)

2008-10-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

dirty dishes and baby kittens

2008-10-24T21:19:00.001-07:00

www.myspace.com/algernoncadwallader

playing in my house!
so pumped!

Wayne Brady is so damn likeable.

2008-10-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

Boards Of Canada is secretly making happy pop albums. The statement previous to this one is untrue, but if it weren't it would sound alot like Black Moth Super Rainbow's Dandelion Gum. It's a psychadelic-electro-pop frenzy, and a very enjoyable listen. Granted, I wasn't completely sold at first, but after a while I was hooked. Give it a spiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin.

Black Moth Super Rainbow-Dandelion Gum
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=uv6vlleb

I'm a big fan of the current music scene in PA, bands like Hop Along, Street Smart Cyclist, Algernon Cadwallader, and 1994! make me sexually excited in the best way. Boy Problems is a band made up of current and former members of Make Me, SSC, The C Is Closure, Storm The Bastille and others. Melodic, spangly skramz styling, not mind-shattering, but consistently good throughout. It's certainly damn well worth a listen, in comparison to most of the indie-fuck drivel the internet is saturated with.

Boy Problems - Tour Demo
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ntj2c4imzzi

ATTENTION KINSELLA FANS!
Are you infatuated with the sound of bands like Joan Of Arc, Make Believe, Owen, American Football and Owls? Do you have Kinsella fever? When you fuck your significant other, do you dream that Mike Kinsella is whispering breathy poetics into your inner ear canal? If so, check out this harder to find but equally amazing gem from a pre-AF band called The One Up Downstairs. Alot of instrumentation, all beautiful, sadly only 3 songs long. Definitely a top release from the Bros Kinsella though.

The One Up Downstairs EP
http://www.mediafire.com/?gyifwvky3nz

MC Chris Is Dead

2008-10-23T21:11:00.000-07:00

Adult Swim's nerd-rap superstar is back with a zombie themed album. I could use alot of big words and jargon and sub-genres, but I'll just say it's fun as shit.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=1JMM3IH3

2008-10-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

a whole week without a post!

holy fucking shit!

happy birthday to Nevin Marshall, who's party tonight was fucking killer. Merkit dudes, I love you all. Packed room, mass dance party with a bohemian rhapsody singalong? epic as fuck, and I love life on nights like these. in other news, download and listen to these albums:

just kidding.

music sucks.

Growing up really fucking sucks.

2008-10-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

case of beer and acoustic guitars.

recipe for fun.

In other news, check out Andrew Jackson Jihad. Folk stuff from the PIX camp. Saw them at Fest last year and had no idea who they were so I left and came back for This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb. Mistake. Turns out they're really good. Been bumping this album alot lately:

Andrew Jackson Jihad- Only God Can Judge Me
http://www.mediafire.com/?negexzm6z5n

"I wish I had more money than I have/and I know that that's not punk/but I'd like to pay my rent."

I figure I'll weigh in on this whole election thing since it's everywhere...

2008-10-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

Here's what I think:

That is all.

Resume your incoherent babbling.

randumb mix 4 yoo

2008-10-09T10:15:00.001-07:00

Heavier mix. I've been listening to alot of folky stuff lately, gotta up my br00t4l rep a little bit. Mostly skramz, with a few shots of thrash and punk thrown in for good measure.

Angel Hair-"Witch Hunt Scene From Star Trek"

Capsule- "False Starboard"

Pg. 99- "Comedy Of Christ"

Moss Icon- "I'm Back Sleeping, Or Fucking, Or Something"

Sinaloa- "Ashes Of Giants"

The Birds Are Spies They Report To The Trees- "Fixer Upper"

An Albatross- "The Psychonaught And The Rustbelt"

His Hero Is Gone- "Automation"

...Who Calls So Loud- "Slip Step"

Left For Dead- "Skin Graft"

United Nations- "Say Goodbye To General Figment Of The USS Imagination"

Fuck Buttons- "Colours Move"

The Sea Swallowed Us Whole- "I Did Coke Twice In One Night"

Allegory Of The Cave- "I'm Not Zee Hero"

Cheer Up!- "Mercenaries On Green Screen"

Yaphet Kotto- "Syncopated Synthetic Laments For Love"

You And I- "Seascape"

Mixture Model #1

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?bhyd1zymj1z

A stripped down acoustic album? How original.

2008-10-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

I kid.

Minus the Bear has recorded their very own acoustic album(all by themselves! and they're such big boys now aren't they? yes you are Minus The Bear, yes yooooou arrre), which excited me, as they have an amazing guitarist and he's got a very distinct style. Now for the criticism to really work I have to go back and explain earlier criticisms. Their last full length Planet Of Ice, really did nothing for me. It had no staying power and couldn't keep my attention at all.

And who would have guessed it, but 85% of the songs played acoustic on here are from that album. Eh, it was worth it for the two or so that weren't(We Are Not A Football Team, Pachuca Sunrise). And it's a pretty album if anything. Not making my best albums of the year or anything, but Pachuca Sunrise is still a beautiful song.

Minus The Bear-Acoustics EP
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=R2XDFOFT

And now I must clean my house up and hope my roommate wasn't lying when she said she was buying cat food.

Dear Nas, Hip Hop's BEEN dead.

2008-10-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

What Nas didn't know when he titled his album that was that while he was correct in his assement on the state of the genre, he had only pinpointed the symptoms, not the cause. The cause is this:

Saul Williams.

This 36 year old American Poet/Actor/Musician/Messiah killed hip hop in 2004 with the release of his Self Titled album. If you listen carefully you can distinctly make out the sounds of him beating Hip-Hop to death with it's own ridiculous contradictions and vanities. His purpose and outlook is established from the very first verse of the "Talk To Strangers":
"Nah, I wasn’t raised at gunpoint and I’ve read too many books/to distract me from the mirror when unhappy with my looks/And I ain’t got proper diction for the makings of a thug/Though I grew up in the ghetto and my niggas all sold drugs/And though that may validate me for a spot on MTV/Or get me all the airplay that my bank account would need/I was hoping to invest in a lesson that I learned."

Or this near-perfect line, a message to his racial peers in the music industry:

""I'd rather help than fight you. I'd rather hug than swing. I know where diamonds come from and ain't about to bling.""

Although this album is chock full of dope beats and uptempo rhythms, this isn't a banger for your Escalade, and it has the feeling more towards an album you listen to by yourself, slowly picking up and putting together what he's laying down in pieces. He's a poet in the truest definition of the word, reknowned for his slam pieces and his unconventional flow and rhyme style. His words have an almost spiritual affect on the listener, cutting straight through the layers of bullshit that modern society have encased you in and letting a glorious truth shine through.

Although I'm generally disagreed with by everyone I discuss it with, I think that the darker, guitar driven music of this album provides a powerful vessel for Saul's spoken word perfection.

Check it.

Saul Williams-Saul Williams

http://www.mediafire.com/?m9dxmze0jtl

2008-10-07T23:05:00.003-07:00

Hop Along Queen Ansleis- Freshman Year

2008-10-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

I came to this full y expecting to post a new album, something that has blown my mind lately, but there just isn't anything, so I'll go back a few years.

Do you ever wonder what would happen if indie-quirk princess Kimya Dawson actually had talent? If she were not only a master of writing songs both cute and gritty at once(which she certainly is), but also had the pop sensibilities of a Wilson brother and enough musical inventiveness to keep people interested for more than a couple songs? Wonder no more, you lucky so and so, for Hop Along, Queen Ansleis is here to quell your troubled wondering heart.

Frances Quinlan, who I'm probably in love with (or as much as you can be in love with someone you've never met through their art) is the driving force and sole singer, lyricist of Hop Along Queen Ansleis, she is accompanied quite often by her sibling(s) and friends playing a variety of instruments, conventional or not. She's adorable and is truly a diamond in the rough. In the cliche and trite world of female singer songwriters, she bursts forth in a jubilant ray of happy singalongs and promptly smashes all the tired stereotypes into the dust with a beautiful wail and a twinkle in her eye. Freshman Year is surprisingly high up on my list of favorite albums for someone who's generally immersed in the world of late eighties/early nineties emo/screamo. But I was convinced by a friend to pause my Car Vs. Driver album(OBSCURE NAME DROP! +10punxpoints)and give this a shot.

IMMEDIATELY I was hooked, from the very first verse of the first song she sets herself apart as something, different, something special. The music is everywhere at once, guitar, drums, clapping, kazoos, keyboards, tambourines, xylophones, all in crescendo behind clever, honest lyrics that are sung with a remarkably amazing octave range, she hits notes that you never see coming, and melodies reminiscent of nursery rhymes, although it's anything but childish. The tracks are so joyous and happy that on the first listen, and even the second, I was too busy smiling and bobbing my head to realize the quality of the stories, images, and feelings the lyrics create. This album is a keeper, upbeat and full of wonder, and I've shown it around alot, from the die hard metal fan to the Left For Dead(A SECOND ONE! HE'S UNSTOPPABLE!)loving anarcho-punk, it is as well recieved as I could hope for. Try it out and you will not be disappointed.

Hop Along, Queen Ansleis- Freshman Year
http://www.mediafire.com/?2uhujnjoz4z
(thanks to malecky for the re-up)

charlie's being demanding and shit, ring I have to piss, ring ring, take me out

2008-10-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
Assfactor 4 was a hardcore punk band from Columbia, South Carolina formed by two members of Tonka (Jay and Alex) and two members of Unherd (Eric and Kevin). They formed in the Fall of 1992 and broke up in late 1997. Assfactor 4's sonic approach drew heavily from San Diego's early-1990's group Heroin, but their song structure was notably more akin to 1980's thrash and hardcore, placing Assfactor 4 in a unique position within the DIY hardcore scene of the era.

Assfactor 4- Self Titled
http://www.mediafire.com/?5pxz2mgebwn

ALSO:

Nation of Ulysses was a post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C. The band formed in Spring 1988, with four members and known as simply "Ulysses." The original group consisted of Ian Svenonius on vocals and trumpet, Steve Kroner on guitar, Steve Gamboa on bass guitar, and James Canty on drums. Tim Green joined the band late in 1989 as a guitarist and the band became "Nation of Ulysses." Nation of Ulysses disbanded in the Fall of 1992 having failed to complete their third album. After the break up, Svenonius, Canty, and Gamboa went on to form the short-lived Cupid Car Club and The Make-Up.
Nation of Ulysses became known for their tongue-in-cheek political concepts, their extremely physical live performances, and their unique take on punk culture and fashion. In total, Nation of Ulysses released three-full length albums, and two vinyl EPs released on Dischord Records, and were featured on a number of compilation albums on a variety of record labels.

Nation Of Ulysses-13 Point Program to Destroy America
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5TKMT6JT

LINX 4 U(Animal Collective to David Bowie)

2008-10-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

tooth tonguing

2008-10-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel today.

In other news, this track was promised to me to be the "best folk song of the year". It definitely did not let me down. Bon Iver, british group on Jagjaguwar, the label best known for listing indie-folk darlings Okkervil River on their roster. This song is simple, beautiful, and utterly transfixing. The rest of the album is good, not great, but definitely give this particular song a listen.

Bon Iver- "Skinny Love"
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?zmmm5yaqwcj

And for those of you who are sticklers for full albums:
Bon Iver- For Emma, Forever Ago
http://rs118.rapidshare.com/files/61129176/bon_iver.rar

"I'm not a ladies man, I'm a landmine."

2008-10-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

The solo project-turned band of Jonathan "Yoni" Wolf, of cloudDEAD fame, brings his infectious brand of nerdy disenfranchised and distant white boy trip-hop back in full force with 2008's Alopecia. While not quite the gem that Elephant Eyelash was, this album has a darker, less hopeful feel than it's predecessor, with far more influence from the realm of awkward indie rock. Spectacular instrumentation abound through most of the album, with Yoni's usual lyrical prowess present as always. Direct statements and references take a backseat to more subtle(no reference intended) quotes, bouncing lyrics off walls of clever logic more often than openly stating their meaning. While the album does have a few weak tracks, (Gnashville, A Sky For Shoeing Horses Under) it more than makes up for it with beautifull crafted and catchy songs(The Hollows, Fatalist Palmistry, These Few Presidents) It certainly feels more powerful than previous Why? albums, with the stories and lines immediately catching your attention with their sometimes crude yet poetic substance, such as the opening line of the song "Good Friday" which states, "If you grew up with white boys/who only look at black and puerto rican porno/ cause they want something that their dad don't got/ then you know where you're at." Overall it's an impressive album, and it's good to see that they're changing things up within their sound. Well played around my house, and definitely worth getting.

Why?- Alopecia
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?fe0towymn5x

Megaladon Vs. Animatronic Orlando

2008-10-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

Bad dreams don't let me get any sleep.

Algernon Cadwallader does. American Football having sex with Cap'n Jazz. The vocals are fantstic, balancing perfectly on the edge of melodic collapse. Download this. And no, this band doesn't have a Kinsella brother in it.

Algernon Cadwallader - Some Kind of Cadwallader

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?2xtzgunlyft

Fucking stomach pains.