Christmas Jade and Ibe Style

As a gift Jade tweeted the remix of Blessed Memory Ibe made. I think it's awesome and the video goes hand-in-hand. Now I want to watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
Check out Ibe's website here for other videos and stuff he's produced.

A Vacuum that Sings Pleasantries

This isn't directly about music, but I think this invention is amazing. If I had to buy a vacuum I would definitely get this. You no longer need to clean with the uncomfortable sucking sound of a vacuum, now you can rock out to your music!!!!
Look at this


via-life files

Diamond Rings with Chipmunk

I've been sitting on this song since Nov. 4 because I didn't know what to write along with it, but today it hit me when it came on my iPod.
When I listen to songs I tend to envision their videos or how I would make one to go along with it. When I hear this song, I automatically think of Moulin Rouge courtesans and their pimp, if that's what you call them. So just try to envision this while you listen to the song about Chipmunk being a new and successful artist.
The scene is in an underground speakeasy with smoke and a huge stage with a grand piano. There's a whole bunch of flappers and then Chipmunk is the pimped out and has a huge diamond pinky ring. So he's more in focus then the rest of the crowd who are throwing money, dancing around, and drinking until they fall over. Then when the chorus comes on a spotlight hits the stage and THE one prized courtesan comes out with a huge diamond pendent hanging from her corset. She sings and performs and such.
So they may not be an original idea, but that's how I envision part of it going down.
I like this song because it takes me to a different decade, his London accent is pleasing to the ears, the horns are great and the female vocals are fun too
Take a listen and tell me what you think.

Profit from Misfortunes

You know how they say artists make more money after they die? Well, I think this concept should also apply when an artist has something tragic happen to them. For instance, the Jackson family has made millions after Michael died, Justin Timberlake's album Justified was a success and I feel like it was because everyone was anxious to see what he wrote about his and Britney Spears' break up, pretty sure The Beatles sales go up every time a member dies (RIP Lennon and Harrison),and Adele's album is amazing due to her break up with a love. But the main reason why I'm writing this is because of Chris Brown's new album, Graffiti.
There has been mixed feelings about him and the album, but I'm going to straight out say I'm a supporter. Yes, I would scream it out in public if someone asked me to. At first,I did have some inner struggles about liking the album because of the whole Rihanna thing, but honestly that situation is responsible for this great album. A lot of the songs are , well at least I assume they are about Rihanna.

New Mike Milan..and BP3

Everyone loves a little Jay-Z in their life. After BP3 dropped, Jay-Z has gotten his first #1 hit and now Mike Milan is tackling this hit maker. Mike Milan was inspired after he heard BP3 and set aside his ongoing project to tackle BP3. He has leaked the first 2 tracks and I must say it's pretty commendable. But open your ears and see what you think. If you like it, just wait till mid December when he drops the whole project.
The Finer Things

What Milan Talkin Bout

1 Epic Song, 3 Epic Man and 2 Pianos

For the 25th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Anniversary show Stevie Wonder and John Legend performed Michael Jackson's The Way You Make Me Feel. It's one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs and then you throw in the epic Stevie Wonder with my number one favorite male singer...wooah. The things that bugged me were that it seemed like Stevie forgot the words and John didn't really sing. But check it out.

Song of the Day: "Maniac"

Timbaland is coming out with some great songs. I really like this song because of it's fast tempo and Keri Hilson's voice is growing on me. I think this is also a great featuring for Chris Brown and D.O.E. They kill their parts. The website that I got it from says it's a Timbo song featuring everyone else, but I must say Keri shines in it. Give it a listen!

Get to Know Your Samples

You know that one song that sounds like that one song by Kanye??? Yeah you probably don't, but now you can figure it out. This situation happens to me all the time...like multiple times in a day. It would eat at my brain and make me spacey during class, but the other day I think my life changed. My friend Jamar told me about this amazing website that tells you what songs an artist sampled on which songs. Can I get a drumroll please??......it's www.whosampled.com. I wish I would have just put that in before because it's so simple, but I didn't. Maybe you're saying to yourself "Katie is stupid. That website is mad old." But I don't care. I just thought I'd let you in on my epiphany and if you haven't visited this website now you can when you have that name of a song on the tip of your tongue. Fun Fact: Kanye has sampled over 103 songs

I love Chauffeur...Theophilus, Ronson, Sparro

I have absolutely fallen in love with the song "Soles of Fire." It was another one of the songs on Theophilus London's Diesel radio show/playlist. The beat is unique and everything about it catchy. It has a watering dripping sound to it and then about 3 other layers of music to it. Basically polyrythmns at their best. Each verse is hot and the chorus is great. Some have said it's a subliminal message to buy Ronson's  shoes for Gucci.

"Can't wear me down, I won't get tired, I've ran so far, my soles on fire."

The Chauffeurs are like a dream team for music. They include Theophilus London, Mark Ronson and Sam Sparro. The only name that isn't that well-known, at least to me, is Sparro. He is an Australian singer-songwriter and producer. But Ronson is basically a producer God and Theophilus is a big up-and-coming rapper/singer...if you want to call him that.
I've already heard one sample of it and I must say it was good. Probably going to hear more.
Take a listen.

Photographs-Rihanna

I've listened to Rihanna's album, Rated R, and there is some good stuff. Her voice does bother me because of the robotic sound to it, but in this song she actually sings with a different song. I saw this title, Photographs, and automatically thought of the debacle of the titty pictures, but it's not about that. It's more about thinking about a relationship through photos. The featuring of will.i.am is good too. He adds a funk that makes the song seem a little less depressing then what the lyrics suggest. Gotta love will.i.am's producing and rapping/singing style. He always brings a smile to my face.
Give it a listen.

Actress to Singer

I'm not a big fan of the actress to singer and singer to actress thing. Let's name some; Jennifer Lopez (so i like her first stuff, but now she should stick to acting), Miley Cyrus (i don't know which one she was first, but I don't like her songs...I will not pary in the usa with her),Beyonce (i think she should stick to singing), Scarlett Johansson (complete butchering of Tom Waits),Hayden Panettierre (who even remembers her song?). And NOW, Leighton Meester (or is it Meister..there are so many different spellings on the web). I regret to say I am a fan of Gossip Girl, so I'd rather her stick to that than singing.
Her voice isn't ear-shattering bad, I just like her as an actress more. The first thing I heard with her on it was "Good Girls Go Bad" by Cobra Starship.I must I did not like it. There's a weird part of the song that just sounds off. Her part isn't bad, but every time I hear that she's a singer now, I think of that song and automatically the shuddering occurs.
But...I was peeping around today to find new music and ran across a Christmas song [Christmas(Baby Please Come Home)] from her. Since Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I figure I can post Christmas music now. I love it. This song isn't that bad, and maybe I can accept her as a singer. The one thing I don't like is that her voice is a little whiney and the words are very legato, but I guess to each their own.
Enjoy! Happy Early Thanksgiving!

XX in a Good Way

The XX isn't anything related to pornographic images. They are a group from London. The have an eargasmic remix of "You've Got the Love," so I couldn't help myself from finding out more about them.
They have a very calming tone or maybe a "relaxed-from-being -on-drugs" feel. I'm not saying that they are on drugs I'm just saying the way they deliver the lyrics and the tempo is just mad relaxed. Kind of like they want you to go to bed, but not because you want to hear more (confusing??? sorry).
They depend on their bass (as in guitar) a lot, and then they throw in some other fun sounds. I only have a live session of them + two other songs, but I really like them.
Check them out at myspace.com/thexx. They're also going to be at Webster Hall on Dec. 5th at 8pm, so if you go let me know how they are live.

And here's the remix I was talking about. Brace yourself for greatness :)

Theophilus Has Good Taste

I haven't posted a playlist in awhile, so here's a bangin' one for everyone. Just say thanks to Theophilus London. I must say he has excellent taste in music...doesn't surprise me since I love his music.

Theophilus London by Diesel:U:Music Radio on Mixcloud

check me out somewhere else

Hey readers! So I'm starting to contribute to stupiddope.wordpress.com in their music section. It's going to be more about new tracks in rap, r&b, and pop; and some interviews. But don't you worry I'm gonna keep posting here too. Check it out and tell me what you think, and if you want to see anything new and different.

Jade Webisodes

This is late, but better late than never. Here is a chance for everyone to get to know one of my favorite artists a little bit better. I've only been talking about her for forever, but know you can see her in action in her new webisodes. Check them out.



If you have now fallen in love too. Check her myspace out and you can now follow her on twitter.

About Time for Snow

My friend sent me a song awhile ago and it was love at first listen. Lately I've been into what I like to call "happy music." The kind of music that pulls me out of bed, makes me want to dance in public and bust out singing where ever I am. The song I'm talking about is "Animal" by Miike Snow. After some research, I found out that if you are a Gossip Girl watcher you may recognize this song from one of the episodes.

I think it makes me happy because of the repetitive keyboard melody. If you listen I think you'll understand where I'm coming from.
But here's the low down of Miike Snow. From the name, you may think it's a solo dolo, but nope you are wrong. It's a Swedish band consisting of Andrew Wyatt, Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg(that name is wonderful). They have a poppy feel that is heavily grounded in keyboard and piano tunes. They have one album right now, Miike Snow. I like it, but the songs do sound a little similar.
Check them out on their myspace page and rock out with some "happy music!"

Jay-Z+Music without Borders

Jay-Z must be an easy artist to mash with. Here is a mash of Jay-Z's American Gangster with Hindi music. Take a listen. I think it's pretty grand.
This is what the producers behind it have to say:

Over six months of late-night studio sessions and gallons of pineapple-ginger juice later, we were ready to mix and master. By now we’d created eight original tracks of our own, had one crazy track from our boy ElekTro4, six mash-ups, and edits based on tracks from Dan The Automator, Batsauce, and a few other notable producers. We received ongoing feedback from listening sessions held for friends, producers and music industry tastemakers, until we finally felt ready for our good friend and engineering guru, dj.sae.one, to master it. He loved the project and blessed it with the gloss and low-end finish we were looking for. Hindustani Gangster was born. Being a concept record, we hope people listen to Hindustani Gangster from start to finish in succession as it’s meant to be heard. Try not to compare it to Jay’s album, but rather treat it as an original work with a familiar narrator.

Listen to it by going to http://www.hindustanigangster.com/

Estonians Can Rock It: Kerli

I really love raw instrumentals with less synthesized stuff, but I'm liking what Kerli has to offer. Her album dropped Love is Dead dropped in 2008, but I had never heard of her until this week. Where have I been? But fun fact, she is the first Estonian to reach the Billboard 200.

So this combination of artists I'm about to rattle off that she reminds me of may rack your brain, but this is what comes to me: Santogold,Muse,Evanescence, Linkin Park and Natasha Beddingfield. She has this innocent voice that can be powerful and strained and the music goes from playful to raspy to a lil hard. It's a little overwhelming to my ears and brain to process at first, but I like it.

She said she wrote the album in over five years and she was coming out a depression, so I'm pretty sure that's way there's such a wide range of emotion going on in this album. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a fairytale and other times I feel like I should be in an dark underground bar with crazy people.

Here are some songs for your listening pleasure. But check her website out.

Ohh the Spoken Word: Larry Moore

Spoken word leaves me speechless. This summer I learned that one of my high school friends is extremely gifted at writing spoken word. He is Larry Moore and he's one of most talented people I've met. He has a beautiful tenor singing voice that fills auditoriums with no strain, a warm personality, an awesome football player, a colorful actor, and now a writer of spoken word (and I must add, a gentleman)...I mean c'mon, spread some talent around. haha

Anyway, if you haven't heard spoken word, it's a special way of delivering poetry. It's all about the tone of voice and they way you deliver each word.It's all about the different kind of interpretations the words make you think of. Larry makes his a little more special with bits of his soulful singing.

I definitely think you have to have the right voice to deliver this goodness. I'm thinking you have to have a James Earl Jones voice combined with a singer's voice. Weird, but once you listen to Larry's track you shall understand.


He's been a member on the GS Poetry website since May and has been posting like no other (70 poems to be exact). They range from responses to other poems, erotic poems,love, metaphysical, etc. Let's just say there's a nice range.

I wanted to get in his head a little so here's what he has to say:
Me (m): When did you start writing spoken word?
Larry (l): I would say that I started writing spoken word in tenth grade. Even though, at the time, I didn’t really realize that I was. But a few of those early poems got pieced together and made into longer performance pieces when I started performing. As for consciously writing spoken word, I think it was probably the summer right after my sophomore year in high school. I met a guy named Jahmooni and he really influenced my style and I have been writing similarly ever since.

M: Is there a difference of feeling when you are doing spoken word than when you are singing?And if so how is it different?
L: I can’t say that there is much of a difference in the feeling between the two. I try and write small singing blurbs for my pieces because the music really sets it off. For the most part, performing is performing for me. It all makes me all tingly and excited on the inside. If I am competing I always feel better. If I have some singing to go with my pieces cause it moves the crowd but I would say that I love both equally and they make me feel the same way.

M: What inspires you most?
L:Wow. LOL! I would say that women inspire the most. But right after that there is music and other poets. Women are so beautiful in all of their facets and I love to write about them in a myriad of different situations (most of them sexual). To go along with that tough, I try not to just come out and say raw sexual things. I like to metaphorically play with the ideas to make them new. Anybody can write an A-B about a woman’s body and sex, but there are more interesting ways to semantically touch the topic.

M:Oh, so I remember you said you've won contests and such and that you have performances at other campuses. Can you tell me that again?
L: I compete a lot. It has become a passion of mine and I do it whenever and wherever I can. So far I have won at least six or so competitions at Truman State with probably ten or so additional second or third placements and I won the 2009 “Say What” Des Moines spoke word contest as well. One of my biggest accomplishments is being invited to host a “Power of Words” conference at Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln Nebraska where I performed and facilitated a discussion. But gigs like that and competing only come every once and a while so most of the time I am doing programs for different organizations on Truman’s campus or just writing new stuff to try and expand my mind and elevate my style.

M:Can you give a me a little insight into "You Are My Queen"?
L:This is actually one of my oldest pieces! I wrote this during that summer after sophomore year when I first started writing spoken word and it is completely untouched. What you have here is exactly what I put on paper six or seven years ago. It’s not really about anyone. Most of my pieces just start as ideas and I let them develop from the word play that is available. The part I sing at the beginning is newer though and that was inspired by someone special. Lol.


Check out more of his stuff on his page. Thanks Larry!

Good Listen: Where the Wild Things Are Soundtrack

Where The Wild Things Are is a classic children's book so I'm hoping Spike Jonze's film adaption does it justice. From watching the trailer and listening to the soundtrack it seems like it's promising. Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeah brings the perfect attitude for the album. She's spunky, weird, dark, and the list goes on of unique attributes. The soundtrack is actually by her and "the kids." The collabs are marvelous, but I'll let you listen to hear the geniusness of it all. Her vocals are great and the instrumental with maracas and such bring a smile to my face.There are several songs that feature kid like voices...sometimes it sounds like kids but sometimes I think maybe they're just hers?? haha
The first song released was "All is Love" and it has the upbeat adventure feel....and one of the songs with the kid voices. When I listen to it, I want to go on an adventure..so I guess the people did a good job picking the song to feature first for this movie.
But other songs that are good are "Worried Shoes" which is more of a somber tone. I love Karen's little bursts of notes and "ha ha's" Hard to explain, but when you listen I think you'll understand.
The soundtrack plays with your emotions, but I kind of like it. It's a good "sit and listen" soundtrack.
Here's a bit of "Worried Shoes" and a short song "Animal" to give you a feel of the other songs you haven't heard.

Noisettes+ Kanye=Pure Genius

Mick Boogie and Terry Urban have done it again. They have combined two great music combos and produced an eargasmic list of 8 tunes on the Wild Young Heartbreaks. They set Noisettes songs against Kanye's 808s & Heartbreaks.
The thing that makes Boogie so good is that he totally combines the songs. He doesn't just mend them together. He changes the tempos and some instruments of Kanye's songs for the background and keeps the Noisettes lyrics and melodies the same. So basically you'll be listening to this an be like "oh my goodness this sounds familiar!" Just like sampling, but more intense. One really good example of this is "Cheap Cops." I love it, the strings version of "Robo Cop" is awesome.
If you haven't heard of the Noisettes, look them up. They are an indie rock band from London. The lead singer, Shingai Shoniwa, blows my mind. Her voice is so powerful. I'm starting to think London only breeds strong and powerful singers...it's kind of ridiculous. They have the funky Janelle Monae feel with a more rock feel.
Get this mix here.
Here are 2 tracks I really like.

Trailer Time

There are so many aspiring singers, rappers, djs, etc... out there, but one thing that kills me is that they don't put themselves out there like they should. Sprawl out in every outlet. Yes, there is the ultimate debate over quantity vs. quality, but if the message sticks out then you have something going for you...but enough of this speech.
You may remember the interview I did with Young Mix, or maybe you don't, but he's been putting doing work and putting himself out there, so it only feels right to help him sprawl out across the internet.
Take a look at his trailer for his upcoming video and spread the word.

From Tha City Trailer from Jove Mandzik on Vimeo.

Song of the Day: " September"

What other song would I pick today?? C'mon. It's appropriate because it's about the night of the 21st of September...and honestly who doesn't enjoy Earth Wind and Fire??

Song of the Day: " Hoochie Coo"

Rock and Rap/Hip Hop is a beautiful blend for my ears. Jim Jones isn't one of my favorites, but having Mos Def and the Black Keys on this track definitely out way that one negative. Mos Def's voice is on point with this song...it kind of reminds me of the Red Hot Chili Peppers circa 90s. His little "oo oo oos" are delivered with his usual hypnotic smooth warm tone...it's nice. The Black Keys really kill it with the instrumentals and I'm assuming they are the back up vocals.
Give it a listen right here .

The song is part of the Black Keys rap/rock album that's dropping November 27th. The collaborations look amazing and from what I heard, I think it's gonna be a must have. Check out the website to see what is to come from this project. I'm way excited. You can even pre-order it.

Song of the Day: "Pursuit of Happiness"

Pursuit of Happiness Letterman Live
by yardie4lifever2

I have fallen in love with this song. I know you've probably all watched Cudi's performance on Dave Letterman by now, but I can't get over how good it is. I've seen Cudi perform live before and I know that he is a good performer, but I think this performance is awesome. It's not your normal jump around, be crazy performance; it's genuine. He smiles at the right places, his hand movements aren't crazy but just right, and I think overall his movements just fits the song. He shows that performance don't have to be outrageous (like lady gaga's at the VMAs) to be good. I think it also helps that the song, musically, is really good. Working with Ratatat and MGMT was a good look. The guitar part is killer. Watch it, you might fall in love with it and maybe think I'm not just a total Cudi lover (haha)

So Much Fun in the Music World

Yesterday was a fun day in the world of music. It was the perfect day at Syracuse for a music lover like me. The day started off with Juice Jam and ended with the VMAs....oh and one more announcement.
This year Juice Jam brought in The Cool Kids, Jack's Mannequin and Girl Talk...a pretty solid line up. I would like to applaud the organizers except the order of performance. Who starts off with The Cool Kids??? My line up would have been Jack, Kids, Girl Talk. The Cool Kids were awesome and then you get Jack's Mannequin up there singing about emo stuff and I wanted to slit my wrists....not an action before I want to jump up and down for Girl Talk. C'mon Organizers!!!!
I understand that Jack's Mannequin may have a bigger following than the Cool Kids but the order of energy just doesn't mash well. I was so depressed that I left even before Girl Talk got on stage. Probably a poor decision on my part, but I just wasn't feeling it. It's a good thing I've seen him before, but it would've been nice to see him again....oh well.
The thing that did make it all worthwhile was meeting the Cool Kids. They're mad chill. So here's the story:
So after the performance my friend Edwin and I walked over to the fence and I was like I should just yell and see if he'll [Chuck] will come over, so I yelped out this puney scream of "Chuck" and Edwin said C'mon I know you can do better and I refused so he yelled and Chuck actually looked over and motioned to us....ah-mazing!
So Chuck comes over and I tell him I'm the girl who tweeted him the night before about going to Chucks and he was like "so you're that girl." Saying it in a weird tone and I responded "Yeah, I guess I'm that girl." So were just chatting, we take a photo and then a crowd starts to form. We could tell Chuck was a little peeved, but he was chill about it. After a good 10 minutes of craziness, Mikey came out to the crowd. So Edwin and I are just chillin there and letting the crazy people take their photos and this cracked-out-girl says "What's his [Mikey] him?" and I bluntly say, " Are you serious?!? He just did a whole song about who he is and what his name is!" she says, "oh i must have missed that!" After another 10 minutes we finally talked to Mikey..told him about chandelier. Too bad they we're leaving by 5 or I think we could've gotten them to chill with us.


Needless to say the crowd was crazy and it wore me out. At least I got to rest before the madness of the VMAs.
OHh the Kanye incident, Lady Gaga trying to prove she's not a guy with her outfit, Lil Mama ruining the ending, Hov and Alicia Key's awesome performance, and we must not forget the awesome MJ tribute that almost made me cry...I'm trying to stay strong here. If you didn't watch the VMAs catch some clips at mtv.com. It's one of the only music things MTV shows now so I feel like it's necessary to give it a watch.

OH and the announcement!!! John Legend is coming to Cuse on the 23rd to speak about his Show Me campaign. He responded to me on twitter last night and I went crazy...I'm that big of a fan. So look out for more info on that.

Song of the Day: " Fireflies"

I love it when my friends introduce me to new music. The other day Spinks was talking about Owl City and I had to have him send me some. He sent me this song. Owl City sounds so much like The Postal Service it's uncanny. He kinda reminds me of HelloGoodbye too. I could have sworn that the singer was Ben Gibbard, but it's not. It's Adam Young.
Take a listen!

Song of the Day: " A Star Is Born"

If you haven't listened to Jay-Z's new album The Blueprint III, do it! There has been the classical debate of is this a good album or if it's not going on, but in my opinion it's pretty good. It's not your typical Hov. It has a more pop feel and not your straight hip-hop with extremely powerful lyrics...not saying that this album is completely lacking this. Open your eyes and ears to some new stuff....
Like this song. It features J.Cole who hasn't exactly exploded in the music scene, but people need to be ready to hear his name more. The whole clapping in the background kinda gets annoying, but it works with the song as a whole.
Give it a listen and see what you think...

Song of the Day: "Quelqu'un m'a dit"

I went and saw (500) Days of Summer the other night and the soundtrack is pretty amazing...it's up there with Garden State. The song that I fell in love with is Quelqu'un m'a dit by Carla Bruni. There's this thing with me and music in French. For some reason it just sounds better and their voices are more calming or interactive...but maybe that's just because I don't understand everything that they are singing.

So this song sounds beautiful and a little sorrowful...and oh my goodness is it. I translated it and here is what it says:

I am told that our lives are not worth much,
They pass in an instant as roses fade.
I was told that the time slips is a bastard that our sorrows He made them coats but someone told me ...

Refrain
That you still loved me,
Someone who told me you loved me still.
Would this be so?

I was told that fate does not care about us
That gives us nothing and promises everything
Seem qu'le happiness is at hand,
Then it reaches out and you find yourself crazy
But someone told me ...

Refrain

But that is what I always said that you loved me?
I do remember it was late at night
I hear his voice, but I see more features
"He loves you, it's secret, tell him that J'vous have said"
You see someone told me ...

That you still loved me, I was really T'on said ...
That you still loved me, would this be so?

I am told that our lives are not worth much,
They pass in an instant as roses fade
I was told that the time slips is a bastard
What our sorrows He made them coats,
But someone told me that ...

Check Bruni out because the rest of her music is just as beautiful...I don't know what they mean, but I'll work on it. And if you love the way French sounds check out Ta Douleur by Camille.

Song of the Day: "Knock Drop Throw Run"

I did a music swap with my roomie yesterday and she introduced me to DJ Shylock.He's another masher, but he doesn't really weave the songs together, he kinda just makes them lead into each other. This makes the songs extremely long, but I guess it's cool because you get some good songs all handy for you to play in a row for a playlist or what-have -you.
This one is a combo of :
Death of Autotune - Jay-Z
Best I Ever Had - Drake
Run This Town - Jay-Z ft. Rihanna & Kanye West
Throw It In The Bag - Fabulous
Knock You Down - Keri Hilson
Drop It Down Low - A.K.
Like Oh - DEZ
Face Drop - Sean Kingston

I don't really like the lead into "knock you down" though...kinda hurts my ears.
Anyway check out Shylock's website. You can download his album of mashes or just individual songs. It's pretty nice if you ask me. And you can follow him on twitter.

Song of the Day: "Coastin'"

One of my friends sent me this awhile ago and now I can't help but revisit it. It is so beautiful. The pianos are great, the female voice is strong and raspy, and the rap is good. I really like the message of the song too, so take a peep.

Song of the Day: "Certainly"

Right now I'm going through an Erykah Badu phase.I'm revisited the good old stuff....I'm talking about Baduizm. Pretty sure she's gone a little kooky with the Amerykah albums, but her old stuff is on point. I want to know what made her change her vibe.
What I love about Erykah is that she has an old funk and blues sound with the biting chords and musicality...beautiful. Then her voice is soothing but different...I'm just waiting for a more scat to happen in this song. Ohh and I love the bass and piano. Ohh this music makes my soul swoon.
This song makes me want to lay in a hammock and let the wind go through my hair while thinking about deep stuff. haha

Song of the Day:"BLINDFOLDED"

Everyone needs a little Theophilus in their life. This song is a part of his mixtape of MJ samples so it's pretty great. For some reason I like this song the most on this mixtape...I don't know why really. What do you think?

Epic Mash: Hov and Coldplay

I loved the Lost Remix with Hov, but Mick Boggie's mash of Hov and Coldplay is kinda ahhh-mazing. I know it's mad old, but I just heard about it today. It's pleasing to my ears and makes my heart flutter with excitement. If you didn't already now from previous posts, I love mash ups. I love when two or more talented artists are intertwined to make epicness or eargasmic music. There are 20 tracks on Viva La Hova that aren't just from Coldplay's Viva La Vida or just one Hov CD. I personally love "Reverse Fix," "Never Changing," "Life of Clocks," and "X-Y-Z." I must say that I don't like the woman's voice that's interrupting some of the great lyrics and tunes.
If you don't have this album download it now. Here's a link for the torrent.

Song of the Day:"Pon De Floor"

Major Lazer is a great musical project consisting of DJ/Producers Switch and Diplo. They have a huge reggae influence and all the songs of Major Lazer just make me happy. "Pon De Floor" is one with few words, but it doesn't really need any.I first heard it riding in a car in midtown NYC and it was a great experience. The snares and the other weird noises (I hesitate to say that because noise can have a negative connotation, but I don't want it to) are bound to make you want to dance in your car, on the floor, or where ever.
Here's the video. Warning it's pretty graphic...well to some. I'm just happy the women keep their clothes one...wowzas.

Major Lazer "Pon De Floor" from Eric Wareheim on Vimeo.

I will say that video is creative...with it's Sims-ish graphics, but wow the dancing got me. The girls aren't that cute and I guess if you need some new sex moves here ya go...well if you haven't tried these.

It's Been Awhile

Summer is basically over for me and that means now I can get back to this here blog. Here are a couple things I've fallen in love with recently, but if you can help me out with some new music that would be glorious. I don't have internet for awhile and I'm gonna need some good music to entertain me.
-Raphael Saadiq: The Way I See It. (album)
*I love his whole image as an artist. He has the old time feel of the Temptations and old time Motown, but he has a flair that you know he's from this time period. He has harmonies, snares, tambourines and glorious piano tunes. This isn't an album for partying or anything, it's just good for a chill time or maybe dancing around in your kitchen while cooking.
*Here are some samples of the songs:

- This one is pretty hot.
-You get to hear a different kind of Hov on this one. pretty interesting if you ask me.

-Matt & Kim: "Daylight"

This song was in a commercial awhile ago and then a friend reminded me of this song the other week. It has a way of making me happy. I think it's all the staccato piano notes. It reminds me of '90s music a lil too.

-Theophilus ft. Peter Hadar: "I Want U For Myself"

I love Theophilus right now. His rapping/singing is just so smooth and kind of seductive. This song is smooth and it sounds like it should be in Napolean Dynamite. The lyrics are pretty good to. Is that a cowbell I hear?? haha

Daniel Merriweather

Like I said, I think Daniel Merriweather is the male version of Adele, but he has a good combo of sounds. I think he sounds like a combo of Jonny Lang, James Morrison, John Mayer and Robin Thicke.
He's previously been featured in songs, but he came out with his debut album in June, Love and War. I love the whole thing. It's a good easy listen to powerful vocals, good back ups, beautiful harmonies and tons of emotion. Sometimes the guitar sounds like the weeping guitars of The Beatles and other times there's a twang like the Beach Boys. Weird combo, but he makes it work.
You should definitely download/buy this album.
Here are some of my favorites:

Song of the Day: "Water and Flame

Daniel Merriweather seems like the male version of Adele to me, so you know I'm going to love everything he puts out. It was hard picking just one song from him, but since I do love Adele I picked the one that features her haha.
Their voices blend so well together and you can really feel the emotion of realization, breaking up and a little bit of longing.
Give it a listen. Definitely good for a rainy day like today.

New Music: LeVar Thomas and Caleb

So I have some updates on some previously mentioned artists. Maybe you've already given them a listen if you follow them..I've been pretty slow lately.

Caleb posted a new song on his facebook page called "Fifth Wall." It has a Bon Iver feel to it. The harmonies are beautiful and the range is ah-mazing. Go check it out on his page.

LeVar has a new song as well. It's called "Lovin' Alone." I think it's more mainstream and poppy compared to his other songs, but his vocals are on point like always. Download it right here.

Song of the Day: "You! Me! Dancing! "

I was not expecting what this song delivers when I saw the title. I thought it would be light and energetic, but no Los Campesinos goes in. They produced a dark energetic sound thats better for going crazy, moving your arms all around and maybe a slight mosh if you want to...no twirling and floating around with this song. It's gets pretty intense around 2:16, but it definitely shows that they have great dynamics. I really like the change in moods and I love the use of a xylophone??? oh and the violin and plucking around 5:25...brilliant!
I really enjoyed this song, but it may not be for all, but get it a chance and hit play.

Song of the Day: "Junkyard Dog"

So I was sent this song by a very good man. I really like the beat...it really reminds me of OutKast...It's by MAYDAY, just so you know. It kinda makes me wanna get up and dance all crazy like (like in Garden State where she does her most original thing ever) or at least nod my head a lot.

Concert Time: Mickey Factz and Jade

All of you who didn't know about this, get on the ball. Tonight's the night of the Mickey Factz and Jade concert at S.O.B's. Go get some tickets and come because I'm about 99.9% positive that it's going to be a great show. If you don't know who these people are then you obviously don't read this blog that often, but here's some songs so you know what's goin' on.

Here's all the info you need to know:

S.O.B's

204 Varick St.

Doors at 7

Show at 9

Mickey Factz

Jade

Stalley

FKi

$14 at the door

Song of the Day: "Hold The Line"

This song is kind of genius to me in some way. You may not like it if you don't like reggae, but everything in the song is great. It starts off with this western horse clapping and then goes into that surfing song vibe and then you get Santigold's signature craziness. There's just something about it that makes me happy.

Song of the Day: "I Gotta Feeling"

I know that this is way commercial...in 2 ways, but for some reason when this popped on my shuffle today it totally felt right to post. It just makes me happy and optimistic so hopefully it does the same for you.

"fill up my cup. mazel tov!"

I Like: "Kiss With Your Fist"

I was reading the 20 Watts blog and I love this song. I would definitely have to agree with them when they say it sounds like Adele and The White Stripes...nice find. If you really want to read it go here. But you can download the song here.

Ragen Fykes

I think this lady is very talented. She has a mixed sound of Erykah Badu, an old soul and some spice. Her music content kind of reminds me of Corinne Bailey Rae too. Very easy and beautiful. She has an EP with 3 songs, but other than that I couldn't find anything else...well besides the songs on her myspace page. But you can get the EP right here.

Here's a video to see what she can do, but check her out and you can follow her on twitter.

Song of the day: "Helium"

Sorry I've been slacking so much lately, but hopefully I can keep up with it now.

I was searching around for some new music and read across Ragen Fykes.

I like this song because of the biting chords and I think her voice is unique. The only things is that this song sounds just like that song where it says, "You can feel it in your heart..oooh" or something like that. If you know what I'm talking about can you please tell me in the name of it because it's killing me.

"And as we're floating away peace to all those who stay. it's what we gotta do drifting what we gotta do above the clouds we can stay its way more fresher that way."

Song of the Day: "I Think I Like It"

So I saw this band, London Souls, the other day at the Afro-Punk Festival and I thought they were awesome. They can totally rock out and get a crowd going....I must say I was bobbing and clapping.

If you get a chance to see them you should go. They're going to be at Public Assembly in BK tomorrow night @ 9pm and Santos July 14 @ 8pm.

Check them out on their myspace page.

Song of the Day: "She Wants to Move"

I'm dedicating this song of the day to my baby girl..haha and I picked it because I just want to move and N.E.R.D always delivers good songs to dance around to.

Song of the Day: "Ciroc Star"

Still reliving the concert from last week. Please take this moment and enjoy some Chester French!

Ahh-Mazing Concert: Chester French and Kid Cudi 6/26

Last night probably was the 2nd or 3rd best concert I've been to in my life. The crowd was hyped, the music was great, and the performers were 2 of my favorites. Paper magazine and Ray Ban brought Kid Cudi and Chester French to the South Street Seaport for a free concert and it was amazing.

Chester French started the big show...after a rain delay. The crowd wasn't into it the whole time, but I definitely was. They did:

1. Jimmy Choos

2. She Loves Everybody

3. Bebe Buell

4. Neal

5. Life in LA but Life In NY featuring Travis McCoy

6. Starting a Band-Two Mans

7.Hella Good Cover

And then it was time for Kid Cudi at about 9pm. I just want to say that he is way skinner than I thought he would be...like way to skinny, but I do have to say that he is a great performer. I loved how he was drinking a Corona the whole time. He's definitely appreciative of his fans too.

Set List:

1.Down and Out

2.Dat New New

3.Is There Any Love sans Wale

A brief little disbelief moment of his Aug. 25 album drop date

4. Cudi Spazzin'

5.Can Be

6. Man on the Moon

MJ tribute moment. " We gonna keep making ill ass joints for mj"

7. Some song i don't remember

8.Excuse My Mood

9. The Sky Might Fall

Announcing tour with Asher Roth

10. Poke Her Face

11. Embrace the Martian

12. Day 'N Nite

Alex and Sam

These two are the artists from LA who do today's song of the day. I like them because they're mad chill and play hands-on acoustic, brass, you name it instruments. Sometimes I get this Beatles-ish sound but then I get something else. I really like Sam's jazzy heartfelt voice...It kinds reminds me of Norah Jones and Emily King with a richer and jazzier sound. They have a jazz/pop/folk feel to them. And I think their voices blend nicely..like to the point of hypnotization into a chill state.

Alex and Sam met in high school and made a musical match. All of the songs are written, produced, arranged, and recorded by Alex. So there's definite talent there in my opinion.

So you should check them out on their website. They even have free downloads of 3 of their songs.

I really like this song/performance so enjoy.

Song of the Day: "See You Through"

I found this group while I was searching for music for my internship and I thought they were pretty good. I picked this song because I think it has the best instrumentals. I really like the guitar riff at 2:36 and then how it transitions to the keyboard and then trumpet. I just love it when things aren't all electronic.

Song of the Day: "PYT"

Everyone should know why this is the song of the day plus if you sing this to some girl you might get some points.

RIP Michael.

Song of the Day: "Enjoy Yourself"

I'm not one to be "Oh my God I love Drake" because I think some artists are better than him, but I did like this song when it came on shuffle this morning. It's so calming and nice to hear when you start the day. I really like the guitar and drums and I guess his voice is good too.

But anyway "enjoy yourself."

Song of the Day: "Purple Haze"

I've been wondering why don't we have quality rock music these days? I just want someone to rock on the guitar like Jimi did. Is that too much to ask for? Well maybe it is because he is the best, but how about something close?

I hope you like the throw back because sometimes you just need to listen to some Jimi. He's good for many occasions.