Sunday, March 30, 2008

How it gets on the page

Arty people, heads up!


'Typography"


"Pulp Fiction in Typography" NSFW


'Who's On First"


I'd love to know what people think of the three, please leave me comments!

Lips Of Fire

Nothing beats this song for smooth , rockin' R&B vocals. You can hear the heat between Brook Benton and Dinah Washington oozing through the tune. Hot Damn!


"You've Got What It Takes"

Rip Van Winkle

Oh my, I haven't posted in a few days because of a change in medicines. It's knocked me for a loop, to say the least. I can go about my daily schedule (work and school) , but other than that, you'll find me sleeping. I seriously have a hard time keeping my eyes open. A few more days should find me back on track.

"Enter Sandman"

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Give me wiggles.

I like those dirt-bag moustaches, they are sexy, Jesse Hughes can come and rattle my bones any time. (j/k Brian)


"Speaking In Tongues"



By the by, when I was entering the title for this post, I had put in "Give" and auto-fill gave me this option: "Give your baby prune juice" so, that's the alternative title.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Patricia...You're a Superstar!

It's been a gorgeous day, the sun is shining, and there is just a great sense of the renewal that Springtime can bring. I was out shopping and there were so many neat kids out with their parents. They had such bright faces, wonderfully chosen outfits, and inquisitive minds. I love hearing all the many ways children try to wheedle crap out of their parents.

"Love Vibration"

Monday, March 24, 2008

Too late to say you're sorry

Most zombies want to eat your face off, but these Zombies want to rock your socks off. Earlier this month the remaining members reunited for several shows in London, playing the entirety of the Odessey Oracle album. "Care of Cell 44" is a must have track, don'tcha know.


"She's Not There"

Mr.Del wouldn't tell you nothin' that ain't true

Hieroglyphics are what good rap is all about. Del the Funky Homosapien puts it all down for you in this track, drawing the lines between what's real and wack. Oakland gets maligned all the time, but there's good stuff coming from the OAK too. Below the Hiero/Del classic "At the Helm", check out Del's newest track, "Workin It" from The 11th Hour on Definitive Jux Records.

"At The Helm"


"Workin It"

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Pancakes with little squares on 'em

Many years ago I saw Tapeheads, an awesome movie from 1988 starring John Cusack, Tim Robbins, Don Cornelius, Junior Walker and Sam Moore. Even Jello Biafra has a cameo. It has the best soundtrack ever. I'm trying to find a copy of it right now. In any case, the movie brought my attention to the fabulousness that is Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n Waffles, a Southern California dining institution. After seeing this movie, I was itching to eat there. Nobody ever wanted to go with me, they all thought it was too weird sounding. Well, this past Christmas, my stalwart husband, sister, cousins, their partners and I all went. Hell yes! I had the Carol C. Special with a side of grits. Dee-licious.

http://www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com/menu.html


Roscoe's Chicken 'n' Waffles commercial (from Tapeheads).

Doggs Allowed

Growing up I spent most of my vacations in Long Beach visiting with my grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins. I imagined that I would move there when I grew up because I could go to the beach every day and the sun would always be shining. Now that I am all grown up I know that I am not really a Southern California type of person, although I don't mind visiting, especially since I get to see my relatives, all of whom are a lot of fun.
I always hope I'm going to run into Snoop too, even though I'm pretty sure he's moved out of town.

"Who Am I? (What's My Name?)

Ice Cube don't like drama

But he's going to George Clinton's house with the 1/2 ounce, so you know there's going to be some shenanigans! George is Mr.Funkadelic, so what do you expect? This song is 14 years old, but you can bump it at your party next weekend and everyone will think you're a hero for remembering it.

"Bop Gun"

Motherflippin' Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenocerus

Why? Because it's comedy gold, and I need something to keep me happy until the new Flight of the Conchords season starts.

"Hiphopopotamus vs. Rhymenocerus"

Drawing Board

This video has a really cool concept. I especially like the part when the hair flies up and becomes the lyrics.

"Have You Seen In Your Dreams"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryJVQcG3tXg

Saturday, March 22, 2008

The Big House

I live right across the Richmond Bridge from San Quentin, and pass by it every day on my way to school and work. It occupies some prime real estate in Marin County, and is not hidden away from sight like many penitentiaries. There aren't any large fields surrounding it, it's just right there, off the road, in your face. There is a mixture of new prisoners there for processing, minimum security workcrew inmate units, parole violator units, general population units and, of course, California's male death row inmates. There is another thing that San Quentin is famous for, and that's when Johnny Cash performed there in 1969. Check out this footage. Song lyrics by Shel Silverstein, who also was well known for childrens favorites "Where the Sidewalk Ends" and "The Giving Tree". (Silverstein was also a Marin resident)

"A Boy Named Sue"

Willie Nelson kissed me.

This is footage from a Highwaymen concert. I'd give my right foot to have the opportunity to go to one of these shows now. I mean really, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings? All together? Dang! I'll just have to be satisfied with the fact that Willie gave me a kiss once. I am not going to wash the magic off, cause Mr.Nelson is a genius. My friend Christina and I asked him to sign a hat for us, and he turned away from everyone else in the crowd and planted a big smacker on each of us. Clearly this song is about me.

"Always On My Mind"

Pushin' it right

This song rules me still, after 5 years. The original, The Seed, was on The Headphone Masterpiece, by Cody ChesnuTT, then was reworked as The Seed 2.0 for the Roots' Phrenology album. It's officially Spring, so watch out for Mr. ChesnuTT, he's probably going around pushing seeds into bushes.

"The Seed 2.0"

Friday, March 21, 2008

Ain't Nobody But You

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings,people. Lady can sing, and the band rocks my bones. This is what music is about. This tune is from the album 100 Days, 100 Nights. And you might wonder why I don't listen to the radio (aside from the fact that mine is broke)...

"Let Them Knock"

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Easter Bunnies!

Get down with your bad self! Who knew the Easter bunny was so naughty?

"Get Down"

Friday! Friday! Friday!


Don't forget to check out musical genius, Torsten Kretchzmar, this Friday at the de
Young.

"Entschlossenheit"


"Dunkelheit"


"I Know What Girls Like"

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Oh so good, oh so fine

The legendary Davies brothers!

" A Well Respected Man"

I'll cutchoo with my Knife!

Olof Dreijer and Karin Dreijer Andersson are The Knife. Silent Shout is their most recent album, where you can find this track.

"Like A Pen"

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Poncey-pants

These lads are sporting some seriously affected haircuts, and I'm judging them for it. This release, "Cassius" is catchy, but I'm not yet sure if I'm ready to defend the Foals their follicular follies. What say you? (I didn't originally plan for the alliteration, but I'll let it stand.) Some of those hearts they've got hanging are huge! The one that swings into the lead singer looks as if it could knock him down. I'm wondering what kind of animal they are from, my guess would be either cows or pigs. This track is from the new album Antidote, released this month.

"Cassius"

It's me, bitch!

Sing it gurl! This is Wendy Ho.

"The Gospel of Ho"

Get a jobby-job

Super classic. Check out Lil Bow-Wow jumping on the couch. I love Snoop. This is for my cousins, Camille, Casey and Evan, and Grandma Alice, reppin' for the LBC.

"Gin and Juice"

Monday, March 17, 2008

Bad girls and bloody noses

I don't even try to figure it out, I just revel in the weirdness. Massive Attack were (and remain) so brilliant at this juncture, Tricky's vocals adding that extra raspy-smooth goodness. Jonathan Glazer, known for the tense, black comedy Sexy Beast, directs. The color on the walls in the rooms, the ochre and blue with white wainscoting, looks really cool. I also really can't get over how amazing the white, padded leather armoir is. I'd kill for one of those!

"Karmacoma"

You forgot your shoe

I first heard this lovely lady sing "God Put A Smile On Your Face" at the Brit Awards with Mark Ronson. Adele is an all-around stunner. I can't wait to see where her talent takes her.

"Chasing Pavements"

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Crayon Face

The cover of this album bums me out, but I like this song. This one goes out to Cary-Anne, who claims Burlingame. Suki Suki!

"The Girl You Lost To Cocaine"

This style is not free, this style is expensive

If you don't know of Roots Manuva and Leftfield, then you've been missing out. Roots Manuva is,IMHO, the finest rapper across the pond. Talk about mad flow. His lyrics still reveal nuances to me after hundreds of listens, something that I love. Leftfield made some of the sickest beats you'll ever hear in your life, their albums are just as fresh as when they were originally released. "Leftism" and "Rhythm and Stealth" are superb listen and go players.Add Roots Manuva to a Leftfield tune, and you've got something sick indeed. This video is a visual delight, something unsurprising coming from these artistic visionaries.

"Dusted"

Saturday, March 15, 2008

We cannot possibly be friends

...if you do not hear the glorious beauty that is in Beulah. Alas, they no longer are together. Hooray for recordings! Beulah is one of the greatest gifts that my husband ever gave me. So, I give you two small servings to whet your appetite. Thank me later.

"Popular Mechanics For Lovers"


"Gene Autry"

Enter my style, enter my clan

"El Kilo"

Kampuchea

This is a haunting song.

"Armagideon Time"

Hoochie coochie!

This may not have the best quality sound, but it IS the coolest performance of "Mannish Boy" I've ever seen. There are many of them, and each different version has it's own merits, but I always return to this one. Muddy Waters has an exuberant stage presence, and the crowd roars with pleasure. Wait for the end, the look on his face is wonderful.

"Mannish Boy"

Shama-lama

The incomparable Frank Black. New mini LP 'SVN FNGRS' out on Cooking Vinyl this month.

"She Took All The Money"

Vamos a jugar por la playa

There is guitar playing, and then there is f-in guitar playing. Here is the latter.

"Vamos"

Cokie Robert

The Blow Monkeys lead singer goes by the name of Dr.Robert. From the look of him, he spent the eighties nose deep in a pile of his favorite cha-cha powder. This was one of my favorite songs. I clearly had no idea what the good doctor looked like, or I'd have been off my food. Apparently The Blow Monkeys are at work on a new album. Sorry, no monkeys in the video.

"Digging Your Scene"

Friday, March 14, 2008

Long exposure

Kaki King is cool. She has a unique playing style.

"Pull Me Out Alive"

What are Cornish Boys To Do?

In Cornwall, the traditional industries were fishing and tin mining. This short film takes a look at graffiti and unemployment through the eyes of a skater. Have a pasty while you watch.

Honey dripping down my walls

The Stathatos family has been living with a honeybee hive within the walls of their home for 25 years, but recently, the bees have gotten a bit out of hand. Now honey is actually dripping from the walls of one room.

www.sgvtribune.com/rds_search/ci_8540663?IADID=Search-www.sgvtribune.com-www.sgvtribune.com

Natch, this tale reminded me of The Honeydrippers.

"Sea of Love"

God is German

I went to high school with Arj Barker. He became known for some pretty hilarious crank call tapes, and then began doing stand-up. He put on a long standing series of comedy shows at a local coffee shop called Caffe Nuvo that attracted some great comedians. I think I went to every one. Later he produced them at a bar called Caffe Amsterdam. Good times. Arj moved on to the big time, now he can be seen on Flight of the Conchords, Comedy Central and internationally. He's very popular in Australia and New Zealand. I'm still his Number One Fan though,(along with Sara R). Don't try to tell me that you are.

Girlfight!

This one is not for the squeamish, but real rock and roll never is now, is it? Don't be a baby, click on it and see what a REAL girlfight is actually like. I have been all about Cansei De Ser Sexy's punk-art style since the get go. Go for the eyes!


"Alala"

I wish I could put you in my suitcase

Nighttiming , last years album by Coconut Records, has been one of my favorites. I'm still consistently listening to it. This video is really cool, it features a performance by veteran skater Mark Gonzales. Dig the fencers uniform.

"West Coast"

Ride Fast

This song fakes me out sometimes. When it pops up on my iPod, often I may know it's Datarock, or I might think it's a groovy song from my past. Either way, I win. Now, you can too. I have the mighty Miguel to thank for this (and many other grooves in my collection).

"Fa Fa Fa"

Lower me down

This is an amazing live performance, and Cat Power has a rep for choking live, too. I guess now that she's sober she is alright, I'm glad. This tune is from her last album, The Greatest. Her newest album, released last month, is titled Jukebox.

The Greatest

La Paloma

This song gets me every time. Cucurrucucu Paloma is a classic Mexican huapango, written by Tomas Mendez in 1954. It first appeared in on film in The Last Sunset, a 1961 Western starring Rock Hudson.More recently, it has been made an international favorite by Brazilian Caetano Veloso. It is prominently featured in Talk To Her, a Pedro Almodovar film. Almodovar , who is always deft with emotions, uses Veloso's haunting vocals to great effect in the film, helping to set the tone for what is to come later in the movie.
Caetano Veloso was a pioneer of the important Tropicalia movement in the late 1960's, which encompassed not only music, but writing, and other visual art forms as well. He was politically active during Brazil's military dictatorship, and was censored, had music banned. He was imprisoned by the Brazilian government at times, and eventually was exiled to London for many years.

"Cucurrucucu Paloma"

Ceu

Here's a cool Brazilian vocalist for you, Ceu. I've been listening to her self-titled album for a while now, and really enjoy it. This live performance shows her talent well. Enjoy!

"Lenda"

Here's a funky introduction

I have always had a habit of titling cds and mixtapes with lyrics from songs, especially when they have some sort of significance to the person I am making the gift for. I guess that may be a life long theme of mine. As a follow-up to my De La post, naturally must come A Tribe Called Quest. I'm having fun watching these old videos. I'm dedicating these to my friend Miguel, who is a ATCQ freak. Miguel rules, he's a photographer (Miguel Farias Photography) and he did all of my wedding portraits. Many years ago we both happened to be at the same Tribe/ De La Soul/ Alkaholiks show at the Warfield. All was going swell, De La had performed and Tribe was beginning to headline (I think). But trouble was brewing. Some fools started to try to climb on stage and some of the entourage commenced to beat down on these people. It spread to the audience and within two or three minutes the entire auditorium cleared out, save for a few stragglers. I never got to see Tribe perform, something I regret to this day.

"Check The Rhime"



"Scenario" has some excellent guest spots including a break-out showing from Busta-Rhymes that helped to solidify his solo career. At the time of this song he was a member of the Leaders of the New School. One of the guest spots (the third, I believe) was done by a homeless man who had been hanging around the studio while tribe was making the album. He kept hassling them , saying he could rap, and they finally relented, listened, and he appears in the song. He amazed them all. Sadly he died very shortly after the song was finished. My favorite part of this is Phife-Dog wearing the different wigs. He is the Funky Diabetic, after all.



Final vid, "Award Tour", with De La. Phife kills on this.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

I Know What Ladies Want

They want to see Torsten Kretchzmar, German electro-pop sensation, performing his latest from his 2007 Men of Sport release. Friday March 21, Torsten will be performing live at the de Young Museum as a part of Friday Nights at the de Young "Art for All" : College Students Pay Tribute to Gilbert and George.You can be assured he will provide a visual and sonic delight that will leave you asking, who is this and where has he been hiding? I'll be there, in plain sight.
For a preview of Torsten's latest, check out his link at the right, where his underground hits Entschlossenheit and Dunkelheit, released in 2005 may also be found.

UPDATE!

Here is a preview of Entschlossenheit. You may not know me, but I have had a career as a video vixen! If you look very, very carefully at the end of this video, you may see my hands. Hot stuff, I know.



Friday Nights at the de Young
www.famsf.org/deyoung/calendar/day.asp?categoryid=32&calendarid=3747&day=3%2F13%2F2008

Quelle heure

My brother introduced me to De La Soul. He had their first tape, in all of its day-glo glory laying around in his little room. He listened to it, and then I was all OVER it, because it was great then, just as it is now. I remember my brother commenting on the skit where the people are speaking in French. He told me that the conversation was about asking the time. It felt more like it was some sort of enlightenment though, my older brother cluing me in on the finer points language, I felt like I was learning something tres sophistique. Whenever that skit pops up on my iPod, I think of him.


I think I may have inherited the tape, and I'm sure I wore it out. I've bought every one of their albums since. My brother's taste runs more to things like the Boards of Canada now, but I'm all over the place.

This is one of my favorite De La songs of all time, it never fails to perk me up, and therefore, is the inspiration for my blog title. it is from their second album, De La Soul Is Dead and features Q-Tip and Vinia Mojica on vocals.