Restraint Again

It's so strange to think that only eight years ago Scarface was relevant, Jay-Z and Kanye could exercise restraint, and Beanie Sigel and Jay-Z were friends. But whatever, everyone involved was in top form and for a super-group style posse track, that's a lot to ask.

Favorite Wikipedia Article Ever

Capital R ridiculous.

Move on Up

	Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up
	Found at skreemr.org

Many people will know this song in its sample form, used by Kanye West on the great "Touch the Sky". It's important to note, however, that Kanye's production does not catch on to much of what makes this song terrific in its own right (nor does it have to). What he has cut out is mainly the rhythm section: while "Touch" perfectly utilizes the celebratory blast of the horns, it ignores the uncontrollable urgency of the kit, African drums, and bass in addition to the nearly tragic chords of the keyboard and strings. What is sampled as euphoria is really a song in emotional tension, where the horns party but the rest of the band has something much more important to do then dance.

No Bugs on Me: Episode 2

Episode 2

New and improved, complete with editing, a theme song, and snort segues. Topics as various the flea market, sickle cells, and the eagle rock are addressed. Go here for a fancier mp3 player.

The Slow Burn

I'm really enjoying revisiting the White Stripes after quite a few years away from them. I realize now that for all the talk about Jack White's blistering blues explosion, the band are really masters of the slow burn, where restraint gives way to more noticable nuance, and where, despite their lack of a bass player, the tracks rumble with dynamic tension. The releases in both songs, the periodic doubletime licks in "Do" and the buzzed chord change at the end of "Sister" (2:19) explode your head despite their simplicity, not because of it.

Episode 2....

...Is on its way. Of the podcast I mean. Don't get too excited.

Bitches Brew

Bitches Brew reissued! 19 dollars! Special Edition! Buy it, Buy it, Buy it! Now! Now! Now!