Silence Nogood

Made Like Us by Paper Tiger of Doomtree

Cory Zechmann — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:26:04 +0000

What the hell’s a Doomtree? My guess is it’s got something to do with the Tree of Life, maybe its arch enemy!… maybe not. Doomtree is a collective consisting of a mix of MC’s and DJ/producers from Minneapolis, including Paper Tiger. I’ve been following Doomtree ever since I heard “Flex” -- check it, guaranteed like. And now for the second time, one of the group members has created a solo project -- Paper Tiger’s Made Like Us.

My first thoughts after listening to Made Like Us was that it’s got some killer beats and vocals, namely Dessa, but why not include some of the MC’s I’ve come to love with Paper Tiger’s beats? A recent interview with Paper Tiger at Sunset in the Rearview brought up this very question. Apparently he wanted to go solo on this one and make it all his own. Now the question is if he can pull it off…

On the last track of the album, “Cigana” has about half a minute of silence in the middle -- why is it that on some albums the last track has a silent part towards the middle or at the end? The first person who can answer this for me will get entered into the contest we’re holding next month- I really want to know!

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download: Cigana | 2nd Day Back

Some other chill tracks: “The Bully Plank”, “Palace”, “And the Camera” & “The Ritual.

Music Video for 2nd Day Back:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzKqJauLFUA

Made Like Us Info.:
Release Date: July 27, 2010
Featuring: Dessa, Ashley Gold, Natasha Khan, (some other dude)
Buy Links: Amazon MP3 | iTunes

Massive Attack Rmx & Magical World by Bassnectar

Julian Appel — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:26:25 +0000

Helllooo, sexy! I haven’t been this titillated by a song since Pretty Lights. Hell, I haven’t been titillated by a song ever… and I’ll try never to be again.

I’ve been listening to Bassnectar for a few months now, but didn’t get into him past the occasional blackout session – he never seemed to sound as good when sober. Well, after coming across these two over the past month, and sober at that, I’m hooked. Both blow me away every time I listen to ‘em, wasted or sober. I’ve never wanted to go to a concert so much and get completely obliterated. And Bassnectar plays in Minneapolis on Halloween, could it get any better than that?… well, if he played here sooner, but whatever.

So I’m wondering which of the two do you like better? I go back and fourth, but the “Massive Attack Remix” is on repeat at the moment.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download: Massive Attack Remix | Magical World

Note: Magical World features Nelly Furtado.

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Honest Expression by Binary Star

Cory Zechmann — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:03:06 +0000

Came across Binary Star while testing out a three-day trial of MOG. I’m not so sure about MOG’s fees – can’t justify $10 a month to use on the iPhone, but it’s got some promising features.

Anyway, I was pretty impressed by Binary Star’s “Honest Expression”, so I decided to check out the rest of their album, Masters of the Universe. It’s got a few standout tracks, and the rest of the album is better than most of the shit I’ve heard lately.

What I love about these guys is their witty lines laid out throughout the album. Although some aren’t so politically correct, “Rodney King ain’t never felt a beat like this”, it’s refreshing to hear some uncensored music.

What I don’t love is their obvious hate of mainstream, money hungry rappers. I’ve come across a few different talented MC’s who spend too much time hatin’ on the mainstream. Although I completely agree with ‘em, it’s not something I really give a shit about. Leave a track for that and move on, they’re many more pressing issues to cover.

Other than that these guys have got something and hopefully will ignite another album soon. Though it’s been 10 years since their last LP, so I wouldn’t count on it. But I’ll make sure y’all are the first to know, just follow me on Twitter… or Facebook… or my RSS Feed… :D

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download: Honest Expression | Reality Check | The KGB

Honest Expression Info.:
Album: Masters of the Universe
Release Date: October 31, 2000
Buy Links: Amazon (mp3) | iTunes

It’s the Chemicals by Inspired Flight (feat. Scarub)

Cory Zechmann — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:58:59 +0000

Music that isn’t easily classified, is so, usually because it pushes the boundaries of its genre, leaking into every other. When I first heard Inspired Flight’s “It’s the Chemicals”, I thought it was an electronic song; then after about a minute or so I realized that it had some hip-hop elements, as well; and finally, I heard some alt rock. Well, after listening to it a few dozen times more I’m still just as clueless on classifying it, but I guess that’s the case when a group pulls from different genres through the use of electron equipment.

Electronic instruments have given us the power to utilize instruments that were once too difficult and tiresome to learn. Now we can mesh up a range of instruments to create something that would’ve taken many hours and musicians to achieve. Yea, some say it’s just being lazy and blah, blah, blah (see Copyright Criminals), but this doesn’t consider everything. It may be easier, but it allows the artist to create without the limitations of knowing every instrument.

In the end it all comes down to what is produced. Art isn’t necessarily about method, but what the final outcome is. You wouldn’t fault photographers for not creating everything in their lens, just like you wouldn’t fault DJ’s for not creating every beat. Yes, there is a limit to the extent of sampling you do off of someone else’s work, but it’s not set in stone. As Newton put it, “if I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants” – we are all just building off of our predecessors. The key is to build up, push the boundaries of a genre, and create something new.

Someone help me out on where to put this (what genre), I’m leaning towards electronica now…

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Get MP3

It’s the Chemicals information:
Album: We All Want to Fly
Release Date: June 1, 2010
Featuring: Scarub
Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon (mp3) | iTunes

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Genetic World by Télépopmusik

Cory Zechmann — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:26:34 +0000

I’ve been stuck to the television watching Sons of Anarchy all day, so I’m gonna make this quick – gotta finish the second season up!

“Genetic World” sounded like another electro trip hop song, sprinkled with nature sounds, but surprised me about half a minute in. The song sparked something in my head. It’s just one of those songs that hit it right. The bass kicks in and the vocals drop nicely, which brings be to my next point, the lyrics.

I’m known for hearing words in a song that are completely, well, wrong. At first I thought the chorus was in French, saying something like, “Jun-a-tick-twa-t”. After a while I realize it was “genetic world”… sometimes I just don’t know what I’m thinking…

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Get MP3

Genetic World (track) Information:
Album: Genetic World
Release Date: May 21, 2001
Featuring: Mau (Soda-Pop)
Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon Mp3 | iTunes

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Just Like Everyone Else by Solid Gold

Julian Appel — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:48:29 +0000

Ever since I can remember, my father has hated the word fuck. I, however, kinda like it. It’s served me well, expressing my thoughts when I lacked the more appropriate words – it has so many uses. Yes, it can be crude & inappropriate, but it can express something like no other word can. It may even shock some at times, for example – when used in music, but isn’t that the fun in it anyway?

Now, when I talk about it being used in music, I don’t mean by those hip-hop hooligans, they tend to overuse it. I’m talking about when a musician drops it when you’re least expecting it. A good example is Solid Gold’s “Just Like Everyone Else”. Zach Coulter’s voice is anything but crude, but when he slips in the good ol’ fuck bomb, it gets your attention. It was surprising at first, but after a while you start to understand its purpose. How else could you express such hurt & anguish from an ex-love? Just picture the song without all the fucks, it’s just not as affective. I gotta give credit to Coulter for his use, and not overuse, of the word. Well played, sir.

If your in Minneapolis tonight, Solid Gold is playing at the Weisman Art Museum at 9. I may hit it up if I’m over in the Twin Cities tonight.
Edit: I just looked at the website and it’s sold out… fuck.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download

Just Like Everyone Else Information:
Album: Bodies of Water
Release Date: October 21, 2008
Buy Links: Amazon

The DJ Shadow Remix Project

Cory Zechmann — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:32:04 +0000

I’ve been a long time fan of the Quannum collective, but never got into Shadow’s work past Entroducing. Recently, the DJ Shadow team contacted me about featuring a new remix project – a compilation of remixes done by Shadow’s fans – so I thought this would be a good chance to check out more of his work… well, kinda…

Initially going through the album, I thought that most of the DJ’s did a decent job at putting their own spin on Shadow’s music, but none really stood out. There’s some that caught my ear but failed to keep my attention.

So I thought I’d turn to you guys. I’ve posted a couple of tracks on here for you to listen to and hopefully give some feedback on. If you want to listen to the full album it’s posted over at solesides. Hopefully we can find the track(s) that carry this album forward. I’ll post my thoughts in the comments below after I get a few more listens in.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download: 1 | 2

The DJ Shadow Remix Project Information:
Release Date: July 15, 2010
Featuring: Somepling, NiT GriT, Blank Image, Irn Mnky, economics, Primus Luta, suonho, FUSO, Benjamin One, Sonotech, Luke B., Awkward, Cherenkov Riddim, Randomatik Blast, Sovereign Universalist, Dear My Ruby, Tiger Mendoza, Coalition of the Aware, Le Couturier
Buy Links: Shadow Store
Note: Available free with any physical purchase.

Pursuit of Happiness (KiD CuDi Cover) by Lissie

Cory Zechmann — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:25:37 +0000

Lissie is one pretty young thing (love you MJ) that packs some power. In her live performance at the Great Escape this last May, Lissie performs “Pursuit of Happiness” by KiD CuDi, or I should say outperforms. They’re only a handful of covers that I like better than the original. Along with Lissie, the instrumentals -- especially Eric Sullivan’s guitar solo -- make this song addicting as hell… which may, ironically, be it’s one downfall -- it’s been stuck in my head for the last couple of weeks.

Make sure to check out the video of her performance below. It really captures the passion she has for singing.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQMJCOT2wlQ

Lissie Information:
Genre: Folk Rock, Country
Birth Name: Lissie Maurus
Origin: Rock Island, Illinois
Instruments: Guitar, Vocals
Members:
Eric Sullivan: Guitar
Lewis Keller: Bass
Label: Fat Possum Records
Albums: Why You Runnin’ | Catching a Tiger
Links: Lissie.com | MySpace | Twitter | Facebook | Wikipedia | Last.fm

Pursuit of Happiness (KiD CuDi Cover, Live) Information:
Album: n/a
Originally by: KiD CuDi
Lyrics: eLyrics World

Evil & Technology by Mayday

Cory Zechmann — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 10:41:21 +0000

Mayday’s latest EP’s, Technology & The Thinnest Line, came out over a year ago, just a couple of months apart from each other. Although they may not stack up to their first album, each has at least one catchy single.

The Thinnest Line features a single titled “Evil” – although, I don’t have much to say about it, its lyrics are too true… no offense, ladies ;). “Technology”, on the other hand, reminds me of my past years in college. My roommates and I senior year had a running joke about how obsessed I was with technology. It reminded me of just a few of the stupid things we did back then. Good times. “Technology” may have some corny lines, “USB, you and me connect so desperately”, but the rest of it isn’t half bad. I mean how bad could it be, it’s about technology.

I still can’t decide which sound I like better of the two. What do y’all think? I’m leaning more towards “Evil”, right now.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download: Evil | Technology

Evil Information:
Release Date: February 14, 2009
Produced by: Plex Luthor
Vocals by: Wrekonize
Addtional Vocals by: Snave Nayr
Keys & Guitar Played by: Plex Luthor
Scratches by: Gianni Cash
Mixed by: Matt Harris & Ryan Evans
Download Link: Bandcamp

Technology Information:
Release Date: June 23, 2009
Produced by: Plex Luthor & Wrekonize
Vocals by: Wrekonize & Bernbiz
Additional Vocals by: Snave Nayr
Keys Played by: Plex Luthor
Percussion by: Gianni Cash
Live Drums Played by: Lt Hopkins
Mixed by: Plex Luthor, Matt Harris, Gianni Cash & Wrekonize
Download Link: Bandcamp

Deltron Event II, Where the Fuck are You?

Julian Appel — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:07:26 +0000

I’ve been patient, it’s been at least a year since I found out about the release of Deltron Event II, and there’s still no official release date. I’ve gone through so many damn forum & blog posts about the speculated release dates – most being between the end of ’09 to early ’10… fail. I’ve also checked on Deltron’s Wikipedia page and it keeps claiming it’s right around the corner. Common people, don’t let my professors prove their point that Wikipedia is not a reliable source. Either Del or Dan needs to make some kind of announcement – contact me :) – and tell us when this shit is gonna drop.

I’ll try contacting some people that are involved in it to see what’s happening. Hopefully they get back to me soon, but who knows. Maybe it’ll be released this December right around the TRON: Legacy release. It’s my best guess – I originally thought it would be around the 10-year anniversary of 3030′s release, but that just passed this May.

What do you all think? Shout out your thoughts and show them how much you want this released. Maybe if enough people get involved, it’ll get the attention of someone who’ll push this shit forward.

I included Mastermind & Turbulence (Remix) from the original album just in case some of your aren’t familiar with it. The album has also been featured on here twice – check ‘em out: Beats to Blaze to & Deltron 3030.

Let’s all make sure this happens asap!

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download: Mastermind | Turbulence

Found a 3030 image on Google and messed around with it.
Something to solidify the album (in some way or another).

Ready Let’s Roll by Bob Schneider

Cory Zechmann — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:15:43 +0000

I went to see Bob Schneider live a couple years back in college. I’m not the biggest fan of his, but when I first heard Ready Let’s Roll, I was hooked. I had no idea what the song was called at the time, so I searched the net to figure it out. Well, I finally came up with it, but it just didn’t sound like it did in concert. With some more research I found the one featured here. It’s not as good as when I heard it live, but I think it still does it justice. Check out the video below, it’s the closest thing I could find to what I heard that night.

I was gonna go a little more into what makes this song so good, but I am so damn hungover from the 4th. Plus, most of you could give a shit and just wanna hear the tunes. Make sure to check out my facebook page for updates and other goodies.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa_DvfJfpUI

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Pretty Young Thing (Demo) by Michael Jackson

Cory Zechmann — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:04:33 +0000

About this time last year I wanted to honor MJ’s life, but the site was in its infancy (I was probably still trying to think up a name at this point). So, I decided I would do it for the one-year anniversary of his death (or a little later).

First I wanna get serious before we get to the good stuff: Many people thought of MJ as a child molester because of the allegations in ’94 & ’05. I, however, did not. He may’ve had a completely warped view on what is socially acceptable, but it just didn’t seem in him to think on a sexual level, about anyone. Michael had a lot of shit happen to him growing up, as we all know, and as much as I sympathize for his children’s loss, I truly believe he is better off. Every time I saw him in the news, he seemed tortured by how some thought & treated him. I’m deeply sad to see him go, but he’s positively impacted so many lives with the music he created, including mine. I will be forever grateful to the King of Pop. R.I.P. MJ

I had too many songs to pick from, but I had to go with the original release of Pretty Young Thing. The reason is mainly because it isn’t that well known. Some of you may know of the more popular remake produced by Quincy Jones. But this one is, with out a doubt, the better of the two, as much as some of you may fight me on this one. The words couldn’t be more perfect. Oh, and the singing isn’t too bad either.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download

Pretty Young Thing (Demo) Information:
Album: The Ultimate Collection
Release Date: November 16, 2004
Written by: Michael Jackson, Greg Phillinganes
Original Song’s Release Date: September 19, 1983
Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon Mp3 | iTunes

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Up Up & Away by Kid CuDi

Julian Appel — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:03:13 +0000

Thought this would be a good time to bring up the November ballot for the legalization of marijuana in Cali (CuDi seems to be a big pothead). As a pothead myself (well, former), I’ve struggled with justifying the legalization, but I figure what it comes down to is education before illegalization (not the other way around). America needs to start leading by example, as we once did – except for that whole prohibition thing… and slavery… and health-care… but other than that we kill… I don’t mean literally; fuck, I’m digging myself a hole. You know what I mean!

The reason I chose Up Up & Away wasn’t just because I wanted to talk about marijuana, it’s also because of why CuDi seems to be doing hip-hop right. I’m not into most mainstream hip-hop, but CuDi has one sick flow. It reminds me of a drumline: quick, snappy and on key. I don’t have as much appreciation for the rest of Man on the Moon: The End of Day, but some of his latest singles are equally as impressive as this.

If you’re looking for more stoner music then check out my article on beats to blaze.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download: Up Up & Away

Up Up & Away Information:
Album: Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Release Date: September 15, 2009
Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon Mp3 | iTunes

Rebel Music: The Bob Marley Story

Cory Zechmann — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:03:04 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

It was interesting to hear Bob Marley sit down and talk for once. Before this documentary I had only seen him in videos from his concerts, which he barely spoke what he didn’t sing. Rebel Music: The Bob Marley Story does a good job at presenting him as a struggling man trying to overcome the oppression of his people. The film takes you through the political turmoils throughout his life and the battles he waged through words. His story reminds me of Ghandi’s, both struggling for individual freedom in one form or another.

I chose No Woman No Cry because of the memories I’ve shared with it. Bob Marley and the Wailers have contributed many songs that seem to have popped up in some point in my life, as I’m sure some have for yours.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download: No Woman No Cry (Live)

Film Information:
Director: Jeremy Marre
Release Date: August 5, 2000
Run Time: 84 minutes
Links: IMDB | AllMovie
Buy Links: Amazon

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Nothing but Silence by Debaser (feat. Grayskul)

Cory Zechmann — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:02:30 +0000

What first got me into underground hip hop was its eclectic use of instrumentals. Nothing but Silence is an interesting example of this, with a beat that I can best describe as gothic or horror-like… horror hip hop? Anyone want to help me out on this one? Anyways, the beat is tight and drops on key several times (e.g., check out 1:24). Ethic & Sapient, as well as the featured Grayskul members, lay down some rhymes that were made for this beat (makes sense ;)). I wish I knew a little more about Debaser’s style, but their new album just dropped this last May, so maybe that’ll give me a better understanding of ‘em. Check the song, love it, do whatever with it.

You know, after listening to Crown Control another time ’round, I’m starting to like some other songs off it, so I thought I’d include another track – Less Human – just because… and the sick beat.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Download

Nothing but Silence Information:
Album: Crown Control
Release Date: June 6, 2006
Featuring: Grayskul
Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon Mp3 | iTunes