This is a new venture I'm doing on this blog. Whenever I attend a concert or show, I'm gonna blog about it, as I should because I'm awesome! And the fact that I'm still doing this from my phone means I love you guys that darn much!
First time's a charm for Chromeo's first performance in Atlanta. It was also their last stop on their U.S. Business Casual Tour, and it was arguably in front of the most energetic Southerners this group has ever seen.
In front of a sold-out Masquerade, the duo stuck to a fairly traditional style of performing while keeping a highly energetic crowd attentive to their presence. Dave 1 (guitar and lead singer) didn't engage much with the crowd, which wasn't necessary but would've been great. Small talk between songs were "are you guys ok out there?" and "this is our first time here and it's awesome!" It was cute, but a serious problem within their crowd-pleasing repertoire.
The songs selected for this show were a DJ's dream, but that goes for just about their entire collection. A lot of their hour-long performance came from their upcoming album Business Casual (dropping September 14th). They kicked their set of with "Hot Mess," which got the crowd's attention but nothing special. The crowd became engaged when "Bonafide Lovin" followed, and it was smooth, Chromeo-style, sailing from there. The group's performance of these records wasn't straining at all, in fact I felt like I was listening to the records at a party. Moments of some sort of improv were there, but it wasn't used. The guitar mini-sessions in "Bonafide Lovin" could've been the points where Dave 1 could've shown his skills, but he just kept it the same as the song. P-Thugg was more crowd-engaging than his partner, with random pointing towards the audience and singing "ATL" in his talk box. He manned all of his stations for the most part, and he seemed to have the most fun. Well, second-most fun, first goes to the crowd.
This crowd, this diverse crowd, managed to bring the house (also known at that venue as "Heaven") DOWN! I was confused as to whether the bass from the party below us was thumping the floor or if the floor couldn't hold still admist the failed breakdancing attempts and free-flowing drunkards. This goes as little props to Chromeo though; the atmosphere of that place was dance party first, Chromeo concert second. That crowd had the same reaction and spirit when the doors opened! Chromeo was just icing on the cake for folks.
Beyond their scripted and typical crowd-engaging small talk, Chromeo still put on a great show at the Masquerade. There weren't any technical problems that usually arise in that warehouse-turned-club venue (from what I heard), and though the crowd was packed like sardines no one felt too uncomfortable to the point where they'd want to slap somebody. Overall, it was a night of good vibes accompanied by a good, uniterrupted, and often awkward band.
For more upcoming Chromeo concerts, check out their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/chromeo
A fresh spin on everything music... Ahhh, finally something refreshing!!!
Electric Six's haunting "After Hours" Needs Some Cell Therapy
Soo, yeah....
The internet on my laptop is a hot mess, so this review is marked as some cell therapy (sent from my phone)!
Electric Six's first song "After Hours" from their new album Zodiac is as dark as night. From the selected keys and guitar strings throughout this song is just creepy. The piano solo intro is so dark and scary I feel like it's my first trick or treat by myself (I swear, that lady in the window was a ghost)! After that, it sounds like this a song perfect for a Halloween-themed party.
The actual SAD thing about this song is that it's so basic and straighforward it seems rather sleazy and dumbed down. At first, the song seemed like a terrible story of a blue-collar tragedy, but at another point towards the end the singer seems to throw in a rant about the recent vampire-mania. Bottomline, this song attempts to expose corporate corruption called Hell, but wrap it in a terrible cloth filled with tangents and bad analogies. The only good line to take out of this song would be "the sun aint the real reason vampires die." I mean, c'mon Dick Valentine (lead singer)! I know you are far more humorous and exaggerant than that, now you just sound depressing.
It should be noted that, according to band's MySpace page (link is below), the band's direction is aimed at the use of famous pop icons (i.e. "After Hours" poses as a shoutout to the Martin Scorcese film in hopes that their fans will buy their records off of creativity and those good ol' "cool points" because "our bank accounts are sitting at zero. We need to sell another record." Well, when the music sounds like crap (whether you jack a Martin Scorcese film or not), you don't sell... much.
Overall, this song could easily turn into a song played for drunk Joe the Plumber(s) in the after hours, hours. Will they get it? Will they know it's a sad song, despite it's tedious hook and sleazy objectification? Nevermind, forget I asked. But because this song lacks the satirical humor and electrifying tone Electric Six usually has, this can pose as a problem to their real fans.
Check out their MySpace page for the latest updates:
http://www.myspace.com/electricsixmusic
The internet on my laptop is a hot mess, so this review is marked as some cell therapy (sent from my phone)!
Electric Six's first song "After Hours" from their new album Zodiac is as dark as night. From the selected keys and guitar strings throughout this song is just creepy. The piano solo intro is so dark and scary I feel like it's my first trick or treat by myself (I swear, that lady in the window was a ghost)! After that, it sounds like this a song perfect for a Halloween-themed party.
The actual SAD thing about this song is that it's so basic and straighforward it seems rather sleazy and dumbed down. At first, the song seemed like a terrible story of a blue-collar tragedy, but at another point towards the end the singer seems to throw in a rant about the recent vampire-mania. Bottomline, this song attempts to expose corporate corruption called Hell, but wrap it in a terrible cloth filled with tangents and bad analogies. The only good line to take out of this song would be "the sun aint the real reason vampires die." I mean, c'mon Dick Valentine (lead singer)! I know you are far more humorous and exaggerant than that, now you just sound depressing.
It should be noted that, according to band's MySpace page (link is below), the band's direction is aimed at the use of famous pop icons (i.e. "After Hours" poses as a shoutout to the Martin Scorcese film in hopes that their fans will buy their records off of creativity and those good ol' "cool points" because "our bank accounts are sitting at zero. We need to sell another record." Well, when the music sounds like crap (whether you jack a Martin Scorcese film or not), you don't sell... much.
Overall, this song could easily turn into a song played for drunk Joe the Plumber(s) in the after hours, hours. Will they get it? Will they know it's a sad song, despite it's tedious hook and sleazy objectification? Nevermind, forget I asked. But because this song lacks the satirical humor and electrifying tone Electric Six usually has, this can pose as a problem to their real fans.
Check out their MySpace page for the latest updates:
http://www.myspace.com/electricsixmusic
Ultimate Youtube Fails
DISCLAIMER: What you may see and hear is not intended for the weak-hearted. I do not wish to claim this as mine, or wish to claim this as good quality music in any way. There will moments, in fact, where you will find yourself trying to squint your ears. Trust me, because I tried, you can't do it. It is humanly impossible. So you must suffer just as I did!
I caught whiff of a few videos of different singers and entertainers putting on a stellar performance for FailBlog all this year and last year. Some of them have managed to make it onto my blog and Tumblr. Like this one:
And no one can forget this one:
Pure enjoyment on lack of entertainment!
Speaking of lack of entertainment, there have been recent and SERIOUS videos of different bands and artists putting on an atrocious performance for the Web, so atrocious that it's definitely comedic. Though I understand some people may have serious mental issues (and even ego issues), so to make fun of someone's "talent" can be a little insensitive. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those people who try to be sensitive when someone isn't doing their job right. So when I see people claiming to be a band or a rapper sound like garbage, I will most definitely point that out in the most visible way possible - blogging.
Which leads me to my first newfound Ultimate fail video of the year, a Guns N' Roses cover. Meet Marcelo, Bruno, and Douglas. This Brazilian trio attempted to cover one of the greatest songs to play on Rock Band only to fall short from the beginning solo. Enjoy below:
That was six minutes of pure hell. There is no wonder that Axl doesn't like other people covering his work. Thanks to these guys, they'll probably be no more Guns N' Roses on any Rock Band or Guitar Hero - EVER.
And I'm happy to say there's another ultimate fail in the midst. Meet 50 Tyson. This young'n out of Minnesota thinks he can spit hot fire, but he just spits a hot mess! He feels that because Soulja Boy made fame off of Youtube, so can he. But he can not! Enjoy =)
I caught whiff of a few videos of different singers and entertainers putting on a stellar performance for FailBlog all this year and last year. Some of them have managed to make it onto my blog and Tumblr. Like this one:
And no one can forget this one:
Pure enjoyment on lack of entertainment!
Speaking of lack of entertainment, there have been recent and SERIOUS videos of different bands and artists putting on an atrocious performance for the Web, so atrocious that it's definitely comedic. Though I understand some people may have serious mental issues (and even ego issues), so to make fun of someone's "talent" can be a little insensitive. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those people who try to be sensitive when someone isn't doing their job right. So when I see people claiming to be a band or a rapper sound like garbage, I will most definitely point that out in the most visible way possible - blogging.
Which leads me to my first newfound Ultimate fail video of the year, a Guns N' Roses cover. Meet Marcelo, Bruno, and Douglas. This Brazilian trio attempted to cover one of the greatest songs to play on Rock Band only to fall short from the beginning solo. Enjoy below:
That was six minutes of pure hell. There is no wonder that Axl doesn't like other people covering his work. Thanks to these guys, they'll probably be no more Guns N' Roses on any Rock Band or Guitar Hero - EVER.
And I'm happy to say there's another ultimate fail in the midst. Meet 50 Tyson. This young'n out of Minnesota thinks he can spit hot fire, but he just spits a hot mess! He feels that because Soulja Boy made fame off of Youtube, so can he. But he can not! Enjoy =)
Yes, I posted the nine minute video! Everyone must get the entire effect of 50 Cent meets Mike Tyson! For some reason he reminds me of the "Three Best Friends Song" Zach Galifianakis sung on Hangover. Fail, Fail FAIL! The sad thing is that he is extremely popular, as he has an "exclusive" video of people loving this dude.
Has the world become that dumbed down, where we let people like 50 Tyson become famous for his famine of talent? I feel like the world needs a refresher course on what does and does NOT deserves fame and fortune.
Album Review: The Glitch Mob - Drink The Sea Part 2: The Mixtape
This electronic group The Glitch Mob has electrified the music world as soon as they touched down with Crush Mode. After working with Daedelus and Flying Lotus, and their newfound fanbase, they release their debut album Drink The Sea. This monstrous album quickly grew popular, spreading all over college radio stations like Cali summer wild fire!
The album itself sounds adventurous, with ambient beats taking you on a wild ride as if you are watching a crusade unfold, of some sort. Of course, being that the mixtape is nothing more than the album but with lyrics, the mixtape, Drink The Sea Part 2: The Mixtape should do the same by nature. The album though 30-minute-hitter-quitter have so much flavor swirled together - some rock elements, dub-step, electronic (of course), some Asian-influenced instruments, even gospel - it's like traveling around the world in that timespan. Surround sound on this bad boy (or well, any other grand sound system) will be epic!
This mixtape oozes of The Glitch Mob's hip-hop side, with blends from Wale to Mobb Deep. One key thing to note about this tape is that they shout out Los Angeles A LOT, which is a huge element in hip-hop culture (aside from the DJing element that they are mastering at the moment, though it's all computerized), with drops from The Game and Dr. Dre. There is also the electro artists like Daft Punk and M.I.A, solidifying their sound for the fans and listeners of the album Drink The Sea.
The lyrical excerpts, though not consciously significant at all, do tie in to a certain kind of journey Glitch wants you join. The lyrics complement the beats in a technical way, and barely conceptually. Expect a punchline to knock you out at almost every beat drop, and a deep flow when the climax is coming. "Fortune Days" falls victim to this, as well as "A Dream Within A Dream," featuring Busta Rhymes, Drake, The Game, Freddie Gibbs, and Jeezy (formerly Young Jeezy). The way the group ties in the hooks at the bridges and choruses of the beat is genius, and it has the potential to be very catchy.
This tape manages to mix extremely well, so well that it sounds almost nothing like the original album. I understand that The Glitch Mob is all about the beats, so to have people flow on their stuff - and fit - is dope. However, when the beat becomes ignored, then there's a problem. No one wants their music outshined by anyone, especially if it's outshined by pre-released music. Though the adventurous sound is still there, it's overshadowed by the extremely complementing lyrics. Instead of this being a remix to the album, it comes off more as a remix to the other songs. It seems more like the beats complement the lyrics. Songs like "Fistful of Silence" breeds a monstrous delivery from Rapper Big Pooh, not to mention the wicked punchlines becoming more wicked as the dubstep-influenced drums take effect.
Overall, Drink The Sea, Part 2 is a dope mixtape to download and bang while lounging around the house - playing video games, watching some NFL preseason games, or doing some household chores. Anything beyond that (i.e. a party or pre-game record) is asking for too much.
Star's Grade: the album gets an A, the mixtape gets a B+
The album itself sounds adventurous, with ambient beats taking you on a wild ride as if you are watching a crusade unfold, of some sort. Of course, being that the mixtape is nothing more than the album but with lyrics, the mixtape, Drink The Sea Part 2: The Mixtape should do the same by nature. The album though 30-minute-hitter-quitter have so much flavor swirled together - some rock elements, dub-step, electronic (of course), some Asian-influenced instruments, even gospel - it's like traveling around the world in that timespan. Surround sound on this bad boy (or well, any other grand sound system) will be epic!
This mixtape oozes of The Glitch Mob's hip-hop side, with blends from Wale to Mobb Deep. One key thing to note about this tape is that they shout out Los Angeles A LOT, which is a huge element in hip-hop culture (aside from the DJing element that they are mastering at the moment, though it's all computerized), with drops from The Game and Dr. Dre. There is also the electro artists like Daft Punk and M.I.A, solidifying their sound for the fans and listeners of the album Drink The Sea.The lyrical excerpts, though not consciously significant at all, do tie in to a certain kind of journey Glitch wants you join. The lyrics complement the beats in a technical way, and barely conceptually. Expect a punchline to knock you out at almost every beat drop, and a deep flow when the climax is coming. "Fortune Days" falls victim to this, as well as "A Dream Within A Dream," featuring Busta Rhymes, Drake, The Game, Freddie Gibbs, and Jeezy (formerly Young Jeezy). The way the group ties in the hooks at the bridges and choruses of the beat is genius, and it has the potential to be very catchy.
This tape manages to mix extremely well, so well that it sounds almost nothing like the original album. I understand that The Glitch Mob is all about the beats, so to have people flow on their stuff - and fit - is dope. However, when the beat becomes ignored, then there's a problem. No one wants their music outshined by anyone, especially if it's outshined by pre-released music. Though the adventurous sound is still there, it's overshadowed by the extremely complementing lyrics. Instead of this being a remix to the album, it comes off more as a remix to the other songs. It seems more like the beats complement the lyrics. Songs like "Fistful of Silence" breeds a monstrous delivery from Rapper Big Pooh, not to mention the wicked punchlines becoming more wicked as the dubstep-influenced drums take effect.
Overall, Drink The Sea, Part 2 is a dope mixtape to download and bang while lounging around the house - playing video games, watching some NFL preseason games, or doing some household chores. Anything beyond that (i.e. a party or pre-game record) is asking for too much.
Star's Grade: the album gets an A, the mixtape gets a B+
The Illuminati Strikes Back!
It seems like "the machine" can get a little sens-y-tive! *cues inner child, waves hips side to side*
After years of conspiracy theories surrounding the success of music stars, and a rapid increase in the past year, rappers like Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Rick Ross have made public responses about swirling rumors of their membership to the club of the All-Seeing Eye.
There have been many of posts siting symbols of various secret societies in music videos, performances, and public photos - from angled shots to the peace sign. Most of these are composed as montages of symbols and lyrics made by musicians, politicians, and celebrities associated with freemasonry and the Illuminati.
Like this one:
At first, it seems rappers kept quiet to these allegations. Well, it's something that is supposed to happen, as it is a secret society. In other words, they can't say they're in the Illuminati. But recently, they have fired back at allegations by poking fun at it.
In my review of Rick Ross's album Teflon Don, he recruits Jay-Z and John Legend in a song called "Free Mason." This song is filled with references to signs that the New World Order conspiracy is true, and sarcastic remarks of them being involved. Their main argument? That they have become successful from working hard for what they got. Jay's one-line killer is this one here: "Bitch, I said I was amazing... not that I'm a Mason," cleverly verbally illustrating the type of ammo theorists use to tie him and other musicians to the secret societies. Hear the song for yourself:
Rick Ross, "Free Mason" Ft. Jay-Z by gardnerz
Recently, there has been an outcry of suspicion in the video/painting "Power" by Kanye West, where the various images align ever-so-nicely with images associated with the Illuminati. Take this one for example from Media TakeOut:
The troubling thing about this is that I haven't talked about ALL allegations of famous people in secret societies! Now, I'm merely reporting what I see and what I've heard from everyday people. I have yet to include my opinion in any part of this piece. But doesn't this freak you out? I can tell you that I surely am!
After years of conspiracy theories surrounding the success of music stars, and a rapid increase in the past year, rappers like Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Rick Ross have made public responses about swirling rumors of their membership to the club of the All-Seeing Eye.
There have been many of posts siting symbols of various secret societies in music videos, performances, and public photos - from angled shots to the peace sign. Most of these are composed as montages of symbols and lyrics made by musicians, politicians, and celebrities associated with freemasonry and the Illuminati.
Like this one:
At first, it seems rappers kept quiet to these allegations. Well, it's something that is supposed to happen, as it is a secret society. In other words, they can't say they're in the Illuminati. But recently, they have fired back at allegations by poking fun at it.
In my review of Rick Ross's album Teflon Don, he recruits Jay-Z and John Legend in a song called "Free Mason." This song is filled with references to signs that the New World Order conspiracy is true, and sarcastic remarks of them being involved. Their main argument? That they have become successful from working hard for what they got. Jay's one-line killer is this one here: "Bitch, I said I was amazing... not that I'm a Mason," cleverly verbally illustrating the type of ammo theorists use to tie him and other musicians to the secret societies. Hear the song for yourself:
Rick Ross, "Free Mason" Ft. Jay-Z by gardnerz
Recently, there has been an outcry of suspicion in the video/painting "Power" by Kanye West, where the various images align ever-so-nicely with images associated with the Illuminati. Take this one for example from Media TakeOut:
This close-up of Kanye standing in the hallway of the building, and the two warriors touching swords complete the image of the freemasonry.
Another suggestion of Illuminati symbolism in his video is a little more complicated, and quite frankly involves math that I don't want to do. Luckily, thanks to the oh so skeptical Internet users, someone has already took the time out to form another tie from Kanye West and his new visual to the All-Seeing Eye.
Aside from the angles pointed out in the close-up, there is another angle pointed out in the entire photo. Here is the same shot but panned out:
See, they even drew-in the Eye just to make their point. Kinda weird, isn't it?
Other images from the video include the act of blasphemy with the two women (a way to get in the society), the goat-women who look just like Baphomet, the god in this group, and the imagery similar to the dollar. I am not just making this up on my own, people, this is just reports of what I've seen floating around the Web.
I would much rather have you watch the video, and see if you find these images:
The troubling thing about this is that I haven't talked about ALL allegations of famous people in secret societies! Now, I'm merely reporting what I see and what I've heard from everyday people. I have yet to include my opinion in any part of this piece. But doesn't this freak you out? I can tell you that I surely am!
Album Review: Eat, Pray, Love Soundtrack
Usually, I don't do soundtracks, but since I spent the time and energy into this for another job (it didn't get published *sadface*), I'll share this one with you.
Though the movie may seem to have a free-spirited message, “Eat, Pray, Love” the soundtrack falls short of flowing free. It complements the chic and contemporary vibe that the movie gives, but it can also come off as a typical compilation of today's movie score.
This soundtrack is full of eclectic and typical movie gems, from coffeehouse tunes to Middle Eastern pieces. Sony has managed to pull in timeless music by Neil Young, Marvin Gaye, Eddie Vedder, and even Gato Barbieri. There is also a nice Brazilian twist from the Gilberto family, Bebel and Joao. It is brilliant to put together a diverse soundtrack, especially since the movie is based on Elizabeth Gilbert's international travel.
This soundtrack is full of eclectic and typical movie gems, from coffeehouse tunes to Middle Eastern pieces. Sony has managed to pull in timeless music by Neil Young, Marvin Gaye, Eddie Vedder, and even Gato Barbieri. There is also a nice Brazilian twist from the Gilberto family, Bebel and Joao. It is brilliant to put together a diverse soundtrack, especially since the movie is based on Elizabeth Gilbert's international travel.
“Eat, Pray, Love” is a tale about a woman who travels to three different countries in search of a personal freedom. Gilbert (played by Julia Roberts) travels to Italy (Eat), India (Pray), and Indonesia (Love) on a quest to break the mold of being the average modern woman by searching within. The songs chosen, though no distinctive sound detected, represent the thought process of Gilbert throughout her travelling.
Most of the songs may be classic American pop music, but there are some tunes that identifies with the countries Gilbert visited. Not to mention they sound remarkable! U. Srinivas performance on "Kaliyugavaradana" will whisk you away, guarantee! As a genius like Srinivas creates music that pleases ears worldwide, this track totally complements the Carnatic Indian sound from the movie.
Most of the songs may be classic American pop music, but there are some tunes that identifies with the countries Gilbert visited. Not to mention they sound remarkable! U. Srinivas performance on "Kaliyugavaradana" will whisk you away, guarantee! As a genius like Srinivas creates music that pleases ears worldwide, this track totally complements the Carnatic Indian sound from the movie.
“Better Days” by Pearl Jam member Eddie Vedder explains the entire movie in a little more than four minutes. His first verse “I feel part of the universe opened up to meet me / My emotion so submerged, broken down to kneel in” spilling of individualism fits the purpose of “Eat, Pray, Love”. Although it surfaced the Web far before it hit the shelves, “Better Days” can be played on repeat forever.
Overall, to listen to this soundtrack requires the same desire Gilbert has in this film. If this is not present, then the soundtrack will be nothing more than a thrown-together, chill-time, book-reading background noise. “Eat, Pray, Love” is a small gem for the free-spirited and lovers of the book.
Overall, to listen to this soundtrack requires the same desire Gilbert has in this film. If this is not present, then the soundtrack will be nothing more than a thrown-together, chill-time, book-reading background noise. “Eat, Pray, Love” is a small gem for the free-spirited and lovers of the book.
No Blog Stuff This Week!
Sorry folks!
Along with writing stuff for this blog, I also am working with several different magazines not to mention submitting research articles for my field of studies back at OU. This week was pretty hectic, so I couldn't find the time to blog - SORRY!
Since I love you all so much, I will have enough tasty music-related morsels to make you forget about my lacking of this week, from a Lil' B piece to a poem about guitars.
So be ready, because I'll be back before you know it! Until then, please read my other articles and don't forget to check out my mini-me, my Tumblr! Oh, and follow me on twitter too! I'm always yapping with those two about something :)
Peace.
Along with writing stuff for this blog, I also am working with several different magazines not to mention submitting research articles for my field of studies back at OU. This week was pretty hectic, so I couldn't find the time to blog - SORRY!
Since I love you all so much, I will have enough tasty music-related morsels to make you forget about my lacking of this week, from a Lil' B piece to a poem about guitars.
So be ready, because I'll be back before you know it! Until then, please read my other articles and don't forget to check out my mini-me, my Tumblr! Oh, and follow me on twitter too! I'm always yapping with those two about something :)
Peace.
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