EventsB-Side Players
Let’s come right out and say it: that whole fad for sloppily mashing together several musical genres—heavy-metal-meets-hip-hop-cum-jazz funk, aboriginal-throat-gurgling-with-a-dash-of-sweet-swiss-mountain-yodeling indie pop, or, in sum, Limp Bizkit—looked a lot better (with all its hyphens) than it ever sounded. Assuming you can attract more listeners by repackaging every thinkable genre into some audio-Frankenstein is just as effective as McCain was in trying to gain votes by adding a nubile hillbilly to his Presidential ticket. Which is to say, not very.
Think You’re Anti-Mainstream?
It’s occurred to me that there really isn’t such a thing because anti-mainstream is no less mainstream than…. well, mainstream. There’s this train of thought to immediately dismiss a band or artist simply because they’re popular. For some reason, it’s not just “cool” to do that, it’s somehow infallible logic to many.
Sol Eye Sea I | Irepress
I was literally refreshing the Irepress iTunes store page to make sure I got this album as soon as I could. I haven’t found another band quite like Irepress. I could probably come up with some concoction other rock/metal/experimental bands that might indicate what you’re in for when you buy Sol Eye Sea I (2009), but where’s the fun in that? Half the appeal of Irepress is that they’re largely unpredictable.
Say It Aint So - Muzak Is Dead
Guess who officially filed for bankruptcy? - Muzak… you know, the company that pumps out the garbage which populates the speakers of elevators and department stores everywhere.
YouTube Symphony Orchestra
YouTube is conducting auditions for a one time live internet collaboration. I’m actually surprised this hasn’t happened already.
Demians
We recently ranked Building an Empire as the #4 release of 2008. Check out this interview to learn more about the writer/composer for Demians and why Steven Wilson of Porcupine tree said Building an Empire is “one of the most assured and accomplished debut albums I’ve ever heard…”
The Tones
The Bay Area is truly representing here at Obnoxious Listeners. First we let you know about George Watsky, then Dahlak Brathwaite, and now we’re keying you into our next big find - The Tones. I don’t know what magic hip hop fairy dust is being spread over that area, but the talent-level is excessively high. It reminds me of the recent outburst of artists from Chi-town a few years ago - Kanye West, Common, Lupe Fiasco, etc. That was some good times …
Review of In My Element
The editors at Uptown Sound wrote a great review of Robert Glasper’s sophomore album, In My Element (2007).
A Tribute to Dilla
A tribute to the infamous J Dilla by our favorite duo in hip hop right now, Mos Def and Robert Glasper.
Owl and The Sparrow
Vudoo Soul helps promote a groundbreaking movie Owl and The Sparrow in a duet with beautiful Nhu Loan.
