Stand by Me (from Playing for Change)
Watch this.
You’ll feel better.
Thanks wife.From the award winning documentary, Playing for Change.
Beyonce, I WOULD put a ring on it, but I gotta clear it with the wife
Kudos to the wife for posting this video on her Facebook page. Now, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” is clearly not targeted to my demographic, but consider me mesmerized. The tune is catchy as hell. But make no mistake, I could just as easily turn the volume down and enjoy it too.
Zoweee.
One Step Up
This album (Tunnel of Love) and this song are like a comfortable old blanket to me.
“One Step Up”.
Just because.New Common – Universal Mind Control
Old buddy and ACL partner in crime Chris sent me a link to this new Common joint featuring Pharrell. “Universal Mind Control” is the title track from Common’s upcoming album, due in stores November 11.
Anything that sounds futuristic and like an old school Newcleus B-side is OK in my book.
Be Here to Love Me – A Film about Townes Van Zandt
It’s through my old friend Mark that I discovered the music of Townes Van Zandt a dozen years ago, and through Steve Earle that I’ve learned more about Townes the man. I don’t think I’ve seen a Steve show where he doesn’t take 5 minutes to tell you about his close friend and mentor.
‘Be Here to Love Me’ is a 100 minute film about the life of Townes Van Zandt. Thanks to Snag Films, you can watch the entire film online for free. Thanks to Heather at Fuel/Friends for making me aware…
“It’s always easier to leave, than to be left….”
Dave Matthews Band – On LeRoi 08/19/2008 (Video)
Coming out after the encore break last night, Dave told the crowd a story about LeRoi. Video courtesy of WeeklyDrop.com.
Rhymin’ and Stealin’: Kid Rock’s All Summer Long
Okay, so I guess Kid Rock’s idea was to borrow heavily from two of his summer favorites growing up: “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Werewolves of London”. The result, “All Summer Long”, is zooming up the charts as we speak (currently #34 on the Billboard Hot 100).
It’s an interesting concept. And depending how popular the song gets, you have to wonder if the copycats will soon follow. What does this say for originality in songwriting? Come to think of it, hip-hop artists have been doing this for years now. Some sampling is so blatant, and shapes the song so much, it’s a wonder they can get away with it at all (I keep thinking of that Puff Daddy song that was basically Zeppelin’s “Kashmir”, with Diddy “uhh”ing and “yeah”ing his way through it).
So what do you all think of this? Lynyrd Skynyrd and Warren Zevon’s estate have to be getting paid for this, right? (or whoever owns the songs)…
Kids…. this is Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama“, and this is the late, great Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves in London“.
Gotta hand it to Kid Rock though. He’s hitting that nostalgia vein hard – playing to the masses like the populist he is.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwIGZLjugKA]
Video: BPA’s Toe Jam feat. Dizzee Rascal and David Byrne
Here’s Fatboy Slim’s new project under the name BPA (Brighton Port Authority). It features special guests David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal.
“Everyday is fu*k*ng* perfect” – David Byrne
Now this is entertainment! What brilliant usage of the “black bar”(s). Enjoy. Mostly SFW, right?
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/1146413 w=500&h=281]
THE BPA – THE BPA ‘TOE JAM’ FEAT. DAVID BYRNE & DIZZEE RASCAL from Fabio Resende on Vimeo.Thanks Marco for the tip.
Hittin’ the Road: Jason Mraz
Singer-Songwriter Jason Mraz recently announced the second US leg of his tour behind the brilliant We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. I’ve made no secret of just how much I enjoy the lyrical gymnastics of Mr. A-Z and have already secured tickets for the Radio City Hall date in October. To whet your appetite, here’s the official “unofficial” video for the track “Make it Mine”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAVZcxf1w00]
Buy We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things: Amazon | iTunes
Links: Official Site | on Last.fm | on MySpace
Tour dates after the jump.
Public Enemy at Pitchfork’s Festival
In the annals of classic hip-hop, last week’s Public Enemy show at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago has to go down in the books as Historic.
Chuck D., Flava Flav and the boys performed their classic, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, in its entirety.
Here’s “Rebel Without a Pause”…
I saw P.E. perform “Rebel” 20 years ago at a concert in Milwaukee with LL Cool J and Whodini (and..?) – long before the hipsters grabbed hold of “It Takes a Nation…” Aren’t I awesome?