NEW MUSIC: VERBS
New Music = Anything cool I’ve recently discovered (Not always recently released)
Project Blowed affiliated Los Angeles underground rapper Verbs.
This kid puts in work. I see him at every single hip hop show I go to and he’s always carrying around CDs in handmade packaging. I usually buy from people who carry around their own handmade goods; mainly to support anyone who believes that strongly in their own art. Most of the time the stuff is boring or just terrible. But Verbs’ Progress EP2 really surprised me. This dude can flow. He’s got some great production behind him as well.
Follow @VerBSisthehomie
My favorite albums of 2011
Zechs Marquise - Getting Paid
From the moment I heard the unmixed version of this record in January, I knew it was going to be my favorite of the year. Accessible Prog Rock mixed with Funk, Electro, latin, and hip-hop. It’s genre defying and basically the soundtrack to the funkiest movie you can imagine. The artwork alone should be winning awards!
Ice Age - New Brigade
Joy Division meets …um maybe The Adolescents? Dark and angst ridden songs, shitty recordings, unskilled yet interesting drums… Original? No. Comforting to a Warsaw fan? Bingo!
Check out “You’re Blessed” here.
Battles - Gloss Drop
The track “Sundome” came on y iPod randomly while looking out the window of an airplane about to land in Hon Kong; It was the perfect soundtrack and I realized the awesomeness of this record. I don’t care if what’s his face left the group. It’s not like they couldn’t just replace him with ANYBODY and throw some vocal effects on top to match him. They included some awesome guests on this record like Gary Numan and Kazu Makino.
Danny Brown - XXX
The production is underground “hipster” style, which I usually don’t care much for, but I do like these beats and Danny Brown kills it as an MC. He sounds/looks like a base head but he’s got great lyrical skills. Monopoly is IIIILLLLLLLL!
Amon Tobin - ISAM
I’m not a big fan of electronic music. However, Amon Tobin has gone to the next level here with ISAM. He teamed up with the AMAZING Tessa Farmer and released an accompanying limited edition art book for this one.
And as if that weren’t enough, he’s pioneered a new level of live show. Watch this video I took of his live show at the Fox Theater in Pomona, CA. (play button is on bottom)
Pete Rock & Smif n Wessun - Monumental
Two words. Pete Rock. Enough said… But then there’s Smif n Wessun on top of that! 3 legendary Hip Hop artists.
Tom Waits - Bad As Me
It’s Tom Waits. He can do no wrong in my book. Dark, weird, scary, and familiar. Fuck this is such a great record. Not sure how this guy so consistently keeps putting out amazing music, but i’m glad he does it.
The Black Keys - El Camino
I’m glad they brought back Dangermouse; even though this time it’s only “CO”-produced by him. Either way you can tell and it’s awesome. Little Black Submarines is probably my favorite track on the record and I think Lonley Boy is a great pop track even though I was disappointed in the video. They better have shot it for free…
The Kills - Blood Pressures
I’m a sucker for fuzzy bass and bluesy riffs.
Watch The Throne - Jay-Z and Kanye West
If you haven’t already seen their awesome video for Otis, it alone makes this record worthy:
I hated on this record at first, now i love it. The production is sick. I even love the artwork. Oh, and two words …PETE ROCK!
Happy Birthday to Cathy Pellow of Sargent House
Yesterday was Cathy Pellow’s Birthday. She turned 34. Cathy is the patron saint of awesome musicians and I am very thankful she still has the energy and wherewithal to put up with all the craziness that is the music industry.
I love you lots Cath!
Happy Birthday to the the most GANGSTA woman i know. To prove it, here is a picture of her with Bone Thugs:
Blind Chapel #3 edicion mexicana
In the world of artist management and touring, I cross paths with many people that are just as passionate about music as I am. While everyone’s “favorite” music changes, I’m fascinated to hear what they consider the most important music of all. So I ask them this one question:
“Which 1 album (not necessarily your favorite) has impacted you so deeply that you feel it’s imperative that EVERYONE ON THIS EARTH should listen to it at least once.”
Then I listen. You should too.
Click the album covers to listen to what the following people suggest:
Alexander Negron AKA LAROYALE
Past editions:
