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You Lost You're Falking Modjo You ASS

I can't believe its taken me until now to post this stuff. The following songs swept into my sound system through a great friend. Just so happens today is his birthday and in honor of a blast from the past I wanted to share some music. The following 3 tunes have been a highlight to my earbuds on many a playlist. Moreover, after everyone I know had a listen to Golden Cage, it became one of their favorite numbers - my roommate even used it in his newest film. Enough delay.

The first tune is Golden Cage, originally by The Whitest Boy Alive. This remix is by the German DJ and producer Fred Falke. Just groove to this and try not to mimic the keyboard line.
  The Whitest Boy Alive - Golden Cage (Fred Falke Remix) by therabble1

The second is a brilliant clash of funk and electro. The Modjo duo, is a Parisian couple of Romain Tranchart and Yann Destagnol. Between them they have lived in Mexico, Algeria, France, and Brazil and have played flute, clarinet, guitar, and piano. This bright, seductive, hard hitter topped the charts in the UK in 2000. Feel free to get on your feet, grab a "Lady," a jump around, jump around, jump up, jump up and get down.
  Modjo - Lady by therabble1 

The last is a mellow remix of of Bob's "Soul Rebel" by Afrodisiac Sound System. The best part about this work is researching these artists and discovering their other great hits. Just hit up http://www.myspace.com/afrodisiacsoundsystem and get exposed to a bunch of great remixes. ASS began when a Jed, DJ Haul, and Mason started Afrodisiac Records. Jed had just returned from a 5 month expedition in Africa. He brought back a ton of rare West African funk tunes and samples from Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, and Mali. And this final African theme is too fitting for this tribute. Mahgeeta.
  Bob Marley - Soul Rebel (Afrodisiac Sound System Remix) by therabble1

Tell Em All About It

Oh how much I love the summertime... sunny days and barbecues, beautiful beaches and women, and an array of sounds uniquely packaged in weekend festivals. This summer is set to be one of the greatest yet, with the festival world growing every year. The audience has demanded more music, more styles, in more cities, and the music world has responded. That being said there are entirely too many festivals for me to begin breaking down the festival outlook, but I figured a condensed festival guide might be of some help for those of you that are new to the festival world. If you happen to make a coastal trek up the East Coast toward Oxford, Maine this summer be sure to check out Nateva July 2nd- 4th, sporting such acts as The Flaming Lips, Furthur feat. Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, STS9 (GO SEE THEM!), Passion Pit, Ghostland Observatory, and many more acts ranging from indie-rock to jam bands. Oh and be sure to get tickets quick, because they are planning to cut off tickets at 15,000 to avoid the chaos of festival giants such as Bonnaroo. Then after enjoying the diverse sounds in Oxford, head to the Midwest and checkout Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago. Leaning a little toward the indie-rock spectrum, but still infused with hip-hop and DJ sets, this festival is sure to give those that are looking to get less of the festival and more of the music out of music festival a good time. From July 16th-18th, enjoy the waves of headliners such as Pavement, Modest Mouse, LCD Soundsystem, Raekwon, among others. And if you decide to remain in the Windy City until the weekend of August 6th, 7th, and 8th, then be sure to relive the experience thru the eyes of Lollapalooza founder, Perry Farrell. A bit more poppy, but still a music experience, enjoy acts such as Lady Gaga, The Strokes, Arcade Fire, Phoenix, MGMT, and many more. And after your stay on the East Coast, take Route 80 straight to San Francisco and checkout my new loft. Be sure to arrive before August 14th, however, so we can attend Outside Lands. This 3 day festival is equipped with sounds ranging from jam band Furthur to one of my personal favorites Pretty Lights, with a little touch of soul from none other than Al Green. And after summer has come to an end and Autumn begins to approach, head down to Austin, Texas October 8th-10th for Austin City Limits. This one is one to please the whole family with oldies such as The Eagles, classics such as Phish, and your sister's favorite M.I.A. This track from duo Sleigh Bells, pretty much sums of the explosion of electronic and distorted guitar that is playing in my head thinking of all the festival action I am gonna get this summer. Oh, and be sure to purchase their new album Treats. Peace. Love. Festivals.

Sleigh Bells - Tell Em by therabble1

Said So So Soulive

Brothers, Alan Evans and Neal Evans, and guitarist Eric Krasno, make up the funk-jazz trio, Soulive. The group originates from Buffalo, New York and knows how to lay the funk slappers. I have seen this group live a number of times, as a trio, as a sextet with a horn section, and with vocalist, Toussaint Yeshua - at their concerts I think the name should be changed to Soulloud. Neal holds down groovy, heavy-hitting bass lines with his left hand while comping, soloing, and playing leads with the right. Within a nutshell, Soulive knows how to jam, leaving open ended solos that never fail to impress. However, today, being Soul Sunday, I am going to give a few of their more "Soul"livey tunes. This is work done with Toussaint on the album, "Break Out." To catch their more upbeat funk side, check out "Doin' Something," "Next," "Get Down," or the self-titled album.

  Soulive - What Can You Do by therabble1 

  Soulive - She's Hooked by therabble1 

DANCEROCKLIVE

These two tracks teeter on the edge of dance-rock and indie-electronica. The perfect tunes for having few cocktails and substances before headed out to the local hipster hangout. Elite Gymnastics is a duo consisting of James Brooks and Josh Clancy, both from Minneapolis, MN. Their music often includes trance melodies with a funky and deep sound. While the lyrics can be repetitive, it is likely you will be finding yourself overly content with instrumental sounding vocals. You can download the duo's album at their website Pyschadelic Surf Club. This other group, HEALTH, is releasing their remix album Disco2 this June, blending tracks from their previous albums Get Color and HEALTH/DISCO. Working with artists such as Crystal Castles and Pictureplane, HEALTH attacks the dance-electronic rock scene with their unique noises once again. It is of my utmost recommendation that you checkout this album in its entirety as you listen. Peace. Love. Noise.

Elite Gymnastics - Is This On Me by therabble1

HEALTH - USA Boys by therabble1

Wake Up and Wash Off

A gentleman named Ernest Greene is making innovative, unique, minimalist music. Hailing from Perry, Georgia, Washed Out has quickly stepped out on the scene, playing his first show to a sold out crowd of around 500. Little is said about this man and it seems as though he likes it that way. He started making music, solely as a hobby, with no intentions of making it big. But by luck or destiny or whatever you call it, the right people heard the right songs and helped Washed Out take off. Some people are calling his music a new genre that has been tagged as "Glo-fi," or "chill-wave." As far as a new genre, I am not sure, and neither is Ernest. But kick back and relax to these downtempo hits. I'm calling it a soberer electro.

  Washed Out - Feel it all around by therabble1

  Washed Out - Holdout by therabble1

It Doesn't Cost a Thing to Smile

Chickity check it out. Its Soul Sunday, so here it comes. India.Arie (born India Arie Simpson) is a soul and R&B singer. She also plays guitar, flute, and produces. Born in lovely Denver, Colorado to a musical family and former NBAer Ralph Simpson. India.Arie's voice is smooth, stylish, and simply beautiful. I discovered this artists when the singer for my old band wanted to sing Video. From the first listen, we all loved it and it quickly became a regular in our set. The second song, There's Hope, came on the radio during a road trip through the Garden Route in South Africa. I new immediately I recognized the vocalist, wrote down what I thought the song was called, and found it again just a few months ago. Enjoy this wonderful Sunday and let these songs make you smile.

India.Arie - There's hope by therabble1

India.Arie - Video by therabble1

Menert Making It Hurt

Derek Smith (aka Pretty Lights) is doing big things lately. First of all, many congratulations to him for selling out the majority of his spring tour dates, and well done to all of you live music supporters.

Derek is releasing what he calls a "music posse." PLM (Pretty Lights Music) is a platform for new artists to get their work out into the real world. The first knocker on this platform is Michal Menert, a Poland-born DJ that has been collaborating with Derek on recent work. Menert's first solo release, "Dreaming of a Bigger Life," will drop its way into your sound system on June 8, 2010. Then, like all Pretty Light's music, Menert's album will be graciously available for download at prettylightsmusic.com. Menert's debut live performance will be at Sonic Bloom in Bellvue, Colorado on June 25. Seems like those crazy folk in Colorado are really taking the scene. Many artists are recognizing it as a hot spot for people with great taste in music. Nice work and much props to the Cee Oh.

If you're working hard on your own material, PLM platform will soon have a P.O. Box for artists to submit demos.
Michal Menert - In The Morning by therabble1

Michal Menert - Heart Attack (with Benjamin Linder O'Neill) by therabble1

Shut the Funk Up & Dance

Galactic - "Do It Again" ft. Cheeky Blakk from Galactic on Vimeo.

This Sunday's drop is an incredibly funked up beat that instills groove and funk into your soul without letting you slow down to take a breath. Galactic is funky jam band out of New Orleans that incorporates  electronic, hip-hop, rock, blues, jazz, and musical sounds form around the world. My first memory of a live performance was in Houston, Texas with my older brother at a punk rock venue. While at the time I would have been stoked to come across a live punk act, my brother had other plans in store for me as we walked into a venue packed with freshly graduated students wearing Birkenstocks, Phish t-shirts, and bandanas. It has dawned upon me that the natural progression of jamheads after college tends to be New Orleans style jazz with a twist of funk. I'll let you know next week. An incredible performance I must add, and I still have the drumsticks and set list to remind me. Throw on some Vans, Chucks, Keds, or whatever kinda thing you're into, and get footloose on this track.

Straight Outta C-Town

Growing up in Cleveland area automatically ensures that you're a fan of Bone Thugs N Harmony, LBJ, and... what else is there??? Oh, that's right Kid Cudi and Chip The Ripper. Taking "valley cruises" listening to these C-town rappers while partaking in a tightly rolled Swisher are some of the best (only) times I had in the OH. But regardless these two artists are some of the freshest out there at the moment, and I finally have some bragging rights to pre-fame musicians. This remix of LCD Soundsystem's "Dance Yrself Clean" with a sample of Christian Bale's whiny fit inserted for entertainment, is short and sweet. It flows like the Cuyahoga River and catches on fire just as you start to feel the beat. Checkout more of upcoming rapper Chip The Ripper here. Slab Up.
Kid Cudi - All Talk (Feat Chip The Ripper) by therabble

New York to the Bay, Sao Paulo to L.A.

The DJ duo started making music without thinking about a definitive goal. Squeak E. Clean is a DJ/Producer from Los Angeles, California, North America. His partner in crime, Zegon, is from Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America. Get it... N.A. + S.A. = N.A.S.A. The group strives to think outside of whats around them and bring the noise from totally different universes together - demonstrated with turntables, live Brazilian percussion, old funk sound clips, and modern hip-hop artists.

The duo traveled for 5 years collecting video footage, art, noises, sound clips, and anything else they could get their hands on. After tracks were completed, they paired the song with animators and visual artists and created animated films for each track. Now, after their long, hard work they have put together their first album, "The Spirit of Apollo." The album is also influenced by the two being huge space geeks and watching hours of NASA footage for inspiration and samples. Squeak E. Clean watched one film about the international space station and how it was all made in different countries then assembled and all came together in space. That is how he wanted to make this record - bringing it all together. The album features collaborations with Kanye West, M.I.A., RZA, Gift of Gab, Nick Zinner, Tom Waits, Method Man, E40, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and many many more.

I'm going to throw on an original track and an LA Riots Remix, but it is so hard to choose which tracks are the spankiest. Go check out the album, the videos, the artwork, and even the trailer about their inspiration and creation. Turn It Up.

  N.A.S.A. - N.A.S.A. Music (LA Riots Remix feat. Method Man) by therabble

N.A.S.A. - Money (feat. David Byrne, Chuck D, Ras Congo, Seu Jorge, and Z-Trip) by therabble

Mellow Early Mornings

As I approach graduation here in Santa Barbara I think back on all of the times I spent searching for something to take from this place. In the beginning it was searching for a particular party on the 65 block. Then it was the best spot to surf for a beginner surfer from Ohio. It progressed into searching for what knowledge I could take from the learning experience. It is only after four years that I can finally sit here and profess the knowledge I gained from this town is more than just on how to pregame properly before headed to DP, Downtown, or OTT; the knowledge I absorbed in this paradise they call Isla Vista is how to take the best from any situation while still having a great time. I felt it appropriate to throw in a track from UCSB Alum Jack Johnson. However don't be fooled, while this track may be mellow like sitting on Sands staring at the Crystal Ship, this track is one that is sure to prepare you for that next step.

Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend, has gone under the moniker of Boys Like Us to invent his solo imaginative remixes of uncommonly remixed artists such as this one by Jack Johnson and the following by Foreign Born. Both of these tracks are sure to give you good vibes as you prepare for finals (not real life) or drive to your job (fuck thats real life). Enjoy.

 Jack Johnson - You and Your Heart (Boys Like Us Remix) by therabble 

 Foreign Born - Early Warnings (Boys Like Us Remix) by therabble 

Hidden Gems

 

I just found out about this crazy new band... Dave Mathews Band. We all know who they are, but recently I've just been letting iTunes navigate itself on random and I've been finding some hidden gems in my library. After a morning hangover splash in the ocean, these tunes came on and paved the way for the rest of my day. I think some people get turned off with bands when they get too big. But I say, if it sounds good, its good. And lets face it, there's a reason a band attracts a colossal following - because people like their music. Enjoy these classic picks as you wind down from a weekend full of barbecuing and cold beers.

Dave Matthews Band - Stolen Away On 55th & 3rd by therabble

Dave Matthews & Soulive - Joyful Girl by therabble

Purple Castles Made of Glass

When Ethan Kath collaborated with noise-punk singer, Alice Glass, to produce their self-titled album Crystal Castles in 2007, this electro cult erupted with gothic-rave goers agreeing to dance over vintage Mario 8-bits that had sat in a grungy basement awaiting their return. The experimental sounds of their popular release "Crimewave" attracted avid listeners from all musical backgrounds, as it simultaneously pierced the ears and soothed the senses. After leaking on to the internet in April, their new album Crystal Castles II has begun to create a thrill in the hearts of those left hanging on for more following their last release. A bit more spacious and even more creepy, this album expands on the electronic plops we were left with last time, while maintaining the fuzzy riffs and megaphone chants that provide the perfect dance beat for those looking for a little more edge without heading into that dreary night club in the back alley.

This remix of their new track "Celestica" is sure to provide listeners with the pop-infused beat and jumpy sound needed to make this weekend worth dancing to. Enjoy.
Crystal Castles - Celestica (Professor Purple Remix) by therabble

Breaking Down the Bells

Broken Bells is the collaborative duo of Brian Burton a.k.a. Danger Mouse and James Mercer a.k.a front man from The Shins. Although this group only took off in October of 2009 they are doing incredible things. Full of mellow, catchy vocals, the group's sound is simplistic and bare-boned, using only the essentials to make you keep these songs on repeat. The style is definitely unique - like a unicorn getting struck by lighting while walking on the water. This indie-rocked, electro-vibed group is a good one to look out for. They are touring all over this summer starting on the West coast right now. It's too late to change your mind, you let lost be your guide.
Broken Bells - The Ghost Inside by therabble
  Broken Bells - The High Road by therabble 

A Brand New Perspective

These two tracks are quite possibly the most accurate expressions of the spectrum of emotion. This first one from the recently released Vitalic album, Flashmob, comes at you like a thrusting jet stream ready to rip down your house, while gently setting you in a nest to gather your thoughts from the intoxicating coma it just put you through. Vitalic debuted in 2005 with their album, OK Cowboy, combining pop-spiked synthesizers with harmonic heavy bass-lines. To add to the intensity that Vitalic offers, this song is collaborated on by The Bloody Beetroots, that for those of you don't know, are an electro-punk duo from Italy that give the Dalai Lama a hard time standing still. Even for those with the most basic electronic appreciation are sure to take this song for a ride, again, and again, and again...
Vitalic - Second Live (The Blood Beetroots remix) by therabble

The second song is one that many will recognize from popular Kid Cudi song "Man on the Moon." However, this song at its purest form may perhaps be one of the most beautifully orchestrated electronic track that I have came across yet. It comes from Japanese electronic artist, Nosaj Thing, self-released EP Views/Octupus. After this glitchy, trance-like, hip-hop synthed takes hold of your consciousness, and you form a new outlook on the people you thought you knew and the perspective you thought you had, come back to the rabble and get ready for what we're gonna do for you next.
Nosaj Thing - Aquarium by therabble

Soul Sunday

My body literally hurts too much to write anything of importance, compliment, praise, or understanding. Every week is Soul Sunday. This is kind of like when people introduce someone and say they need no introduction, which is obviously giving them some type of introduction. But this song sums up Sunday in a nutshell. We know you're feeling a little roughed up from the weekend. Take it Easy.
  Lionel Richie - Easy Like Sunday Morning by therabble

Hip Hop Fridays

Once a week we will hit you with something different. Fridays will provide you with a healthy dose rap, hip hop, and R&B. The only constant is change, and change is good, so embrace it.

From New York hails a duo called Gang Starr started back in the 80s. DJ Premier and Guru were producing hip hop beats scratched with New York's jazz swing style. They "put in work," releasing hits on 12" vinyls and "watched there status escalate." In 2005 Guru and Premier concentrated on other projects and took a break from the group. Unfortunately, the break never ended and the group seemingly split. Tragically, Guru suffered a heart attack in February and was in a coma for 3 months. Just last month he past away on April 19, 2010. Rest In Peace.
Gang Starr - Full Clip by therabble

Gang Starr - Work by therabble

Everything In It's Right Place

Every person has those moments that they will never forget. First kiss, first time driving, first time getting high, and most importantly, first time being moved by a live musical performance to the point of nirvana. The year was 2006, the location was Bonnaroo Music Festival, and the band was Radiohead. Regardless of the days experimentation and adventures, that moment, standing with the only person who shared the same love of Thom Yorke and company as I did, will never be erased from my mind. Radiohead conducted one of the most theatrical and moving sets I have witnessed to this day. There was something in the air that night, and it wasn't the smell of the bohemian youth surrounding us. No, it was something much more. It was "Everything In It's Right Place," the exact-fucking-right-space! I wish I could sit here and describe Radiohead using colorful vocabulary and emotion, but the fact is, this band has too many elements to be broken down into words. This band is the modern music revolutionary. There landmark internet release of In Rainbows for free in 2007 is just one staple of their incredible career. 

I am definitely a skeptic of other artists' attempts to recreate or remix the ingenious work of Radiohead, but AmpLive's work on his album Raindayz Remixes proved to be quite impressive. Not to mention it is available for free as the group would have wanted it. So be open-minded and tune in...
Radiohead - Nude (Amplive Remix) by therabble

Radiohead - Video Tapez (AmpLive Remix ft. Del the Funky Homosapien) by therabble

Golden Ghostwriter

Ramble John "RJ" Krohn of Columbus, OH, better known as RJD2, has been spinning some of the freshest tracks to hit the finely-tuned eardrums of avid music listeners, since Maceo Parker dropped "Passed the Peas." While his name remains unrecognized by the masses, his sound is more familiar. Getting started in 1993 with a pair of tables borrowed from a friend, RJD2 began producing hip-hop beats for the underground scene and grew in popularity amongst the urban skate subculture. In 2006, he contributed a remix of "Airbag" for Radiohead's album, Exit Music. He has even found his way into the television community, having songs on commercials, and even the theme song for hit AMC show "Mad Men," with his song "Beautiful Mine." This artist leaves you hanging on to his last note waiting for his next release. Fortunately, on June 22nd he will be dropping Inversions of the Colossus, including instrumental and alternate versions of his latest LP, The Colossus.

This mashup of his popular song, "Ghostwriter," and hit Jurassic 5 song, "What's Golden," is sure to leave you in desperation for the release of his new album. Plugin, and enjoy the sound of RJD2.
Golden Ghostwriter (Jurassic 5 vs. RJD2) by therabble