This is a list of some of my favorite music videos of all time. There is some amazing media out there, but it's a tough call, and ultimately it's my decision. Feel free to agree and disagree with me. With the exception of a few of these videos, most of them are pushing 5+ minutes. For the Prodigy video, you must sign into Daily Motion due to the video's explicit content.
Please enjoy!
1. Michael Jackson - Thriller
2. Pearl Jam - Jeremy
3. Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up
4. Nine Inch Nails - Closer
5. Justice - Stress
6. Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity
7. Portishead - To Kill a Dead Man
8. Aphex Twin - Windowlicker
9. Busta Rhymes - Dangerous
10. Madonna - Bedtime Story
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Before You Die
I'm starting a few lists of things I think people should experience before their time is up. I'm not sure how many of these lists I'll do exactly, but one will be posted very soon, while the other is rather demanding of my attention (which I haven't been willing to lend).
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
Monday, November 2, 2009
I'm Baaack!
Hey readers. I've been absent from posting for quite some time now. I have some things that I'm working on that I know some of you will enjoy, but I'm slacking on getting them done. In the meantime, read my previous post (that I literally just posted within the past five minutes of writing this one) here.
The Niggy Tardust Experience - Philadelphia, PA
Afro-Punk started as a documentary lived by James Spooner, in which he toured across America looking for people like him — people of color with an admiration for Punk Rock.
Accompanying the DVD release of Afro-Punk was a music compilation, comprised of artists and bands who are viewed as "Black/African American". Six years later, with an overhauled website, a community of thousands, hundreds of artist, four annual festivals deep, and a nationwide tour headlined by Black Stacey, Saul Williams, enter Afro-Punk.
The City of Philadelphia was wet and slightly chilly, but inside the Theatre of the Living Arts the temperature was warm, and the air was electric. Arriving early and walking through the venue, the merch booth was setup and ready to go, a large canvas and bags of paint were off to the right side of the stage in the crowd area, Cx Kidtronik was casually walking about, and a DJ held down the stage, mixing sounds of Hip-Hop, Jungle, and Rock while concert goers patiently awaited the start of the evening.
Everyone but the B-boys, that is. If the party won't start, start your own party. For as long as the grooves were spinning, these guys were the center of attention with their twists, kicks, and jumps. The crowd looked upon the troupe, hands clapping and smiles on their faces, but there was still more to come.
Tchaka Diallo aka Kiko of Krak Attack came out to host the show and introduce the first group — from Houston, TX, American Fangs.
A banner adorned the stage, reminiscent of the Rocky Horror Picture Show logo, the drummer was already on his stool banging away while the rest of the band walked out. AF plays with a need for attention. The energy flows through every member as they make their way around the stage, singing in unison, jumping on monitors, and spitting on the floor. Who can stand still? The drumming will force goers to bounce and nod, while the licks and melodies will cause everyone to let go and enjoy themselves. When frontman, Gus walks on in a light gray shirt, but his shirt looks like it's charcoal gray when he leaves, you have to know that he gave it his all. American Fangs were the standouts of the evening.
Diallo took the stage once again to introduce a new aspect to the show — flatland BMX riders! Jeff and Cooly had the audience in amazement. Tricks landed or not, there was nothing but respect.
The next act came out of Philadelphia, PA. Originally billed as Black Landlord, but for whatever reason, they weren't present, which is unfortunate, because I was looking forward to seeing them perform again. A new band by the name of West Vienna took their place instead. Something about these guys seemed very familiar, and maybe it was because West Vienna is actually Phil Moore Browne! Even though a member or two has been replaced, the feeling was relative. Whether you call them Phil Moore Browne, or you call them West Vienna, both bands are an act you need to see to truly appreciate. WV is not as rowdy as PMB, but they are fun to watch. Punk is alive in Philly, and its name is West Vienna!
Once again, Jeff and Cooly came out to battle. Meanwhile, the painting was coming along nicely.
Rushing back to the stage to see the next act, Saul Williams was seen walking back and forth off to the side. Suddenly, with makeup on his face and feathers in his hair, there he was on a bike. "My band doesn't know I'm down here," he said. Saul had a little chit-chat with the crowd until his band came out in support. The group consisted of a guitar player, a keyboard player, and Cx Kidtronik on an MPC. Niggy Tardust was at the forefront of the stage spouting off his list of poetic, musical, and cultural influences. Amethyst Rockstar was absent, but doing songs from his self titled album, as well as The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust, his daughter, Saturn joined him on stage for a few songs, grabbing the microphone from Cx Kidtronik, flailing about in a dance party fashion with her father. The TLA was in full party mode with Williams on stage. If there was any downside to the set, it was that Saul did not perform Act III, Scene II (Shakespeare). Covered in sweat with feathers from his 'do laying scattered on the stage floor, Niggy Tardust has left the building.
The night closed out with Krak Attack performing a few songs. They probably would have fared better, had they gone on before Saul Williams, because a sizeable portion of the audience vacated when Williams left the stage. Krak Attack definitely has the kind of music to give people a reason to act foolishly and cut loose, but the timing was off for that night.
With the concert all wrapped up, it would be a great disservice to call it a show. It was an experience!
Thanks to all involved for a great time!
Accompanying the DVD release of Afro-Punk was a music compilation, comprised of artists and bands who are viewed as "Black/African American". Six years later, with an overhauled website, a community of thousands, hundreds of artist, four annual festivals deep, and a nationwide tour headlined by Black Stacey, Saul Williams, enter Afro-Punk.
The City of Philadelphia was wet and slightly chilly, but inside the Theatre of the Living Arts the temperature was warm, and the air was electric. Arriving early and walking through the venue, the merch booth was setup and ready to go, a large canvas and bags of paint were off to the right side of the stage in the crowd area, Cx Kidtronik was casually walking about, and a DJ held down the stage, mixing sounds of Hip-Hop, Jungle, and Rock while concert goers patiently awaited the start of the evening.
Everyone but the B-boys, that is. If the party won't start, start your own party. For as long as the grooves were spinning, these guys were the center of attention with their twists, kicks, and jumps. The crowd looked upon the troupe, hands clapping and smiles on their faces, but there was still more to come.
Tchaka Diallo aka Kiko of Krak Attack came out to host the show and introduce the first group — from Houston, TX, American Fangs.
A banner adorned the stage, reminiscent of the Rocky Horror Picture Show logo, the drummer was already on his stool banging away while the rest of the band walked out. AF plays with a need for attention. The energy flows through every member as they make their way around the stage, singing in unison, jumping on monitors, and spitting on the floor. Who can stand still? The drumming will force goers to bounce and nod, while the licks and melodies will cause everyone to let go and enjoy themselves. When frontman, Gus walks on in a light gray shirt, but his shirt looks like it's charcoal gray when he leaves, you have to know that he gave it his all. American Fangs were the standouts of the evening.
Diallo took the stage once again to introduce a new aspect to the show — flatland BMX riders! Jeff and Cooly had the audience in amazement. Tricks landed or not, there was nothing but respect.
The next act came out of Philadelphia, PA. Originally billed as Black Landlord, but for whatever reason, they weren't present, which is unfortunate, because I was looking forward to seeing them perform again. A new band by the name of West Vienna took their place instead. Something about these guys seemed very familiar, and maybe it was because West Vienna is actually Phil Moore Browne! Even though a member or two has been replaced, the feeling was relative. Whether you call them Phil Moore Browne, or you call them West Vienna, both bands are an act you need to see to truly appreciate. WV is not as rowdy as PMB, but they are fun to watch. Punk is alive in Philly, and its name is West Vienna!
Once again, Jeff and Cooly came out to battle. Meanwhile, the painting was coming along nicely.
Rushing back to the stage to see the next act, Saul Williams was seen walking back and forth off to the side. Suddenly, with makeup on his face and feathers in his hair, there he was on a bike. "My band doesn't know I'm down here," he said. Saul had a little chit-chat with the crowd until his band came out in support. The group consisted of a guitar player, a keyboard player, and Cx Kidtronik on an MPC. Niggy Tardust was at the forefront of the stage spouting off his list of poetic, musical, and cultural influences. Amethyst Rockstar was absent, but doing songs from his self titled album, as well as The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust, his daughter, Saturn joined him on stage for a few songs, grabbing the microphone from Cx Kidtronik, flailing about in a dance party fashion with her father. The TLA was in full party mode with Williams on stage. If there was any downside to the set, it was that Saul did not perform Act III, Scene II (Shakespeare). Covered in sweat with feathers from his 'do laying scattered on the stage floor, Niggy Tardust has left the building.
The night closed out with Krak Attack performing a few songs. They probably would have fared better, had they gone on before Saul Williams, because a sizeable portion of the audience vacated when Williams left the stage. Krak Attack definitely has the kind of music to give people a reason to act foolishly and cut loose, but the timing was off for that night.
With the concert all wrapped up, it would be a great disservice to call it a show. It was an experience!
Thanks to all involved for a great time!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Full Circle
These are some crazy times. The music industry is trying to run my pockets, there's a lot to do at the office, and the art world is calling my name.
From September 30 through October 15, the New Wilmington Art Association will be exhibiting it's next group show titled, Eclosion. This show will actually overlap with the City of Wilmington's sponsored art event, Fringe Festival. The NWAA has taken the helm, and will be installing the work of roughly 12 local artists, in addition to our own talent for Fringe.
Full Circle is my latest work, made specifically for the aforementioned events. The officers of the NWAA have deemed "transformation" as the theme of our upcoming show. This is my way of expressing transformation. It's merely a statement of theology and science—not to be confused with science versus religion.
The lotus (theology) represents life that comes from undesirable circumstances, as lotuses can be found in swamps and muck, but grow to be beautiful flowers. The sunburst (science) in the background is an allusion to the death of a star/big bang, which in turn brings about the start of more life.
That's my simple explanation in a nutshell. It had to be about something, right?
Enjoy
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Sneaker Pimps - Philadelphia
August 8, 2009 in Philadelphia, PA saw the arrival of the Sneaker Pimps, the touring sneaker and Hip-Hop show. I checked it out upon Jon Jon's suggestion. Sneakers are cool, Hip-Hop is great, and I love Philly! Can't lose, right?
It was a recipe for a great evening, as I ran into a handful of people I knew, but didn't know were going. The music was good, but with as many acts as there were performing, each person/group took the stage for about three songs, then made way for the next performer. I didn't have too much of an issue with this, as it allowed for club goers to be exposed to numerous artists without having to sit through 20-30 minute sets if they didn't like the music.
Here's my gripe though: rappers and DJs talk too much. It's one thing to have prepared statements as part of your set, but it's completely different to just sit up on stage rambling on and on about things nobody cares about. The main problem was performers yelling at the crowd for not being into it enough. Biggest offender of that? Elixer and Dice Raw's DJ. Yes, we're in Philly and Dice Raw is from Philly. Yes, Dice Raw has performed with The Roots. No, Dice Raw is not in The Roots. No, The Roots were not in the building. I have a little bit of an issue with people who name-drop in order to hype themselves. But let me state that Dice Raw said he's not a fan of talking, he just wanted to do the show. His DJ was making all the noise.
Here's a kernel of knowledge for all performing artists: if the crowd has no idea who you are, or they didn't show up to see you specifically, don't be surprised if they just watch you and don't "party". If anything, you should be grateful people are watching you.
Despite that, once The Clipse came on, the venue errupted! The brothers interacted with the crowd, shook some hands, threw items out, and had everyone eating out the palms of their hands. The duo played cuts from their previous offerings, including "What Happened to that Boy", a song they were featured on. During the set, they were joined on stage by Philly's own, Ab Liva, and finished out the evening by performing, "Kinda Like a Big Deal". Philly showed The Clipse some love, and The Clipse showed it right back.
A couple of my friends got to meet The Clipse after winning a Verizon Wireless texting battle, but after the show we all met Ab Liva. He's about 5,000 feet tall, but he's a really nice guy. Big ups to him for shaking hands and taking pictures.
Next stop, Minneapolis, MN!
Other standout performers of the evening:
Joya Bravo - Brooklynite who sings, raps, and plays the violin!
Phil Ade - A member of the 368 Music Group. Definitely got the crowd going.
J. Cole - Newest artist on Jay-Z's Roc Nation. People seemed surprised, but his live show is nice, and a lot of people knew his lyrics.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Chirp!...I Mean...Tweet!
I feel like a whore for doing this, but whatever.
I gave in to Twitter last week and joined.
Follow me here.
I gave in to Twitter last week and joined.
Follow me here.
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