Blakroc represents a finer movement between  rap & rock collaborations.  With music from Ohio-based blues rock band The Black Keys, rappers including several hip hop and R&B artists and overseen by Damon Dash, co-founder and former owner of a share in Roc-A-Fella Records. Its contributors include Raekwon, RZA and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard of the Wu-Tang Clan; Jim Jones, formerly of The Diplomats, and NOE, formerly a DipSet affiliate; Mos Def; singer Nicole Wray; Pharoahe Monch; Southern rapper Ludacris; Billy Danze, one half of M.O.P.; and Q-Tip, formerly of A Tribe Called Quest.  This new movement in music represents the long overdue collaboration of semi mainstream artists with broad appeal, and underground hip hop legends, most notably Mos Def, Wu Tang Clan.  The smooth blues rhythms that have made the Black Keys a hit drives this album with progressive lyrics from some damn fine rappers.  Although these two genres would seem on the surface to clash, the flow of the music and lyrics seem as natural and satisfying as caramel on an apple.  The album came out last month, and is available online and in fine record stores everywhere.  This album comes highly recommended for anyone interested in genre spanning albums that bring a new yet familiar experience. 

Thrash & Burn

Hello, my little headbangers!  How are you?  We've had to change the name a bit...Orders from the top and all that.  This name works too because it broadens the scope.  So, what's up for the thrashing?  Anatolian Wisdom, that's what!  Now, I know some of you may be confused.  "What's Anatolian Wisdom?" you may be asking yourself.  The answer is that it's a mighty kick-ass black metal band from Vancouver!  However, they have an element that sets them apart from your standard kvlt crew, and that being guitarist and songwriter Hanephi.  Hanephi emigrated to Canada from Turkey (Known archaically as Anatolia.  Is this starting to make sense now?) He brings that into the music.  Their most recent album, 2008's Where the Iblis Dwell is a stand out slab of sonic evil with that little twist of the Middle East in the music and inspired by Sumerian and Anatolian evils.  There's a lot of black metal out there, and let's be honest, a lot of it is cheesy, but if you want to get the most Be'elzebub for your Buck, then Anatolian Wisdom is the way to go.  You can check them out online at www.myspace.com/anatolianwisdom and even watch the production video for the track "Forgotten Gate."

 

Now for the burning...Recently I worked the door for a trance night I worked security at a show for a noted House/Trance DJ who shall remain nameless for the sake of not burning bridges.   Aside from having to put up with seven hours of house music (Yes, that's right: SEVEN HOURS) from door time through to the end of the headlining DJ's set, I noticed a very disturbing thing.  Both the opening and headlining DJs didn't really do much of anything.  They turned some knobs, not even managing to keep it in time to the beat a good chunk of the time, and flapped their arms like they were epileptic birds.  The worst part is, people paid to see this.  Are our standards really that low?  Are people really paying upwards of $100 to go and watch an ape having a seizure to "boom-chi-boom-chi-boom-chi-boom-chi" instead of people playing their instruments?  I know these guys do a lot of hard work in studio, but really...You need a live show!  At least some of the drum 'n' bass acts know this!  Look at Pendulum, or if you need something earlier, The Prodigy.  They perform(ed) with a live band, giving the music an extra edge and actually giving a show, instead of turning a hockey barn into an oversized dance club.

As far as the crowd goes, they were fairly well behaved outside of a few grabby fellas who I made sure to keep a close eye on.  Is it this particular type of show that make people think it's okay to get biblical with whatever girl will let you grind – pardon me - dance with?  Good grief...don't even get me started on the dancing.  To quote Huey Freeman: "And stop the damn dancin'! Act like you've got some Goddamn sense, people! Damn!"  I dunno... It seems possible there may have been some mood altering substances circulating the masses.

 

Well, that's it for what's on my mind this week.  To those of you who may be offended by what I say, please remember that these are my views and opinions, and not those of Vandala Concepts.  And if you're still offended, well, I can't really help that.  I would also like to give a shout-out to Versus MMA here in Vancouver, B.C.  I've been training in kickboxing and jui jitsu there for over a month now, and not only am I seeing a difference physically, but I'm still enjoying the Hell out of it.  Check it out, folks, at www.versus21.com

 

 Until next time,

 

Je-Pe

Chaos this Xmas: A new xmas mix

Tracklist

1. The Killers, Wild Light & Mariachi El Bronx - Happy Birthday Guadalupe (2009 Christmas single)
2. Julian Casablancas - I Wish It Was Christmas Today (2009 Christmas Single, SNL cover)
3. Haley Bonar - Only Xmas
4. Camera Obscura - The Blizzard (Jim Reeves cover)
5. Pas/Cal - Last Christmas (Wham cover)
6. A Fine Frenzy - Blue Christmas (From her 2009 Christmas album)
7. The Jackson 5 - Someday at Christmas 
8. James Yuill f. Rod Thomas - Winter Wonderland
9. David Bazan - Jingle Bells 
10. Brenda Lee - I'm Gonna Lasso Santa Claus 
11. Sofia Talvik - Snowy White River 
12. Prince - Another Lonely Christmas 


Download link:
http://anonym.to/?http://www.mediafire.com/?gz1zkljtj4w

Mix provided by livejournal.com

DELISH!

Wondering what to do with that Eggnog left over after parties or gatherings? Payed the three bucks for that jug? Well, chances are you've got some rum in there, and have we got a treat for you! This year, instead of forcing it down, avoid those awkward "drinking in the afternoon" days, and apply our little trick:
Take your morning coffee or tea (black tea - Earl Grey works best) and use your eggnog for creamer. Its delicious, not overpowering, and no one at the office will notice your slugging back rum at eight in the morning. Now thats a holiday bonus that wont let you down!