Granted, there’s something undeniably unctuous about watching hipsters dance to hip-hop. And yes, there were least four moments during the opening acts on Saturday night when you could hear me yelling loudly to anyone who would listen that “white people killed hip-hop.” (Let’s just say there should be some sort of taxing entrance exam to be a white rapper.) But you can’t really blame artists for their fan base, except possibly Tool.
As for the The Cool Kids, the way in which they slap new packaging on old ideas may lack originality, but they put on a fun live set, one that reminded me how much I missed the old two MC’s and one DJ arrangement that used to be standard, but seems almost novelty these days (shouts also to Clean Guns). Lyrically, these guys are just okay, but I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt considering Mikey Rocks is just 19 years and figures to improve with age. Plus, in their 808 minimalism some of their beats are pretty great. My review’s up right now at the LA Times, so check it out if you’re into that sort of thing.
Download:
MP3: The Cool Kids-”I (Mikey) Rock”
MP3: The Cool Kids-”Black Mags”
5 comments
ekko says:
January 21, 2008 at 5:27 pm (UTC -7)
Dude–
Thanks again for the Blockhead tip. Did a monster post on him today–check it out!
http://www.berkeleyplace.wordpress.com
Deen says:
January 21, 2008 at 9:35 pm (UTC -7)
I fux with these cats. I like the “new” and familiar aesthetic. Plus you can dance to the shit too.
wade word says:
January 22, 2008 at 2:23 pm (UTC -7)
Dude, Black mags has been my jam for the longest.
LAndon says:
January 23, 2008 at 10:48 am (UTC -7)
I was at this show and although the crowd was whatever, they were into it and for such a new/young group, they put on quite the live show. I pretty much agree with the review- to be at a high energy level so early in your career, especially with the hype they’ve already gotten, gives me hope for them
jessica says:
December 28, 2008 at 8:05 pm (UTC -7)
Mannnnn…. We knew about the cool kids before January ’08….
http://www.hipsterwave.com/the-cool-kids-at-sneaker-freaker-in-melbourne-australia-and/
http://www.hipsterwave.com/the-cool-kids/