If M.J. wasn’t better than Prince, he’s the closest one. Expect a tribute to the late G.O.A.T. sometime next week. In the meantime, the second greatest music video he ever made (”Thriller” up top, obviously). The only consolation is that now Tito will finally get his chance to shine.
Download
MP3: Michael Jackson-”Remember the Time”
If you’re curious to find out how to lead the Moet & Beluga Caviar lifestyle, that is the world of pro music journalism, circa 09, I’ll be a part of panel tonight on “Writing About Music,”at the Echo Park 826LA outpost.
Luckily, I’ll be surrounded by people who actually know how to use a comma: Randall Roberts, my editor at LA Weekly, Kevin Bronson of Buzz Bands (and formerly of the LA Times), and Justin “Aquarium Drunkard” Gage. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting the other three panelists, Jessica Hundley, Josh Kun, and Pat McGuire, but their resumes are airtight. I assume they even understand how to properly use a semi-colon.
The price is steep: $25. Granted, I wouldn’t fork over the $4.17 that is technically what you’d be paying to see me, but it’s for a good cause. I swear. It starts at 7:30. More info can be found here. I’ll be the one in Zubaz pants. They’re like “wearing pajamas 24-hours a day.”
As the more observant may have noticed, I’ve made roughly two dozen new additions to the blogroll on the right–in addition to several other adds on the more comprehensive links page. Other than the stuff I throw in the Google Reader Icon that I’m convinced no one reads, I regretfully share the wealth far too little. So consider this post an attempt to pay penance for the link languor,
While all the latest sites get my much-sought after endorsement (next time you’re looking for 304 more votes, come to me, Franken), I’d like to shout out a few specifically. Forgive me if it ends up sounding like the unlistenable “outro” litany on Food and Liquor, where Lupe gives props to everyone who ever said “bless you” after a sneeze.
And I’m spent.
Download:
MP3: Nas-”Made You Look”
MP3: David Bowie-”Changes”
I’d have been inclined to post on Confessions of a Would-Be Hipsters’ new compilation off blog name alone, but when I found out that the proceeds would benefit Los Angeles’ longest-running homeless shelter, The Midnight Mission, it was a no-brainer.
Available for $10 digital purchase at E-Junkie, the album features exclusive original holiday songs from such local favorites as Earlimart, The Monolators, Great Northern, Princeton and recent Asthmatic Kitty signees, Fol Chen.
More info about the compilation and a complete tracklisting can be found here.
Download:
MP3: Let’s Go Sailing-”Icicles (Plastic Snow Session)”
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While I’ve got you on the line, thought I might also share the above video from New York’s The Sniper Twins. I tend not to ride for anything remotely resembling white people ironic rap, save for unreleased Passion of the Weiss classic “Ain’t Nuthin’ But a Hipster Party.” Granted, there’s probably something a bit too Samberg-esque about “Stack the Memory,” but it made me laugh when I was sober. So, there’s that.
In what might be my favorite move of the entire Bush presidency, George Bush has commuted the sentence of Refugee Camp All Star, John Forte, in the nick of time for the Ten Years-Gone-Remember Me-Version of “Ninety-Nine.” Apparently, the team of Orrin Hatch (?) and Carly Simon (??) were Forte’s most staunch advocates.
Little known fact: Forte is Phillips Exeter’s most hard body alumni since Ulysses S. Grant Jr.
Question to ponder: Does this mean Shyne is fuming in his cell?
Download:
MP3: John Forte-”Ninety Nine (Flash the Message)”
MP3 Fugees ft. Outsidaz & John Forte-”Cowboys”
Que lastima. First the auto industry, then the massacre to Penn St, and now this–it’s been a rough week for the state of Michigan.
I’m not normally into the shameless shill thing–other than the rare occasions when I’ve inveigled readers into nominating me for the much sought after Chancellor of the Confederated Islands of Micronesia position. Thanks for nothing, guys. However, this morning, Stereogum sent me an e-mail purporting that The Passion is a “top contender” for Best Music Blog in their annual Gummy Awards. God knows how many other bloggers received this e-mail–I haven’t checked my RSS today and imagine that half the web has already posted something similar. If so, congratulations Stereogum, on your elaborate ruse. Well played.
According to said e-mail, I’m supposed to send my readers over to The Gummy Awards voting site and tell you to vote for me. I’m also supposed to inform you that the polls are open now through 6 pm EST, 12/2/08. And that everyone who submits has a chance to win the top 50 CDs, as determined by the poll results, and a year’s subscription to Netflix.
So if you’re bored at work and have nothing better to do, I’d appreciate your support. Most of all, I’d like to thank you, the reader, for turning this site into the esteemed position it currently holds: Google’s 7th Most Popular Site for Weimar-era Germany snuff films. With your ongoing support, I know we can crack the top 5.
Download:
MP3: Ultramagnetic MC’s-”Ego Trippin”
MP3: De La Soul-”Ego Trippin’ (Part Two)”
Let’s say that you’re drunk. You’re very drunk. It’s 7:00 p.m. You’ve been steadily getting smashed since work got out two hours ago and you have a fiery, insatiable craving to listen to some music. But then you realize that the High Places and Abe Vigoda show at the Smell (you carpetbagger you), doesn’t start for a few hours and you wonder, how can I pass the time while waiting in Los Feliz Village?
Well, my good friend, the answer is nigh (or near, if you’re not into being completely pretentious.) Yes, this year’s Best Music Writing book reading will be held tonight from 7-8:30p.m. at Skylight Books in Los Feliz (see Facebook promo page.) Here’s to hoping that both wine and cheese will be served, as I’m allegedly supposed to regale the crowd with an anecdote regarding my Soulja Boy article. Rest assured, If I manage to imbibe a reasonable quantity of Sauvignon Blanc, I am a serious threat to humiliate both myself and my family name with an impromptu “Crank That” dance.
Good times had by all. All.
Download:
MP3: Love-Seven and Seven Is (from Da Capo)
MP3: Glenn Gould-”Aria Da Capo”
I don’t usually do the party flier thing but I know one of the people involved in this event’s promotion so…. Plus, Wallpaper are good people in my book for playing that show I put on a few months back with Knux and Clean Guns. And that Obama fellow ain’t too shabby either.
More info at the link below.
Seems like the appropriate cut to play right now. One of the best Wu songs ever and perhaps my favorite of their videos.
R.I.P. Isaac Hayes (1942-2008).
Download:
MP3: Wu-Tang Clan ft. Isaac Hayes-”I Can’t Go To Sleep”
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