SO I really don't have an excuse as to why I have stopped posting for so long, I'm kind of in a state of indolence, which isn't all that bad, but it's just hard to get things done. Further more, TENDERLEGS is back on my list of current and constant 'things to do' so for anyone who is still dropping by, keep coming because, although I'm not making any solid statements, I'm assuring that I will be posting on here very often. I am happy to once again utilize this as an outlet to share some of my insight, humor, and of course the beloved MPfreezies with whomever wants it.
This is now a sOlO pRoJeCt ran by, yr boy truly, so expect a more broadened pallet of eclectic music choices, unbound by 'whats hot' blogsphere buzz and streaming FM bullshit. I try to provide blog raiders and music lovers with the most cultured and veritable sound boutique free to range from funky to classy to down right annoying. So if your reading this, thank you for devoting some of your precious time to read my little blog.
Time is golden now, so that you spend it here is, in itself, a major compliment.
The man is an amazing photog. He captures images from all around and all are, to say the least, astounding. He posts a new picture every day on his blog, so check it and rep it. here are some that I enjoyed;
As I stated in a previous blog, beloved stand-up comdian and actor Bernie Mac passed away on Saturday. Today another talented man was lost. 70's soul singer/songwriter/composer Issac Hayes (best known for his original theme song for "Shaft" and the voice of "Chef" on South Park) was found unconcious next to a running treadmill, and brought to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was 65.
Maybe it's the militant inside of me, but I swear if another upstanding, successful black man in the industry dies, I'll have no choice but to suspect foul play. This is ridiculous.
King of Comedy that is. Chicago raised, Bernie Mac was hospitalized in early August for pneumonia. He died after his condition grew 'critical' and passed away Saturday August 9th.
Lets remember..
rest in peace Bernard Jeffrey McCullough 1957-2008
So theres a lot of really cool cats in the underground hip-hop scene right now and I'm going to be introducing a lot of them to you in the next couple of weeks. Among all the LA based beat droppers that have been producing some real dope music, is this one man music show who goes by the name of Blockhead. Born Tony Simon in Manhattan New York, has produced several EP's and singles, Three solo albums including Downtown Science which is a beautiful/ominous inner city broken love affair, clearly the emotional highpoint of his work. He's also widely known for production work for a lot of Aesop Rock's records, some dating back to 1999, and others that are more present, such as one of their latest releases None Shall Pass.
He's evolved into one of underground hip-hop's heavy hitters, and one of the best producers out there, mainstream or otherwise. Regardless of all that, he is still very over-looked! That of which I don't understand. Music these days seems like a competition as to who can exploit themselves the most, and sadly enough, dedicated artists with real talent, such as himself, often go unappreciated because they refuse to make a mockery of themselves, and give up the last bit of dignity that the term "artists" has left. Make sure to hit up his Myspace and show some support, tell em' who sent you.
Mp3: Blockhead - Cheer Up Your Not Dead Yet [Zshare] Mp3: Blockhead - The Hucklebuck Slice [Zshare]
A new album is set to release Sept. 23rd by the ridiculously diverse """"indie rock"""" band from New York, TV on the Radio. Since they released their latest album in 2006, Return To Cookie Mountain, just about everyone flipped the fuck out over these guys, and those who didn't simply, and obviously, don't know whats up. I would try to describe the sound thats created when these guys come together, but I would be limiting them to something so general as a description, and thats not like TVOTR at all. Saying that they are any certain genre[s] would be saying that they've done something thats already been done before, which is not the case. There more likely to be labeled as emotions, rather than genres; feelings and vast concepts.
I've practically been married to TVOTR since 2004, when my friends sister [haha] would play their Young Liars EP, which they released a year before in 03, almost everytime I was at their house. I immediately fell in love. Most of their music isn't made for mass consumption or wide appeal, I believe it is simply made to please themselves, and those who understand their point of view.
They've grown as artists tremendously since their first album OK Calculator, which was just a bunch of tracks of them fucking around [basically] and mouthed beats and hums that sometimes overlap, they kind of had the best of both worlds when they released that album, hence all the whistling and mouth produced sound effects they can pull it off as a joke album, simply sarcasm, to avoid any negative commentary on, what some would call, a poor quality/poorly produced album, but in a sense it's kind of fucking genius. They didn't take it too seriously but a few songs from the self released album are actually really good, in example; Me-I, Los Mataban, Yr God, and their 16 minute stream of disorganized sound - On A Train. WHICH I found out is actually really pleasing to the ears when you are on a train.
Return to Cookie Mountain is purely hits, each song is really awesome, I"m pretty stuck on that album- that and the Young Liars EP, 5 tracks of pure gold. I can't even begin to ponder what Dear Science, is composed of but I have already assured myself that it's going to be an hour of mind blowage of epic proportions. I doubt I'll leave my house much, and if I do, it's me and my ipod haha. So don't forget, mark your calendars- Sept. 23, you better cop that shit! & also, for those of you like myself who live in Los Angeles, they'll be playing the Wiltern November 6th, for those of you who live up north- September 20th at Treasure Island Music Festival along with Hot Chip, CSS, Foals, and Goldfrapp...........oh, and Justice. Check it or deck it.
OK Calculator; Mp3: TV on the Radio - Me-I[Zshare] Mp3: TV on the Radio - Yr God[Zshare] Mp3: TV on the Radio - Los Mataban[Zshare] Mp3: TV on the Radio - Pulse of Pete[Zshare]
Young Liars EP; Mp3: TV on the Radio - Mr. Grieves[Zshare] Mp3: TV on the Radio - Young Liars[Zshare]
Return To Cookie Mountain; Mp3: TV on the Radio - Province[Zshare] mp3: TV on the Radio - Tonight(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)[Zshare] mp3: TV on the radio - I Was A Lover[Zshare]
Every day I ask myself one question: am I happy? And everyday the answer varies, depending on whatever events might have troubled me, or got me excited on life. Some days I think I couldn't be happier or more content, and other days I wonder why I'm even here. I might as well be a vegetable. But, when I honestly reflect on my life, I can't complain. My life is superb. I love who I am, and what my experiences have cultivated for me. I have an awesome apartment, friends, roomate, and job. I have a car, and my parents support me (to an extent). I get to experience Los Angeles and all it has to offer (believe it or not, there's actually intelligent things to do around here besides get sweated on by drunk 20-something-year old creepers to the thud of the crappiest mashup you think your ears have ever had the misfortune to hear). I've met awesome people who know awesome people that I feel I can genuinely collaborate with on multiple levels. Admittedly, these people are few and far in between, so I'd like to make more worth-while companions. Preferably people who don't embody the negative stereotype of LA. I'm trying to get out more and take chances with new things, as to avoid a monotonous routine. I'm not quite ready to pack up and go, but that's usually the kind of itch I get when I feel my daily life has grown stale. I wanna stick around, and see what happens, or rather, be the one to make it happen.
Recently, my partner Sean, and I had our very first yard sale with GRAPE SODA VINTAGE, with Collective Souls. It was quite an endurance getting there, let me tell you. However, I am proud to say that once we did get there, everything fell into place, just as I had anticipated, and went off without a hitch! Turnout was great, tunes were bumpin, and everyone was there! Definitely looking forward to next months sale. And in case you haven't seen my most recent VLOG, thanks again to everyone who showed up and particularly to David, Olivia, Jonathan, and Sean G. for helping us set up! Look out for our Etsy store we'll be opening up to sell our more exclusive vintage pieces and original jewelry made by David (If you've seen me rockin a feather earring, that's the kind of stuff you should expect to see!)
My roomate, Veronyca, also has a reason to celebrate, as she just got back from her east coast tour and performance at HEEB'S Diamond Days festival in San Francisco, with her band. Shout out to JEFF, as they just got signed to an indie record label. She's also planning on living in San Fran for a while. Big things coming I hope!
Speaking of my roomie, Thursday night, we went to the UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade) Theatre in LA. Interestingly enough, Jeanine Garofalo (Whom was pointed out to me by Vee as the "scary girl from Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion") was there and Dave Foley ( One of my gay heroes, from Kids in the Hall. I don't care if he is Canadian.). Her former teacher and his improv group had a show, which consisted of allowing audience members to shout out text messages as the start of their sketch. Clever indeed. And the next trio, Convoy, was straight out of Oregon and even more hilarious. Maybe it was the Jack Daniels, or the it's just the black in me, but I had to have been the loudest laugher in the room. I don't know, I just get a tickle in me when I'm in that 'theatrical/acting' mode. I get sort of aroused even. It inspires me. There's also a myspace show (on Wednesdays, click UCB link for full schedule) in which audience members volunteer to have their myspace profile projected and used as material for improv. Apparently, they get some real nut jobs who are more than willing to expose their 'myspace-self' and have their naivety about who they really are completely washed away. A sight I would pay good money to see myself. I wish I had time to be in theatre again. At least I still have my auditions. Granted, most of the jobs don't really get me 'off' artistically, but hey, it's money in my pocket. Thank jeebus I finally have a job where I can go to them, and I have an agent who works hard for me. It's nice having that unrelenting support. Makes my life a lot more pleasant.
I actually just had an audition for a spot in a Target commercial before work, which I think I could've been amped up a bit more, but honestly I just felt like shit this morning. But, I'm satisfied with the way I pulled it off. Mos def. Veronyca says I'm going to get it, because I need the money, and the universe always delivers. I'm gonna be positive and say I got it too, but boy am I going to feel dumb if I don't. Which won't happen. Right? Honestly, I'm not going to be heart-broken if I don't get it though. A lot of people ask me about this business, and how to get involved, but I can tell you from direct experience, it's not all it's cracked up to be. It's really interesting though, to see people who book jobs and are still trapped in this "Hollywood" fantasy land. As far as commercials go, which I tend to go on a lot of auditions for, as do most working actors, it's not necessarily about the talent. If you can smile and take take direction and feel comfortable doing strange and awkward things in front of people, you have potential to get work. It's really about the look that the casting directors are going for. So getting rejected, which will happen most of the time, is never a personal blow. And it's not to say you're ugly either (Good note to the girls: boys generally have an easier time booking jobs. Part of the reason being they don't always necessarily have to be 'good looking'. If you haven't noticed, most guys in commercials aren't what'd you consider to be GQ material, where as girls are almost constantly expected to look like the "girl next door".) Television and film is another story. But I'll save that for another time.
Anyways, now I'm at work until 7, and then afterwards I'm planning on hanging out with my friend CAESAR SEBASTIAN, who is an amazing photographer if you didn't already know. Tonight is Avalon: Busy P, Drop the Lime, you get the idea. Good shit.
And Saturday I have work again, 12-7, and afterwards the greatly anticipated RICKY'S STORY is showing at the Silent Movie Theatre on Fairfax. If you have nothing to do, or your just not in the mood to "Bang", then I highly suggest you see this.
Sunday is work again, same time, and afterwards, no plans....YET. I'm sure that slot will fill in quickly though. Nothing else to touch on really.
Quick shout out to my homie Trevor (aka DJ SKEET SKEET) who's currently on the road with Shwayze on the 2008 Van's Warped Tour. He just sent me a little taste (pun intended) of his Now and Later rmx. Not allowed to post it, but I'm gonna brag and say it's dope already. I actually wanted a NowandLater after listening to it. HA!
I hope you all have a wonderful day, afternoon, or evening. I'm off to create my own affluence and shape my destiny. I can only pray I can say the same for you!
In case you already haven't heard, Estelle Getty passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84. I will fondly remember her as the spiciest of the golden girls, not to mention as my ideal image of the ultimate grandma. That woman let nothing stand in her way, not even Dorothy, her own flesh and blood! That's one bad mamma jamma if I do say so myself.
If you find absolutely no desire to spend money going to see any of the so-called 'summer blockbusters' you might want to invest in one of the Holyfuckingshit gore comedies at the Silent Movie Theatre on Fairfax every saturday night in July at 10 pm.
The latest flick was the 80s underground horror, Street Trash, a hilariously portrayed dark comedy about a 'race' of bums living in a junk yard, and in true 80s fashion, the acting, special effects, and wardrobe is something to have a good laugh at.
It's out on dvd, and definitely ten bucks well spent. Not to mention, drinks, and smores are provided on the smoking patio, in accordance with the summer "camp" theme. Hope to see you there sometime..
As I said in an earlier post, the three artists collabed to make a track called 'My Drive Thru', as a Converse promotional campaign. They've been teasing the public with word of a video in the works and turns out it just dropped on the net as of right NOW.
And also, the inevitable exploitation. MTV jumped on her like she was new, but far from it. Santi White has been unleashing some golden tracks for quite some time now. I remember when she played at the 2007 Neighborhood Festival right after Crystal Castles, and everyone walked away (She put on a great performance though). But much time has past and the demographic that was once so opposed to any type of cultural extreme is now exposing it, and claiming it their own. Supposedly theirs some Santogold MOVIE coming out on their website????????! I don't even know... It's also [conveniently] staring all of her friends, such as Trouble Andrew, Amanda Blank, Some of the girls and boys in Sweatheart, etc. Their also in a bunch of MTV commercials too. But hey, do your thing! Oh, and shes also making a song with some dude and Pharrell called 'Drive Thru' for some Converse Century Celebration. They also drafted a bunch of other people as well such as the guys from Does It Offend You Yeah, MGMT, Yacht, Kid Sister, and to do what, I'm not sure. You can see all that crazy MTV shit I talked about earlier in the video below.
Do you want to dress in the flyest apparel? Well come and party and dance, buy sweet clothes, and get your picture taken! Sunday July 20th, starts @ 10.
Alright you guys, this is a big one, I'm serious about this y'all...if you don't want to get down with these guys then you just don't want to get down at all, and you DEFINITELY don't want to get down with Tenderlegs, cause we dig it- deep. It's Hercules and Love Affair, of course, here to save the world just as the greek hero once sought out to hundreds of years ago, but only this time around this change will [hopefully] effect the music industry. A sound so precious and professionally comprised can only be created and mastered by a group of individuals all equally talented and equipped with only the keenest sense for luxurious sound...CHECK. Andy Butler( successful DJ), Nomi, Kim Ann Foxman, & lead vocalist Antony Hegarty(Antony and the Johnsons). A group of people all so talented and successful that it seemed almost as mythological as the bands origins, and only expected for them to come together and form Hercules and Love Affair. Antony Hegarty, who has been one of my favorite singer and songwritters, not only with his own band - Antony and the Johnsons, but also and more so I loved his work with another one of my long time favorite bands,Cocorosie, whom Nomi has also worked with, and both have toured with. Antony's also worked and toured with artists such as Bjork, Lou Reed, Devendra Banhart, & Rufus Wainwright. As so much of the band is affiliated with Cocorosie, I wonder if a collaboration can be predicted? Also, one of the freakfolk sisters, Bianca Cassidy, can be spotted in H&LA new video for their song 'Time Will'.
I first heard about this band in February, before their album came out in March. I was so hyped about it, and I was dancing for days as H&LA gained more & more plays in my itunes. When I went out to nightclubs, I would request them(and of course I requested 'Blind', hoping some people would know the song), but the DJ who was usually spinning some tedious Crookers mix, looked at me like I was crazy...little did he know. But months have past now and people are starting to get hip to the sensation. I had been wanting to blog about them for sooo long now, but sat on it for ages because I grew such a liking for this band that I couldn't even form the words to describe them! Since then I have told all of my family about this band(my dad has since bought the album for himself) and pretty much all of my friends have discovered the band through me, but despite my own exploitation campaign that I've seemed to have set up, they have earned tremendous praise and dare I say, worship, from every self-ran blog and music savvy critic on the net. Pitchfork, notorious for being one of the less generous music critics on the inter-web, gave them an almost unheard of 9.1 for their debut album and it was also mentioned in Perez Hilton that the musical genius Elton John said that he loved him some Hercules and Love Affair.
The band is signed to DFA, which makes sense considering anything DFA related is pure GOLD. The Album is produced by Andy Butler and coproduced by Tim Goldsworthy, who was originally a drummer for UNKLE, whom DJ Shadow was once apart of as well. To make a VERY broad generalization, the bands sound is vintage 70's traditional, mixed with late 80's gay disco, and a beautiful architectural roman undertone in all 10 songs, but appears stronger in some tracks than others. Songs like "Athene", comprised of smooth jazz riffs while staying constant and steady for all 4 minutes while Kim Ann Foxman sings beautifully about the goddess of wisdom.
mp3: Hercules and Love Affair - This is My Love[Zshare] mp3: Hercules and Love Affair - Athene[Zshare]
Others like "Hercules Theme" contain more distinct funk sounds and pitches of high and low energy, which all conclude to the songs unbelievable climax built up by a trumpet solo leading off into a cluster of diverse and beautiful blasting trumpets and horns which makes the journey that this song embarks on evident. This band is one that has easily became one of my favorites, and quite obviously the album of the year. I thank you for reading and don't forget to tell them what you think of their music on their myspace and you can pick up the album off theirwebsite or off itunes. I will also have their remixes up within the week. Enjoy and enlighten yourself!
mp3: Hercules and Love Affair - Blind[Zshare] mp3: Hercules and Love Affair - Hercules Theme[Zshare] mp3: Hercules and Love Affair - Roar[Zshare]
Theres probably not much I can say about the UK based duo TheBlack Ghoststhat hasn't already been said. Since they formed in 2006 they have been bombed with loads of respect, praise, and approval from virtually every angle of the blog-net and effortlessly have become one of this years internet buzz bands. The two discovered each other over the internet and hadn't actually met until after they had worked on numerous projects together. Now your feeling a little better about your myspace boyfriend in Minnesota aren't you?
Songs like Repetition Kills You and I Don't Know push them in a more post rock feel with lighter beats and heavy bass. No matter what they can't really escape being a synth-electro pop band, as sinister as they may try to make themselves out to be. They gained high appeal last year with their amazing singles Face and Anyway You Chose To Give It, and a barrage of great remixes from artists such as The Teenagers, Kissy Sell Out, Diplo, Emperor Machine, and Switch gave them a ton of notoriety, fan base, and lots of club plays. I'm not the biggest fan of most of their songs, don't get me wrong they are great at what they do, but what they do I don't find too great. I do love last years singles though, and I am a huge fan of their song Something New, it plays non-stop in my itunes. But if your into all that pop electro, post rock dub ish, then enjoy the MPfreezies! Don't forget to hit up their myspace(link above) and show some love! Their self titled debut album is set to release July 8, but you can preorder it attheir labels site for just 10 bucks!
mp3: The Black Ghosts - Repetition Kills You[Zshare] mp3: The Black Ghosts - Repetition Kills You(Diplo Remix)[Zshare] mp3: The Black Ghosts - Repetition Kills You(Emperor Machine Vocal Mix)[Zshare]
mp3: The Black Ghosts - Face[Zshare] mp3: The Black Ghosts - Face(The Teenagers Remix)[Zshare] mp3: The Black Ghosts - Face(Kissy Sellout Remix)[Zshare]
& the rest mp3: The Black Ghosts - Tears From A Gun[Zshare] mp3: The Black Ghosts - I Don't Know[Zshare] mp3: The Black Ghosts vs Lindstrom - Something New(I feel space version)(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)[Zshare]
My good friend Justin took me, and we endeavored on our first rave together.. but, I'm glad that of all raves to go to, I went to EDC. It was full of eclectic music (as well as people) but of course with your expected cliche "raver" scene as well. All the stages had wierd ass names like the "cosmic meadow" or the "kinetic field" or "neon garden" and "bass pod"... don't ask... I didn't.
I also got my 'raver' name from some asian kid with dreadlocks who was rolling. His name was Bryce (or hypno-something or other, as he's known in the 'rave world') and he looked me over and gave me the name Violet! Isn't that awesome!!!??? And he gave me one of his little candy bracelets... it said "glow". haha.
At some point during the night, Justin and I heard some strange voice coming from one of the stages, so we went to find out what it was. Turns out it was Rabbit in the Moon, whom I've actually never heard of before that night. They did this extravagant performance of David Bowie's "Lets Dance". It was intense to say the least..
Anyways, I think the place I was posted up at the most was the reggae ice cream truck next to the house of mirrors. It just felt like home to me, and there was hardly anyone in that area, so I could actually DANCE. Yet, there was this mexican break dancer who was so intimidating that I couldn't get up to dance...
Eventually they bumped Prince's "Erotic City" and I just couldn't help myself. He actually cleared the floor for me and watched me do my thing. I ended up drawing a crowd and getting a lot of testosterone-driven attention.
Well, don't want to bore you with a ton of pictures of raver nazis. All in all, it was a good experience... that I highly doubt I'll have another one just like it....because I don't plan on going to raves any time soon....
Hopefully you don't miss the Mr. Brainwash exhibit. I don't want to spoil it with too many pics if you plan on going, but I'll tease you a bit ;) Chances are you've seen some of his posters up around Hollywood (the warhol-esque ones). Recently Mr. Brainwash took over an old CBS TV studio and turned the whole building (from the walls to the ceilings) into a piece of art. It was a nice change of pace from the typical art gallery with blank walls and the art on 'display'. Every where you looked was art and expression.After following Bansky around to make an OBEY documentary on graffiti art, MBW got inspired himself and decided to make his own accumulation of pop culture through every medium including...
...large free standing pieces,
(giant stack of books)
(12 ft. take out bag)
...paintings,
...even poked fun at classical art
(this bitch is on her apple, if you can't tell)
(This one gets me every time haha)
& these were actually made out of broken vinyls
...prints,
...barcode prints,
...even rooms themselves were stading pieces of art!
...there's also a section upstairs with cages filled with the most bizzare things,
(doesn't this bear look like a recovering heroin addict?)
(the best room of all was clearly the one covered in stuffed animals)
I rly just wanted to jump in and swim around...
Here is what Banksy has to say about MBW:
Mr. Brainwash or MBW is the moniker of an eccentric French filmmaker.
MBW has spent the last nine years attempting to make the ultimate documentary about graffiti art. But whilst filming many of the world’s most renowned street artists at work MBW began putting his camera aside and making art of his own. He has graduated from a few hand drawn stickers to giant billboard sized paste-ups, eventually becoming one of the most prolific street artists in California.
MBW does not fit the stereotype of your average street vandal. His artistic process chiefly consists of throwing random modern cultural icons into a blender and turning it up to eleven. The results are by turns profound, provocative and inspirational.
“Life is beautiful” is the first exhibition ever mounted by Mr Brainwash. It takes place in a former Hollywood studio complex and will feature over three hundred paintings, sculptures and prints alongside an installation made from 100,000 shoes and a life-size re-creation of Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks”.
“Mr. Brainwash is a force of nature, he’s a phenomenon. And I don't mean that in a good way.” - Banksy
The exhibit ends June 29th, so don't miss it!! Admission is free, so you have no excuse! Not to mention Roscoe's is right there on the next block if you want some grub ;)
(12 ft. take out bag)
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