Teriyaki Boyz

World Music is a very broad genre of music. Basically it is described as music that did not originate from the United States. However it is still very generalized by people and there are many myths that people assume are true about all world music. One myth is that world music fans are all geeks and hippies. This is definitely not true in the case of the Teriyaki Boyz, who have gained production and support from Kanye West, Pharrell, Just Blaze, DJ Premier, Busta Rhymes and many other American Hip-Hop artists and producers.
The Teriyaki Boyz first surfaced in 2006 in Tokyo. They were originally artists whose careers combined into a supergroup. The members consist of four rappers, Ilmari, Ryo-Z, WISE and VERBAL. DJ Nigo is also the founder of the popular Japanese clothing brand called A Bathing Ape aka BAPE Clothing.
The Teriyaki Boyz debut album was called Beef or Chicken featured many well-known American producers like Beastie Boys, Dan The Automator, DJ Premier, Just Blaze and The Neptunes and a couple of songs were featured on Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and a couple also featured rapper and producer Pharrell.
The Teriyaki Boys invaded the American scene with the hit single “I Still Love HER” a tribute to Common’s 1994 hit “I Used To Love HER” and featuring Kanye West. They continue to influence the American scene with their newest single “ZOCK On!!” featuring Busta Rhymes and Pharrell. A sophomore album is expected soon from this rising group and hopefully more collaboration with American rappers. This proves that world music has many fans around the world and can even fit in with our native music scene.



ZOCK ON

Great Big Sea

When I say "world music", what do you think of? Until last Friday, the first thing that popped into my mind was a musical recreation of activities enacted in the stereotypical African wilderness (drum circles around a blazing fire, dancing men in painted masks, chanting in a language foreign to my ears). But after talking with a teacher and reading an article she gave me, I realized there was more to it. World music is any type of music, indigenous to a certain area or people. Realizing my mistake, I just now remembered that my parents' favorite band, whom I listen to sometimes also, is a world music band.
Made up of three male members, all born in Newfoundland and Labrador, (there was a fourth, but he left in 2003 to spend more time with his family), Great Big Sea is a Canadian folk-rock band formed in 1993, who, aside from performing their own original material, perform rock interpretations of Newfoundland folk songs (drawing from the island's English, French, and Irish heritage), especially sea shanties.
My parents have all their CDs, one of their DVDs, and even some of their cassette tapes, so I grew up listening to their music. It's really grown on me. I know almost all their songs. It was very hard to choose an album to review, but I chose "Road Rage" (a live album). Most (but not all) of their songs are upbeat and fast-paced. That's one thing I love about them. If you're ever in the mood for something along those lines, you can always find a song to listen to in their plethora of recordings. Even if you don't want a fast song, this is one of those bands (and albums) that you can most likely find at least one song you'll like. I've decided to use one of my favorites as an example (and even though it's not necessarily fast-paced, it is an example of their re-interpreting of old folk songs from the island): "The Chemical Worker's Song (Process Man)".

Leningrad- Для миллионов ('For Millions) 2003

When most people think “World Music” they think some form of “ethnic” drums, African chants, non-English language, and un-enjoyable (either un-danceable or not “rocking”). Well, those people are WRONG. The genre “World Music” is rather ambiguous but what it basically boils down to for an American listener is: music from another country that possibly contains local or traditional musical qualities and instruments, possibly in another language, and probably not made for mainstream-American listeners. This can mean, of course, that it can be overwhelming different, even for the seasoned “indie” listener. But—have no fear! All you need are some willing ears and some music that rocks how you want it to and you are all set to be a World Music lover!

Let me introduce you to the Russian band Leningrad—from St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad). They play punk-rock-rooted ska, with a distinct Russian flavor, and reggae beats making an occasional appearance. Formed in the late 1990s, they have released eighteen albums, including studio and live recordings. Vulgar lyrics have led to the cancellation of some of their shows in Moscow but even so they continue to have a loyal following. Twelve members make up this energetic moshpit-inducing ensemble, playing keyboard, guitar, bass, marching bass drum, various percussion, accordion, tuba, trumpet, trombone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxaphone, and alto saxophone (among other instruments).

On their 2003 album Для миллионов you can hear a hint of swing influence on “Leningrad”, which just makes you want to dance and.... pogo (as do most of their songs).Some of their traditional Russian music influence can be heard on “Huynya”—certain parts remind me of Klezmer music (which makes sense since Klezmer, or Yiddish/Jewish music, originated from Russian Jews). I am not an expert on Russian folk music but by doing some Wikipedia research, I found two definite similarities between Leningrad’s music and Russian folk: both are typically sung only in chest voice, which means only lower notes, resonating lower down in the head and chest. This results sometimes in yelling or shouting quality. Also, a type of Russian folk poetry is Chastushka, often satirical in nature; they are often rapped and have are in trochee and quatrain form. I conjecture that this makes for the various Russian bands I listened to this weekend distinctive song style. All in all, Leningrad is an interesting band, playing good ska, and continuing traditions from folk music.

-Hannah

Marauders

The Marauders are a band that originated in North Carolina. They have yet to write their own song. They play and record versions of other people’s songs. Ranging from Stevie Ray Vaughn, to The Doors, and Pink Floyd. While their music is not original, the only music I could find of them (at www.marauderband.com/index.cfm). They play in a style of rock, sightly metal, but not completely. Some of the songs could potentially make their music sound a lot like the artists music. But some of the songs (for example Pink Floyd’s songs) could make it sound like something they had not originally intended, but good nonetheless.

Spanish I Could Like...

Artist: Mana
Country: Mexico
World Music all sounds the same, this statement could not be less true. I reviewed Ojala pudiera borrarte, and Vivir Sin Aire, both by the band Mana. One of them has a more prominent sound of the guitar, and one of them is more prominent in drums. One of them is mellow, while one of them is peppy. One of them you could almost sing along to (if you knew Spanish), while the other you could probably not sing along to unless you were a fanatic. They started their career in Mexico but then started to perform in the USA.
I could only find two songs by them, even though they have multiple albums out, without buying them. Think that they are important because they show that not all world music is a whole bunch of African drums and chanting.
Ojala pudiera borrarte (mana) (Amar es Combatir) - this song is mellow, and all in spanish. Even though I can not understand the vocals I read a youtube review that said that it had the best lyrics. The guitar seems to be very simple. and there seems to be very little drums, and when there is they are far in the background. The guitar solo is not overwhelming like a lot of the English music I listen to.Vivir Sin Aire (mana)(MTV unplugged) - a very different style than the other song. Once again in Spanish, it repeats a lot, “como se quira”. The drums are heard a lot more in this song than in the other. The guitar is acoustic, or atleast it sounds acoustic.

Christopher S-B
4-13



Kraftwerk
The Mix


World music actually means third world music. Uh. What? Kraftwerk is a German electronica band from the 90's. Last time I checked Germany wasn't a third-world country. Enough said.

The Kraftwerk sound combines a driving rhythm section with catchy, synthesized melodies and harmony; mainly following a Western classical style of arrangement, accompanied by simple lyrics that are sometimes sung through a vocoder or generated by computer-speech software. The Moog synthesizer is heavily present in most of the group's works, adding to its signature sound creations. In the mid to late 1970s and the early 1980s, the Kraftwerk sound was revolutionary for its time, and it has had a lasting impact across nearly all genres of modern popular music. Kraftwerk had a span of eight albums. The Mix, hit stores shelves back in 1991
"We were the first German post-war generation, the children of West-Germany. We were obliged to rediscover the sound of our everyday life, because it simply did not exist anymore. We had to redefine our musical culture. Not only our musical culture however: at the end of the sixties all German artists had the same problems. Writers, directors, painters … all of them had to invent a new language. After the war, German entertainment was destroyed. The German people were robbed of their culture, putting an American head on it. I think we are the first generation born after the war to shake this off, and know where to feel American music and where to feel ourselves. We are the first German group to record in our own language, use our electronic background, and create a Central European identity for ourselves." -Ralf Hütter (electronic organ, synthesizers)
Autobahn, one of the band's biggest hits, utilized the sound of a car engine starting up and driving away, along with other assorted vehicular sounds. The breakdown of this song is my favorite part. The harmonies just make such a nice sound in your ear. The countless hours poured into every Kraftwerk song really show through here as this is a tantalizingly simple orchestration of electronic sounds, vocals, drums and, yes, cars.

Here's a list of all their albums

▪ 1970: Kraftwerk
▪ 1972: Kraftwerk 2
▪ 1973: Ralf und Florian
▪ 1974: Autobahn
▪ 1975: Radio-Activity
▪ 1977: Trans-Europe Express
▪ 1978: The Man-Machine
▪ 1981: Computer World
▪ 1986: Electric Café
▪ 1991: The Mix
▪ 2003: Tour de France Soundtracks
▪ 2004: The Catalogue
▪ 2005: Minimum-Maximum

Who Let The Dogs Out?

Who Let The Dogs Out? That seemed to be the big question in 2000. And for good reason. The Baha Men sound like one giant beach party, like the Jamaican Beach Boys of the late 90’s. Their light-themed, upbeat hip-hop lyrics, paired with their reggae beats, and their Bahamian folk style, made this album the perfect soundtrack for America’s pre 9/11 optimism. The Baha Men’s debut album, Junkanoo, (named after the traditional folk music of the Bahamas) was released in ’92 and was very traditional, but with a modern pop twist. And although their releases became more and more westernized, the basic idea of their music remained the same. It was the kind of thing you would play through a boom box carried on one’s shoulder in the days before ipods, that made fellow beach partyers dance.

The Baha Men started out playing traditional music, but "updating" it to appeal to the younger generation. The band itself consists of three guys getting all the credit, and their backing band, with guitar, bass, percussion and keys. Although some claim world music is for hippies and geeks, I think the reviews below (found on itunes) really prove the opposite:

"I love dogs!!! I love music!!!!! Baha Men really hit me in my sweet spot!!!" -Creek Keeper

"omg like you guys totally rock i listen to your cd like every day after school omg like omg i have no friends totally!!!" -Create Nickname

"I KNOW THIS ALBUM IS TOTALLY OLD...BUT I LOVE WHO LET THE DOGS OUT!!! IT'S PROBABLY THE BEST THE BAHA MEN HAVE OUT!!!! ohh...and also...THE BARKING MAD MIX IS OFF THE CHAIN TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF YOU LIKE PREPPY JUMPY UPBEAT STUFF, YOU'LL LOVE THIS AWESOME REMIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SERIOUS, LISTEN TO THE REMIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!" -Hilton Hater #486547

Many people say they've never heard any world music. They say it's something foreign to them. And for a long time that was true- world music didn't make it to U. S. mainstream radio for a while. While it still isn't something you hear everyday, there are some genres of world music that you do hear a lot. Reggae music has become very popular in the U. S., and one of the first artists to bring world music to mainstream radio was Bob Marley and the Wailers. Bob Marley was originally from Jamaica, but had many performances and albums released here in the states. His legacy has been amazing- countless albums have been released after his death in 1981. One Bob Marley album, Legend, was released 3 years after his death, in 1984 serves as a greatest hits album, and contains his all best songs. His band, The Wailers, originally contained 5 members, including Bob Marley, and two members later left the band, leaving Bob Marley, Bunny Livingston, and Peter McIntosh, who later recorded solo under the name Peter Tosh, also a popular reggae musician. Bob Marley was a good musician, but his legacy is absolutely amazing. He really was the first to bring Reggae out of Jamaica. He has many great songs. Three Little Birds, has a good message- "Don't worry, about a thing / Cause every little thing gonna be alright." Buffalo Soldier is also one of my favorite songs, about some of the things that have happened throughout history and how to prevent them in the future. 

Anyone who wants to know how amazing World music can be should listen to Bob Marley.

Manu Chao - La Radiolina

Some people think that all world music is in another language. Wrong! Manu Chao has written songs in a number of languages... French, Spanish, English, etc. But English is one of them! Some people also think that you can't sing along to world music, well, once you learn some Manu Chao, it's pretty easy to sing along to.

"Manu Chao is a progressive Brazilian band that is particularly experimental in the field of electronic sound and overtones." -Spencer Kennedy. Manu Chao himself sings mainly in French, Spanish and English, but also in other languages. He was born in France, but his ancestors are Spanish. And he is deffinately a political activist.

"We live in an age where many artists feel compelled to release albums every year lest the music buying public forget them. Manu Chao has left a staggering six year gap between his last album and La Radiolina (Little Radio). But when you're a world music artist whose debut album was outsold only by Buena Vista Social Club, it's safe to say you're not going to be forgotten easily." -Darren Lee

Album: Manu Chao - La Radiolina (released 6/27/07)
Track listing:
1. 13 Dias
2. Tristeza Maleza
3. Politik Kills
4. Rainin' In Paradize
5. Besoin De La Lune
6. El Kitapena
7. Me Llaman Calle
8. A Cosa
9. Bleedin' Clown
10. Mundoreves
11. El Hoyo
12. La Vida Tombola
13. Mala Fama
14. Panik Panik
15. Otro Mundo
16. Piccola Radiolina


He travels the world while recording, doing his recording on his laptop and then tinkering with the sound. "For anyone who's somehow unaware, he's a truly global artist who divides his time between Paris, Barcelona, Bamako and Buenos Aires... Despite not liking the world music pigeon hole, Chao draws on many influences from around the world to create a truly global experience. We're taken to each and every continent is this collection of energetic, bite size songs. It's an anarchic mix which is fun, exuberant and passionate. It's difficult to ask for more." -Darren Lee


Manu Chao is from Brazil. He collaborated with Mario Caldato and Andrew Scheps for "La Radiolina".

Manu Chao is important because of being so progressive and I like the way that he travels the world while he writes and records, bringing a diverse view of life into his music.

His albums:
1. La Radiolina
2. Sibérie M'était Contéee
3.Clandestino [CD Single]
4.Babylonia en Guagua [Video/DVD]
5.Babylonia en Guagua [CD]
6.Live
7. Radio Bemba Sound System
8. Merry Blues
9.Me Gustas Tu
10.Proxima Estacion: Esperanza
11.Clandestino [France Bonus Tracks]
12. Bongo Bong
13. Clandestino

Track 4 on "La Radiolina" is "Rainin' in Paradize." This highly political song, in english, begins the sound of a siron, and then backround shouting of "wake up to paradize!" and the words "Today it's rainin' over and over." In the video, it goes on to show depressing imagems of children pressed up against fences of some sort of cage and other horrible images of children being alone, etc.

Track 8 on "La Radiolina" is "A Cosa" On youtube, this song plays a steady slideshow of solitary people. The rhythm and melody of the song are slow and kind of sad. Even though I do not understand the words, the slideshow of images makes me feel connected to it.
A COSA:

Danny Gotham is a local artist who plays mainly acoustic-folk-blues music. I first heard of him not as an artist, but as a guitar teacher, and I take lessons from him. One week he was unable to make it to lessons for the next two weeks because he would be touring, and gave me a copy of his solo album, Luzerene. Danny Gotham is an amazing guitarist, and really knows what he is doing on the six strings, as well as banjo. I enjoy his album. All the songs are upbeat and cheerful, and it's a great "pick-me-up" when you are feeling down. If you like folk, blues, or The Beatles (he does a cover of Across the Universe!), are looking for some (Really!) good new music, go to your local local music section and pick up Luzerene.

Review by Dan Pungello

Music Review- No Way Out (1997)

Music Review
No Way Out (1997)
Puff Daddy and the Family


1997 was a very important year on the East Coast hip-hop scene. Rapper Notorious BIG had tragically murdered a few weeks before his long-awaited sophomore album, "Life after Death"
Notorious BIG was the leading rapper for Bad Boy Records, which was at the top of the East Coast empire at the time. Sean Combs aka Puff Daddy, the executive producer and founder of Bad Boy, released his debut album, No Way Out, on July 1, 1997 on Bad Boy Records. This album was mostly a group album, with Puff Daddy having a couple of solo tracks. Puff Daddy and the Family consisted of, Puff Daddy, Ma$e, Faith Evans, 112, Carl Thomas, a posthumous Notorious BIG and The LOX; consisting of Styles P, Jadakiss and Sheek Louch.
Puff Daddy earned a Grammy the 1998 Rap Album Of The Year for No Way Out, but it also spawned the classic Bad Boy videos. These videos always had a common theme that influenced the late-90's videos. Many videos featured Puff Daddy and Mase dancing behind bright backgrounds background dancers behind them, which if you haven't seen, you should definetely watch. These videos brought a new meaning to the summer anthem. No Way Out also spawned one of the most expensive videos in history; Victory. This was a tribute to the Notorious BIG, which was the same with perhaps the best track on the album, I'll Be Missing You. This album featured some very underrated rapping from Puff Daddy. My favorite tracks are Victory, I'll Be Missing You, and Been Around The World. I'll give this album an 8 out of 10.



Been Around The World




Victory



Can't Nobody Hold Me Down



Mo Money Mo Problems

Durham Really Does Rock

Durham’s own Bull City plays a beautiful form of alternapunk with a southern flavor. Their 2007 release Guns and Butter is in-between an EP and album—with seven tracks its right between the usual lengths for both. But as I listened to it online over and over, I came to the conclusion that it is completely worth purchasing. Some songs, like “Ford Ranger All American”, throw the Southern-hick-isms at you complete with twang, roaring guitars, and lyrics about cowboy hats, fishing, and American pride. They make me think of tail-gaiting, beer, and ice tea. Sweet, of course. On other songs, though, they bring it back to a more punk vibe but mix it up with beautiful melodies and nostalgic cello (“Game”).

Big sound alternating with soaring sweetness makes this a unique release perfect for driving fast on a twisting country road. This is not just a good “local” band—but a good everywhere band. But, for the local listener it is nice to have some hometown flavor in one’s music collection. If anyone ever asks for proof that “Durham Rocks” (alluding to the sparkly shirts found in Downtown Durham), just point them towards Bull City.

Roman Candle

Roman Candle is a rock band that's local to Chapel Hill, NC. They're thought of as one of the best rock bands of this time. Four guys and a girl, the lead singer a red-headed guy, you can see Roman Candle performing around the triangle if you know where to look. Their songs are clear and realisticly paint pictures of moments and feelings. The steady beats of their songs make them flow well and easy to listen to. "Roman Candle is one of the best, most complete American rock bands to surface in a decade." -The Independent (6-21-06). Whenever I see them they seem nicely familiar. Once, after seeing them play on the green at Southern Village, some friends and I went "backstage" (to the parking lot) to talk to them. (And they gave us pizza!) Pretty much they're very nice and open to talking to fans. As a band they work together nicely and are always taken away by their own music, which is nice for the audience.

Sometimes they play gigs with another local band "Old Ceremony," and members of one band might go on stage to play a song or two with the other band. Roman Candle creates a very laid back, relaxed, comfortable environment filled with their wonderful music... I, as a fan, get taken away every time. The beat gets into my body and I really enjoy myself.
By Sarah Yanuck.

Listen up, we've got a special treat for all you out there today. Based in North Carolina (particularly Durham), members Pierce Freelon, Aden Darity (whom I have the pleasure of knowing by the way), and DJ Pillzbury make up the hip-hop group known as Language Arts. Language Arts has traveled all over the country, performing (as Pierce says) "shows, community workshops, Hip-Hop education seminars, lectures, clubs, festivals - anything we can get our hands on." They have performed with such artists as The Last Poets, Nnenna Freelon (Pierce's 6-time Emmy nominated jazz vocalist mother), Dead Prez, DJ Skaz Digga, and even such names as Grand Master Flash and Maya Angelou. Most of this information was taken from their website. Please visit http://web.mac.com/pfreelon/iWeb/languageartsmusic/Home.html for more.

I don't really know how to put this any other way: These guys are great.  This is my favorite song of theirs', out of the ones I've listened to. Carolina Girl has a great rhythm and lyrics. I especially liked how they incorporated so much NC into it. Some native Tar Heels will definitely enjoy this. But even if your not a Tar Heel, check them out! Peace out.

Devendra Banhart plays what can perhaps be best described as freaky-folk. Of the freakiest variety, really. His songs have a psychedelic, positive vibe that makes everyone wish they were wherever he happens to be. He has, in my amateur opinion, mastered the sounds of the hippie movement, and his songs make me want to get up and dance. There’s always an occasion for Devendra. His newest album, Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon is a crazy tie-dyed blur of slow, emotional psychedelic slow dances (Bad Girl), synthetic reggae beats (The Other Woman), piano ballads (Rosa- which is also in Spanish, in which Banhart is fluent) and innovative, provocative pop-rock (Lover). His unusual vocal style tickles your ears and messes with your mindset, while simultaneously making you want to replay it over and over.

Moving People

BUS (Formerly Big Pretty And The Red Rockets), Moving People. BUS is a six-person band that plays everything from catchy pop to political rap to heartache ballads. They feature the usual, guitar, bass, drums, vocals (some beat-boxing), plus some unusuals such as cello, hand drums, and accordion. They have been compared to the Beatles for their lyrics, Bob Marley for their political songs and their reggae beats, and Old Crow Medicine Show for their energy. The third, however, is rarely seen due to the fact that they almost never perform live. BUS can have a sugary, cheerful and very upbeat sound, which shows in their album Moving People, in such songs as High Expectations, The Ballad of Beaverman, and My Bus, My Baby, and My Bike. But occasionally manage to balance it out with political hip-hop (Abe) and some indie rock (Winds of Change).

Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band: Now You Know

Album Review of:
Now you Know
By Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band

Track Listing

1. Bob
2. One Day
3. Self Celebration
4. Booty Show
5. Man, There Goes the Band
6. Natural Art
7. Bounce Mart
8. Time Is Now
9. Hey, Man
10. Groove
11. Funk on Friday
12. Now You Know
13. Moving On
14. Respect
15. *Special Transmission* Hop in My Ride

This is a fantastic premier album. It includes a lot of the Booty Band’s best work and until you see these guys live, this album will suffice nicely. Seeing the Booty Band live is a totally different experience and they play a bunch of great songs that are not included in this album, but if you are having a dance party you can just slip this CD in, crank it up and have a good time. My favorite songs off this album are Time Is Now, Funk On Friday, Now You Know, and Booty Show. The Genre of music the Booty Band plays is, well, what they call “Booty.” It’s a cool, groovy mix of Funk, Hard-rock guitar solos, rap style lyrics and an overall sense of “Booty.”

The Old Ceremony: The Old Ceremony

Album Review of:
The Old Ceremony's album:
The Old Ceremony

Track List

1. Shadows 2. American Romeo 3. Ole 4. Pennsylvania 5. Carry the One 6. Out of the Blue. 7. Morning Glories 8. You Left Something Out 9. God Said I Could Have You 10. Late Shift 11. Blood and Oil 12. The Motions

Oh where to start, where to start. The Old Ceremony's self titled album is an absolutely stunning debut album. You couldn't ask for a better debut album. I really hope Old 86's debut album is as good as this one because if it is we have already gotten one of the hardest challenges of the music industry out of the way; getting people to listen. This album includes all of The Old Ceremony's range of sounds including "Pop Noir," rock, and jazz. With catchy tunes and guitar riffs, the amazing forms and lyrics of Django Haskins, the feel you get when you hear that Toccata organ through their rotary speaker, not to mention the highly original guitar solos and of course, the vibraphone! Every note or beat Django, Matt, Josh, Mark, Dan, or Gabrielle make has a profoundly positive effect on the music. Even if you're are really into the vibes on Ole, just listen to everything together for a second and you will hear everything come together in an amazingly complimentary rush of musical bliss, with the twist of a flanger on it also.
Overall an absolutely amazing album that has me really, really craving the third album, which is slated to come out at a Septemberish time.

Music Review: The Dynasty Roc La Familia

The Dynasty: Roc La Familia
Jay-Z (2000)

By 2000, Shawn Carter aka Jay-Z had already cemented his status as one of the top 5 MCs in the 90's. Already releasing 4 albums, Jay-Z had decided to take a different approach to his 5th album, "The Dynasty: Roc La Familia". He decided to bring together La Familia into the Roc-A-Fella supergroup which featured many new artists and producers that weren't as widely known as Jay-Z himself. The new album featured Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Freeway and Amil and outside of the Roc Family, R. Kelly, Scarface and Snoop Dogg. It also featured production from Rick Rock, The Neptunes, Just Blaze and Kanye West.
Only 3 tracks on the album, including the intro, were solo tracks done by Jay-Z. All the rest had other artists featured and one was even a solo track by Memphis Bleek. The album spawned 3 singles, "I Just Wanna (Give It 2 Me)", "Change The Game" and "Guilty Until Proven Innocent". My favorite tracks on the album were "This Can't Be Life" feat. Scarface and Beanie Sigel and "1-900-Hustler" feat. Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek and a debut by Freeway. This album was different from past albums from Jay-Z because it had more a soul sampling sound compared to the heavy-drum style sound in previous albums and of course featured a lot of other artists with different styles and most of all because it kicked off the producing career of Kanye West, which led to his rapping career and put him in a spot right besides Jay-Z as one of the top rappers of this decade. This is a great album, you should definetely buy it.

the Booty Band, baby.

Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Now You Know – The booty band consists of a funky soul vibe mixed with hip hop groove, and was designed to make everyone dance, even the most self conscious among us. They have a slap-bass-and-hand-drum beat, and groovy horn section, paired with catchy late-eighties hip-hop style lyrics. Now You Know features well known favorites, such as Funk On Friday, alongside lesser-known stuff like Man, There Goes The Band, and Hop In My Ride. Their music has been self-described as “refreshing in this age of oh-so-serious music because they cut to the core of what great music is all about: having fun and feeling good. The Booty Band captures an energy and seem to get what funk is about. They can be compared to Sly And The Family Stone, however most describe them as better when seen live. 

Across The Universe

When I first saw Across The Universe, I was stunned, that a film could be filled with songs in a tribute to a band, and not look crappy. I loved the movie. I went straight home and listened to the soundtrack. It is a somewhat re-imagining of many of The Beatles most popular songs, sung by the characters in the movie. If you were like me and thought that movies that tribute old bands by having the characters in the movie sing the songs during the movie often turned out to be not very quality stuff, then check out this movie and listen to the album (I do suggest watching the movie first, yes), it is a rare deviance on the line, and I loved it, absolutely. On a passing note, the cast for the movie also includes people such as Bono, Eddie Izzard, Joe Cocker, and Salma Hayek. Definitely, a plus in my book.

Joni Mitchell’s Greatest Hits
Review by Sarah Yanuck, March 7, 2008

On the CD are huge, original hits such as Circle Game, Big Yellow Taxi, Chelsea Morning and others. Her style, folk, often favors minor chords, and slightly unusual melodies. This gives her music a very unique flavor. She sings of topics such as the environment (big yellow taxi), love (many songs), life (circle game) and others. Her everyday experiences are what shape her writing, and the lyrics are simple enough that that is clear. Her lyrics are easy to understand, and she shapes her messages creatively with her words.

The beginning of the CD is richest in upbeat songs, as well as in her most famous hits. The end is thicker with slow songs, songs that flow richly or lightly, all obviously coming from a specific worry or sadness.

She sings them in her simple, pretty voice, and often reaches for notes far higher than the rest of the song, and it always sounds good. The song, Both Sides Now, is one of my favorites. It is beautifully written with repititon of melody, chorus and patterns of her poetry.

Joni Mitchell is an incredible songwriter and musician, I highly recommend her music.

The Rogers Sisters rock consciously

The Rogers Sisters‘ (now defunct) only full length album The Invisible Deck could be labeled so many things. Heavy bass and drums, dark lyrics, and eerie guitar create a tense atmosphere that at first seems only concerned with partying but when examined closer is much more occupied with world issues of disease, hunger, money, and lack of social consciousness. Nonetheless, the rhythmic almost synth-like guitars and at times sardonic voices still make you want to dance, thrash, and pogo. Though you are dancing to “I don’t care/ It’s not enough/ I want more/ I won’t share” (Money Matters) don’t let it get you down—we can become slightly more aware of the world’s problems while head banging to this delicious album.

-written by Hannah

Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits
Review by Sarah Yanuck, March 7, 2008

Simon and Garfunkel’ Greatest Hits is a wonderful collection of songs that range from happy to sad, upbeat to slow and calming. Their music, mostly written by Paul Simon has beautiful, poetic lyrics which are amazing even standing alone. And their melodies are the same way, flowing and interesting. No two songs are the same, each has its own character and rhythm. And yet all of their music has a certain similarity, a flavor of Paul Simon’s that is wonderful.

When I was a baby, and I cried, my parents would turn on Simon and Garfunkel and I would stop crying. I don’t know what about the music I found so calming, but there is something about it which I love. It has a certain truth that not all music has.

Part of that truth is due to how unique their stlye of song-writing is, which kinds of melodies, chords, patterns and rhythms they choose. But though that style of songwritng is what gives their music much of its wonder, I think that most of the truth comes from the lyrics. They give simple statements that seem to capture all of life, or all of a moment. And I, as a listener, can relate to it. In the song, Sound of Silence, near the end, they sing, “and the sign said the words of the prophets are written on the subway wall…” the message is simple, clear and rings very true: the ordinary people are the incredible ones.

The order of the songs on the CD has a nice flow to it. They do a good job of inter-mingling slow songs with upbeat ones, and happy with slow. The album has a definate completeness, because their songs have so much variety.

I highly recommend this CD, I LOVE IT!!!!!!! Simon and Garfunkel are some of my faves.

Going Mainstream (Linkin Park)

MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT
I had heard a lot of Linkin Parks music before this album came out. I was really excited about being able to hear more of their songs. When I first heard a song from this new album it was Given Up it was good. But it wasn’t the same thing as the music that ‘separated them from other bands’. It was more yelling, less rap. It started with a clapping rythem. It was very aggressive. ‘I’m my own worst enemy’ and ‘tell me what the fuck is wrong / with me’ are two quotes from this song. Both are repeated at least twice during the songs duration.
The second song I heard was What I’ve Done, in my opinion, this sounded just a bit different from something Nickelback would play. I like Nickelback though, so I still consider it good. It had great lyrics, defining problems with the environment - mainly Global warming.
Speaking of songs that also defined problems, there was also Hands Held High. Which was a softer song then Given Up, and the lyrics were mainly rap. The chorus was ‘Amen/Amen/Amen/Amen/Amen’. My favorite quote from this song was; ‘My brother had a book he would hold with pride / A little red cover with a broken spine / On the back, he hand-wrote a quote inside / When the rich wage war it's the poor who die’.
There was also The Little Things Give You Away, which defined the entire problem with hurricane Katrina. ‘The levees are breaking’. This song was a nice way to end their album. The lyrics were repetitive, but not to the point where it was just a couple different words in the chorus.
Another good song, even though it was highly repetitive, was Bleed it Out. Its entire chorus consisted of ‘I Bleed it out / Dig it deeper / just to throw it away’. This song, was one of the few songs that resembled something from their older work.
Leave Out All The Rest, was a mediocre song. It was softer, it had a tone to it that showed it had no place between Given Up and Bleed it Out on the Album. Its lyrics were alright, they were saying (in short), ‘please forgive me, only think about the good things – Leave out all the rest’ (not a direct quote). It ended with ‘I can’t be who you are’ which seemed to be powerful simply because of what the song was saying.
In Pieces, is another mediocre song, it has alright lyrics. But it is another soft song, which typically just isn’t my type of music. It was alright for being so quite.
In Between, was probably my least favorite song next to Valentines Day. Both of them, seemed to have no point in them. In Between starts out with ‘let me apologize to begin with’. And Valentines day is about a guy who doesn’t have a date for valentines day.
Shadow of the Day, seems to have no meaning short of a guy leaving his friends and family. Which has already seemed to be a topic they have already addressed at least once, in other albums. The only difference is that those songs are good, this song is just depressing.
Over all I liked the album. The songs that were good were great. However, ten years can change a band. Their first album was seven years ago. It was a type of music that people haven’t heard much of, it was new. Now their songs that gave them so much attention are being thrown away for more mainstream songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sgycukafqQ

~Mickey

The Distant Future

Flight of the Conchords is a comedy band (consisting of two members, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement) from New Zealand. They incorporate many different genres into their songs, such as folk, pop, and even a bit or rap. Most of the time, they're found playing live all over the world (mostly in England and the US), and every once in a while releasing a new album to the public. But a lot of the time, you can see their hit TV show on HBO (a hilarious show with a plot line that also incorporates some of their songs into it), that premiered June 17, 2007 ran for 12 episodes its first season, and now has been picked up for another season due to excelled ratings.
The Distant Future, their third album, was released on August 7, 2007 (coming after Folk The World Tour and The BBC Radio Series: Flight of the Conchords, in 2002 and 2006 respectively). It contains six tracks (three of them Live), totaling 22 minutes and 55 seconds in all. Getting reviews from critics ranging from excellent to good, the album eventually managed to be awarded a Grammy.
I found this to be a pretty good album. With it's low price, it would seem that they would be coming off desperate, but a look on the back reveals only six tracks. Six tracks seems a little low to me, but listening to these songs, what they lack in quantity... they make up for in quality. My favorite track on the CD would have to be Robots (Live), a song aimed not really at us, the human population, per se, but a post-apocalyptic future where robotics beings rule the world (Some people think we're being pessimistic but ummm.. they'll all die... first.). In my opinion, this is one of the only bands, in which I love hearing their songs in the Live format. It seems to add a certain performing flair that these guys get on stage. Personally, I loved this album, and because I love the band so much, I'll probably be buying their next, full debut album(15 tracks), on April 22 when it comes out.

Hankering for some blues-y rock

Black Keys are a guitar and drums duo from Akron, Ohio. I recently purchased their 2006 release, Magic Potion. As the wailing garage blues sound fills the room, I am struck by the sudden urge to go find a sunken sofa in a gloomy basement and writhe with the pain inflicted groove. The relatively simple and repetitive lyrics compliment the instrumental simplicity. Not that they are simple in a bad way—just that there are only three instruments: guitar, drums, voice. They manage to jam a lot of feeling and emotion into it. “Your Touch” is a kind of love song with tearing riffs, squealing guitar, and an amazing pulsing beat. “Flame” is the ultimate song of pain. This album reeks of heartache and tragedy but instead of sounding mope-y or over thought out it has a too cool, bluesy, basement attitude.

-written by Hannah

IV (Godsmack)
This Album is creative, just like all of their other albums. As a band, their not unplugged music is striving closer and closer to metal. Every piece of music on this album has a metallic feel, yet the lyrics aren’t yelling into the microphone. The names of their songs seem to also be repeated over and over in the chorus of each song.
The album starts out with Livin’ In Sin, started out slow. It began with voices of children praying to god. It then begins with a simple rhythm on the guitar. Followed by a quit voice singing, after about two lines, the volume over all raises, the drops.
Speak, is another great song. ‘speak the truth or make your piece some other way’. It has a couple great guitar solos, and very repetitive lyrics. ‘Speak to me, speak the truth’.
Enemy, is probably my favorite song off of the album. This song doesn’t have very repetitive lyrics. It has the best starting line ever: ‘Hey! Oh, Mr. backstabbing son of a bitch.’ I like this song because it is something I would expect from the same band that has done ‘voodoo’.
Shine Down, starts out with a harmonica. Which startled me the first time I saw it, it was unexpected by most bands I listen to – this is one I don’t think I ever would have thought of Godsmack as a band that would even own a harmonica. The only thing I don’t like about this song is the lyrics. They could really use some work here. Its repetitive, and when it isn’t I can barely understand it.
Hollow, is a song that they will put on an unplugged album, if they haven’t already. It is a quieter more melodic song than almost every other song on the album. ‘if I could do it all one more time/I wouldn’t change a thing’. They also have a higher voice repeating some of the lyrics in an echo. This was a great choice because it gives you a hollow feeling.
No rest for the wicked, is like something out of punk rock. They all play really loud, then silence themselves for a line ‘NO REST FOR THE WICKED’.
Bleeding me, starts out with an awesome riff on the guitar. But then the drums start playing, and it just goes down hill from there. The lyrics and the guitar seem to be the only thing in this song that redeems the rest. For the most part, it stays at the same volume and the same tempo for the entire song.
Voodoo Too is the song the originally made me download this album onto my Ipod. I had heard Voodoo (the first), and thought it was really good. This song is totally different. Voodoo had three lines repeated. While this one, almost none of the lines repeat. It starts where the end of the first left off ‘… I’m not the one that’s so far away’. This one is about being drawn to a place full of voodoo. ‘Have you ever wondered why in a dream you can touch a fallen sky?’. There is more guitar and drums in Voodoo too, then in Voodoo.
Temptation is the other main song that has METAL written all over it. It has a guitar solo starting out, then after it… “OOH SHIT”. ‘Now it takes what it takes, and lets the feelin' suffocate. It's nothing new it'll get its way’ It keeps on describing temptation as evil.
Mama is a song talking directly to their ‘mother’. This is not my favorite song on the album. But I will listen to it if it starts to play because of shuffle.
One Rainy Day is my least favorite song on this album. I don’t think I have even listened to it once through. It is just that bad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQtWj_n2dJk (Voodoo Too)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS0bJ1_7x00 (The Enemy)

~Mickey

They're Even Louder Now (Louder Now, Taking Back Sunday)

^ MakeDamnSure - Taking Back Sunday ^

Taking Back Sunday. They aren't the most well known band, nor are they the best. There songs can sound repetitive, like you're listening to the same song over and over again. Like they put there songs into a copy machine. The r.esult isn't exactly the same, but so similar you can't tell the difference. From album to album, there sound has changed very little. It's the same punk-pop-emo music that everyone's playing now. They're latest album, however, is different. The title fits the album. It's the same photocopy, only enhanced. Now with more screaming.

Now, I never said they're sound was bad. They've got catchy guitar riffs. Lyrics one can relate to. It's just the same every single time. If you want to buy they're music, go ahead. Many of there biggest hits, including Liar and MakeDamnSure, both great songs are on this album. Just don't buy too much. The photocopy quality will degenerate too much.

Review by Dan Pungello, 3-11-08

iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=16053322&mt=1&s=143441 (Requires iTunes to load)

YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/takingbacksunday

Official Site: http://www.takingbacksunday.com/

Don't Sleep Through This One! (Sleep Through the Static, Jack Johnson)

^ If I Had Eyes, Jack Johnson ^

If you've listened to Jack Johnson, you know immediately what he, and his music, is about. It's about taking it slow. It's about living for the moment. It's about taking life as it is. His last two albums, as well as the Curios George soundtrack he did, follow this theme, lyrically and musically. His latest album, titled "Sleep Through the Static, follows these themes lyrically, but Jack and friends have done much more in the studio, adding more instruments, including an electric guitar which has not been common in Jack's earlier work. Some of the best songs on the album include the title track, with an upbeat Reggae-inspired baseline, contrasted with a chorus of just Piano and Jack's vocals. Another favorite track is "If I had Eyes," which was the first single. Throughout this song, the rhythm filled with an extraordinarily talented electric with Jack's signature acoustic on top.  All in all, Jack Johnson does a great job keeping his laid back and relaxed sound and feel, but mixing up the instrumentals more than before.

Reviw by Dan Pungello, 3-7-08

iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=909253&mt=1&s=143441 (Requires iTunes to load)

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/jackjohnsonmusic

Official Site: http://www.jackjohnsonmusic.com/