Weird Wednesday: Bedtime Story

Welcome to another edition to Weird Wednesday. As stated yesterday, our regularly scheduled posts will return to normal next week, but this week it is all Madonna, all in ode to the release of 'Celebration'...

So, how 'weird' has Madonna gotten in the past? Well, a bit, but always seemed to pull it off and make it look somewhat normal. However, in 1994, the Queen of Pop decided to once again re-invent herself while giving her fans a taste of whats to come.

When she released the album 'Bedtime Stories' in 1994, it had the feel of an R&B record. However, one track was distinctly different from the rest. That song was 'Bedtime Story'.

Written by Bjork, and produced by Nellee Hooper, the track was distinctly a departure from the rest of the album. It had been created in the form of Electronica, and gave insight to the next project, 'Ray of Light', that was still yet to come.

Released in 1995, the video, directed by Mark Romanek, was also somewhat unique. Having had directed other music videos, Romanek is a director that does not shy away from the cutting edge. His artistic style truly shows through his work, for example , Nine Inch Nails' 'Closer', is a great example. When he teamed up with Madonna, once again, his artwork was on display.

A video inspired by the great female artists, Carrington, Valo, and Kahlo, it would go on to receive critical acclaim. The creation would also later be acquired by the New York Museum of Modern Art's Video collection, due to its artistic and unique style.

So here it is, Bedtime Story:

New Wave for Wednesday: Castration Squad

Now that he's dead, do you think Jack still gets dates?

Can't Get It Out Of My Head SOTD: Ida Maria, "Oh My God"

Alternative Madonna

As said before, this will be a week of Madonna blogging in honor of her 'Celebration' release. Therefore instead of the weekly 'Alternative Tuesday', there is 'Alternative Madonna', dedicated to the Queen of Pop's Rocker side. So what song did Madonna go alternative for? Well a few, but only 1 comes to mind.

The song on tap was a classic, and actually one of the of the Queen's 1st songs she had ever penned in 1981 alongside friend, Stephen Bray


Originally recorded as a rock song, it eventually made it to her self-titled album, and transformed into something of a mixture of genres. That song would be 'Burning Up'...

BURNING UP from MadonnArgentina on Vimeo.

The song would not only show the diversity coming from the eventual Queen of Pop, but would still be a crowd favorite for many years until this very day...

New Music Tuesday: Singles Of The Week

Sarah McLachlan- One Dream

This is the lead single from her upcoming album. It will also mark the return of Lilith Fair 2010, as well as the anthem for the upcoming Olympic games in Vancouver...


Foo Fighters - Wheels

This is one of two new songs from the upcoming greatest hits album due out later this year…


Brian McKnight - What I’ve Been Waiting For

This is the 1st single from the R&B singer’s upcoming album ‘Evolution Of A Man’, due out October 27th, 2009...


Kutless - What Faith Can Do

The lead single from the Christian Rock band’s upcoming album ‘It Is Well’, due out October 20th, 2009...


Tiesto - Knock You Out (Feat. Emily)

Yet again, another single released by the world famous DJ, this only makes the arrival of his 4th studio album all the more intriguing. The album, due out October 6th, will be a must have…

Can't Get It Out Of My Head: Pete Yorn, "Last Summer"

Come Join The Party... It's A Celebration...

Hello my lovely readers! Now normally new music albums are stacked into one category, however, for this ultimate Diva & Entertainer, she gets an entry all by herself, as well as a week full of blogging... That would be the one & only, Madonna...

For this week, the Queen of Pop is releasing her 3rd Greatest hits & her 22nd album (Compilation, Soundtrack, & Live included). It is also a reflection of all of her greatest songs ever released during her time with Warner Brothers. This album also marks the finale of her contract with the record company as well.

'Celebration' is indeed a special occasion, because not only does it show Madonna's musical hits through the decades, but it also shows us a peek into the future. On the album, there are three new tracks: 'Celebration', 'Revolver', & 'It's So Cool'. The lead single from this greatest hits collection is the self-titled 'Celebration', produced by dance DJ/Producer, Paul Oakenfold, and it is indeed a great beginning to the singer's start without Warner Brothers.


The 2nd song, 'Revolver', features popular rapper & Young Money founder, Lil Wayne, in a song that has beed already touted a virtual hit in the United States for Radio Airplay.


As for the 3rd song, 'It's So Cool' was produced again by Paul Oakenfold, and was originally supposed to be an unreleased track, however, Madonna Music lovers rejoiced and have been able to get the song on the disc itself.


Already a success in the UK & Ireland, the album has been released today in the United States as a DVD/CD compilation of not only her songs, but memorable videos as well.

A must have for the Madonna fans and those just starting out to love the Queen of Pop...

New Music Tuesday: Albums Of The Week

Mariah Carey - Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel

This is the long awaited 12th studio album from the pop/R&B diva. After having been pushed back from its original release date of August 25th, it was eventually released overseas September 25th. The album’s lead single ‘Obsessed’ was the first from this album to chart earlier this summer, and proved to be a hit for this ‘Imperfect Angel’. The 2nd single released, ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’, is a cover of the Foreigner Power ballad. The single has already begun to gain critical appraise for its vocal diversity and classic style. However, look for other songs, such as ‘HATE U’ & ‘Angel’s Cry’ to become released tracks that will have a much better chance for radio airplay. A must have this week for all the lambs around the globe…


AFI - Crash Love

This is another long awaited release and the 8th studio album from the rockers, which took 2 years of production. Already highly acclaimed by the press, including Rolling Stone Magazine, the album is indeed one of the must grabs of the Fall season. Its lead single ‘Medicate’, is an in your face rock anthem that pretty much sets the standard for the rest of the album. Other songs such as ‘Torch Song’, ‘Beautiful Thieves’, & ‘It Was Mine’ look to be other songs that can lead this album to billboard glory as well. A must grab for my Alternative ones…


Breaking Benjamin - Dear Agony

This is the 4th studio album from the alternative-metal rockers. Already gaining much attention from the film ‘Surrogates’, with their lead single ‘I Will Not Bow’. Also to note, the online game, ‘Altered Benjamin’ features the other singles ‘Crawl’ & ‘Fade Away’ from this album. A must have for this week…


Marques Houston - Mr. Houston

This is the 4th studio album from the former ‘Immature’ member. Having it pushed to this release date, the album was originally supposed to be released in 2008. However, the lead single was changed from ‘Sunset’ to ‘I Love Her’, which is a collaboration with Jim Jones. The 2nd single, ’ Date’ has already been released, as well as a 3rd single, ’Body’, which both have music videos accompanying the two. A must have for my R&B people.


Paramore - Brand New Eyes

This is the 3rd studio album by the American Rock band, and has already been given stellar reviews by the press, especially by Billboard & Spin Magazine. A highly emotional album, it was written when the group was at odds with one another, to the point of when Paramore almost ceased to exist. Written in Tennesee, and recorded in California, the 1st single ‘Ignorance’ was released as a vehicle for the album. Already having hit #1 ion the UK rock charts, other singles that are soon to follow would be ‘ Brick By Boring Brick’ & ‘The Only Exception’. A must have for the fall…

Can't Get It Out Of My Head SOTD: La Roux, "Bulletproof"

MySpace Mondays: Bermuda Bonnie

Missing summer's tropical drinks already? Philly's Bermuda Bonnie is an excellent antidote to the fall doldrums! They're future retro sound is new enough to not be signed and not have anything on YouTube, so you'll have to go to their MySpace page to check them out. Try the laid-back groove of "Houseboat" first--if it hits your sweet spot, the album's available for purchase, or as a free download. Highly recommended!

Tapped Out: Your Little Bit Country, Little Bit Rock and Roll Jukebox

Crosby Stills and Nash, "Southern Cross"


Gordon Lightfoot, "Sundown"


John Anderson, "Seminole Wind"


Supersuckers, "Hey Ya"


Billy Bragg & Wilco, "Walt Whitman's Niece"

International Spotlight: Mobile

WHAT'S THEIR NAME: Mobile

WHERE THEY'RE FROM: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

WHO THEY ARE: Christian Brais, Martin Lavallée, Mat Joly, Dominic Viola, Frank Williamson, and formerly Pierre-Marc Hamelin

WHAT'S THEIR SOUND: Alternative Rock

WHEN DID THEY FORM: 2005

WHAT'S THE ALBUM: 2 Albums:

TOMORROW STARTS TODAY

Their debut album, released April 16th, 2006 would bring the rock band much success with the hit single “Out Of My Head”. They would also with a Juno award for New Group Of The Year. It was later released in the United States in August of ‘07

TALES FROM THE CITY

In December of 2007, the group set into production on their 2nd studio album ‘Tales From The City’, in which the lead single ‘The Killer’ was released.


WHAT'S THE LABEL: Universal Music Group Canada, The Militia Group

Soothing Sunday Song Of The Day... Mary J. Blige

EVERYTHING

Mary J. Blige - New Music - More Music Videos

Keep It Poppin'... Club Jam Of The Weekend: Honorebel

FEATURING PITBULL & JUMP SMOKERS - NOW YOU SEE IT

DJ Spotlight: ATB

In the realm of dance music, there are many hotspots in the global community that can be accredited with producing the most premiere artists & Djs. The United Kingdom is known for its Drums & Bass, and ‘Block Rockin’ Beats’, The U.S. Is known for its different genres of house, and their many ‘Falling Anthems’, and Italy has long brought the world its many Italo hits to show just how ‘Bella Italia’ is. However, none can produce like Germany, the unique style and sound of one certain genre, known as Trance.

In the early 1990s, a phenomenon began to take hold of the once again United country. It would get its influences from the early 80s composer, Klaus Schulz, but only would be fully distributed a decade later, when the group ‘The KLF’ would release its album ‘The White Room’. This album alone, would go on to influence an entire country to get up and move, inspire, and create a most hypnotic sound that was not only fast, but soothing at the same time. One such DJ influenced by this movement, was that of ATB.

ATB, was born February 26, 1973 in Freiberg, Saxony, Germany, in a time when the country was divided between East and West. However, this would not keep the aspiring DJ from being influenced from one thing that unites us all: Music. It was not until later though, in the early 90s, when the young aspiring musician would start in the music industry. In 1993, he had founded the group ‘Sequential One’. He was most influential in the creation of the groups music, however, he could would not be able to gain the acclaim without having to depart. So in 1998, he decided to release his first solo track, ‘9pm (Till I Come). This song would launch the DJ into international fame, as it would go on to become the United Kingdom’s 1st #1 trance song ever.


With this popularity, ‘Sequential One’ would be put on hiatus, and the DJ/Producer would go onto create his own studio albums, namely his debut, ‘Movin’ Melodies’ (1999). Other singles that would go on to chart from his debut would also include the hits, ‘Killer 2000’ & ‘Don’t Stop’. However, unlike most of those in Trance, ATB found himself experimenting with all sides of trance, especially Ambient.


In 2000, he released his 2nd album ‘Two Worlds’, in which the DJ would experiment heavily. One such song that would go on to success, would be a remix of the Wild Strawberries’ ‘Let U Go’


In 2002, ATB would go back into the studio, and release his 3rd studio album, ‘Dedicated’. The title of the album would be named in honour of the attacks of September 11th. The album would include such hits as a new version of ‘Let U Go’, as well as the hit single ‘Hold You’


In more recent years, ATB has gone on to release 5 more albums. Most memorable of these 5 was, 2007’s ‘Trilogy’. It was a double disc that displayed the DJ’s wonderful talent of music experimentation, not just delving into trance but rock as well. One such song that would go onto chart would be the collaboration with songstress Heather Nova, in ‘Renegade’


In 2009, ATB, released his latest album, ‘Future Memories’. This like ‘Two Worlds’ & ‘Trilogy’, was also a double CD. It was also put in the same format, in which one CD was Dance, and the other was that of the ambient nature. It also once again, contained many collaborations like his previous work. The lead single, ‘What About Us’ was released in promotion for this album, however, the album itself was available for preview as well


Be sure to check ATB out, you will be glad you did…

Eclectic Electric Saturday: Digitalism

WHAT'S THEIR NAME: Digitalism

WHERE THEY'RE FROM: Hamburg, Germany

WHO THEY ARE: Jens "Jence" Moelle & İsmail "Isi" Tüfekçi

DIGITALISM LIVE


WHAT'S THEIR SOUND: Electro-house & Dance Punk

WHEN DID THEY FORM: 2004

WHAT'S THE ALBUM: 1 Album; ‘Idealism’ (2007)

WHAT'S THE LABEL: Kitsune Music & Astralwerks

WHAT SONGS ARE THEY KNOWN FOR:

IDEALISTIC


ZDARLIGHT


POGO

Digitalism 'Pogo' music video from Aske Pedersen on Vimeo.

Saturday Special Remix Of The Day: Beyonce

HALO - DAVE AUDE REMIX

Can't Get It Out of My Head SOTD: Pete Yorn, "For Nancy (Cos It Already Is)"

The Dregs: 9.25.09

Noisettes' new album, "Wild Young Hearts," out--check out the limited edition red vinyl single!

Anywhere near Spartanburg, S. C? Mary Shelley Overdrive (as well as DJ Harlequin, DJ Cy-Fi, and Valentine Wolfe), are playing Zombie Prom--be sure to bring an undead date....

The White Wire's album, "Self Titled," is out!

In case you missed it--The Flaming Lips on Colbert:

"Convinced of the Hex"

The Bleeding Edge: The Green Lady Killers

Sure, Phoenix's Green Lady Killers (Lady Van Buren, Cherrybomb, and Annie Venom) have the look and the attitude, but what about the sound? Yes--they prove that they can pull out furious and sweltering punk-tinged-rock (see "My 45," "Starstruck," or "Psycho Ellen" for proof), dark Misfits-like dirges (could "One and Only"be referring to...? Nah....) and sweetly soulful songs like "Linger," and they do it with a heaping dose of style. And as has been noted by the Phoenix New Times, they do absolutely gorgeous posters.

The Green Lady Killers are currently touring the West Coast promoting their full length album, "Just Fine," out this fall.

"One and Only" (highly recommended)

Hip Hop Thursday Spotlight: Nipsey Hussle

WHAT'S THE NAME: Nipsey Hussle

WHERE HE'S FROM: South Central, Los Angeles, California

WHO HE IS: Also Known As, Mr. NH

WHAT'S HIS SOUND: Rap, Heavily influenced by N.W.A.

WHEN DID HE FORM: 2006

WHAT'S THE ALBUM: 5 albums, Slauson Boys, (2006), Bullets Ain't Got No Name Vol. 1, (2007), Bullets Ain't Got No Name Vol. 2, (2008), Slauson Boys, (2008) (unreleased), Rich Rollin, (2009) (unreleased)

WHAT'S THE LABEL: Sony Music Entertainment

WHAT SONGS IS HE KNOWN FOR:

THEY ROLL


STRAPPED


His New Single: HUSSLE IS MY LAST NAME

Tappin' That Azz Thursday: Salt-N-Pepa

Welcome back to another edition of Tappin’ That Azz Thursday. Today we are goin’ to take all you prospective lovers back to the year, 1987.

1987 was a good year in terms of all things musical. It was the year that U2 finally got its groove on with international super stardom, with their release of the ‘Joshua Tree’. It was also the same year when Michael Jackson would show the world just how good, ‘Bad’, could be. However, all of that wasn’t as saucy as the ladies of Salt-n-Pepa.

In 1985, when Cheryl James (Salt), Sandra Denton(Pepa), and Deidre Roper (Spindarella) formed, it was envisioned that they would be pioneers of female rappers in a game that was strictly male. However, what was not envisioned was that these ladies would eventually become pioneers of Azz Tappin’ jams too.

With the release of their debut album ‘Hot, Cool & Vicious’, the ladies were well on their way to music history, by being the only all female rap group. Singles such as ‘My Mic Sound Nice’ & ‘Tramp’, already solidified the group as hot females that were a force to be reckoned with. However, it was their song ‘Push It’ that really put them all over the globe, the map, the bedroom even ;o)

The song would eventually reach the top 20 in the United States, and push the album to Platinum status. It would also help push couples on and off the dance floor. With its suggestive lyrics, who wouldn’t want to push it? I certainly would…

So go on and prosper while Tappin’ That Azz to this tune right here:

Throwback Thursday: 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough'

Welcome back to another edition of Throwback Thursday. Today we are going to take you back into time to the year 1967.

1967 was a magical year for music. After all, this was the year the Doors and Jimi Hendrix released their 1st albums, Aretha Franklin earned a little ‘Respect’, and the births of Kurt Cobain, Harry Connick Jr., and R. Kelly occurred. However, 1967 was a year that belonged to another song as well, that would later get its revival in 1970.

When Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson decided to write the song ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, they never envisioned the effect it would have on their lives, as well as those around the world. When the song itself went into production, it was written and meant to be a happy-go-lucky, romantic dance song. Produced by Harvey Fuqua and Johnny Bristol, they thought the song would best be sung by Motown’s rising duo, Tammy Terrell and Marvin Gaye. Upon receiving the song to sing, it was Terrell who was the most hesitant, mostly because she had not had any time to study the lyrics. Because of this, Marvin Gaye’s part was later recorded and added into the record at a later time.

Whatever the drama, the song that was eventually produced in 1966, and released in 1967 would become a hit. It would reach the top 20, in a time when nation was in a racial divide. It would also go on to give much notoriety to the writers, Ashford and Simpson. Because of ‘Ain’t No Mountain…’, this allowed them to go on an pen such classics like, ‘You’re All I Need To Get By’, ‘Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing’, and ‘Your Precious’. Because of these writers, it would also give a face to the sounds of Tammy and Marvin. Their legendary duets would go on to influence future generations, as well as other artists like the Supremes’ Diana Ross.


In 1968, the popularity of the song reached across the nation. It was also at this time a re-recorded duet of the song was produced by the Supremes & the Temptations. However, the song gave rise to Diana Ross’ speaking voice. In 1970, Ashford & Simpson had wanted Ross to redo the classic, but in a departure from the original version. For the song, they would have Ms. Ross speak the lyrics, while Ashford & Simpson sang back up. However, when Berry Gordy heard the final version, he did not like it. He had wanted them to re-edit the song, and changing the way it had sounded. But radio stations had already gotten a hold of it, and played the track, thus creating music history.

The song released, July 16th, 1970 would go on to reach #1 on the R&B and Pop charts, as well as garnering Ms. Ross a Grammy nomination. It would give new life to the creation that Ashford & Simpson had wrote only a few years previous. It would also go on to create music history, in that it would later be recognized as one of the greatest songs to be written, performed (By Terrell & Gaye), and released by Motown, by the Grammy Hall of Fame.


So, hope you have enjoyed your Throwback for Thursday…

New Wave for Wednesday: The Yachts

Someday, I hope to be the yachting type....

Wednesday Weirdness: Wesley Willis

Chicago's Wesley Willis--artist, paranoid schitzophrenic, highly prolific, charismatic, enigmatic, problematic. Willis played with Canada's Monster Voodoo Machine and the Wesley Willis Fiasco, a Chicago punk band, before becoming more famous on his own. His lyrics are often absurd and bizarre, his songs all follow the same basic sound, he drew heavily on pop culture references, and he completely endeared himself to fans.

Willis died in 2003.

"Blood, Guts, and Firetrucks"


Alanis Morissette



"I Whipped Spiderman's Ass"



A short film on Willis from 1988, "Wesley Willis: Artist of the Streets"

Alternative Tuesdays: Billy Talent

WHAT'S THE NAME: Billy Talent

WHERE THEY'RE FROM: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

WHO THEY ARE: Benjamin Kowalewicz, Ian D’Sa, Jonathan Gallant, Aaron Solowoniuk

WHAT'S THEIR SOUND: Punk, Alternative, Post-Hardcore Rock

WHEN DID THEY FORM: 1993

WHAT'S THE ALBUM: 5 albums; ‘Watoosh!’ (1999), ‘Billy Talent’ (2003), ‘Billy Talent II’ (2006), ‘666 Live’ (2007), and ‘Billy Talent III’ (2009)

WHAT'S THE LABEL: Atlantic, Warner, Roadrunner

WHAT SONGS ARE THEY KNOWN FOR:

RIVER BELOW


SURRENDER


FALLEN LEAVES


RUSTED FROM THE RAIN

New Music Tuesday: Singles Of The Week:

Alicia Keys - Doesn’t Mean Anything

This is the lead single from the Singer/Songwriter piantist, whose album will drop sometime later this year.


Carrie Underwood - Cowboy Casanova

This is the lead single from the 3rd studio album ‘Play On’, by the country Diva (and former American Idol Winner). Be on the lookout for it to hit all radio stations, as it may have the power to crossover.


Mario - Thinkin’ About You

The 2nd single from the upcoming release of ‘D.N.A.’, the R&B singer releases another slow jam to enlighten the crowd.


The Bravery - Slow Poison

This is the lead single from the alternative rockers, and is also the same title of the album. Look for that to drop sometime in November.


Tokio Hotel - Automatic

The lead single off the German Cherrytree rockers 2nd upcoming English album, a German version is also being released in conjunction as well (Automatisch).

All Time Low - Damned If I Do

The 2nd single off the pop-punk rockers album, ‘Nothing Personal’, the song has already been climbing the charts all summer.

New Music Tuesday Time... Albums Of The Week:

Sean Kingston - Tomorrow

Back with his 2nd album, Sean Kingston releases the long awaited ‘Tomorrow’, today. Already the lead single, ‘Fire Burning’ has become a hit. The singles, ‘My Girlfriend’, ‘Wrap U Around Me’, ‘Tomorrow’, and ‘Island Queen’, have already been released. Collaborations with Good Charlotte & Wyclef make this album a good pick up this week. A must have for those who want to feel the Island of The Sun.

305 FILMS: Sean Kingston: Official Behind The Scenes For His New Single "Fire Burning" from MADLIFE ENTERTAINMENT on Vimeo.

Pearl Jam - Back Spacer

This is the 9th studio album released by the historic Alternative rock group. However, there is a catch! It is only available for purchase via Itunes or Target retail stores across the nation. Look for a tour to follow this release, as well as good tracks that will be released in due time. A must have for the alternative enthusiasts.

Pearl Jam - The Making of Backspacer from Pearl Jam on Vimeo.

David Gray - Draw The Line

This is the 8th studio album released by the English Singer/Songwriter. The 1st release since 2005’s, ‘Life In Slow Motion’, the album contains a collaboration with Annie Lennox. The son is titled ‘Full Steam’. Ironically, the entire album was recorded in the same studio the Eurythmics has previously used. A must have for this week.


La Roux - La Roux

This is the debut album for the Synth-pop duo, although it was previously released globally in other places. Look for this album to become a sensation in the United States. Already, the hit single, ‘Bulletproof’, has been added to the Itunes free single of the week, so look to catch that as well. A must have for my Electronic Ears.

Mika - The Boy Who Knew Too Much

This is the 2nd album from the British-based pop singer, and has said that is mostly based on his teenage years. The singles ‘We Are Golden’ & ‘Blame It On The Girls’, have generated much buzz for the singer. Look for much news on this album, if not just on the singer itself. A must have for all.

Three Days Grace - Life Starts Now

This is the 3rd album from the Canadian rockers, and it packs a punch like the last 2 albums have. The songs, ‘Bitter Taste’, ‘Break’, ‘World So Cold’, and ‘The Good Life’ were already released for preview by MTV, which made the upcoming release of the album all the more exciting. A must have for the Rockers around the world.

MySpace Mondays... Outta Control

Welcome back to another edition of MySpace Mondays. Today we turn our focus toward a rap trio straight outta…. The Midwest via West Coast. Their name is Outta Control.

Outta Control (O.C.T.) was founded in South Lake Tahoe, California. Currently, they are located in San Diego California. Its three members: Z-Jones, Timmy B, & brothers PP (P for short) are quite unique. Although all living in California during the group‘s formation, all are from the Midwest, Chiago mainly. However, Timmy B is the most travel, seeing time all over the globe, from Detroit to the UK.

Due to this vast knowledge of the globe, this brings comparisons of many groups, such as the Beastie Boys, Canada’s Swollen Members, & Jurassic 5. The majority of their music has the ability to make the listener want to party and feel good. However, with Rap, not all is focused on happy issues, but real ones as well. With this, they are better able to relate to their audience and prospective listeners.

When performing, it has been said that they are fast paced as well as being full of bou.dless energy. Their performances are unique as well. Unlike most hip hop sets, they utilize musical instruments, such as live guitar as well as a drum set. This helps them stand out from the rest, who tend to scratch & use just a mic instead. From this alone, one can see where their influences of Rock & Hip Hop come in.

In their young career of three years, they have already performed over 250 shows all over the nation. This has been not without merit recognized either. Because of this, numerous papers have taken note of the rising crew. In fact, because of their good reputation for being premier performers, they have performed with acts such as Block Radius, Tech 9ne, Swollen Members, as well as Mixmaster Mike of the Beastie Boys. They have even gone so far as to perform for the Unsigned-Hype Tour in 2007.

So check ’em out here @ http://www.myspace.com/outtacontroloct

Tapped Out: Your Sorry Excuse for a Monday Morning Jukebox

The Editors, "Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors"


Cheap Girls, "Find Me a Drink Home"


T Rex, "Life's a Gas"


Roky Erickson, "I Have Always Been Here Before"


Crosby, Stills, and Nash, "Helplessly Hoping"

The Dregs 9.20.09

The Bravery's excellent new single "Slow Poison" on their MySpace Page


Scotland Yard Gospel Choir's new album, "...And The Horse You Rode In On" out now

Mary of Peter, Paul, and Mary, Died

Sunday Underground: The Used

WHAT'S THE NAME: The Used

WHERE THEY'RE FROM: Orem, Utah

WHO THEY ARE: Bert McCracken, Quinn Allman, Jeph Howard, Dan Whitesides

WHAT'S THEIR SOUND: Metal, Screamo, Post-Hard Core, Emo

WHEN DID THEY FORM: 2001

WHAT'S THE ALBUM: 5 albums; ‘The Used’ (2002), ‘In Love and Death’ (2004), ‘Lies for the Liars’ (2007), ‘Shallow Believer’ (2008), and ‘Artwrok’ (2009)

WHAT'S THE LABEL: Reprise

WHAT SONGS ARE THEY KNOWN FOR:

BURIED MYSELF ALIVE


TAKE IT AWAY


BLOOD ON MY HANDS

International Spotlight: Timati

In the United States, there are many genres that cross overseas and influence the way people of different nations listen to music. If there is one genre that still tends to fascinate in a global fashion, it would indeed be Hip Hop & Rap. Having arisen in the late 1970’s & early 80s in the streets of New York, Old School rap would have a profound effect globally for many decades to come.

This effect would carry over to nations that would feel the same way as the rappers of the United States. They would identify with the street culture that was being reflected within their own communities. They would see in the music, similarities in their own lives such as, street violence, poverty, and other social dilemmas occurring. They would also feel attached to the feel of the music, with its smooth beats and flow that would also attract a large base not only here, but all over. One area in the world that seems to identify almost exactly to these issues within rap is that of Eastern Europe.

With the fall of the Soviet Empire in the late 80s/early 90s, this allowed former Eastern Bloc countries and the Russian Federation to hear music that was once scarce. It was also at a time when the United States happened to see a rise in the popularity of Gangster Rap. Gangster Rap was something that easily coincided with the lives of inner-city Americans as well as those in war torn countries. Both had witnessed violence within the streets, clashes with police, illegal dealings, as well as death. It was no wonder that the Eastern Bloc would embrace this genre, and make it a part of their own culture as well.One such artist that embraced this hip hop culture/genre was that of Russian national, Timur Ildarovich Yunusov.

Born August 15th, 1983, in Moscow, Soviet Union, Yunusov was born to not a typical Russian family. As a child he acquired the nickname, Timati, which would eventually stick. His father was ethnically Turkish, or Tartar, and his mother was of Jewish descent. Being of ethnic descent, one could not help but think that he had the upbringing similar to those who are ethnic within the United States, despite being from a wealthy family. In pre & post-Soviet Russia, it was also imaginable the ‘street’ mentality influences that may have arose as well. The fall of the Soviet Union would impact all under its control, therefore with the introduction to more mainstream global music, of course Hip Hop & Rap would start to take center stage here.

However, Timati would not live completely in Russia. He would later move to the Los Angeles area for a period of five years. It was more than likely here, he would have the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the genre of Hip Hop & Rap. After all, the west coast was home to some of the most talented groups and artists such as N.W.A., home of Death Row Records, Tupac Shakur, & Snoop Dogg (who he would later work with).

When it was time for Timati to make his own music he did by creating songs with the rap group Banda (Meaning Gang In English). They would release many songs and eventually become successful, bringing Timati’s name critical acclaim:


However, Music would not only be Timati’s passion. He would eventually be featured in the Russian film, ‘Heat’, in 2006. The film would become a hit in the dollars & cents portion, however it would lack critical acclaim and go on so far t be called one of the worst films to be made in 2006. It was once again time for Timati to make music.


That same year, he would release the album ‘Black Star’. Created under his own label with the same name, the album would prove ultimately popular in and outside of Russia. One song from the album, ‘My Way’, as well as others would gather the attention of other rappers around the world as well:


From this, Timati’s influence around the globe would reach far. In the United Kingdom, he would begin to work with producer, Michael David. This would allow him to collaborate with american artists such as Fat Joe, Mario Winans and the legendary Snoop Dogg. In 2009, his upcoming album ‘The Boss’ will be released, featuring such tracks that have already generated much buzz, globally.

Be on the lookout for a crossover, this artist has what it takes to make it on this side of the globe.

Soothing Sunday Song Of The Day... P.M. Dawn

I'D DIE WITHOUT YOU

DJ Spotlight: The Jump Smokers

Welcome to this weeks edition of the DJ Spotlight. This week, I thought it good to spotlight not just one DJ, but an entire crew. For this, I had to look no further than to my own hometown of Chicago, Illinois, to find them.

Chicago is a wonderful city for music, as it is the home of the Blues & House genres. The city has spawned some of the greatest acts of all time, such as Nat King Cole, Benny Goodman, Bo Diddley, Sam Cooke, Buddy Guy, Herbie Hancock, Lou Rawls, and so many more. It is also the city that has brought famous musicians to today’s forefront as well. Artist such as, The Smashing Pumpkins, Kanye West, Common, Liz Phair, Lupe Fiasco, R. Kelly, Rise Against, Disturbed, Twista, Da Brat, Jermih, amongst others, have been bringing much success to the area within the last decade. However, while these artists have been entertaining many fans around the world, the beat of Chicago still goes on.

Home to world famous DJs, Felix Da Housecat, Kaskade, & Bad Boy Bill, Chicago has certainly gained a stellar reputation for its dance music and nightlife culture. Thanks to a thriving club scene, the city of Chicago has certainly become a hotspot for Dance acts.

One of these acts named the ‘Jump Smokers’ have been making waves in the Dance scene. A crew made up of 4, members Roman, Reydon, V-Scratch and Johnny Digital certainly keep the party going. With the help of the world famous, B96 radio station (Located in Chicago), their numerous remixes have been aired. It also certainly helps, when one of the on-air personalities, Roman, is a member of the dance crew.

The defining moment, in which gave the Jump Smokers national attention, was when R&B artist, Chris Brown, had been involved in a domestic violence dispute with his then girlfriend, singer Rihanna. From the fallout of this, there were many opinions that were expressed against the hip hop singer. However, no opinion could best express what the Jump Smokers had been feeling. To show this, they put it best in a song titled ‘My Flow So Tight’. The song would go on to become a club scene phenomenon, and it would also give the Jump Smokers much needed attention.


However, the Jump Smokers are not one-dimensional. While making their own beats, they also are heavy at work remixing others. Songs by artists such as, Flo Rida, Pitbull, New Boyz, & Baby Bash, have undergone a wonderful re-invention by the dance crew.




But for the Jump Smokers, the most famous remix has been played within the Chicago area and has gained attention by one of the most famous singers of our generation, Mariah Carey. When Ms. Carey’s album, ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’ is released, it will contain a bonus track of the remix, ‘Obsessed’. This will most certainly put the Dance group on the map as premier remix artists/producers.


Their style is definitely unique. With the intense beats they produce, they not only have the ability to make the listener move, but laugh as well. Their coolness radiates from this as well as their ability to be world class performers.

Catch them if you can, you will be certainly glad that you did...