Merry (Belated) Christmas

Merry Christmas!!

Go To FileFactory.com

Download here.  

Nine

I've never seen the musical, but the film adaptation looks visually exciting... and Daniel Day-Lewis stars, so it's got to be good.  Nine:

The 3/50 Project

I spotted a flyer for the 3/50 Project at the Black, the famed Ocean Beach novelty shop.  It's a great idea... support local business, local art, local music!!

For more info, check out the 3/50 site.

Rolling Stone's "Best of the Decade"

Rolling Stone has just released their lists for best albums and songs of the decade, as ranked by a panel of musicians, critics, and industry "insiders."  There are some obvious questions (what the hell is "99 Problems" doing at #2 best song of the decade, how is "Clint Eastwood" ranked higher than "Feel Good Inc." for the Gorillaz, how is there not a Bright Eyes album in the top 15???), but more than anything, these lists are fun because they give you a chance to reminisce over some of the great music of recent years... so go ahead, check it out, debate with friends, and reconnect with some tunes you either missed or have spent some time away from.

RS' albums of the decade.

RS' songs of the decade.

Check out this sweet old school cover of Jimi!!

Tangerines

I discovered today that the tree in my backyard is, in fact, a sweet tangerine tree.  It's fruits are delicious.  Here's to a world with tangerines.

Interview Project

My pal Leigh(sa) recently put me on to the singular, coolest idea I've heard about in recent memory.  The premise: a team of roadtrippers drive around the country, conducting brief interviews with strangers they have met during pitstops along the way.  The result: a cinematic portrait of the human race - the hopes, fears, dreams, and regrets of average folks all around the country.  It's hard to stop watching and undeniably beautiful.  Enjoy:

Interview Project (by David Lynch)

The Architecture of Antonio Gaudi

"Originality consists in returning to the origin." -- Antonio Gaudi.

From my personal photographs, the works of Gaudi, which have left a most original mark on the city of Barcelona and the world of architecture:

 

For more information, go to Barcelona.  Or here.  ;) 

Bob Dylan - 1965 Time Magazine Interview

One of my favorite interviews of all time, captured on film:

Alicia Keys - Unthinkable (Written by Drake)

Alrighty, prepared for a grander than usual post??  

Neo-Soul moment of the day!!  I remember when Alicia Keys' debut record dropped and I rocked it straight for a few months with no chaser; I was definitely crushing on her!  That being said, it was an incredible record and Ms. Keys' new single, "Unthinkable," has me excited, capturing that energy of her early records.  Listen and/or download here!

Now, for those of you interested in digging a little deeper, it's important to note that this record was written by rap newcomer Drake.  In my humble opinion, I find Drake incredibly talented; the way he works (lyrically and with melody) is fresh and innovative.  However, he just comes off like a cornball most of the time; I see the skill, but I don't believe him.  Put another way, his swag just seems phony; I'd love to see him grow a little more comfortable in his own skin... having said that (shout out to Curb fans), this Keys record is off the chain and you can totally see his melodies at work in the song.  Here's what Drake, the man himself, had to say:

A final thought: I'm not the only singer songwriter who perhaps fell for Miss Keys.  Have a listen to "Thunder on the Mountain"... 

"I was thinking about Alicia Keys,

Couldn't keep from crying,

When she was born in Hell's Kitchen,

I was living down the line,

I'm wondering where in the world Alicia Keys could be,

I been looking for her, even clear through Tennessee"

Curren$y - Elevator Musik

Wouldn't say he's as lyrically intricate as some of the other rap newcomers (i.e. J Cole, Wale), but I genuinely like this dude.  Hailing from the N.O. and currently posted up in Dame Dash's studios working on records with Mos Def and Jay Electronica, Curren$y's making ill moves right about now.  "Elevator Musik":

Jim Morrison - Soul of a Clown

"I see myself as an intelligent, sensitive human, with the soul of a clown which forces me to blow it at the most important moments." -- Jim Morrison

Big Bill Broonzy - Hey, Hey

Way before Clapton made it famous... Mmmmm, Get you some blues:

Picasso - The Tragedy

Pablo gets lots of love for his later works, but I really dig his early stuff.  The Tragedy, below, is from Picasso's "Blue Period":

Summer Heights High

I believe this was canceled after its first season; most slept on show of all-time...

Mos Def - Taxi

Very excited about everything Dame Dash is doing right now.

Ski feat. Mos Def-Taxi from Creative Control on Vimeo.

Dylan - Must Be Santa

First (and probably only) video off of Dylan's first Christmas album ever.  By the same director who did this.