Almost called this post "Michael Jackson still alive" though quickly realized it'd be viewed as a cheap stunt to grab hits. But with performers (and performances) like this, the spirit of Michael Jackson is well entrenched for the foreseeable future. Music will never be the same.
Video a bit choppy, but sound is so pure (plus she's rocking that hat straight MJ style.)
I know, I know. I'm way too cool to like Christina Aguilera, right? Sheeeeeeit... ever since I saw her crush this song on SNL a few years back I've never looked at her the same. Always knew she had pipes, but this goes so far beyond vocals. For me, one of the hottest tracks to drop in the last decade, seriously. I would think about seeing her live based on this performance alone.
And while I thought about embedding a string of videos and linking to other obvious MJ influenced artists... nah. This is it. What really inspired this post was listening to what for me, is an obscure live version of the song "Things I Do For You." I started saying, "Damn, that sounds just like this other song... what is it? Hmmmn. Oh snap!" It's cool, because I've had the Aguilera SNL performance saved on my tivo forever and now I find it's a nod to MJ in more ways than I knew.
Here's the live MJ cut. So Maxwell - so Jamiroquai - so D'angelo's Soulquarians. If you listened to the whole Aguilera track you'll pick up the cues taken from this MJ cut. Did you know Mike got down like this?
While I love the concept of this blog and have unlimited ideas that I'd like to see come to life, let's face it, I'm not finding time to actively post thoughtful, insightful, worthwhile updates. But you know what time does allow for? Twitter, where I need not be thoughtful nor insightful. Worthwhile? Most definitely.
My latest twitter update will run across the top of this page. When I have a chance to post videos and such or to really say something, this is still the place. But to see what's up in soundbetterland a little more frequently, you gotta follow me.
Think twitter is stupid? Wake up. It's information exchange, done efficient and effective. And there's stuff you won't find anywhere else. Get with it.
One week ago this evening ...
No time to cut my own videos and pics, but got some nice stuff from the pit area along with Dane shooting only a few rows up in the seats. (Video above not shot by me, btw.) Here's a sampling of some stills:
Tired of looking at Wax yet? Me too. Bigger update on the way with new music to talk about, but for now, check out Danger Mouse's newest project which label EMI has decided to shelve. Perhaps that's because you won't find the next crazy Gnarls Barkley hit or hear anything you'd expect from DM (except superb, lush production, per usual.)
The release, titled Dark Night of the Soul, features original Danger Mouse compositions with several guest vocalists and Sparklehorse collaborating on production. On a message board someone described it as bluesy Beatles/Pink Floyd. Not a terrible frame of reference, if not entirely accurate. This isn't vintage 60's/70's though the influence can be heard. And it's definitely not blues. In truth, I haven't really digested it yet on first listen. Can't say I have a strong opinion other than it's relevant. It's worth hearing, to be sure. David Lynch ties in as well, producing a series of photographs inspired by the music and appearing on 2 of the tracks, the title track included which also closes the album.
The ongoing battle with EMI to release the record has led Danger Mouse to seek out other avenues to get the music heard. The "cd" is currently being sold with a David Lynch companion picture-book (at a steep $50), however the cd is actually a blank cdr (for customers to use with the files they "steal" from the internet). Haha. Seriously. Check out the official site for details. The complete album is available streaming right now on NPR Music's website. You can expect it to show up on every popular file-sharing site as well.
Tracklisting below, with guest vocalist listed in parenthesis.
02. Just War (Gruff Rhys of The Super Furry Animals)
03. Jaykub (Jason Lytle)
04. Little Girl (Julian Casablancas of The Strokes)
05. Angel's Harp (Frank Black of The Pixies)
06. Pain (Iggy Pop)
07. Star Eyes (I Can't Catch It) (David Lynch)
08. Everytime I'm With You (Jason Lytle)
09. Insane Lullaby (James Mercer of The Shins)
10. Daddy's Gone (Mark Linkous of Sparklehorse and Nina Persson of The Cardigans)
11. The Man Who Played God (Suzanne Vega)
12. Grim Augury (Vic Chesnutt)
13. Dark Night Of The Soul (David Lynch)
You know, I wasn't planning on adding this but it's another example of a modern day, moderately successful artist dealing with record label nonsense - and in this case asking to be dropped outright, publicly, in concert. I love this.
About 2 minutes into watching this video for the first time I knew I'd post it here. Been meaning to post about Wax for sometime anyway and then he drops this new youtube video that might be my favorite thing I've ever seen or heard from him. Unfortunately, right in the middle of head nodding to this almost flawless flow, Wax hits a bridge of "I shit in your girls' mouth and she likes it, yea, yea, she likes it, she likes it."
This is Wax. Supremely talented, inspiring dedication and grind, well deserving of the still elusive success and payday. Yet as an artist Wax is a paradox, often dumbing down his rhymes for humor, sometimes effectively, sometimes not. He's writing some of the most intelligent verses I've ever heard in Hip-Hop. His delivery is legit and often he's rocking over his own beats. Wax's talent is undeniable: multi-instrumentalist, thoughtful lyricist, charismatic performer and a healthy ego. And yes, he is funny. But the fact is, no matter how many youtube hits you get, how many blogs like mine sing your praises, at the end of the day, the majority of people really don't want to nod their head to lines about shitting in someone's mouth.
I get it. It's part of your style. You have no filter. It's what makes you you. But damn, we got references to the stock market, underpaid teachers, foreclosure crisis, self-reflection on the struggle to make it in the industry and Burlington Coat Factory! (Go head PG.) Real rhymes, real stories. But this will all be overlooked by many on first listen because the entire verse can be written off as vulgar bullshit by those not paying close enough attention. It's too easy to label Wax as "punchline guy" (as one friend of mine described his take on Wax to me). But beyond the one-liners and "shock" rhymes there's a much deeper artistry to Wax, though Wax himself is to blame for burying this truth.
Take Wax's own words from a rhyme in the video An Evening at Home:
"I know that rhyme was dumb. I apologize, I rhyme for fun. Please sue me. I don't do this for fame and wealth. I just rap to entertain myself."
If only that were true. Wax is as serious as they come. No matter how often he tells you in his rhymes he doesn't give a shit, dig a little deeper into his words and the truth is there. A line from the video embedded below:
"And besides I'm a bitter old man that stays faded talking shit on other people because I never made it. Always dreamed I would make a living as a musician. But that still hasn't come to fruition."
Yes, the real shit is in there.
Watch this video and a few of my personal favorites linked below and you'll easily respect Wax's talent and hustle. He puts his soul on public display. I have so much love for artists who take this leap. His youtube videos routinely get tens of thousands of hits each and collectively he's topped 1 million views. But it's an ugly industry and so far no one has figured out how to sell Wax. It's not an easy answer.
He's an artist with whom you must accept the bad with the good. For me, this is easy to do, if only because I believe the good is truly brilliant. But it is frustrating nonetheless, as the good and bad don't really mix well, intelligent wordplay and lyricism with a dose of unabashed vulgarity. Some listeners will undoubtedly lose respect at the first blatantly offensive line. There are plenty to choose from. But this is Wax.
Wax epitomizes the independent artist and what unfiltered art-making should be. He is completely honest and hasn't forgotten that music should be fun. He acknowledges that the dumb shit is part of what he does (listen for this reference in the go-go video) and it seems like he's making himself laugh more than anyone else. For a struggling artist, managing to make honest art while also enjoying yourself might just be the key to longevity. Unfortunately, I'm not sure the raw, unfiltered elements can follow Wax to the level his talent begs for... but let's hope I'm either wrong or Wax starts focusing on speaking to a larger audience, not just reaching them.
12/27/2007: One Bar Loops - 82,027 views (Serious creativity.) 1/4/2008: New Crack - 352,971 views (Not a typo... a ton of hits.) 2/25/2008: An Evening at Home - 60,458 views (Full range of skills.)
11/20/2008: Wax Goes Hard On Go Go Beat - 36,199 views (Had to post for the go-go love.) 1/9/2009: 2009 MC Showcase - 40,067 views (Is he serious? Your answer.) 2/3/2009: Low Budget - 45,722 views (Silly, but still plain silly.)
There's something ridiculously fresh in each one - definitely "catch a new line with each repeated listen" material. And while the question of how to sell Wax may remain unanswered, the answer to supporting him isn't difficult.
Check out the live Wax and EOM cd release show from this past January at the 8x10 in Baltimore. Show features Wax solo, with EOM, and backed by full live band The Grilled Lincolns plus a horn section. (Wax solo: dude has this whole alter-ego, acoustic guitar playing, singer-songwriter thing going on too. Check it. It could just as easily be that vibe that makes him a star, though Hip-Hop is where he shines brightest.)
Stay current with all things Wax and Herbal T on YOUTUBE and MYSPACE.
Lastly, I've only briefly mentioned his twin brother who goes by the name Herbal T. It's a package deal with these cats which only works because Herbal T has serious skills as well. Here's the latest video from the Wax and Herbal T crew, featuring Herbal T doing his thing.
Sparklehorse collaborating on production. On a message board someone described it as bluesy Beatles/Pink Floyd. Not a terrible frame of reference, if not entirely accurate. This isn't vintage 60's/70's though the influence can be heard. And it's definitely not blues. In truth, I haven't really digested it yet on first listen. Can't say I have a strong opinion other than it's relevant. It's worth hearing, to be sure. David Lynch ties in as well, producing a series of photographs inspired by the music and appearing on 2 of the tracks, the title track included which also closes the album.
01. Revenge (Flaming Lips)
