Kanye Samples the World!

"Black Skinhead" came out of nowhere for me. This SNL performance happened a couple weeks ago, but I was driving home this past Friday and Gary Glitter's "Rock n' Roll" came on Hot97...what? While I was stoked, I was still confused...then Kanye kicked in and I vaguely remember hearing about this sample usage.

But hearing the SNL performance, I can't hear the sample truly. It sounds more like Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus," but Marilyn Manson's version. A sample of a sample. Though the most confirmed truth is it's a sample of Glitter, which works for me either way. I was excited because on one of the 'Metal Evolution' series, Scott Ian said something to the effect like where else can nu-metal go? Hip hop and industrial...sounding pretty damn innovative here.

I'm actually going to buy this album because after hearing "Send It Up" played today...dude.

As If Summer Couldn'T Get Hotter

LOVE this new one from Alicia Keys and Maxwell. What R&B should be. Plus, love the video concept and Maxwell...I forgot how sexy he is. And of course, Alicia looks gorgeous as always.

NIN is Back?

And they're coming back haunted! Haha...oh, I'm too funny.

But yeah, I didn't realize they are coming back with a new album this September and the first single, "Come Back Haunted," is released. I like it and hear a hint of Benny Benassi - but that's just me and my weirdo mind.

Total Abandonment

I completely dropped off with keeping up with this blog. But after spending my Memorial Day on the couch watching the 'Metal Evolution' series, I'm embarking on my own quest - to listen to an album a day and write my quick thoughts. I want to listen to the classics, any genre, but particularly albums that came out when I was younger and musically aware that are now considered groundbreaking works.

So, I'm going to get started on that and hope I can keep it going through the summer at least.

Will.I.Am and the Biebs

I'm only into this song when the chorus with Justin kicks in.

Will say that the video is beautifully done and the styling/art direction is perfection. Can we also agree that 'harem pants' ONLY work on dudes? I like the faux-skirt look on men as with Will.i.Am and various Kanye productions.

Death From Above 1979 - Governors Ball After Party

After parties for Governors Ball this year were just released and the one not to miss is Death From Above at Irving Plaza on Friday, June 7th, with Fucked Up.

Was so great to hear being I'm unable to make it out for the entire fest. Never got to see these guys back in the day and have been waiting for a chance to see one of the random shows they've been doing. Wasn't it at SXSW that a huge riot broke out? Silly hipsters.

Greeley Estates - Devil Son

Wow. OK, if you've slept on Greeley Estates before, wake up! Their new EP Devil Son is incredible. It's mature Greeley Estates and is more moody and intricate than what I've heard from them before. Plus, it's heavy at times, but lets more clean vocals from Ryan Zimmerman come through.

Really impressed by this effort from the band that never dies.

You can give it a listen here on their Band Camp

Tracklist:
1. Devil Son
2. Marionette
3. Turn The Night Away
4. The World You Used To Know
5. The Killing Fields
6. Porcelain
7. Cut Me Out