audible-approval: BVSC and The Clash Live

Buena Vista Social Club performed on the 98 Grammys and I remember being absolutely blown away by them. I was in High School at the time, and Latin/Cuban music was far from what typically interested me musically. But these guys kicked ass. I remember watching a 70 year old(ish) Ibrahim Ferrer working the stage like a champ. Incredible energy. Standing ovation. Right after they finished, the camera panned to the left, and Ricky Martin performed (it was a year Latin music was popular). It was like winning the lottery, but as they hand you the cheque, 23 midgets jump out nowhere, kick your a**, and run off with the money. Dirty.

I picked up the first Buena Vista Social Club album the next day. It was great, incredible even, but it didn't reproduce the energy that I felt watching them live on TV the day before.

The live album (BVSC Live At Carnegie Hall) reproduces that energy.

Sample some of the new albums tracks here.
...or...
Buena Vista Social Club via MySpace


If you're into the live album thing, more than worthy of a mention is the new Clash album "Live at Shea Stadium" (coincidentally also recorded in NY). Strummer does some nice freestyling at one point, and the band does some fun things with some of their tunes. Probably my favourite Clash live performance. This was a time when their loyal Euro fans had labelled them "sell outs" as a result of the band agressively seeking popularity in the U.S.

You can listen to some of the live tracks on their website here.

local-nights / audible-approval: Dark Disco

Checked out a heavy beat night yesterday(Minimal/Dub/2step). Great tunes, o.k turn out. But smaller gigs are fun for different reasons. There was supposed to be some D'n'B/MCing, but it didn't happen.

They have some 20+/- minute mixes free for download on their website. Familiar beats, but lovely mixing. If you're not familiar with this stuff, definitely give it a shot.

Dark Disco MP3 Downloads:
Mr.Bump (2step / UK Garage / UK House)
Jas Nasty (Dub / Dubstep / 2step / UKG)
Cyan (Minimal/Dub/Detroit Techno)

audible-approval: Notorious + MGMT + Justice

I'm not a huge fan of Justice's remix of MGMT's "Electric Feel"... but things have changed.

Brooklyn based DJ and producer ddpesh has mashed up the remix with Notorious B.I.G.'s "Nasty Boy". It brings this track to the next level, filling up some of the instrumental voids that I wasn't so impressed with.

Free download courtesy of Hot Biscuit (an epic electro/disco blog)...
MGMT vs Notorious B.I.G. vs Justice - Nasty Feel (ddpesh Rework)

audible-approval: El Guincho mix tape

Alegranza is an album that specializes in one thing: making you feel good. Barcelona's very own El Guincho has crafted songs that are dynamic, upbeat, and appealing to varying musical tastes. Filled with samples and sounds inspired by tribal beats, dub, reggae, and old school rock'n'roll.

Equally as good is his mix tape ...
"Presenting gorila contra bear, an awesome new 30+ minute mixtape put together by Barcelona's El Guincho, featuring an eclectic selection of obscure songs from all over the world."

Enjoy it free right here ...



Sample some of his new tracks...
El Guincho via Myspace
* El Guincho is currently on a North American Tour.

ocular-fetish: Toshiba "timesculpture"

The Matrix + Modern HD Cameras + Hipster Blood =


...featuring the track "Air War" by Crystal Castles.

audible-approval: White Denim

* High energy, danceable, rock-blues
* Three guys from Austin, Texas
* Moderate success in the U.K
* Solid filthy sound

A pretty decent music video...



Sample some of their tunes...
White Denim via MySpace