Enjoy.
Thursday, January 22nd, 2009
Chew-Fu does it again, my friends. Last time, he remixed “Love Lockdown” to deep house perfection, and this time he’s back with a “Festival” refix of King’s of Leon “Use Somebody.”
The sound is pretty massive, and it’s definitely one of the best Kings of Leon remixes yet, check it out below:
Kings of Leon – Use Somebody (Chew Fu Festival Remix) [mp3]
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Saturday, January 17th, 2009
Alright ladies and gents, I’ve got a present for you. Fresh off a wonderful engagement at the Alpha Delta Phi house last night (shouts to all those who came out and enjoyed my table-dancing/what’s-my-age-again-playing antics), I’ve been working on this mashup all morning.
Some of you might have heard a version of this blend a while ago, I made it on the fly during my Summer Flow mixtape (worth a listen!). This is the polished standalone, a fantastic smoothie of deep/jazzy house (courtesy of Miguel Migs’ label) with reggaton superstar Pitbull’s anthem Culo. And since Culo was recorded below the mason-dixon line, of course we’ve got Lil Jon too!
You can cop it here:
Ezra Mechaber – schmoov x pitbull [mashup/blend] [mp3]
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Oh. I almost forgot. I’ve just been booked for ART AWAKE, UR’s first and only underground art/music show. March 27th, put it on yo’ calendars.
Friday, December 19th, 2008
9 inches of snow, apparently. That, is a shame. I have an exam this evening, but in the mean time here is some fantastic music:
Duffy feat. Wale – Warwick Avenue [mp3]
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The guitar comes in, a little vinyl cracke in the background, it swooshes into the beat and Wale rhymes over a lush beat and some thick strings. In his typical style of wordplay and wrapping each line into the next, he’s frustrated but still clever as he raps “You make me beat around the bush/Just to beat around your bush.” Duffy, though her appearance in her own track is limited (this is a remix, mind you), has a gorgeous voice. In the last 30 seconds of the song she really gets to shine, pained voice and all.
Colin Munroe – Piano Lessons [mp3]
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A pleasant piano plinking in the background, Munroe’s vocals in this track are fascinating – they get shifted up and down to pleasant intervals in the middle of a sentence, creating an oddly disjointed experience that comes together rather nicely. Joell Ortiz’s verse is pretty crisp, about a girl he’s crushing on who is learning to play piano.
Colin Munroe feat. Wale – Will I Stay [mp3]
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I’m not sure how I know the background beat already, but it’s reminiscent of some fabulous 70′s ish. His voice is so smooth. Dropping almost every 4th beat during the verse, the anticipation leading up to the chorus is great, and right after the first chorus Wale chimes in. He knows exactly when to ride over the beat and when to let it drop. The chorus itself is great, his “woah”s are the perfect crossover into power-pop anthem territory. Production note: the processed falsettos he throws into his songs is so funky, I’m feeling it.
And because the weather is just so perfect, it’s time to revive my favorite rap from a commercial ever. “Gifted like christmas ’cause I love to (w)rap” is a fantastic line and it’s telling that Common can make a better commercial than most rappers can do in a whole album.
Thursday, December 18th, 2008
With a Poli. Sci exam tomorrow evening, I’ve pretty much locked myself in the library today. I procrastinate and you win!
Charles Hamilton – Brooklyn Girls [mp3]
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His first real track was that “Windows Media Player,” made almost solely from using sounds from Windows 98. Amusing, and the lyrics were tight. This is a little bit more playable, and DJ Benzi (as an aside, his new mixtape 10 Deep is fantastic) has been hyping him like none other. This is some good stuff – the beat is energetic but not out of control. It hits hard but would sound equally at home in my car (1996 Green Toyota Camry, thanks for asking) with the windows down, or in the middle of a massive house-party. The lines are clever and while I prefer the WASP-y/JAP-y girls that reside in Massachusetts, who am I to quarrel with Hamilton’s taste?
Peter Gabriel & Hot Chip – Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa [mp3]
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Um… Holy shit. No, seriously. This is soooooo god-damn good. Considering that Vampire Weekend is probably one of my favorite groups right now, and that Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa is incredibly influenced by Peter Gabriel, I cannot believe this is actually happening. My favorite line? “Feels so unnatural, Peter Gabriel too. And it feels so unnatural… to sing your own name.” Oh, and did I mention that Hot Chip worked on this with him? I’m not Hot Chip’s biggest fan, but this is damn cool.
The only gripe? It sounds like this was recorded with the F-word in it and then they silenced it for the final editing. The end of the “do you want to” is cut off in a strange way. Apparently this was supposed to make the single version of this track but was never released. This makes procrastinating soooo much easier. Made my day. Made my day. Made my day.
Daniel Meriweather & Wale – Pot of Gold [mp3]
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This track must have come out a long time ago, cause it originally appeared on Mark Ronson’s “Get Chai” mixtape from like 2004 – around when he started working with Meriweather. That said, this has a Wale verse on it, and it sounds a little cleaner than the version I have from the last mixtape. It’s got a good piano feel, with some hard-hitting drums that would feel at home in an early 90′s hip-hop party anthem. Anyway, I highly recommend you check it out.
—
And… an amusing little music video from Wiley (featuring Daniel Meriweather’s voice). They did this in one take. How? Why? Thank you lord.
Tuesday, December 16th, 2008
So I was all set to post some good holiday songs and another Novel song, but the weather in Rochester is just not permitting – it got warm and sunny today. Wtf, world? Here I am, all set for the weather to get cold and you go and screw it all up. Those songs will get up by christmas, they’re great. Anyway, here’s some more weather-appropriate music.
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Rapping over Chromeo’s gorgeous “Momma’s Boy,” AC talks about his girl who’s a little too much like his mom. His message isn’t totally clear (“is it cause she’s loud or cause my shirts are downy fresh”/”told her sit up on my lap, she said no cause that’s her dad’s thing”) and it’s a little hard to tell how he feels. Does he like her? Does she like him? What’s this whole deal about the parents? Nobel attempt, but clarity was clearly not a priority. I always struggle to analyze something, thinking I just can’t understand it, and then I realize it’s just not well-written.
That said, his nice little dig at “Single Ladies” and Beyonce is amusing (“‘If I like you, better put a ring on it,’ – stupidest advice. This goes out to Sasha Fierce for ruining my life”).
It’s certainly better than the Jim Jones “Electric Feel” catastrophe, and I’m glad rappers enjoy new ‘indie’ music, but I wish they would do a little better with it. I’m sure there are some good examples, but the most recent thing that comes to mind is the Jay Z appearance on “Lost!” and I don’t even think that was actually him.
N.A.S.A. (feat. Kanye West, Santogold, Lykke Li) – Gifted [mp3]
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I don’t know how N.A.S.A. does it, but this duo is out of control. A track with three music blog all-stars? Fantastic. His other stuff features even more music superstars (E-40, Method Man, etc), and one of his music videos is complete with Shephard Fairey artwork. This song is great, and just in time for christmas. I really have no idea what they’re saying (but google Kanye’s verse, it’s fantastic. “I’m the king I will not be headed”? Totally sick). But anyway. Check it out. It’s good and stuff.
XV (feat. Ne-Yo) – Used To [mp3]
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This apparently didn’t make the new album (it should be out next year). I like a lot of his stuff so far, some of his flow and tone is like Lupe Fiasco, which is cool with me. It’s smooth and features the current heavy-hitter of Ne-Yo (the man does EVERYTHING). This is a good lazy afternoon track.
Monday, December 15th, 2008
Ah yes, the first day of finals. I have none myself, but I hear Organic Chemistry will be a bitch, so good luck to 90% of the University of Rochester. It’s a little rainy out today, and the view from my balcony is quite different than it was yesterday when it was cold and bleak.
Novel – Wild West (Breakbeat Version)
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His album, 808′s & Mixtapes, is pretty fantastic, with covers of Kanye and Lupe songs. He can sing without auto-tune, and his flow is pretty damn good too. I’ll post a few more tracks this week of his stuff.
M.I.A. – O Saya (feat. AR Rahman)
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Composed for Slumdog Millionaire, this new MIA joint is fantastic. The indian chants and fast tribal drums are so well played, it’s a great anthem and I’m just waiting on a remix for the dance floor, maybe I’ll do something myself over my winter break.
Sunday, December 14th, 2008
A few new tracks to make the snowy days go easier…
The Game and Lil Wayne – Red Magic [mp3]
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Originally from The Drought Is Over mixtapes, this song is sick. The beat is absolutely beautiful, some sharp and thick horn stabs with a beat that doesn’t mess around. While this never got officially released, it made it’s way onto a mixtape and then was finally released without the obnoxious “EMPIRE!” DJ talking over it.
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When I listen to it, it’s overcast and grey out as, riding in your car, waiting for the heat to warm up. It’s got a great piano sample and the drums are tight and understated. The only I think I don’t like about it is the sinister organ stab at the end of every 4 bars, but whatevs. It’s a good feel anyway.
Kings of Convenience – I Don’t Know What I Can Save You From (Mojib Remix) [mp3]
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This is gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous and melancholy. The original is really good, but this remix has the perfect breakbeat behind it, some incredible samples (including some strange vocal samples, talking about chord changes). The song is oddly compelling and the more I listen, the more I want to stick it on repeat.
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008
New Music At The End Of The Post…
Hey all, this post is coming at the end of an incredibly fun but hectic night. I was DJing at one of the fraternity houses on campus (@ University of Rochester), and a few kids got into a fight. The party went on, but eventually a knife was pulled and the whole thing had to be shut down. Not only that, there was also a mugging right on the fraternity quad. Fortunately everyone was apprehended and nobody was hurt, but what the hell is this? This is the University of Rochester, why the issues? People should be getting drunk and hooking up, not getting drunk and right hooking someone.
It might have put a slightly early end to my night (1:45 AM), but it was INCREDIBLE. There was table dancing, fun times, and the beer ran out a full hour before the party ended. Pictures will go up when I have them. This brings me to my next observation: there seems to be a new pattern every time I DJ. Whenever I DJ on campus, the frat runs out of beer at obscenely early hours. This means lots of people are showing up to drink and they’re getting drunk. But they’re also staying until obscenely late hours (aka 1 or 2 hours after the beer has really run out). This means a lot of people are liking what they hear. Good times for all involved. Except of course, for the mugger.
For all those who came out tonight, thank you. Especially for staying after all the beer was gone. And for all of those amused by me rocking out up on the table, you’re welcome. There were a few tracks that I promised people I would post, and here they are:
Kanye West – Love Lockdown (LMFAO remix)
So you’re not a fan of the new Kanye sound? You’re a hater, he is the first one to really use Autotune responsibly. You expected something like the College Dropout? Get real, he’s an artist and he moves in different directions. You want a remix you can get wasted and sweaty to? Alright, that’s a reasonable request. Try LMFAO’s remix of “Love Lockdown,” sweaty and crunk, with some added dirty lyrics to make the party just a little bit more ridiculous.
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X & Hell – My Fkn Hat
Well let’s be honest, we don’t really like the dress code. I’m not advocating for track suits and lounge wear, but you’re really gonna ask me to take my hat off? Dude, my hat reeks of style. Oh, yeah, maybe it is just sweat. Whatever though, it’s my fkn hat! Seriously though, this is good stuff.
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Lykke Li – I’m Good, I’m Gone
I hadn’t given Lykke Li a chance until just a few days ago. I don’t know entirely what’s wrong with me – first I put off listening to Vampire Weekend until the summer, and then I put off Lykke Li until the fall. Poor decision in both cases. Her voice is light but fierce, and the pianos in this track are just so right. Cheggit out.
That’s all folks, maybe I’ll get around to posting another mix soon. And I’ll be starting a night at one of the Rochester bars soon. And I’ll be DJing a number of formals and other parties before the end of the semester. And yes they’ll be good so stop by when you can. Speaking of good, the new Kanye, Ludacris, 88-Keys, Kaiser Chiefs, Britney Spears, and Q-Tip albums are all worth a listen. Get them where you will.
Friday, September 26th, 2008
Alright, so I’ll have a new mix out soon, I know I owe you one. But here are some great songs to hold you off:
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This song appeared in one of the new Nano ads, and I’m in love with it. It’s like if the Weepies’ “Gotta Have You” met and fell madly in love with Yaz’s “Only You.” It’s a little sad but really beautiful. Not what I would usually post on here, but I do love it.
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Featuring John Legend, this is one of my favorite tracks on the recently-leaked “Paper Trail” album that wasn’t already leaked beforehand. “What Up,” “No Matter What,” and “Like I Do” were all great but this is something different. His cadence is great, the way each line flows into the next, and John Legend’s hook is so not like typical T.I., it’s really a little welcome.
Kanye West – Love Lockdown (Chew Fu Small Room Mix)
This came out probably two weeks ago or so, and it’s worth posting even though you’ll find it all over Hype Machine. Chew Fu manages to do with it what Kanye should have. I’m glad Yeezy has been pushing in new directions but that track just isn’t quite there yet. This, however, is perfect. It’s deep, spacey, and yet still keeps the original spirit of the track
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I don’t know anything about this guy, other than the fact that this beat is incredible and his rap is pretty damn good. This is great Jazz/Hip-Hop fusion. The beat would fit right in with some tracks on Guru’s Jazzmatazz.
Estelle (Feat. Sean Paul) – Come Over
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Remind you of Diana King? Maybe a little? Either way, I like this one a lot, it’s a slow “stir-it-up” anthem and it’s nice to hear Sean Paul slow down a little himself.
And in the “I can’t believe I didn’t post this thing sooner” category…
Kardinall Offishall (feat. Pussycat Dolls) – Tide is High
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I’ve been sitting on this one for almost a month but I never got around to posting it. The beat is great, and the lyrics are so much better when sung by the Pussycat Dolls than Rhianna. Rhianna’s voice just sounds kinda… meh. The Dolls’ voices fit perfectly over this beat and blasting this thing may be my current favorite guilty pleasure.
Thursday, August 7th, 2008
This fall, at that frat you go to every weekend, you will be listening to these songs (if I have my way). Click the titles to download the mp3s, you can stream using the players.
This will be the best t-pain sounding song come this fall. you loved Bartender and Buy You A Drank, and now you need something else to pregame with. It’s this song. Just letting you know.
This is one of those songs that will invariably make its way into a few playlists here and there, purely for it’s appeal to girls. You know, those girls who “just want to dance.” But good news guys, every song that chicks love to dance to is one more opportunity for you to dance with them. Guys who request “good music” from DJs have it all wrong: if you get the girls dancing, the rest will follow – and if the girls are really enjoying the songs and having a blast, it makes your job easy. You can thank me later, after your 4th makeout during this song in the basement. You know, of that frat you always go to.
This song answers a deep need for a song that I never knew I wanted. It’s, without hesitation, my favorite college anthem. “What’s My Age Again?” is a classic rock anthem, no doubt. And “Because I Got High” was funny. Sorta. And then it sucked. So how do we make an anthem that doesn’t suck? Sample that guitar riff in “Say It Ain’t So” from Weezer, rap really well over the beat about getting wasted, rinse and repeat. As Roth so nicely puts it “Time isn’t wasted, when you’re getting wasted.” If this isn’t playing at every house on campus by the end of the first semester, I will be severely disappointed.