Abundance! GET IT!

I've been wanting to post this for a while now but it's better late than never! Just go buy the new album by Platinum Pied Pipers, 'Abundance'. It's rare in modern music for an entire album to be thorough from start to finish and really hold my attention. Abundance does just that. It's a beautiful amalgamation of r&b, funk, latin and house. The range of emotions captured in the lyrics help to quantify the diversity in the styles of music represented here. Focusing on the talents of lesser known artists solidifies the passion in the songs. From the uptempo single 'On A Cloud' to the more laid back 'Pigeon Hole' and to the club tracks like 'American Pimp' and 'Rocket Science' this album keeps you hooked in for the duration. The only disappointing part is when it ends, in which case you'll likely press play again or flip the record over.

Buy it direct from Ubiquity. While you're at it, buy their first album too if you don't have it yet (which you should).

Check them out on MySpace and even Wikipedia

On A Cloud (Feat. Karma Stewart)

Pigeon Hole (Feat. Coultrain)

American Pimp (Feat. Neco Redd)

Rocket Science (Feat. Coultrain & Karma Stewart)

I bet you didn't know

David Ellis

David Ellis is an amazing contemporary artist. I've seen a few of his pieces out of context and didn't look him up. Very inspiring work. What's truly amazing is how big his body of work is at this point and how diverse he is. I have to wonder though...were any of the records used, still good? I've seen some terrifying acts by artists that didn't know how hard certain records are to find and then just destroy them. Yes, painters and sculptors can also increase the costs and rarity of records. For all you people out there either doing art on/with vinyl or know people that do...PLEASE make sure they are worthless records!! I can't stress enough the importance of preserving hard to find records or even common records that are in excellent condition. Anyway, check this dudes' work.

Check out his site- FreshWaterCatfish


Hopewell (2008) from David Ellis on Vimeo.

Not a Lamborghini

I know...this looks like some bad bastardization of a Lamborghini Gallardo maybe from a Lampoon's vacation movie but it isn't. It's actually a really bad design for a blood mobile by an Indian architecture firm called Matharoo Associates. Now, I'm all for humanitarian design (see here) but this is atrocious. Personally I think they should stick with architecture. This thing is fugly!! Happy Pi Day!

Read more about this at DesignBoom

Closer With You

Chin Chin - "Go There With You" from Okayplayer on Vimeo.

Happy PI day!

In case you didn't know, today is a very important holiday that is often forgotten- Pi Day. Yes, as in the mathematical constant, π.
To learn More go to the official site of Pi Day

Kutiman remixes YouTube

Yeah, I know I'm late to post this. For those of you that haven't seen this you'll be shocked and for those of you that have seen it you'll still want to watch it again because it's DOPE!! Israeli producer Kutiman used only YouTube videos to create a new album! Kutiman is known for doing some nice remixes and some original material. Even though this project is technically a 'remix' since it's sample based, I would say it's original work because of the rearrangement and the thought process behind this. Sure, this is a great project but you should go buy his album and 7"s.

watch all the videos here at Thru-You

and check out Kutiman on myspace

Super Boo

I was feeling this on the mixtape but the video really puts it over the top! So sexy.

Audiowood

Joel Scilley makes beautiful wooden turntables and and is partner in FiveTen Studio in Oakland. He makes these turntables on his own terms but will also work with clients to create anything you want. I know this one looks more like london broil but it's actually wood. Maybe it will look like wood to me when I'm not so hungry.?

go to his site- AudioWood

Afro Punk documentary

Big up to my man Daniel 'Gravy' Thomas & his band Philmoore Browne for being a part of this. Gravy is an AMAZING writer and performer...if you ever get the chance, go see Philmoore Browne live and go buy their music!! Also, to Chuck Treece and McRad whom I don't know personally but share mutual friends. Chuck has been pretty important to the music scene in Philly for a looong time. Did I see Major Taylor too!!??

Go To AfroPunk.com to learn more.

Growing Wall

I just stumbled upon this while researching for something totally unrelated. Just thought I'd share. Enjoy!


Transplant: Cycle of Mutation/Growing Wall from Transplant on Vimeo.

Ain't Got No...I've Got Life

Another classic by the original funky soulstress, Nina Simone. Last time I posted a new video for the classic Feelin' Good and now is this epic live recording of one of my personal favorites "Ain't Got No...I've Got Life". Man, I wish I had this version on vinyl...I just have the studio version on 45, which is still dope. Her outfit and hair here reminds me of the cartoon character in several Miles Davis gatefold covers such as 'On the Corner' and 'Big Fun'. You'll want to watch this again so, bookmark it (or just bookmark my custom search).