I can’t say that I like all of Penate’s jams. But I do like several of them. One thing that I particularly like is that his British accent can be heard in his vocals. A lot of his stuff almost reminds me of Vampire Weekend, with the calypso beats and such. Anyway, one of my favs is “Tonight’s Today.” Spin it.

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JNB has not had nearly enough electronica lately. Haters of club music– go ahead and scroll to the next post in your reader. Seriously though, electronica takes me to a place that no other genre can. I feel like the stuff that we have now is the stuff that the Limelight kids dreamed about tripping to, back in the day. It is so hard to put my finger on exactly what aspect of these types of tracks do it for me. So I guess that I will never really be able to describe it (defend it). If you happen to be a like minded or open minded individual, please enjoy this track by Crystal Castles– Suffocation

[img I love this shot, btw]

This time featuring NAS. If you saw “Fight for your right revisited,” then you probably recognize this track from the dance-off scene, which disturbingly ends in a pissing contest. Anyway, I think this track is pretty cool. I’m not particularly a fan of NAS. To be completely honest, I was a bit disappointed with the whole hotsauce album. But, I have been a fan of the B-boys for so long that I kinda just like whatever they do, even if they are pretty old and obviously not really trying anymore. For a good time, listen to “Too Many Rappers” (below).

Too Many Rappers [new reactionaries version] (featuring NAS) by Beastie Boys
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I like Wale for several reasons, but probably mostly because his name is pronounced “Wallay,” which is practically my dad’s name. And my dad is awesome. For real though, this is the time of year that I’m combing through my mp3s searching for tracks to motivate me while running. By the end of the season, I probably won’t even be wearing headphones. One, because I won’t need as much motivation anymore; Two, because I will likely have sweated another iPod to death. I know that this track is kind of old, but it is definitely not tired. Wale and Lady Gaga team up for “Chillin.” Yes, there is some swearin’. But this song gets me amped when playing in my ear-goggle turned up to 11. Press play.

What’s on your spring workout playlist?

Despite what I like to tell myself, not everything French is total crap. Some French stuff is actually quite good. Phoenix, for example, is pretty decent. I have to admit that I’m not super familiar with their work outside of their most recent studio album release “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.” The album is pretty good. But what is even better, in my opinion, are the stacks of remixed tracks from that album.  I have previously used one of such tunes for one of Reagan’s little hair tutorials. The track that I’m sharing here is the 25 Hrs a Day remix of “Fences.” Give it a spin.

[Photo: lifted from G-Images. I would also like to point out that I have the same scarf that the dude with the glasses is wearing (B. Republic Circa 2003)]

It has been a while since I have posted a throwback. Joy Division tapes were one of my staples, in my long haired skateboard riding days. Before I ever really heard much of their music, I was completely captivated by the whole Joy Division-New Order Kineckt. Stories about suicidal rock stars are easy for teenagers to become obsessed with. Ian Curtis is sort of like the Kurt Cobain of 1980. Anyway, I really like the music, quite a bit. It is like New Order, but with bite. Here is Digital.

[Photo: I don't know the source. But I would like to point out that Peter Hook (the guy on the right) is drinking a can of "Skol." Skol is Brazilian beer that can only be had in Brazil. Kinda cool.]

The name of the song is “Sleigh Bells.” That is the reason I chose this track. The lyrics aren’t particularly festive. In reality, I’m not even sure what the name even has to do with this track. Rill Rill is the artist. The track is a bit repetitive. But, I still fancy it. I have been working too much and am in dire need of a haircut. So, listen to Sleigh Bells.

Bonus: this has been one of my favorite Christmas tracks, since I was a new wave skateboard riding punk back in the early 90′s.  Check it.

It’s been a long freaking week already. I’m really actually excited for Christmas. If nothing else, for a bit of reprieve (and Piper time, of course). Stacks of love and holiday cheer to all of my amigos who have given audience to another year of the tripe the I find fit for print. Especially those who took the time to flow a bit a positive feedback, or constructive criticism (Kelvis).  </sentimental blabbering>

Going back to the high school days for this one. I thought I would throw it in today, since I finally met Mike Stipe, last week and snapped a photo of him at the Kiehl’s party (middle above). Reminisce over Orange Crush.

Reagan an I recently watched the documentary film “It might get loud.” I’m kind of surprised that we waited so long, since so many people had recommended it to me. The film profiles Jack White, Jimmy Page and The Edge. Each of them discuss their approach to playing guitar, their take on music, etc.. It was really cool. I have always been a huge Led Zeppelin fan. I was all over U2 in the late 80′s/early 90′s, but I can scarcely stand to hear Bono’s voice these days. I felt like The Edge had no business being in a film about rock guitar. But if nothing else, he provided some pretty stark contrast. And Jack White was (is really weird and) awesome. I have really been into the White Stripes for the past few years. “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” is probably in my top 10. But for whatever reason, until watching this film, I didn’t realize that Jack White was part of the Raconteurs. Their sound is a lot different than the White Stripes. It isn’t as consistent, either. But is still pretty solid stuff. I was trying for days to pick a good Raconteurs song to share, and ultimately punted. I’m sure that everyone has heard “Steady as she goes” a million times. But hey, it’s pretty good. So press play if you are feeling like hearing it one million and one times.

Over the weekend, I rescued this BIC turntable from the curb, when I was walking home from parking the car. It was before the monsoon started, so it hadn’t been exposed to the elements or anything. It just needed to have the dust wiped from it. It appears to be in working order. It isn’t super high end, or anything. It doesn’t even have strobe dots on the edge of the plate. But, for the price, I really can’t argue.

Now I finally have an excuse to start collecting vinyl again. There have been several times that I was tempted to buy a record, but reminded by Reagan that we had no turntables. I knew that purchasing some vinyl would just open an expensive can of worms. I knew that as soon as I bought an LP again, I would have been inclined to go out and buy some expensive Technics or Denon setup. I didn’t want to go down that road, especially since I don’t currently have the time to devote to that hobby.

This bad boy has a bit of character, too. BICs were manufactured on Long Island, and the company no longer exists. So in a way, it is kind of a collector’s item. Also, Reagan likes it, since it has a retro look to it. Yes, I just spent three paragraphs writing about a turntable that I found on the sidewalk. [Nerd]. Sorry.