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Monday, December 31, 2012

New Music for a New Year. Happy 2013!



2013 is upon us, my friends. Whether you are planning a wild night on the town, or something chill at home with a few loved ones, I thought you might enjoy a little new music. Here you will find a playlist to help ring in the New Year. It features 3 groups that have caught my eye recently. First, Rhye, the L.A.-based soul duo of Mike Milosh and Robin Hannibal. This mysterious group has released only 3 songs through online leaks, but each one hints at the potential quality of Rhye's debut album, Woman, due for release in the U.S. on March 5th. Then we have a few tracks from the British indie-pop band The XX, whose 2nd album, Coexist was released last September. And finally, Visioneers, a Marc Mac Jazz-meets-hip-hop studio project dedicated to producers like Jay Dee, Pete Rock, and Jazzy Jeff.

Be sure to check out the video for the remix of Rhye's "The Fall". The old-school soul train dance line is not to be missed...

Happy new year, you lovely people! I hope 2012 leaves you with fond memories, and 2013 brings new adventure and happiness.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Warning: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Are About To Take Over the World


Last week a good buddy of mine posted "Thrift Shop", by the Seattle-based duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on Facebook. The song is a beyond catchy head-bobber, and the video is hilariously over the top. In the best way possible.

 Like, you should really watch it right now.


Then, another friend posted a performance they recently did for NPR's Tiny Desk concert series. It's 15 minutes of great live performance ("Same Love", "Thrift Shop", and "Can't Hold Us"), demonstrating that these two have more to offer than just fun, lighthearted hip-hop.



Not sure what the future holds for this crew, but don't be surprised in a week or two when you can't go anywhere without hearing them. Apparently "Thrift Shop" has already passed the 35 million views mark on youtube...

I must say I am surprised and impressed. This stuff really got me going, especially the anthemic, "Can't Hold Us". You gotta love a group that with one breath is brave enough to address LGBTQ civil rights through hip-hop ("Same Love"), and with another drops rhymes about being a "cold-ass honky" for stealing your grandpa's style ("Thrift Shop"). Excuse me while I play these 3 tracks on repeat for the next month.

Oh, and here are videos for "Can't Hold Us", "Same Love", and an interview where the duo discussing the motivation behind "Same Love". Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' debut album, The Heist, was released this past October.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Passing of a Legend: Dave Brubeck (December 6, 1920 – December 5, 2012)


The world said goodbye to a musical icon yesterday when Dave Brubeck, the legendary jazz pianist and composer, passed away due to heart failure a day before his 92nd birthday. The outpouring of admiration and commemoration going on right now in honor of his life is a profound, worldwide, and appropriate tribute to a man that has consistently revolutionized his art form from the moment he formed The Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1951 to his recordings and tours as recent as 2011.

With a life of creativity spanning so many years, I am at a bit of a loss to know what to say about this wonderful musician. In truth, when I first heard of Brubecks' death I thought of my father. It was my dad who gave me a CD of Time Out when I was in middle school. It was my dad who took my sister and I to see Brubeck live at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. a few years later. Brubecks' music was a constant in our home. These events had a deep impact on my life. They inspired me to play music, to try and emulate the greatness I was being exposed to. I became obsessed with "Take Five", and as a young saxophonist I went a bit crazy with pride when I finally mastered Paul Desmonds' iconic melody from that track. Like many people I interpret this loss through my personal experience, which brings floods of memories, sadness, and joy. I hear this music and it makes me smile. It's so mysterious, captivating, and above all, beautiful.

Below you will find 6 videos of my favorite Brubeck songs from performances in the 60's, 90's, and 2000's. I also posted a few brief interviews with Brubeck from over the years. I love hearing the man talk about his art, and his motivations behind it. I hope those of you that are familiar with Brubeck, and those of you who are not, can take a minute to check these out. Rest in peace, and thank you.



Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Top 10 Playlist, Vol. 8


Well, I have been a bit behind in this AudioIn-AudioOut thing lately. I returned today to find the site where I host my playlists (mixpod.com) has been taken down. Crap! So I figured what better way to learn a new process for creating video playlists than to create a new Top 10!


This edition features some baby-makin' music from the likes of Miguel, The Weeknd, and Frank Ocean, as well as the best song Bruno Mars ever made, the banging new track from M.I.A., and a wonderful remix of a Passion Pit song. Check 'em out below.