Call + Response Documentary
By Nathan | December 2, 2008
Did you know that there are more slaves today than there were during the days when Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation? In fact there are some 27 million men, women, boys and girls that are being trafficked for labor, sex and profit. And this isn’t just in the third world countries where poverty rules the day. In fact 17, 500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the U.S. every year. When I first learned about this I could hardly believe it. This shocking truth was first revealed to me 2 years ago after reading a book by then 14-year old Zach Hunter, who after learning that slavery still exists started a campaign he called Loose Change to Loosen Chains where he asked his classmates to give all of their change that they had in the pocket to help free modern day slaves. In just the first two weeks he raised $6,000 at his high school. And through his efforts of bringing it to many different schools accross the country has raised countless more. I was blown away and have used this kid’s story to encourage kids and help them understand that they truly can make a difference if they put their mind to it.
Well I just recently read about another guy who was disturbed by the number of modern day slaves their are in this world and wanted to do something about it. Musician Justin Dillon and Fair Trade Pictures decided the best way to for them to make a difference was through their new documentary Call + Response, which hit theaters in October. Call + Respones “goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.” And he brings us these shocking truths along with a stellar soundtrack from numerous Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Talib Kweli, Matisyahu, Cold War Kids, and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal. These talented artists help move this “chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.” This is the kind of thing that I believe music should be about. It should be about revealing truth and about bringing forth change. So please check this film out and let it change you. And please listen to these great songs, but if you like them, please don’t just rip them off my site. Please go to Itunes and buy them off the soundtrack. Because all profit from the film, dvd, and soundtrack go to different non-profit organizations that are helping to fight slavery such as International Justice Mission.
Cold War Kids - We Used to Vacation
Topic: music blogging | No Comments »
Tags: cold war kids, documentary, emmanuel jal, justin dillon, matisyahu
New Third Eye Blind EP
By Nathan | November 30, 2008
Third Eye Blind is coming out with their first new material in over five years. That is right. I was still in high school the last time these guys released an album. And you can make fun of me all you want, but I am looking forward to hearing the new EP, Red Star. These guys might just be the epitomy of pop candy. They are the kind of stuff that when taken in small doses can get you on a real high. But too much of them will make you sick. The first single is pretty ridiculous, but I enjoyed it none-the-less. Don’t get me wrong, they sucked it up when I saw them open for Counting Crows, and they aren’t even in the same league as most of the artist we write about on here. But that doesn’t mean they can’t provide a great time with a song that has a killer hook, a catchy melody, and a sing-along chorus. Again, be careful to take this in small doses…or your ears might literally bleed.
Third Eye Blind - Non-Dairy Creamer
Topic: music blogging | 1 Comment »
Tags: counting crows, third eye blind
New Releases From Kanye and Stephen Colbert
By Nathan | November 28, 2008
So as you can tell I was kind of rushed putting together my post about this week’s notable releases and failed
to mention two very big ones that came out this week. The first one was the foxtail sportin’ Kanye West with his new album 808s & Heartbreak. Never been a huge Kanye fan, in fact most of my feelings toward him stem from my annoyance at the stupid things he has done and said. But musically I’ve been pretty impartial. He’s definitely gotten me to move with the beat more than once, but I’ve never been impressed with any album as a whole. But I’ve been more impressed so far upon the first listen to Hearbreak than I have so far. Maybe that is because it isn’t your typical hip-hop record, nor is it typical Kanye. In no way can you refer to this as a rap album. West sings throughout the entire album using the Auto-Tune effect and a TR-808 drum machine on every track. It sounds much more like an 80’s post punk album than a hip-hop or R&B record, which may be why I am able to enjoy it more than his previous works. But I still hesitate to give the most egotistical artist of our time any sort of props. I seriously don’t understand how this guy has been able to consistently capture the attention of both the main-stream radio listeners and the indie music snobs.
Now with this other release that I foolishly overlooked, I am baffled at how more people have not fallen in love with this guy. For those of you who are not avid watchers of the Colbert Report, this past Tuesday night 
Stephen Colbert, the current host of the Colbert Report teamed up with an all-star cast of musicians to bring to us a A Colbert Christmas. With the help of Willie Nelson, John Legend, Feist, Toby Keith, and Elvis Costello, Colbert is in search of a Christmas miracle. And a miracle is what he brings to us, with the release of this absolutely hysterical that came out on Thanksgiving Day. I don’t want to say to much in fear of spoiling what was one of the best and funniest Christmas musicals I have ever seen. Beyond just creating something for us to sing along and laugh to this holiday season, Colbert is also bringing joy with to those who can’t even afford a tv with which to watch his Christmas special, by donating a large portion of the proceeds to Feeding America. I just can’t say enough about how awesome I think this guy is. Here is a little glimpse into the humor and talent that is filled throughout this Christmas special, with John Legend and Stephen Colbert performing Nutmeg…
Here is a tracklist of the soundtrack to let you more of what you can expect.
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All
01 Stephen Colbert: “Another Christmas Song”
02 Toby Keith: “Have I Got a Present for You”
03 Feist: “Please Be Patient”
04 Stephen Colbert and Willie Nelson: “Little Dealer Boy”
05 Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart: “Can I Interest You in Hannukah?”
06 Stephen Colbert and John Legend: “Nutmeg”
07 Stephen Colbert, Elvis Costello, Feist, Toby Keith, John Legend, and Willie Nelson: “(What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace, Love and Understanding”
08 Stephen Colbert, Elvis Costello, Feist, Toby Keith, John Legend, and Willie Nelson: “There Are Much Worse Things to Believe In”
09 Stephen Colbert: “A Cold, Cold Christmas”
Topic: music blogging | No Comments »
Tags: kanye west, stephen colbert
RW: Soulwax’s take on Eleanor Rigby
By Cody | November 26, 2008
As the holidays near, i’m starting to wonder what I’m thankful for. The first thought is definately remixes. And if I’ve learned anything over the last few months, you can’t be thankful for remixes without Soulwax.
One of my favorite remix outfits, Soulwax hasn’t spread themselves too thin. Sometimes operating under different names, such as Too Many DJ’s, and other unknown aliases, the guy’s aren’t afraid to make some noise.
Familiar with the phrase, “If you’re not pissing someone off, you’re not trying hard enough?” Well these guys surely are, taking plenty of songs that most people would soundly think do NOT need remixing, and here we are gathered to talk about one such instance.
I love the Beatles. A lot of people love the Beatles, and apparentyly the guys @ Soulwax do too. Their remix of Eleanor Rigby shows some real love to the original version.
A few small notes I took when I first “tasted” the song:
- DRUMS?!??
- instrumental
- works with the original flow of the song
- keeps some of the stereo effects of the original piece
- very electronic sounding
- about the same length as the original song
Note: If you perfectly overlay the two songs…. it’s amazing.
Well with that I’ll leave you this remix, and have a happy & safe thanksgiving!
The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby (Soulwax Remix)
Topic: remix wednesday | 8 Comments »
Tags: mp3, remix, soulwax, the beatles
Bon Iver to Release New EP ‘Blood Bank’
By Nathan | November 25, 2008
Bon Iver is coming out with a new EP January 20 titled Blood Bank. Those lucky enough to catch him on his December tour won’t have to wait that long though. Vinyl copies of the EP will be for sale at all of the shows, and those that purchase the 12″ will get access to a free digital download that will be available when the album is officially released. According to the press release, “as much as “For Emma, Forever Ago” is about the cold, the Blood Bank collection is about the warmth that gets you through it.” I know I could use some warmth during these cold winter months. This sounds like an EP that is actually worth it. Too bad he isn’t coming my way. I swear I live in a musical desert. Hopefully I’ll be able to turn that around one of these days. Well stop reading my pointless rants and start watching and listening to this great performance. Here is a video of Vernon performing the title track in front of a live audience.
Topic: music blogging | No Comments »
Tags: bon iver