King James Presents...Bun B-The King of the Underground

King James Presents...Bun B- The King of the Underground

Okay, as promised, here is another Bun B mixtape that collects his verses. It's an amazing document, another attempt to chronicle the career of one of the greatest. The reason for the upload is the complete lack of info or even availability to buy a copy, as I feel the need to spread the man's music as much as possible. I just feel that this should be heard by everyone, especially those just getting into Bun's music. It is a long one, 3 discs worth of music, 190 MB. It's a similar concept to the Rapid Ric one, King of the Trill (which can still be downloaded at Houston So Real) featuring Bun's guest appearances and mixtape songs.

Of course, you're playing yourself and me if you haven't copped the new album, Trill. Go here and buy it, as it gets better with each listen. It's going to be talked about as the best album of the year, so get in now.

Please leave thanks or complaints in the comments section, as I wasn't sure if posting a whole mixtape made sense.

-Ooowee, I came across this older post over at Government Names while looking for more DJ Screw info. An amazing job by Dylan_K, as he reviews 10 Screw tapes that kill it. This isn't your basic overview (like what I spit out all the time), but instead is an amazing piece that ties criticism, humor and history together. I'll probably come back to this one again. Check out Government Names, the best source on the music coming out from below the Mason-Dixon line, simply the best.

-An even bigger holy shit with this story in today's New York Times. We now learn that Dick Cheney was Scooter Libby's source for the name of Joe Wilson's wife at the CIA. This means that Libby lied in his grand jury testimony, when he told Patrick Fitzgerald that a journalist was his source. Jane Hamsher at firedoglake believes that Cheney committed perjury. Larry Johnson discusses this latest news, wondering about the names lurking in the background. Steve Clemons hammers home the key point: "For now, we can know that the Vice President of the United States was neck-deep in this affair and knew it ALL along."

-Great commercial for Guinness beer, especially in light of this Pennsylvania case. [Via Crooked Timber]

UGK and DJ Screw

Bun B and Pimp C freestyles over UGK's "Fuck My Car"

Bun B freestyle over Mac-10's "Fo Life"

Pimp C and Grace freestyle over MC Lyte's "Keepin' On"

Bun B and Grace freestyle over Ice Cube's "Check Yo Self"

Pimp C freestyle over Lady of Rage's "Afro Puffs"

Again, I must reiterate that UGK sound so perfect slowed down, or at least, they sound perfect to me. [Disclaimer: I actually like music screwed and chopped, and listen to DJ Screw tapes for fun. No, I am not kidding. And yes, this does mean that I am on a special FBI watch list originally formed to keep track of white guys with dreads.] It's just something about Bun and Pimp's drawls that fit perfectly with the slowwwwwed down sound, as these tracks hopefully verify.

These tracks come off of the Ridin' Dirty tape, and should give you a sense of the screwed sound. Slow, woozy, audio molasses. Side A of the tape is mostly Bun B and Pimp C freestyles over other beats (West Coast classics, mainly), all tracks screwed by the master, DJ Screw a.k.a. Robert Davis. These tracks should also give you a great sense of the DJ Screw tapesthat are slowly spreading East and West. This is a good one, one of those amazing documents of the UGK bols in a laid-back environment just dropping verses for the hell of it. It's necessary just for the Pimp free-flow speech at the end of Side A: ""Screw fuck with my..." Bitch, Screw don't fuck with your old busted ass cousin." Go here to grab this tape and all the others, as this is the only official site, the only one that benefits Robert Davis' estate. We will come back to Screw, when I have more material to post up.

-Great Bun B inteview over at The Fader, properly titled "Royalty."

-Speaking of great things in Texas, Tom Delay was booked Friday morning in lieu of his indictment on money laundering and conspiracy charges. Above is his mugshot (via The Smoking Gun), where he attempted his first human gesture with that "natural" smile. We'll see if he is still wearing that smug, shit-eating grin when he heads to prison, and if they let him keep his toupee and dentures so shiny and clean-looking in the slammer.

-I'm going to upload another Bun B mixtape later tonight, King James Presents...Bun B-The Underground King. It's a long one, 3 CDs, and an amazing document of the man. Have you bought his fucking album yet? Go here and buy it now.

Cam'ron Shot In Failed Carjacking

I just saw this one on the wire, although it may be old news to many. Cam'ron was shot early this morning in Washington D.C., as an attempted carjacking turned violent. It sounds like Cam'ron, a.k.a. Cameron Giles, is okay, and in no serious risk, as the bullet hit both his arms. Go here to read a better account at SOHH.com, and here to read MTV's coverage.

Favorite part of the story: his manager is called Big Joe in the Reuters story. Just Big Joe, no last name, no quotes around Big, nothing. We are all living in a Dip Set world now.

-In other breaking news today, it seems likely Patrick Fitzgerald is planning on bringing charges this week in the Valerie Plame leak case. Go here for the story, here for a helpful look at the cast of this story, and here to see the website that the feds set up Friday afternoon. It's going to be an interesting week, as I can barely sleep at the thought of Rove, Libby et al being indicted.

-I am going to put up a special mixtape or two this coming week, finish up the look at UGK and generally kill it. It's just a real big week for the country, people, a real big week.

UGK Chopped and Screwed

UGK, Diamonds and Wood (chopped and screwed by DJ 007)

UGK, Let Me See It (c+s by DJ 007)

UGK, Pinky Ring (c+s by DJ 007)

Here are some tracks off of the Jive Records Presents: UGK Chopped and Screwed album, a sort of greatest hits album given the slowed down treatment by DJ 007. These are some of the better tracks, which isn't saying much. I cannot recommend this one at all, as DJ 007 does a horrible job. Horrible! Some songs sound terrible (distortion?), as the bass is up too high. He doesn't chop the songs with any skill, instead just sort of randomly repeating a line here and there. Finally, he doesn't really screw most of the songs, as they don't sound noticeably slower. The whole thing just seems sloppy and opportunistic, another chance for Jive to milk a few more bucks out of the group that they screwed over for years.

Our next post will feature the master's take on UGK, as I will post up some of DJ Screw's interpretations of UGK. It really doesn't get any better, and might be the conclusion of our Bun B week.

-More Plame news, as this thing heads to its conclusion. Go here to read the New York Daily News' scoop that Bush has known of Karl Rove's involvement in leaking Valerie Plame's name for TWO years! Go here to read Americablog's speculation about the possible problems for the President in all of this. Josh Marshall raises more great questions at Talking Points Memo.

-The reaction in the blog world has been spot-on with regard to Judith Miller's involvement with the Valerie Plame scandal, calling everyone out on this embarrassment. Greg Mitchell at Editor & Publisher has the best piece, calling on the New York Times to fire Miller and apologize to its readers for this disgrace. Arianna Huffington continues to put Judith Miller and the Times on blast (all of her posts are fire), and this is one of my favorites along those lines. Matthew Gross has a nice analogy on what this case is for the Times, and offers a nice summary of blog links.

-On a lighter note (mmm, puns are sexy!), it turns out that fatter guys are more trustworthy and less prone to cheating. Before us fat guys get too happy, the reason is that we have less testosterone because of our giant bellies, i.e. we are lesser men. Science has just gotten meaner, hasn't it?

Big Pimpin'

Jay-Z (feat. Bun B and Pimp C), Big Pimpin' (screwed by DJ Screw)

I'm heading back to Philly today, so this is gonna be a quick update. One of my favorite tracks of all-time, Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin'," brought the UGK bols to the world. By world, I really mean myself, which should be expected from someone who has a blog. Anyway, Bun and Pimp C kill it on this one, and I imagine it as a watershed moment for Southern rap. Here is the heavyweight of the game, Jigga, thinking highly enough of the duo to put them on a track. To top it off, they don't just hold their own, they go Buster Douglas and win the battle.

Above is the DJ Screw version, slowed down and chopped up like only the master can do it. There's just something so right about this song slowed down, especially when Pimp drops that "What y'all know about dem Texas boys", hearing that drawl slowed to molasses is stunning. Amazing stuff, straight from one of DJ Screw's remastered CDs, Crumbs to Bricks. Go here to buy this Screw CD and all the rest of the remastered tapes at the official site. More screwed UGK tomorrow.

-Lots happened this weekend in the Valerie Plame federal investigation, too much to get to in a single post. First, the New York Times finally got around to write a piece detailing this story that has ensnared "the paper of record." Go here for Judith Miller's account of her testimony to the grand jury, her telling of the story that she is now at the center of.

-Go here for the latest rumor, one that seems too good to be true. Dick Cheney as the focus of the Patrick Fitzgerald investigation? That's what sources are saying.

-R5 Productions has put together an amazing three-day series of psychedelic, free-rock, whatever-you-want-to-call-it at the First Unitarian Church. Boris tonight, Black Dice tomorrow, and the Acid Mothers Temple on Thursday. 22nd and Chestnut. $25 for all three shows.

UGK- Side Hustles

Rob Jackson and Bun B, Breakin' Sketti

Celly Cel and UGK, Pop the Trunk

A quick word on the musical selections. These tracks come from Side Hustles, the UGK CD that Jive put out in 2002, featuring various guest appearances and whatnot. The sad part is that this is the last UGK release (for now), as Pimp C was incarcerated a year before this one even came out. Buy it here, although I would recommend getting their four albums first. Jive put this one out to make some money, and so you get a thrown-together feel on it. While there's nothing amazing on here, definitely nothing to rival the tracks on Ridin' Dirty, this is a nice chance to get some harder-to-find, obscure songs in one package.

-The Sixth Borough Invades! Oxy Cottontail puts together her greatest event yet: What's Rilly Philly?! Low Budget and Cosmo Baker spinning at Sway tonight. Check the amazing flier by Semen for all the info. We run New York.

UGK- Ridin' Dirty

UGK, One Day

UGK, Diamonds and Wood

UGK, Fuck My Car

It seems like a great time to put up some UGK tracks for your listening pleasure, after hearing how great the Bun B and Pimp C songs are on the new one. Plus, we do talk about Southern rap all the time, so it makes sense to talk about the originators, the group that helped pave the way for all the that has transpired recently.

These first tracks come off their stone cold classic Ridin' Dirty. This album should be talked about in the same breath as other classic hip hop albums (Illmatic, Ready to Die, etc.), but unfortunately it came out before the South ran things, Jive did a terrible job promoting these guys, and people just weren't ready for this sound. If you do not have this album, go here and buy it immediately. There are no excuses, especially if you are reading this fucking blog. It still sounds fresh-- nearly 10 years later, it's still the standard by which all other Southern rap is judged. The slowed down, funk sounds, the down-South slang, and the tales of drugs and women and everyday life all came together perfectly on this album, the duo's best.

Next up, a few tracks from Side Hustles, a compilation of remixes and guest appearances and general miscellany.

-Go here for more UGK talk, as Cocaine Blunts & Hip Hop Tapes is doing his usual scholarly, intelligent take on all things hip hop. I almost hate to delve into the same topic, as I know that he's gonna bring an 'A' game that consists of history lesson/aesthetics/rare songs for download. Imma see what I can do, as I ain't ready to concede defeat yet.

-Serg at So Many Shrimp is also paying respect to Bun B the last few days. It's clear that we did not coordinate our uploading, as we put up most of the same songs. All is not lost, as he put up "The Story" from Trill, a nice intro and history lesson before you listen to what goes up here over the next few days. Bun tells the story of UGK, their dealings with Jive, and his brother Pimp C going to jail. As Serg says, "These might be country rap tunes but this is about as hiphop as it fucking gets. If you want to front on bun well then don't ever bother reading this website ever again because you're a worthless piece of shit." Hit up Serg's blog, Beer and Rap, for some rants, San Fran stuff, hip hop, etc.

Bun B- Trill

Bun B, Bun

Bun B, What I Represent

Pound for Pound has atoned, so it's back on. In fact, having shed my sins and a few pounds, things are going to be real serious in here, as we're feelin' so focused. As promised, here are a few more cuts from the new Bun B album, Trill. These are two of the only cuts that feature only Bun or Bun and Pimp C, which is a shame, as they are too of my favorites.I might put up a full album review in a few days, but who knows? I will post up again later tonight, as that last song seems like the perfect jump-off point for a leap back and highlight some UGK tracks. Not sure how well-known this shit is, but it will help to explain why this man is so important, why a who's who wants to drop a verse on this album (Jigga, Luda, T.I., Scarface, et al) and why he is the Underground King.

Free Pimp C!

No Food Til Sundown!

Bun B (feat. Lil Keke), Draped Up

Bun B with Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Lil' Flip, Z-ro & Aztek, Draped Up (remix)

Okay, I'm gonna to start to dig a little deeper into the Bun B archive here at Pound for Pound after the High Holidays. That's right, I just wrote that. And what? In the meantime, I figured that I would drop the lead single (at least I think it is) that's been leaked from the new album, The Trill, since that's what it's all about. "Draped Up" is a good one, a classic Bun song with that amazing voice and slow, authoritative flow front and center. I love the synth in the background, as it adds a real menacing feel that I like. The remix is crazy, bringing together everyone who lives in the city of Houston except Tom Delay. It's nice to see all these young guns showing their respect, and doing whatever they can to help the godfather out, but, honestly, I just want to hear Bun right now.

-The great Cuban Links has the remix up as well, and a few other goodies. He has the great idea of someone writing a history of the posse cut, which sounds perfect for Sasha Frere-Jones. Go here now, as he has a ton of great songs and words up right now. It's really great to have him back posting on the regular, for real.

-I have begun my fast, so this is the last post until tomorrow night. I hope that you can survive without me, although it's understood that this is going to be a tough 24 hours for everyone. It could get ugly, like that time Elaine had to fast for 3 days before an X-ray and was seeing like the wall move and talking about "mountains of duck" and asking who "tastes the dog food." Real ugly.

P.S. The title is meant to be read in the same cadence as The Beastie Boys' "No Sleep Til Brooklyn." Just an FYI.

P.P.S. More songs from the new album tomorrow.

Shame Shame Shame

Juvenile, Gold Mouth (feat. Bun B and Ghetto Life)

Paul Wall, Dat's What Dat Is (feat. Bun B)

Three 6 Mafia, Sippin' On Some Syrup (feat. The Diplomats and Bun B)

Young Jeezy, Trap or Die (feat. Bun B)

No, this post isn't not about me or my inner thoughts. Instead, it's another chance to highlight some political stories that I think slip through the cracks while recommending some great political blogs at the same time.

The title above comes from the shouts of members of the Democratic House of Representatives this past Friday afternoon, as the Republican House leadership broke the rules and extended a vote until they got what they wanted from their membership. What important piece of legislation did they ram through? Surprisingly, another bill that benefits the energy companies, entitled "Gasoline for America's Security Act of 2005." It amazes me how much faith they put into gas and oil, as it seems the only thing that rivals G-d in their worldview. Go here to read a study on just how well the energy industry has done under this President and Congress.

It's a minor story in some ways, since Republicans do control a majority and most bills will pass simply because of that fact. However, I think that it highlights one of the most embarrassing stories that has developed over the last decade, that is, the systematic attacks on democratic processes, from late-night votes without debate to limiting public access to the private papers of government, and the leveling of dissent in government, where Party line votes are preordained and demanded. This power has led to nearly no debate on major issues, and what we get is the horrible drug benefit bill, the bankruptcy bill and the gutting of environmental laws. The rules of the Senate and House have existed for decades, yet the Republican majority has ignored them completely over the past 5 years. Their disregard for democratic procedures is telling, as they have never seemed very excited to allow people to become engaged in the process. It's sadly ironic, when one considers their constant talk of spreading democracy to the rest of the world.

Go here to watch the video, as Think Progress has the goods.

-Here are a few more recent Bun B verses; this time I picked out some lesser-known ones. The Juvenile song is phenomenal, one of those songs with claps, minimal drum pattern, piano fills, and the type of experimental, eerie beats that only hip hop producers seem ballsy enough to put out. You will notice that some of these songs are coming from the same mixtape, DJ Keyz's Get Screwed Up. This is a similar take to the Rapid Ric one (available at Houston So Real for download), but you get the entire song, not just Bun's verse. Go here to buy it, as it is highly recommended.

-Here is a great article for all the nerds out there. All my linguistic majors stand the fuck up! This Guardian piece deals with the amazing concept of vocabulary and what it tells us about a particular culture, and includes a great list of some the craziest words out there, with my favorite being karelu in Tulu Indian. Possibly the best thing I have read in weeks. Go here and order the book (out early next year), Adam Jacot de Boinod's The Meaning of Tingo, from which this excerpt was taken. [Thanks to TA, who I miss greatly, for this link]

-Have you ever wanted to email the brilliant mind behind Pound for Pound? I didn't think so. But, if you do get so annoyed at my pretensions, political hackery or general annoyingness, feel free to utilize the new link at the top on the right hand side, which should give you my email address.

Bun B Week, Month, Year, Decade...

Slim Thug, I Ain't Heard Of That (feat. Bun B)

Lil' Flip, Game Over (remix) (feat. Bun B and Young Buck)

Webbie, Gimme That Pussy (feat. Bun B)

Slim Thug, Three Kings (feat. Bun B and T.I.)

Before you do anything, click here and download the Bun mixtape, King of the Trill: Bun's Greatest Verses, that Matt Sonzala has put up at Houston So Real. The backstory is that Rapid Ric had worked on this mixtape for months, putting in the time and patience only Bun deserves. But, with Bun's album, Trill, about to drop, his label, Rap-A-Lot, did not want it to come out. (Smart one, guys. G-d forbid you created some hype on the streets and in the press in advance of the album drop.) Lucky for us, Bun and Matt have decided to give it away for free, giving us a chance to hear the greatest verses by one of the true legends of the game, a nice taste before the album (the most anticipated one of the year at Pound for Pound). Download it, as it really is "an amazing work of art" as Matt put it.

In celebration of Bun B month at Houston So Real, I figured that I would do my share to spread the man's music this week. These first ones are just an intro, audio proof of how dominant Bun has been this last year or two. These are probably some of the best known verses of his recent work, although there were a few more that I could have easily chosen. Check back often, as I will be putting up only Bun B and UGK tracks up this week in my posts. I will also try to finally write up my thoughts on the Bun B/Hollertronix/DJ Assault night in Brooklyn a few weeks ago, complete with some goodies from the other two acts that night.

Also, I am sure that you will notice an increase in links to news stories as well as an increased focus on politics. I promise that it won't be preachy, but it seemed a bad look for me to discuss everything but news and politics. Feel free to give your opinion on this development, good or bad.

Al Gore Drops the Hammer

Ivy Queen, Most Wanted Reggaeton exclusive

Divino y Hector El Bambino, Noche de Travesuras

Voltio, Maleante De Carton

Zion y Hector El Bambino, Miradanos

OG Black y Master Joe, Banshee Rabao

Pound for Pound brings the reggaeton heat again. In case you thought I was slipping, check out these tracks from the recent DJ 007 and DJ Outlaw mixtape, Most Wanted Reggaeton. Pretty standard stuff, hot tracks from a few months ago, but that don't mean it's bad. Make sure to peep the Voltio track, as it's my favorite. A crazy beat, with what might be a tuba providing an almost screwed reggaeton feel with its deeper, slower sound in the first half of the song. It sounds real good with the typically fast-paced rap over top, and builds steam for 2+ minutes. Don't know if there is a name to the Ivy Queen track, as it's just listed as an exclusive. I'm really feeling the stutter-step drums that come and go, as reggaeton has mastered that slightly off-kilter In fact, after taking a break from this shit, it all sounds real good. I figured that I would give you some of the newer, less-known artists, as the mixtape has lots of Daddy Yankee and Don Omar, as per usual.

Dedicated to the Lower East Side and North Philly, those wonderful places where you can hear this banging from car stereos at optimal (i.e. loudest) level.

-Okay, I'm sure that no one ever expected to read the heading to this post in print, especially after the disastrous 2000 Election when he ran a terrible campaign and cowardly acceded the presidency to our current head abomination. You know Al Gore, he's the guy who did the robot all the time; unfortunately he was sober and not at a wedding. But, lo and behold, the man has become an impressive public figure in the intervening years. He seems to have shed the influence of all the advisors and Democratic operatives, and has been speaking from his heart and wading into controversial territory.

Last week, he gave a speech on the decline of the media and reasoned public discourse, and the threats to American democracy. Go here and read the entire text of the speech, as it's worth the time. Gore hits on some of my biggest worries, from the decline of newspapers to the growing amount of TV Americans watch daily and the limiting and vilification of dissent. I mean, consider the last few years. We went to war based on lies, yet few journalists were asking any tough questions of the war architects. Hell, there was barely any debate amongst those who made the decision. Under the Bush administration, the federal government has paid journalists to defend certain policies, an act of propaganda unheard of in this country. Four years after the attacks on September 11, between a third and half of Americans still believe that Saddam Hussein was involved. Frightening.

Gore stresses the value of "the marketplace of ideas," where citizens actively participate in the government and society. So, read the speech, as it will probably hit a nerve with you and give voice to your own thoughts. It's a wonderful speech, looking to the past to expose the bankruptcy of the present and disaster of the future.

-Karl Rove has offered to testify again in front of the grand jury on the leaking of undercover CIA agent Valerie Plame's name and identity to the media. This story is a few years old now, but it's come to a boil over the last week. Rumors are flying, including one that has Karl Rove as a target of the investigation. This means that he is a focus, and would likely be indicted. I am trying to calm down, as all of this seems too good to be true, and I recommend that you do the same. Nothing has happened yet, and so it's best not to get ahead of the news. Check this post over at Daily Kos and this one at firedoglake, recapping the developments this weekend, in the wake of NY Times reporter Judith Miller's release from prison and discovery of more notes related to the case.

Making this a fitting follow-up to the Gore speech are the underlying stories here. First, the use of reporters to get out the administration's attack on Joseph Wilson, Plame's husband and critic of the Iraq war. The existence of conservative hacks pretending to be journalists (like Robert Novak, the only person to divulge Plame's name in print), parroting the administration's talking points. The central role of Judith Miller, the writer who wrote untrue story after untrue story on the existence of WMDs in Iraq. The lack of any serious journalism in the lead-up to the war. In other words, this case is a lot bigger than just the outing of a covert CIA operative.

Interested in catching up on this? Want to stay up on the gossip and up-to-the-minute news? Here are a few blogs that are good one-stop shopping, providing both background, news and thinking-aloud. Murray Waas has been on this story from the beginning, breaking quite a few stories. His blog, whatever already!, is an invaluable resource, a must-read for anyone interested in this story. The folks behind firedoglake have been all over this topic, coining the term "Traitorgate" even. Their links, rumors and free-thinking have made it an indispensable site. Think Progress has put together a helpful rundown of the cast involved in the Valerie Plame leak. Arianna Huffington has single-handedly destroyed the notion of Judith Miller as First Amendment warrior.

-What better soundtrack to get through these awful times than a new DJ Ayres mix? Go here and download his To Sweden With Love, another great one from Ayres. It's a lot more varied than his focused genre jawns, covering all the good stuff from Dirty South shit to reggae to soul to rock. I finally copped a few of his official mixes, and really cannot shout out this guy more. Consistent, and consistently focused.

Dylan's Voice

Bob Dylan, Visions of Johanna

Bob Dylan, It's All Over Now, Baby Blue

Bob Dylan, Not Dark Yet

No, this is not going to be my PhD thesis on Dylan's lyrics and the third person voice as performative. Actually, it's just an attempt to better explain why I love the man's music so much. It seems like the best way to return to the subject of Bob Dylan, as it's only fair that I try to put into words why I think devoting so many posts and words to this man is legitimate. I am sure that some readers have never heard his music, and I'm also sure that many more just don't like it that much. I hope that these posts can at least provide people with a chance to hear his music, or more importantly, give people a second chance to hear his music, to hear it in a new context and appreciate what amazing music the man has been making for 45 years.

I imagine the biggest factor in people's dislike of Dylan's music stems from his voice, that oft-caricatured instrument that wheezes and whines and cracks on each and every track. Why would I possibly make this a focus when I want people to listen and love the music? Because it is the very thing that made me fall in love with his songs, the very thing that endears me to him. You heard me, I love the sound of Dylan's voice in all of this imperfect glory.

I don't want to make this a long post, as I've felt like enough of a sycophant already. I do want to simply say that Dylan's voice is as beautiful as his lyrics. Its imperfections make it unique, something that has been lost in pop culture over the decades. Too often in music and art, value is only placed on the perfect, the clean, the beautiful. Look at our conceptions of beauty today, where impossibly skinny, perfectly structured women are held up as the ideal precisely because of their perfection. Our pop music is the product of the studio, where digital alterations take out the slightest flaws. Hell, the rise of the suburbs in the 50s and 60s can be seen as extension of this aesthetic, when people wanted to escape the dirt, the anarchy, the grit and grime of the urban scene. They created a world of 'perfection', of manicured lawns, devoid of trash, homelessness, poverty and noise.

Along came Bob Dylan's voice, devoid of artifice or treatment. His voice struggles at times, goes off-key, cracks. There is nothing perfect about it at all, and that is what makes it so important and refreshing. It comes out of that other America, that weird, unruly America that no one seems very proud of. The one that isn't shown by Hollywood or Madison Avenue. For me, it is the cities of this country that I hear in his voice, as well as the voices of the immigrants who find a home here, the radicals who built progressive movements that changed the world, the gangsters, hustlers, outcasts. I am sure that others hear the rural voices of the early part of the century that were featured by Alan Lomax, Smithsonian Folkways and Revenant. It makes sense really that both can be heard in Dylan's voice, as he is a man from both Hibbing, Minnesota and Greenwich Village, a man shaped profoundly by both places.

It is an aesthetic at play here, one that extends across genres and art forms. I don't have a name for it, and assume that someone has already talked about this and described it far better. It is the aesthetic of ugliness or grit or something, which values art that has imperfections, has traces of the unwanted. Whether it's graffiti that fills the Lower East Side, or music that offends the senses and sensibilities, there is something there.

The songs above are meant to showcase Dylan's voice, which seemed easiest to do with his acoustic work. I feel like that naked setting, Dylan with his guitar and harmonica, captures its brilliance, forces the listener to hear it as its own instrument. The first two tracks come from the Bootleg Series Volume 4, The Royal Albert Hall show in 1966. A legendary show, I cannot recommend more highly this 2 CD set. Honestly, if the "Visions of Johanna" doesn't floor you, I don't know what to do. It left me in tears (sensitive thug) the first time I listened to it, and I truly believe that it is one of the greatest moments in music ever. Finally, I took the most powerful track from Time Out of Mind, what many consider to be the greatest product of his resurgence in the last decade. It is a phenomenal album, and this song sums up the sense of loss and hope that runs through the album. His voice is weaker and less able, but it only emphasizes the narrator's long journey and hard life that much better. Unfortunately, I do not have this song ready to go yet, so here is a little something to tide you over.

Listen to the songs above, and see what you think. I know that my meaningless words are not going to make you like something, but I do hope that you can see the beauty in the man's voice, and begin to see the aesthetics of ugliness that I am talking about above, which I hope to come back to again. Let us know, as I am curious to hear what people think on the Dylan tunes I have put up or the man's music in general.

The Warriors 25th Anniversary

The Diplomats, Crunk Muzik

Juelz Santana, Clockwork

That's right, this year is the 25th Anniversary of the release of a classic of modern cinema, The Warriors. You got it, one of the truly great movies of all time is being re-released, in celebration of its birthday and complete with a nice, new transfer. Hopefully, this cult classic will get the attention of thousands and thousands of new fans, as I couldn't ask for much more.

Unfortunately, looking at the release, Paramount has shit the bed. This edition has little different from its original offering, except for the better picture. No specials, no commentaries, no behind the scenes featurettes, nothing. That's a shame, a real disgrace, especially in light of the wonderful packages that Criterion puts together, or the treatment that movies like Scarface, Seven and Memento received. Why not honor this beloved movie with a package that reflects the great movie inside? Perhaps worse, it sounds like the director's cut is a disaster, fixing something that ain't broke. Buy it here and let us know what you think.

I am not trying to say that this movie is Citizen Kane, but it doesn't pretend to be. What it does represent to me is a great urban movie, a NYC classic that must be mentioned with the films of Woody Allen and Martin Scorcese, Laws of Gravity and Pi, Little Odessa and Last Exit To Brooklyn, film noir and gangster films. Director Walter Hill here, more than anyone, takes the city as a site for fantasy, creating a surrealist masterpiece from the urban landscape. It's a film that takes the look and feel of the urban jungle, but is not limited to gritty realism. Instead, we get a highly stylized, fantasy of a movie, one that tries to be both ancient Greek mythology and science fiction. It's that confluence of the past, present and future that is the most urban aspect of all in the movie.

Everyone needs to read this piece by Eric Ducker over at The Fader blog, as he does a far better job of discussing the movie and its importance. I remember reading this piece in the last film issue in The Fader, and am so happy to have it available for everyone. It's amazing that they could put together such an informative piece, while Paramount and Walter Hill could only think of a measly intro for the re-release. It is great reading the thoughts of the people involved, especially Hill's obsession with comic books and their influence over this movie, the stories of real gangs confronting the actors and books read by those putting this movie together. Really great stuff.

-A Silent Flute has fashion-related news on the The Warriors front, as Adidas has put together a Warriors contest for everyone. It's actually connected to the video game coming out on Rockstar Games later this month, and so the contest has trivia related to the game. Nat also lets it be known that Adidas will be bringing out some gear inspired by the movie, which Imma keep an eye out for. FYI, I'm trying to step my fashion game up. A Silent Flute shall be my guide. Plus, MC and MF, who have taken me on as a client.

-R.I.P. August Wilson. Mr. Wilson was one of the great 20th Century American playwrights, a towering figure of drama over the last 3 decades or so. I never had the good fortune of seeing his plays on stage, but have read a few works. He chronicled the impact of race and racism over the entire century, writing a cycle of plays that covered each decade of the 20th Century. It is a monumental work, which put him in the ranks of O'Neill, Stoppard, and Pinter. What struck me about his work was that he set almost all of his plays in the same neighborhood he grew up in (the Hill District in Pittsburgh), taking a forgotten place and forgotten people and creating drama and art. He showed the dignity and grace of those who lived in the cities, who struggled with poverty and bigotry. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

wayne&wax has already discussed this, in a far more eloquent way (more to come on that blog, one of the best, which I've added to the links list on the right). Ben Brantley, New York Times theater critic, has written a wonderul article on Wilson and music, highlighting the importance of blues music for the writer. Go here for a, and here to buy his published work.

-Finally, go to the ubuweb's sound section for the chance to download DJ Food's "Raiding the 20th Century: Words and Music Expansion". It takes a look at the cut-up technique, following its influence on the music of the past century. [via U Mean Competitor]

L'shanah Tovah

I wanted to wish those celebrating a Happy New Year, as Rosh Hashanah has begun. The High Holidays (and the Flyers' season) have come upon us, making this a most serious and pious time at Pound for Pound.

I will not be posting again until Thursday, so check in then for some more Dylan thoughts and songs, plus lots of random booty music and links and lots of love for Philly. In other words, the usual. In the meantime, click on the links to the right for info, music and entertainment. They are the cream of the crop, they rise to the top, they never eat a pig because a pig is a cop. Don't get too into them, as I want you back.

Breaking Bonaduce

Okay, a little more light fare before I do a few overly serious, pretentious, pseudo-intellectual posts on Dylan. I know that everyone can't wait, but I needed to discuss what I saw last night.

I want-- nay, I need-- to discuss a show that I caught for the first time last night, Breaking Bonaduce. It is a reality show on VH-1, following Danny Bonaduce around, including into therapy with his wife as they attempt to save their marriage. The first episode opens with Danny telling his wife that he cheated on her, and that is the least overwhelming moment if you can imagine. All I can say, after nearly 24 hours of deliberation, is holy fucking shit!!! I have never been so entertained, sickened and frightened by a televised incident since the time Nancy Kerrigan hosted Saturday Night Live. While that episode was great for the sheer awkwardness and uncomfortable silences, this is a whole different beast.

Breaking Bonaduce is a train wreck, plain and simple, and I love it. And I hate myself for loving it. I mean, some of the scenes are unbelievable, like when Danny rides the streets of his LA suburb on a motorized scooter, shirtless, with a blank stare, on his way to buy a bottle of vodka for his first drink in months. I'm sure you'll be surprised to hear that he is a recovering alcoholic. There is binge drinking, crazy outburts at the cameras, and even threats directed at his therapist, a muscular version of David Gest. To top it off, he is a steroid user, injecting them into his ass at various points.

I cannot recommend this show more highly, as it is sure to be talked about for years to come. It is helping me to implement my plan to only watch television that makes me feel better about my own life. I am cutting the fat out, and getting my TV diet down to this show, Blind Date reruns and Taradise.

-Want to see more crazies inebriated and actin' in both a hilarious and frightening manner? Well, you're in luck! Head here and watch two clips of Steve-O's appearance on Too Late with Adam Carolla, the new show on Comedy Central. This is great stuff, especially clip 2, when he falls down. Carolla is a deer in headlights, giving us the rare chance to see what TV would be like if the teleprompters didn't work. By the way, where's Party Boy at? [via The Stencil]

-Dear Hollywood, I implore you to put out more televised events where the participants are drunk or binge drinking. It's instant entertainment, and it provides me with sometime to remember on those awful mornings when I wake up after drinking to make me feel better about my own drunken ramblings and stupid actions, like say, running into a tree.

-Speaking of uncomfortable TV, I forgot to mention the premeire last week of my other favorite show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and its new follower, Extras. I will discuss these shows more next week, but wanted to make sure everyone is up on this. Check out this great article by Dana Stevens at Slate, which looks at the comedy of awkward situations. Extras is the work of Ricky Gervais, the creator of one of the great works of art of the last 20 years, The Office. If you have not seen this show, check out the BBC, rent the boxed sets at your local video store or take my word and buy them ASAP. Thanks to BD for putting me up on the show awhile back.

-Must See TV night: Arrested Development at 8 on Fox, the above HBO shows at the same time, Laguna Beach 9-10 reruns, then new episodes of LB and Sweet Sixteen from 10-11 on MTV. Daddy likes, daddy likes.

The End of Friendster Stalking

Okay, I know things were getting pretty serious here over the last few days, as I let my creepy Bob Dylan obsession out of the closet for a bit. I figured that now would be a good time for a break, an intermission of sorts, as I don't want y'all to forget about that fun-lovin', suburb-hatin', booty-music connoisseur you all grew to love.

First, let me just say that a new world dawns for us. When I say 'us', I mean the various hipsters in Philly and Brooklyn, most of the people in the Philipines under the age of 25, ex-sorority members around the nation and a few random souls who have joined the Friendster site. That's right, I dare speak of Friendster, the place that was all the rage in 2003-4, but which is now treated like the friend who goes on tour with a jam band. In other words, never spoken about again. For those who don't know, the site was supposed to be a easy way to stay in touch and aware of your friends, connect to friends of friends and set friends up with potential mates. It quickly became a place to quantify one's friendships and to collect "friends" in a perverse popularity contest, as well as a Big Brother-esque tool to stalk other people without the binoculars and bush.

I personally never gave up on the site, as I owe to it the best thing in my life now. That's between me and Friendster, but let's just say that I still defend it to others, stick up for it when people talk shit about it, and spread rumors about Myspace whenever possible.

Today, thanks to the heads-up of MC, MR and MF, I learned that one of the Holy Grails of Friendsterdom has happened. That's right, you can now see who looks at your profile. No, I don't mean the number of people who have viewed your profile. I mean, you can see their profile and picture and contrived interests, see who has been checking you out. This means the end of Friendster as we knew it, as one's behavior has to change immediately. No more spying on ex-girlfriends or boyfriends, friends you hate now, attractive people, etc. It also means coming face to face with your own personal stalkers, a chance to see what sort of people are intrigued enough by your picture to click the mouse. I recommend that you head over and check things out ASAP, before everyone realizes that you can search anonymously. Friends, I'm not sure what the future holds, but I know that it's going to be a brave (brave=creepy) new world.

Bob Dylan: No Direction Home Part 2

Bob Dylan, Desolation Row

Bob Dylan, Ballad of a Thin Man

Okay, one more post on this monumental documentary/CD, as it's either this or Brangelina. I caught the second two-hour episode of No Direction Home Tuesday night, and wanted to give some thoughts. First off, Part 2 would seem a better option for the casual Bob Dylan fan, jumping into his story at the start of the 1960s. Director Martin Scorcese focuses on his music and life until about 1966, with concert footage, interviews, and clips from other documentaries from the time. No stories about his childhood and upbringing, more footage of the man himself as opposed to talking heads discussing him.

Man, the footage. Scorcese has come up with some wonderful scenes of the man live, including his infamous performances at Newport in 1965 and London in 1966. I think that the clips reminded me of what a powerful performer he was, able to captivate any audience, inspire them to tears or anger or whatever. Okay, okay, the main thing I took from the movie was an even worse case of adulation for the man, the myth, the legend. It's funny, because the main thing one takes from Dylan's words during the movie is his discomfort with the fan's obsession. He loathes the mindlessness that fandom encourages, and I agree completely.

And yet. I don't know, seeing Dylan walking around in shades, singing on stage, and being a total dick to idiotic interviewers is just cool to me. For real, the bol hung out with Allen Ginsberg, the Beatles, everyone and anyone from that era. Hearing "Visions of Johanna" brought me to tears, as it is a song that strikes me like little else ever has. Seeing him on stage, booed and heckled by his "fans," made me love him even more, as did his response: telling his band to "Play it fucking loud!" He's just cool, the embodiment to me, and it makes me feel pathetic and lame.

As for the documentary itself, it was an incredible letdown. First and foremost, it amazed that the film literally ends in 1966, with nothing about the next 40 years of the man's life or art. I mean, nothing on Blonde on Blonde or Blood on the Tracks. His addiction years, his return to glory over the past 10 years. Nothing, not a word.

The entire documentray betrayed Scorcese's bias, as it focused most of the second episode on the early 60's period, you know the one, the young Greenwich Village folkie, "Blowin' In The Wind", singing at the Washington Mall at the Civil Rights protests. For the love of G-d, Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary "fame" is the most quoted person during the entire hour and a half. I think that No Direction Home is the greatest example yet of this syndrome, the inability of Dylan's early fans to see him as anything other than a protest singer. I must point out David Greenberg's article in Slate, "The 60's Trap: Why critics ignore the rest of Dylan's career". David Greenberg argues that this movie is but another product of this country's 60's fetish, a result of the power and numbers of the baby boomer generation.

Guess what people? He didn't stay a 20 year old singer, and he didn't sing the same series of folk solks, the same Woody Guthrie covers. Why? Because he was an artist, unafraid to experiment, to move on, to disappoint, to fail. There was a quote in the movie, which went something like "Dylan was one of the few artists whose fans came to the music, his music didn't have to come to them." That sums it up pretty well, and it is a shame that Scorcese didn't listen more closely to what was being said. Instead, we get a myopic, incomplete failure, a work unable to comprehend or deal with its complex, difficult subject.

Here are a few more tracks from Volume 7 of the Bootleg Series, both of these from the second disc. It's a strange disc, in all honesty, containing mainly outtakes from Bringing It All Back Home and Highway 61 Revisited. There are a few live performances, but nothing that has been unheard or a cover or anything shocking. Looking at the tracklist to these two discs, I should have been better prepared for Scorcese's uninspiring, unremarkable movie. He was not willing to go beyond his preconceived notions or established taste to explore the man and music. A shame, as what could have been! I mean, a documentary by the director of Mean Streets about Bob Dylan. Pound for Pound's wet dream was actually just like being a Philly sports fan: high hopes become disappointment, despair and anger. Grrr.

P.S. The Phillies appear to have blown a chance at the playoffs during the last few days.

The Athenaeum in South Philly is Shut Down! L&I saves city from young artists!

I just saw this urgent email from Sean Agnew at R5 Productions, and had to say something. Here is what Sean wrote:

Hello Our Friends at The South Philly Athenæum Really Need Your Help ! Please Read On :

The Department of Licensing and Inspection Strikes Again...........

This past Friday evening / Saturday morning Philadelphia's Department of Licensing and Inspection, The Philadelphia Police and Philadelphia Fire Department raided and proceeded to shut down "The South Philadelphia Athenæum" last evening. It was an amazing inspirational space located on Juniper Street which 30 of our friends called home. It reminded us of the old days at Stalag 13/Killtime but with a more Ft Thunder/Space 1026 vibe (if that make any sense) . The residents provided a place for hundreds of smaller touring bands to show case their work in Philadelphia, including The Double Leopards, Lightning Bolt, USAISAMONSTER, Nautical Almanac, Sunburned Hand Of The Man etc. They would often feed and house the bands at no cost to the artists. The shows were strictly donation only and they never took a dime for the space themselves, always passing on 100% of the the money to the bands. The Athenæum also provided silk screening facilities, meeting space, practice rooms and general studio space to dozens of Philadephia artists and musicians (including us at r5!)

The police immediately evicted all of the residents - not allowing them to gather their belongings, phones, clothes, food or anything else they would need to live "a normal life" for the next few days. If anyone is now found inside the building - they will be fined and jailed for upto 30 days. The police/L&I at this point and time are just giving the kids 2 hours to clear out the entire building early Monday or Tuesday morning. Imagine only getting 2 hrs to gather your life's belongings and work along with 30+ of your friends (creating a very chaotic and messy scenario - 30+ people moving out in just 120 minutes). The residents are now officially homeless with no real home to goto. Just crashing on the floors of various friends couches and floors.

Currently we are hoping that the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (a non profit pro-bono lawyers guild for smaller artists and musicians in philadelphia) will accept their Athenæum's plea and pick up their case to legally fight for a longer move-out period - an established period of time where all of the residents can gather all of their belongings in a proper, non-rushed "supermarket sweep" manner. In the meantime - we are looking for volunteers to help our 30+ friends gather as many of their possessions to move them outside of the building on Monday so that they can properly store them in new locations. Again they only have two hours to grab as much stuff as they can. We need to move instruments, clothes, computers, furniture, stereos, silk screen materials, p.a. equipment, paintings, sculptures etc etc.

If you can help assist in the efforts to move some of their belongings on Monday morning please e-mail : help@r5productions.com with your name and number (dont worry we are keeping the list private) . We'll provide you with more info tomorrow morning. The residents are especially looking for people with large vehicles or vans to move some of the bigger stuff to new locations (in addition to just getting their stuff outside of the building) .

Thanks !
sean / r5

Please feel free to get in touch at the email above, as that is the only contact info offered. Obviously, the move for the artists living at the Athenaeum is over, but I imagine that any offers of assistance post-move would be much appreciated.

I feel like I'm ready to scream, as my negative thoughts on Philly have been developing over the past few months and are now ready to burst out. The camel's back has broke, I fear. I am ashamed of this city today, and anyone who cares about Philadelphia and its future should feel the same way.

But, in an amazing gesture of patience (in fact, a stunning gesture to those who know me), I am going to hold off on any diatribe until all of the facts are in. I am going to try to find out more on this story, which has gotten no attention in any of the big media outlets yet. Original reporting might come to Pound for Pound, dear reader, as I get all A.J. Liebling on your asses. More to come in a few days...

Bob Dylan: No Direction Home

Bob Dylan, Song to Woody

Bob Dylan, A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall (live)

Bob Dylan, Mr. Tambourine Man (Alternate Version; 1st Complete Take)

It seems fitting to start off this week dedicated to Bob Dylan with a look at his most recent release, the soundtrack to the documentary, No Direction Home. It's also Volume 7 of the Bootleg Series, an amazing project that has put out some of the man's most epic concerts and material that has never been heard. This particular release comes from the Dylan vaults, which Martin Scorcese had access to in putting together his movie.

Since the movie continues tonight, I am just going to make this short and sweet. It seems to make sense to give a few highlights from the first disc of Volume 7, as both a sample of the greatness of this release and as a nice source of motivation to watch Night 2 on PBS at 9 PM. These songs are a pretty good sample of what the discs offer, as you get 1) unreleased tunes, 2) classics and underrated songs played live and 3) outtakes from classic recording sessions.

I chose the first one as an example of category 1, a beautiful song sung to Woody Guthrie, perhaps Dylan's earliest and most lasting influence. "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" is a live version, and throws the gauntlet down. This is serious shit, eight and a half minutes of the apocalypse, a foreboding, lyrical cry from the darkness. A stunning song, a Dylan classic and a great live version here. The third is an outtake from the Bringing It Back Home album, an alternate take of "Mr. Tambourine Man". I prefer the album version, which does not have the backing vocal and features only Dylan's voice.

Tomorrow, I will give my thoughts on the documentary (and the thoughts of many others) and some mp3 highlights of Disc 2. Later, I will mix it up, giving my thoughts on Dylan, why his music has had such a profound impact on me, look at some of the great writers who have written about the man, his own recent memoir, his Jewishness, his underrated mid-70s output and his live performances. Of course, it will all be accompanied by music, as I think that is the most fitting tribute to the man. He is probably the most-written about artist this side of James Joyce, so it might be time to the man's art and words speak for themselves, free of interpretation.

No Direction Home Tonight

Tune into PBS tonight to catch the first part of the Martin Scorcese-directed documentary on Bob Dylan, No Direction Home. It starts at 9 o'clock, and finishes up tomorrow night at the same time. More importantly, at least to me, Robert Zimmerman Week starts here at Pound for Pound shortly.

Oh, and of course, Arrested Development, Laguna Beach and Sweet Sixteen, but you don't need me to tell you that, right?

The DJ Screw Tribute at at Joe's Pub

E.S.G., Swangin' and Bangin' (screwed)

E.S.G., The South

E.S.G., City Under Siege

E.S.G. and Slim Thug, Get Ya Hands Up

Grit Boys (feat. Great Sc), Live From Da Hood

I wanted to recap my recent stay in NYC, as some truly epic events went down in my second favorite city. First up, Roxy Cottontail and Matt Sonzala of Houston So Real fame put together a tribute to DJ Screw at Joe's Pub Thursday night (September 15th). The names alone were awe-inspiring: Bun B, ESG, Grit Boys, Screwed Up Click, Lil O. It was both a showcase for Houston's rap talent old and new, and a tribute to the man who made all of this possible, the founder of the screwed up sound, Robert Davis. To top it all off, it was a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina victims, fitting for a night dedicate to Southern music.

First, the good. The music exceeded my expectations, as I have come to expect little from a live hip hop shows. This night was a revelation. The performers (well, most of them) were great live, engaged and animated. The promoters had things running smoothly, as each act promptly followed the one before, meaning there were few lulls or drops in energy. Best of all, it was a chance to see legends, L-E-G-E-N-D-S, up close and personal. I mean, I was stage right, a few feet at most from Bun B, ESG and everyone else up there. I can't thank Matt and Roxy enough for putting all the time and hustle into bringing Houston to the rest of the world. They doing yeoman's work, and deserve all of the props in the world. Getting to hear Bun, ESG, Lil O (a revelation), the Screwed Up Click and the Grit Boys live wasn't possible until these two got to work. Oh, and hearing ESG go off for 20 minutes made the entire next paragraph worth it, for real. He was amazing, perhaps the best live hip hop set I have ever heard, as he had every single person who made it until 3 am mesmerized, no easy task. Check the mp3s above for a taste, as I might try to put up some more if there is interest.

Okay, let me just get some of the bad off of my chest, as it really upset me that night. Arriving at Joe's Pub around 11:15 or so, I was shocked to see a line stretching down Lafayette. I knew that this was a hot show and part of the CMJ Festival, but couldn't understand this sort of wait. No big deal, as being on the guest list seemed like it should get us in right away. MC and I soon realized that everyone in line was on the guest list! We then proceeded to wait for an hour and 45 minutes to get let in. Group after group arrived, walked to the front of the line and were let in through the rope with no problem. Listen, I don't mind DJ Green Lantern getting let in right away, but the girl with her nipple exposed by her skimpy top? C'mon, mang. At one point, the man responsible for the door informed us that the list had been ripped up, and only "artists and important people would be getting in." That was all that was said to us the entire night, which only added to the frustration. Fortunately, one of the doormen spoke up for us (actually for MC, as no one cares about my lame ass, including me) and we got in and all was forgotten. The saddest/most frustrating part was that the place was nowhere near capacity, and all of the people who walked away because of the wait would have packed the place.

Thanks to MC for making me stay in line, putting up with my moody ass, and just generally being down. I don't know what I'd do without her.

Matt has posted up some thoughts and frustrations with the night at Houston So Real, and it actually made me feel better. In fact, I wanted to hug him and tell him that everything was alright, that it was a great night in spite of a few bad apples disguised as doormen. I don't mean to throw out any hate here, as that is the last thing I want. I just want to make sure that this party can become a regular one, and that it won't push away the very fans who make these nights so much fun. Go here for Matt's pictures and thoughts on his entire trip to NYC, which was more exciting and eventful than my entire year. Go here for Roxy's flics, including lots of great shots of the great one, Bun B.

What would it take to make something like this happen in Philadelphia? Hmmm, we'll have to look into this.

Finally, it appears that this night was also the most recent edition of the blogger convention, a nice followup to the Kano/grime stuff from last month. lemon-red was there, and he's so famous now that he gets his picture up everywhere, hanging with the legend, Broken Language. Catchdubs seems to have been there, That Good Good clearly was, the Fader guys were there, Hardly Art, Hardly Garbage too (one of the few to stick around for ESG it seems). In a great job of blocking (theater term), I realize that I was literally on the complete opposite side of the club from this group of A-Listers. The D-list never hurt so bad. Oh blogosphere, what will it take to make it to the next level? What must I do? Are you there G-d? It's me, Jack.

The Sound of Music

Juelz Santana, There It Is (The Whistle Song)

Mariah Carey, We Belong Together

The Smiths, Accept Yourself

John Zorn, Enfant

Rich Boy (featuring Pitbull), Get To Poppin'

The day has finally come, the return of mp3s to Pound for Pound. Mark the date, make it a national holiday, celebrate people. I purchased an AirPort card earlier today, and now am sitting in a cafe writing this post. What a world! What next? A man on the moon? Steroids in baseball? America at war because of lies and more lies? Anyway, it is so nice to be back on my Mac, so sweet, so gentle, so forgiving. How anyone could use a PC is beyond me? It must have some connection to the Bush victory in 2004, and the rising level of sado-masochistic behavior in this country.

For those in Philly, I must recommend Hausbrandt, a cafe at 207 S. 15th Street (between Walnut and Locust). Good coffee and expresso, as they are the only outlet for the Hausbrandt bean in our fair city. This is a popular brand in Europe, so you know it must be good. Best of all, they offer free wireless access. Free, unlike the Starbucks across the street, you corporate whores.

Anyway, there will be a fury of posts this weekend and next week, as I now can finally upload the music to finish up my drafts. The above tracks are just some random ish to get me back in the game, like playing a few games at AA, just to get your swing back. I know that lemon-red has probably put most of this up like two years ago, but what can I do? Actually, it is a sort of frightening look at my internal soundtrack, and should give a sense of the anything-goes attitude that's been adopted here. Actually, listening to the John Zorn track from Spy vs. Spy (Zorn's tribute to Ornette Coleman), it may get me put on a watch list. Harlem to the LES, way down to Atlanta, across the ocean to Manchester, then up to whatever planet Mariah Carey came from. [Whoever guesses which song is my favorite of these 5 gets a prize, just as my bol Jayo gets for his Bob Dylan catch.]

Next, a recap of the Tribute to DJ Screw at Joe's Pub last week, with lots of songs from the various performers to make it up to my dear readers. ESG, Bun B, Grit Boys, DJ Screw and Lil O shall all make an appearance.

Television: Teacher, Mother, Secret Lover

Since MC and I stayed in last night, getting our rest on, I have to let everyone know about the TV goodness that kept us company.

-First, Arrested Development's third season began last night on Fox at 8 P.M. It's a new day, but same time, for the greatest show ever. That's right, I said it. It's still kinda stunning that we are even going to get another season, after the constant threats of cancellation hung over production last year. It is even more stunning that people don't watch this show, and that critics don't ride its jock constantly. Everybody Loves Raymond wins an Emmy for Best Comedy? Are you kidding me? Are the voters from Narnia? Is every day Opposite Day in Hollywood, where garbage is honored and the talentless rule? Maybe I'm just out of touch. Anyway, the Bluth family is back, and I couldn't be happier. Great site here for all of your AD needs. Good season premiere, great start to the week.

-MTV drops back-to-back madness during the 10 Spot (10-11 P.M.), with new episodes of Laguna Beach and Sweet Sixteen. It's a great hour exposing the shallowness, tastelessness and inanity of the rich, making you feel better that you didn't grow up rich. Of course, once you get the bills and see your bank statement, this hour looks pretty fucking worthless. Whatever. Can I just say that 1) I am really getting sick of Kristen, with her constant need for attention and not coming to Jessica's defense when Alex was talking shit, 2) Jason is the most inarticulate human being since and 3) I am totally embarrassing and should not be allowed to watch reality shows involving high school kids. Oh, and why weren't there divo parties when I was growing up? I am sure that my father would gladly have thrown a 6 figure party to celebrate my birthday, complete with fashion show and new BMW. When I say "6 figure party", I mean an alarm clock or right hook at my head. If you are not watching these shows, I'm not sure what you talk about at the Food Court or on IM. Get up on this ish, or doom yourself to pop irrelevance.

-The first person who emails or posts a reply below that takes my hints and names the person who is the upcoming focus at Pound for Pound will receive a special mp3 as first prize. Get to it readers, as this is a lay-up.

-Finally, I want to leave you with a wonderful quote from the Richard Ford essay I linked to a few days ago. It sums up the brilliance of New Orleans, the city, any city, in its role as tolerant center, open to any and all. The city as haven, as transgressive site. A space for our projections, our dreams, our secrets, our nightmares.

"It is - New Orleans is - a city foremost for special projections, for the things you can't do, see, think, consume, feel, forget up in Jackson or Little Rock or home in Topeka. 'We're at the jumping-off place,' Miss Welty wrote. This was about Plaquemines, just across the river. It is - New Orleans - the place where the firm ground ceases and the unsound footing begins. A certain kind of person likes such a place. A certain kind of person wants to go there and never leave."

Are You Ready?

I just wanted to drop a line and let y'all know that the music posting will resume in the next day or so. I spent the weekend in NYC, and I will simply say it was a epic run. It's hard to imagine having the good fortune to see Bun B, Hollertronix, DJ Assault, ESG, the Screwed Up Click, DJs Caps and Jones (what happened to Lady Sovereign?), all in the space of three days! It was a massive music weekend which has rejuvenated my musicality, whatever the hell that means. MP3s will start again with my recap of said events, including a once-in-a-lifetime show by Memphis' finest, whose new album drops shortly. Tear da club up, indeed.

Our next focus, which will come later in the week, might come as a surprise to regular readers of this site, departing from my tried and true formula of bass and more bass. Pound for Pound isn't just about ass 'n' titties, ass 'n' titties. I am not going to give away the focus of this week, but I will give a hint. His direction home is more than 200 miles from Minneapolis, in spite of what he has sung. The focus of a documentary out this week, done by American's greatest living film director, Abe Zimmerman's son will be our focus here as well, giving me a chance to discuss the musician who matters the most to me.

Okay, lots of stuff to get to this week. I am so excited to get some great music out, expanding the sonic pallette of this blog, talking more about cities. Can you feel it? "Because something is happening here/But you don't know what it is/Do you, Mister Jones?" Check back often and find out just what is going down here.

A Prayer for a City

It has been a terrible two weeks, as I am sure that everyone knows. It has taken me a few days to put this post together, as the events in Louisiana and Mississippi have left me saddened, angry, depressed and disgusted. While I will return in future posts to deal with the embarassment of the Bush administration's response, the attacks on the victims of this disaster, and the notion of race and class, I want this first post to be an elegy. I want to express my sorrow at the events that have transpired in the U.S. Gulf Coast, as one can only cry at the destruction and misery that Katrina brought. I can only express my heartache and send prayers and thoughts to all of those effected by this tragedy. See the end of the post for a list of charities and organization providing aid to that area.

First, read this piece by Penn professor and one of the leading thinkers on cities, Witold Rybczynski, on the tragedy that is New Orleans today. I have never been to this city, but have always wanted to visit and see one of the unique urban centers in the world. As a jazz fan, this is a mecca, the birthplace for the first great, indigenous American music. A cosmopolitan site, a port city that has served home to all people, races and religions. Hell, it gave me and the world the Cash Money Millionaires and No Limit Records, some of my favorite hip hop and seminal figures in the rise of the South in hip hop music.

Rybcinski verbalizes the tragedy that has happened, as NO sits under water today. So much has been lost in terms of architecture, business, cultural institutions and people. Like the good folks at Media Bistro, this article really put the immense scope of the tragedy in perspective, getting through the anger at the federal response to the disaster and the images on television. While I have never stepped foot in this city, I feel a sadness that overwhelms me. At the heart of this blog is the city, the urban space, and each and every city has a special place in my heart. I feel tremendous sadness when I think that New Orleans sits under water, that it might never be rebuilt. I don't really know what else to add, which brings me to the next essay.

Read this piece by Richard Ford, one of America's great writers, which offers his thoughts from the perspective of a native of New Orleans. His love for his city and the resulting sense of loss is overwhelming, making this essay for the Guardian a rare piece that offers no answers. Instead, Ford acknowledges the near-impossibility of words in the face of tragedy. But, yet, he writes, and struggles to understand and begins to look ahead. Magnificent.

Finally, take a look at this article in the New York Times by Samuel Freedman, which looks at the musical heritage of New Orleans and a radio show trying to help heal those left behind with songs from this past. Nick Spitzer's "American Routes" has traced the musical history of the city, and his most recent show evoked both the indestructible spirit of cities and the scope of the tragedy. It is hard to think of this city without thinking of music, from its role in the birth of jazz, its Jazzfest, its clubs, and its homegrown musicians like the Neville Brothers, the Marsalis brothers, Harry Connick Jr., et al.

When I get back to my computer, I will add some songs to this post from Louis Armstrong and the Hot Fives and Sevens, some Cash Money ish, some No Limit stuff, Dr. John, Randy Newman and whatever else comes to mind. [Ed. note: I am still away from my laptop and won't be for a few more days, so the mp3s will have to wait until after this weekend. Check back on this and subsequent posts next week for a tribute to the music of New Orleans. Again, sorry for the lack of music lately, but I know that y'all have been hoping to hear me ramble on about cities and death. And by "hoping", I mean dreading.]

I'm Baaaack!

Cheah! Pound for Pound is back, dear reader. I apologize for the extended absence, but my personal life took precedent for the past week. Yes, I have a personal life. No really, I do. Whatever. Now, I am happy to say that things are back to normal. Or, as normal as they get for me.

I am writing from the Lower East Side tonight, whose application I am considering for the position of next Philadelphia precinct. For real, though, the LES is amazing, a paradigm for urban space, the realization of so much that Pound for Pound stands for, a site where the past, present and future mingle on a daily basis.

For those in NYC tonight, I must recommend Favela Clash 2 at Joe's Pub. That's right, a night devoted to the music of the Brazilian slums, baile funk, and the Jamaican ones, dancehall. DJ Sujinho is the main attraction, the man who dropped the baile funk mix, I Love Baile Funk, a few weeks back. It now has This one is brought to you by Roxy Cottontail, who seems to have her hand in everything good going down in downtown Manhattan. Check out her site, and find out what is coming next (the Tittsworth show on Friday is so necessary). Go here and see what the Fader guys have to say, and the Village Voice write-up on this celebration of Brazilian independence.

Check in regularly again, as I will be posting at a regular schedule. Philly talk, fantasy football ruminations, ghettotech, hell maybe even the Sujinho mix. I am sorry for the recent silence, but promise to make it up to everyone in a big way.