Ratatat - Classics

Ratatat, "Lex"

Ratatat, "Gettysburg"

This is a great time to finally get to this album, Classics, one of the more highly antipated releases at Pound for Pound this year. For those that don't know, Ratatat are a Brooklyn duo who play rock music that never really seems like rock music. The guys are clearly influenced by hip-hop, getting their first buzz because of a mashup album they did providing the instrumentals for some legendary verses from Jigga, Nas, etc. But, it doesn't really end there, as there is so much going on influence-wise it's hard to keep track.

-Driz Horse at the Khyber tonight with Julie G, AJW and $2.50 Sparks all night!

-Calling All Kids at Sapphire Lounge tonight with guest DJ Dimitry, highly recommended

-Dahlia Lithwick on the torture "debate" and how cowards like John McCain gave the President everything he wanted

disco not disco 2 part 2

Can, "Aspectacle (Holger Czukay edit)"

Material, "Ciguri"

Connie Case, "Get Down"

The Coach House Rhythm Section, "Timewarp"

What better follow-up to our Can post than one that focuses on their attempts at dance music. This first song, "Aspectacle (Holger Czukay edit)" should provide everyone with an clear example of why that band has had a tremendous influence over dance music. This song started out as a vocal track, but with the Holger Czukay edit it became a great instrumental on their 1978 album, Can. The key thing to remember about Can is that they were open to everything, including new instrumentation, sounds and influences. They were early users of synthesizers in their music, developed a new sound with each album and opened themselves up to all of the new shit, whether free jazz, psychedelic or, in this case, disco. It's a great song, with an almost spaghetti western opening, followed by a nice, grooving track with lots of wah-wah guitar effects.

My favorite of the bunch is Connie Case's "Get Down," an electro/disco hybrid that comes out of one of Pound for Pound's meccas, Miami. There was actual a distinct Miami disco movement, which we'll have to look at in the future. In the meantime, enjoy this one, as it's the most disco of the bunch.

Material is Bill Laswell's project from the late 70s/early 80s, which means that you get lots of bass and weirdness. Laswell is incredibly hit-or-miss with me, but Material is consistently great.

-Florida, stand up! Death Disco tonight at the University Club in Gainsville with DJ Kyle spinning music that I love in the genres of electro, brit-pop, indie, old electronic shit.

-Louis Vuitton musem in Paris designed by Frank Gehry in the works

-Fellas, it is not okay to where your Eagles jersey around once you are past the age of 18. It's just not legitimate, we all know the game is tonight, we don't need to see your desperate attempt to cling to youth and be a "part" of the team. Enough, please.

Dylan Sunday - Theme Time Radio Hour #10-11

Bob Dylan, Theme Time Radio Hour #10 (Summer)

Bob Dylan, Theme Time Radio Hour #11 (Flowers)

Sorry for the lateness of this post, hope no one was worried that I was going to go through with my plans to end this series. The only reason for the lateness is that I have been too weak to hit the Publish button as a result of not eating for 24 hours. For the record, I will be continuing this weekly look at Bob Dylan's XM radio show, but as you can see, I will be doing 2 at a time so that we can get caught up here and move on to some other fun stuff the man recorded. Sound good?

These two shows seem to go together nicely, both evoking thoughts of happiness and sunshine. I am thankful that Pound for Pound did not get to these two shows during the actual summer, as I don't think I would have had the required attitude to appreciate them. All I wished for this summer was for its end and the onset of Fall. Fall is now here, as the weather has gotten chillier, the sweaters are out and sleeping with a fan is so nice. I must reiterate how excited I am for the present and future, as I have so much in the works and such high hopes both here and in real life.

Dylan comes back strong after the last episode (#9), which was the most disappointing to me. This is a lot of music I know, but I recommend taking a chunk out of TV or fucking around at work to give these both a full listen. One listen and I think that you'll be hooked with Dylan's chattiness, his humor and incredible song selections. As always, leave your comments and let me know what you think. Thanks to everyone who expressed their support for these weekly posts on the radio show, although I would love to know who some of those anonymous comments came from. Dylan fans love being incognito.

Okay, I'm off to get some bagels and a pastrami on rye and get my strength back for the madness of this week. Lots of goodies from all over the spectrum, including disco not disco tracks, DJ Medhi, Daft Punk remixes, Dylan's album, Lily Allen, snap tracks, ooooh weeee, stay in touch.

Can - Tago Mago

Can, "Paperhouse"

Can, "Mushroom"

Our album focus continues with a fucking heavyweight, epic LP, Can's Tago Mago. I'm trying to concentrate on albums that are frequently referenced without being widely heard. In other words, the stuff your pretentious friend namedrops to one up every one in the room.

Tago Mago is the real fucking deal, not just a hipster reference point. It's the first landmark album (thanks to iwornmyelbows in the comments for catching this mistake) from the German krautrock band Can, emerging from the chaos of the late 60s/early 70s to nearly destroy everything else being made at that time. It's a hard record to describe completely, as it covers so much ground and has within it the seeds for so much that comes later that it tends to overwhelm. First and foremost, it's a product of its time, clearly influenced by the psychedelic music going on in Europe and the States. The music stretches out into long, improvised jams, reminiscent of the Grateful Dead to these ears. There's lots of experimentation with sounds, an acid-y sensibility of fucking around and striving for strangeness, mainly on the second of the LP. Unfortunately, those songs are looooonnngggg, and I didn't think it right to upload so much music.

Of course, long, improvised songs also brings jazz comparisions to the table, specifically the free jazz that was taking hold in Europe. I don't know much about the German scene and the band's influences, but I would venture that the rise of the FMP label and the emergence of fellow countrymen like Peter Brotzmann had some impact. There aren't any sax blowouts on here, but the drumming by Jaki Liebezeit is very jazz influenced, fluid and relaxed, giving the band a little swing even at times.

What I've uploaded are the first two tracks and my two favorites, "Paperhouse" and "Mushroom." These show the funkier, more groove based band that would influence so much of what we cover here, from dance-punk to DJs to electronic music. I also should mention that the band does some tape edit work here, bringing them in line with the avant garde classical world of the time.The key for me in all of this is the bassist Holger Czukay, who keeps the whole thing together. These songs above sound so contemporary and wonderful to me; I totally see throwing these into the midst of a mix or DJ set and no one would miss a beat. Damo Suzuki should help those Mike Patton fans out there figure out where the hero came from, as Suzuki adds lots of intensity and craziness with his vocals.

White Dove at Studio B Tonight

My girl Shelly and June D are dropping their monthly jawn tonight in Williamsburg and it is a must-attend.

Portugal the Man - How The Leopard Got Its Spots

Portugal the Man, "How The Leopard Got Its Spots"

Portugal the Man, "How The Leopard Got Its Spots (Blake Miller remix)"

Oooh boy, this song is real nice. It comes from the relatively unknown Portugal the Man, an indie rock band straight off the mean streets of Alaska that should be getting some of that blog hype that far more undeserving bands reap. This song, "How The Leopard Got Its Spots," comes off their debut release, Waiter You Vultures.

The remix comes from Blake Miller, lead singer for LA based band Moving Units. The remix is even better than the original, a great indie dance track complete with emotional vocals, nicely repeated throughout. The drums sound phenomenal, make this more dancefloor ready, should be perfect for any one willing to take a chance or looking to impress some cute girls with assymetrical hair and ironic tube tops. I fit into both categories, for the record.

This song was sent to me by one of NYC's best DJs, DJ Never Forget. If you are reading this between 7 and 9 pm, head to Little Radio and download his radio show RIGHT NOW (click on Tune In Now). Finger On The Pulse Radio is an amazing two hour broadcast, a great chance to hear some of the newest shit, some older gems, all spun by a great DJ with special guests (most weeks). I have it on good word that bol might be working on a new mix and testing it out tonight. What's that? You haven't heard his other mixes? Check out his Going to Work mix now, which I've been hyping a lot lately.

-White Lightning! at Home Sweet Home tonight with Lauren Flax, Sleazemore and DJ Dara doing an old school rave set!!!!!!!!! Night Time at Don Hill's with Tim Sweeney and live performances by Chromatics and Glass Candy. DirtyDownNYC in the basement at Lit with Certified Bananas, San Serac and DJ Morgan Lewis. Cot damn, NYC, big fucking night.

-Cool concert at Irving Plaza tonight as well, a benefit for the Creative Commons featuring Mike Patton's Peeping Tom and DJ sets by Pound for Pound favs Diplo and Girl Talk.

-Philly, sorry but I've had a traumatic end of the week and will not be doing anything. As always, in such cases, check out my boys at fiftyone:fiftyone for what's good in the most good city in the world.

Martini Bros. - Big and Dirty

Martini Bros., "Big and Dirty"

Martini Bros., "Big and Dirty (Tiga remix)"

Since Tiga will be destroying New York City tonight with a DJ set, I wanted to bring his name back to the blog. Here's an older jawn that holds up well today, although the Tiga remix outdoes the original quite a bit. The original isn't bad, it just seems to be too unfocused and not bass-y or filthy enough. I mean, the fucking song is called "Big and Dirty" and the Martini Bros. have a dude rapping about "Big and dirty is how they like it" and they insist on putting in some airy, synth sounds and sucking the urgency and sex out of the song.

Tiga knows what's up, as this one is right in his wheelhouse. Anyone who has heard Sexor (and who hasn't? Ahem) should know that he does dirty and filthy well. The remix strips the song down to its bass and drums bones and drops out most of the rapping, leaving us with a dirty house banger, ready for the clubs. Highly recommended.

There aren't a lot of events that I consider must-attend. NYC tonight has one such event. Tiga , the Montreal house producer/DJ, spins at Hiro Ballroom tonight, a very rare chance to hear the man spin this year, especially in the US. I almost wanna take the bus up, but I'm gonna leave it up to everyone else to do this up big and let us know how it goes.

-Oh, don't forget this Hiro Ballroom jawn is the official after-party for the Ladytron/CSS show at Webster Hall earlier in the night, the second of two shows

-Chris Devlin, Spank Rock's DJ, spins at the Walnut Room in Philly with Issac Jordan

-Also in the 215, Mates of State at the Church tonight, Sufjan Stevens at the Tower Theater (three nights at Town Hall in NYC starting tomorrow night)

-A great editorial by Harold Myerson on the "moderate" Republican scam of people like Lincoln Chafee. This is a must-read for those idiotic liberals and progressives who think John McCain is a savior.

Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks

Peter Bjorn and John, "Young Folks"

Peter Bjorn and John, "Young Folks (Beyond the Wizard's Sleeve Re-animation mix)"

Peter Bjorn and John, "Young Folks (Tomas Andersson remake)"

Here's one of those amazing songs that seems to come out of nowhere, one that a friend tells you about and you can't stop listening to from the first moment. In this case, I owe it to DJ Never Forget, a.k.a. GB, a.k.a. the man behind Finger on the Pulse. He dropped it Friday on his weekly radio show and it was just like, "Hell yeah!" He gave credit to Philly's Dave P, who dropped this at Making Time a few months back (and ironically, I think I remember it from then). So thank those two music mavens for this.

Peter Bjorn and John are a Swedish trio who sorta came out of nowhere. They've got that indie sound that isn't afraid to make perfect pop fit for the dancefloor. On "Young Folks," the group is joined by Victoria Bergsman on vocals.

-Caught them on Conan last night, check out Scissor Sisters on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross (foreshadowing, foreshadowing)

-Driz Horse at the Khyber tonight in Philly - Julie G and AJW back from Europe, Steve Bloodbath guest starring

-Matt Yglesias on the torture "compromise" and its meaning for our country

Cybotron - Clear

Cybotron, "Clear"

Cybotron, "Industrial Lies"

Well, my appointment to see a place in Williamsburg was cancelled. What does this mean? It means that I am so filled with frustration that I'm gonna burst. Something's got to give. I'm living at home, I'm dealing with my dysfunctional family, I'm in love with a girl who won't talk to me, I've got all female friends, I'm drinking enough caffeine on a daily basis to kill a horse. Something has to give! What else does this mean? It means that you get extra posts today and this week, as I get to write, write, write.

What gets me out of a pissy mood the fastest? You guessed it, electro!!!! And this is one of the all-time, stop before you pass Go if you do not own this, essential singles, "Clear." Cybotron was the duo featuring Detroit techno legend Juan Atkins before he was that Juan Atkins and Rick Davis. This jawn helped define the nascent electro sound, that brilliant noise of drum machines, breakbeats, vocodered vocals, filthy bass lines and madness. Oh my Lord, you need this in your life. To make it all the more worthwhile, DJs, both songs are at 320 bit rate, which means that you need to add them to your set. In fact, if you know I am coming, it's damn near necessary.

Don't sleep on the B-side, "Industrial Lies," by the way. Great piano intro, political lyrics perfect for today, a great precursor to the later Underground Resistance, Detroit techno ish, guitar solo straight out of a hair metal greatest hits CD. Yeah!

-I've been meaning to hype one of my favorite blogs going, Papeuss. Bol has almost identical taste in music as Pound for Pound, has always contributed great comments here and is French. What more could you want?

-In the spirit of my recent efforts to move on and grow up, I'm announcing here first that I'll be selling my sneaker collection in the near future, figured that I'd give my dear readers the first chance to get some kicks. DS Jedis, DS Splatters, DS Tiffanys, NDS Portland AF1s. Once those are gone and I see what kind of money came in, there might be some worn and NDS OG Dunk his, DS mid 90s AF1s (when the leather was buttery and yummy). Oh, before you get too excited fellas, these shoes are all sizes 12 to 13. That's right, big feet, know what I'm sayin'. Get at me with offers or else they end on eBay.

Tom Vek - Nothing But Green Lights

Tom Vek, "Nothing But Green Lights"

Tom Vek, "Nothing But Green Lights (Digitalism remix)"

It's been too long since we've taken a look at something come off of the Kitsune label of Paris. I can't think of a better way to break that silence than with this Tom Vek 12" single, featuring one of the best tracks from his album We Are The Sound and a Digitalism remix. The original is a great intro to Vek and his sound, as he has what can be described as a electro-soul thing going on. Here, it's

The Digitalism remix is dope, real dope. It basically takes the soul angle out and replaces it with nothing. Listen and you won't believe how minimalist this sounds, how stripped down the track becomes. It's definitely my favorite, although I'm not sure that this one could make it on the dancefloor.

-Following up on that speech, I had to highlight this Keith Olbermann comment from his MSNBC news program, which followed up on Clinton's interview on Fox News. The fucking ending, when he looks at the camera and says, "Are yours the actions of a true American?" is just plain gully. Who's next? Who else will stand up and fight back? Democrats? Journalist? We're waiting.

-Shit, mang, you're bol is getting all political and committed and cause-related now. Last night, I attended the bi-weekly meeting of NABR, the organization established to stop the establishment of casinos in Philadelphia. I don't have enough space to discuss all the atrocities behind this legislation or how bad this will be for the city. Please join up on their myspace page. Check out their website and sign up for the email listserve there. Look for a post in the next few days about the online urban journal/zine that I mentioned before. It's time for that to begin, as I have too much to say about my cities. Get in touch if any of this interests you, please.

-I will be in one of my favorite cities again this afternoon, New York City, although I'll be up and back before you can say Chinatown bus. For the record, I am not checking out this place.

Air - Alpha Beta Gaga

Air, "Alpha Beta Gaga"

Air, "Alpha Beta Gaga (Jackson remix)"

Air, "Alpha Beta Gaga (Mark Ronson vocal remix)"

I'm feeling in a good mood and wanted to extend that to everyone in an attempt to overcome those cases of the Mondays. This song always puts me in a good mood, no matter what. Hell, Air is kinda made for those moments of blissful happiness, aren't they? They really do reprsent the opposite end of the spectrum to the music I have been critiquing recently, a ephermeral, quasi romantic group that offers none of the brutal machine music or offensive lyrics.

Here's one of my favorite Air songs, "Alpha Beta Gaga" off of Talkie Walkie. It's got the wonderful flute-sound melody, a nice relaxed pace and a beautiful, lushness that one expects from the Parisian duo. The real heat, though, is the Mark Ronson vocal remix, featuring Rhymesayer. Everyone knows my disdain for backpackers and their hip-hop, but this one just kills. Ronson ups the tempo to nice effect, gives it more of a bottom end and turns this one into an even better song. It's got that older, party vibe to it, with the whistling and hands in the air lyrics and general upbeatness. Yeah!

-One reason I am feeling so good is that I had a chance to watch the Fox News Clinton interview that aired last night. Bubba fucking destroys this moron Chris Wallace (how he could be the son of Mike Wallace, I'll never know), when Wallace ambushes with some canned right-wing lie about Clinton being responsible for 9/11. This one is for all the people who have been waiting for someone to stand up to the right wing smear merchants, cowards and liars. It's a thing of fucking beauty, for really real, watch it now.

-As always, Philly runs NYC. Tonight, catch Low Budget and Dan the Swede destroying Sway. This one makes me kinda sad, not just that I'm not gonna be there. Monday night at Sway was the first party I went to in NYC last Fall, it holds some special memories. It definitely feels like the place MC and I first got comfortable going out in NYC, a nice safe spot for two Philly transplants. It's sad to think about the cool events there with her, from seeing Disco D spin for the first time to the Philly night with Low B and Cosmo Baker to meeting CN for the first time. I cannot recommend this party more highly, as Roxy Cottontail has put together one of NYC's best weeklies here.

-Despite the emo stuff above, I'm feeling very good and rested and thoughtful after this weekend. It was a great chance to reflect and expand on some of the thoughts I've been having these past few months. I'm excited to be back writing here, as I have so much good music to share. You can expect to see some more Miami bass and ghettotech, Forward Russia, some Philly DJ remixes, either Dylan or Lily Allen album review and a few surprises. For real, we're gonna be on some blastoff shit, through the ozone, yahear?

Dylan Sunday - Theme Time Radio Hour #9

Bob Dylan, Theme Time Radio Hour #9 (Divorces)

A little late with this one, but I like Dylan Sunday and so just pretend, okay? Here's the next installment of Bob Dylan's radio show, Theme Time Radio Hour. We'll probably take a little break from these shows, unless there is a great outpouring of comments for this to continue. I guess I'll leave up to you, my dear readers. Speak or I will speak for you.

Anyway, here's a sad topic to bring up, as there's nothing good to say about this one. As a recently divorced person, I can attest to how awful this is. It seems like a common thing today, yet it's such a devastating one, especially for the kids. Of course, as George Constanza said, "I'm the result of my parents having stayed together, so you never really know."

This episode is not one of my favorites. While it's cool to hear the old country tunes, this one is just overloaded with them. It's interesting how half of the songs are railing against modern society and divorce, the other half are discussing their own divorces. My favorite moment lasts about 7 seconds. It's when Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley fame gives a show ID; I love her, she even sounds cute. Anyway, enjoy and weigh in on the future of these posts.

John Zorn - Spillane

John Zorn, "Two Lane Highway Part 1"

In honor of John Zorn being named a MacArthur Genius fellow, it seemed like a good time to take a look at one of his many brilliant albums over the years. Quite possibly one of the most important artists of the 80s to today, a huge influence over the way I hear music. I first came to Zorn's music through his more straightahead jazz projects like Masada and the Sonny Clark tribute band. While those are still amazing works to my ears, it was projects like Locus Solus, Naked City and the Big Gundown that just blew my mind.

Spillane is quintessential Zorn, a tightly composed work that incorporates all of his myriad of influences: hardcore, jazz, Morricone film scores, surf rock, film noir, you name it. Obviously, the main work, "Spillane," is a homage to the great noir author, but I didn't want to give away the whole album. It's one of Zorn's greatest works and reason enough to buy the album. However, I've given you a piece of the middle part of the album, Part 1 of "Two Lane Highway." It isn't really the best way to get into Zorn, as you miss the sax and duck calls, a lot of the madness that defines the man's sound. However, you do get a beautiful song performed amazingly on guitar by Mr. Marc Ribot.

I think that there has always been a strange tendency to dismiss Zorn, the downtown scene, even the No Wave of DNA and Sonic Youth as pretentious and arty. I don't know, I've never gotten that. In fact, Zorn was the first major figure before DJs took over that embraced pop and avant-garde music, celebrated the unheralded like Burt Bacharach, Carl Stalling, Napalm Death and on and on. Yes, the music sounds crazy and weird, but so what? Give it a listen, I promise that it is worth the time and effort. Before you know it, you will be a Zorn junkie and diving into one of the most massive catalogues around.

-Stephen Colbert had a great segment (Click on Who's Not Honoring Me Now) making fun of Zorn and his music, including an amazing look back at Colbert's documentary with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hip-Hopketball: A Jazzabration. The good folks from WFMU have the clip and some link fun.

-I was in Zorn's neck of the woods today, as I headed up to NYC this afternoon. Not too bad, although I did get stuck in the bathroom seat on the bus heading up and trust me, it's hard to get that urine smell out of your nostrils. Shout out to the F and N/R (I was N/R virgin, she was slow and gentle, like I like it), my girl LM, the crazy, fucked-up relationships I got gossip on that actually made me feel way better about myself, Ozzie's on 5th Ave for the iced tea and chance to read (Brooklyn, step your fucking cafe game ASAP, this place was not legit either) and as always my McDonald's on Delancey. Not sure about the places I saw today, but I feel like we (that's the royal we) are getting closer. I'm also beginning to feel like NYC will be mine and there will be no ghosts haunting me.

Friday Night Madness

Okay, I had to write one quick reminder to my people, as there is so much going on no matter where you are in the US of A.

-Philly, you have nowhere to be but the Trocadero for Spank Rock, Rod Lee, Plastic Little and many more. Mayhem, insanity, epic. It's that simple, do not miss this night.

-NYC, get your ass to Williamsburg and attend the latest edition of Finger on the Pulse at Royal Oak. DJ Never Forget and will get all the skinny jeans kids dancing, as

-Finally, for those on the opposite of the country, thanks to my girl Z, head to the TV On the Radio in-store at Amoeba at 6 and Phoenix at the Wiltern later. More to come from her helpful listings, but that covers you for tonight.

Have fun out there this weekend, live it up for me, dance, drink, kiss, hug, love, support your local parties, DJs and clubs.

Happy New Year a.k.a. L'Shana Tovah Part 2

Well, it's that time of year when Pound for Pound slows down to observe the High Holidays. For the first time, this holiday, Rosh Hashanah, and time of year is really beginning to make sense to me. While it's most notable as a time of repentance and apologies, it's not necessarily meant to be so punitive.

RH told me a great retelling of a sermon she heard years ago in shul about the meaning of the High Holidays. The rebbe said that this is not a time for one to have regrets and beat yourself about all of your mistakes; rather it is intended as a time of turning towards, turning towards the world (tikkun olam), towards your friends and family and most importantly yourself. As one who tends to self-hate, it was a great way to view this time of reflection and fits in quite nicely with a lot of my own thinking and writing recently. I hope to use this week to continue this process of warming, turning towards people and causes.

Happy New Year to those celebrating and best wishes for the upcoming year! We'll be back with regular posting on Sunday with lots of goodies to make up for the lost time. I'm going to be staying in tonight and tomorrow, as it seems like a good time to take it easy and read and think. Be good everyone, back soon.

DJ Godfather - Who Run This

DJ Godfather, "Who Run This (dirty)"

DJ Godfather, "In Your Mouf"

It's been way too long since I threw up any ghettotech, so what better time to do it than a few posts after talking about bringing sensitiveback in hip hop? Well, I never claimed to be perfect and can't really imagine not listening and hyping Detroit's finest. This one is pretty standard fare from one of the genre's heavyweights, DJ Godfather.

-To make up for the cold beats and offensive lyrics, let me get all emo and talk about The Office season premiere. I am so excited to see what happens between Pam and Jim; I've been watching this promo by NBC all day and getting completely emo. I mean, these two belong together, for fuck's sake!. Check out all the clips of Pam and Jim that fans made, which shows that they are meant for each other and that Office fans have way too much time on their hands. I have a feeling that this will not be the happy ending everyone hopes for, which I respect the show for doing. However, fellas (and ladies), heed Michael's advice: "Never, ever give up." Love is the only thing that matters in the end, don't just let it go away if your heart believes in it.

-West Coast, I asked you to step your game up and let me know what's going down on the Left Side. Well, Versus magazine has the jump-off for all the San Fran people, hosting a party at Madrone Lounge with the Trackedemicks providing the music. The focus is on dancing, so go do that.

-I will be at Quizzo, finally defending our title after a few weeks off. I'm riding my bike there, may G-d have mercy on me.

Soulwax - Nite Versions

Soulwax, "Teachers"

Soulwax, "Compute"

Here's a few classics from Soulwax off of their 2005 album, Nite Versions, which was a remix of their Any Minute Now album from earlier in the year. It's hard to believe, but the Dewaele brothers really did rework the original quite a bit, achieving that rare feat of a great remix album in its own right.

Why Soulwax today? Because they're doing a live set in Philly tonight tonight tonight! Not only that, but we're also getting a DJ set from their alter ego, 2 Many DJs, along with Dave P and JDH. This is one of the final stops of the Radio Soulwax tour, a rare chance to catch these guys live in the U S of A, doing the Nite Versions stuff. In fact, this is the first ever appearance of Soulwax in Philly, brought to you by the good folks who bring you Making Time. To bring it all full circle, you can learn all the basics about tonight from my preview in this week's Philadelphia Weekly!

-That's right, people, Pound for Pound continues his journalistic advance. This week, I have a big profile of my bol Naeem and Spank Rock, in advance of their show at the Trocadero this Friday night (check the sticky later tonight at the top of the page). Also, I have a preview of two poilitical events in the city, a reading by my bol Frank Rich and a fundraiser for LitPac at the Khyber, and one for Digable Planet's Cee Knowledge show at World Cafe Live. Cheah! That's four stories in one issue. Can't stop, won't stop.

-As I congragulate myself profusely in this post, let me also congragulate reader, commenter and friend EO on her new little baby, Talulah Grace. She was an abandoned kitty that EO took in and gave a home. She's the second most beautiful cat I've ever seen, a distant second to the gorgeous Jezebel C, who was like a feline Grace Kelly, Scarlett Johansson and Audrey Hepburn wrapped up in a little hipster, kosher, cigar-making package and I miss her. *single teardrop* I am so happy for EO, as this is such a good thing that she has done by rescuing this little girl. I have had the pleasure of meeting her and can say that she is sweet, a kisser and a skinny minny. I look forward to seeing her grow up and get fat and happy to make up for the tough times so far.



-Some disco-not-disco and Miami bass (or ghettotech maybe) tomorrow, plus some politcal outrage and whatever else comes to mind.

Money Rap

Ludacris feat. Pharrell, "Money Maker"

Lil' Scrappy feat. Young Buck, "Money In The Bank"

I wasn't really trying make some point by putting these two songs up, although it does reinforce my statement that rappers luuuuuuvvvvvvsssss talking about money and how much they have. Let me reiterate that this does not bother me. In fact, I love hearing and seeing the bling shit and love buying shit and having money as much as anyone. I think that the post from Monday was really an attempt to hope for a break, the introduction of a more vulnerable side to the music. It was not an attempt to say that this shit has no place in the art form. I mean, how could I say it, when it's all I put up here?

Of the two songs, the Lil' Scrappy is the keeper in my opinion. I have always like Scrappy and think that he has put out some of the hottest songs of the past few years. This one has a nice screwed vocal refrain, a good verse by Young Buck, who really is the only thing redeemable and really great stuff from Scrappy. I really like his style and flow a lot, I'm hoping that this new album holds a few hits and he gets the attention I think he deserves.

Everyone knows and loves Ludacris and hear he teams up with Pharrell in one of those dream matchups that rarely produces the results one hopes and expects. This is another case of slight disappointment, as Luda drops some average verses with the obligatory Pharrell sung refrains and a laid-back beat. I'm not sure if this one will be a hit, as it just seems disposable, like everyone was going through the motions. But, it's a bit of dry time on radio, so you never know.

-New Yorkers, New Yorkers, relive the days when you were young and invicible and had bright futures at 1992. This jawn is brought to you by Oscar D'Leon, King Vashtie and my bol Project Matt at Lotus in the Meatpacking district. Expect lots of early 90s hip-hop, spun by DJs Soul and Wilspin. Get out hear some classics, see how the beautiful people live and have much fun.

-For those in Philly, head to the best bar in the city/state/country/world, 700 Club, for a advance screening of the new Vice DVD, The Vice Guide to Travel. DJs Dryw Scully and Andrew Luxton will spin afterwards, there is going to be free shit and the video sounds like it's a mus-see.

John Starlight - Shadowbreaker

John Starlight, "Shadowbreaker (original)"

John Starlight, "Shadowbreaker (Boys Noize Remix No.1)

John Starlight, "Shadowbreaker (Boys Noize Remix No. 2)

Here's some huge electro-y madness for everyone to get back into the groove of things here. John Starlight is an alias of Zombie Nation, the better known project of Mr. Splank. He's a well-regarded techno producer and DJ, with releases on Kompact recently. If "Shadowbreaker" is an example of what techno sounds like today, then it's definitely not what I expected. This one reminds me of the "Acid Never Sleeps" jawn we upped last week, a minimal, bottom-heavy, echoing club track that doesn't really seem like it should be. The original version has this wonderful creakiness to it, literally, as it sounds in the beginning like a sample of a door opening. From there, you get a nice, acid-lite song that has great, heavy drums and a crackling bass that never detonates, sadly.

Boys Noize bring two remixes, not quite sure why, to be honest. It's the first one that kills, imo, as the German boys let the bass loose in the second half of the song. Having heard Dave P spin a few weekends ago, opening for MSTRKRFT, what made his set so amazing was the use of tension. That buildup of a minimal track, even extended a bassless interlude until the crowd was ready to go nuts and then BOOM! He would drop a huge bassline and things would go to the next level. Boys Noize have utilized that on the first remix to great effect, adding in some great synth, haunted house sounds along the way. Remix 2 isn't bad; in fact, it sounds a helluva lot like the first one, so I'm not really sure I understand the intent there.

-Completely unrelated to anything, but did everyone see this article about the prevalence of men on the "down low"? A study of New York City men pegged the number at almost 1 out of 10. Is this possible? Am I that naive to think that this number is incredibly high? I mean, what the fuck?

-I just wanted to say that it has been a full month without a drink! What a horrible experience, yikes! I don't think anyone realizes how essential alcohol is to social life and dating. But, with the help of my partner in crime MR, we did the damn thing. I'm going to keep going and try to do 2 months, as I think that the good effects are outweighing the awkwardness and diminished fun. Onward and upward, my dear readers.

Bringing Sensitiveback: An Essay Part 2

I'm sure many of you are wondering what Part 1 could possibly have to do with Pound for Pound. I can't really say for sure what it will mean for this site, although I do hope that there will be a clearer sense of committment to my city, cities, causes I believe in, that my readers believe in, an attempt to work against the very soundtrack I provide at times.

Which leads me to part 2 of this essay. I am a proud member of the hip-hop generation, born at its outset, raised on its sounds, it has been the soundtrack to my biggest moments and memories. I consider it the foundation of this site and its aesthetic, from the early hip house sounds and Miami bass to the New York shit of the 90s (Wu, Mobb Deep, Gang Starr) to the Southern ascendancy (Three 6, Screw, Bun and UGK, crunk, snap). Over the past few years, I feel like there has been a growing number of voices expressing disgust at present-day hip-hop, centering on the misogynistic and money-obsessed lyrics and videos.

Having finished I Don't Want To Talk About It, Terrance Real's exploration of male depression, I want to put forth a new reading of rap music. It isn't perfect and is overly reductive, but what theory isn't? I want to people to see rap as a reflection of a traumatized generation of young men, men and boys raised in violent surroundings, enduring suffering at an early age, forced to be tough and never experience pain or show weakness. Is it any wonder that the songs are about inflicting violence and disrespecting women and enemies and about the glory of money and cars? I would argue that it fits perfectly with the expected reaction of men in this society, where boys are told to never cry and to be the strong, silent type. To find meaning in their work and the rewards that go with that.

Let me make clear that this is not intended as an excuse or rationalization for these demeaning lyrics and offensive images. It's not. It's partly an effort to put this into context. From there, I want to ask some questions, which I don't really have any answer to yet. What can we do as a hip-hop community or generation to change this scenario? To move beyond the easy course of misogyny and hate towards something more open.

I don't know and must add that the music I find myself most attracted to is the stuff that I am talking about now. I love the cold, mechanical beats and the stories of killing and sex and asses. It's the aesthetic of this blog, from Miami bass to electro to Three 6 Mafia to New Order and Joy Division (the coldness moreso in those last two cases). I just want to be clear that I have as much to answer as anyone, and I don't have any answers.

The best ways I can think to escape this are the inclusion of more female voices to the critical reception of the music and to this blog, bringing a real critique of the music from a perspective that I cannot have. I cannot experience what sexist lyrics do and how they effect me. That would be a start.

It's a start, but it would still leave a long way to go. I fear that female critics would be silenced as outsiders, attacked as men-hating feminists or whatever other tactic reactionaries use. No, the real change will need to come from within. Is there a way for hip-hop to open itself up, to engage rather than intimidate? I'm not certain, as clearly this isn't the shit that I'm listening to and posting about. The one way out that comes to mind is Pharcyde's "Passin' Me By," one of the greatest songs ever. For starters, it's a banger, evidenced by the fact that this is a staple of Low Budget's sets, as anyone who has been at 700 Clubs on a Thursday night will attest. More importantly, it's a song about unrequited love, about being rejected, passed by. It's one of those rare moments in hip-hop. It's a song about love and vulnerability and it makes people dance and put it on their iPods and mixes.

What do you think? Are you offended by hip-hop? Do you feel like this is much ado about nothing? Is hip-hop being held to a higher bar than other art forms? What about the music of the Stones or rock's sexist past and present? Should hip-hop be seen as fantasy, a projection and even transgression? Does this post seem to new-agey and psycho-analytic? Is the future I know that there are quite a few women readers (Ladies Love Pound for Pound, FYI) and I really would love to hear their thoughts and critiques of the music I post. I don't have answers, but in some way I think that this is best. I think that this is a topic that should lead to discussion and potentially more understanding from all involved.

For those who made it to the end, here's some music that was mentioned in the past two posts. Nothing you don't already have, but figured I needed to somehow make up for all of this pontificating.

The Pharcyde, "Passing Me By"

Bob Dylan, "Like A Rolling Stone" [live]

The Smiths, "I Know It's Over"