http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Thu, 26 Feb 2004 12:05:42 EST http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding. Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/02/26/120542.php Mars SanfordThere's been much talk about copyright infringement as of late (here and here, for example) and more specifically, DJ Dangermouse's recent project, The Grey Album (here and here, for example). Well, as the saying goes, no publicity is bad publicity. I was never a DJ Dangermouse listener prior to this whole controversy, but I've always loved the Beatles' White Album, DJ music in general, and hip-hop. This project was a must-listen for me as soon as I heard about it.Let me put the hubbub aside for a moment and talk a bit about the album itself, and how it stands up on its own two feet. Briefly, for those who haven't heard of the album yet, what DJ Danger Mouse did is to take an a capella version of Jay Z's The Black Album, and put those lyrics over beats created from samples taken from The Beatles' The White Album. The result works very well, and truly shows DJ Danger Mouse's abilities as a DJ and producer.The beats created are very well put together, and really nice to hear, since sampling of the Beatles works is such a big no-no. The "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" sample fits perfectly over the lyrics to Jigga's "What More Can I Say." The choruses meld together quite nicely to complement each other. Danger Mouse's dropouts are perfect punctuation for Jigga's lyrics. I honestly got goose bumps. "99 Problems" displays a nice fusion of select snippets from "Wild Honey Pie" and "Helter Skelter."The beat on "Dirt Off your Shoulder" is almost like John Lennon meets Bobby McFerrin. Danger Mouse uses a very intelligent use of vocal non-verbal sounds (from "Julia") over a very up-tempo, dirty south reminiscent beat. This track is a wonderful contrast to the very lovely and somber "Julia." On "Allure," "Dear Prudence's" guitar is looped with predominant kicks and a crash to create a wonderfully melodic beat. Overall, Danger Mouse undoubtedly put a lot of thought into the actual production of the beats and matching them to tracks.All in all, the clarity is a little less than usually desirable, but one must remember that an album like this can't really be compared to major label recordings. Since the predominant distribution for this album is via unauthorized internet sites, you can't really be sure of the source. I also wonder about the equipment used to produce the source. Aside from that, Jay-Z's not one of my favorite emcees, but a good beat does a lot to make up for that, and this album is a wonderful example. All in all, my recommendation would be to definitely listen to this if you're a fan of one album and at least impartial to the other. The album is currently available at illegal-art.org.- Mars Sanford Music13167@blogcritics.org Thu, 26 Feb 2004 12:05:42 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/08/22/170113.php Mars SanfordI try to get out, but they keep dragging me back.Reality shows, that is. I thought I'd talk a bit about the American phenomenon that has become quite the habit, and why I dislike them. First off, let me say that there's no way I could approach either the pro or con side of this argument objectively or unbiased (hmmm... or, Fair & Balanced for you Franken fans). For one reason, I (as someone who dabbles in filmmaking currently) have quite the use for good, fictional scripts. Second, because I find myself watching more reality TV than I'd care to admit. That's right, I keep trying to get out, but they keep dragging me back in.Why do I dislike reality shows, then, you may ask? Well, they're really counterproductive to art, frankly. Television is pretty much the biggest commercial outlet for artists, in that it seems to me to be the only art that many Americans even see anymore. Of course this isn't the preferable case, and I do realize how much movies are still a great money-maker, but by and large, I don't really talk to a lot of Americans outside my own circle that support the arts that much. So to see the writers, actors, lighting and set designers (TV artists) stripped away from the one artistic venue most supported by the vast working-middle class makes me feel a little sad for the old art of story-telling. That's not even mentioning the lowest-common-denominator aspect that so many of these shows provide as entertainment.Now that I've gotten that rant off of my chest, allow me to divulge my most recent guilty pleasures.Queer Eye for the Straight GuyThe few episodes I've seen of this show have definitely entertained me. A funny, fast-paced show, I love seeing what the 'Fab 5' does to a person's life, it's literally a complete 180. They are pretty damn funny while they're doing it, too.What I'd really love to see, though, is a recap. You can teach a man to fish, but is he really going to keep fishing? Luckily, I don't have to worry about a long-term addiction to this show, as I don't have cable, and its appearance on NBC has strictly been summer filler.The RestaurantI'm not entirely sure how I got hooked on this one, but it's been fun as well. The restaurant business is inherently dramatic, and it's been great to watch 'Rocco's' develop. It helps, too, when there are a lot of problems for the editors to play with.The season finale is actually this week, so this could be the last we see of Rocco's. The producers still haven't decided whether to follow Rocco's or start trailing a whole new upstart. I'm on the edge of my seat, aren't you?BanzaiWhat can I say, I love bizarre humor, I love spoofs, and I love audience interactivity. This one was bound to be a hit with me.So yeah, I guess you can all call me a hypocrite now. I'm trying to quit, I swear!!!also posted at Mars Life Video7774@blogcritics.org Fri, 22 Aug 2003 17:01:13 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/06/11/165915.php Mars SanfordTo say Kid Koala is diverse would be as obvious as saying he likes using turntables. He's been quite busy lately as well (kidkoala.com). He's one of many DJ acts that will be featured at this weekend's Bonnaroo festival (related post by Eric Olsen), and his work is worth checking for anyone who may be into instrumental hip hop.His list of credits includes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Deltron 3030, and solo cuts on several ninja tune mix cds. No, you're not mistaken, this is indeed a book review, read on.Kid Koala's most recent creation exhibits his rough, raw drawing style while also showing his appreciation for a good, ironic love story. "Nufonia must Fall" is a 300 page graphic novel chronicling an incredibly sweet love story between a defeated, almost-obsolete robot, and an overworked, lonely office worker. The two are star-crossed lovers of sorts, and their happenchance meetings and what develops is a delight to watch play out.Watch truly is the operative word in this piece, as Kid Koala uses virtually no dialogue in his piece, relying on signs, scenery, and emotions of his characters to move his plot forward. The only verbal communication even documented in the book is in email form. His drawings are delightful. Very scratchy, gritty, rough, grayscale images are enough to tell well over a thousand words apiece.Another notable feature of this project is the accompanying cd Kid Koala includes as a soundtrack. Tracks titled with page numbers help the reader understand that Koala's focus is the story that unfolds in the book, and that the music is just a stimulus to aid the reader in finding the emotions of the characters involved. Sitting back and digesting both simultaneously, one begins to appreciate the artist even more. Having made note of the dominance of the story, Kid Koala fans should not purchase Nufonia must Fall strictly for the music alone. The cuts Koala creates are not exactly entertaining on their own two feet. However, graphic novel fans and hip hop fans of the nerdy comic book variety will most likely find several readings worth of enjoyment from this beatiful piece of work, only to be enhanced by the musical accompaniment.Review also printed at Mars Life, where mars updates on his life from time to time. Books6102@blogcritics.org Wed, 11 Jun 2003 16:59:15 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/06/05/170526.php Mars SanfordWell, Paul's at it again. The artist formerly known as Chest Rockwell put out an album featuring many big name hip-hop artists entitled "Politics of the Business," which has been receiving mixed reviews since it first started being downloaded off of leaked copies put up on the internet several months ago.Prince Paul, a long time veteran in the hip-hop scene, has previously handled production for such classics as De La Soul, 3rd Bass, and Gravediggas in the past. On top of his collaborations with established artists, he has also produced a few concept albums of his own, most notably Prince Among Thieves, and Handsome Boy Modeling School (co-produced by Dan the Automator). Paul is most notable for his tendencies to stay off the beaten path. If Kool Kieth can say, "He just thrives to be different" that's usually a good indication of some innovative sounds. It's that innovation, as a matter of fact, that's been causing most of the divergent opinions of his most recent contribution. On strictly listening to the album, it appears that Paul has given up his musical rebellion and surrendered to the flow. The beats are a bit "jiggy" for Paul, R & B singers abound on the hooks, and verses tend to be more based on image. However, the "joke" behind this change, as hinted to in skits "The Drive By", "A Life In The Day", and "Politics of the Business", is one that Paul hopes is not lost on his fans. All in all, the change in style is actually well executed. Though he's obviously practicing outside his expertise with these beats, they still come out sounding good. The guitar on "So What" (featuring Masta Ace and Kokane), the xylophone on "Chryme Pays" (featuring Tash, the Beatunuts, and Tony Touch), and the piano on "Controversial Headlines Pt1" (featuring Horror City) all are well executed and complementary, even in their jestful use as cliché mainstream devices. Similarly, the juxtaposition of the hackneyed lyrics being spitted by emcees that are obviously out of their realm as well can't help but make some conscious fans crack a smile.Fans of Prince Paul may generally feel out of place on first listen of this album, but as usual, the long-standing producer manages to deliver some quality material with a sense of humor on this long awaited album.For more musings on Mars' Life and what he thinks of what he sees, visit Mars Life Music5940@blogcritics.org Thu, 5 Jun 2003 17:05:26 EDT