You can’t set the world on fire by staying in one place
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, then chances are you already know the big news:
This weekend the family and I are packing up and moving down to Austin, Texas.
It’s a big move, and it’s all happening very quickly. With this relocation comes a rush of emotions, and they’re all over the map. Amanda put it best, recently describing it as happy, sad, happy, sad.
I’ve never been one to use this site as an online diary, so I won’t be going into too much depth here. I will however share the following:
The love and support you have given us is the energy we’ll use to make this move happen, and will provide the foundation for the next chapter in our lives. We thank you for it.
And yes, now that we’re moving out of NYC I’ll be joining Facebook, so watch out!
Another December, another chance to look back at the best songs from the past year. And 2011 had some JAMS! Little tidbits, shout-outs and anecdotes sprinkled below with each track.
To save any of these songs either control+click (mac) or right-click (PC) on the link and save to your computer. If you’re into the sounds, be sure to support the artists and buy some of their stuff directly.
Fela Soul - Stakes is High- First off, let’s just give an A+ for the name of this mashup album. Gummy Soul combines here the powerful African music of Fela Kuti, with the a capella rhymes of De La Soul. Tremendous. Word to Big Ranz for sending this over.
Iron & Wine - Monkeys Uptown- I was lucky enough to see Iron & Wine when they toured for their first (!) record some 10 years ago. Back then it was just Sam Beam and a guitar on stage. How far he’s come! I’ll admit for a few records in the middle there it felt like the same old stuff, but on this year’s release, “Kiss Each Other Clean” he has reinvented his style while sticking with incredibly crafted songs - and it works. It was a real challenge picking a song to include here, which is a testament to the strength of the album.
The Strokes - Under Cover Of Darkness- Say what you will about The Strokes, and people do, but they still make great music. This lead single from their newest release is fun and true to their sound. And that riff!
The Belle Brigade - Losers- Beautiful arrangement, and a powerful message. Not even sure how this song crossed my radar, but I’m glad it did.
Mayer Hawthorne - No Strings (DJ Jazzy Jeff Roller Boogie Remix)- Mayer Hawthorne has the distinction of showing up twice on this year’s list - he’s just that good! “No Strings” was released between records, and the Jazzy Jeff treatment here is just a great groove to compliment Mayer’s smooth vocals.
The Beastie Boys - Funky Donkey- “Put this out on zip disk - send it to your lawyer!” If you think a line like that wouldn’t appeal to me, then hello - my name is Matt. The new Beastie’s album was a win for the boys, bringing it back toward their earlier sound (helped by production by The Dust Brothers). Maybe not a 10 out of 10, but some really great moments on there, including this one. [Side note: Deifinitely check out Z-Trip’s 30 minute mega-mix that spans the Beastie’s career.]
Tune-Yards - You Yes You - I fell in love with Tune-Yards (also spelled tUnE-YarDs) this year. Sure, it’s not perfect music, and it’s certainly not for everyone, but something about it spoke to me. There’s something very Soul Coughing in her phrasing that puts a sahd of hip-hop sensibility into her indie songs.
TV On the Radio - Will Do (Mylo Remix)- I’ve been including TVoTR tracks on these lists whenever they put out new music. This year’s release was amazing (natch), but the Mylo remix here of their lead single “Will Do” adds a new canvas behind an already stellar song. James Blake - Limit to Your Love - Talk about intensity! James Blake had a huge year, finally getting his props stateside. “Limit to Your Love” is a powerful, slow-burning song that gets you in the mood (what mood? take your pick). Thanks to D-Rock and Bex for the head’s up on this track.
Nas - Nasty [Explicit]- While I can normally do without the typical rap-mogul braggart stupidity, Nas’s flow here is undeniable, and you have to respect how long he’s been in the game. The stripped down beat is absurd! Originally got hooked on this via the video (artists still make videos????)
Mayer Hawthorne - DreamingBig year for Stones Throw’s own Mayer Hawthorne as he made the jump to a major-label release. Mayer keeps bringing it here, channeling lots of different influences from Motown, to Steely Dan, to this E.L.O. style arrangement here on “Dreaming”.
[Image courtesy of Marcele Augustine from Mobile Artbox]
The Best Songs of 2011 - New to Me Edition!
Here’s a batch of songs, all released before 2011, that didn’t find their way to me (or I to them) until this year. As usual, it’s a mixed bag here so try some on and see how they fit.
To save any of these songs either control+click (mac) or right-click (PC) on the link and save to your computer. If you’re into the sounds, be sure to support the artists and buy some of their stuff directly.
George Duke - Capricorn DJ Ranztron dropped this during one of his Soul Junction radio shows, and pretended that no one would notice. Busted! Been loving this smoothed out song.
Das Racist - You Oughtta KnowThat sample! Who knew Billy Joel could be so enjoyable when sped up so fast (or maybe that’s why). Big year for Das Racist - go get ‘em boys.
LCD Soundsystem - Freak Out/Starry Eyes 2011 saw the fond farewell of LCD Soundsystem, and I was lucky enough to catch a few of their last gigs ever. It was there where I first heard the non-album cut “Freak Out”, with it’s lyric “If you do it again I’m going to freak out. So do it again”. Have a listen.
Lord Echo -Thinking of You Another track where I’m not sure where it came from, if it’s a remake, an edit or otherwise. All I know is it’s GOOD.
Amy Winehouse - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? RIP Amy. I could care less about the off-stage drama and rumors. Winehouse has a sick voice, and her passing brought us this rarely heard cover of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”.
Bo Diddley - We’re Gonna Get Married Great, fun, track, shared with me by Big Shanz on the eve of same-sex marriage being legalized in NY. So topical!
Prince - Sticky Like Glue This song comes from a Prince album “20Ten” (I just learned it’s his 35th studio album, what???). There’s some crazy story about this record like it was released only in London on CD, distributed in a newspaper available at newsstands on the moon, or something. Who cares, this song is funky as all get out.
Wednesday Addams happens to be a sick dancer. After many suggestions by the wife, I’m pleased to share with you this animated gif that has been rocking our worlds.
Look at that right foot cookin’!
Oct 13
Bring That Beat Back!
I’m pleased to share with you my latest DJ Lippy mix, Bring That Beat Back! There are many ways to enjoy the jams.
Here’s the tracklist so you have a sense of what’s what, although remember - all songs have been tweaked, looped and mixed for your listening pleasure.
1. The Isley Brothers: For the Love of You 2. Zhané: Hey Mr. D.J. (Remix) 3. Skee Lo: I Wish 4. De La Soul: Buddy (Native Tongue Decision) 5. Taana Gardner: Heartbeat 6. Ini Kimoze: Here Comes the Hotstepper 7. Ray Baretto: A Deeper Shade of Soul 8. Urban Dance Squad: Deeper Shade of Soul 9. Quantic: T.R.O.Y. 10. Nice & Smooth: They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y) 11. De la Soul: Ego Trippin’ (Part Two) 12. Al Hirt: Harlem Hindoo 13. Color Me Badd: I Wanna Sex You Up 14. Ashford & Simpson: Solid 15. Big Daddy Kane: Ain’t No Half-Steppin’ 16. The Emotions: Blind Alley 17. Terence Trent D’Arby: Wishing Well 18. Pharell: Frontin 19. The Pointer Sisters: Automatic 20. INXS: Need You Tonight 21. Nelly: Hot in Herre 22. Cheryl Lynn: Got to Be Real 23. Tony Toni Tone: Feels Good 24. J.C. Davis: A New Day 25. Justin Timberlake: Damn Girl 26. Michael Jackson: Butterflies
Enjoy, and hit me up in the comment section with your feedback!
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, then chances are you already know the big news: 
Another December, another chance to look back at the best songs from the past year. And 2011 had some JAMS! Little tidbits, shout-outs and anecdotes sprinkled below with each track.
Here’s a batch of songs, all released before 2011, that didn’t find their way to me (or I to them) until this year. As usual, it’s a mixed bag here so try some on and see how they fit.
