Matthew Lipstein

You can't set the world on fire by staying in one place

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:51:11 -0500

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!

I’ve been singing the Food Emporium jingle to Amanda for...

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:55:00 -0500

I’ve been singing the Food Emporium jingle to Amanda for the past few years now. We finally dug up this classic commercial, which not only features the extended version of the song, but also an amazing lobster reaction at the 15 second marker.

theimpossiblecool: Happy Holidays from The Impossible Cool.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:02:00 -0500

theimpossiblecool:

Happy Holidays from The Impossible Cool.

The Best Songs of 2011!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:12:00 -0500

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.

Also, click here to get *most* of these songs in a Spotify playlist!

And don’t forget to check out The Best Songs of 2011 - New to Me Edition! It’s a collection of songs from before this year that finally crossed my radar.

Enjoy!

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.

DJ Shadow - Scale It Back (feat. Yukimi Nagano) - DJ Shadow, once a mainstay of my music collection, has pulled some interesting moves in the last few years. Thankfully, his most recent album “The Less You Know, the Better” is pretty tight. This track, with vocals from Little Dragon’s lead singer, is a stand out.

Marques Toliver - Deep In My Heart - Don’t know much about this except I believe the guy is playing an autoharp and I think I like it.

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.

Bon Iver - I Can’t Make You Love Me - In addition to making sweet and haunting songs of his own, Bon Iver is also known for covering other people’s songs and putting his own touch on them. This rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is gorgeous, and highlights the strength of the song writing.

Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart (Gigamesh Remix) - A new take on an old friend. Turn it up LOUD.

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.

My Brightest Diamond - I Have Never Loved Someone (Live on A Take Away Show) - Ripped this from the video of the stunning performance done on La Blogotheque’s Take Away Show (go watch the video of this performance now!). The performer and filmmakers all breakdown in tears after she finishes this stunning soliloquy to her son. Possibly the most powerful song I’ve heard all year - hope you agree.

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????)

Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger (Radio Edit) - OK, sure. This is pure pop-candy. And it’s stupid. But, it’s also fun, funky, dance-floor-friendly and tasty. Haters gonna hate.

Mayer Hawthorne - Dreaming Big 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!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:12:00 -0500

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.

And don’t forget to check out The Best Songs of 2011! It’s my pick of the best songs released this year.

Limited notes and anecdotes threaded below. Enjoy!

Aloe Blacc - I Need a Dollar Good record from Aloe this year. Keep an eye out for big things from this guy.

Betty Davis - Anti-Love Song Bass line of the year, and the vocals ain’t bad either!

Donovan Careless - Be Thankful For What You’ve Got Jamaican cover of the WIlliam DeVaughn soul classic.

Frank Mitchell Jr. - Booty Lock Produced by Thievery Corporation (really?). This is just a fun dance-floor banger.

Michael Jackson - Butterflies How have I missed this sweet MJ nugget?

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 Know That 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!

The Olympic Runners - Put the Music Where Your Mouth Is I swear I’ve heard this song a million times, but never knew exactly who it was. The Olympic Runners of course!

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.

Althia and Donna - Uptown Ranking Actually got hipped to this via the Beastie Boys blog. Yeah, they know a thing or two about music.

Sharon Revoal - Reaching For Our Star Just good female vocal soul music on this one. And a stupidfresh bass line.

Dorothy Morrison - Spirit In the Sky Yes, that Spirit in the Sky! But done in a gospel fashion.

Vera Hamilton - But I Ain’t No More - My first introduction to this track was via a sample included in the amazing Quincy Bright “My Ghetto Looked Like This” sound collage. Turns out it’s a ridiculous song unto itself!

[Image courtesy of Marcele Augustine from Mobile Artbox]

Ice-T! People are awesome.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:06:32 -0500

Ice-T! People are awesome.

merlin: Thumbthet In other news: the iPhone is just a toy.

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:40:01 -0500

merlin:

Thumbthet

In other news: the iPhone is just a toy.

Here’s a real cooker to get your weekend off right!...

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:17:32 -0500

Here’s a real cooker to get your weekend off right! From funksoul, obviously.

funksoul:

Fantastic Soul Inventions - “Bim Sala Bim” (Aris) - Well known classic, still puts the people on the dancefloor.

Videos like this one about Hifana make me want to both: a)...

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:34:40 -0500

Videos like this one about Hifana make me want to both:

a) Practice harder on music and DJing than ever before, and

b) Never DJ again

But mostly, I want to find a pair of those Asalatos!

“Rough Night”. Saw this on the 2/3 platform one...

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:52:28 -0500

“Rough Night”. Saw this on the 2/3 platform one morning last week.

theimpossiblecool: Franklin.

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:31:06 -0500

theimpossiblecool:

Franklin.

Wednesday Addams happens to be a sick dancer. After many...

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:23:27 -0500

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’!

Bring That Beat Back!

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:07:00 -0400

I’m pleased to share with you my latest DJ Lippy mix, Bring That Beat Back! There are many ways to enjoy the jams.

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One Stream right here, right now, in full:

Bring That Beat Back by DJLippy

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Two Download the whole shebang in one mega-mix file.

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Three Download the mix separated into individual tracks.

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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!

I have never read, heard or seen anything that has so eloquently...

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:12:00 -0400

I have never read, heard or seen anything that has so eloquently expressed what it feels like to be a parent.

This is so powerful, so delicate and so wonderful.

Thanks Steve.

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 09:12:56 -0400

Thanks Steve.

Theo's First Day of School!

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 03:08:14 -0400

Theo's First Day of School!:

This week Theo started school at a Twos program! He loves going to school and adores his teachers.

superamit: nevver: Pack your sandwich I refuse to travel...

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:30:05 -0400

superamit:

nevver:

Pack your sandwich

I refuse to travel until someone buys me or makes me this suitcase.

Mustache Mayhem

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:14:35 -0400

Mustache Mayhem:

To know our family is to understand that we love mustaches. It’s in our blood, which means Theodore (and eventually Nola) has the ‘stache gene as well.

Seeing is believing.

Shine on BB King! theimpossiblecool: King.

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:30:06 -0400

Shine on BB King!

theimpossiblecool:

King.

funksoul: Essense - “Third Rock” (BFC) - Great modern funk/soul...

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:31:05 -0400

funksoul:

Essense - “Third Rock” (BFC) - Great modern funk/soul from an Ohio radio station benefit compilation record.

Love this track. Those in the know will remember this as an RJD2 sample from a few albums ago.