On a lighter note, we're front page news baby

Just thought I'd make it blog-official. Good work boys, and a special shoutout to my boy PJ Fabros who made a brief appearance in the article:

Broad Street Records Plans ’Gatestock: Campus-Wide Fest Planned for April

Really Jackie, Really?

Case In Point:






Jackie Chan: The man, the legend... the movie whore. Thank God Bruce Lee isn't around today to see kung fu cinema get pissed on like this. Jackie Chan, how do you sleep at night? And why are you smiling? By the way, try to read the taglines on the last two posters without getting engulfed by the urge to throw somebody out of a window.

Why Jackie Chan, Why??? (A Rant In Response to Jake's Previous Post)

Dearest Jake,

You are both my respected colleague and beloved friend, but unfortunately I'm going to have to vehemently disagree with you on this one. This movie looks about as entertaining as two elderly sea turtles trying to get it on (actually come to think of it, that would probably be a lot more hilarious and entertaining than this guaranteed $10 down the porcelain throne). The sad truth is, Jackie Chan hasn't been in a respectable or marginally entertaining movie since Rush Hour 2* (Exhibit A. The Forbidden Kingdom: Jet Li + Jackie Chan + In the same movie = theoretically awesome, but turned out to be one of the worst disappointments since MJ's basketball comeback with the Wizards... both of which lead me to ask the question of whether or not there is actually a God, but that's another BSR Blogpost for another time). Also a crapton of people wrote off Jackie Chan for being racist against Chinese people a while back (I think he said something about Chinese people having to be controlled by their governments). He's a few derogatory slurs short of a Kramer, but Jackie Chan has sadly become nothing more than another past-his-prime movie whore willing to take any script thrown his way so long as he can take out a few uncoordinated henchmen with an assortment of random household objects (I wonder what he'll use this time... a Chip-Clip?) and speak in a patronizingly foreign accent. Come on, The Spy Next Door (2010)? I haven't seen a once-respectable human being get owned like this since Vin Diesel was in The Pacifier. Godamm action movie whores with limited theatrical abilities... will somebody please just make Shanghai Noon 3: Culturally Opposite Individuals Promote Diversity In Cowboy Outfits?

Sorry about the tangential blogpost, but Jackie Chan has royally pissed this disgruntled Asian BSR intern off,

Emperor Peng

*I forgot that Jackie Chan actually had two lines as Monkey in Kung Fu Panda... great movie, my bad guys.

The Karate Kid 2010

This one might even come close to rivaling the upcoming Caitlin-produced Broad Street Records Documentary... (*Which is going to be insane!)

Taking place in Beijing, China, Jayden Smith's character (yea, thats Will's son) meets a Mr. Miyagi janitor type Kung-Fu master played by the one and only Jackie Chan. As someone who grew up on the original Karate Kid trilogy, I almost felt guilty for being so pumped for this. However, after about 3 minutes I completely got over it. This looks too awesome.

A Studio Montage...

mostly bloopers & music.

This is my attempt to give a preview of the documentary I plan to make about the recording process for the Broad Street Records distribution cd. Hopefully I will be able to hang out with several other artists at Colgate to catch their 'best' moments in the studio. bahaha.

And did I mention Gatestock? April 17, 2010. A festival of epic proportions is likely to unfold.

Stay tuned.

[p.s. You are better off clicking on the video to get linked to youtube. It seems to get cut off a bit on here.]

Whose Cousin?

Sometimes I find myself wondering.. where is the originality in music videos today? Mostly because I find that I am not entertained within a minute of a video. It's called the entertainment industry, is it not?

Let me introduce you to a video off the new Vampire Weekend album, Contra. These Columbia graduates make a single street worth watching. My fuzzy hat's off to you Vampire Weekend, I am thoroughly entertained.

Cousins- Vampire Weekend

K'naan announces tour with Wale: Press Release

K’NAAN ANNOUNCES CO-HEADLINING U.S. TOUR WITH WALE

East Coast Tour Kicks Off March 31in New York City

New York, February 16, 2010 – Acclaimed hip-hop artist K’NAAN returns to the U.S. to tour this spring in support his 2009 album Troubadour for a co-headlining tour with Wale. The 11-date, east coast trek kicks off at New York City’s The Fillmore at Irving Plaza on March 31. In their “Best of 2009” list, the Los Angeles Times said of K’NAAN: “this Somali-born, Toronto-based hip-hop bard took the streets global and made one of the year's sweetest, most powerful albums.” On the road, this potent hip-hop duo will be joined by John Forté. Full dates below.

Also this spring, K’NAAN’s voice will be heard across the globe as his song, “Wavin’ Flag,” becomes the soundtrack for Coca-Cola’s promotional coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The Wall Street Journal recently said of “Wavin’ Flag”: “the upbeat anthem about freedom has a good chance of becoming one of the most ubiquitous new songs of the year.” The track is an upbeat, empowering remix, from Troubadour. K’NAAN reworked the song specifically for the Coca-Cola campaign as an outlet for football fans worldwide to express their passion for their countries and their favorite sport.

Born in Somalia and raised in Toronto, K’NAAN has always been on the move. Over the past four years, K’NAAN has played concerts and festivals across five continents, with artists such as Jason Mraz, Stephen Marley, Lenny Kravitz, Mos Def, Damian Marley, Youssou N’Dour, Amadou and Miriam and many more. He also performed at the Rock The Bells festival in 2009. Most recently, he completed an 18 date “Trophy Tour” across Africa, with stops in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa and traveling alongside the actual FIFA World Cup™ Trophy. In March he will take the Trophy throughout Mexico, as well as Eastern and Western Europe.

Do not miss your chance to see him for yourself!

Confirmed East Coast Dates:

*denotes co-headlining date with Wale.

3/31 New York, NY @ The Fillmore at Irving Plaza*

4/01 Boston, MA @ House of Blues*

4/02 New Haven, CT @ Toad's Place*

4/03 Baltimore, MD @ Ram's Head Live*

4/04 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club*

4/06 Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero*

4/08 Atlanta, GA@ Center Stage*

4/09 Williamsburg, VA @ College of William & Mary

4/11 Chicago, IL @ Metro

4/13 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues*

4/14 Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall*

*K'naan and Wale will be coming to Colgate University on Thursday, April 15th. Due to the exclusive nature of this concert (it will only be advertised to Colgate Students) it has not been announced on this press release. The two artists will perform at 8PM at the Hall of Presidents, and K'naan is expected to give a lecture to students and faculty at 4PM. He plans to focus on current events and the socio-political situation in his home country of Somalia. This concert will be the final one of the recently announced K'naan/Wale Tour.

K'naan's Official Website

Wale's Official Website

A Rachel Harmon Jam

Junior Rachel Harmon does a sweet acoustic cover of this Ke$ha jam. Enjoy!

R.I.P. Jay Dilla

Four years ago yesterday, on February 10th, 2006, producer J Dilla died from a rare blood disease. This happened just three days after his thirty-second birthday, as well as the release of his final album, Donuts, which he created while in the hospital. He is nearly universally acclaimed by many of the best artists out there, including Pete Rock, Madlib, Pharrell, MF Doom, Common, J. Rocc, and Kanye West. He hailed from Detroit and started out in the group Slum Village in the mid 1990's. During that time and afterwards he branched out and produced tracks and albums for a number of prominent rap solo artists and groups, as well as releasing his own instrumental albums. Any of his work is much more than worth listening to. Let's hear what Common has to say:

Also, here is a video from his posthumous album entitled The Shining. Dilla is handling the production, the MC is his younger brother Illa J, and you can spot a number of other recognizable hip-hop artists in it as well.

Wyclef Jean wins SGA Poll

In the recent poll given through the Colgate University Portal, Wyclef Jean received 733 votes (38%), decisively winning over the six other potential artists. He was followed by Pitbull, then Gym Class Heroes who came in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Members of CAB music are currently pursuing Wyclef to bring him to Hamilton for the April 24th Spring Party Weekend Show.

Wyclef is joined by a few friends in this live version of his classic Pink Floyd cover "Wish You Were Here" from his album The Ecleftic.

Wyclef Jean is mostly known for his former role in the legendary hip-hop group, The Fugees. He has proven time and time again to be an incredible MC, even though English is not his first language. Since the unfortunate break-up of the influential group, he has had a flourishing solo career, collaborating with artists such as Paul Simon, Norah Jones, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, Scarface, Lil Kim, Lauryn Hill (another Fugee), Lil Wayne, T.I... and many more.

An accomplished rapper, singer, guitar player and pianist, Wyclef is simply, the man. His recent initiative to help the Haiti earthquake relief effort has been an inspiration to millions, and the positive message in his music is truly refreshing in today's corporate dominated and sometimes valueless record industry.

The mere prospect of his visit to Colgate University is very exciting, as his reputation for live performances is beyond stellar. If all goes according to plan, we could be seeing one of the best Spring Party Weekend performances in years.

Maroon News - Listen to the Music: Big Things for Broad Street Records

Check out this great write-up in the Maroon-News! Keep spreading the word!!

Maroon News - Listen to the Music: Big Things for Broad Street Records

The "Hope for Haiti" Telethon, and What I Realized About the Last Decade in Popular Music

The Haiti earthquake has hit a delicate nerve in many of us. Like Hurricane Katrina over four years ago, it has struck our innermost fears of what happens when an unprepared urban area is hit by a natural disaster. We have also gasped in shock as the sheer desperation and consistently harrowing plight of a nation, located just down the road from our own, has suddenly unfolded before our eyes. With all the troubles we are currently facing here in the United States, it is heartwarming to realize that we are still capable of putting aside our sociopolitical differences in order to help those in more dire need than us.

The dozen or so artists who performed during the Hope for Haiti telethon two weeks ago were a clear representation of this American sentiment. From Mary J. Blige's booming "Hard Times Come Again No More," to Stevie Wonder's soaring, gospel-infused take on "Bridge Over Troubled Water," the night was filled with powerful performances. This century's artists did not disappoint either. Jennifer Hudson, Shakira, Taylor Swift and others each turned in emotionally-charged performances that showcased their unique musical talents.

As the performances went on, however, as much as I wanted to bask in the still-awe-inspiring collective of American musicianship on display, I couldn't help but shake my head in disappointment. This had nothing to do with the actual performances themselves, mind you, but was due to a pent-up peeve that has been slowly building inside me for a long time. It just seems, to me at least, that over the last decade there hasn't been much of a parallel between the talent of this generation's artists and their overall creative output. I mean, how is it that Stevie Wonder released Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness's First Finale and Songs in the Key of Life over a five-year period, while John Legend, with all his ability, has only put out three better-than-average albums in six?

Much of the blame for the decline of the record industry has been placed on the overall laziness of industry executives and consumers alike. We are no longer willing to pay much, if anything, for our music, which has made it difficult for companies to figure out what we like as money becomes increasingly obsolete as a measure of popularity. On the other hand, industry heads have done next to nothing to find innovative ways of building new artists and extending the careers of established veterans. The greatest changes brought about recently in the distribution of music (the iPod, MySpace, etc.) have come from people who do not work in the industry itself.

And as this lackadaisical attitude has spread from bottom to top, those in the middle, the actual artists themselves, have gotten used to taking the same route. So many pop songs nowadays are based on the same chord progressions that I lost count a long time ago*. And to make matters worse, most productions, even from former greats like Timbaland and Kanye West, are literally phoned in, substituting real instruments** for crappy keyboard imitations.

The following is a list of gen-now artists who performed during the telethon, with accompanying videos. From what I saw that night, and from what I've seen/heard in a few songs and performances from years past, I can't help but believe that given their collective talent, many of our most popular musicians working today can do much, much more.

Justin Timberlake

Beyonce

Alicia Keys

Coldplay

Christina Aguilera

I have some advice for each of you, which I hope you will take into account as you pursue your future musical endeavors.

Justin Timberlake



Okay, so you're from the 90s if one counts your days with N'SYNC. But I'll let you off the hook, because not only were you able to break away from that stigma in the 00s (unlike any other former boy band member), but you did it by proving to the world that you were a unique talent on your own. Unfortunately, after you brought sexy back, you decided to focus on honing your acting and producing skills. No offense, but as far as I can tell, that has led to a supporting role in "The Love Guru,"*** and musically, every song you have produced since "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around" has been a carbon copy of, well, "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around." (need proof? Listen to "Dead and Gone" and "Rehab.") Judging by your first two solo albums, you have a knack for working with producers who are just hitting their pop stride (The Neptunes for Justified, Timbaland for FS/LS) -- may I suggest crafting your next album with Mark Ronson? He's worked primarily with females (Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen), but both of you have a Neo-Soul/Hip-Hop/Pop style that might work great if your minds are in the right place at the right time.

Beyonce



Ditto with J.T. regarding your non-solo past (a la Destiny's Child). Beginning with "Crazy In Love" (one of the best pop songs ever), you have emerged as one of the world's most bankable music stars. Whenever it seems like your airtime is waning, you always whack us over the head with another killer single. You're an electrifying live performer, dancing in high heels (mad respect) while belting out your already-difficult-to-sing songs -- at your best you are a live cross between Etta James and Tina Turner (I must admit, I dig the all-female band too). You have also established yourself as a phenomenal I-can-portray-singers-from-the-1950s-and-60s actress (Dreamgirls, Cadillac Records), so with all of this at your back it's safe to say that you're an all-around cultural juggernaut. But I would like to see some more albums, not just a new #1 every four months. Your three sporadic singles collections (I'm sorry, but that's what they are) thus far have not represented your fullest potential. I recommend replicating the blueprint for your musical success so far, albeit more frequently. This means putting out at least one album each year, not every two or three. The more time you spend in the studio, the more you'll get your creative juices flowing, and if all goes well you will have an entire album full of "Deja Vu"'s. I think it'll happen eventually.****

Alicia Keys



You've got the quadri-fecta, my friend: you can sing, play, write, and produce. So stop half-assing everything! A bagillion people loved "No One," which lyrically and vocally is understandable -- but the fact that you couldn't even take the time to use real drums instead of an 808***** really pisses me off. Also, the melody is a blatant rip-off of "Where is the Love?," which in and of itself is a slowed-down version of "Don't Stop Believin'." Excuse me if I'm sounding particularly harsh -- on the plus side, your cross-generational appeal means that of all the artists mentioned here, you'll probably be the one sticking around the longest. If anything, this gives you more reason not to rush your product -- I know that a five-star classic will come from you eventually, even if it's at 92, so long as you put the effort into it. People got hooked on you like you were phonics because you entered the scene as someone with raw talent and original ideas. Like Beyonce, you should spend more time in the studio, and I think it would be of great help for you to have your live band back you up. But don't take my word for it.

Coldplay



There is a large group of musical elitists (whom I often consider myself to be a part of) out there that likes...loves to hate on you guys a lot. Just to let you know, they're only doing it because they're jealous. Jealous because, a) y'all said you wanted to be the biggest band in the world (when U2 isn't touring, of course) and then actually did it; and b) y'all did it through making some fine, stadium-worthy tunes (as much as it disappoints me, I can't place my bets on Iron & Wine playing the Garden anytime soon). So really, from a musical standpoint you're in a position where you guys can do what thou wilt, and still be huge. So do just that! Experiment with hip-hop! Write a bagpipe-infused, Afro-beat rock opera!!! Record an entire album of feedback for all I care!!! (Actually, on second thought don't try the last one -- probably the only time I wouldn't recommend taking a page from Lou Reed.******) Just try something different, if only because you have more than proven yourselves within your current realm.

Christina Aguilera



Oh, Christina. Where do I even begin? It was love at first sight when the braces-laden yours truly saw you in the "Genie in a Bottle" video...although I can't say I remember how the song went. In your near twelve years as a popular recording/performing artist, you have only released three albums (not counting a Spanish-language one). Unacceptable. I say this because you might just be the best singer on the planet. Seriously -- you would probably win World Idol if there was one. Ever since I heard your track on Herbie Hancock's Possibilities album, I knew that you had an amazing voice and a solid range of influences. I am saddened that you are maybe the most naturally gifted of all the musicians on this list, and yet you have next to nothing to show for it. I've been reading extensively on your new album, for which M.I.A., Santigold, Goldfrapp, and others are rumored to have contributed to. This is great news if it turns out to be something special, but until I hear the whole thing I worry that there'll be too much production in the way of your voice. If you team up with Rick Rubin, sit in a room with a piano, a bass, a saxophone and a drum set, and record an album of jazz standards, I will be in heaven. Please don't spend any more time putting your abilities to waste. Thank you.

If you are still reading this, I commend you. Music is among our most natural and beautiful attributes, and for those who are most capable of wowing us all to let their skills hang in the balance is disconcerting to me. Hopefully, we can expect better things from our most cherished musical artists in the coming years. For their own sakes, they better start moving fast -- Lady Gaga is on pace to leave them all in the dust.*******

* Listen to "Apologize," "Bleeding Love," "I'm Yours," "Move Along," "The Scientist," "Love in this Club," etc.

** Yes, real instruments, the one constant in popular music for the last, I don't know...three million years or so.

*** Mr. Timberlake will next be starring in The Social Network, written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club, Zodiac, etc.), and scheduled for release later this year. If it's good, I will personally absorb all offense taken.

**** While you are busy improving upon your musical portfolio, if you could also make the time to grace another Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover, I will be eternally grateful.

***** Don't get me wrong, I adore 808 drum machines. Without them, hip-hop would not be possible. I just hate it when artists hastily tack them onto songs that would be better off with more percussion.

****** The Lou Reed album I'm referring to is called Metal Machine Music. Unless you truly care about how industrial rock (Nine Inch Nails, etc.) arguably got it's start, you will be doing your ears, brain, and whoever else happens to be near you a favor by not listening to it.

*******

SNOOP DOGG CANCELLED

To the disappointment of many Snoop fans on campus, the administration has forbidden this show from happening for SPW 2010. Due to issues with Snoop's lyrics, some have expressed serious concern about having him perform at Colgate. Some feel that his lyrics perpetuate racist and misogynistic stereotypes that would be inappropriate at Colgate University considering the recent results of the Colgate Campus Life Survey. Students have also joined in the protest. Check out this maroon news article in which one student outlines why she believes bringing Snoop Dogg to Colgate would be irresponsible: "Drop it Like its Offensive".

Other concerns relate to the security issues that would arise with a Snoop Dogg concert. His status as an international pop and hip-hop icon has worried the administration. Concerns have been brought forward suggesting that too many non-Hamilton residents might make the trip for the show. Please refer to the recent maroon news article for more information: "Maroon News- Snoop Cancelled"

A student committee has been formed including members of Broad Street Records, SCOPE, WRCU, WeFunk, CAB, Protoculture, The SPW Taskforce and SA Sound to find a replacement act. The committee is in the process of finalizing a list of 3-5 available acts. Once the list is finalized, a SGA survey will be e-mailed to the entire student body, where students will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite options. The artist with the most votes will be pursued by the committee for the show on Saturday April 24th.

Grammy Winners 2010!

For all of you who missed the show on Sunday night, or who don't spend much time on these internets, here is a list of the major Grammy Award winners for this year.

A special note: In order to gain a greater understanding of how the Grammys work, insert "Most Commercially Successful" before each category. Here it is:

Record of the Year: "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon

Album of the Year: "Fearless," Taylor Swift

Song of the Year: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," Beyonce Knowles

New Artist: Zac Brown Band

Pop Vocal Album: "The E.N.D," The Black Eyed Peas

Female Pop Vocal Performance: "Halo," Beyonce Knowles

Male Pop Vocal Performance: "Make It Mine," Jason Mraz

Rock Album: "21st Century Breakdown," Green Day

Rock Song: "Use Somebody," Kings of Leon

R&B Album: "BLACKsummers'night," Maxwell

R&B Song: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)," Beyonce Knowles

Rap Album: "Relapse," Eminem

Rap Song: "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West

Country Album: "Fearless," Taylor Swift

Female Country Vocal Performance: "White Horse," Taylor Swift

Male Country Vocal Performance: "Sweet Thing," Keith Urban

Latin Pop Album: "Sin Frenos," La Quinta Estacion

Contemporary Jazz Album: "75," Joe Zawinul & The Zawinul Syndicate

Classical Album: "Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio from Symphony No. 10"

Traditional Gospel Album: "Oh Happy Day," various artists

Dance Recording: " Poker Face," Lady Gaga

Electronic Dance Album: "The Fame," Lady Gaga

Alternative Music Album: "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," Phoenix

Spoken Word Album: "Always Looking Up," Michael J. Fox

Comedy Album: "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!" Stephen Colbert

*Courtesy of CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/01/entertainment/main6161396.shtml

Children's Television Nowadays Just Doesn't Cut It...

...and here's why.

Take that, Dora.

Scope Presents: The Soft Pack w/Earthman Embassy. Saturday, February 6th, 2010

This Saturday at Colgate's Donovan's Pub there will be a rock show. The headlining act is "The Soft Pack"; a San Diego band formerly known as "The Muslims." They play an insanely catchy blend of upbeat tunes with pop, punk, rock, and surf influences. Opening the show will be Colgate's own "Earthman Embassy." Earthman have undergone some changes in their lineup of late and in doing so have written a lot of new material that they will be revealing live for the first time. The show starts at 8:30 sharp. The cash bar will be open, so rally up your friends and come listen to some fresh sounds.

Rockin' off the Rubble

Here's something I'd like to spread.. and it seems to be a bit contagious.. CRRABS. The Haiti Benefit Concert, in which the group participated in, took place in the Chapel this past Saturday and was an epic success. Over $5,000 was raised in support of recovery from the earthquakes that wrought the territory.

With their renditions of Pink Floyd & Third Eye Blind they shook the rubble off the Haitians and relieved their misery with the sounds of melodic cover songs. Until next time.. spread the crrabs.

Beautiful Rendition of Hallelujah to Benefit Haiti

Jeff Buckley's / Leonard Cohen's / Rufus Wainright's song "Hallelujah," has long been considered a classic among music heads, but Justin Timberlake's recent rendition gives the song a passion I haven't heard in the other versions. Performed at Wyclef's recent Hope For Haiti Timberlake's "Hallelujah," can be downloaded on Itunes, with the proceeds going to aid the embattled country.

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