It's That BritSh*t featuring The Streets (pt. 2)

100/100

Beautiful piece of music.

"I came to this world with nothing, and I leave with nothing but love....

everything else is just borrowed."

Wow...

Everything is Borrowed - The Streets

The next couple kind of make a story. But that's just a bonus.

99/100

This is one is about the beginning of a relationship. Captures that great feeling when you first meet someone. You know, that feeling you get when you're chatting away and playing that guessing game trying to see if the other is keen.

Could Well Be In - The Streets

98/100

This one is about the part in the relationship when you get so comfortable with someone that you'd rather be nowhere else.

Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way - The Streets

100/100

Every man's probably been in this situation at least once.

The Streets - All Goes Out The Window

100/100

"Dry your eyes mate
I know it's hard to take but her mind has been made up
There's plenty more fish in the sea
Dry your eyes mate
I know you want to make her see how much this pain hurts
But you've got to walk away now
It's over"

The Streets - Dry your eyes

It's That BritSh*t featuring The Streets (pt. 1)

Led by lead man Mike Skinner and supported by various instrumentalists/vocalists during lives, this unit/man is versatile and tackles a variety subject material using contrasting musical styles that somehow is still held true by Skinner's words. If hip hop died, then it came back in the form of the Streets. Honestly, he is one of my favorite artists ever. From his style, instrumentals, and words, its hard to compare others, and in fact, its useless to make comparisons. Mike Skinner is the Streets is Mike Skinner is.

100/100 - From "Original Pirate Material"

Jazz house trip hop. It's hard to categorize the Streets. But one thing that is certain is the mean piano loop, hypnotizing vocals, and Skinner's haunting, yet soothing lyrics.

"dizzy new heights, blinded by the lights, these people are for life...

they could settle wars with this

if only they will, imagine the worlds leaders on pills then imagine the moring after

wars causing disaster, don't talk to me I don't know ya

but this ain't tomorrow and for now I still love ya"

The Streets "Weak Become Heroes"

100/100 - "A Grand Don't Come For Free"

Light's are blinding my eyes...

The music video really makes the song incredible. Just, down right grimy. Watch with the volume turned up, you'll see.

The Streets - Blinded By The Lights

97/100

The art of story-telling rap has more or less vanished from mainstream rap, but Mike Skinner brings it back by playing two sides, and making an interesting point about alcohol versus marijuana. Food for thought.

The Streets - Irony of it All

100/100

"I reckon your about an 8 or a 9, maybe even 9 and a half in 4 beers time..."

Classic.

Fit But You Know It - The Streets

Folk-y Indie Stuff: If You Ever Have Time for an Afternoon Nap

This is the stuff.

95/100

I know it says Christmas Eve, but to me it sounds like a peaceful afternoon nap. So sue me. Actually, no, don't sue me. I know too many lawyers (and lawyer-wannabees) these days.

Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - Christmas Eve

98/100

Actually, an amazing cover of MGMT's Electric Feel. I think I ran into this perusing random music blogs a little while ago. Genuinely good. Huge fan.

Katy Perry, MGMT cover, Electric Feel

99/100

Just ran in to this song actually, and its jazzy and folk-y and I love it. I've been meaning to feature the original on this blog for a while, so this is a little taste of what's to come.

Adele - Black and Gold (Sam Sparro cover)

100/100

Somber and dark, yet somehow uplifting. Basically what I want to say is listen to this song cuz its good.

The Temper Trap - Love Lost

100/100

Soothes the soul. Apparently the lead singer is collabing with Kanye? Cool, huh?

bon iver - skinny love

Rewind: A Little Bit of Hip Hop

Oh those good ol' days when hip hop was alive, blah blah blah.

While I think that statements like this miss the mark, I can't deny the awesomeness of classic hip hop tracks. There are just tons of songs that are just simply undeniably *good*.

In order to keep up with the summer theme I've got going, and because I love summer-time songs, I'll be digging up some that fit into such categories!

100/100

Of course, this list could not be complete without this song. Cuz damn it feels good to be a gangsta. It was featured in none other than the timeless classic Office Space. In case you've forgotten, here you go:

Office Space Damn It feels good to be a gangsta scene

100/100

R.I.P. Big Pun. A classic. Timeless. Etc. Words to live by: I'm not a player, I just (crush) a lot. Ahaha. Oh and in case you are really white, Big Pun is just short for Big Punisher.

BIG PUN - Still Not a Player

Bonus: For those of you who diss on Incubus, man, get outtah here.

98/100

Off Nas' 2001 album "Stillmatic", this track definitely very underrated, under recognized, under ... well under something. Samples Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", which is definitely a quality track in and of itself. Heck Amerie is on this track which doubles its awesomeness points, pretty much automatically.

NAS-RULE

100/100

This is how we chill. Need I say more?

Souls Of Mischief - From 93 Till Infinity

100/100

Some of you will think "Tracy Chapman" at the beginning of this song. Others of you will think "Nice and Smooth". In essence, you're both correct. A truly amazing song that deals with real life problems such as AIDS, poverty, and drugs. And sometimes I feel like there Ain't a Damned Thing Changed since 1991.

nice n smooth - sometimes i rhyme slow

Bonus: Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" was sampled in this song. It's incredible. Fantastic. 100/100, easily.

100/100

Another socially conscious song from Arrested Development. Also, it makes me sad when people think of the TV show first, rather than the group. This group deserves to shine and while there are many that know them, it is nearly not enough. Hip hop isn't dead but damn, songs like this? Haven't heard 'em.

Arrested Development - Mr. Wendal

Bonus: Everyday People

and

Tennessee

Pop-culture: Summer Chart Toppers

Or at least songs that should. And at the very least are good summer jams that might stuck in your head after a couple listens. Anyway...

91/100

To quote the song, "I know this song a little annoying Oh yeah, but now I'm making dollars so I really don't care. Now I got the whole world singing oh yeah." Pretty much explains the song.

oh yeah - jaiko

96/100

Some of you might recognize him from Drake's track, "I Get Paper" off the Heartbreak Drake Pt. 2 Mixtape, and some of you are probably like who the fuck is Drake? But anyway, this song is hot.

Kevin Cossom - She got a boyfriend

99/100

My fave out of this batch of songs.

Amazing. Katy Perry does it again. Perfect summer jam. It's got the same vibe as a night on a beach during the summer, and makes you want to fall in love (or all over again if you are already in love).

Katy Perry - Teenage Dream

93/100

This Brit is bringing it back to the 80's! The video references Rubik's Cubes, Nightrider, perhaps even Tron. Enough stuff to make you older readers nostalgic. Maybe. hahahaha

Master Shortie - Bringing it Back

His other stuff is not so bad either, like this song.

Him sounding more British.

94/100

Iyaz of Replay-fame, and the New Boyz who smashed it last fall with "You're a Jerk".

Smash hit + smash hit = I'd bank on a smash hit.

New Boyz Break My Bank ft. Iyaz

93/100

Continuing the theme from the above track, Iyaz again.

Iyaz - So Big

Pop-culture: Party Poppers

I just had the best weekend in a while, and as many of you know, I love playing music that gets people going during parties. So, here are some songs that I've been putting on the heavy-rotay to get me in the partying mood.

94/100

Hilarious. Don't play this until everyone is pretty drunk. Why? Prior to that point, people will be like , "uh wtf?" Past that point, everyone will be something like, "Woohoooo I love this f*cking song!!!" Why this transformation? I don't know, but you know you'll be shaking your rump to this with sweat pouring down your back. Don't even worry about it.

The Pack - Titties

Great line from this song: Left titty right tittie I call them boobs.

....? ahahah

97/100

I'd say this is kinda somewhere between drum and bass and house, but who even cares? This one is sure to get your head bobbing and your feet tapping. Beast song. I was going to save it for a electro post but eff it. The video is awesome too. Double dutch action, so check it!

DJ Fresh - Gold Dust

98/100

The most addictive house beat I've heard in a long while. The track has been out for a couple of months, and has been all the rage in Europe, but I somehow doubt its really hit the US shores yet. Anyone?

Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP We No Speak Americano

93/100

Honesly, the first time I heard this song, I didn't think too much of it. "Generic" was the first word that came to mind, which is still true but for some reason, I've been listening to this non-stop. Perhaps it reminds me of running over to the speaker box well into the party, choosing a song of Ank and I's liking, blasting that shit, running in the middle of the party pack and going nuts. Why exactly? I dunno. But whatever. Also, the chick from Step Up 3D is ZEOWWWWWWWWW

My Own Step

98/100

Woldpack Paaaarrtyyyyyyy. While the original is quite good, this Dino Roc Reroc is beast. BEAST.

The Pack - Wolfpack Party (Dino Roc Remix)

Original is here.

95/100

In one word: ZEOW. Shiet.

Girlicious - Stupid S***

100/100

THE Crown Jewel of this post.

Best party banger I've heard since... since... Either the Paradiso Girls' "Patron Tequila" (sound access remix) (dave aude remix) or 3OH!3's "Touchin On My" or Girlious' cover of "Sexy Bitch"

In any case, this is crazy.

Tinie Tempah ft. Labrinth - Frisky (HD)

Bonus: His other song has a CRAZY beat: Pass Out.

Summer Sonic Pick-Ups: Part 2

After Passion Pit, we went back to the beach stage to catch Tahiti80, a French band that I've been listening to for quite some time. Heartbeat was one of the first songs I remember listening to in elementary school; InterFM was bumping this track a lot and I loved it.Wallpaper for the Soul is a soothing track; its great for an afternoon nap. Changes is a more upbeat song by Tahiti80 from their 2006 album, Fosbury. They were absolutely a quality performance, and their smooth instrumentals melted and molded perfectly with the setting sun.

Next up? A bit of Jay-Z. We just watched from the stands up high, but it was clear that it was amazing down in the front section. But I had Calvin Harris to go to, and Doug had the Smashing Pumpkins. Here's a clip I've been meaning to post for a while, but never got around to:

(This one is for you Lamar)

Jay-Z ft Lil Wayne - Summer in Brooklyn (Quincy Jones Cookin Soul Remix)

Scorcher. In a chill way. Beautiful video too.

(100/100)

I just had to go to Calvin Harris, and he did not disappoint. He played an hour long set, and it had me dancing my little ass off to his beats. Destroyed my legs doing so, but it was well worth it. Try out "Stars Come Out" off his 2009 album, Ready for the Weekend. It's got a really upbeat vibe, perfect for an adventurous summer night. He built up the set and had everyone dancing, especially when he dropped this beat: You Used to Hold Me. When that bassline dropped, everyone went nuts. Fantastic. One notable thing about Calvin Harris is that his remixes are GRAND as well. Check out his remix of Katy Perry's Waking up in Vegas.

Summer Sonic Pick-Ups: Part 1

So I finally went to Summer Sonic, which is one of the premier music festivals in Japan (others include Fuji Rock). I made it to the Saturday of "SamaSoni" and arrived around 11:15am in time to catch 3OH!3. 3OH!3 did not disappoint, and I was screaming along to every song near the front, where a mini-mosh pit had sprung into action. The highlight of the show was probably "Double Vision" where they got the whole crowd singing along the "HEY! na na na" part. Needless to say I had a blast.

Next, we headed to the beach stage to chill out in the constant ocean breeze and listened to Fireball, a Japanese reggae/dancehall group. It was awesome to watch them perform and the crowd was very into it. This was the first song I heard by FiyahB~ back in 2005, and was immediately taken in. Doesn't it make you want to get up and start dancing too? Speaking of getting up and dancing, here is "Dancing Mood" by Fireball. Beautiful.

Saw K-OS, a hybrid rap/rock group from Canada. Was good. But didn't blow me away either. Oh well. Followed this up with UFFIE! She performed "Pop the Glock" first, and it was awesome! But she seemed kinda tired and the crowd was meh, sooooo...

I headed over to PASSION PIT! Never would have thought they would be so powerful in concert. Since I expect most of you to have knowledge of Passion Pit, I'm going to post up remixed versions or other uses of their songs! Woot. Pacman (Phillip Chbeeb: Marvelous Motion), Andrew Baterina (SoReal), and Sifu got together to choreograph this piece to Sleepyhead. This one is the song I've probably listened to most by Passion Pit. Yes, a remix: The Reeling (Need For Mirrors Remix)

Next up: Tahiti 80, Jay-Z, Calvin Harris

Bad Ass Bitches (And I Say That With the Utmost Respect)

There are some bad ass bitches out there in the music world, many of whom have yet to really break through the mainstream barrier. These girls are badmamajamas. Mean swag, sharp lyrics, thug stylin', they've got it all. BIG UP. Maximum respect to these women.

93/100

This lyricist has lines as husky as her voice. Her take-no-bull-shit attitude is nothing short of appealing. Girl power? *This* is girl power.

Amanda Blank - "Lemme Get Some" (Feat. Chuck Inglish)

Bonus: This song is awesome (96/100) and should be played at parties. *cough* Bobby *cough* Ankoor *cough* Sean *cough*

DOUBLE BONUS: Kyle Hanagami's Choreo to "Might Like You Better".

100/100

Versatile, talented, soulful, and bad. ass. She is the most accomplished of these female artists, with hits in the 90's like "Show Me Love" which is an amazing song. I love, love, love it. It took me a while to make the connection that the Show Me Love Robyn was the same Robyn as her more recent stuff. Oh wait, there's a remix of Show Me Love which is sure to get you going like nuts too, so check that out as well.

Oh but before I get too sidetracked, cuz I could really make an entire post about Robyn, here is the song which showcases her badassness. The beat is nuts. Her lyrics are nuts. More gangsta than gangsta. Insane. Filthy.

Robyn None Of Dem (Feat. Röyksopp)

Bonus: Choreo to None of Dem -> Watch the pink tanktop, she's KILLIN' it in this piece.

98/100

Uffie is a badass hottie. Apparently she is Miami-born, Hong Kong-raised, and Paris-based. With those credentials, you pretty much have to be a lean mean electro-artist. She is the most underground of these ladies, but finally is getting major label recognition and finally released her debut album in June.

Uffie - Pop The Glock

Bonus: For you electro-heads, you are sure to recognize Uffie from Justice - Tthhee Ppaarrttyy

Major Lazer and La Roux Mixtape!

Major Lazer and La Roux team up?? Bonkers.

I'm not sure how many of you are up to date on this mixtape, but its nuts.

I introduced one of the songs in an earlier post, but I feel the need to showcase other gems in the mixtape entitled "Lazerproof". Oh yeah, and you can get it free here.

For those of you who are not music-savvy, La Roux has been been playing nonstop on the radio for quite a couple of months now, and you've most likely heard this.

Trivia: They are a two piece unit, but the male half does not participate in lives. Also, they are from England. Also, they were playing Bulletproof on the radio about a year earlier in Tokyo (opposed to the US.)

98/100 (Mashup: Hip-hop & Dubstep)

Mash up of La Roux's "I'm Not Your Toy" and Gucci Mane's "Lemonade". It's awesome^2 if you know both songs, but the banger is when Gucci's verse starts and the beat DROPS. Ugh. Filthy.

Major Lazer & La Roux - I'm Not Your Lemonade

92/100 (Mash-up: Electro-synth-pop)

I little taste of music to come, this one features none other than Amanda Blank. If you have a weak heart and are easily offended by sexual references, you probably shouldn't listen to this one.

Major Lazer & La Roux ft Amanda Blank - Quicksand

90/100 (Mash-up: Ska)

Diswan iza BIG CHOON!

A brilliant mash-up of a dub-ska riddim "Artibella" and the La Roux vocals.

Major Lazer & La Roux - Colourless Artibella

Jap-Chill

First of all, "Jap" isn't derogatory (in my mind) unless used with that intent. "Nip", on the other hand, is. With that out of the way, I introduce to you some Japanese hip hop with chill beats.

98/100

Kick the Can Crew, one of my favorite crews of all time. Great beats, great lyrics. Too bad most of you can't understand what they're saying. The title of this song means, "Vacation in your Mind".

KICK THE CAN CREW - 脳内VACATION

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK5aSkMjmOQ&feature=related

100/100

I listened to this song over and over in middle school... The title means, "Letter - Future". To give you a glimpse of what this song is about the chorus roughly translates to:

"In a future that no one's ever seen,

I will be fighting bravely.

Surely, that's right. Isn't that right?

What's the scoop on our future?"

ケツメイシ - 手紙～未来 - Ketsumeishi - Letter ~ Future

100/100

Soothing, but harrowing... This song is about nature. Indeed, the title of this song "kachoufuugetsu" stands for flower, bird, wind, and moon. It's true meaning is the beauty of nature, and respect for this beauty.

"Because we were born when there was nothing, that is why there is meaning." This is one I recommend leaving 10 minutes of time where you can just block out, sit back, and watch in full screen. Let the video and the music sink in.

花鳥風月 　／　ケツメイシ Ketsumeishi - KaChouFuuGetsu

100/100

This song always signifies an end for me. Perhaps its because it was used as the ending theme song in Battle Royale. Perhaps its because the song itself speaks to an end. "(Walking) the quiet steps of every day..."

Dragon Ash - Shizukana Hibino Kaidan Wo