Friday, October 17, 2008
Friday Funk
New Q-tip, and it's pretty good!
Happy weekend y'all. I'm spending it in New Orleans - if you don't hear from me in a few days, send a lawyer.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
marathon mix
Today was the marathon. I finished! And roughly at the time I had estimated (4:25). The good news is that there was absolutely no enforcement of the ludicrous headphone ban, so I had much quality time with my meticulously constructed playlist! I share it now for your perusal. I won't notate each, but will chime in here and there.
Get Yr. Move On: Gonzo's Marathon Mix
1. Iggy Pop - Lust for Life
This was the perfect opener! I initially had Jamie Lidell's "Another Day," because I've found that to be a great start to a morning run, but nixed it. Glad I did.
2. Santogold - You'll Find a Way
3. We Are Scientists - The Great Escape
4. Battles - Atlas
Another running favorite. In a discussion of running music lately, a friend stated something along the lines that "Battles will get you going and make you want to kill anyone in your path." I restrained the violence, but this is a great running song. It always reminds me of seeing them in Iowa City in 2007 when, launching into this song, the entire packed audience began jumping in unison, making me question solidity The Picador's building structure.
5. Gary Glitter - Rock and Roll, part 1
Maybe a sports cliche, but eff it. Also, this is the less-attended to vocal part of the track, which I've always loved. Perfect beat.
6. Hot Hot Heat - No, Not Now
7. The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name
8. The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army
9. The Clash - The Magnificent Seven
Non running-related comment - this is potentially my favorite Clash song. Maybe.
10. Busta Rhymes - Dangerous
In making this playlist, I wanted to include a few songs I haven't listened to in a while. Hearing this today, I was struck by how great this song is. Generally I gravitate towards The Coming when I want some Busta, but this is certainly a standout from the follow-up. I don't care much for anything after that. Too bad - he has such a great voice and sense of vocalic rhythm.
11. LL Cool J - I'm Bad
12. Public Enemy - Public Enemy No. 1
13. Outkast -Gasoline Dreams
14. Gnarls Barkley - Go Go Gadget Gospel
Sure, they have a song called "Run," but that's a) obvious and b) from their newer album, which I am not fond of at all. I've always liked this for running though, and I actually think that the first time I listened to the album was at the track in Iowa City. Money quote: "If you're wonderin' what it look like, look at me."
15. David Bowie - Little Wonder
16. Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up
Heh - again one I hadn't listened to in a while and why not? It was between this and "Breathe," but this is much more in your face.
17. Bonde Do Role - Marina do Bairro
18. MIA - Bucky Done Gun
19. Yoko Ono - Yang Yang (down & dirty mix)
I definitely wanted a Yoko remix included, as the Yes, I'm a Witch and Open Your Box collections were common running soundtracks in 2007. I'm pleased with this choice for the beat and I really paid attention to the vocal manipulation. Very cool.
20. No Doubt feat. Prince - Waiting Room
Non running-related comment - interesting that this sounds much more like a Prince song and that the collaboration on Prince's album ("So Far, So Pleased") sounds much more like a No Doubt song. Hmmm.
21. CSS - Move
I've been loving this album, and this song especially. "Better get your move on." Of course, it's about dancing and not running, but as I say - very blurry line in my world.
22. Pop Levi - Wannamama
23. L7 - Fuel My Fire
24. Misfits - Children in Heat
25. Motorhead - Killed by Death
26. Megadeth - Take No Prisoners
27. Body Count - There Goes the Neighborhood
A much needed venture into the rock world. The L7 track is an old favorite. The Motorhead song was PERFECT and made me feel like I could destroy the world. The Megadeth is another classic that hails from my metal roots, and Body Count - Ice-T does rock - doesn't get much harder than that.
28. Danger Mouse - 99 Problems
29. Run DMC - King of Rock
Run DMC is one of my very favorite running accompaniments.
30. Public Enemy - Shut 'Em Down
31. Public Enemy - Fight the Power (Fear of a Black Planet mix)
32. Public Enemy - Night of the Living Baseheads
As is Public Enemy. This was around mile 13. I saw Kate from the sidelines and all I could do was wave a peace sign and shout "FLAVA FLAAAAAAAAAAV!" I don't think she (or anyone) knew what to make of that.
33. Ice Cube & George Clinton - Bop Gun (One Nation)
34. Prince - Black Sweat (Hot Thing FC mix)
35. Prince - Let's Work
36. Prince - Housequake
37. Prince - Sexy Dancer
Yes! First Prince set. I had to settle down here, lest people hear me saying "Sexy Dancer, want your body, want your body" and take it the wrong way.
38. Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?
39. Daft Punk - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
Infinitely better than the Kanye version, for sure.
40. Justice - D.A.N.C.E.
41. Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
42. The Jacksons feat. Mick Jagger - State of Shock
43. Michael Jackson - Bad
I was talking a walk break for a bit, but then the breakdown to "Wanna be Startin' Somethin'" came on and I had to get moving. Mama se, mama sa, mama cu sa.
44. Nikka Costa - Can'tneverdidnothin'
One of my most motivational songs in many respects.
45. The White Stripes - Blue Orchid
46. Ram Jam - Black Betty
47. Nazareth - Hair of the Dog
48. Van Halen - Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
49. Van Halen - Hang 'Em High
50. Van Halen - Everybody Wants Some!!
51. Van Halen - Unchained
So begins the second rock set. I recently realized that the Ram Jam song has kind of a White Stripes vibe to it. And I learned from the 20k this May that a little Van Halen goes a long way. I definitely picked up the pace when "Everybody Wants Some!!" came on.
52. Guns n' Roses - You Could Be Mine
Ass kicking. And I was definitely feeling some T-2 action as well.
53. New York Dolls - Human Being
54. Iggy & the Stooges - Raw Power
55. Iggy & the Stooges - Search and Destroy
The Stooges are another of my favorite running pick-me-ups. Search and Destroy, bitches.
56. The Noisettes - Don't Give Up
57. The Beastie Boys - Sabotage
58. Snap! - The Power
I HAD to put Snap! on here of course. And this was well placed in the trajectory of the day, for sure.
59. Santogold - Unstoppable
Love it, but skipped it.
60. LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out
No brainer here. Another point where I found myself muttering the words along the way.
61. The Roots - Here I Come
62. MIA - Fire Fire
Skipped these two.
63. Cee-Lo - Bad Mutha
64. Old Dirty Bastard - You Don't Want to Fuck With Me
65. Run DMC - Can You Rock it Like This
The ODB track has a strangely Rocky-esque bombastic backing. And I already mentioned my running relationship with Run DMC. I can rock it like that.
66. Chromeo - You're So Gangsta
I think this somehow disappeared?
67. James Brown - Living in America
This was it! This was the song that took me home! I've never really liked "Eye of the Tiger" (too schlocky '80s rock) and the Rocky theme is so overplayed. But this from Rocky...III? IV? I always forget - is my favorite song from any Rocky ever. Including Warrant's horrid cover of "We Will Rock You" from Rocky V. What was particularly awesome was that (unplanned, for sure) I crossed the finish line right after JB shouts "PITTSBURGH, PA" in the break. Glory!
68. Prince - Endorphinmachine
69. Prince - Let's Pretend We're Married
70. Madonna - Burning Up (12" version)
71. Prince and the Revolution - Baby, I'm a Star
Didn't get to these, but ah well.
-----
Marathon Musings
All in all, it was a great day. The weather was perfect, I felt (and still feel) surprisingly good. I had no shame in taking a few walk breaks. And it's true what they say - you end up breaking the distance down. "I've only got a 20k to go. I've done that before." "I've only got a 10k to go, I've done that before." I've only got a 5k to go? HA!" And when I hit mile marker 25, I definitely said to myself "Fuck it, let's go all in from here on out." And it was great.
During the training process, so many people said to me "Wow, that's great. I'd love to do that but...." or "I could never do that!" Everybody has their reasons, but the fact that I did this today seriously makes me feel like anybody can do it. If you would have asked me to do a marathon a year ago, I might have said the same thing. But here we are.
Now I'm setting my sights on the Pittsburgh marathon in May. I predict more hills, but better scenery.
I'd like to include a photo, but I won't get those for a few days, and my camera conked out on Kate. But here's a victory shot anyhow.
And now, I shall proceed to indulge in cocktails for the rest of the evening.
Get Yr. Move On: Gonzo's Marathon Mix
1. Iggy Pop - Lust for Life
This was the perfect opener! I initially had Jamie Lidell's "Another Day," because I've found that to be a great start to a morning run, but nixed it. Glad I did.
2. Santogold - You'll Find a Way
3. We Are Scientists - The Great Escape
4. Battles - Atlas
Another running favorite. In a discussion of running music lately, a friend stated something along the lines that "Battles will get you going and make you want to kill anyone in your path." I restrained the violence, but this is a great running song. It always reminds me of seeing them in Iowa City in 2007 when, launching into this song, the entire packed audience began jumping in unison, making me question solidity The Picador's building structure.
5. Gary Glitter - Rock and Roll, part 1
Maybe a sports cliche, but eff it. Also, this is the less-attended to vocal part of the track, which I've always loved. Perfect beat.
6. Hot Hot Heat - No, Not Now
7. The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name
8. The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army
9. The Clash - The Magnificent Seven
Non running-related comment - this is potentially my favorite Clash song. Maybe.
10. Busta Rhymes - Dangerous
In making this playlist, I wanted to include a few songs I haven't listened to in a while. Hearing this today, I was struck by how great this song is. Generally I gravitate towards The Coming when I want some Busta, but this is certainly a standout from the follow-up. I don't care much for anything after that. Too bad - he has such a great voice and sense of vocalic rhythm.
11. LL Cool J - I'm Bad
12. Public Enemy - Public Enemy No. 1
13. Outkast -Gasoline Dreams
14. Gnarls Barkley - Go Go Gadget Gospel
Sure, they have a song called "Run," but that's a) obvious and b) from their newer album, which I am not fond of at all. I've always liked this for running though, and I actually think that the first time I listened to the album was at the track in Iowa City. Money quote: "If you're wonderin' what it look like, look at me."
15. David Bowie - Little Wonder
16. Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up
Heh - again one I hadn't listened to in a while and why not? It was between this and "Breathe," but this is much more in your face.
17. Bonde Do Role - Marina do Bairro
18. MIA - Bucky Done Gun
19. Yoko Ono - Yang Yang (down & dirty mix)
I definitely wanted a Yoko remix included, as the Yes, I'm a Witch and Open Your Box collections were common running soundtracks in 2007. I'm pleased with this choice for the beat and I really paid attention to the vocal manipulation. Very cool.
20. No Doubt feat. Prince - Waiting Room
Non running-related comment - interesting that this sounds much more like a Prince song and that the collaboration on Prince's album ("So Far, So Pleased") sounds much more like a No Doubt song. Hmmm.
21. CSS - Move
I've been loving this album, and this song especially. "Better get your move on." Of course, it's about dancing and not running, but as I say - very blurry line in my world.
22. Pop Levi - Wannamama
23. L7 - Fuel My Fire
24. Misfits - Children in Heat
25. Motorhead - Killed by Death
26. Megadeth - Take No Prisoners
27. Body Count - There Goes the Neighborhood
A much needed venture into the rock world. The L7 track is an old favorite. The Motorhead song was PERFECT and made me feel like I could destroy the world. The Megadeth is another classic that hails from my metal roots, and Body Count - Ice-T does rock - doesn't get much harder than that.
28. Danger Mouse - 99 Problems
29. Run DMC - King of Rock
Run DMC is one of my very favorite running accompaniments.
30. Public Enemy - Shut 'Em Down
31. Public Enemy - Fight the Power (Fear of a Black Planet mix)
32. Public Enemy - Night of the Living Baseheads
As is Public Enemy. This was around mile 13. I saw Kate from the sidelines and all I could do was wave a peace sign and shout "FLAVA FLAAAAAAAAAAV!" I don't think she (or anyone) knew what to make of that.
33. Ice Cube & George Clinton - Bop Gun (One Nation)
34. Prince - Black Sweat (Hot Thing FC mix)
35. Prince - Let's Work
36. Prince - Housequake
37. Prince - Sexy Dancer
Yes! First Prince set. I had to settle down here, lest people hear me saying "Sexy Dancer, want your body, want your body" and take it the wrong way.
38. Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?
39. Daft Punk - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
Infinitely better than the Kanye version, for sure.
40. Justice - D.A.N.C.E.
41. Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
42. The Jacksons feat. Mick Jagger - State of Shock
43. Michael Jackson - Bad
I was talking a walk break for a bit, but then the breakdown to "Wanna be Startin' Somethin'" came on and I had to get moving. Mama se, mama sa, mama cu sa.
44. Nikka Costa - Can'tneverdidnothin'
One of my most motivational songs in many respects.
45. The White Stripes - Blue Orchid
46. Ram Jam - Black Betty
47. Nazareth - Hair of the Dog
48. Van Halen - Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
49. Van Halen - Hang 'Em High
50. Van Halen - Everybody Wants Some!!
51. Van Halen - Unchained
So begins the second rock set. I recently realized that the Ram Jam song has kind of a White Stripes vibe to it. And I learned from the 20k this May that a little Van Halen goes a long way. I definitely picked up the pace when "Everybody Wants Some!!" came on.
52. Guns n' Roses - You Could Be Mine
Ass kicking. And I was definitely feeling some T-2 action as well.
53. New York Dolls - Human Being
54. Iggy & the Stooges - Raw Power
55. Iggy & the Stooges - Search and Destroy
The Stooges are another of my favorite running pick-me-ups. Search and Destroy, bitches.
56. The Noisettes - Don't Give Up
57. The Beastie Boys - Sabotage
58. Snap! - The Power
I HAD to put Snap! on here of course. And this was well placed in the trajectory of the day, for sure.
59. Santogold - Unstoppable
Love it, but skipped it.
60. LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out
No brainer here. Another point where I found myself muttering the words along the way.
61. The Roots - Here I Come
62. MIA - Fire Fire
Skipped these two.
63. Cee-Lo - Bad Mutha
64. Old Dirty Bastard - You Don't Want to Fuck With Me
65. Run DMC - Can You Rock it Like This
The ODB track has a strangely Rocky-esque bombastic backing. And I already mentioned my running relationship with Run DMC. I can rock it like that.
66. Chromeo - You're So Gangsta
I think this somehow disappeared?
67. James Brown - Living in America
This was it! This was the song that took me home! I've never really liked "Eye of the Tiger" (too schlocky '80s rock) and the Rocky theme is so overplayed. But this from Rocky...III? IV? I always forget - is my favorite song from any Rocky ever. Including Warrant's horrid cover of "We Will Rock You" from Rocky V. What was particularly awesome was that (unplanned, for sure) I crossed the finish line right after JB shouts "PITTSBURGH, PA" in the break. Glory!
68. Prince - Endorphinmachine
69. Prince - Let's Pretend We're Married
70. Madonna - Burning Up (12" version)
71. Prince and the Revolution - Baby, I'm a Star
Didn't get to these, but ah well.
-----
Marathon Musings
All in all, it was a great day. The weather was perfect, I felt (and still feel) surprisingly good. I had no shame in taking a few walk breaks. And it's true what they say - you end up breaking the distance down. "I've only got a 20k to go. I've done that before." "I've only got a 10k to go, I've done that before." I've only got a 5k to go? HA!" And when I hit mile marker 25, I definitely said to myself "Fuck it, let's go all in from here on out." And it was great.
During the training process, so many people said to me "Wow, that's great. I'd love to do that but...." or "I could never do that!" Everybody has their reasons, but the fact that I did this today seriously makes me feel like anybody can do it. If you would have asked me to do a marathon a year ago, I might have said the same thing. But here we are.
Now I'm setting my sights on the Pittsburgh marathon in May. I predict more hills, but better scenery.
I'd like to include a photo, but I won't get those for a few days, and my camera conked out on Kate. But here's a victory shot anyhow.
And now, I shall proceed to indulge in cocktails for the rest of the evening.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Friday Funk
Slammin' song, which a friend recently pointed out is perfect for amping up on a run. To that end, tomorrow I attempt my first marathon. Earlier this week I compiled a 71-track playlist (which I'll share later) to help me along. I hope to not take that long to complete, but just in case! Of course, the verdict is still out on how the headphone ban will be treated at this race. One books, the Baltimore marathon states the USATF mandate, but not sure whether or not it will be enforced. I'm taking it just in case. If not, I think I'll be ok. My battery died about an hour into a 20 mile run a few weeks ago and I was fine. Would have been better with music, but fine nonetheless. And in the event that the ban is enforced, there promises to be a bunch of novelty along the course - "theme" miles (The Babe Ruth Mile, the Preakness Mile, The Italian Mile, The Star Spangled Banner Mile ... ???), a gummy bear station, and I imagine some live music. Regarding the last point, I hope their choices are better than those of the Dam to Dam 20k. I love Johnny Cash, but he really isn't what I want to hear when running. Unless I'm running from THE LAW.
Have a funky weekend, everyone!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Chormeo: DC 10/4
I promised a report, and I hereby make good on that promise, though it may be brief.
As I mentioned earlier, I've been wanting to see these guys basically since I heard Fancy Footwork last year. So in August when I got a myspace message announcing a brief fall tour including DC, I had to jump on it. Especially since they vowed to play all of the Fancy Footwork LP.
I do wish shows would be advertised more accurately. For instance, no mention of an opener on the ticket or the web, but there was an opening DJ. Wasn't really my thing.
The venue was the famous 9:30 club. Cool place, nice layout, expensive drinks (thought that might be more DC than the club). I was told the place had incredible sound. The only thing that keeps me from 100% agreement is that as with so many shows, the vocals were too low in the mix. But other than that, it was pretty great sound wise.
But that's all boring setup. Chromeo finally hit the stage, mannequin legs in tow. They were exactly what I anticipated - well executed, entertaining, silly. I appreciate that Pee only talks/sings through a talkbox. There was also a great deal of crowd participation, which surprised me a bit. Not that Chromeo is a totally unknown band (the show was after all sold out and sponsored by MySpace), I just didn't expect it. Of course, it shouldn't surprise me given that they are such a catchy, funky little combo.
True to their word, they played the entire FF album, although not in sequence. Peppered within the set were selections from their first LP, which I'd never heard previously. [I did give it a listen this week, and it's kind of OK.] Highlights for me were "Bonafide Lovin'" (which included an intro lifted from "Money for Nothing), "Fancy Footwork," "Mama's Boy" and "100%." And "Call Me Up." Ok, maybe there wasn't a particular high point. I love the album to death and they played the whole thing. There was also a brief medley led by Pee (of course on the talkbox) through some Journey songs. Most of you know my distaste for Journey, so this was probably a low point for me. But still...it was Chromeo.
In short, it was $20 well spent. If there was a bit more space and I had a few more drinks, I probably would have danced my ass off. Alas, it was a sold out, packed house and I had to drive back to Baltimore. But Chromeo live definitely gets the Gonzo seal of approval. As our new friend Peter shouted at the band, "THAT'S SOME GOOD GODDAMNED MUSIC, BOYS!"
Friday, October 3, 2008
Friday Funk
Funkateers - apologies for my absence last week. We were in quite the snafu with Verizon. To make up for it, let's do a double shot this week, aight?
I've raved about Chromeo's Fancy Footwork here before, and if I know you personally, I've likely praised the album in person as well. It is absolutely one of my favorite records from 2007, and one of the best getting-ready-to-go-out / party albums I've heard in a while. I'm also totally stoked, because I'll be seeing these chaps at the 9:30 club on Saturday, finally! (I'm sad to be missing The Bird and the Bee in Baltimore, but alas.)
First up is the song that drew me in initially. Here's the highly amusing video for "Bonafide Lovin'" :
And here we have the boys performing "Fancy Footwork" on Jimmy Kimmel Live from this past summer:
CHROMEO (MySpace)
I'll post a report on the show in a couple of days. In the meantime, have a great weekend and stay funky!
I've raved about Chromeo's Fancy Footwork here before, and if I know you personally, I've likely praised the album in person as well. It is absolutely one of my favorite records from 2007, and one of the best getting-ready-to-go-out / party albums I've heard in a while. I'm also totally stoked, because I'll be seeing these chaps at the 9:30 club on Saturday, finally! (I'm sad to be missing The Bird and the Bee in Baltimore, but alas.)
First up is the song that drew me in initially. Here's the highly amusing video for "Bonafide Lovin'" :
And here we have the boys performing "Fancy Footwork" on Jimmy Kimmel Live from this past summer:
CHROMEO (MySpace)
I'll post a report on the show in a couple of days. In the meantime, have a great weekend and stay funky!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Podcast #2: Hipster Dance Party!
In this episode, your host features music though disparate in genre (rock, electro, hip hop) is united in its embrace by hipsters. For just under 2 hours, we cover music spanning from 1997 and featuring many releases from the current year.
Take a listen!
Podcast #2: Hipster Dance Party!
I value feedback - please leave your raves, critiques, suggestions etc. in the comment section of this post. Else, it appears that I'm making these for myself.
This Episode's Featured Artists
If you like what you hear, check out more from these artists!
Le Tigre
The Ting Tings
Hot Hot Heat
Brazilian Girls
Robyn
LCD Soundsystem
New Young Pony Club
Spank Rock
Gameboy/Gamegirl
CSS
The Faint
Daft Punk
Thunderheist
Bondo Do Role
Simian Mobile Disco
Chromeo
Diplo
Millionaires
Hyper Crush
Crystal Castles
MIA
Ladytron
Peaches
Justice
Scissor Scistors
Client
Santogold
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