a few artist

This whole blog post of a list of artist I like, has grown from a wish to write a review of the Roots new CD "Game Theory" - so first is a short review "Game Theory"
For some reason I have been straying away from the CD shops lately and therefore haven't picked up the real CD. Instead I downloaded "Game Theory" on iTunes Musicstore. I have downloaded multiple full CDs through the Musicstore and I love it! It is great for a instant gratificationist (is that a word?) like me. iTunes Musicstore is an awesome addition to modern consumer culture, the internet has provided and continues to provide great ways for lazy people to stay up on everything and spending money without having to leave comfort zone being their (in my case) beloved computer. Now on to the review (in unprioritized bulletform):

• The Roots mix the CD with slower tracks and seriously speedy tracks - check the songs "Game Theory" "Here I Come", where they push the speed, some what like what they did in "Rolling with Heat" off Phrenology.
• They keep the good ol' Roots sound, jazzy beats mixed with melodic singing. The return of that makes the CD worthwhile. Thats one of the things that fans (myself included) missed from Phrenology. Some people say it is the effect of not having (now superproducer) Scott Storch onboard for the CD
• Black Thought is as thoughtful as ever in his rhymes. The mixture of songs seems not to bother him, but they really enhance his rhymes skills - he has skilz! Love his flow!
  
• I appreciate the tribute to J. Dilla, but the the end of the song is too long. It is a great beat, but they should make the rest a hidden track.
• One thing I have been missing from the "new" Roots is the homogenity the old CDs had, if you want to know why the Roots are among the best hip-hop bands of all time, purchase (or borrow them from me) the following Roots CDs from me: "Things Fall Apart" and "Do You Want More?!!!??!"

All in all, the CD recieves a 4/6 from me, they did well and continue to do well. But I'm still stuck in the old school.




Next is Nas an Jay-Z, two great rappers, they have the amazing gift that they are still alive - compared to the two who stole limelight form their early careers, Tupac and Notorious B.I.G.. Their debut albums are probably my two favorite albums ever and they have continued to keep the same high standards. Jigga has gone on to being, probably, the richest and most powerful rapper ever. Nas fell off, but kept his own when he was beefing with Jigga. For Nas' best listen to "Illmatic", and check out "Reasonable Doubt","Unplugged" (with the Roots as band)"The Blueprint"(the CD that established Kanye West as a producer) for Jay-Z' best. But both have been an integral part of defining newer hip-hop and rap.


Onto rock, the Strokes! These guys are awesome. My brother Omeed says "They probably have the best bass in rock." And I agree, they have created two great CDs and one very good one. Enough said! Listen to all 3 of their CDs, chronologically, if you like the indie rock type of music (my mom doesn't). This is music to get you going, I listen to this or AC/DC if i need extra energy for my morning bike ride. Also listen to Bloc Party, the Killers and Franz Ferdinand if you like that type of music.


Some danish rock artist that are very worthwhile, Kashmir, Dizzy Mizz Lizzy (and later Tim Christensen) and Mew. They are all good rock bands and I enjoy listening to them. Mew has a sound like probably no other band, so thats the one band you really should listen to. The other two are just classic bands, really thats all they are CLASSIC bands.


Listing all these artist makes me want to list more. But I will save this for another time. Hopefully this should make you want to check out some of the artist and buy their CDs or go to their shows. If this post could make you want never check my blog again, I understand you.

I will end the post with a shout-out to my former co-workers in Bahá'í World Center Kitchen, whose music has inspired me and expanded my musical universe - like Cocio, you gotta love them! Miss you Manu!