care for my opinion?

Is T.V. Really Garbage?

2010-01-11T20:06:00.003-06:00

I had a conversation with my dad about the "brain rotting" power of television. The image of a slovenly, overweight, pathetic, Americans didn't come by accident; there's little denying that television has a stupefying effect. Psychologists claim it's robbing our generation of creativity since it does the job for you. Fair everything is true thus far. However, what about the redeeming quality of television? In the past turbulent 60 years, would people have believed their ears if television cameras weren't there to capture what radio can't even aspire to touch and what pictures are far to inadequate to convey. I came across a piece a art by happenstance on YouTube today. This is a snippet of a film that was a part of what was a multi-sensory theatrical multi-media experience from director Adam Curtis.

(Caution: Contains Disturbing Images)
It shows how television and motion pictures, for better or worse have brought us some of the most important moments of the last half century. It scares us, scars us, and yet rivets us. It takes those unforgettable moments and intersperses them with seeming random scenes that convey subtle themes. The clever editing coupled with music that seems to perfectly suit each moment.

People You've Never Heard Of II

2010-01-04T22:24:00.005-06:00

Tonight's "People You've Never Heard Of" features artists who make music that falls into my own made-up category of Electronica/Chill. Because quite simply, these artists defy convention categorization.

Washed Out aka Ernest Greene was one of my favorite artists of 2009. He has a fun, hazy, "washed out" by the sun sound. It sounds modern yet very vintage. Look for more from Washed Out and other vintage 80s and surf pop inspired artist this year.

"Belong" Washed Out [MP3 link]
"Olivia" Washed Out [MP3 link]

Discovery is a little bit harder to describe; it consists of Rostam Batmanglij from Vampire Weekend and Wes Miles from Ra Ra Riot. Some would call it a preppy/indie take on R&B club music; but this is only a half-hearted description, you just have to listen to fully understand it.
"Orange Shirt" Discovery [MP3 link]
"I Want You Back" (Jackson 5 Cover) Discovery [MP3 link]

Best Of 2009: Rock Song/ Album of the Year

2009-12-30T10:55:00.009-06:00

2009 was the year of Obama, against Obama, auto-tune, Tiger Wood's sex scandal, Brett Farve not retiring, every rapper went to jail, Kanye vs. Taylor Swift, Rihanna vs. Chris Brown, DJ AM survived a plane crash only to overdose, O.J. got his, the Camaro, and the realization that world was coming to an end. Here's the best of this year, 2009! So who had the best rock song/album? One guess it ain't Coldplay.

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, and "Lisztomania" from Phoenix of course. Sprung from the same root as Air and Daft Punk, this French rock meets electronica band finally got the attention they deserved after nearly 10 years together. Catchy-as-hell and yet still substantive, "1901" may have gotten the most attention, but "Lisztomania" was more fun. Phoenix showed us the French can rock out just hard as us; "Lisztomania" is full of hard driving riffs and has a funky elecrtonic background. That being said, the entire album is amazing, there's not a bad song; in fact there's not a song on the album that won't have you humming by the end. Plus that might just be the most clever album name this year. "If you have the means I highly suggest picking one up" on your trip to Guestroom.

"Lisztomania" Phoenix [MP3 link]
"Rome" Phoenix [MP3 link]

Best of 2009: The Biggest Thing in Music

2009-12-29T21:58:00.007-06:00

2009 was the year of Obama, tea parties, auto-tune, Tiger Wood's sex scandal, Brett Farve not retiring, every rapper went to jail, Adam Lambert, Rihanna vs. Chris Brown, Glen Beck, O.J. got his, the Camaro, and the realization that world was coming to an end. Here's the best of this year, 2009! In this crazy year what was the biggest thing in music?.

The Mixtape! Drake and Kid Cudi had huge debuts before they even had albums; mixtapes have long been a way to "get your foot in the door", but Drake and Cudi blew the doors down with their mixtapes. Both rappers had three or four Hot 100 singles and accompanying videos just from the buzz created by their mixtapes. Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi) had one the biggest anthems of the summer "Day N' Nite". Cudi's smooth flow, amazing production, and the saavy to collaborate with the likes of Ratatat and MGMT made him the best new artist of the year.

Close on his heels though, was Drake. Aubrey Graham went from playing wheelchair bound Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi to one of the hottest names in rap; he appeared on everyone's hook (an after an accident on stage was wheelchair again for a while). Drake's ability to spit incredible lyrics and then harmonize on his tracks earns him the second best new artist of the year.

A Kid Named Cudi Kid Cudi [ZIP file link]
So Far Gone Drake [ZIP file link]

The runner-up for the biggest thing is music this year was the mash-up. Greg Grillis aka "Girl Talk" turned the mash-up into an art; The Hood Internet also gained some notoriety from the blogosphere. So here's the top 25 songs of the year in less than 5 minutes.
"The United States of Pop: Blame It On The Pop" DJ Earworm [MP3 link]

Best Of 2009: Popular Artists of the Year

2009-12-28T16:46:00.008-06:00

2009 was the year of Obama, tea parties, auto-tune, Tiger Wood's sex scandal, Brett Farve not retiring, healthcare rallies, Adam Lambert, gay marriage successes, gay marriage failures, Glen Beck, Lady Gaga's fashion, the Camaro, and the realization that world was coming to an end. Here's the best of this year, 2009!One had the most anticipated album of the year; the other proved to be the biggest pop star in the world.

Jay-Z released the Blueprint III this year to rave reviews. The album has already produced three hits and he's not finished yet. He had the guts to challenge the now rap industry standard "auto-tune" in "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune). "Empire State of Mind" (see this review) just might be one of the most beautiful rap songs ever. I've long thought Jay-Z was the greatest rapper, this year he just proved it.

This year was great for Lady Gaga proved she wasn't just a flash in the pan. After the smash party hit, "Just Dance", that turned into a #1 Billboard song, she released "Poker Face" another #1 Billboard song. After two more dance hits, it was the lead single from The Fame Monster, "Bad Romance" that proved Gaga is a serious artist. The song had a synthy, hard-hitting 80s-inspired base that worked perfectly with the dark, almost Gothic lyrics.

"Forever Young" Jay-Z feat. Mr. Hudson [MP3 link]
Unreleased Tracks
"Kandy Life" Lady Gaga [MP3 link]
"Filthy Pop" Lady Gaga [MP3 link]

Tis the Season #7

2009-12-25T09:16:00.004-06:00

Its the last "Tis the Season". Rock out; because today IS Christmas. Here's Julian Casablancas of the Strokes with "I Wish It Was Christmas Today"

Even More Covers

2009-12-24T22:10:00.006-06:00

Blackstreet's "No Diggity" is nearly a classic now. I remember listening to it elementary school. The English electro pop, punk, sci-fi rock group, The Klaxons best known for thier song "Golden Skans", put an interesting new spin on it. You can tell they add a little punk attitude to the song; but they still keep it funky.

The Noisettes, led by Shingai Shoniwa's soulful yet oh-so-perfect-for-punk-rock voice, have long been on my radar. This summer's "Never Forget You" scored rave reviews and recieved 1.5 million views on Youtube. The released an incredible cover of The Killers' "When You Were Young"; Shoniwa tones the song down and adds some soul to cover.

"No Diggity" (Blackstreet Cover) The Klaxons [MP3 link]
"When You Were Young" (The Killers Cover) the Noisettes [MP3 link]

A Picture Is Worth... II

2009-12-24T22:04:00.002-06:00

"This Charming Man" The Smiths [MP3 link]

Tis the Season #6

2009-12-23T00:45:00.003-06:00

Because nothing says Christmas like sexy elf costumes and blatant commercialism, Beyonce's ummm Destiny's Child brings us "8 Days Of Christmas" (why 8, I'm not sure). I don't really know what the point of the song was, other than to make a classic Christmas song "hip and new", but it does better than most. And they do help children or something like that towards the end of the video.

OKC's not so boring

2009-12-22T22:42:00.006-06:00

Oklahoma City may not be Dallas (or insert large city); but if you look hard enough you can find fun, unique and free things to do. The OKC Underground is one of those things; it is a series of underground tunnels (and skywalks) connecting much of the Central Business District. Originally just one tunnel constructed in 1931, it was expanded and renamed the Conncourse between 1972 and 1984. It became a decrepit relic rarely used. In 2007 Elliott and Associates (headed up by Rand Elliott) refurbished the tunnel by adding new carpets, colorful and interesting fluorescent lights and rehabbing some the walls. The project was approximately $2 million dollars. The result has been numerous awards and an astounding increase in downtown workers using the tunnel and generally curious explorers. The best points of entry is through Leadership Square or the Skirvin Hilton. More info here.

A Picture Is Worth...

2009-12-22T22:25:00.003-06:00

A Picture Is Worth... is series of posts that will feature a photograph and a song to help tell the story. If you can, look at the picture while you listen to the song

"Across 110th Street" Bobby Womack [MP3 link]

The Story Continues

2009-12-22T13:52:00.002-06:00

Alicia Keys has always been one of my favorite artists; Jay-Z is hands down the greatest rapper alive now. Their collaboration "Empire State of Mind" was an instant classic telling the gritty story of chasing dreams on the New York City streets. Alicia Keys, on her album The
Element of Freedom, sings the sequel "Empire State of Mind, Pt. II (Broken Down)"; its different, but beautiful take on the same theme. Keys sings the same stirring chorus. Take a listen to both.

"Empire State of Mind, Pt. II (Broken Down)" Alicia Keys [MP3 link]

Avatar A Bit Of A Disappointment?

2009-12-21T23:29:00.004-06:00

An interesting article from the New York Times about the success of Avatar, which both exceeded and failed to meet expectations

MOVIES
‘Avatar’ Is No. 1 but Without a Record
By BROOKS BARNES
Published: December 21, 2009
James Cameron’s colossal space adventure opened No. 1 in North American theaters with about $73 million in tickets but fell short of industry expectations.

Read the full story here

This Sounds Terrible on Paper

2009-12-21T22:53:00.006-06:00

Some things sound terrible on paper but in fruition are well... amazing. Anyone who's ever been to Fat Sandwich on Campus Corner can attest to that. That being said, I was still a bit skeptical when I heard that Notorious B.I.G.'s "Party and Bullshit" and the mind-numbing song "Party in the U.S.A." by my least favorite person, Miley Cyrus had been mashed-up (literally re-working two separate songs into one song, see Girl Talk). The result, just like a chicken strip sandwich with mozzarella sticks and french fries, is pretty tasty. Tell me what you think.

"Party and Bullshit (in the U.S.A.)" Notorious B.I.G. vs. Miley Cyrus [MP3 link]

So New Moon Doesn't Entirely Suck

2009-12-21T21:45:00.004-06:00

The fact that the producers choose to include Lupe Fiasco on the soundtrack proves that they are, in fact, not the worst people in the world. That being said I will never see a vampire movie that manages to get away with less than a R rating. But do take a listen to Lupe's new rock flavored single "Solar Midnite"; it took me a second time but I enjoyed it.

"Solar Midnite" Lupe Fiasco [MP3 link]

The Music Video as Art.

2009-12-20T23:21:00.006-06:00

Raphael Saadiq is one my favorite artists. He has long been a part of neo-soul a revival of classic soul with a modern twist; he made the transition after leaving Tony, Toni, Tone'. The video for his latest single "Staying In Love" has a beautiful 60s style that perfectly complements his music. The animation adds a nice touch and make the video unique.

Solange, already referenced in an earlier post , is newcomer to the neo-soul game; she's no amateur though. In her debut single as a neo-soul artist "I Decided", she showed not only vocal prowess, but creativity as well. The video features a colorful trip through pop culture and historical moments through the decades, 60s to the present.

Can music videos be art? What do you think?

Take A Listen:
"100 Yard Dash" Raphael Saadiq [MP3 link]
"I Decided" Solange Knowles [MP3 link]

Levis... Go Forth

2009-12-20T22:46:00.004-06:00

Levi's Jeans Co. is trying to strike up a new tone with their new Walt Whitman inspired campaign. Using ideas and phrases from his poems the campaign tries, very successfully I'll add, to convey a sense of freedom and the "American Way". Here are a few of the prints by Ryan McGinlay.

P.S. While this post isn't titled "Is It Art?" it falls into the category, as some will disregard the merit of the photos because of a logo. What do you think?

Tis the Season #5

2009-12-20T22:32:00.002-06:00

I thought I'd give you Christmas song with a bit more attitude

Walt Whitman and his Levi's

2009-12-18T23:04:00.006-06:00

Levi's Jeans has one of the best campaigns I've ever seen. I'll be bringing you some of the videos and promotional pictures over the next few days. Levi's, a most American of jean companies choose Walt Whitman, one of America's greatest poets to center their campaign around. The moving black and white footage covering many different parts of America from corporate America to shanty-towns and natural spaces. The result is a powerful, fun, poignant and artful commercial or 60 second piece of art.

the portion of Walt Whitman's "America" used
America
Centre of equal daughters, equal sons,
All, all alike endear’d, grown, ungrown, young or old,
Strong, ample, fair, enduring, capable, rich,
Perennial with the Earth, with Freedom, Law and Love,
A grand, sane, towering, seated Mother,
Chair’d in the adamant of Time.

Levi's America (Go Forth) commercial directed by Cary Fukunaga for Wieden+Kennedy, Portland using poem by Walt Whitman. The prints were photographed by Ryan McGinley.

P.S. While this post isn't titled "Is It Art?" it falls into the category, as people don't usually think of commercials as art. What do you think

Mixtape Madness!!

2009-12-16T20:44:00.002-06:00

Mixtapes are a great way to hear some of the hottest hip hop and R&B artists before they go mainstream, or to hear content their label doesn't want (often better). Mixtapes are often available for download on their websites or fine ones like this.

First up, we have "Heartbreak Drake Part 3" from one of my favorites Drake; he has a nice flow that blends rapping and singing together. The production on his songs are always great. The highlights from this mixtape are "Say Something", "Material Girl" feat. Colin Munroe, and "Darlin", but I'm sure you'll enjoy them all.

Heartbreak Drake Pt. 3 Drake

Cleverly named "Burn After Rolling" is from Wiz Khalifia. Wiz is a Philly rapper whose creative techno-influenced songs have set him apart. "Burn.." features Wiz rapping over some popular songs from artists like Beyonce and even Drake to guys like Empire of the Sun. The "Thrill" is one of my favorites along with "If I Was A Lame" and "One Way". This is by far one of the best mixtapes I've heard, there are so many good songs it was hard to choose just three to mention.

Burn After Rollin Wiz Khalifa

Tis the Season #4

2009-12-16T20:04:00.000-06:00

Chestnuts roasting on a open fire....

Enjoy!

More Covers!

2009-12-16T19:19:00.006-06:00

Its covers time again. Sometimes covers can be better than the orginal; case and point Anya Marina's "Whatever You Like" it only fails to annoy me as the original did. This Irish-Russian DJ turned singer has a voice that not only got the aforementioned cover on Gossip Girl, but also got her a spot on the New Moon Soundtrack.

Solange Knowles no longer wants to be known as Beyonce's little sister. After a mediocre debut she traded in the likes of producers Jermaine Dupri and Timbaland for a more distinct modern-yet retro sound from Cee-Lo Green and Mark Ronson. She covers the obscure Dirty Projectors' "The Stillness Is A Move".

Take A Listen:

"Whatever You Like" (T.I. Cover) Anya Marina [MP3]
"The Stillness Is A Move" (Dirty Projectors Cover) Solange Knowles [MP3]

Blueberry Pancakes

2009-12-14T21:01:00.002-06:00

Fink is a British singer-songwriter, producer and DJ. He has a great chill style that blends R&B and acoustic music. Take a listen.

I really miss your blueberry pancakes
I don't buy maple syrup in Asda no more
Sunday morning cooking em up
wearing my t-shirt, I'm lifting it up

And now I'm in the Holly Bush baby, the Holly Bush
The Holly Bush baby
Sitting at the table where it all began for us...

And everything else is momentary and
Everything else just stops

I'll have another pint of Stella please Brooke
And I remember before this place was so cool and so full and
I remember you wearing a yellow t-shirt
and you had a friend, I was dying to meet her and we did
back in the day

And now I'm in the Holly Bush baby, the Holly Bush
The Holly Bush baby
Sitting at the table where it all began for us...

And everything else is momentary and
Everything else just stops

Everyone else is secondary
Everyone else is temporary
and I read into the letter that is filled with beauty
the beauty of what was, what is, and what won't be

Sitting at the table where it all began for us...

So Pop isn't so bad

2009-12-14T02:12:00.005-06:00

I've often had a disdain for "radio-friendly" pop music. As of late I've changed my mind a little. "3" by Britney Spears is a more than catchy pop tune, odd is the song's reference to Peter, Paul, and Mary in relation to a threesome. Another great pop hit is "When Love Takes Over" by Kelly Rowland and David Guetta; it rips off Coldplay, but is so danceable you forget it.

"3" Britney Spears [MP3 link]
"When Loves Takes Over" Kelly Rowland & David Guetta [MP3 link]

for further research visit WAPS Presents The 50 Greatest Pop Songs Of 2009!

Oh just because Ms. Spears is looking good

More Architecture....

2009-12-14T01:35:00.005-06:00

Rand Elliott, a native Oklahoman, has created some of the most inspired works in the state.

Is It Art?

2009-12-14T00:52:00.005-06:00

Art, in my opinion, can be found in everyday objects. When ever imagination and care is put into mundane objects, beautiful things can be produced.

Eero Saarinen
Produced in 1956, it won the Winner of the 1969 Museum of Modern Art Award. Eero Saarinen is most famous for designing the St. Louis Arch.

Santiago Calatrava
Calatrava is a world-renowned Valencian Spanish architect; his stock began to rise after he designed the Quadracci Pavilion at the the Milwaukee Art Museum in 2001. The building below is a part City of the Arts and the Sciences, a planetarium known as L'Hemisfèric. The project was designed to enhance Valencia's image.

They Just Don't...

2009-12-12T23:36:00.005-06:00

They just don't make them like they used to. Kid Cudi and DJ Sharam team up to mix some Patsy Cline with Cudi's smooth rapping style. The video is a masterpiece... beautiful women, gun, violence, and a good story. Check out and tell me what you think

Kid Cudi feat. Sharam "When She Came Along"

Chicago

2009-12-12T12:36:00.004-06:00

Often known as the second city. Chicago is finally coming into its own; the White Sox and Cubs are playing better, and the Bears, well they still suck. Speaking of the Bears, who play at the incredible Soldier Field, Chicago's architecture is breathtaking; I'm not just talking about the Willis [Sears] Tower (the Hancock Building is much better looking), but Louis Sullivan buildings and Frank Gehry amphitheaters. Even the neighborhoods are beautiful, "Wrigleyville" has a working class feel full of bars and pubs and the ivy covered namesake; Hyde Park is the historic neighborhood in which the Obamas have their personal mansion; the Gold Coast so named for the wildly expensive mansions overlooking Lake Michigan, where the original Playboy Mansion stands. Enjoy some original pictures and take in a few tunes in tribute to the Windy City.

"Chicago" The Uglysuit [MP3 link]
"Chicago" Sufjan Stevens [MP3 link]
"Homecoming" Kanye West feat. Chris Martin [MP3 link]

Oklahoma City University's New President

2009-12-10T15:45:00.005-06:00

Robert H. Henry, currently Chief Judge of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, has been selected to serve as OCU's 17th president. He will bring a great deal of philanthropic, foreign relations, judicial and higher education experience to OCU. Henry served as dean of OCU in the early 1990s
OCU News
The Campus

The Only Good Thing About New Moon... Part 1

2009-12-10T12:08:00.006-06:00

Other than the vampires who "glitter" in the sunlight, the sexual objectification of a 17 year-old boy, and the pushing the notion that dependence on a man to the extent that it resembles drug addiction is okay...it's the music. The soundtrack reads like a who's who of the indie blogosphere. A neat fact is that all the songs are unique and written for the movie. Nick Harmer, who is the Death Cab for Cutie bassist said "We wrote 'Meet Me On the Equinox' to reflect the celestial themes and motifs that run throughout the Twilight series and we wanted to capture that desperate feeling of endings and beginnings that so strongly affect the main characters". Grizzly Bear along with Victoria Legrand from Beach House give "Slow Life" a beautiful ethereal quality.

"Meet Me On The Equinox" Death Cab for Cutie [MP3 link]

"Slow Life" Grizzly Bear feat. Victoria Legrand [MP3 link]

New Moon Soundtrack:
1 "Meet Me on the Equinox" by Death Cab for Cutie
2 "Friends" by Band of Skulls
3 "Hearing Damage" by Thom Yorke
4 "Possibility" by Lykke Li
5 "A White Demon Love Song" by The Killers
6 "Satellite Heart" by Anya Marina
7 "I Belong to You" [New Moon Remix] by Muse
8 "Roslyn" by Bon Iver and St. Vincent
9 "Done All Wrong" by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
10 "Monsters" by Hurricane Bells
11 "The Violet Hour" by Sea Wolf
12 "Shooting the Moon" by OK Go
13 "Slow Life" by Grizzly Bear featuring Victoria Legrand
14 "No Sound But the Wind" by Editors
15 "New Moon (The Meadow)" by Alexandre Desplat

Good Things Happen To Good People

2009-12-09T14:40:00.004-06:00

Ryan Leslie is one of hip hop/ R&B's hottest up and coming stars. Leslie did take an unorthodox road in getting there. He was something of a child prodigy arranging cords to make song at a young age and teaching him self how to play music. At sixteen he was volunteering with at risk kids [as seen in the second video], and scoring 1600s, a perfect score, on the SAT. Leslie eventually selected Harvard; at 19 he delivered his class's comencement address after graduating with a degree in Government. Later Leslie entered the music business producing and writing for everyone from Britney Spears and Beyonce to New Edition. Under his imprint with Universal he signed Cassie and wrote and produced "Me & U" for her, which became one of the biggest hits of the year and sold over a million digital copies (exceptional for 2005). His first solo album was highlighted by the track "How It Was Supposed To Be", again arranged, written by Leslie; he even directed the music video. His latest album, Transition, shows even greater promise, especially "Your Not My Girl".

"You're Not My Girl"

KWTV Interview with 16 year-old Leslie

"Your Not My Girl" Ryan Leslie [MP3 link]

Tis the Season #3

2009-12-09T10:36:00.002-06:00

Time to get into that holiday spirit. I've got a Christmas classic you may have never heard hope you enjoy.

Why [I'm] Not [For] This MAPS

2009-12-06T20:15:00.005-06:00

Top 6 Reasons I'm Voting No.

1. Whose projects are these?- The projects listed are a wish list for city council members; the convention center, Oklahoma River, and downtown park are project most citizens will not benefit from directly or use with any real frequency, however developers will. According the maps.org website the #1 concern for OKC citizens was an improved mass transit system (668 requests); the mass transit included will only cover downtown. However a new convention center will be built at a cost of $280 million dollars (twice the sum allotted for mass trans).

2.The City Needs Money For Other Projects- The city manager sent a memo to all department heads telling them to cut their budgets by 2% for the next fiscal year. If the city has to cut maintenance budgets, who's going to upkeep the improvements to the Oklahoma River additions. If the police have to cut their budget, who's going to patrol the new 70 acre park we're creating. The police and fire department have seen increases of less than 1% while the population has grown by 15%.

3. Hurting the Poorest Citizens- Sales taxes are regressive, and its estimated the poorest 60% of OKC citizens pay approx. 6% of their income in sales tax, while the richest citizens only pay 2%. Off the $777 million only $160 million will be spent outside of downtown. The $130 million dollar downtown park could pay for nearly 1000 state-of-the-art neighborhood parks (or at least prevent many parks from closing and reopen closed parks) (source: Oklahoma City Herald).

4. Socialism for the Rich?- This will be the second time the citizens have funded private project with large tax subsidies. We are currently paying a 1 cent sales tax to pay for the Ford Center (at the cost of mass transit); Clay Bennett could have easily had investor pay for the renovation. The fairgrounds already receive hotel sales tax and generate a considerable amount of income; let the State Fair Trust pay for their upgrades.

5. Best time?- Natural gas prices are down; Devon loped off a few stories on its tower and Chesapeake has greatly slowed is expansion. Unemployment, while comparatively low, is rising and tax revenue is down and has been for some time. Will sales tax really generate that much? Conventions are on a downturn and recent building sprees have saturated the market.

6. Big Questions- The ballot is simply to approve a sales tax, there is little check to make sure that projects won't be cut or that money is spent correctly. A citizen's advisory board will be selected by... the mayor (that's checks and balances). There is no timeline or deadlines for this project and little information available.

http://www.okgazette.com/p/12776/a/5040/Default.aspxReturnUrl=LwBEAGUAZgBhAHUAbAB0AC4AYQBzAHAAeAAslashAHAAPQAxADIANwAyADkA

http://www.okc.gov/AgendaPub/pubmtgframe.aspx?meetid=821&doctype=AGENDA
http://killthemapstax.com/No__Top_10_Reasons.html
http://www.okgazette.com/p/12776/a/4716/Default.aspxReturnUrl=LwBEAGUAZgBhAHUAbAB0AC4AYQBzAHAAeAAslashAHAAPQAxADIANwAyADkA#sur
http://nomaps3.com/

My Blog Post

How Music And Fashion Come Together: Polo Rocks

2009-12-05T15:11:00.005-06:00

Rugby is Polo Ralph Lauren's collegiate clothing line. Their ad for the fall 2009 collection is somewhat typical, impossibly beautiful people, incredibly expensive casual wear and the best side of Central Park. Yet, the music chosen is a bit unorthodox for a refined, dignified Polo ad; the target audience is 18-25 year olds, albeit rather well of ones, and what appeals to this market better than rock music. The White Rabbits are a six-piece post-punk band from Brooklyn by way of Mizzou. Their sound is unique. "Percussion Gun" the song featured in the ad starts outs hard and heavy; but in between incredible percussion sections lead man Alexander Even's emotional vocalizations change the tempo and give the song a great varied quality.

Here's the full track
"Percussion Gun" White Rabbits

Rugby by Polo Ralph Lauren

Tis the Season #2

2009-12-04T22:48:00.002-06:00

Grab some hot cocoa and curl up, it's time for another Christmas video. Get a nice helping of Wham!, full of 80s schlock and charm. Enjoy.

Is It Art?

2009-12-04T13:52:00.008-06:00

It has been said true art has no other purpose but itself; thus true art must be completely impractical. I disagree. Simply putting form over function can elevate something to art and true art are just the best examples of this. This raises the question: can everyday objects be art? Buildings, cars, clothes are described as art or artful; is that correct? What do you think?

Wally 118

from Wally: The 118 WallyPower is a high performance superyacht integrating technology with design, resulting with unique and marked characteristics like the vertical bow, the air inlets, and the deck superstructure.

Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione

First shown as a concept in 2003, and after substantial interest the car was produced in 2007. Every surface of the cabin is covered in carbon fibre and the bespoke seat are covered in Poltrona Frau leather. For exclusivity Alfa Romeo has only produced 500 models.

Need Something To Do?

2009-12-03T19:25:00.004-06:00

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation is presenting Free Museum Sundays as a part of "Downtown in December". It's a great way to see some of the really incredible museums the city has to offer. Of particular interest to music fans is the new Oklahoma Banjo Museum located in the heart of Bricktown on 9 E. Sheridan. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of banjo music; but if its a free chance to what all the museum offer, that's hard to turn down. The museum will be open from 1-6. The incredible Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage will be free next Sunday, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art will free the following week, and to cap it all off the three aforementioned museums in addition to Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum will all be free to everyone. This is another one of the great things about OKC.

Information courtesy of Wimgo (still don't know WTF Wimgo is)

Oklahoma Banjo Museum

People You've Never Heard Of

2009-12-02T14:14:00.008-06:00

I really enjoy finding new music and conversely sharing new music with others. So I'd like to introduce a new series "People You've Never Heard Of". This week I'll be bringing you two "electro-pop" artists. Tell me what you think of them.

First up is Blood Orange, a electro-pop "one man band" from Brooklyn. The catchy songs have a unique blend of electronic beats and string instruments.
Take a Listen:
"I'm Sorry We Lied"(Demo) Blood Orange [MP3 link]
(Via THE MIXTAPE)

Miike Snow is a new favorite of the music blogosphere. This Swedish pop band has been called a mix of "a-ha meets Animal Collective" by the British paper The Guardian. In addition to making brilliant, fun original pop songs, Miike Snow has remixed everyone from Vampire Weekend to Peter, Bjorn and John.
Here's one of my favorites:
"Black and Blue" Miike Snow [MP3 link]

World AIDS Day

2009-12-01T20:33:00.003-06:00

Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is a day to remember those who have died from and suffer from HIV/AIDS. This terrible disease has taken an estimated 25 million lives since 1981, and to this day more than 33 million live with the disease. We have to educate others about the devastating impact of this largely preventable disease. Equally important is fighting for the rights and dignity of those who suffer from HIV/AIDS. The epidemic affects all of us; its likely someone you know has been affected by HIV/AIDS. We're all in this together

I thought this song sums it up pretty well.
"One" U2 feat. Mary J. Blige [MP3 link]

Interesting Point of View

2009-12-01T16:13:00.003-06:00

I just got my "Not This MAPS" t-shirt and it inspired me to share this video with you. This woman is not the most eloquent speaker, she doesn't have a fancy title, but what she is saying is real. I think it takes an incredible amount of courage to stand in front of the mayor and city council and really let them know what you think

Give involved in politics. Stay informed; most importantly vote and make your voice heard.

Covers

2009-12-01T12:38:00.006-06:00

Covers fascinate me. Good covers anyway; good covers reinterpret the original and bring something new to the table. "Sweet Dreams" is decent pop song; overly reminiscent of a Rihanna song and is filled the brim with synthy pops and breaks. Big Pink takes this song and makes a beautiful lo-fi cover. The song is the complete opposite of Beyonce's version; its all sparse acoustic guitar and some unique atmosphere background elements. Simple but more than adequate.

Take a listen

"Sweet Dreams" (cover) Big Pink [MP3 link]

(via Vinyl & Vodka)

Cold War Kids

2009-12-01T10:29:00.006-06:00

The Cold War Kids are back; after experimenting with a more low-key sound, the hard driving piano beats and drums return. "Audience of One" brings back to mind some of my favorites like "Hospital Beds".

Take a listen

"Audience of One" Cold War Kids [MP3 link]

Just for nostalgia

Tis the Season #1

2009-12-01T00:01:00.003-06:00

December, already?! As Christmas fast approaches us, I'll be bringing you Christmas songs every so often (intentionally vague); some famous, others not so famous. Here's the first, "Star of Wonder" by Sufjan Stevens.

Vampire Weekend: Not So Bad After All

2009-11-30T19:42:00.004-06:00

I first discovered Vampire Weekend early last year. I fell in love with the preppy melodies and sometimes energetic, sometimes laid-back vibe of their music. Originally just Ivy League grads that decided to start a band, they soon became indie blog darlings and "A-Punk" started to be used in everything. My interest in them wained as they became ubiquitous. I recently stumbled upon their latest single "Cousins"; I was reminded of why I love Vampire Weekend. The catchy fun sound of the first album remains but with a bit more attitude. The video for "Cousins" is an amazing example of what creative minds and low-tech effects can accomplish. Enjoy.

Hip Hop or Rock?

2009-11-30T14:38:00.009-06:00

The perpetual argument between hip hop heads and rock fans remains. Yet, we all know the magic that come from rap-rock collaborations. Look to "Rock This Way" by Aerosmith and Run DMC for the original and still one of the best. Conversely, terrible, awful things can come from rap-rock collaborations; see Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit rapping. Its a good sign then, when The Black Keys started to venture into rap they teamed up with some of the best people in rap you've never heard of. Blakroc is the name of their new project and record label. The mixtape features Raekwon, Mos Def, Q-Tip, the RZA just to name a few.

Check out these songs, tell me what you think.

"I Done Did It" feat. Nicole Wray and NOE [MP3 link]

"On The Vista" feat. Mos Def [MP3 link]

Fever Pitch?

2009-11-24T09:24:00.006-06:00

AMC's Mad is one of the best shows on Tv (don't believe me check the amount of Emmy's, and for a cable show at that). For those out of the loop, Mad Men tells the story of the creation of the "American Dream", that is the myth created by Madison Avenue ad men. The story focuses on amoral hard drinking businessman Don Draper. While Draper cheats on his wife and is a liar, he is an enigmatic man who loves his children, has an intense work ethic, prefers the old-fashioned way of doing business and puts the clients before profit. The show, now in its third season, has steadily increased in popularity as it cleaned up at the Golden Globes and Emmy the last two years. It has been a critic's favorite since the beginning now it is inspiring pop culture and has partially brought about return of mid-century fashion and mid-century inspired ads. It has been spoofed on SNL and even Sesame Street ha spoofed it.

Catch it Sundays on AMC at 9.

Okay, so I have an obsession...

2009-11-23T15:52:00.003-06:00

Grizzly Bear, a Brooklyn band is my favorite obsession these days. The folk cum electro rock band features songs that mix peppy melodies and Ed Droste's soaring falsetto with electronic instruments I can't even name, two or three awesome electrical guitarists, and some darn good drum work. It's like nothing you've ever heard. Oh, and their videos aren't too shabby either. "Ready, Able", directed by Allison Schulnik, is the latest single and has one of the most amazing uses of stop-motion animation anywhere. "Ready, Able" is a incredibly complex song. It features a string and harp ensemble, add in Droste's haunting voice, incredible guitar, and remarkable drums and it's magic.

the video for "Two Weeks", my favorite song as of now, could win the award for creepiest video. Patrick Daughters, my favorite music video director, using some awesome special effects and a subtle but effective slow motion effect, makes an incredible video that sticks with you. Victoria Lagrand, of Beach House, lends her beautiful voice to song; but it's the unique choral-esqe singing (the entire band adds vocals)that captures you. The incredible climax will have humming the song all day.

MAPS 3?

2009-11-20T01:42:00.000-06:00

MAPS 3 is a $777 million dollar proposal to revitalize the city. The original MAPS from the early 90's made Oklahoma City what is today. The Bricktown Canal, Ford Center, Ballpark, Downtown Library, renovation of the Myriad (Cox) Convention Center, and the creation of the Oklahoma River through the construction of damns and reshaping of a stretch of the North Canadian River among other projects were the result of the first MAPS project. Paul McCartney concerts, Olympic rowing trials, a minor league baseball team, and an NBA franchise would have never happened without MAPS. The success of MAPS, which passed with approx. 60% approval, is an undeniable success. the next MAPS project, or MAPS for Kids, passed with an overwhelming majority early this decade. The complicated funding structure will enable all 75 of Oklahoma City Public School buildings to be rebuilt or renovated, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars for capital improvements in surrounding suburban districts. I add all of this background information to set up the next phase of MAPS; obviously MAPS has been successful, prompting cities across the nation to attempt to copy it, so it would be foolish to be against a similar plan. Right? I mean it wouldn't add any new taxes, the $777 million would come from an extension of the already existing sales tax (approx. 8.4%, relatively low).
My reasons for not giving support (notice, not opposing) lie in the details. I full heartedly agree the city, while it has come a long way, needs massive capital infusions to become an even better city. However the way the $777 million has been allocated is major issue. According to a study conducted by the city itself, mass transit was the most requested item for a potential MAPS 3 initiative. There were 668 requests for some form of expanded or new mass transit, no other single item garnered more than 200 requests, quite clearly there is a pressing desire for mass transit. The need is arguably the same Oklahoma City's bus system has been called the most inefficient in the country, and has been named the number one most pedestrian unfriendly city in the country. Why then is the largest individual sum of money going for a convention center, $280 million? This is twice the sum of the amount given to mass transit, a new convention center is not even in the top ten (40 requests). The $130million for mass transit will only cover the downtown area, and only one mode of transportation. The number one rule of electoral politics is give the people what they want. If you think you know better, the voters will prove you wrong. While the convention center may be outdated, I am tired of funding private ventures to make wealthy people even wealthier. We already paid for Ford Center upgrades at the cost of bus funding. Cox Communications, Devon, Chesapeake (well maybe not Chesapeake), OKPUB, OG&E, numerous private companies can fund a new convention center. Maybe it's time to provide something the majority of citizens could use. Even with the proposed additions we would still not be close to the top of peer cities in terms of floor size. Studies have shown cost of travel and new technologies has caused the convention industry to shrink.
That's my two cents, rant, whatever you wanna call it. I'm only asking to think and consider strongly what we are voting on. Gazette surveys are not boding well for the election, I think the people of the city, the ones who care to vote in the election any way, want the city to go forward but disagree with the way the mayor and city officials are trying to go about it.

http://www.okgazette.com/p/12776/a/4349/Default.aspx
http://www.maps3.org/factsheet.html
http://www.maps3.org/index.html
http://www.okc.gov/maps3/
http://www.okgazette.com/p/12776/a/4716/Default.aspx