French-Chilean Hip Hop Artist – Ana Tijoux

The French-Chilean musician, Ana Tijoux has been one of the most prominent independent MC hip-hop artists and has recently seen her popularity rise.  She built her reputation from the ground up in the independent music scene with her group Makiza, in Chile, in the 1990s.  Then in 2001, through some unforeseen moments in life, she decided to break apart from the band and the music scene all together, and went back to France.

It wasn’t until 2004 that she returned to Chile and connected with funk Chilean band Aluzinati, where she then became a featured artist in Control Machete’s album, Uno Dos Bandera, and worked on a soundtrack with Julieta Venegas. She even reunited with Makiza for a short time, but realized she really wanted to pursue a solo career.

In 2007, she released her solo album, Kaos, and she was nominated in Latin America’s version of the MTV Video Music Awards as Best New Artist.

In 2009, she released her 2nd solo album titled, 1977, which was a return to her rap roots and a homage to hip hop. The album was autobiographical and dealt with the complications she endured in life.

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Trending Artist: Gaby Moreno

Gaby Moreno is an eclectic singer and songwriter playing anything from the blues to ragtime jazz songs to Latin pop.

From Guatemala, Gaby is a very versatile and talented Latin alternative-rock artist that has been in the United States for over 10 years. She’s also won the John Lennon songwriting contest, sang the Charlie Chaplin song “Smile” for the Academy Award winning documentary The Cove, and wrote the theme song for the NBC comedy, Parks and Recreation.

Gaby can be compared to having the sweet soulful sounds of Etta James and Édith Piaf, whether she sings in English or in Spanish!

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Viral Video Friday: Cover of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”

zitherinstrumentA cover version of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” using a Guzheng (Chinese Zither) instrument.

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Flashback: Don’t Go (1982)

yazoo“Don’t Go” featured a catchy, melodic and synthesized tune for the British New Wave band, Yazoo. It was released in May 1982 as the second single from their debut album, Upstairs at Eric’s.

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Cookie Monster Pop Jam!

sesamestreetcookiemonsterCookie Monster wants the world to share cookies!  Carly Rae Jepsen got nothing on Cookie Monster.

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Kaskade’s Freaks of Nature Tour

If you haven’t been able to attend Kaskade’s Freaks of Nature Tour here in North America, then check this video out by Kaskade’s YouTube channel:

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Girls’ Generation Postal Stamps!

Image via SM Town

For the first time in South Korean’s postal history, they will issue celebrity stamps featuring the biggest Kpop girl group, Girls’ Generation.  The stamp set will have all members of the group with autographs and 5 album covers.  The 14-set stamp set will be available in August 2012 throughout all 50 South Korea Postal Offices.  The whole set will retail around $18.00USD.  I will be looking for these stamps on eBay in August!

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The Japanese Singing Note Toy

otamatone_jumbo_originalJapanese toys are innovative, unique, and just plain weird! But hey, what’s life if it’s not spontaneous?  So, what did our favorite engineering friends come up with this time? It is the cutest and weirdest instrument ever!! See how it works! The man in the video is Novmichi Tosa, the inventor of Otomatone – this wacky new instrument sweeping the nation. It follows a scale and comes with musical notes and everything!

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Interview with DJ/Producer Steve Aoki

steveaokijumping2012Check out this clip of Steve Aoki – he’s one heck of a talented guy who’s got some very interesting things to say about music and spirituality.  Of course the music in the background is thumping and clips from his shows just permeate with excitement and energy, but you can tell that this guy loves his job.

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“The Star Wars That I Used to Know”

starwarsgoytecoverHere’s a rather opinionated spoof of the Gotye hit, “Somebody That I Used To Know” – of course, totally Star Wars style.

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Flashback: Jump (1992)

Now, tell me.  You would NOT jump if this song came out in the club tonight?!

Although your “Jump! Jump!” would be shared by all on the dance floor, I’m not so sure how your backwards (or “Kriss-Kross’d”) outfit would fare!

Kriss Kross

Kriss Kross was another product of ‘Hotlanta’ music mastermind, Jermaine Dupri, in 1990.

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Flashback: “Whip It” (1980)

devo

Sometimes it’s good to revert to the basics…simple and funky. And, this Friday, it’s about keeping both. Simple costuming, simplistic concepts, and basic, funky beats characterized the band, Devo!

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The Modern Mix-Tape … Totally 80s-inspired!

If you’re looking for a little retro activity in your modern life, try the ol’ school (albeit, with new school equipment!) mix-tape/CD!

I have never been a stranger to music…especially that which is inspired by that beloved era!  So, I recently started grouping different tracks on good ol’ iTunes and cranking out some serious mixes (Soul Sounds, Passion Plays, Calming Classical)…and, now, Electronic Drive!

After viewing the sleek, sexy, soon-to-be-cult-classic, Drive, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, I felt compelled to revert to my music-compiling days….totally 80s-inspired-like!

Photo by FilmDistrict- © 2011- All Rights Reserved

Now, gone (I think) are the days of dual cassette players and cassette tapes.  But, with summer around the corner, what better “I love you, man” gift is better than a CD chock full of choice hits?

“Nightcall” – Kavinsky (feat. Lovefoxxx)

“Under Your Spell” – Desire

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Spotlight #3: SF Carnaval 2012

The sights and sounds of Carnaval came alive in the City’s Mission District!

Host, Al Morales, headed to the 34th annual SF Carnaval 2012 parade to take in the cultural and musical milieu that is one of the City’s biggest celebrations.

Retrenders highlights the infectious rhythms and colorful tapestries that characterize this worldwide celebration and that symbolize the cultural diversity of the Bay Area.

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Flashback: Rock Lobster (1978)

rock lobster

O.K….so who didn’t love this song back in the day?!  The B-52’s had a particular musical style that was just plain fun and fabulous.

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Sol Republic Tracks

Are you looking for nifty headphones on a budget with good audio quality?  DJ Steve Aoki likes using Sol Republic Tracks.  The Beats alternative.

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Kpop + Converse = “As Three Artists, One Song”

Just like Adidas collabing with Kpop super girl band 2NE1, Converse Korea kicks off their collaboration effort with 3 Kpop artists: indie rock band Jaurim, dance outfit Idiotape and R&B group Aziatix.

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Spotlight Ep# 2: The Flamenco Room @ Thirsty Bear Brewing Company

Local, organic brew…tasty tapas…a flamenco show!

Host Al Morales headed to Thirsty Bear Brewing Company in the City’s SOMA district to focus on a Bay Area artistes extraordinaires – Melissa Cruz and Kerensa DeMars.  These performers have captivated audiences, locally and abroad, with their precision taconeo (footwork) and their fiery presence.  Al sat down with Melissa and Kerensa to discuss their art, their style and their processes of performing flamenco.

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Norah Jones x Danger Mouse = Little Broken Hearts

norahjonesbrokenheartscoverThis might be an odd couple – Danger Mouse and Norah Jones.  But they’ve been making an album together called “Little Broken Hearts” and the CD will hit retail outlets tomorrow.  It’s a mix of jazzy soul and eclectic beats.  Like Adele’s 21 album, Jones gets personal and will sing songs about her ex-boyfriend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjG2q8ys8Ko

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Drink: Absolut “Greyhound” – For the Thirsty Fashionista

Absolut Vodka has never been one to lack creativity in advertising….especially on the printed medium.  NOW…HOLD…ON!!

Absolut Greyhound

Absolut recently introduced its vision of Gaga-esque minions gathering in the open desert to take in a good old-fashioned dog race.  Set to an absolute (get it?!) club-ready beat, the video sports a look and feel that is both sleek and sexy….all in the name of the Absolut Greyhound.

Absolut Greyhound

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Flashback: Beat Street (1984)

beat streetAssemble your crews, make your way to the dance floor, and cue music.  It’s time to BATTLE…80s B-Boy Style!

Enter the movie, Beat Street.  Dance halls in the 80s were ripe with talent and unabridged creativity.  And, you know, they were just plain FUN!

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Music: Geek Chic Bands

gracelesschinabandcover

I’ve come across a new band I like and they’re from Beijing, China. They emerged from the college scene and are beginning to stand out. I have always been attracted to the sounds and melody of a geek band or singer whether they’re rock or pop because, with their lyrics and unforeseen array of kitsch fashion, they tend to express what I call “the poetry of being unique” and leaving us with a new musical and fashion statement. Here is Mr Graceless followed by a few popular videos of my favorite geek chic bands from the present to the past. Feel free to post me your favorite geek band!

Mr Graceless debut album “The Tree Ever Green” from Beijing, China.

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Viral Video Friday: He-Man & 4 Non-Blondes

This mashup remix music video came out awhile back, like 4 years ago.  It still cracks me up – He-Man and 4 Non-Blondes “What’s Up?”

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Music: Santigold – Master of My Make Believe

santigoldalbumAre you looking for a different type of sound?

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Viral Video Friday: Frou Frou + RahXephon AMV

froufrouletgocoverSince the advent of YouTube, everybody and their mom cuts and splices their own fan/tribute music videos to their favorite anime or cult TV show.  Here’s a good one using Frou Frou’s single “Must Be Dreaming.”

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