Music De Melbo

The Tallest Man on Earth

melbro — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 20:00:41 +0000

Yo ya lo. Blog is back, links are all revamped… everything here is en fuego. I just might get back on the radio as well in the next weeks BAM! I would like to usher in the one and only Tallest Man on Earth. No this isn’t a freak show, the Tallest Man on Earth is only a pseudonym for 5′ 5″ Kristian Matsson. Matsson hails from Sweden and is renowned for his phenomenal rhetoric and distinctively brittle voice. The Tallest Man on Earth has made a name for himself over the last few years, mostly by word of mouth. In 2008 he commenced a tour opening for the infamous Bon Iver (See post below), most people lined the streets in anticipation for Bon Iver but few foresaw the beauty exemplified by the opening act. Many relate the commanding voice and acoustical skills to the likes of the great Bob Dylan, not too shabby. Honestly there isn’t much other music out there that makes me happier, do yourself a service and tap into the splendor of acoustic that is the Tallest Man on Earth. I included the positively appraised second album, Shallow Graves, and the newest album The Wild Hunt released earlier this year. I wish there was more to say about this guy, but at this point in his career Matsson lets his music tell the expanding story. SO without further ado, enjoy your lives…. CLICK FOR TALLEST MAN ON EARTH

BEFORE Stacy Ferguson…. What Could’ve Been the Black Eyed Peas

melbro — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 01:11:45 +0000

As my roommate screams expletives both of joy and affliction in the adjacent room while watching the Man U v. Liverpool football match I thought this would be an opportune time to bring the world up to speed on potential… Although I have no hatred for any sound out there, because in reality its all a matter of personal taste, I almost feel taken advantage of by the band I used to respect and furthermore used to endorse as the next big thing: The Black Eyed Peas. Well I suppose they did get big, however the group arguably abandoned those same raw and grandiose hip hop skills that had earned them regard in the community to begin with. Yes, some context would be appropriate.

Back in 1992 two high school seniors William Adams and Allan Pineda (wil.i.am and apl.de.ap. respectively) were uncovered by one of the fathers of west coast hip hop… Eazy E. Eazy E, from Compton…the infamous slum suburb of Los Angeles, used the profits from his drug sales to create Ruthless Records with manager guru Jerry Heller (former manager of Marvin Gaye) and went on to form N.W.A. with Dr. Dre and Ice Cube. Wil.i.am and apl.de.ap (plus friend Dante Santiago….don’t worry irrelevant to the story) were signed to Eazy E’s label under the name of the Atban Klann. The Atban Klann (ATBAN: A Tribe Beyond a Nation) only made one album, “Grassroots”, however Ruthless hated the positive/peaceful message vibe the album gave off and grassroots went unreleased… kind of a funny thing. In 1995 Eazy-E died from complications with AIDS, and the Atban Klann amended their name to the Black Eyed Peas. Santiago was replaced with current fixture Jaime Gomez (a.k.a Taboo) and from the bottom the Black Eyed Peas started to make a name for themselves in the hip hop community while playing Los Angeles circuits alongside fellow local hip hop undergrounds such as the Jurassic 5. The peas stressed their distinctness from gangster rap and unlike many acts, chose to perform with a live band. The group signed with Interscope Records in 1998 and released their debut album Behind the Front earning them much due respect and acclaim. The rawness continued in their second album Bridging the Gap released in 2000, and the group was well on their way to being one of the game changers in underground hip hop.

However the group found the metaphorical forbidden fruit of mass appeal too tempting. In 2002 the peas picked up vocalist Stacy Ferguson and in 2003 released Elephunk. Elephunk was the first showcase to the music community that the band had abandoned the raw hip-hop sound they had become respected for. Instead the peas followed a poppy sound designed to attract a bigger audience, the term for this would be…. selling out. Well as they are certainly drinking the grey goose at the top (performing at halftime of the Superbowl this year) it should be known the path they’ve taken to becoming one of the sadder stories in the industry. With their potential for re-vamping the Los Angeles music identity it brings up the question: “What could’ve been the Black Eyed Peas.” Regardless of opinion, take some time to enjoy the first two albums the band produced in 1998 and 2000… hip hop. Some of favorites: “Joints N Jam” “Fallin Up” and “Bep Empire” Enjoy your lives. CLICK FOR EARLY BLACK EYED PEAS

The Winter Winds????

melbro — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:23:59 +0000

Blog is….BACK. Currently my location is somewhere in the UK which makes for somewhat of an excusable transition into the band that I’m about to share with you. For many Mumford and Sons might be something established in everyone’s repertoire already. BUT considering their first album was released back in the states only a mere seven months ago, February to be exact, this might be the popping of the metaphorical cherry that brings musical pleasure and groundbreaking experiences. Mumford and Sons formed by London native Marcus Mumford is a folk rock band that fills any room with tremendous amounts of sound.

Mumford and Sons at the Academy in Glasgow

“Make music that matters, without taking ourselves too seriously” is the band’s self proclaimed aphorism. This album titled “Sigh No More” hits you with a countless inventory of songs that’ll have you jumping around in the most jovial manners possible. Such songs include the band’s first single “Little Lion Man”. The BBC proclaimed that Little Lion Man was the “Hottest Record of the Year” (say it in a British accent its fun). Winter Winds, Awake My Soul, The Cave… all the songs are fantastic. Despite breaking onto the scene within the current year Mumford and Sons has completely sold out all UK venues on their upcoming tour. If you dig the music the tour continues on into the California and greater U.S. area. So do yourself a service: turn the volume all the way up and bring chaotic stability to your vestibular system and the rest of the inner ear with Mumford and Son’s gem “Sigh No More”. DIDN’T I MY DEEEAARRRR. Enjoy your lives…. CLICK FOR MUMFORD AND SONS

Mumford and Sons

Broken Bells

melbro — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:42:12 +0000

This group is just the coolest thing, a collaboration of two entirely different artisans of their respective crafts who were looking to innovate. Introducing Broken Bells, the unlikely duo of hip-hop producer extraordinaire Danger Mouse and lead singer of one of the most respected Indie-rock bands of all time, the Shins own James Mercer. This experimental album, as the duo call it, comes out with a very indie rock sound but the back tracks constructed are incredible. The two secretly recorded the album in Los Angeles over the course of the 2008 and 2009 year and after releasing a couple singles from the album (“The High Road” & “The Ghost Inside”) the self titled album came only two months ago in March of 2010. Already there are talks of it being one of the best albums of the year, I guess I’ll let you decide for yourself. Enjoy your lives….CLICK FOR BROKEN BELLS

Danger Mouse and James Mercer

Enter the Magical Mystery Chambers

melbro — Thu, 13 May 2010 23:07:39 +0000

Mashups get me going because the concept in simple terms just gets me hot, oh yeah hot. Introducing Dj Tom Caruana, who came up with the phenomenal notion of mixing none other than the Wu-Tang Clan and the Liverpool Legends, The Beatles. At first initial contact with the album, I was somewhat skeptic because of the massive undertaking that mashing the Beatles can be. Whereas the Wu Tang Clan are one of the most mashed groups out there, few have the heart to take on the metaphorical mount olympus of mashing that is the Beatles. Although some of the songs on the album don’t have the “hey that’s a clever idea!” feeling that some mashups do, all the beats are liquid gold and proves the midas touch of this British Dj. The Wu Tang’s love for skits is also accounted for in the album mixing in interviews from John, Paul, Ringo, and George. I highly recommend you indulge yourself in this lovely compilation, revitalize your soul. Enjoy your lives…. CLICK FOR ENTER THE MAGICAL MYSTERY CHAMBERS

Album Cover of this 27 Track Gem

Eggs Are Produced Mysteriously?

melbro — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 04:49:36 +0000

Hello friends, acquaintances, and all other various individuals. Welcome to another album that will really open up your ability to sit back relax and reflect on whatever. Andrew Bird’s The Mysterious Production of Eggs (2005) will flush your mind of all prior engagements, worries, and anxieties from your feverish lives. The album is the second of Bird’s solo career formerly part of the classical group Bowl of Fire, mixes in adequate servings of folk as well as a somewhat reminiscent baroque violin sound. This baroque influence can be accredited to Bird’s early studies at Northwestern University where he graduated with a bachelors in violin performance. Look out for other soothing sounds Bird has prolifically mastered from the mandolin and guitar as well. Overall a fantastic album that pretty much satisfies any aficionado of life’s musical tastes. Spring has sprung. Enjoy your lives…CLICK FOR THE MYSTERIOUS PRODUCTION OF EGGS

The Mysterious Production of Eggs

J Dilla -Donuts

melbro — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:06:32 +0000

Hello all, there are certain things that get me excited and one of them is gift giving. So today I am going to gift wrap just for your pleasure the dopest, freshest, sensational, genius engineered, juice jiggling beats ever put on one album. Who is this artisan of hip hop, the master of the arts you may ask. Well its J Dilla, someone that I got turned onto way later than I probably should have.

J Dilla

J Dilla, (unfortunately the late J Dilla, passed away 2006), would lead the assist category if there was such a stat in hip hop. Dilla produced astronomical amounts of beats for a multitude of artists. The line is way way way too long to cover in this post but some of the best included producing entire albums for A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, Common, Busta Rhymes, and De La Soul. Dilla was also a member of the famed group of hip hop journeymen that called themselves Slum Village. This album, Donuts, was officially released by Dilla only three days before his death. The LP holds a special place amongst hip hop collections for the fact that the tracks, many of which are under a minute and a half, are like sketches yet to be completed. However from these sketches are very precise beats that rarely ever loop, no loops or repeats make for titillating authentic hip hop. So kick off yo moccasins and let the sounds control your inner consciousness. CLICK FOR J DILLA DONUTS

J Dilla on his antique mixer circa 1994

Veneer

melbro — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:20:16 +0000

Hello all! Life is moving at a very fast pace right now, I think that means that we’re doing it the right way. Clashing with the very fast pace alternative Edan, who I hoped you all enjoyed, I present the chilled out Jose Gonzalez. Jose was Swedish born although the Gonzalez part came from Argentinian roots so I hear. Gonzalez brings a very subtle as well as a pleasant sound to a every track that is projected by his gentle voice and short and sweet riffs on the classical guitar. In 2003 his debut album, Veneer, was released only in Sweden. Two years later it was re-released in the UK as well as the United States and became very successful amongst indie rock enthusiasts. In the UK the album even went platinum. Many are familiar with his acoustic cover of Heartbeats, originally composed by the Knife, but the other tracks on the album are just as agreeable. Immerse yourself in this fantastic album from Jose Gonzalez. Enjoy your lives… CLICK FOR VENEER AND A CHANGE OF PACE

Jose Gonzalez

Beauty and the Beat

melbro — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:36:56 +0000

I look out my window and I realize that the days are getting longer and longer and fortunately there is a direct correlation to my enthusiasm for music, for it continues to blossom as Spring is staring at us directly in the eyes. Oh man we’re almost there… Introducing alternative hip hop of a deeper, darker, funkier, and psychedelia mashing place that produces a beautiful genre of sound that can and will be defined by the highly highly respected emcee, as well as record producer EDAN. Edan (prounounced eee-dawn) is a bi-product of the very reputable Berklee School of Music in Boston majoring in production. Since his departure from the school in 200o Edan has produced 3 brain blowing mixtapes as well as three self-recorded albums transcending all thoughts of what was possible from hip hop.

Edan aka Edan Portnoy

I have the utmost respect for the album I am about to share with you, as does the rest of the hip hop community constantly. Edan took his form of hip hop and took it from experimental in other’s eyes and incorporated as well as established his sound to be forever incorporated with hip hop itself. Beauty and the Beat will blow your mind with its 60s rock samples, french over dubs, and the idiosyncrasy brought by the sensational linguistics on the album. The album was released in 2004 and got Edan and Lewis Records on the map. Kick of your shoes, do what you do and immerse yourself in this beautiful collaboration of sound. Happy Birthday to Denali, she rocks. Enjoy your lives.CLICK FOR BEAUTY AND THE BEAT

Album Cover of Beauty and the Beat, Phenomenal if you're into Vinyl

The House the King Built

melbro — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:47:16 +0000

Lets face the music and dance? Good day to all as I try to keep the consistency of this blog going. Lets talk about music on the real, in America the jazz scene dominated the genres from the 20s and onward up until the fifties. Of course there was such an influx of jazz during this period so one must break down the genre of jazz even further. I’m talking my big band jazz and my vocal swing jazz and there literally was no one better in my humble opinion than Nat King Cole. Nathaniel Adams Cole burst onto the jazz landscape in 1943 with the King Cole Trio and simultaneously signed on with the then infantile and brand spanking new Capitol records label. From then Cole never looked back, later breaking into a solo career and producing hit after hit after hit throughout the next three decades.

Nat King Cole Fresh on the Scene

The King was an extremely accomplished jazz pianist but what separated him from the rest was that smooth as a hickory wind baritone voice that even got your insides jumping around. Ironically, and probably a little ignorantly (I was still young), I used to think that the King was the whitest cat around based on that voice of his. However he surprised me and my twelve year old conscience when I saw one of his album covers and he was black as midnight, what a dude. Nat knew he had a great voice and was convinced that the best way to preserve it was to smoke Kool menthols on the daily. Before a studio recording he would smoke as many as he could in succession before laying down a track. Well as one could guess Cole died extremely prematurely in 1965 from you guessed it lung cancer. Nat King Cole is credited for laying the foundation for the dominant conglomerate Capitol Records and today stands as one of the most imperative music personalities in American history. Enjoy your lives….CLICK FOR NAT KING COLE

The King Smoking his Menthols

Good Winter

melbro — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:03:06 +0000

Ciao fellow friends and music collaborators, as we come to the end of January and catapult ourselves into the final stretch of winter for some February chillin I would like to introduce one of the chillest groups around. A play on the Francais phrase for good winter, Bon Iver is a band formed in 2007 by indie folk rock singer Justin Vernon. Funny story this group, here goes…. So back in 2007 after Vernon broke up with his former band (the rosebuds) as well as his girlfriend and also contracted mono (hilariously terrible circumstances) he decided to bounce Raleigh North Carolina and exile himself in a desolate cabin in Wisconsin, I mean wouldn’t you do the same?

Justin Vernon

Anyway according to his own account a bed-ridden Vernon would just sit in his cabin feeling low and depressed and watch DVDs of the TV show Northern Exposure, on the show Alaskans would greet each other happy winter (bon hiver) and a band name was born. However Vernon didn’t care for “hiver” (prounounced eeee varrreeee [ryhmes with there?]) because it reminded him too much of liver, the location of his illness, so he changed the band name to Bon Iver. His first album For Emma, Forever Ago was all written and recorded by mono version of Vernon, he played all the instruments and edited everything himself ==> what a badass. Justin Vernon originally thought the music was terrible and thought he might perhaps instead of releasing the album send single tracks as demos to different labels (like seriously how depressed was this guy?). However when his buddies heard the tracks they encouraged Vernon to release the entire album as one and Vernon signed on with the record label “Jagjaguwar” (what?) and slowly has gotten himself and his traveling band on the map. Enclosed is that Wisconsin liver mononucleosis album For Emma, Forever Ago as well as the recently released EP Blood Bank, both of these albums are simply beautiful (watch out for the auto-tune track woods, very gurped out.) I also included an exclusive track from the awesome compilation Dark Was the Night. I have yet to have an artist inspire such comfort as does Justin Vernon and Bon Iver. Enjoy your lives…CLICK FOR BON IVER…IT’S BEAUTIFUL

Justin Vernon, perhaps in his mononucleosis state

Down But Not Out…

melbro — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:18:56 +0000

Down was the blog of music de melbo, but during the two month hiatus the flame was kept alive by you even with the lack of new material. A big heartfelt thanks goes out from me to you, cheers. SO without further ado here’s a compilation of hip hop that will be bust down your door of preconceived notions regarding the genre. I’m going to be throwing in a little bit of everything, including a mashup towards the end of the mix that tickled my contemporary trashier style of rap.

The Illustrious J Dilla

Here are some names that I will bounce off ya (get ready to catch these as they forever takeover the subconscious existence) Del the Funky Homosapien, ZION I, J Dilla, Pete Rock &Cl Smooth, Souls of Mischief, the Pharcyde, J-Dilla, Classified, Mos Def, and Rhymefest. I wish you to enjoy and embrace the sounds in whatever way you see fit, my music is yours. Its good to be back. Enjoy your lives.

CLICK FOR CONTINUATION OF GRATIFICATION

Del the Funky Homosapien, is that a Jack in the Box in the background?

Different Strokes for Different Folks

melbro — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:08:55 +0000

Hello there all, as we make our descent into the holiday season I want to share with you one of the best soul funk albums of 1969. Stand! by Sly and the Family Stone was the band’s fourth album and with it redefined the psychedelic element of jammy-dropping funk. Sly and the Family Stone was assembled in San Francisco in 1966 after Sly and the Stoners merged with Freddy (Sly Stone’s brother) and the Stone Souls. Incorporating Stone family members and friends of the family the funkadelic collaboration was the first American group to have both integrated gender and race….Hooray!

Vallejo Native Sly Stone

Although the group lasted until 1975 when egos and drug abuse were introduced, they revolutionized soul and after this transitional album to funk they transcended the genre of funk as well opening the door for groups like Parliament Funkadelic the Mothership Connection (I want to get funked up). Sly Stone was easily one of the most powerful songwriters, most prominent record producers, and one of the freshest funkiest musicians the world has ever seen. Because this album is 8 songs long I’ve taken the liberty in adding in a few of my other favorite sly songs.

Enjoy your lives everyone….CLICK FOR STAND AND A FEW OTHERS

Sly and the Family Stone

A New Taste In Ja Mouth

melbro — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:41:12 +0000

Bam, hope you all had great halloweens. As we have pretty much made the official transition to autumn (it was cold in los angeles for a couple of days) I will pass on some music that was passed on to me. I love the feeling when someone makes you a mix that opens up a whole new list of groups for you to jam to. One of my best buds Zach Huber lent me this mix I’m about to share with you and I played it over and over and over again. The mix includes folk/indie artists like Sufjan Stevens, Ray Lamontagne, the Dodos, and the National. (dodos and the national were at outside lands at golden gate park in san francisco last summer, more stories to come from there) Oh its so good…

Huber thanks for letting me use this, I love you. Enjoy your lives….

CLICK FOR THIS LOVELY COMPILATION

The National

Sufjan Stevens

The Belfast Cowboy

melbro — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:35:33 +0000

Wow. Hey like…. whats up everyone? chillin. ok cool. SO I have been away for quite a while. Europe then on a farm then back down to los angeles where my laptop has been broken for the last few weeks. BUT REGARDLESS I AM HERE NOW. Lets not waste any time and we’ll get right into it. George Ivan Morrison, more commonly known as Van Morrison,brings to the table some of the most rousing, edifying sounds you will ever taste. Hailing from Belfast Northern Ireland (I was there this summer, unbelievable) Morrison brought the celtic music that he grew up on blended it with American Soul and R&B. The music was so successful that a new genre was created —> Celtic Soul. Mixing the smooth sounds of soul and the hearty rhythms of Ireland, who woulda thunk it….

Van Morrison is on his like 40th album or something (they’re not all good) but this is the album that got Van the Man on the scene. Moondance released in 1970 was Morrison’s third album contrasted from his first two sorrowful albums (although I still dig ‘em) bringing an optimistic and sanguine kind of sound. The album is considered one of the greatest all-time and tickles (yeah tickles) me every time I put it on. For those of you marin-ites out there Van Morrison still resides in his hilltop hut in good ol’ Fairfax California hanging out at The Sleeping Lady getting tipsy with D.G. Smith and co. I love Marin.

Lil’ Wayne mows my lawn. Enjoy your lives…

CLICK FOR MOONDANCE

The Steppin’ Razor

melbro — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:07:00 +0000

HELLO!!! Sorry to all who have been a little frustrated with the lack of posts and busted links over the last couple of months but every post has had their makeovers if you will and are back to normal. I was on a miraculous journey in France, Ireland, and Italy. I recommend that everyone goes on a long journey of their own someday. But until that day lets get right back into the swing of things and introduce you to one of the most talented reggae artists and biggest movers in the Rastafari movement Peter Tosh. Tosh was originally a member of the Wailers along with Bunny Wailer and Bob Marley, but Tosh along with the aforementioned members split from the group in 1974 to pursue their own successful solo careers. Tosh during his solo career also became a huge advocate of Rastafarianism after converting when he saw Jah himself (Ethiopian leader Haile Selassie I)in his own eyes during his visit to Kingston Jamaica.

Peter Tosh

Tosh after winning a grammy in the same year died in 1987. Tosh was shot twice in the head after telling three Trenchtown gunmen (that he knew as friends at one point) that he had no money on him. The songs you will find here are mostly from Tosh’s second solo album “Legalize It” released in 1976 as well as a few others. Good to be back. Enjoy your lives…..CLICK FOR PETER TOSH

Rude Boy Peter Tosh

Atmosphere

melbro — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:01:09 +0000

HELLO! So sorry to everyone I have been traveling around europe and have sort of neglected the site. But never fear I have prepared some music for ya….

Introducing one of my favorites, and so happens to be the general public’s favorite, groups of all time. Atmosphere, a two-man hip hop group formed in 1993 that epitomizes what I love about hip hop. Sean Daley aka DJ Slug provides the lyrical half of the group with words so strong that they strike new definitions of depth for everyone who listens. And of course the other 50% goes to the miraculous producer Anthony Davis aka Ant who provides beats so fresh you can put them in a fruit salad. Long live freedom of speech. Enjoy your lives everyone….CLICK FOR ATMOSPHERE

DJ Slug and Producer Ant Posing for Album When Life Gives You Lemons You Paint That Shit Gold

The Genius Ray Charles

melbro — Mon, 25 May 2009 21:49:57 +0000

Ray Charles Robinson. Nothing that I can write about him will really paint the picture of how amazing he truly is. One of the most talented musicians to ever show his face to the world. There, I said it. I was lucky enough to see him live in a relatively small venue before his death in 2004. I was too young (only 14) to really understand what exactly I was watching. I knew him and knew that I liked him but it was a few years after that I began to understood his complexity and skill.

Ray Charles Robinson

Ray, born in Alabama in 1930, began to lose his sight by the age of five years old. He attended St. Augestine’s School for the deaf and blind and it was there that he really learned how to play music. He continued a carreer in music and broke onto the scene in 1953 with his national hit “I Got a Woman.” Once he was at the top in 1953 he stayed there for a very very very long time. Producing hit after hit like “Hit the Road Jack” “What’d I Say Parts I and II” and “Lets go Get Stoned” Charles lit up American soul music. Something interesting, Ray had twelve kids with nine different women. BUT the important thing here is that Ray brought a new kind of talent and sound to the music scene and revolutionized the way we all get down.

Enjoy your lives…..

CLICK FOR THIS TRIBUTE TO THE GENIUS RAY CHARLES

A video of Charles doing his thing on national television singing “Georgia On My Mind” soooo good, flute is tight.

IT IS TIME!!!!! K’naan

melbro — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:51:04 +0000

My brothers and sisters, life is too short for stress. So relax yo brain with some of this great great great music. Introducing K’naan hailing from the war ridden African country of Somalia. This is one of the best “how they got there” stories around.

K’naan real name Kanaan Warsame

K’naan growing up was in one of the worst areas during the Somali civil war which started in 1991, the neighborhood was referred to as the River of Blood civilians were dying left and right. K’naan’s father had left to drive taxi cabs in NY city and was wiring the money back to the family in Somalia. As the civil war worsened K’naan’s mother applied for a visa for their family, their visa was approved on the last day the US Embassy was in existance and K’naan and his family left the country on the last commercial flight leaving the country.

He arrived in Compton and then with his family reunited moved to a Somali sector of canada in Toronto. Speaking absolutely no english K’naan learned how to rap by listening to artists like mos def and nas copying their lyrical style and phonetic beats. A few years later he dropped out of his high school in Toronto to travel and rap at open mic events. After returning to Toronto he managed to secure a gig speaking in front of the United Nations Commissioner for refugees in which he rapped about the UN failing to recognize the war in Somalia. His performance was seen by Senegalese Singer Youssou D’Nour who invited him to partake in his new album and travel on his world tour. K’naan obliged and on tour a small Canadian producer was blown away by the rhymes of K’naan and agreed to help the young artist produce his first album Dusty Foot Philosopher in 2005. The album somehow caught fire and K’naan, a Somali refugee who came to North America without knowing any English, worked his way to the top and released his second world recognized album earlier this year. CRAZY…. its amazing how talent finds its way to be recognized.

This is the first album from K’naan, Dusty Foot Philosopher. Some of the tracks are just simply jaw dropping. Enjoy your lives……

CLICK FOR THE SOMALIAN SENSATION

THIEVERY CORPORATION…HOT DAMN

melbro — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:49:56 +0000

Holy jesus mother mary and joseph car jacking hill billy tommy lee jones britches this is awesome. I’M BACK EVERYONE. I was a little stressed out the last couple of weeks and been planning my trip to Europe but now I am in the present and ready to share some of the grooviest and life changing beats of the new era. Introducing Thievery Corporation, OH MY OH MY, credit for this magnificent find goes to one of my best buds in the world Aran Caulfield. He told me to just go on a hike and listen to these guys, well I did and now I am changed. I won’t tell you to go on a hike in Santa Cruz with a bunch of herb but I will ask you to download this album and enjoy the beauty that is their album, Cosmic Game. The album, released in 2005 is a another gem by the amazing dj duo of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton. Strangely enough the two dj’s and the group itself started in Washington DC (Everyone for some reason is impressed with anything and everything that started in DC)

The group is electronically based with hints of reggae on the side, as you can imagine this is another reason for why I’m down like a clown. Anyway, Mo Fiya Mo Love Mo Friendship. Enjoy your lives….CLICK FOR COSMIC GAME

Cosmic Game

Halfway Tree

melbro — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:44:33 +0000

Oh the memories….I remember way back in middle school Jed Demoss got me into this album when it first came out…good times. Halfway Tree, the second album from the great Damian Marley was released strangely enough on September 11, 2001. So as you can imagine album sales didn’t really pick up until a few months down the road from the initial release. Halfway Tree refers to the roundabout in Kingston Jamaica that bridged two sides of the neighborhood; his mother lived on the wealthy side while his father, Bob Marley, in the ghettos of the town. The album won the grammy in 2002 for best reggae album. With multiple guest appearances from Bounty Killer, brother Stephen Marley, Capleton, Bunny Wailer, and Eve this album is super fresh. Go nuts and enjoy your lives……CLICK FOR HALFWAY TREE

Halfway Tree

Jr. Gong accepting his grammy in 2002

This video is unbelievably dope, as well as the song. “It Was Written” feat. Capleton. and Stephen Marley.

NEW BEIRUT ALBUM

melbro — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:19:38 +0000

For those of you that liked, loved, or even got kinky with the first beirut post than I have a pleasant surprise for you. Earlier this year Beirut released their newest album March of the Zapotec/Realpeople Holland. I got the album when it first came out and I was iffy on the new sound that beirut was putting out…. however after listening to it a few times I now hold it in extremely high standing. HOORAY!! Realpeople refers to the former pseudonym of great Zach Condon in his electronic days before he established Beirut. The album is a delight and I certainly enjoy it thoroughly. Enjoy your lives….

CLICK FOR MARCH OF THE ZAPOTEC/REALPEOPLE HOLLAND

]: Zach Condon On the Cover of His New Album

Here is the recently released music video of La Llorana. Directed by Owen Cook the music video is directly related to popular spanish story of La Llorana.

Hillside Airstrip

melbro — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:44:58 +0000

Hello everyone, today is April 20, 2009 and it is time to celebrate the holiday. One of my favorite ganja reggae albums of all time is Hillside Airstrip by Ten Foot Ganja Plant & John Brown’s Body. Ten Foot Ganja Plant, a spinoff group from John Brown’s Body, has been around for a few years now however they are extremely mysterious people and are rarely seen anywhere…kinda strange. This album being released in 2000, the sound is amazing. SO blaze one up if thats your thing and kick back with Hillside Airstrip…..ohhh that sounds amazing. Enjoy your lives…..

CLICK FOR HILLSIDE AIRSTRIP AND A GOOD DAY

Hillside Airstrip, Released in 2000

Happy 4/20…what goes up must come down.

Captain FANTASTIC

melbro — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 01:56:41 +0000

Until I was in fourth grade I used to listen to leftover cassette tapes that my parents had from the 80′s in my Playskool cassette player. The tapes that I had were Chicago Transit Authority (which i previously put on here) and a bunch of elton john tapes. I remember his greatest hits tape where a young and thin elton john stood with cricket bat in hand, an all white jump suit, pink shoes, and a red hat while he grinned towards the camera with his classic glasses (wow I’m old). But I digress….. The following album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy is an album that I acquired from my friend Darrin in high school. I thought that I’d heard all good elton john songs until this 1975 album. For me it reincarnated my love for the longtime British pop singer. Give it a try, you just might let this flamboyant, old brit crawl back into your life.

By the way I saw that some of my friends (girls) hung out and got drunk with Andy Milonakis. Little did they probably know that even though he is half their height and baby faced he is thirty three years old. Hmmmm. Enjoy your lives….

CLICK FOR CAPTAIN FANTASTIC

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboys

SIR Elton John...is nuts

Low End Theory

melbro — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:46:32 +0000

If you like olds school hip hop you automatically love A Tribe Called Quest, those are just the rules. Thats how it goes. This album I’m about to let you in on is one of the jazziest instrumental hip hop albums ever. Low End Theory….

Low End Theory

Using samples from a wide variety of sources this album’s release in 1991 opened up the door for other alternative hip hop groups to contribute to a now established genre. Guest artists on the album include Busta Rhyme’s group….Leaders of the New School. Ironically when the album was brought to the studio heads they hated it and labeled it as a future commercial failure, oh how they were wrong….see for yourself.

CLICK FOR LOW END THEORY

A Tribe Called Quest From Left to Right Ali, Phife, and Q-Tip

This video was a monumental hit, Busta Ryhmes featured song SCENARIO.

Enjoy your LIVES…..

POWER IN NUMBERS

melbro — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:06:13 +0000

LOOK OUT. This album is ridiculously tight. MMMM I love listening the music I’m writing about. Here we go… Jurassic 5, most of you have heard of who they are. BUT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT…..here is a phenomenal album Power In Numbers. Soooo good. A Los Angeles alternative hip hop group Jurassic Five is the product of two different groups merging together, Rebels of Rhythm and Unity Committee. The group is extremely original and also extremely honest with their lyrics, makes for a funky good time. Look for more to come from this group.

Enjoy your lives…..

CLICK FOR POWER IN NUMBERS

THE Jurassic 5

Power In Numbers

RJD2

melbro — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:11:32 +0000

Hello everyone, I am sorry I have been away for so long. Its been a busy last couple of weeks for me. Anyway I will start off this little mini drought strong with some of the best hip hop and electronic music I have. Introducing RJD2, real name Ramble John (RJ) Krohn. Starting his career as a dj in the mid 1990s RJD2 bounced around producing tracks for various hip hop artists until a El-P’s record label picked him up in 2001. In 2002 he released his first solo album which is a large focus in this mix, Deadringer. I have included some of his other works in the mix to go along with the album.

RJD2 plans to release another solo album this year. Enjoy your lives….

CLICK FOR RJD2 AND FOR PEACE OF MIND

RJD2, Ramble John Krohn

Deadringer, featuring Jakki, Copywrite, and Blueprint

Fight for Your Mind

melbro — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:59:02 +0000

I’ve been completely taken up by finals and march madness here lately. But now its spring break and I’m stuck in la with plenty of time to spare. Picking what post will go up next has been extremely difficult….but I finally decided on something that everyone will enjoy, Ben Harper. Ben Harper is an absolute delight. Ben Harper an American folk rock, alternative, acoustic, or whatever you wanna call him released Fight For Your Mind in 1995. The ablum was his second and also Harper’s last solo album before adding the “Innocent Criminals” to his group.

Enjoy your lives…

CLICK FOR FIGHT FOR YOUR MIND

Ben Harper

None Shall Pass

melbro — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:49:08 +0000

Introducing Aesop Rock. Real name Ian Matthias Bavitz, Aesop Rock is reminiscent of Del the Funkee Homosapien with his detailed lyrics. He came on to the scene shortly after the millennium and is one of the premier underground hip hop artists of the decade. This is his most recent album None Shall Pass released in 2007….. it is a delight. The album is consistently bumping and has cameos from innovators such as El-p and is produced by Blockhead and Aesop himself. For those Bay Area Folks, Aesop Rock currently resides in San Francisco and does shows there on a frequent basis.

Go nuts for this fatty album. Enjoy your lives….(How alive?) CLICK FOR NONE SHALL PASS

Aesop Rock

None Shall Pass, Released 2007