Phonte “The Good Fight”

October 7, 2011 at 7:17 am

1/3 of the now defunct Little Brother.  From his new solo debut album, Phonte does what he does best, rhymes.  He’s honest, he’s brutal, and he’s consistent.  His humor isn’t too over the top and I relate to everything he says with ease.  This one stuck to me, especially after listening to a new Drake track where Drake’s complaining about people saying he fell off (c’mon son).

Buy it and enjoy it.  It’s good hip hop.

Bob & Gene “It’s Not What You Know (It’s Who You Know)”

October 6, 2011 at 4:40 pm

I think this song is one of the best releases of this year.  A concept of “it’s who you know” that rings so true these days, especially in an era where jobs are hard to find.  I feel this frustration as a DJ, and it was so easy to relate to Bob & Gene’s sentiments from the early 70’s.

Really interesting notes from the Daptone site:

“At the tail end of the “Bob & Gene” era, say about 1970-’71, the duo was a little frustrated. Despite the time and effort the young men were putting into their song writing and production, things were not working out as planned, the guys needed a breakthrough. They sat in the basement of 50 Orange Street one night and put together a record expressing their frustration. There was no band – just the two of them. They had a guitar, bass and piano, but no drums… some reverb, EQ’s and the 4-track. “

New Jazz Night in DTLA: Straight Ahead Sundays

September 26, 2011 at 1:17 am

Got a new night dedicated to all things jazz, at a very low key, dimly lit lounge off 6th and main. The perfect environment to vibe out to some jazz cuts every other Sunday night.

Opening night is October 2nd, and we have a treat for you!  Guest DJ Miles Perlich, who hosts, quite possibly, the best radio show on Los Angeles airwaves, United Groove.  Miles will be in the house playing some exquisite jazz vinyl from his collection, as well as other soul and funk treats you might hear on his weekly radio program.

Again, this is a low key night dedicated to the appreciation of good music, so dancing is optional.  Come through, have a drink, grab a french dip from Cole’s next door, and ease in to your work week.

Straight Ahead Sundays
Every Other Sunday, starting October 2nd
@ The Association
110 E. 6th Street in DTLA (cross street is MAIN)

Dengue Fever “Uku” Live from The Troubadour

September 14, 2011 at 8:00 am

Note to self: 1. See Dengue Fever SOON. 2. Buy more live DVD’s.

Garfield Adams “For My City”

September 13, 2011 at 11:00 am

New release from my man out of the dena!  Solid hip hop production, with heavy vibes all around.  That’s Josh Koslow on the horns, as well.  I’ve always been a fan of this cat’s beats and I’m glad to see this new project coming to fruition.  This is the first track off the upcoming release, “1st Things First,” coming 11.11.11.  Check him out at garfieldadams.bandcamp.com and keep an eye out for the new album.

Check for it on an upcoming Forward Listening podcast, as well.

Peep the video, too.

Cool Record Cover…

September 13, 2011 at 6:55 am

Went digging yesterday and found this Olatunji record.  How can you pass up a record that says Afro-Percussion?!  Listened to it on the Crosley at the store, took it to the counter, bagged it up, went home, and it’s been sitting there until this evening.  While looking over the art work, I noticed an interesting thing embedded in the cover.  Check it out…

LDFD “Outtacontrol”

September 11, 2011 at 10:27 am

WOOOOOOOOOOO!

LDFD is a beatmaker based out of Dallas, TX. Don’t know much more about him, but I’m DIGGIN this release! There’s a relevant electronic sound here, but utilizing a sped up vocal sample from Janet Jackson’s “Go Deep” (whaaaa?!) makes it sound so much more soulful than just any wobbly dubstep track.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/6735318″]

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