Asphalt Road
Sorry about the lack of posts.
Pavement. The ground that we walk on. A fitting name for a band that dominated the indie rock scene of the early 90’s and, shall I say “paved” the way for many indie bands today. They were a fiery ball of energy and feedback. Their creative, powerful sound, accompanied by frontman Steven Malkmus’ playfully witty lyrics, defined the lo-fi, noise pop genre. Here’s a couple of ditty’s from a band whose songs never seem to get old.
One of my favorite songs of all time.
download: Range Life
another great one from Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
download: Unfair
check out this live cut from the Palace in Hollywood circa 1994
download: Summer Babe
The Mix-Up
Keeping on the Jewish kick, I freakin love the Beastie Boys. We’re talkin about three jewish white guys from NYC who took the rap world by storm in the mid 80’s. First criticized by critics and hip hop musicians for being cultural pirates of sorts (especially because of thier beginnings as a punk band in 1981), the Beastie’s forged their own way and created a new post-punk, funky, psychadelic, pop, hip-hop sound that influenced a generation. Liscence to Ill was a surprising hit that paved the way for what I believe to be their best album, Paul’s Boutique. And although this LP did not recieve the accolades as its predecesor (in addition to it being a completely different sound), it did produce the ecclectic, freewheeling style that they are now known for. Check Your Head, Ill Communication, and Hello Nasty followed and were equally awesome and influential. They also released a jazzy, funky, exploratory instumental album in there called The In Sound From Way Out which I thought was great.
This leads me to thier new release, The Mix Up, which to be honest, I’m surprised hasn’t gotten more attention. Also an instrumental album, it showcases the BBoys musical skills, as they flow through numerous catchy grooves, and endless jazz and funk fused rhythms. There’s even a touch of reggae thrown in there. Great music to just chill, or be putzing around the house to. check it.
download: B For My Name
download: Off the Grid
download: The Cousin of Death
Couldn’t post some Beastie’s with out one of the classics. Here’s one of my favorites off of Paul’s Boutique:
download: Car Thief
