Damn - Its been a few since I've updated because I've been trying to get other parts of the Page up and running!!! But things are smooth now - SO - lets get into this.
First off - One of The Wonderful Loving Fiancee's besties was in town over the weekend and her brother came with her. He and I share a love of music and we were often found in the studio just messing with sounds and such. I played him some old beats and he fell in love with this one.
First off - One of The Wonderful Loving Fiancee's besties was in town over the weekend and her brother came with her. He and I share a love of music and we were often found in the studio just messing with sounds and such. I played him some old beats and he fell in love with this one.
The MUT #2 |
This little diddy is from a project that I put together within the first year of my move to the Twin Cities. It was called "The Mixed-Up Tape". It was a crazy album idea that I had and this beat was rapped over by a few MC's. The most popular of the tracks was Trama's. We actually got a mention for it here: City Pages Minnesota Mix-Tape 2007.
A few Saturdays ago I went to Macalester College and Judged their Battle of the Bands!!! It was an epic brawl, guitars were smashed, vocal chords were strained, and someone covered The Smiths. It was a damn good time and I thank the fellas at The Hip-Hop Providers for the judging option! Here is how the competition shook out:
1st Round:
Broken Gnome took the stage first - a subtle 4 piece buried deep down somewhere south. They had a smooth take off - little blues, little R & B, threw in some harmonies and few guitar solos; jammin'. Looking back I really enjoyed the vibe - the rest of the line up had some similar sounds, these guys stood alone.
Froot Flies were due up next - but they decided they were too punk rock for the battle and didn't show.
The A.J. Experiencewas up next. The only thing these dudes were missing was some back-to-back guitar tapping action. They attempted a layered sound of multiple rhythms and progressions all climaxing to nothing. I was let down when they finally reached their goal - but the journey was nice.
Next up, Mother Faulkners. These guys were a silly bunch. Right out the gate they dropped an awesome Smith's cover. (Big ups to AP!!!! Dub C!!!) Their original song was not up to The Smith's standard but I didn't matter - that cover sealed it for me.
Replicas filled the stage next. A whopping 6 piece made this band the largest of the night. Horns, Keys, Drums, 2 singers, 2 guitars, Synth, they were a busy bunch. My favorite group of the night by far - their 2nd song had this very distinct 'haunting' quality about it. I would love to hear a recorded version, matter-of-fact if anyone in that band is reading this - hit me up, I'll record it.
Lastly, Radiator Grrrls ended the first round. The smallest band - a mere 3 piece - was in fact the most tight knit. They were an all around judge favorite and had a very interesting 'surf' sound. Beach Boys whhhhaaa?!
The judges all deliberated - punches were thrown - bottles were broken - Randy Jackson gave us words of wisdom, finally we re-entered the area armed with our choices for the final round: Radiator Grrrls, Replicas and Mother Faulkners.
The second round wasn't decided by us - it was up to the people. Mother Faulkners let me down big time, saddly I wish I could take my vote back but C'est la vie. Replicas came out with a ballad, a very surprising song choice for a closer. I was quite happy with their performance. But the night was owned by Radiator Grrrls - they came out with a hot burner. Had they played this 2nd Jam in the 1st round. I would have just thrown the towel in. The people spoke and they said: Radiator Grrrls.
Lastly:
A few Saturdays ago I went to Macalester College and Judged their Battle of the Bands!!! It was an epic brawl, guitars were smashed, vocal chords were strained, and someone covered The Smiths. It was a damn good time and I thank the fellas at The Hip-Hop Providers for the judging option! Here is how the competition shook out:
1st Round:
Broken Gnome took the stage first - a subtle 4 piece buried deep down somewhere south. They had a smooth take off - little blues, little R & B, threw in some harmonies and few guitar solos; jammin'. Looking back I really enjoyed the vibe - the rest of the line up had some similar sounds, these guys stood alone.
Froot Flies were due up next - but they decided they were too punk rock for the battle and didn't show.
The A.J. Experiencewas up next. The only thing these dudes were missing was some back-to-back guitar tapping action. They attempted a layered sound of multiple rhythms and progressions all climaxing to nothing. I was let down when they finally reached their goal - but the journey was nice.
Next up, Mother Faulkners. These guys were a silly bunch. Right out the gate they dropped an awesome Smith's cover. (Big ups to AP!!!! Dub C!!!) Their original song was not up to The Smith's standard but I didn't matter - that cover sealed it for me.
Replicas filled the stage next. A whopping 6 piece made this band the largest of the night. Horns, Keys, Drums, 2 singers, 2 guitars, Synth, they were a busy bunch. My favorite group of the night by far - their 2nd song had this very distinct 'haunting' quality about it. I would love to hear a recorded version, matter-of-fact if anyone in that band is reading this - hit me up, I'll record it.
Lastly, Radiator Grrrls ended the first round. The smallest band - a mere 3 piece - was in fact the most tight knit. They were an all around judge favorite and had a very interesting 'surf' sound. Beach Boys whhhhaaa?!
The judges all deliberated - punches were thrown - bottles were broken - Randy Jackson gave us words of wisdom, finally we re-entered the area armed with our choices for the final round: Radiator Grrrls, Replicas and Mother Faulkners.
The second round wasn't decided by us - it was up to the people. Mother Faulkners let me down big time, saddly I wish I could take my vote back but C'est la vie. Replicas came out with a ballad, a very surprising song choice for a closer. I was quite happy with their performance. But the night was owned by Radiator Grrrls - they came out with a hot burner. Had they played this 2nd Jam in the 1st round. I would have just thrown the towel in. The people spoke and they said: Radiator Grrrls.
Lastly: