Song-A-Day: February 10

It’s been widely reported today that this is the 10th anniversary of The College Dropout being released, but did you know that today is also the 18th anniversary of In The Aeroplane Over the Sea? The latter is my favorite album of all-time, but a 10th anniversary is a special event and with Kanye coming to Albany soon it seems right to toss him the Song-A-Day for today. There’s so many good songs to pick here to represent The College Dropout, an album which showed the genuine and honest side of Kanye alongside the egotistical lyrical wordsmith who I believe is one of the best artists of our generation. Our Song-A-Day for today is a bit of an under-appreciated track Kanye track in my book, featuring GLC and Consequence, here’s “Spaceship”.

I’ve been workin’ this graveshift and I ain’t made s***
I wish I could buy me a spaceship and fly past the sky
I’ve been workin’ this graveshift and I ain’t made s***
I wish I could buy me a spaceship and fly past the sky

Man, man, man
If my manager insults me again I will be assaulting him
After I f*** the manager up then I’m gonna shorten the register up
Let’s go back, back to the Gap
Look at my check, wasn’t no scratch
So if I stole, wasn’t my fault
Yeah I stole, never got caught
They take me to the back and pat me
Askin’ me about some khakis
But let some black people walk in
I bet they show off their token blackie
Oh now they love Kanye, let’s put him all in the front of the store
Saw him on break next to the ‘No Smoking’ sign with a blunt and a Mall’
Takin’ my hits, writin’ my hits
Writin’ my rhymes, playin’ my mind
This f***in’ job can’t help him
So I quit, y’all welcome
Y’all don’t know my struggle
Y’all can’t match my hustle
You can’t catch my hustle
You can’t fathom my love dude
Lock yourself in a room doin’ five beats a day for three summers
That’s a different world like Kree Summers
I deserve to do these numbers
The kid that made that deserves that Maybach
So many records in my basement
I’m just waitin’ on my spaceship

I’ve been workin’ this graveshift and I ain’t made s***
I wish I could buy me a spaceship and fly past the sky
I’ve been workin’ this graveshift and I ain’t made s***
I wish I could buy me a spaceship and fly past the sky

Man, I’m talkin’ way past the sky
Let’s go, yeah
And I didn’t even try to work a job
Represent the mob
At the same time thirsty on the grind
Chi state of mind
Lost my momma, lost my mind
My life, my love, that’s not mine
Why you ain’t signed?
Wasn’t my time
Leave me alone, work for y’all
Half of it’s yours, half of it’s mine
Only one to ball
Never one to fall
Gotta get mine
Gotta take mine
Got a tech nine
Reach my prime
Gotta make these haters respect mine
In the mall ’til 12 when my schedule said nine
Puttin’ them pants on shelves
Waitin’ paitently I ask myself
Where I wanna go, where I wanna be
Life is much more than runnin’ in the streets
Holla at ‘ye, hit me with the beat
Put me on my feet
Sound so sweet
Yes I’m the same ol’ G, same goatee
Stayin’ low key, nope
Holler at God “Man why’d you had to take my folks?”
Hope to see Freddy G., Yusef G
Love my G, Rolly G
Police watch me smoke my weed, count my G’s
Got a lot of people countin’ on me
And I’m just tryin’ to find my peace
Should of finished school like my niece
Then I wouldn’t finally wouldn’t use my piece
Aw man, all this pressure

I’ve been workin’ this graveshift and I ain’t made s***
I wish I could buy me a spaceship and fly past the sky
I’ve been workin’ this graveshift and I ain’t made s***
I wish I could buy me a spaceship and fly past the sky

I remember havin’ to take the dollar cab
Comin’ home real late at night
Standin’ on my feet all damn day
Tryin’ to make this thing right
And havin’ one of my co-workers say “Yo you look just like
This kid I seen in the old Busta Rhymes video the other night”
Well easy come, easy go
How that sayin’ goes
No more broad service, cars, and them TV shows
I all had that snatched from me
And all the faculties all turn their back on me
And didn’t wanna hear a rap from me
So naturally actually had to face things factually
Had to be a catastrophe with the fridgest starin’ back at me
Cuz nothing’s there, nothing’s fair
I don’t wanna ever go back there
So I won’t be takin’ no days off ’til my spaceship takes off

I’ve been workin’ this graveshift and I ain’t made s***
I wish I could buy me a spaceship and fly past the sky
I’ve been workin’ this graveshift and I ain’t made s***
I wish I could buy me a spaceship and fly past the sky

I wanna fly, I wanna fly
I said I want my chariot to pick me up
And take me brother for a ride

 

Connor’s Albums of the Year

22. Atoms for Peace- Amok

Thom Yorke and Flea jam out. Cool electronic vibes with a new Radiohead sound. Dank bass riffs. If you love Phish, this might be your #1, or #2 if Phish released an album this year.

21. Queens of the Stone Age – …Like Clockwork

7th grade me would’ve been a lot more pumped for this. It’s good experimental rock music. Nothing will beat Songs For the Deaf in my eyes, though this is an interesting take on the Queens’ sound. Rock on.

20. Earl Sweatshirt – Doris

I was hyped for this all summer, with “Whoa” and “Chum” having been out for a WHILE, it ended up being that those were two of the best songs on the album. Those are great songs that are hard to top, but I was hoping for more consistency. The song featuring Frank Ocean is sick though, and the “Centurion” beat is crazy. The rest is so-so in my opinion. The Earl Mixtape is better.

 

19. Yo La Tengo – Fade

This is really great and should probably be a lot higher on my list. It came out in the very beginning of the year. The vibe is mellow and melodic. This thing is endlessly listenable. I can’t see how anyone would dislike it. I’ve always enjoyed Yo La Tengo, but I’ve never been super passionate about them. That being said, I would recommend this to ALL

18. Owen – L’ami Du Peuple

Another solid release from Owen. My favorite song is “The Burial”, which is one of the few Owen songs not to feature an acoustic guitar. “Tonight, I’m a priest/ Shrouded in your quilt/ And you will see/ Truth in me/ So f***ing say something.” OOOohhhhh. “Who Cares” is great too.

17. The Story So Far – What You Don’t See

Pop/punk angsty songs about girls done right. I wish I was 15 again so I could get a girlfriend, get dumped, and listen to this all the time.

 

16. Nine Inch Nails – Hesitation Marks

I saw NIN with my dad last month. They were my favorite band as a youngling, and I still hold TR in a very high regard so this meant a whole lot to me. Hands down the best light show I’ve ever seen. You can check out footage here if you’d like. Unreal stuff. The music is leaning on electronica, but in a good way. Still \m/

 

15. Oneohtrix Point Never – R Plus Seven

This is weird stuff that sounds abrasive and terrible to most people I know. It’s all instrumental, experimental, synthy, electronic music. It can take you places though. I wish I could explain it better. This could easily be your nightmare. I think it’s incredibly interesting. Listen and let your thoughts wander.

 

14. Tim Hecker – Virgins

Very similar to Oneohtrix as far as genre and style are concerned, though the sound is very different. This was made with live instruments and manipulated later which makes for a very organic experimental sound. There are so many layers and things going on here. Enthralling. The first track sounds like the earth is ripping apart. Close your eyes and imagine%%*&!)@*&^^&^%%{}”{“}{}”}{}”}{“”{}”{}”}{}”}{}}{}”}}”:]

 

13. Volcano Choir – Repave

Justin Vernon does post-rock stuff. Same old cryptic lyrics that could be interpreted a bunch of different ways. Thumbs up. This is my favorite song from the album and the best music video of the year (besides “Wrecking Ball”)

 

12. Touche Amore – Is Survived By

You can feel the passion behind Jeremy Bolm’s voice as he screams every line. This album is about leaving something meaningful behind after you die. Congrats dude, cause you did.

 

11. The Dismemberment Plan – Uncanny Valley

The Dismemberment Plan will always have a special place in my heart. Emergency & I is one of my favorite albums ever. I was beyond psyched when they announced a new album and tour. Shoutout to Ted for seeing the show with me. They definitely have not lost any of their talent or songwriting ability, despite not having the same emotional overtones of depression, isolation etc. When bands reunite to make a new album, I’m always worried it’s going to suck based on countless examples. Not only did this not suck, it’s very good.

WCDB’s Top Albums of 2013

1. Arcade Fire – Reflektor

Voting Points: 213

The spectacle of the album release was a wonder in itself, and Arcade Fire’s experimentation into Disco was the top voted album of the year by a wide margin in our poll.

2. Chance the Rapper – Acid Rap

Voting Points: 157.5

The second mix tape from Chance the Rapper caught the attention of multiple departments in our station, helping it be named the top hip-hop album of the year on our list.

3. Vampire Weekend – Modern Vampires of the City

Voting Points: 142

The sound matured for Vampire Weekend, solidifying their role as one of the premiere pop artists in today’s music scene.

4. Local Natives – Hummingbird

Voting Points: 112

An inspired and experimental album from the group garnered them a lot of attention this year from media publications, and our DJs viewed it with a similar level of admiration.

5. FIDLAR – FIDLAR

Voting Points: 106

The debut album for the California Skate-Punk band brought a ton of energy with it during their screamed stories about drugs and youthful ideals.

6. Kurt Vile – Wakin’ On A Pretty Daze

Voting Points: 102

A relaxing and pretty listen, Wakin’ On A Pretty Daze gave Kurt Vile a lot of artistic freedom to create long songs about his past experiences that have led up to this point.

7. Unknown Mortal Orchestra – II

Voting Points: 92

The sophomore album by the group tended to get mixed reviews from critics, but our DJs were supporters with it finding it’s way onto numerous lists.

8. The National – Trouble Will Find Me

Voting Points: 90

One of the more consistent alternative bands out there released another very good album this year, while also having a documentary about them made by Berninger’s brother aptly named “Mistaken For Strangers” receive favorable reviews at film festivals. 

9. Foxygen – We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic

Voting Points: 87

Foxygen found themselves getting talked about a lot this year with We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors, and they were the most played artist on our station in 2013.

10. Kanye West – Yeezus

Voting Points: 77.5

Probably the most polarizing man in music added a new album to his discography this year and debate ensued about where the album actually stood in his discography. Our DJs liked it enough to have it round out the top 10.

WCDB Hip Hop Department’s Top 10 Albums of 2013

1. Chance the Rapper – Acid Rap

Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper dominated the internet and hip hop scene with his highly anticipated Acid Rap project. With his experimental sound mixing with hip hop roots, Chance delivers one of the most original and successful projects of the year.  

Available for free download > (http://www.datpiff.com/Chance-The-Rapper-Acid-Rap-mixtape.483826.html)

2. J. Cole- Born Sinner

J. Cole’s sophomore major label album combines insightful story telling with compelling instrumentals to provide a standout album. Born Sinner delivers what some (Nas) felt his debut was lacking.

3. Kanye West – Yeezus

The most controversial figure in music today unsurprisingly delivered one of the most interesting albums of 2013. With production help from the likes of Daft Punk and Rick Rubin, Kanye heads into uncharted territory.

4. Pusha T -My Name is My Name

After much delay, one half of the Clipse released his major label debut as a solo artist. His debut is concise collection of some of the finest crafted verses 2013 with orchestrated beats by Kanye West, The Dream, and more.

5. Killer Mike and El-P – Run the Jewels

The continued pairing of  these hip hop veterans has lead to one of the finest works of their respective careers and of the year 2013. With production almost entirely by El-P, this project delivers for true fans of lyricism.

6. Drake – Nothing Was the Same

The native Canadian and best-selling artist released his 3rd major label album in 2013. Combining stellar production,  lyrical insight, and some of the catchiest melodies of the year. Drake proves why is he the only artist who pressures Kanye West’s position.

7. Oddisee- The Beauty in All/ Tangible Dream

Hailing from Washington D.C., Oddisee shows why he is truly a hip hop ARTIST. In 2013 he released The Beauty In All, which had the instrumental style behind it. While The Tangible Dream exhibited Oddisee’s lyrical prowess.

8. Masai – Almost Home

Metroland’s 2013 Best Rapper in the Capital Region released his the third album in his “Almost” series titled Almost Home. The album delivers an introspective look at his life with  fresh lyrical delivery. Check out the video for his single “Dear Masai” > (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk3g78gLlZ4)

9. Marco Polo- PA 2: The Director’s Cut

Hip Hop produce extraordinaire Marco Polo released the follow up to 2007s Port Authority this year. The project features some op the top lyricists in the game laying vocals over some of the finest boom bap of 2013. Features include Talib Kweli, Masta Ace, Styles P and The Doppelgangaz.

10.Pete Rock & Camp Lo- 80 Blocks from Tiffany’s Pt.2

Hip Hop veterans Pete Rock and Camp Lo deliver another barrage of hip hop with features by Talib Kweli, M.O.P. and Ab-Soul

Kyle’s Governor’s Ball Preview

The Governor’s Ball music festival is taking place this weekend, and I am super excited for this. The festival boasts a consistent and impressive lineup that features some of the top artists from alternative music, hip-hop and EDM, with ticket holders having to choose between two artists for each time slot. Fortunately I’m familiar with a decent amount of the artists playing at this festival, and in this post I’ll let you know which artist I’m going to try to see during each time slot this weekend and why.

Friday

12:15-12:45: Swear and Shake vs. Pacific Air

Pacific Air is brothers playing indie pop. They’re a relaxing listen and well-traveled as they’ve opened for high profile acts before like Passion Pit and Two Door Cinema Club. Swear and Shake seems like it’d be a fun show as well but they’re more folky and seemingly conventional, so I’m planning on starting the festival with Pacific Air.

12:45-1:30 Solid Gold vs. Bear Mountain

We got Solid Gold’s 2012 release Eat Your Young at CDB last year and it wasn’t anything special, I’d say it’s alternative rock with a lot of electronic qualities mixed in to it, again more relaxing than danceable. I hadn’t heard of Bear Mountain before this year’s lineup, but their music seems like it would lead to a better live show then what I’ve heard from Solid Gold, Bear Mountain’s sound is more danceable and upbeat electronic so it should be a fun set to attend.

1:30-2:15 St. Lucia vs. Reignwolf

St. Lucia will put on a good electronic pop show, but my interest is in seeing what Reignwolf does during this time slot. He’s a multi-instrumentalist who seems like he’d put on a sick show, check out the video below where “Bicycle” sounds White Stripes-esque with him covering both Jack and Meg’s parts. This guy’s going to be a hit at governor’s ball for sure.

2:15-3:00 Polica vs. The Knocks

Electronic rock/R&B vs. Electronic Pop. I’m not overly excited about Polica, so The Knocks seem like a safer bet for enjoying the set but either way I don’t view this as a decision you can mess up, the options are pretty similar.

3:00-3:45 Dinosaur Jr. vs. Holy Ghost!

I’d be psyched to see Holy Ghost! over either of the past two artists, but in this slot there’s no way I can see them. I’m an alt-rock kid, and Dinosaur Jr. is one of the bands that defined that genre in the 90s, making the fact that they still release awesome albums like last year’s I Bet on Sky even more impressive. I have to go with the classic artist in this spot to get my fill of actual alternative rock.

3:45-4:45 Best Coast vs. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

I might regret this and be stuck watching a girl on stage sing to me about how great California is, basically the only premise of 2012 release The Only Place, but I’m going to gamble we get the distorted energetic Crazy For You tracks that would make the set amazing. If you were completely off-put by her last release, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs won’t be a bad consolation prize.

4:45-5:45 Of Monsters and Men vs. Dillon Francis

I saw Of Monsters and Men perform last year in Albany and they put on a good show, but I’m a bit bored of their sound now(and the mini-genre as a whole to be honest). I’m not overly into EDM but my friends who are recommended this artist, so I’m going to go with a new experience here rather than attending a show where I know I’ll be indifferent about the band.

5:45-6:45 Crystal Castles vs. Local Natives

This is another big contrast in sound between the artists, so I’d say it depends on your mood. Crystal Castles will definitely be more upbeat and danceable, and apparently she’s very good live, but I’m probably going to give Local Natives a shot here as I find their music easy to enjoy.

6:45-8:00 Feist vs. Young the Giant

This one is based entirely upon the Broken Social Scene rumor if nothing else. BSS is booked in the city to do a late-night gig on Thursday night, and a rumor is going around that Feist’s label mates might help end the BSS hiatus by doing a collaborative set or maybe even taking the stage for their own set after Feist. If it happens it would be probably the most notable story from the festival.

8:00-9:30 Beach House vs. Erykah Badu & the Cannabinoids

I feel like I’m making a mistake on this one so don’t let me sway you away from Erykah Badu, but I loved Beach House’s 2012 release Bloom and am hopeful that they put on the most relaxing show ever performed for their set. Can’t pick wrong between these artists though as they’ll both put on great shows.

9:30-11:00 Kings of Leon vs. Pretty Lights

Finally the headliners, neither of which I’m overly enthusiastic about unfortunately. I’m going to go with the same mentality I had for Dillon Francis in giving the artist who I know less about the shot here. I enjoy some Kings of Leon songs, but Pretty Lights seems like a more fun way to enjoy the end of the first day to me as I’ve heard good things about their live shows.

2011: The Year of Escapism

Conjuring up motifs and noises of the past, these ten artists have put their spin on nostalgia and have created a sound unique to each of them.  Music as always is a testament of the times, somehow it seems we’re being catapulted backwards. In some cases the artist deals head on with the current turmoil lyrically, but even when the content is irrelevant we’re sucked into a simpler time. Although it’s hard to remain hopeful when the skies look so dark and gloomy, there’s always “Watch The Thrown.”

The Super Bowl Halftime Show Sucks

PETITION

So I’m really late on this but with the NFL lockout I need something football-related to talk about.

Why is it that only Prince is capable of putting on an amazing halftime show? Playing his hits, covering All Along the Watchtower and then finally finishing with Purple Rain (in the rain!!). Bruce put on a decent enough show, but outside of the cameraman getting a crotch-first view of his power slide, it really was just a great musician going through the motions of an act he’s done a thousand times before.

The rest of the acts can just be summed up as those old bands we like but feel bad for to actually see live. Old British bands who couldn’t give a damn about football. Don’t even mention the halftime shows pre-Boy Band era (John Goodman and Jim Belushi as the Blues Brothers?). Oh yeah, and for some reason the Black Eyed Peas were there this year. We need someone American, someone who’s in his prime, and someone who will make the halftime show worth watching.

We need Kanye West.

Let’s go down the list. First off, he’s American. Born in Atlanta, raised in Chicago (effing Bears…), which are in fact American cities. Now I can’t think of any examples that actually proves Kanye is a football fan, but at the same time, who isn’t?

Next on the list, “someone in their prime”. Kanye just released My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and it was awesome. I have a rock show (Tuesdays 4-6)  and I even played tracks off it. I don’t need to run down and name how many publications gave it a great review or how many end of year “Albums of 2010” lists it topped. All I need to do is cite one phrase that has been going around: “The Sgt. Pepper of Hip-Hop”

Lastly, what kind of a show would he put on? Allow me to state my case: Saturday Night Live 10/2/10

 

Normally when musical guests come to SNL they do their thing and leave. It’s normally not very exciting and it’s just another television appearance for a lot of these acts. Kanye came in, made the set his own, got a bunch of ballerinas and poured his soul out into the mic. Part of the reason I’m even starting this movement is just because I’m curious to see what he would do at a Super Bowl.

The biggest thing that people will throw in my face is that his “personal drama” won’t make him the most appealing candidate for the NFL. To that, I’d just like to throw Michael Vick back in their face. This entire season,Vick has been applauded for the turnaround he’s managed to do with his life and how inspiring it is. What’s so different about this? Yeah, Kanye may have done some things we might not agree with but c’mon NFL, where’s the redemption at?

If you think anything I just said sounds like a good idea, I’d really like it if you signed this petition. Show everyone you know this post and let’s turn this into a big thing. Let’s get national attention to this cause. And let’s fucking get Kanye West to do the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

PETITION

This Weeks Good Friday Drop.

So as most of you know Kanye West will be releasing exclusive songs every friday (G.O.O.D. Fridays) this week he unleashes the apply title track Good Friday featuring Common, Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Big Sean & Charlie Wilson…check it out tell us what you think…if you like it, it might make it into the CDB rotation

Kanye West ft. Common, Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Big Sean & Charlie Wilson – Good Friday