Frequency Magazine

I got too caught up with my other life and I forgot to prepare a post for today day.So, instead I'm going to post you some pretty pictures and link you to some of my writing. 


I write for a small online Magazine called Frequency Magazine.I've written three reviews of them,most recently I've reviewed Travie McCoy's album Lazarus. If you click the links below and get my view count up I'll be a very happy bunny!


Travie McCoy -  Lazarus: http://frequencymagazine.net/articles/travie-mccoy-lazarus/
Gil Scott Heron - I'm New Here: http://frequencymagazine.net/reviews/album-review-reviews/gil-scott-heron-im-new-here/
The White Stripes -Under Great White Northern Lights http://frequencymagazine.net/reviews/album-review-reviews/under-great-white-northern-lights/




Now look at the pretty pictures.... actually they aren't that pretty. I'm not allowed to get my DSLR camera into concert venues, so I have to use an only crappy digital one. I take pictures for the memories, looking at them I remember the emotion and atmosphere of the night. 


Holloways








The Noisettes

I love this because they weren't popular at the time,I managed to make it to the front row and she was looking down at me.









end of the show





The Go Team





The Go! Team

















Jason Mraz








Fall Out Boy








I have lots more that I can't seem to find (maybe I'll find them in time for a part 2). Going through these has got me all excited about seeing K'naan in september.

Finally, the lovely Hell Notes For Beauty (http://hellnotesforbeauty.blogspot.com/) gave me a shout out and lovely little write up on her blog.I'm new to the blogosphere and do not do a lot of net working,so it is my first shout out. I felt all warm and fuzzy after I read it. It's nice when someone you are a fan of says something nice about you. 


FYI, I read every single blog in my side bar, even if I don't comment on all the posts and I think they are all worth checking out.

MITNB

Cover VS Original: Jennifer Bynum VS Nina Simone - If he changed my name

"If he changed my name/Changed Mah name" is an example of an old Negro spiritual, it has been around forever so neither Jennifer nor Nina are the original singers of the this song.


 I tried tracing the source of this song, but Negro spirituals originated with slaves and this could date as far as back as 20 or 200 years ago.


The meaning of the song is up for debate. Negro spirituals are sometimes said to be coded and have double meanings. For instance, the name change could be a reference to slaves being made to change their African names to names sanctioned by their "masters". It could also be a reference to Saul's  name change to Paul. Whatever the meaning might be, it is still a beautiful song and both versions have a lot of merit.


Jennifer Bynum

Some people might remember this version from the movie 'Hustle and flow'.


Nina Simone



For more on negro spirituals: http://www.localdial.com/users/jsyedu133/Soulreview/Understandingpages/coded.htm
http://www.negrospirituals.com/




MITNB

African Music Post: Lira

Feel Good



Ixesha



I discovered Lira through this year's world cup and I've been a fan of hers ever since.
The songs are three years old, but they so perfect for summer, I just had to post them! 

Artist: Lira
Song:Feel Good
Country: South Africa


Bio:

Lira was born Lira Molapo in the East Rand eDaveyton (Ekurhuleni). Her music is a mix of Afro-Jazz, RnB, soul among others. Lira started performing live at the age of 16, singing both cover versions and self-penned songs. In 2000 she was discovered by musician and producer Arthur Mafokate, who had her sign with his own record label, 999 Music. She wrote all the songs on her album that was called All My Love (2003) and released in May 2003.

She left 999 Music and teamed up with keyboardist Victor Mngomezulu, bassist Tshepo Sekele, and producer Robin Kohl. In 2006, her second album, Feel Good, was released and was a bigger success. She received five nominations at the South African Grammy Awards (Best New Artist, Best Female Artist, Best R&B Album, Best Single, and Best Video). 

Some of the songs include Change the world, All My Luv, Wa Mpahela, Ngiyabonga, Feel it in me, Ngiyazifela, Dance of life, Twisted, Crush, Yeah yeah yeah and Dumisa.

Source: http://www.museke.com/Lira

More info:

http://www.myspace.com/missliramusic

http://www.misslira.co.za/

MITNB

Free Song Download: All Summer - Kid Cudi, Rostam, Best Coast (for converse)

I am a huuuuuuge fan of the previous Converse song (My Drive Thru) by Santigold, Julian Casablancas and N.E.R.D/Pharrell. It has evolved beyond the Conserve brand and simply become like any other song. 

My Drive Thru

This new song, though nice, summery and upbeat doesn't have the same effect on me. I don't see myself quoting it in my facebook status (lol).


 All Summer



If unlike me, you like it. It is avaliable for free, just click the link below.


Download: http://www.converse.com/media/audio/all_summer.zip

MITNB

New Music Post: The futureheads - I can do that

Everything In-Between

Go behind the scenes and explore the three year journey of Imogen Heap's making of the Grammy Award winning album, Ellipse. Travel with Imogen as she invites you into her writing & recording process and building her brand new recording studio in her old family home.



imagesource: tinypic

Everything In-Between: The Story Of Ellipse is release on DVD on Aug 31st

Visit www.imogenheap.com to pre-order now!


Source: ontd

MITNB

Review: Childish Gambino - Cul-de-sac

image source:googleimages

“He’s got a potty mouth for a Jehovah’s Witness”. That was my first thought as I listened to Donald Glover a.k.a Childish Gambino’s new (free) CD, ‘Cul-de-sac’.

The opening song has more ‘N-bombs’ than I care to count, but it doesn’t prevent from enjoying the track. About half way through the opening song ‘Difference, he whispers, ‘I’m just different’ and he truly is. His CV isn’t exactly typical of rappers out there. How many rappers can say they were nominated for a Writers’ Guild award?

Donald Glover started off as a stand-up/sketch comic, and then went on to become a writer on 30 Rock, and he is currently starting in the amazing TV series ‘Community’ alongside an ensemble cast of equally brilliant actors.

Donald’s move to rap is totally unexpected and it is hard to picture this geeky looking guy talking about how bad arse he is. But, he does it with such aplomb.  As a comedy writer, people expect his music to be comedic, but it isn’t. His lyrics are incredibly catchy, juvenile and sophisticated at the same time. After one listen, I found myself singing along to most of the songs. The album is full of one-liners and observations that are destined to be quoted on facebook statuses.

Donald Glover sounds like he went to the Kanye West School of rap, they have a similar style and possess and unabashed cockiness. You should hate it. However, the part of you that wishes you were that cocky, raps along and walks with the swagger of a rapper as you listen.

‘The Last’, explores the displacement most people feel at some point in their life. It is also my favourite song on the album. It shows that under all that bravado, is a decent person who is appreciative of this success, which he credits to Tina Fey taking a chance on him and helping him regain his confidence.

On the track, ‘Fuck It All’ Donald raps about fears, impending fame and depression from heart break. The lyrics are nihilistic and nonchalant. and based on the reference to Kanye, he must be expecting the inevitable comparisons to him.

In the coming months, there will be some talk on blogs and indie music sites about Donald Glover and the album. Whether or not the music industry takes him seriously with his squeaky clean history and a stage name like “Childish Gambino”, is yet to be seen. I believe he would be better off with a Milli-Vanilli type of arrangement. He writes raps and has someone more bad-arse as the face and public persona.Donald/Childish Gambino will eventually find fame and success with the hipsters and in the alternative music scene.

Check out

Difference

Fuck It All

Let Me Dope You

The Last

Hero

MITNB

Cee Lo Green VS Band of Horses- No One's Gonna Love You

image source:tinypic


I'm a massive fan of Cee-lo (and the music of Gnarls Barkley). Like many people I jumped on the bandwagon when 'Crazy' was released back on '06. I've stayed with them ever since, listening to solo stuff and acquiring subsequent albums. I think Cee-lo is really underrated as a musician and songwriter.There is something terribly depressing and dark about the music of Gnarls Barkley, yet I can't stop listening to it.


Cee-lo's latest solo offering is a cover of 'Band Of Horses'-No One's Gonna Love You'. I knew of 'Band of Horses' before this, but I'd never heard this song. This cover made me want to go out and buy their album, I hope it has the same effect on you.


Cee-lo's version



Band of Horses





Band of horses:http://www.myspace.com/bandofhorses
Ceelo: http://www.myspace.com/ceelogreen




MITNB

New Music: Brandon Flowers - Crossfire

After yesterday's switcheroo, tuesday is now new music day, but for this week only.


I had really gone off the killers, their last few albums did nothing for me, but this I like! I guess going solo was just what the doctor ordered.


Yes, that's Charlize Theron kicking arse in the video.




MITNB

World Cup Closing Ceremony

image source:Sports illustrated.


Monday is usually reserved for new music or new music videos, while Tuesday is African music.But I just had to break with tradition for one week seeing that yesterday was the closing ceremony for the 2010 World cup.


It probably goes without saying that, I am African and I live in England. When people over here ask me about random questions about African countries, I tend to give this standard response, "Do you give a shit about what's happening in Spain, Poland (or any European country I can think of)?". I usually get a mixture of confusion and "No".Then I explain that Africa is a continent and just as they know nothing and are indifferent to other European countries, it's the same way for African people.


However, an event like the world cup changes all that. South Africans root for Ghanaians,  Nigerians root for Algerians all for the greater good of showing unity despite our division and differences. Watching the opening ceremony, it is easy for forget that it isn't the African World Cup, rather it is the South African one. The South African organisers made an effort to include and involve other African countries in the planing and the festivities. The most obvious sign of that inclusiveness is the title of theme song, "This time for Africa", "This time for South Africa" almost sounds wrong.


I think the reason for this is a lot of African people see this as our only shot at hosting such a big event. So, for 31 days we set our hatred and indifference aside and we root for each other. Yes, the main event wasn't won by an African country. But, logging on to facebook on a match day and seeing status updates from African and Non African people rooting for each other to do well was heart-warming. I found myself rooting for North Korea at some point! 


I think this image sums up the atmosphere at this year's world cup.



Videos from the closing ceremony;

















Was wondering why they (Lady Smith black Mambazo) weren't at the opening ceremony.














Better videos here but, it doesn't have embed codes:
http://www.video.janyug.com/view-st-1982.html


http://www.video.janyug.com/view-st-1983.html


http://www.video.janyug.com/view-st-1984.html




This time for Africa! 

African Music Award

That's the official African Music awards logo for this year. The press launch is next week, on the 14th of July and the main event is on the 15th of October. I can't wait till the nominations are announced, it is always a great chance to discover some new African music.




MITNB

Cover VS Original: Sugababes VS Arctic Monkeys - I bet you look good

Sugababes



VS


Arctic Monkeys





Which do you prefer?


MITNB

African Music Post: Amadou and Miriam ft The Magic Numbers

Amadou and Miriam





I love how subtle the Malian rhythm and beat is at the start then, by the end of the chorus they really get into it. Unfortunately,  it is the soundtrack to the newest Twilight film,  but I try not to let my dislike of the book and film prevent me from enjoying this song.


Artist: Amadou and Miriam (previously featured as part of the world cup post)
Country: Mali
Bio From Wiki:


Amadou & Mariam are a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Amadou Bagayoko (guitar and vocals) (born in Bamako 24 October 1954) and Mariam Doumbia (vocals) (born in Bamako 15 April 1958). The pair, known as "the blind couple from Mali" met at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind, and found they shared an interest in music.Between 1974 and 1980, Amadou played with Les Ambassadeurs du hotel. In 1980 the couple married and began to play together as well as Amadou continuing with a successful solo career and running the blind institute's music programme.

More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amadou_&_Mariam
and http://www.amadou-mariam.com/




MITNB

Free Song Download: M.I.A ft Nicki Minaj

imagesource: ontd.

Download

MITNB

Janelle Monae ft. Lupe and B.O.B - Tightrope (Remix)

Rap always sounds so good over live instruments, it's a shame many rappers don't realise this or choose to ignore it.


MITNB

Free Album Download:Childish Gambino

imagesource:tinypic


Got This Money (Ace Hotel) from Donald  Glover on Vimeo.



Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino previously featured here, has released his new indie-rap album and it is avilable for FREE (my favourite word).  Some of you might recognise Donald from the hit TV show on Community which is on NBC. He is also a talented writer (used to write for 30 rock) and rapper, as you will see when you click on this link to download the album.






MITNB

Happy Saturday!

MITNB! 

Gorillaz at Glastonbury

The Gozilaz performance at this year's Glastonbury was an event to say the least! I'm not a big fan of the band but, I can't deny Damon Albarn's talent, passion and commitment to music.  Every year there is a performance that makes me wish I could brave the blocked toilets, lack of showers and potential mudiness of Glastonbury. This  is the performance that did it for me this year:

Clint Eastwood (ft Snoop Dogg)

Can't find a good version of this.

Welcome to the world of the Plastic Beach.

Kids With Guns

O Green World

Dirty Harry

Dare

White Flag

Feel Good Inc

MITNB

Album Art Work

Maroon 5 - Hands All Over






I guess they were going for a literal interpretation


Kanye West - Power





Source: ONTD,ONTD

Glastonbury

A couple of highlights from this year's Glastonbury Festival.

Kele


Broken Bells


Kate Nash


The Black Keys


Flaming Lips

I think I fell for a song on TV - Parenthood

Very few shows feature a song by Devendra Banhart, even fewer shows feature two songs by Devendra Banhart in one season. That plus, using Bob Dylan’s Forever Young as it’s theme song, makes this show a musical force to be reckoned with.

In Season 1 episode 3, Lauren Graham’s character brakes up with her boyfriend/one night stand (the coffee barista) at his work and she tries to leave, but her car won’t start and Brett Dennen’s ‘Make You Crazy’ plays in the background. It was pure perfection! After that I started watching the show with a pen and paper so I can make note of the songs.

The entire season has got amazing storyline and music. It makes me happy to see the likes of Josh Ritter and Brett Dennen getting airplay on a mainstream show, it’s not radio, but it will do.

Parenthood manages to break my heart into many little pieces and build it back up again with a great end montage and beautiful music.  I think all the songs are worth listening to, but here are a couple of my favourites. Luckily, NBC.com has a full list of all the song featured and it is categorised by episode.

Bob Dylan – Forever Young

Brett Dennen – Make You Crazy

Loudon Wainwright III – The Swimming Song

Rocco Deluca – When You Learn To Sing

Josh Ritter – Change Of Time

My Robot friend – By Your Side

Monster Of Folk – Baby Boomer

Alexi Murdoch – Wait

I discovered him on the O.C. He is constantly overlooked and so underrated,  I just had to include him.

Run DMC –It’s Tricky

It is cliché to describe this as an "oldie, but goodie"?! 

Bedouin Soundclash  - When The Nights Feels My Soul.

This is one of those songs that many people know (from TV ads), but they don’t know who sings it.

Ben Sollee -  Try

Check: http://www.nbc.com/parenthood/music/ for more