The Death Of Modern Rock With Mario R. Martin

The Literal Death of Modern Rock (R.I.P. Ministry)

Story by: Mario R. Martin


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Where did Nine Inch Nails come from? How about Marilyn Manson? My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult? How about Godsmack? They came from the recesses of nothingness with nothing but one main influence…Ministry.

Ministry called it quits. They just wrapped up their last North American tour, and will be in Europe for a few months, but after that, no more Ministry. What?! No more Ministry?! Shit.

So while you’re making your plans to go to all the trendy music festivals this summer, think about some real purveyors of an original style of music. Think about Ministry.

Ministry dates back to 1981. In order to do the band justice, we’ll skip over the early 80s to 1989 when Ministry became what they are best known for: aggro-industrial metal. The leader of the diabolical circus is one Mr. Al Jourgensen. Jourgensen had a slew of cohorts, but the right-hand man was Paul Barker for many years. Together, the constant duo revolutionized the hard rock/metal scene with grinding machine sounds and drilling samples.

The decade from 1989 to 1999 belonged to Ministry. Ministry not only paved the way for imitators, but also carved a niche in the void musical soundscape for something original and unique.

Ministry may be an acquired taste, but there is no doubting the band’s affect on musical history. Spawning such followers as the ever-powerful Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson, Ministry became more and more politically charged. And this is not even mentioning the slew of offshoot bands that resulted from the minds of Jourgensen and Baker (Revolting Cocks, Acid Horse, PTP, Pailhead, etc.). All the offshoots were amazing in their own right, but they were just that, offshoots.

The music they created was left over material from one session, and maybe manipulated later on by friends of Ministry, and eventually recorded with more co-conspirators. Every effort was better than the last. Every charge was stronger and more aggressive than the pervious.

Ministry was the spine of industrial music; the one thing that remained constant in an ever-changing scope of music that dwindled into shit.

At the height of their popularity and recognition, Ministry joined the Lollapalooza tour for the second year of the tour. The sets were covered in bones and Jourgensen would ride a giant skateboard of bones onto the stage.

Throughout the tour, Ministry would steal the thunder from the weakening Red Hot Chili Peppers (who would have a replacement for John Fruciante) who donned the ever ridiculous light bulbs on their heads, and basically began their decline from venerable funk/punk rockers to stupid, sappy balladeers. Ministry ruled the nights and everyone was taking notice.

The world has changed a lot since Lollapalooza 1992. The world has changed a lot since the close of 1990s. Ministry changed as well. Paul Barker departed the band. Some friends died. A divorce took place for Jourgensen, and drugs played a major hindrance in the band’s history.

And now, it’s 2008. We’re looking at a political uproar within the Democratic Party, global warming, overpopulation, and the lack of originality in music. Through the years, the world needed Ministry.

The world needed a band that would take over the mainstream and provide an alternative to the existing bands that would lose their edge through the years (yes Red Hot Chili Peppers, this one’s aimed at you). Ministry got stronger with age, and more vigilant against the ills of the world.


Now what do we do? Now we need Ministry the most! In a world where American Idol is the most widely watched show, and the winners of the show are ruling the charts, there is more loss than there is gain.

Luckily, Ministry left behind a musical legacy. Ministry created a discography that is as aggressive and accessible. You can look to your online vices to find out about what is the best. You can read reviews all you want. The map you want to use to navigate through the career of one of the greatest bands of all time is this article. As a follower of Ministry, I have made it easy to make a mix of some of the best tunes from the purveyors of industrial.


Ministry - "N.W.O."



If asked how much I identify with Ministry, I can honestly say that it meant the world to me as I learned and grew. The lyrics spoke to me, and the aggression lit the fire that still burns inside me today.

I drank the Kool-Aid. I even sport the same pyramid tattoo as one Mr. Al Jourgensen to remind me not of the music, but of justice. In this case, the justice Ministry’s music made is on an otherwise bland culture that is as fickle as it is dumb.

Thank you for all the good times.

Ministry
Rest In Peace
1981 – 2008

Ministry Interview:


Meet The Press:
Chronicles of Chaos: Review
Bring The Noise: Live Concert Review
Chicago Music Guide: Interview
Mark Prindle: Interview
Groove Grotto
Retro Music Snob

Music News

Kayne West & Other Rappers Sued Over Sample
The family of Joe Farrell is suing Kayne for using a sample of Farrell’s 1974 song “Upon This Rock” in the song “Gone”. The suit also names Method Man and Redman for using the sample in their song “Run 4 Cover” and Common for using it in “Chi City”.

The family is asking for at least $1,000,000 in damages. So far, there has been no comment from any of the rappers or their record labels.

R. Kelly Identified On Tape
Stephanie “Sparkle” Edwards, a former singer who worked with Kelly, said that the girl on the sex tape is her cousin (who was around 13 and 14 years old when the tape was made) and man is R. Kelly.


In court testimony, Edwards said that she was shown the tape in 2001 by a Chicago lawyer named Buddy Meyers. Edwards said that she and Meyers tried to show her cousin’s family the tape, but they refused to see it. The parents of Edwards’ cousin have said that do not think the girl on the tape is their daughter.



In cross examination, the defense said the Edwards was upset that her career did not take off and blames Kelly for this and therefore, wants to embarrass him in public. The defense also said that Edwards has spoken in public about Kelly owning her unpaid royalties and she is using this case to make a profit. Edwards said "Sweetie, I am not trying to get any money. It is Robert and (the girl) on the tape."



The trial continues.


Common Chooses The First Single From His New Album
“Universal Mind Control” will be the first single from Common’s new album “Invincible Summer”. The track was produced by The Neptunes and will have Pharrell Williams on the chorus. The album is due mid-July.

Top 10 Rap Albums of the Week

Commentary By: White Chicks On Rap

Rick Ross is still number one. Foxy Brown’s new album “Brooklyn’s Don Diva” debuts at number two. Foxy has disowned this album saying she did not get to hear the final mix until it was released and feels it is not strong enough to be a full album, saying it is more of a mixtape. A new version with new tracks is scheduled for a June 2008 release. The Roots are still doing well dropping from number two to number three and Trina drops from three to four. Lil’ Scrappy’s second album debuts at number six.

	Artist	Song
	Bun-B	II Trill
	Rick Ross	Trilla
	Flobots	Fight With Tools
	The Roots	Rising Down
	Trina	Still Da Baddest
	Foxy Brown	Brooklyn's Don Diva
	Snoop Dogg	Ego Trippin'
	Frayser Boy	The Key
	Shawty Lo	Units In The City
	Rocko	Self-Made

White Chicks On Rap - Tres Bien – Tree EP

Label: Self-Released
Rating: 3 Guns

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A modern day foursome, Tres Bien combines a very sixties sound taking elements from the Beatles, the Animals and the Monkeys. The band was featured on the competition show “The Next Great American Band”.

“The Way We Know” has been the band’s MySpace page and I just absolutely love it. It is very poppy, but still rock.

“Heard No More” has a great rift and reminded me of the song “The Last Train To Clarksville”. It is has a surf quality to it.

“Time For A Change” and “The West” has a very bluesy feel and lead vocalist Mikey Bostinto does a great job as does the rest of the band to create a very somber tone.

I am not sure who won “The Next Great American Band”, but to me I am surprised Tres Bien didn’t win. The EP Tree is a perfect album to tie you over until the full length album comes. You can get the album on their MySpace page or iTunes.

Uncommon Music - New Noise

Written By: Nichole Wagner

Late spring seems to be a great time to release an album. It's just before the summer tours start kicking and everyone's getting out of school, the weather is getting really nice and we're all in the mood for some new tunes. This week's new records include John Hiatt, Cyndi Lauper and Eliza Gilkyson. Within the coming few weeks Emmylou Harris, Martha Wainwright, and the Watson Twins have discs hitting the shelves.

John Hiatt - Same Old Man
All year John's been saying this album is all love songs, which the man knows how to write. From the looks of it, that's exactly what the album is. Beautifully witty love songs of all variations.
It comes in both a CD and CD/DVD combo package, the later containing live performances of some hits, but nothing pertaining directly to the album.

Cyndi Lauper - Bring Ya To The Brink
If John Hiatt knows how to write a great love song, Cyndi knows how to write a pop song. It's got a lot more echo and mix-y sound to it than something like "Shine" and definitely sounds more like "Ballad of Cleo and Joe" than "Sally's Pigeons." It's something that would fit well on Top 40 or a dance station but knowing Cyndi there's a point and reason for each song and the lyrics will redeem any overproduction. Plus it's her first totally new full-length album in more than decade.
Youtube Preview

Eliza Gilkyson - Beautiful World
Bringing some of the tunes she's been playing on the road (Wildewood Spring, Emerald Street, Party's Over and He Waits For Me) and some other new ones Beautiful World is a shining example of great Austin music. With help from her band (Cisco Ryder, Mike Hardwick and Glenn Funkunaga) and buds like Cindy Cashdollar, Julie Wolf and her brother Tony, Eliza makes a 180 from her slightly depressing Paradise Hotel album and gives us a reason to smile and keep some hope for this world.

Emmylou Harris' All I Intended to Be and Martha Wainwright's I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too will be out June 10th.

Chandra and Leigh Watson's Fire Songs will be out on June 24th.

Gnooze - New Gnooze

Happy Slip - YouTube Gathering In Houston

The Shake - Well, Oh Well

Label: Self-Released
Rating: 4 Guns

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Garage rock at its finest, The Shake hammer it home with “Well, Oh Well,” a 10-song disc that takes the Rolling Stones and adds a lot of distortion. The fancy guitar work is by far the best part of the album, as these particular indie rockers have brought talent back to the mix in an ever-bland era of music.

“Shots” opens the album. Fuzzy, captivating, and laden with all sorts of sophisticated guitar work, this is by far one of the best album-openers I’ve heard this year.

The Shake – “Shots”


“YNA” follows, a funky and smooth indie rock song that highlights the individual talents of each band member.

Instrumental track, “Spinning,” slows the album down a bit (not necessarily a bad thing), and rips right into the radio-oriented title-track, “Well, Oh Well.” A cross between Nirvana’s “All Apologies” and Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper,” this song without a doubt belongs on the radio.

“Eden’s Shore,” takes the album on an Oasis-inspired ride into the ether, complete with acoustic guitars and piano. Every album needs a slow song, and “Eden’s Shore” makes for a great ballad.

Sounding like they walked right out of the U.K., the next songs, “Good Girl” and “Isn’t It Obvious” are inspired by 70s British Rock and contemporary bands as The Hives and The Strokes.

“You’re Still Young, Melanie,” is the most contemporary song on the album, blending modern rock with 80s new wave and garage rock.

Paying homage to their influences, The Shake offers their fuzzy version of The Who’s “My Generation.” This song’s been covered billions of times by lesser bands, but The Shake’s version is by far one of the coolest versions floating around out there.

“Families And Christmas Trees” closes “Well, Oh Well.” What I like about this song is that it can’t decide whether it wants to be a rocker or a ballad, which makes for a pretty cool hybrid. Slow in some part, and heavy in others, “Families And Christmas Trees” makes for a perfect end song for a diverse and entertaining record.

Like this band? You may also like: The Strokes, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Killers, The Hives, The Vines

Artist To Watch - Fall From Grace

Fall From Grace - "Burned"


What happens when you mix Iron Maiden and Snapcase? You get Seattle-based Fall From Grace. One of the coolest new bands to hit the scene, these guys are a safe blend of 80s Metal, Screamo, and Hardcore.

Bio:
After bursting onto the scene as winners of the 2007 edition of the nationwide Bodog Battle of the Bands, Seattle’s Fall From Grace are ready to unleash their label debut, “Sifting Through The Wreckage.”

Slated for an August 5th release, “Sifting Through The Wreckage” is a triumphant collection of rock anthems, hard luck tales, and silver linings. No strangers to adversity, each member of Fall From Grace is a walking testament to the old adage that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” and “Sifting Through The Wreckage” is an embodiment of that philosophy.

Featuring gritty, melodic vocals, intense punk riffs, driving beats and hook-loaded, sing-along choruses, Fall From Grace are primed to give audiences a reason to believe in the pure power of unadulterated rock.

Fun Facts About Fall From Grace:

* They beat out 7,000 bands to win Bodog Battle and claim the $1,000,000 recording contract.

* Bodog Battle Judge and PUNK originator, Johnny Rotten boasted Fall From Grace as the major contender and band to beat.

* Recorded “Sifting Through The Wreckage” with famed producer Terry Date (Soundgarden, Deftones, Pantera) at Seattle’s Studio X.

* Are slated to play Warped Tour 2008; their second time playing on the Warped Tour.

Fall From Grace - "Hated Youth"

Midwest Teen Sex Show - Teaser

Tiesto to Release Summer Compilation Disc

-Out June 10th, 2008

Continuing the unique success of his geographically inspired In Search of Sunrise mix compilations, Grammy nominated and renowned electronic music pioneer and DJ, Tiësto will take us to the Far East on June 10th, 2008 with the release of his newest double disc mix compilation, In Search of Sunrise 7 – Asia.

Tiësto’s In Search of Sunrise compilations are inspired by his travels through various countries and have included stops in Latin America, Los Angeles and last year’s Ibiza. Mixed and recorded in Thailand, In Search of Sunrise 7 – Asia captures the peaceful and intensively passionate way of life that Tiësto encountered during his tour through the region. Throughout the two discs, Tiësto offers up a seamless trip through the latest and best trance, house and techno with an Asian flare. The record features an exclusive remix of singer/songwriter Cary Brothers single, “Ride”, which is rapidly becoming a summer smash.

About Tiësto:
Having over two decades in the electronic music world and recognized as “World’s No. 1 DJ,” Tiësto’s accomplishments go far beyond the dance music community. In 2007 Tiësto’s Elements of Life album was nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best Electronic/Dance Album.” He has also played the largest-ever single-DJ show in North America during a sold out show of more than 15,000 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, closed out the main stage at Coachella and played live in front of over one-billion of people during the Parade of the Athletes at the official opening ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

Tiësto’s remix of “Delirium” featuring Sarah McLachlan’s “Silence” was the first house track ever broadcast on daytime radio in North America. This track went on to become an international dance floor anthem and spent eight weeks in the UK Top 10 Chart. Widely recognized for his remix skills, top selling major label artists Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, as well as indie acts like Tegan & Sara, Imogen Heap and Cary Brothers, now call upon Tiësto to share his vision in remixing their tracks.

Tiësto Summer 2008 Tour Dates:
May 23 – Ruby Skye, San Francisco, CA
May 24 – Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA
May 25 – Jet, Las Vegas, NV
May 26 – Bank, Las Vegas, NV
May 31 – Washington Mutual Theater, Seattle, WA
Jun 2 – Marquee Theater, Phoenix, AZ
Jun 4 – Vanguard, Los Angeles, CA
Jun 5 – Vanguard, Los Angeles, CA
Jun 6 – Vanguard, Los Angeles, CA
Jun 7 – 4th and B, San Diego, CA
Jun 7 – Wavehouse, San Diego, CA
Jun 8 – Club 69, El Paso, TX
Jun 9 – Bar Rio, Houston, TX
Jun 10 – Le Cirque, Dallas, TX
Jun 11 – Uptown Theater, Kansas City, MO
Jun 12 – Epic, Minneapolis, MN
Jun 13 – Bonnaroo, Manchester, TN
Jun 14 – Vision, Chicago, IL
Jun 15 – House Of Blues, Chicago, IL
Jun 16 – Clutch Cargoes, Detroit, MI
Jun 17 – Metropolis, Cleveland, OH
Jun 18 – The Estate, Boston, MA
Jun 19 – The Estate, Boston, MA
Jun 22 – Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT
Jun 23 – Opera, Atlanta, GA
Jun 24 – The Forum, Charlotte, NC
Jun 25 – Webster Hall, New York, NY
Jun 26 – Webster Hall, New York, NY
Jun 27 – Webster Hall, New York, NY
Jun 28 – Club Ibiza, Washington, DC
Jun 29 – Club Ibiza, Washington, DC
Jun 30 – Ricoh Coliseum, Toronto, ON
July 2 – Cunard Center, Halifax, Canada
July 3 – Whitehouse, Hamptons, NY
Aug 29 – The Mixx, Atlantic City, NJ

Dear In The Headlights #17 - Dana Rodriguez

CWG: Where are you from originally?

California! I'm an original "Valley Girl" Grew up in the valley, spent a lot of time at the Galeria, the mall, etc.

CWG: What's the most unusual project you've worked on?

I did a photoshoot with the former 1st lady of Playboy, Carrie Leigh. She has her own magazine called "Nude" out now, depicting women in a beautiful, artful and respectful way. It's something I wouldn't normally do, but her style inspired me.

CWG: If you could do one thing to make the world a sexier place, what would it be and why?

If there were a way to make everyone see each person for what makes them special, not by their looks alone, I'd want to do that. Invent a pill or come up with a potion so that one doesn't see another as obese, but sees them for their stunning sense of humor, or their beautiful smile as their beauty.

It's horrible that our society judges so much on looks alone. Sexy isn't just sex appeal, it's someone who is confident but not to a fault. Confident in themselves enough to put others first.

CWG: What artist are you currently listening to?

I listen to a lot of artists. Right now, my taste is on two different ends of the spectrum. I'm listening to Nine Inch Nails, and Rhianna. I love all kinds of music.

Nine Inch Nails has killer songs, the words in their songs, and the way they are sung can capture you!!

CWG: What was the worst date you ever went on?

I've never really been on a bad date, but I have been out with a guy friend who thought it was a date, but I thought it was just time out with a friend. You know, those akward High School times?

He brought me roses, and I was really confused. I ended up breaking his heart because I didn't want to be his girlfriend, and that ruined the night for both of us. It ultimately ruined our friendship too. It was horrible.

CWG: Favorite place to hang out in L.A.?

I love the beach!! It's not really L.A. but it's SO beautiful with the waves crashing on the shore, and nature showing it's ominous power and yet it's frailty all at the same time. Scarlet colored sunsets, cobalt and turquoise swirls of colored walls of water with white misted blankets at their feet....just breathtaking!!

CWG: What's your guiltiest pleasure?

OH MAN!! This list could be HUGE!! Ok, well....Chocolate Covered Strawberries, most any kind of candy and Vanilla Bean Frappucino's with Caramel all over!! Yumm!

Like Dana? Check her out online:

Website
Myspace

Fear Nuttin’ Band – Yardcore

Label: Bodog Music
Rating: 4 Guns

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Coolest band EVER! Seriously… Picture the Bob Marley meets the Bad Brains with a twist of P.O.D., and you’ve got the Fear Nuttin’ Band.

Bringing back the big band, two-vocalist line-up of the late 90s, Roosta and Prowla (both of whom sing in Jamaican accents) compliment one another perfectly with verse-by-verse trade-offs of epic proportions and backed by one of the most innovative bands in Modern Rock.

Take what P.O.D. and Sublime both try to do and add authentic Rastafarians to the mix, and you’ve got “Yardcore,” the Fear Nuttin’ Band’s first major label offering.

“Enemy” leads the album with a bang, mashing political Reggae with distorted guitars and a groovy back-beat, and slams right into the groove metal track, “Rule The World.” Picture a Sevendust song sung in a Jamaican accent…. Very cool!

“Dun Di Place” and “Police State” are political, intriguing, catchy and innovative.

“Pon Di Block,” is the ballad of the album. Very cool track, reminiscent of the stylees of 311 and Sublime, except better and more innovative.

Fear Nuttin’ Band – “Pon Di Block”



“Vibes” and “Runaway” are extreme delves into Nu-Metal, except crossing its strict boundaries with a Jamaican twist.

“Fears,” the happiest song on “Yardcore,” mixes reggae and pop-punk. Very poppy, and very catchy.

“No” carries on the political torch of “Yardcore.” The track is 50% happy/poppy sounding, and 50% anti-authority, making the perfect combination of hooks and social conscience.

“Champagne,” a fuzzed-out, guitar-heavy banger, picks up and drops off at “Can’t Get Mi Weed,” a token legalize it song! (Every good Reggae band has to have one of those).

“Friends” and “Real Music” close the album, but trust me, you’re going to want to listen to this album for the rest of the summer. Buy it!!!!!!!

Like this band? You may also like: Bad Brains, 311, The Urge, Bob Marley, Sublime, P.O.D., Rage Against The Machine

Meet The Press: What Others Have To Say About Fear Buttin' Band

Scribd Interview
Urban Dictionary
Guestlist Magazine
Ground Report

Reality Check - Tom of U.K.'s The Heys.

The Heys – Young, Bored & Broke

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Picture Radiohead meets the Strokes, and you’ve got the fuzzy and up-beat, yet emotional British sound of The Heys. It’s hard to reinvent the wheel, but this band has managed to do just that with “Young, Bored & Broke.”

We caught up with Tom from The Heys, fresh on the heels of one of the best albums to come out of the U.K. this year, he had a lot to discuss with us:

The Heys - "Elbow Culture"


CWG: The BBC and BBC Radio 1 are institutions. How did it feel to be played on Radio 1?

It’s just good to be noticed.

CWG: How does the internet help in getting a band noticed?

You can show what you’re about to millions of people. You get to meet cool people. Everyone can see when you are playing, what you are doing, what you are thinking. We can get round the world in a split second.

If people like you, they can download your music. It means you are free to take control of what you are doing. It means you can do it yourself. It gives mass, direct communication

CWG: What do you recommend for other bands trying to go that route?

Just keep doing it. Spread the love.

CWG: You said that the film Quadraphenia is the film that sums it all up; why is it? Are you a big Who fan?

Well yeah but that ain’t the thing.

Its about the people, their aspirations, their love of the music. Its familiar. You can relate to it

CWG: While you were going through various line-ups, did the goal of making good music seem out of sight?


No. That was the point.

CWG: What is the difference between you and your alter-ego Tweed? Is there a personality change?

Totally different headspace. One records music, ones in a band. Same body.
Tweed is calm, Tom isn’t.

CWG: Can you describe the freedom of recording in your own studio away from the industry?

Basically you are in your own little bubble. Its all about the music. And because everything is familiar and relaxed you can let go.

You almost record by accident. It’s uncomplicated.

CWG: What are your plans in breaking into the American market and achieving further success?
We really want to come and play. We want to let people feel it for real. We want to see America. We also wanna sort out some dates when there’s people who want to see us.

The Beatles said they wouldn’t come to America until they had a number 1 record. We ain’t that strict. But the principle is the same. The music has always led the way.


Like this band? You May also like: The Killers, Oasis, Radiohead, The Strokes

Uncommon Music - Los Super 7

Written By: Nichole Wagner

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What happens when you toss Rick Treviño, Ruben Ramos, David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, Joe Ely, John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett with just about every other fantastic musician within a few hundred miles? You get Los Super 7 - the Grammy winning super group singing songs from both sides of the border.

Their three albums (Canto, Los Super Seven and Heard It on the X) feature no less than 20 musicians and what's more, a vast assortment of groovy tunes.

Some people claim that Heard It On The X isn't a true Los Super Seven record. Still, it's the one I like best. It's a little more "Tex" and a little less "Mex" but that's not saying the other discs aren't just as fantastic. Being lazy, I prefer the lyrics in English so I can sing along without having to rely on my college level Spanish classes to figure out what I'm saying. Plus there's the added bonus of John Hiatt and Joe Ely taking lead vocals.

Whether they sing in Spanish, English or German (just kidding... they don't) Los Super 7 is a pretty amazing mix of artists and a great way to get your toes wet in a genre that otherwise you might miss.

White Chicks On Rap - The Roots – “Rising down”

Label: Island/Def Jam
Rating: 3 Guns

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Rap is not known for bands- it’s not known for live instruments. If you are expecting convention from a hip-hop/rap album, then The Roots are not for you. Since their debut in 1993, The Roots have spoken out about social issues of race, drugs, politics and class.

A recorded conference between Black Thought and then label Geffen is the first track off the album. The rage you hear on “The Pow-Pow” lets you know that this is not a happy go lucky album.

An exception can be made for the track “Birthday Girl” with Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump. A reggae style pop song, great for a summer drive to the beach. This has been added as a bonus track as it did not fit the mood of the album.

75 Bars (Black Reconstruction) is a solo track by Black Thought that has no hook, just straight rapping. It is very interesting to hear him just going through a conscious stream of thought. So many rap songs are focused on hooks and really nothing of importance is said.

The title track says how they are going to “dominate the world like Oprah did”. The song is hope after hearing tracks like “Lost Desire” which speaks about senseless street violence.

This is just another solid album from The Roots and from hip-hop in general.

Whirled News - The Imminent Departure of Two Major Political Figures

With the imminent departure, in different ways, of two important political figures in 2008, Whirled News presents a guide to help future generations tell them apart.

1. He will be known as a politician concerned throughout his career with the social welfare of minorities, the disadvantaged and the poor:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George W. Bush

2. He will be known as a politician concerned throughout his career with social warfare on minorities, the disadvantaged and the poor:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George W. Bush

3. Match the person with their family motto:
a) public service is the highest good
b) Thar’s gold in them thar hills

4. Generations to come will be indebted to him:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George W. Bush

5. Generations to come will be indebted because of him:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George W. Bush

6. His socializing caused the premature death of one woman and no children:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George W. Bush

7. His social policies have caused the premature death of hundreds of women and children:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George Bush

8. His foreign policy was based upon moral principles and shrewd geopolitical analysis:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George W. Bush

9. His foreign policy was based upon moral catchphrases and shrill geopolitical analysis:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George W. Bush

10. Throughout his career he surrounded himself with people concerned with good government:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George W, Bush

11. Throughout his career he jettisoned people concerned with good government:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George W. Bush

12. He appealed to the best instincts of Americans:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George W. Bush

13. He appealed to the base instincts of Americans:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George W. Bush

14. His children will carry on his father's concern for the welfare of all Americans:
a) Edward Kennedy
b) George W. Bush
c) a and b are both correct

Happy Slip - Experience the Phillipines Episode 4

Reality Check - Alison Galea of the Beangrowers

CWG: How did you all come together as a band?

Ian and Mark started a band with another friend of theirs when we were 16 and I was asked to join as a keyboardist. Soon after, I picked up a microphone, ditched the idea of playing keyboards live and taught myself how to play the guitar.

After a couple of years we ended up as a 3-piece and things have stayed that way ever since.

CWG: In an indie rock band, one of the rules is that one male member and one female member have to be married to one another or seriously dating. Is this the case with the Beangrowers? Please feel free to use adjectives, like "boink."

This was never the case with Beangrowers and we never “boinked!”

I guess we get a medal for being one of the few bands to break the rules! With us it would be repulsive and considered incestuous because we have always had a relationship of the “sibling kind.”