SANTOGOLD INTROVERT EXCAVATOR

After singing for punk band, Stiffed, Brooklyn girl Santi White made a brilliant album as Santogold. She somehow combines Karen O and M.I.A., tribal, electro, and eighties dance music, and each track could come from a totally different album. This catchy cut makes me want to dance while it lambastes hipster art fakers on the Lower East Side, L.E.S. Artistes.

What I'm searching for
to tell it straight, I'm trying to build a wall
Walking by myself
down avenues that reek of time to kill
If you see me keep going
be a pass by waver
Build me up, bring me down
just leave me out you name dropper
Stop trying to catch my eye
I see you good you forced faker
Just make it easy
You're my enemy you fast talker

I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up
If I could stand up mean for the things that I believe

THE HISTORY OF SOUL MUSIC

...
Do you like good music?
That sweet soul music?
Just as long as it's swingin'
Oh yeah, oh yeah...
- Arthur Conley, Jr.

THE BIRTH OF SOUL, PART ONE

The first part of a very good series about the history of Soul Music.

THE BIRTH OF SOUL, PART TWO

The History of Soul continues...

TOP TEN OF THE YEAR: JAY-Z

Jay-Z came out with a great record this year, "American Gangster." The beat, and especially the horns, make this cut "Roc Boys (and the winner is...)" one of the singles of the year. Unless you're already too far gone, this will make you tap your foot.

OLD SCHOOL CHRISTMAS

The classic 1987 Christmas video, "Christmas in Hollis" from Run DMC. Can you smell that good smell? Mama's cooking chicken and collard greens.

KAKAI & KIKI TRAILER

I love this strange trailer for Takashi Murakami's animated film, Kaikai & Kiki. I can't wait to see the movie. After conquering the art world and hipsters alike with his trademark superflat style, Murakami is now the flavor of the month with hip hop stars like Jay-Z, who recently commissioned artwork, and Kanye West, whose latest album, Graduation, sports a cover illustration by Murakami. I have a tiny cartoon he drew for me during the install of the Superflat show at the Henry Art Gallery. It may contribute to my retirement fund someday.


Takashi Murakami, Japanese pop artist and animator, on the BBC series, Japanorama.


New York Times Magazine article on The Murakami Method:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/03/magazine/03MURAKAMI.html?pagewanted=9