Sleepers

In 1999, in-between classes and digging for records, I was fortunate enough to be writing for a cool Chico rag called The Synthesis [still waiting for Dick Steele’s column to be published in book form!] I was even more fortunate to have the illest editor in the game –Max Sidman - listen to and accept my proposed ideas for stories, except for one which involved investigating the eating habits of a fat-girl sorority, which in hindsight was better left on the concept table. An article I always wanted to revisit was on the subject of “10 albums from the 90’s you slept on”, and while I don’t remember the list exactly, it mainly consisted of hip hop artists like Yaggfu Front and Boogiemonsters, who were signed to major labels but didn’t get the promotional push to get their music to the masses. So why revisit this subject? I guess an updated list for the first 10 years of the new millennium was in order. Musically, it’s much slimmer pickins in the rap game compared with the 1990’s (or 80’s for that) for my particular tastes, although there have definitely been some slept on gems – but that’s nothing new.

Not long after Prince’s pre-millennium party anthem became obsolete, the rap game realized the rules done changed. Pioneering mid and late 90’s independent labels like Fondle ‘Em, Rawkus and Hieroglyphics Imperium showed that artists could go for delf and get paid. The hustle was harder, but getting out from under the creatively-stifling major labels thumb breathed fresh air into artists being pushed in the P. Diddy direction of simplified lyrics, key-boredom beats and the overall corporate drag of imagination. The internet allowed the artist to take self promotion to the next level while new and old fans could connect to the music in a whole new way via websites and message boards. Kick Youtube and Facebook (Myspace was the spot for music in its day) into the mix and an artist or their publicist can create a buzz with minimum effort, as long as the base material remains high on the fresh-o-meter. If you think I missed something on this list, I’m sure I did – that’s the beautiful curse of the modern world – the massive volume of music, film and art which are being produced makes it difficult to keep up. Even the most diligent digital digger will have trouble nowadays considering the web has removed the sometimes at one time constraining boundaries of an independent artist’s regionalism. I purposely left out independent artists who have made bigger splashes in the game (such as Edan, Count Bass D, J-Zone, Emanon, J-Live, PUTS, Insight, etc, etc, etc & etc) because you should’ve been checking for them already. You can still find many of these albums in stores, online or directly from the artists themselves, if you like the music, support them!

Typical Cats

Typical Cats

Galapagos 4 [2001]

From listening to this album and their subsequent releases, I bet Qwel, Qwazaar and Ditizen Kane are the type of cats who have loose leaf after loose leaf (after loose leaf) along with bar napkins, ripped open cereal boxes and just about any other writing surface penned with lyrics. I remember buying this from Shane’s “Below the Surface” spot in Burlingame on a trip up with my man Age and Rich aka Manshead, both of who gave the album high recommendations. It didn’t disappoint one ounce. The production, courtesy of DJ Natural, relies on simplicity in composition which contradicts yet compliments the complexity of word play set out by the three emcees who casually spit fire with the equivalency and intensity of an enraged southern preacher whose daughter was just impregnated by a satan-worshiping hippie atheist. Yeah.

Ricci Rucker & Mike Boo

Scetchbook – An Introduction To Scratch Music

Epitome of Fresh [2002]

If I’ve hung out with you for any length of time, I’m sure this album has come up somewhere in conversation or has been played and bugged-out over. I interviewed Ricci Rucker two years after this album came out (about the same time as his very forward-thinking album Fuga was released) and he was definitely one of the most chilled people to speak to and very humble about his obvious skills of turntable manipulation and composition. His partner in crime is none other than Mike Boo(gie) whom I had seen at scratch functions around the Yay and his skills are definitely on par with the best in the game (check out his super-cooled out Dunhill Drone Committee album.) The combination of their talents on Scetchbook takes scratch-made “sketches” to the next level. The idea of a sketch is one of the evolutionary directions that scratch music has taken where focus is more on constructing tightly-woven compositions while less is on scratching in the front. One of the many refreshing facets of Scetchbook is that a wide variety of sample sources and styles are explored by the artists. Apart from having some tracks dedicated to straight up and down boom bap, influences from electronica, classic and hard rock, funk and jazz are all present on the album.

Howard Lloyd

The Quickie EP

Wretched Of The Earth Records [2007]

I’m a weird cat, so accordingly my listening habits usually sway to elements which pique an interest of the more under-represented aspects of sound and style in general. This includes raw skill, which is so lacking in mainstream rap that to my ears, it sounds like a poorly-written rhyming dictionary was coupled with a two-note Walmart-purchased keyboard whose output was then sprinkled with some glitter. Naturally, digging into the independent scene finds more thoroughly worked out lyrics and production by artists who care about their craft, although there is still plenty of garbage to sift through. Howard Lloyd and this ep came to my attention on the DWG forum, which has become a beacon of sorts for vinyl enthusiasts in that it and associated labels unleash unreleased material from the golden era of rap as well as new projects from artists with older-schooled mentalities – that being they have a healthy appreciation for the treasures found within dusty records and are skilled in the trade of that old boom bap. Really fresh short player here which packs an overall punch harder than most long placebos. No messing about here, raw lyrics and dope beats.

Live Human

Live

Hip Hop Slam/C.O.D. Records [2002]

Live Human is the most relative modern example of the trio, combining elements from all the schools of ill. Their initial offering in 1997’s self-titled release stands as one of my favorite albums of all time. Raw was the sound, inspired were the compositions and experi(mental) was the mood. Fast forward five years with the release of Live on Billy Jam’s superb Hip Hop Slam label and the trio pushes the fore mentioned sounds, compositions and moods further up the rope of dope. As the album title suggests, this was recorded live at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco in 2001. The trio consists of Andrew Kushin on bass, Albert Mathias on drums and the incomparable and unfadable DJ Quest on the wheels of steelaco. Having witnessed the trio on a number of occasions, no two shows are alike, but always have unexpected twists and turns. Whether some guest emcees are added to the bill or Quest brings an array of samplers into play, there is an unquestioned guarantee of aural pleasure with Live Human buzzing in your ears.

Superstar Quamallah

Invisible Man

Brick Records [2009]

Son of the legendary “Big” John Patton, one of soul jazz’s Hammond B-3 heroes of the 1960’s and 70’s (and a personal favorite of mine), it’s safe to say that musical greatness runs in Quamallah’s blood. I first heard Quamallah in the late 90’s when he dropped a 12” on ABB Records which was putting out a great amount of heat (Dilated Peoples, Defari, etc.) Quamallah is a certified Brooklynite relocated to the west coast and most recently teaching at UC Berkeley. On Invisible Man (and the recently released Talkin’ All That Jazz [2011]), he cohesively merges the intensely witty word play reminiscent of early nineties New York with very chilled-out production which is befitting of his left coast environs. Very dope material.

Third Sight

Symbionese Liberation Album

Disgruntled Records [2006]

It’s a rare occurrence when the prevalence of twisted dementia in a group is so profound that a listener senses the madness, feels the grime and can’t help but to smile psychotically with a head-nod. Roughneck Jihad’s skill of oration is matched by D-Styles’ absolute mastery in sample selection and precision on the cut. Their first album, 1998’s The Golden Shower Hour, had production duties split between D-Styles and Du-Funk, while Symionese Liberation has a wider range of guest producers, DJ’s and emcees (including a guest spot by one of my favorites, Insomniac.) The eight years in-between the albums saw the release of a single and an ep which only whet the appetite to hear more, which they delivered as a 17-track feast for the starving masses. Even more recently, the group has released a digital only album [Chillin’ With Dead Bodies in a B-Boy Stance] which will hopefully see a vinyl release soon. Everyone should really check out Insomniac’s Polygonal Planet [Soothsay Records, 2005] as well, he is such a dope and severely slept-on lyricist whose language assaults the audio canvas laid down by many of the same producers featured on Symbionese Liberation Album. Also highly recommended is D-Styles’ Phantazmagorea [Beat Junkie Sound, 2002], an absolute masterpiece combining superb excavation from the furthest corners of obscure crateism with top-notch slicing and dicing of spherical wax discs on directly-driven audio sewing machines.

Jazz Addixx

Oxygen / Oxygen Refreshed

Listen Vision [2005]/ Domination Recordings [2007]

This album came to my attention when it was re-released in 2007 on D.J. Fisher’s excellent Domination Recordings label. I was even more hyped when the Japanese label Goon Trax released a limited wax EP of material off the album which satisfied my jones for vinyl. The production is on a very relaxed vibe and the MC of the crew, Mudd, definitely compliments with his approach on vocals. The three protagonists hail from three very different cities (Sacramento, Chicago & New York), each boasting different flavors which add to the overall Addixx sound. As can be imagined, jazz is incorporated heavily into the production and the crew are some of the few who pull off sampling jazz (and funk, soul etc) in a way which compliments the source sample, rather than just laying drums over a loop.

Z-Man & G-Pek

Don’t Forget to Brag

Gurp City [2004]

The dynamically def duo of Z-Man and G-Pek have frequently collaborated on tracks with an always dope result. Ignore the title of the album though, their first full-length project together is something they should brag about. Recorded at the infamous Thug E. Fresh compound in Oakland, the low budget reality of the albums construction in no way reflects the priceless gem which evolved out of G-Pek’s MPC and record collection and Z-Man’s highly underrated gift of spit. Built around the time-tested attitude of not giving a damn, this is one of those projects which reinforces that an artist’s talent and spirit is evidence enough that putting out truly enjoyable music comes natural to them. I’ve heard recently that a sequel album is in the works which will hopefully continue where the dusty loops, obscure movie samples and general debauchery of this album left off. Brag away.

Aquil

Blues People

[2008]

Living overseas has denied me my regular thrift and record store habits, but it hasn’t stopped the discovery of music via some great blogs. Aquil’s debut album was released for free in low-quality format around the blog-o-sphere. I’m sure some of the links are still around, but I would suggest you buy the high quality format he is offering at his bandcamp page (http://aquil.bandcamp.com/) for just $5 and check out his other projects too! Outta Philly, Aquil’s Blues People caught me off guard. I guess I have become quite cynical when it comes to new hip hop, but with the amount of garbage which is out there, it’s hard to keep a straight face when approaching the “new ish.” I try to keep an open mind with most releases, but the severe disappointment which usually follows is comparable to an emo kid finding out The Gap is discontinuing extra-tight jeans or a hippie finding out that the world’s supply of patchouli has been extinguished.

Grand Invincible

Ask the Dust

[2007]

Luke Sick is one of my all-time favorite emcees. One third of Palo Alto’s own Sacred Hoop alongside super producer Vrse Murphy, Luke’s resume on the mic is quite diverse, but always dope. Luke gets extra dap after I witnessed one of his many shows in Chico, where he then rocked an after party, after which we ventured to an all-night rave in the Sierra Nevada mountains where he snatched a blanket from some zonked-out sleeping hippie raver, wrapped it around his waist and went back to partying – post script to that, DJ Marz and DJ Badrok took over the turntables at the rave with some heavy doses of scratch. Anyways, when I first heard he was hooking up with DJ Eons on a new project, I was intrigued. I had actually met Eons (I think) when I was invited to DJ at a house party somewhere on the peninsula (or East Bay?) in 2003 or 2004. There were like five DJ’s scheduled to go off at house full of skaters (they were rocking a half pipe in the backyard.) I remember Eons playing some really funky 45’s. I didn’t end up playing that night, as the police shut it down and actually got into fisticuffs with one of the guys living in the house. Anyways, this merging resulted in Grand Invincible, a name which the duo embody to the fullest.

R.I.P. Keith Elam aka Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal

It’s been one year since the untimely passing of one of hip hop's great voices. At only 48 years of age, Guru's death caught me off guard as I'm sure it did many others around the world. I had read that he had fallen ill in February, immediately followed by reports that he had lapsed into a coma. When the news spread of his death in April 2010, hazy stories were spread online which didn't add up. The shady actions of his business partner, producer and supposed friend at the time [Solar] added to the dread that not all was right in his passing [see http://www.fucksolar.com] His death is a tragedy on multiple levels, for his family and friends to his legions of fans worldwide. His unique voice, delivery and intensity will be remembered and replayed, but never reproduced.

Looking back on his musical output, there are four albums which I feel a personal connection with as they are somehow connected with my history. The beauty of music to transport us back to certain times in our lives, igniting memories, is an amazing thing. I was introduced to a lot of music via a close friend in the early nineties in the form of dub tapes. Ian "Senor" Berry was always hooking up dubs of the latest and greatest hip-hop from the late eighties into the early nineties. In 1991 he introduced me to Gang Starr's sophomore release Step In the Arena. Now, at the time I was definitely listening to a lot of music from the Native Tongues collective, 3rd Bass & KMD, Public Enemy, E.P.M.D. and of course west coasters Ice Cube, Del, Too Short, DJ Quik and so on ... so the album hit a cord immediately as it reinforced a lot of what was heard from other groups coming out of New York and the east coast. You have to keep in mind the amount of [amazing] material which was being released in this time frame. Although it would be a year or two before I sniffed out and listened to Gang Starr's initial effort, No More Mr. Nice Guy [1989], DJ Premier's production on Step In the Arena cemented him as part of the production elite in the ever-emerging hip-hop scene. As well, Guru's strong and distinctive voice meshed with the music on so many levels - lyrically conscious, streetwise and scathing. A year later though, I had a new dub which would blow my mind.

Daily Operation stands as my favorite Gang Starr album. I'm sure I wore the dub out with the amount of play it got throughout the summer of 1992. DJ Premier laced the album hard and Guru in turn put a lyrical effort to match the audio canvas laid out for him. The production jumped in all sorts of directions, incorporating jazz, funk, soul and solidifying Premier's now distinctive style and sound. Spawning classics such as “B.Y.S.”, “Flip the Script”, “Take It Personal”, “Ex to the Next Girl”, “No Shame In My Game” and “I'm The Man”, the album is chalk full of anthems which have reverberated throughout the years. Just check a sample of the rhymes from the track “2 Deep” –

I'm too deep and yes much too complicated
my lines when stated are quite often underrated
so consider it a privilege to hear this
those weak minded opinions could never come near this
for my outlook on life is a profound view
while the suckers act down thinking that they sound new...

Before Youtube came along, CMC (that’s California Music Channel, not country folks!) was the only place a non-MTV household could watch current videos in the Bay Area, many of which I also use to dub. It was also the medium I was actually introduced to a lot of groups visually. I can’t remember if it was the first video I saw from them, but the one which I remember –“Take It Personal.”

When 1993 rolled around, there were all kinds of great albums dropping. The bay area’s independent scene was going crazy, Del and Souls of Mischief released their best albums (ever), A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders provided the right medicine for the winter months and Wu Tang dropped a bombshell which gave birth to successful careers and fortified a whole new track in hip hop. By this time I had started buying albums [cassette tapes] and had even started buying some originals of my dub back-catalogue. Coincidently, my dub source’s interest in hip hop weaned starting in 1993/1994. We did share a very high opinion of Guru’s first solo project outside of Gang Starr. Jazzmatazz was a concept album merging sampling and real jazz performers, which provided Guru a totally new soundscape to get loose on. As you can imagine, Jazzmatazz was indeed that. Featuring jazz luminaries such as Donald Byrd, Lonnie Liston Smith, Ronny Jordan and Roy Ayers, Guru was also accompanied by France’s MC Solaar (not to be confused with his future producer Solar), N’Dea Davenport and D.C. Lee. The album was an introduction into a whole other realm – sometimes seedy, always soulful, downbeat and downtrodden, upbeat and heartfelt – it hits on so many levels! Guru was there throughout – narrating, romanticizing, loungin!

1994 brought in a lot of amazing albums – Illmatic, Do You Want More, Ready to Die, Boxcar Sessions, The Main Ingredient, Roxbury 02119, etc, etc. Gang Starr, always up to par, released their fourth album, Hard to Earn. The album didn’t deviate so much from earlier formulas, but rather the duo kept tightening up and honing their respective skills. Premier continued to amaze with his selection, chopping, arranging, drums and the ever-present, yet always dope, chopped-up choruses. Featuring Foundation members Jeru the Damaja, Lil Dap (Group Home) and Big Shug, the album also had an appearance from Nice and Smooth on “DWYCK” (which was actually released in 1992 as a 12”.) Again, classics rang out – “Mass Appeal”, “Suckas Need Bodyguards”, “Code of the Streets”, “Speak Ya Clout”, “Now You’re Mine” – it’s funny to see titles like this in a list, knowing they all came from the same album. What I mean is that the quality control, artistic aptitude and actual vibe has been missing from a majority of albums for a long time. You’re lucky to get two or three quality tracks on a release.

Gang Starr was consistent to the core through their next two releases – 1998’s Moment of Truth and 2003’s The Ownerz. Both still get heavy enough rotation, although not as much as the ones I’ve detailed above. I also enjoyed the Jazzmatazz albums (Volume One was the best, followed by Volume Two and so forth as the series came out) and to a certain extent, Guru’s solo album after the breakup of Gang Starr – 2005’s Version 7.0: The Street Scriptures. In lamenting Guru, I do feel privileged to have seen Gang Starr perform live twice. I feel sorry for those who didn’t have the chance to see the energy which Guru exuded, the power of his delivery and experience the impact of his presence. It's only apporpriate to end this with a Guru line from the Gang Starr song "I’m the Man” – PEACE GURU!!

Bust one round in the air for this here
cuz this year, suckers are going nowhere
cuz my street style and intelligence level
makes me much more than just an angry rebel
I'm Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal
emcee's that ain't equipped get flipped in my circle.

Coming Soon: Age-Notes From The Laundry Room EP

A new production project/concept based on records found in a laundry room. Date TBA

Focus On: Symphonic Four-Who Do You Think You're Fooling Pt's 1 & 2 (On Zudan Records)

It's almost 1:30am and I've been going through the last of my records and getting ready to move into our new place. Not only is it closer to both my wife and I's work, but my brother from another mother and label man Edeeq(Lynn Ness)from New Medina, we're neighbors now!

Anyways, back to the records.I have been meaning to write and put up this 45 for a long while now. The 45 in which I speak of is The Symphonic Four: Who Do You think You're Fooling Pt's 1 & 2 on Zudan (Whom also put out both The Earls Inc. 45).

Cool ties and history with the group itself. The members mainly consisted of earlier members of The Parliaments and Funkadelic. The lead singer of this particular 45 went on to sing back vocals with The Detroit Emeralds, and as you can hear in this recording, the similarities of music styles being produced. This 45 is as sweet as soul can get and for the time period it was recorded, there are a varied amount of influences. The song content is pretty heavy as well.

A favorite amongst soul collectors, dj's, and was featured in a CD mix a while back by Matthew Africa and my man Josh Bea aka DJ B Cause of the 4 One Funk Crew titled "Soul Boulders" . A real heavy and soulful treat not to be slept on.

So in it's entirety and both sides mixed, this is for your listening pleasure.

**Note this is not the version from the "Soul Boulders" CD. This is one I did a couple of years back.

Peace,
Adrian M.(age)

The Symphonic Four:Who Do You Think You're Fooling Pt's One and Two(Mixed)

On Blast: ATLAS-Beauty & The Blues (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Hey Folks,

It's been a minute since we last posted anything on here and figured this would be a great way to start off semi-fresh and bring something EXTRA FRESH to the table.

So the crew to look out for consists of both my man Ron C. (a.k.a. "Dex") and Super Producer Diego (a.k.a "Deader"). Hailing from the North Bay (Cail, that is), they bring something that is desperately needed right now, and are contributing force of something new, exciting, and quite honestly...overdue in this day of stale rhymes, Casio made tracks, and just horrible sounds all around. The Rhymes and Production value of this project is something that stands strong amongst most things that are released commercially. Fact of the matter is, I'd pay top dollar for it, but they are GIVING IT AWAY FOR FREE!!! A free product in this day in age is a pretty common practice, but to get something as good as this, let alone, something great is a very rare treat indeed. Good looking out ATLAS CREW!

They're already getting much attention and their music was just recently added on the LRG clothing site. (just click the link). The video is tagged "Maloof Money Cup OC".

Be sure to watch out for more of their releases and solo efforts too. Dex and I are going to co-lab pretty soon on a project that will also feature Niamaja, Free Will, Haze, Vertebrae Crew and More. From what I understand Deader is in the works with some folks as well, so keep an eye out people!

Do yourself and them a favor, download this album, re post and blog if possible, and give it a listen. You're in for a nice treat.

Cheers,
Adrian M.(age)

ATLAS: Beauty and The Blues

1-Welcome to My Temple
2-America is Dreaming
3-Blacks & Blues
4-Delirium (Brother Destruction)
5-Old Man
6-Peddler's Blues
7-Things Going Wrong
8-Memento Mori

ATLAS IS,
Dex (Emcee)
Deader (Producer)

**Mastered by Adrian M.(age)from New Medina Music at The Shoe Box Palace.
Cover conceived by:Scotty

Their Links and Affiliates(below),

www.siqshit.com
getclose.tumblr.com

New Mix : El Fantasmas Espejo Part. 1

Hey Again Folks:),

I just recently submitted this to a couple of sites and it has been getting allot of love and I just wanted to share it on here as well.

All the records on this mix(with the exception of the last track, which is Carlos Ramos and His Orq. Fuego) all were part of a really large collection that was given to me by a former radio dj here in my neck of the woods. I dedicate this and the next mix to him for his generosity and kindness. At his request, wants to remain anonymous.

So please enjoy the next hour or so of nice latin records. A mixed set of Balada,Soul Covers,Chicano Anthems,Salsa,Rock,Etc.Enjoy!

AGE-SNUFONE: El Fantasmas Espejo Part. 1


Intro:
Jonny Chingas:Que Pasa
Grupo EKO:We Can Be Happy
Ray Barretto:New York Soul
Los Bondadosos:Chicana
Los Freddy’s:Me Tienes A Mi
Fiebre Amarilla:Pide
Johnny Canales Y Su Orq:Baby Let Me Kiss You
Los Flamers:Tu Me Hace Sentir Bien
Los Rondels:La La Te Amo
Sunny & The Sunliners:My Dream
Bel-Aire Band:No Puedo Esperar
Ralfi Pagan:OOO Baby Baby
Joe Bataan:The Prayer
J.P. Company:Gonzar Asi
Conjunto Santanita:Guajira
Los Monchis:Aguardiente
Julio Gutierrez:Last Tango In Paris
Apocalipsis:Un Secreto
Los Mexican Lovers:En Una Noche De Invierno
El Fin La Chrisitian Sound y David y Goliat
Carlos Ramos & His Orquesta Fuego:Tecato

Enjoy folks & again, thanks to y’all and the folks here at New Medina Music,Nerdtorious, Musica Del Alma, Soulstrut & Soulstrut Radio!!

Also A special thanks to my man Diego for the nice artwork above too!(thanks a ton homie! :) )

More Tapes from the Basement #?

Howdy again folks,

I know those that do follow, It's been a long ass minute on mine and(cough..) everyone else that contributes here on these page. But, we will be updating more and even maybe possibly...changing over?!?!?

Anyways..I have (or better saying.."was") converting allot of old material from the past and I have some stuff I had recently digitized. So for you enjoyment..please, enjoy the music of folks from around the way and as far as the UK. Local and beyond talent from here(bay area) to L.A. and the UK(even more beyond)

Peace and enjoy some unearthed material !

Much peace and respect,
Adrian(age-snufone)

1) Gyspy Cab: Intro/Ring(San Jose Represent!)


2) Homeliss Derelix-White Label Chronicals(aka Fradulant Demo)(Original Song Order too)M-Town folks!


3) Slant Eyes:F**k You(LA based folk)


4) Hobo Junction:Dirt Hustlin/Fatal Thoughts (tape single) (Oakland rep up!)


5) Sach:Seven Days To Engineer Tape (Pro Blowed & 1/2 of the Nonce Crew.R.I.P. Yusef!)


6) Yusef Afloat-Full Revolution Music (Tape)( The other 1/ 2 of The Nonce Crew, R.I.P.)


7) Underbombers(Sub-Contents)-3 song ep (plus bonus track rough of "Necro Manson") (San Jose legends Dave Dub, Persevere, Tape Master Steph & P.B.Wolf)


8) Bedouins-2nd Exodus(Tape Master Steph & Sub-Contents aff.)More S.J.!!


9) Bored Stiff: Explain'n LP (Bay Area Strong Arms and Hometown Heros!!!)


Hope ya liked it folks and will add more soon!

A Very Sad Day Indeed (M.Jackson August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)

I had just got back from a bike ride and heard the bad news.Oddly enough yesterday, I had picked up a copy of Michael Jackson:Rock With You on a 12in single (white label promo, if you want specs.) But I had turned on the news and It stated that he had collapsed in his home in Los Angeles. I admit to being pretty teary eye about this and to me (and with the age difference amongst those today), I was pretty upset. To me growing up hearing The Jackson 5, the Ben S/T, and the rest of his solo recordings, had a pretty influential impact on me.

I knew I wanted to do music when I was a kid. He and several other (too many to mention), have now gone and past, but their music remains and their influence obviously show in today's eye. Allot of artists pay due and respects to such a man the defined such loyalty and such hard work toward his craft. Straight up, he was a genius and a amazing performer/ vocalist. Not too many can do what he did and have such a successful outcome as he had. He, was a diamond in the rough.

Though through the later part of his life drew much controversy, confusion & craziness. You can see that he was really not a happy person and did what he could do to make his life seem somewhat sane. You have to realize, he never really got to experience childhood like the rest of were to experience it and you can hear and see through the small amount of interviews he has done, he was just just trying to be like the rest of us (well, this is IMO). So, in a sense I do feel for the cat and it's sad to see someone this young go so quick.Yeah, he said some off the wall s**t and did some crazy stuff, But in all honesty, I think he was just really caught up in the moment and obviously was not thinking straight.

I know with allot of people, when it comes to certain issues like the ones surrounding him, you can't but help if he did or didn't do these things he was accused of. I honestly try to look past all that I, (just like the rest of the world that was affected by his music) heard something completely serene and just outright soulful. He really did bring something special to the table.

To a legend and to a musical genius, You will be missed in your psychical form, but your music still lives and we thank you for your influence. May you Rest In Peace.

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)
Michael Jackson:Rock With You

Jamie at The Drive In Connection

My first memory of Jamie is when I used to hit the thrift stores
and record shops. I'd always see him around. I could not tell if he was a fair skinned Latino or just some rockabilly dude(My hypothesis were incorrect for both). I remember he used to work at Music Plus(wow)/Wherehouse records
when it was on Prospect(on the same strip).I really can't talk too much shit, as I was (well...still am) a Bascom Avenue retail employee whore.

It was not till the final days of The Wherehouse, was how I got to know him. If it weren't for my brother Jade (store manager there at the time), we would have never met. I remember Jade saying, "You have to meet this guy Jamie. His music and film knowledge is incredible!!" Funny, I started to laugh when we were formerly acquainted. But with in minutes, we start talking about music,local stuff, movies etc.Jade's confirmation is beyond true and then some.

Jamie is a film and music aficionado. Never met anyone quite like him. He has this way of describing film and music like in such a way, it almost makes you melt. He truly does appreciate all aspects. Jamie in his time, runs "The Drive-In Connection". A world dedicated to Euro Cult, Spaghetti Westerns, Giallo/Thriller and More. Here is a rare look in to look of not only the world of film but, just the world of Mr. Jamie Edwards. I hope you enjoy this segment.

Adrian : A
Jamie : J

A:So just to let people know who you are, what you do....an Introduction would be nice.

J: Hi, my name is Jamie and I'm a b-movie-a-holic(kidding, bad joke). OK, I'm Jamie and I have a rare movie site called The Drive-In Connection. I love old movies (and music), specially Italian movies from the 60's and 70's (Spaghetti Westerns, Euro Crime, Giallo, Spy, etc.). This has been one of my passions in life since I was a kid. You'll find all sorts of cool DVDs of this type of stuff on the site.

A:I remember one of the first topics we talked about growing up here in the South Bay, there was allot of talent that seemed to have come from these parts. One of the things was you telling me a story about you and Kut Master Kurt from way back.
Care to share?

J: Back around 86 I discovered Kurt's local radio show (on KUSP in Santa Cruz). Hip Hop didn't get huge radio play here back then so I was glad to hear stuff like Ultramagnetic being played. We became friends and hung out on the weekends. Kurt schooled me on breaks and samples and shared a ton of knowledge about records that I still use to this day.

A:What caught your attention toward not only this type of music and culture and also the type of films you have in your collection?

J: Since I was a kid, vintage stuff has always been what interests me. Old music, old movies, and old cars. I see something from the 50's-60's-70's and it just seems so much cooler to me. They did their stuff with style, I like the aesthetics of it all. I'm one of those 'they don't make it like they used to' type of people I guess. You had guys like Mario Bava and Sergio Leone turning out these crazy stylish and entertaining movies at that time, and to me, those guys are masters of their art.

A:Name a couple of records from you collection and give a brief description of these lps and why you like them so much?

J:

1) Power Of Zeus - The Gospel According To Zeus: Monster Psych album with a monster break. One of my favorite (if not #1 favorite) albums. Aside from the break being one of the best, the whole album is awesome from beginning to end.

2) The Stark Reality - Discovers Hoagy Carmichael's Music Shop: I like off beat things, so a kids album full of heavy fuzz and breaks is right up my alley. The vibes on this album have a one of a kind sound. "The first seven letters of the alphabet is all you need, to make music".

3) Goblin - Roller: IMHO the best Prog group ever. They are well known for their soundtracks to Dario Argento's movies, but I think this non-soundtrack album is their best work.

4) Brigitte Bardot - Special Bardot: What can I say, I love Brigitte. Then you throw in the musical genius of Serge Gainsbourg and that combination = one of my favorite records.

5) Spirit - The Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus: Spirit could do soft & beautiful or heavier stuff and they were equally great at either. "When I Touch You" is one of their heavy songs and it melts headphones.

A:What about movies?

J:

1) Violent Rome - Maurizio Merli was the king of 70's Italian cop movies, and this is my favorite one. He plays a cop fed up with the system and watching criminals go free on technicalities. After his partner gets shot and paralyzed, he joins an underground vigilante group.

2) Cut Throats Nine - The most brutal Spaghetti Western ever. An Army Sergeant (along with his daughter) is transporting a group of violent convicts through the mountains during Winter. The chains they are locked up with are actually made of gold (painted to look like metal). During an ambush, their wagon is overturned and they are left to continue on foot. The men start to turn on each other while trying to gain power. Eyes are shot out, a guy is stabbed in the gut and hoisted on a hook, and all sorts of other various nastiness goes on. This movie doesn't pull any punches!

3) Superargo Vs. Diabolicus - Superargo is a masked wrestler/superhero. He has a bulletproof suit and a cool Jaguar XKE too. Superargo is called into action when an evil mastermind starts hijacking uranium shipments from his island lair.

4) The Etruscan Kills Again - Kind of a Giallo/Mummy movie hybrid. Alex Cord (from Airwolf!) plays an archaeologist who is unearthing an ancient Etruscan tomb. Soon after that, people involved with the dig start getting bumped off. Could it be the Etruscan has risen for his revenge?!

5) Death Steps In The Dark - Giallo about a photographer (Leonard Mann) who is framed for a murder. While he is traveling on a train with his model girlfriend, a woman in the same car is killed when the train goes into a dark tunnel. The passengers discover it was his letter opener used to stab the woman to death. He has to go on the run and figure out who framed him.

A:You have so many obscure titles! Is it along the same lines say, like a record collector? I would assume there has to be allot of networking involved in this?

J: Yeah, I always think of it as 'digging in the video crates'. The two are very similar. You have to do a lot of searching and educating yourself about rare titles. Sometimes it takes years to find something, I've got a few of my most wanted tapes this year that took me forever to find. And I have friends all over the world who keep an eye out and help me too (thanks to you guys, you know who you are).

A:So what made you get involved in the e-community by starting up this site, The Drive-In Connection. I would assume you have allot of emails in regards to certain films and just like anything else of any medium, trading involved?

J: Well, I was laid off my job, got sick, and then was hit in my car and that messed my back up. I figured I could put up the site and do something I love from home. I've always had really positive feedback from the customers and they've always been very nice folks to deal with. I'm glad when I can help them find something rare they've been searching for. People do send emails sometimes asking if I can help find something and I try my best. And sometimes I also get emails from people wanting to trade but I have to keep that at a minimum.

A:So you have any last words or advice for the public reading this?

J: Please visit the site and order a disc or ten! I try my best to give people quality at a low price. One thing I can tell you is you will get your orders quickly. 99% of the time orders go out the same day or next day (unless it's a large order, that can take a few days). It's been that way since the site first went up almost 3 years ago now. So please check it out, there's a lot of cool stuff there to peruse. Thanks Adrian for the interview and thanks to the readers for your time.

**For any additional information on how to contact Jamie and to order films or just to say "Hello" ,Please visit his site below.

www.thedriveinconnection.com

Bored Stiff: Explainin' LP

I love this crew.Possibly one of the main reasons what really got me to do what I do now (Well actually before, when they were a small collection of crews that were just running things, Three Shades, etc)

This record has gotten so much play and I really needed to just format it and stop listening to the record (record has seen better days)

Anyways, bay area strong arms at it's best, enough of me jabbering..listen!!

Bored Stiff: Explainin' LP


1)Intro
2)Explainin'
3)Change Of Mind
4)Peaceful Rotation '92
5)Origins
6)Down The Line
7)Thoughts On Music
A)Get Some
B)Perfect Opportunity
C)What's So Bad
8)Bridge
9)Survivin'
10)Tell It like It Is
11)We Up

Much peace and respect,
Adrian (age)

Man..That new Raphael Saadiq joint

I really can't say much but, BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!! Possibly one of the best releases I've heard in a long while. There is allot of re-vamped soul/funk coming out (mainly coined Gordy-Stax-Invictus influences) This is pretty true to that era(and there are quite a few era's he picks from too). That "Oh Girl" track has been on constant rotation. Has that Delfonics/Temptations vibe. Just solid and the production is excellent.Nice to hear songs that have actual feeling & influence from an era where love songs were really....love songs! Ballads man,Ballads!!!!!Beautiful over-dubs of duets in the background, reminds me of later Marvin Gaye's "Trouble Man" s/t.The harmonizing is to a tee & very well composed as a whole.

Allot of guest appearances including Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Joss Stone and plenty of other folks.

Have a peep and hope this is some incentive to go and purchase.
Enjoy

Much Peace and Respect,
Adrian(age)

Oh Girl


Never Give You Up (w/ Stevie Wonder)


100 Yard Dash


Staying In Love


and

That Jay-Z remix is pretty fresh too.
Oh Girl (Remix w/ Jay-Z)

Tape Files #3) Hieroglyphics Crew

HA...The early days of the Hiero Imperium.I am not going to front.Back in those days(and still do), I used every bit of access I could to get new music.(and online was a good...and also bad way of getting new stuff).Almost every other week, I spent my weekends in The Bay(S.F.),East Bay(Oakland & Berkley) and Other surrounding cities looking for new music. Mainly found myself in the East Bay, Used to go to Leopold's,Rasputin's,Amoeba's and all the cats dirt hustling(Mainly in those days on Telegraph, you'd see all the Hobo,Psytoplasim and Mystic cats out there)and I'd spend most of my checks there and whatever(at the time) to the guys slanging their product, fun times.

Anyways, back to my main subject, Hiero..I had so many 3rd to 4th generation copies of all their unreleased material and It would bug me to hear that hiss.As much as I can stand the hiss and the low-fi, there comes a time, where you just want to hear the song(s), clearly. So hearing that they were rumored to release these recordings,I was just looking forward to when!!I got two copies when it came out.I recently got a sealed cassette from my homie Kye(again, word up homie!).They never came with any cover.Just a blank clear case, the tape said "Hiero Oldies" and a page typed with all the songs in order (who,what year,etc and a brief synopsis).I was just happy to hear "Cab Fare"(but it was not the version I had from back in the day, but a remixed and new version of it), "Can I Kill Em" and the "Souls of Mischief" self titled track (made famous from the ever so killer first Plan-B Skate video).Thanks again to the Hiero crew for putting these track out for all to enjoy and also thanks for putting that Atban Klan tape up for sale too(which is another post in the near future)

So I present to you, in it's entire form (from the tape) is, Hiero Oldies Vol #1. So sit back and listen to the whole 86:24 of it!

Peace,
Adrian(age)

Hiero Oldies Vol #1

1)Cab Fare (95 Remix)
2)Me-O-Mi-O (Domino Remix)
3)Neighborhood
4)Let It Ride
5)Can I Kill'em?
6)Souls Of Mischief
7)Where They At?
8)Crazy Del Song w/ Beyond the Cloak of Darkness
9)Weak Shit
10)Can U Feel It?
11)It Get's No Better
12)Our Secret
13)Untitled Del Song
14)Souls Of Mischief On WKCR,NY(STretch & Bobbito Show) 92'
15)Captain America
16)Batting Practice(Orig. Version)
17)Feeling The Flow
18)Whta Do You Say?
19)Rippers
20)Reckless w/ Hush
21)Chaos & Turmoil

Awkward : When Gravity Fails (us release)

This is Matt Fryer. Known as "Awkward". Matt's a homie & fellow crew member (well, mastermind) of the Vertebrae Crew.

This is the cassette release that I passed out to people and put in some shops.The response on the tape was actually really overwhelming and had an excellent response(considering most pass on it, cause it's not from the states). I only made 30 to 50 copies of the tape (mainly passed to friends and folks at shows).It is composed of a couple releases he did back in the U.K.(Bristol) and some other non-released 4-track songs.He was nice enough to let me just re-dub these tracks I had on Mini-disc(Which I recovered awhile back, but the disc was "corrupted") Damn!!!!

I did not even have a personal copy till recently (Thanks Kye) I gave him the first tape out of the batch back then and was nice enough to give it back.

In an age where people really don't sample much anymore.It's pretty comforting to hear this tape again. There is power in this music. Rough ass drums, dirty ass samples and tough lyrics to compliment.

All production was the man himself except for the last track (and I apologize to Steve aka Sir Beans O.B.E.) That was my bad not to credit you on the cover back then.

I hope you enjoy it and here it is in it's entirety.

Awkward:When Gravity Fails (U.S. Release)


Track List,
Start
5,000 Corpses
Midnight Sun
Human (Feat. Fono-Veins)
Loop & Fade
Last Breath (Robotman)
We Like Scratching (Feat. D-Swift)
So Anyways (Feat. Marshy & Fono Veins)
When Gravity Fails
Interlude
Diss Feast
The Freestyle Song
Intro
Here 2 Interfere
Vertebrae Pt. 1 (Feat.Rola of Numskulls)
Ignite
**Focus ('98) Feat. Sir Beans O.B.E.

Produced, Scratched & Rhymed by Awkward
(Except "**" By Sir Beans O.B.E.)

Sounds of the Library : A small look and listen into the soundscapes of the public domain.

We'll probably agree that most library records (which I'm sure most of you know) are a good 80% maybe 90%, crap. But considering the main use for these records, it's was for commercial and public domain use so it's a feasible excuse. Also it was a good way for aspiring film producers,directors, advertisers or whoever to use for movies,PSA,Commercials,etc.Then, making it cheap and with out having to hire some one like John Williams, Lalo Schifrin, or random studio band, etc. All these "lame" songs served a purpose and more than likely, were all used. A small set fee for all..nice!

But this type of music will forever remain under as the "One Tracker" genre. One thing I find fascinating about this music that you have the major players like Keith Mansfield, Alan Hawkshaw, Nick Ingman, Janko Nilovic and countless of other composers, making this really well composed pieces of music. Tracks ranging from anywhere from 30 seconds to over 5 minutes.
It can be as lounge/exotic as Martin Denny, as soulful as E,W & F and as raw as Food(the psych group).

Below are some tracks I posted on the "Strut" to glorify and give justice to this genre. Love or Hate, these are some of my favorite tracks below.I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Much Peace and Respect,
Adrian(age)

(Note...I forgot to edit out the first 25 seconds of the Andy Loore track. But, it starts over again:)

Santany-Trama Nella Metropoli


The Heaven Blues-Sweet Mornings


Piero Umiliani-Suoni Della Citta



Janko Nilovic-Shaking Pop.



Clive Hicks-On The Wild Side



Sam Fonteyn-Freakout



David Lindup-Action Stations



Raymond Guiot-Basse Duetting



John Hawksworth-This Way Up



Bob Donovan-Luau Cookout


and...

Andy Loore(a.k.a. Janko Nilovic)-Mixed Drums

Live Human

Live Human is a trio consisting of Albert Mathias on drums, Andrew Kushin on bass and DJ Quest on the scratch and samplers. I remember picking up their debut, Live Human feat. D.J. Quest (Cosmic Records) in 1997 and bugging out on how their sound was developed, yet very raw. It remains my favorite of all their work and every time I see a copy, I pick it up to hook a friend up. Live Human Live (Hip Hop Slam) is a very close second to the debut, in which the trio are caught on the last leg of a tour and turn in a performance which is pure fire. They also have two studio albums, Monostereosis and Elefish Jellyphant, and while both are very dope, the groups name really indicates how best to hear them. After seeing them live on a number of occasions, it's always refreshing that no two shows ever sounded identical. There's no question that Quest is a very underrated DJ/producer (along with his Bullet Proof brethren) who's skill mixed with bugged ideas always produce dope and unique results. Check 'em out!

Live Human Halloween 2006


Live Human - Lost in the Woods (Cosmic Records, 1997)

http://bulletproofscratch.com/