DJ Krust: in his own words

One of my favorite interviews I've done was with DJ Krust, a staple of the DNB community through V, Full Cycle and his various other excursions. He was one of the first producers I latched onto and truly followed. In my conversations with him, I realized how philosophical of a cat he is, he seems to always be thinking. He sent this piece, which is more of a question/statement, a few weeks back, and I neglected to post it for whatever reason. It is text that ended up on his blog, which needs more shine than it's getting (also needs more posts, but its fuckin' Krust!)... here is the unedited text:

as the jungle drum and bass scene starts to warm up for the summer .we look to what is happening . is there a split are we moving in diffrent directions. has the music changed .is it staying the same. whats happened to the movement called jungle . where is the unity . what about what we used to stand for ? moving forward . welcoming change, the scene was about growing together .when we look around what are we seeing . yes the scene is now much bigger ,yes its world wide, yes the standard is much higher, yes there are more labels, yes there are more dj,s. so this is growth right ? what about the coming together of the people .the communication, the organization. what dose jungle ,drum and bass stand for ? is this jus about music us having a great time .taking drugs and partying til we drop . or are we saying some thing, using this music as our voice. to talk about whats happening to this genaration . to our community. to our people to me to you. NOW IS THE TIME TO SAY WHAT WE NEED TO SAY

You'd think, in 2007, we'd be saying more with this music, expressing more ideas and themes. Who knows what the future holds... but for as much slating and backbiting that goes on, you'd think we'd look to the producers who helped mold the DNB/Jungle scene, and look to them for guidance.
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backlog (5.24.2007)

So at the temp. gig I picked up, I had some breaktime and, since I am allowed to surf the web whilst on breaks and lunch (bonus!), I decided to clean up my primary Gmail account. Boy, did I find a shit load of, well, shit that I hadn't dloaded or responded to, for whatever reason. My life's been kind of hectic since I been on the job search, but some of this shit needed to be posted months ago. SO, I decided to throw some of these accumulations into one blog post... and who knows? Maybe I'll be lazy and forgetful, and throw these up more often! LOL.

let's go:

Here are a gang of leaks that did not make it to last week's playlist (May 18th, 2007) because, well, I never got around to making a playlist:

Trife Da God & Termanology "Trife & T" (prod. by Milkcrate Fam)
Papoose ft. Busta Rhymes "Drop It" (prod. by Dr. Dre)
Ghostface Killah "My Guitar"
Wise Intelligent "I'm Him"
Raekwon "Freestyle" (over ESG's 'UFO' break)
Few new cuts from the Beastie Boys' instrumental album, The Mix-Up: "The Rat Cage (Edited Version)"& "Off The Grid"
Kurupt "Mystic River" (prod. by DJ Battlecat)
Jaylib "The Mission (Stringed Out Remix)"
Mims "This Is Why I Rock" (clean version) (also check out a LIVE interview/freestyle of his from the Kung Fu Show on Pyro Radio)
Red Cafe ft. Mr. Easy "Children of the Ghetto" (prod. by MoSS)
Tragedy Khadafi ft. Prince Ali "Righteous Scrolls"
Lil Wyte "Slap That Sucka" (as seen on Adventures In Hollyhood)
Kanye West "Can't Tell Me Nothing" (prod. by DJ Toomp)
Chip Fu over Collie Buddz' "Come Around"
Siya "So Crazy" (she is apparently the first openly lesbian rapper?)
Young Cash "Freeze"
DJ Khaled ft. Akon, R. Kelly, T-Pain, Lil' Kim & Young Jeezy "We Takin' Over (Remix)"
Mazaradi Fox ft. Kool G Rap "Gangster Therapy"
Aesop Rock "None Shall Pass"
Crooked I "Cruisin'/Just The King Freestyle"
Strong Arm Steady ft. Talib Kweli "One Step"
Amy Winehouse ft. Jay-Z "Rehab (Remix)" (here is a version featuring Pharoahe Monch)
Metafore ft. Joell Ortiz "Hood Thang"
Blaq Poet & NYGz "N.H.B. (Nigga, Ho, Bitch)" (prod. by DJ Premier)
Styles P "Hold On" (prod. by Fizzy Womack) (grab The Ghost Sessions HERE)
Timbaland "The Way I Are (Manny Faces Remix)" (shouts to Manny Faces on the remix)


Cinematic Music Group presents "Sean Kingston: Good Talk vol. 2" (hosted by DJ Khaled) [sendspace link]

Dude has an LP dropping on Beluga Heights in Fall '07; Beluga Heights is the label that superhot pop producer JR Rotem started up, and Kingston is his flagship artist. Sean reps Miami by way of Jamaica, and is all of 17 years old. He mixes up rapping, reggae toasting and "soulful harmonization", and seems to be poised to make some big moves. Tracklisting:

1. DJ Khaled, Sean Kingston Intro
2. Colors – Sean Kingston feat. The Game, Rick Ross
3. The Slums – Sean Kingston
4. Skreetz On Lock – Hot Dollar feat Jermaine Dupri
5. Way We Live – Sean Kingston
6. Riding So Slow – Question feat. Sean Kingston, Kyle Lee
7. Ghetto – Smoke & Numbers feat. Sean Kingston
8. Makin Them Swerves – Nipsey Hussle
9. Big Knots, Big Chain – Hot Dollar
10. Colors 2007 (Reggae Mix) – Sean Kingston feat. Vybz Kartel, Kardinal Offishall
11. Never Change – Smoke & Numbers
12. In The Ghetto – Sean Kingston feat. Trey Songz
13. We From SA – Question feat. Dope Supply
14. Prepared For War – Chin Wha feat. Smoke & Numbers
15. All My Ganstas – Sean Kingston
16. Concrete Jungle – Smoke & Numbers
17. Paid The Cost – Sean Kingston
18. Pressure – Chin Wha feat. Smoke & Numbers
19. I’m From – Nipsey Hussle feat. Cuzzy Capone
20. High Life – Question
21. Deep Cover Freestyle – Question
22. Give You Some Love – Sean Kingston
23. Beautiful Girl – Sean Kingston (Summer Smash!!!)
24. Outro


Looks interesting... might be worth the dload. For more info, peep this link.

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I'm no big Shady Records fan at all, but the boy Ca$his is getting a lot of burn, for God knows what reason. I have never listened to his Bogish Boy vol. 1.5 mixtape, but a lot of Shady fans online seem to swear by this collection. Maybe one of you will dload this and let me know what to look out for...

+++

Check out Submorphics' May 2007 Studio Mix, which was recorded for The Overfiend's BassDrive show:

Saburuko - Warped
Theory - Versionist
Bungle, DJ Roots & The Ego - Conquest System
Lenzman & Submorphics - Way Back When
Chino - Essence
Mutt - Draw on me
Atlantic Connection - Peace of Mind
Submorphics - Downstyle
Jazz Thieves - Feelin' Easy
Redeyes - Science of Sleep
Lomax & Focus - 5 Weeks
Mutt & Submorphics - Be my Lady
Jazz Thieves - Tonka Stomp
Lenzman & Jubei - Room 237
Lomax - Brain Freeze
Random Movement - Things you do
Switch & Stunna - Together
Lenzman - The Blues


A suite of slickness throughout that mix.

+++

This mixtape is a few years old, but it's new to me, and contains a host of sick blends. DJ Fade's R&B Madness:

1) Intro
2) That's The Way Love Goes - Janet Jackson
b/w: Wait (The Whisper Song) - Ying Yang Twins
3) Something In The Way You Make Me Feel - Stephanie Mills
b/w: Lean Back - Terror Squad
4) Real Love - Mary J. Blige
b/w: How We Do - The Game ft. 50 Cent
b/w: Hush - LL Cool J
5) Think Of You - Usher
b/w: Hate It or Love It - The Game ft. 50 Cent
6) Human Nature - Michael Jackson
b/w: Bonafide Hustler - Young Buck
7) In The Air Tonight - Phil Collins
b/w: Alright Groove - The 45 King
b/w: 5 Alarm Blaze - Joe Buddens
8) Back To Life - Soul 2 Soul
b/w: Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See - Busta Rhymes
9) Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet - Interlude
b/w: Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See - Busta Rhymes
10) I Like It - Debarge
b/w: Tipsy - J-Kwon
11) Walk On By - Sybil
b/w: Hustla (Remix) - Cassidy ft. Mary J. Blige
12) Mona Lisa - Slick Rick **(DJ FADE 2005 Party Mix)
13) Rhythm Of The Night - Debarge
b/w: It's All Good - Fantasia
14) Candy - Cameo
b/w: 1,2 Step - Ciara
15) This Is For The Lover In You - Shalamar
b/w: Hold You Down - Prodigy ft. Nina Sky
b/w: Let Me Love You - Mario
16) Who's Holding Donna Now - Debarge
b/w: Sugar Buddy - Nodesha
17) Friends - Jody Watley
b/w: Again - Faith Evans
18) Be Happy - Mary J. Blige
b/w: Make The Music With Your Mouth - Biz Markie
b/w: Breathe - Fabolous
19) All Or Nothing - Joe
b/w: DaRockwilder - Method Man & Redman
20) I Could Fall In Love - Selena
b/w: Treat U Betta - Big Shug
21) Outro


Kind of reminds me of this slept-on J-Live mixtape, Homemade Blends vol. 1. Check it out, though - Fade did his THING!

+++

Enjoy, and keep it locked here. We have you sorted, don't even worry.
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Win You a Van!

The summertime is the time when kids are home from school, and concert season is alive and wheel. While you might not be down with Lollapalooza or some large scale outfit, it doesn't mean you can't still get heard by the people... and the good folks at TuneCore and Guitar Center have devised the perfect giveaway:

During the month of June, head on over HERE and enter the "Win a Van" sweepstakes. The requirements are simple: go there during the month of June and let them know the following info: how could you/your band benefit from a new whip? What's your best tour story, from the past or the future? What are 10 things you/your band would always have in the van? And finally, detail your dedication to your craft. If they choose you, you/your band could win the following goodies:


How sick is that? All the ish you need to rock a few weeks or a month touring in your area, or at least to get you started. Now before you DJ/Rap stars get in a tizzy with all the "band" talk, I spoke to Mary @ TuneCore, who assured me that "anyone who's making music and can articulate their commitment to it" is able to win it. So, get your thinking caps on and get motivated.

Again, this competition is brought to you by the good folks over at Tune Core (check them out - they make it easier for artists to get their music on digital services like iTunes, eMusic, Napster and many more sites) and Guitar Center. Don't miss out - get your music online, then hit the pavement and get it heard!
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[rock the dub Interview]: KJ Sawka


Live DNB has always gotten mixed reviews. While some artists, like Paradox and Amit, can truly bring the same fury of their released music doing Live PAs, some fans get confused with acts like "Planet Pendulum" making arena-rock DNB, or Reprazent's jazz fusion sets. As of late, especially with the Jungle Drummer's live sets with dope DJs (he's recently been touring with DJ FU), the idea of a truly gifted DNB drummer has been intriguing hardcore fans. KJ Sawka is the new breed of Jungle Drumming: Seattle, Washington bred, he is a musician that took his gift with the sticks, added his growing love of DNB and Electronic music, and fused them together to further blend the two styles of playing. He has released an album, and is currently working on a new collection of dancefloor-ready tracks, and is on the verge of exploding on the DNB scene worldwide. Dude even has performed with Blake Lewis (yes, that Blake) before, and has him on his new album! We shot the ish with KJ on many topics: his evolution, his production, and the new opportunities he has been affored (London Elektricity? Bassdrive Radio show? new album? Tour?)... get ready!

khal: First things first: how does it feel to be garnering so much publicity over the ‘Net? It seems like word of mouth has lead to things moving in a pretty fast direction for you in the last couple of years. Does it ever feel surreal?

KJ Sawka: You know, it feels great!! I've been producing and playing music for a long time. I've been striving to be an international artist for a long time.. It feels more deserved than surreal. I am very, very grateful though. No head here :) but I've known in my heart that there really are people out there that want to see and hear my music... And love it!!

khal: I know you’ve been involved in music for a while. Can you talk a bit about your progression? When did you start drumming, when did you start working in bands, your first flirtations with DNB, etc.?

KJ Sawka: I started playing drums at age 11. Playing jazz, rock, and funk. All the basics around at that time. I started teaching drums to my friends right off the bat, so that helped my progression a lot. Along with practicing 8-10 hours a day, everyday. Total nerd!! I was in bands all through high school.. Then, 18 years old, just out of high school, I heard dnb and breakbeat music. LTJ Bukem, Crystal Method, Chemical Brothers. They blew my mind!! I never wanted to listen or play anything else again that I'd played before. I was hooked on electronic music!! I wanted to create what I heard on the drums. And at the same time I bought some drum machines and started programming and playing keys.

khal: OK so now you hear DNB, and you spend time honing your style to, for lack of a better term, recreate DNB-style breaks live. How long did it take for your style to catch on? Did you ever encounter someone who said “you can’t do it”?

KJ Sawka: It didn't take very long for it to catch on. I had some songs and started a band called 94th Street. Which was the name of the street I lived on at the time. I teamed up with my long time guitar mate TJ Berry and roommate sax player Alex Zimmerman. We came out with a big bang in Seattle. Bringing 200+ kids out to every show. The dnb and breaks live drumming styles caught on quick!! I played many Seattle "Loft Parties" and they launched me even further into the professional music scene. My style was catching on so quick, that at one of the first shows I had ever played in Seattle, Michael Shrieve (drummer of Santana) asked me for drum lessons...

khal: In one of the first videos I saw of you on YouTube, you are not just playing the drums, but you have samplers going, and you seem to be doing like 5 things at once at times. Can you break down your set up? How long did it take you to create the kit that you are using now, and how long did it take to start implementing the samplers and effects and such? Also, is your setup still evolving?

KJ Sawka: My setup is always evolving. Since I started playing breakbeats, I also started programming beats and playing with effects and keyboards. My bedroom started looking live a music store. Yes, I usually do like 4-8 things at the same time. If drumming wasn't already 4 things by itself. I used to have a drum kit , drum pads connected to a sampler with tons of effects. Now it's more laptop based. - Currently I have a all odd size drums with a Mac Powerbook running Ableton Live, Reactor, Battery, Pro Tools, etc. A mixer, trigger finger laptop controller, Korg sampler, drum pads/ brain, audio/midi I/O, Kaoss pad, Akai filter, gate unit, Electrix MoFx and many other varieties constantly changing it up...

khal: Now, while some might just be hearing about you today, you’ve been bubbling in the US jungle/DNB scene for a few years. I know you’ve opened for LTJ Bukem, and played the country over a few times over. What point did you start to realize that your style was catching on, and people were truly starting to not just take notice, but be genuinely impressed with your work?

KJ Sawka: Everyone has been really impressed with the drumming aspect since the beginning but the online videos have taken it to a whole nether level. Getting my debut album signed to a real record label has helped in a huge way, not just as a drummer but as a producer as well.

khal: You’ve put out one CD, Synchronized Decompression, and I notice that the styles on that aren’t exactly like your live sets, meaning its not all LIVE DRUMS LIVE DRUMS, but a mixture of the programmed beats and other effects. What do you think is more important: wowing crowds with your dazzling skills in a live setting, or crafting creative tracks on your released output?

KJ Sawka: Well, I see it as sort of two entities. I love playing the drums live, so that is what I do live. But I love electronic music too. And electronic music doesn't have live drums in it all the time. I tried playing the electronic drum samples live without the acoustic drums and there wasn't the same impact as the live acoustic drums. There were big ups and big downs in the sets. When I played electronic drums, it was sort of mellow and when I played acoustic drums it was 'off the hook'... So I've been enjoying playing 'off the hook' shows last few years... haha... As far as the album goes. I want people to get just a small sense of the live show and mainly be able to sit back and enjoy a nice studio album of electronic music.

khal: Word is that you’ve also got a show on BassDrive radio. In listening to the archives, I see that you not only employ the live style you’ve been known for, but you also throw in things like DJ Shadow’s “Six Days”, as well as other familiar tracks. How does this show come about: is it essentially your live performances condensed, or are you actually mixing?

KJ Sawka: Yes, I have a once a month Bassdrive show, the first Monday of every month 6-7 central time US. I have been remixing some of my favorite dnb tunes in my live sets for a couple years now. DJ Shadow's "Six Days" is my own remix, called "Six Day War", off the original Colonel Bagshot record. People want me to release it, maybe I will soon? The Bassdrive show was all live, not unlike other live shows. I put tracks into my Ableton Live session and remix them on the fly. It is definitely like mixing records but way different... It has a similar sounding result. My live show has many different aspects of "on the fly" and pre-recorded material. I separate my tracks into bass, keys, vocal, drum loops, samples, etc. and trigger, tweak, effect, loop and remix them all at one time. And play the acoustic drums.

khal: As stated before, you got into DNB through hearing a track of LTJ Bukem’s. While he is definitely a figurehead in the scene, he is not as prominent of a name as he once was. Do you still keep up with current DNB, and if so, who are you feeling these days?

KJ Sawka: Yeah definitely, LTJ was an eye opener and I try to keep up... I listen to and am influenced by Human Imprint recordings, Hospital, Renegade, Outbreak, EZ Rollers, Moonshine, Noisia, Roni Size, Black Sun Empire, Spor, Evol Intent, London Electricity, Venetian Snares, Amon Tobin, Boards of Canada, Royksopp.

khal: I heard a rumor that you might be doing some work with London Elektricity? Are you able to discuss this at all?

KJ Sawka: Well, we have some recording dates with him in July when I'm in the UK. Who knows what is going to come out of it though. It should be good I feel.

khal: One thing I HAVE to ask: when it comes to playing DNB live, it’s still in its infancy in terms of producers segueing to recreating their music live. LE does it, Pendulum has their “Planet Pendulum” sound coming, and a few other acts have really pushed their sound, but in terms of in demand drummers, it seems like the only guy on the scene has been The Jungle Drummer. Do you feel any competition with him in terms of “jungle drumming superiority”? Would you ever be game for a “drum off” style battle with him?

KJ Sawka: I would definitely be into a drum battle any day!! haha .. But there are a few hand fulls of drummers that do DNB that I'm aware of. Just not to many doing the full on DNB/DJ type sound. I am aware of drummers who can do many things I cannot but I haven't seen any drummers take the performance to a "DJ style" type thing yet... I love making people dance even more then wowing people.

khal: I hear that your next album will be going away from the more “moody” styles of Synchronized Decompression. What steps are you taking to ensure that your new disc will be full of more “club-ready” tracks? Who are you working with to accomplish this – any new players come into the fold?

KJ Sawka: I produced the album myself. I really want to be known as a producer as well as a drummer... Preferably a producer. I still have a long way to go but I feel that the tracks will slay the dance floor. I also want to convey a moody style, for I'm a moody guy. I like to think of my music as Heaven meets Hell, Yin and Yang, Darkness vs. Light. I've been doing live-PA sets, mainly "breaks" and it's been going off!! Very similar to playing the drums live. So I know I'm doing something right.

khal: You’ve linked up with Cyber Groove for your promotions and management. What was your situation like before, and what are the pros of linking up with a company like Cyber Groove?

KJ Sawka: Yes, Cyber Groove contacted me after seeing my YouTube videos and my website. They are booking and promoting me. I am currently managed by Interface Management out of Seattle. I've been with Interface for a few years. The pros of linking up with Cyber Groove are that they are very submerged into DNB and Electronic music, which is perfect for what I'm doing. Interface Management is more broad genre music management and booking company.

khal: Do you have tour dates, and if so, where can fans find you in the coming months?

KJ Sawka: Yes, I have many tour dates coming up - Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, Toronto, NYC, London, UK, LA etc, etc ..
I post most current tour dates on my MySpace website, as well as on KJSawka.com.

khal: Do you have any final words/shout outs to give to the people?

KJ Sawka: Yes, I'd like to thank Cyber Groove Productions, Interface Management, Wax Orchard Records, Grapevinez International, Demo, Zacharia, The Dowes and all the Seattle DNB crews, My singers - Christa Wells and Emilia Sosa. And all the people out there - get ready cause the KJ Sawka ship has landed and it's motha f *kin' bullet proof!!!

suggested links:

Finally, check out the video for "Montreal", which will be available on the DualDisc version of Cyclonic Steel, forthcoming on Wax Orchard:




khal would like to shout out KJ Sawka for providing such a smooth interview, Scott @ Cybergroove for getting things situated, and Chappy Sinclair for making the initial contact for me. Truly appreciated!
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Clemens Come

On the heels of his game tonight with the Trenton Thunder minor league baseball team, I was perplexed in thinking/reading about Roger Clemens' return to pro baseball:

Why was the world so shook up when Jay-Z came out of retirement, to seemingly go 1x platinum, but Clemens comes out signing MILLIONS, and there's not even a word of resentment?

I guess in a sport where we can let dopeheads break records, anything is fair game...

I'm feeling local columnist Jeff Edelstein's column from today's Trentonian. Really hits the nail right on the head.
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Mixtape, Inc.

For all of you Hip-Hop DVD heads, mixtape lovers, and genuine documentary lovers, I just got word on this new DVD that is available now entitled Mixtape, Inc., which delves into the hypocritical world of mixtapes in Hip-Hop. We all know the game: the Rap industry is quick to snatch up rising mixtape acts (50 Cent, Papoose and countless others) to big contracts, and build brands around them, but on the flipside, they talk with the RIAA and get frustrated about how much money they believe they are losing. The makers of this film might call it a love/hate relationship, but I personally look at is as more of a "do as I say, not as I do" type of relationship. And the only people who get hurt are the consumer...

This doc takes you into the background, speaking with many Hip-Hop luminaries (from the G-Unit camp to Lil' Jon, Kanye West, Xzibit, Chuck D, Fabolous, David Banner, DJ Kay Slay, DJ Clue, Danger Mouse and others), getting their real, hands-on insight into the struggle and drama that has escalated into situations like DJ Drama getting arrested for essentially helping the people he's dropped mixtapes with get more paper.

Once I get my mittens on this, I'll be pouring over it and providing you guys with a review.

For right now, check out the trailer, and if you are intrigued, go cop it.
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LOST, Season 3: "Greatest Hits" [recap]


Kind of fucked up how, even with Blogger's new AUTOSAVE feature, my fucking recap just disappeared. So here is my super condensed recap:

I wanted Charlie to die. Karl was acting very strange, as was Ben. What's up with the inconsistencies of the Looking Glass station? Is Jack's plan going to work?

suggested reading:
LostPedia's synopsis of this episode
trailer for the Season 3 finale
Doc Jensen's recap of this episode.

NAMASTE!
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Pimp My MySpace!

Do you have time on your hands? Are you good with MySpace Layout editing?

I tried working with a generator to get my MySpace page looking like this blog... but got confused. Can anyone help me out? I'll give you something...
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JAYLIB "CHAMPION SOUND" REISSUE NEWS!

Just got the Stones Throw newsletter, figured I'd drop dime:

The reissue of Jaylib's classic Champion Sound was supposed to have dropped on CD on May the 8th, but there was a glitch in the pressing of the CDs, so the official street date had to have been pushed back to June the 12th of 2007. This 2xCD/LP will feature the entire, original Champion Sound album, unreleased tracks, a host of remixes Madlib created, and never before released (on CD) instrumentals of the album. Very momentous release...

Plus, the "advance" iTunes release date is May the 22nd!

In prep, I have been revisiting my bootleg copy of this, and realized that I need to cop the reissue... might even cop the original version of the album, b/c I think the copy of "No Games" I am used to is NOT the version I have been hearing as of late. Who knows.

Peep Jaylib's page on the Stones Throw website for more info. You can also pre-order the 2xCD HERE from Amazon, for the same price as the original album! How ill is that!?

The newsletter also leaked an MP3: "THE MISSION (STRINGED OUT REMIX)". Sickwidit.
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The Sopranos, Season 6B "Kennedy and Heidi" [recap]



I first want to extend a big FUCK YOU to Google News; I hadn't watched this episode on Sunday, opting instead to DVR it and watch the finale of Survivor. Not necessarily a bad idea, but in checking Google News @ work the following Monday morning, I see a picture of Chrissy, with links saying "fans shocked over death of Sopranos character", and a host of other links. My mom then proceeds to call me, and even though I said "I DID NOT SEE THIS EPISODE, BUT I KNOW THAT CHRISSY DIED", she proceeded to run down to me the whole scene. So, basically, when I saw Chrissy fiddling with the soundtrack to The Departed, I knew what it was...

In any case, that shit was done beautifully. From Chris' almost nodding off behind the wheel to Kennedy & Heidi's split second reasoning ("I'm driving after hours with only a permit"), and Tony's coldheart, that just spoke volumes. He didn't shed one tear. He didn't even react. I was surprised that the early scene with Melfi was a dream: I was almost waiting for him to lay it on the line with her later on in the episode, but he kept up the facade. Normal, but damn. The one thing he slipped on was trying to get Carm to say she was relieved that Chrissy was now dead. She was his blood, and in any case her heart is not that cold. Tony's life has always been like that; he received the programming that AJ never got, which lets you understand why, when AJ tries to put up that front, he realizes that he truly just wants everyone to Rodney King it. You feel for him, because he got the worst of both parents: he got Carmela's sensitivity, which can shut you down when it gets tough, and that "disgusting Soprano gene" that Tony has spoken on over the course of six seasons of The Sopranos...

Were any of you busting a gut when you saw Tony, high on peyote, WINNING in Vegas? Things like that pay off. I read a pretty awesome write up on this episode, and they said he was saying "he's gone!" while on the floor of the casino, but I didn't catch that. Its fitting, though: Tony might have been speaking on the fact at hand, that Chrissy, the only guy (he knows about) that would have good reason to flip and fuck up his couch; he could have been talking about some "plague" that was causing his string of terrible gambling luck; or he could have just been talking about himself, or his tough-guy, sad-clown facade. He was letting his insides out during that whole sequence, and he loved it. Maybe he was tapping into his inner-Christopher? T has dabbled in drugs before, but we only really saw him do a few lines of coke. "Killer pot" and peyote? What's this, a Hunter Thompson novel? It all works, though.

One other thing my mom mentioned to me was her concern for AJ: she swears dude is going to kill himself. I would sure as shit hope not, but I would not be surprised. Unless he realizes that he is agood kid, and needs to be in school, getting his learn on, he will continue to go down that destructive path, and either bury all of his emotions, like his father, and become a heartless man, or he will consume himself.

Weren't you just waiting for the shit to hit the fan when Carm was introduced to Julianna? And wasn't seeing Kelli throwing teat to baby mouth one of the sexiest non-sex scenes in Sopranos history?

I do also want to send a shout out to Paulie Walnuts on the loss of his aunt/moms. You just KNEW that he only had the attendance to money spent ratio on his brain. Kind of sad, but he should have known from the tiffs at the nursing home: she didn't get along with many people her age, esp. since most of the people her age are dead. Damn that was cold...

With this show now like 4 or 5 episodes left (I lost count...), I find myself trying to piecemeal WTF is going to happen with the rest of the cast. I'm interested to see where Meadow will end up. Phil Leotardo, too. I have a feeling he won't make it. And Vesuvio's, what's going to happen to that spot? Silvio, where will he end up?

I can't keep doing that to myself. So, I watch reruns on A&E. Last night was Season 3's "He Is Risen", and during one scene I realized that Jackie Jr., Chrissy AND Adrianna were in it, and are now dead. Kind of odd when you think of it.

If you are looking to feed your Sopranos jones, you should check out Slate's article about where they think T will end up. MSN always provides quick, sometimes humorous recaps of each show. Idolator posted about the music featured in that episode, and provides MP3s. And when all else fails, check out HBO.com's growing synopsis of this episode.
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claw "Suspended Animation" (mix)

claw, a producer I've known through DOA and seen on the dubstepforum, sent over a pretty slick mix, with some classic Trip-Hop and wonderful Dubstep vibes - including DJ Nappy's refix of Khalifah's "Light a Fire". Check out the tracklisting:

0. Claw - Intro
1. Amon Tobin - 4 ton mantis
2. Bjork - Army of me
3. Portishead - Sour times
4. The Roots & Erykah Badu - You got me
5. Dj Shadow - Midnight in a perfect world
6. Tricky - Aftermath
7. Portishead - It could be sweet
8. Pinch - Punisher (Loefah's se25 mix)
9. Pinch - Punisher
10. Matty G - 50,000 watts
11. Claw feat. Jimmy Lonesome - Sour diesel
12. Technical Itch - Know
13. Khalifah feat. Bun b - Light a fire (Nappy vs. Ekaj extended dubstep mix)
14. Claw - Dubtempo
15. Loefah - Rufage
16. Headhunter - Arrival
17. Claw - The standard
18. Digital Mystiks - Ancient memories (Skream remix)
19. Matty G - The road is rough
20. Loefah - Mud
21. Digital Mystiks - Da wrath (Souljahz vip mix)
22. Coki - Officer
23. Monsta - Caveman vip
24. Burial - Wounder

What a BEAST! Download the mix HERE and HERE. And if any DJs are trying to get some THUGSTEP in their mixes, let me know. I will post it up here and elsewhere.

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LOST, Season 3: "The Man Behind the Curtain" [recap]




Sheesh. What a crazy episode.

Damon & Carlton said in the May 11th podcast that they wanted to create a "TiVo moment", inre: the brief glimpse of Jacob that we received, and I did in fact pause my DVR to catch it. Now, what we actually saw is just beyond me... let's break things down a bit:

First off, the whole "help me" that Locke heard, that situation is crazy. I don't doubt that Jacob is real, and is some kind of weird entity or something you can only see if you are tuned in or whatever the hell he is, but it just kills me that, apparently, it seems as though you can only hear what he wants to hear, or what have you. Like, Locke couldn't hear anything Jacob was saying to Ben, but when Jacob spoke to Locke, Ben couldn't hear it. This infuriated Ben, for not only does it seem like he wants to stay leader of the Others (or at least the Others who don't live in non-electric houses), he also wants to be the only enlightened one, the only one who can speak to and be spoken to by Jacob. I slipped up at the end of this episode, after the credits rolled... I said "damn, so Locke's dead?" and my wife answered back "What makes you say that he's dead?"... which is telling. Ben only shot Locke once, and it wasn't really in the heart (looked more like the stomache, no?); knowing how non-fatal blows can be cured at a more rapid pace, I don't doubt that Locke will be back before season's end. How, and in what shape, is anybody's guess...

Onto Ben: I am certain that he is lying about more than he says he is. I should never have believed him, after his fakeHenry Gale nonsense; but he constantly states this season that his is not a liar, almost to the point of being offended if you question his word. Then we find out that dude wasn't born on the island - didn't even get there until he was like 8 or 10 years old. That's BIG, but then again, when hardly anyone really knows this, he can kind of create his own past, with the power he wields. I did find it interesting that Richard Alpert might be what we consider to be a "Hostile", esp. since he looked the exact same (well, aside from his long locks)! This whole Hostiles/Others debate is crazy, too. And the talk about when the Purge actually took place is even more frustrating: this thread over at 4815162342.com is trying to pinpoint the decade (1980s vs 1990s) in which the purge took place - mainly due to what Rousseau and Mikhail have said previously, but the question of the Timex watch (made in 1992) that Ben wore in that scene - was that a production error or a big clue?)...

It was crazy to realize that the whole Hurley finding the van thing earlier this season had Ben's pops in it. As a matter of fact, that entire DHARMA scene when Ben touched down was a bit too much. I can't really wrap my head around what they were trying to do; nor can I fully believe that the DHARMA/Hanso people aren't having a hand in the island today. Who knows, though; we haven't seen a fooddrop in a while, and we are to assume that the destruction of The Flame AND the destruction of the sub killed all outside contact. I just find it difficult to believe that neither DHARMA nor Hanso were involved for years before Flight 815 fell from the sky...

Here are a few points, just some things I am throwing out there:

*I loved seeing Locke whup on Mikhail; he always gets his ass kicked, right?
*From what I've been reading, the idea is that Ben was born in/around 1965. If so, it's safe to assume that he and his father touched down on the Island in the 70s. How long was DHARMA on that island before Ben got there?
*The gun Ben shot Locke with: was it the same gun Alex gave him, or did he have his own piece on him?
*Why would Jacob be asking for help? Does Ben have him held there beyond his will? Is that what the substance Locke was trying to investigate outside of the cabin (and what is supposedly in the cabin) was there for?
*The lantern broke and a fire erupted in the cabin: why was there no smoke, nor any broken lantern when Ben left the cabin?
*If the grave was full of DHARMA people who got gassed, why did one of them have a gunshot wound to the head? And was Ben the only DHARMA person who joined up with the Others? And what happened to Annie?
*Did all of the DHARMA guys survive? I'd imagine that any gas let off would only affect that camp - but DHARMA had stations all over, and they weren't close.
*What does Juliet actually think she was going to do to help the survivors of Flight 815? Telling them that the Others were planning on swiping the females is one thing...

There is just so much going on. And next week looks like a MOTHER, with this big survivors/Others battle set to pop off. Check out the trailer, then try to cool off. I really hope that Jack is straight and narrow, and primed to set it off with the Others, but who knows - he could go either way, from uncompromised to infatuated/intrigued by Juliet. Hopefully he is doing the right thing.

Sad thing is, this week's ep is the last new episode before the finale. It's this week, then a LOST: The answers show on May the 17th, then the two hour finale after that. Two hours of who knows what, I just can't wait for whatever they may bring.

In the mean time, check out this Doc Jensen theory, which is all about links to philosophers and Postmodernism. Kind of wordy, but I'm also not that bright...

Until next time: namaste!

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The Sopranos, Season 6B "Walk Like A Man" [recap]



Never worked on a recap at all. Check out HBO.com's synopsis of it.

I never thought I'd see the day where AJ looked more and more like a gangster, and it all happened over a piece of Puerto Rican trim. Stranger things have happened, I guess...

Chrissy hopefully learned a valuable lesson as well: stick to your friends. No faxing and two-ways in the Mob.

This week is going to delve deeper into that AJ shit, I can feel it...
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LOST, Season 3: "The Brig" [recap]



I first want to again apologize for this recap coming the same day the new episode will be dropping. I got this new temp. gig, and haven't really been on the PC as of late. Anyway, let's get to it...

Did you guys know beforehand that Cooper was the guy who drove Sawyer's father to murk his mom and himself? Exec Producers Damon and Carlton seem to think so, as they say in the latest Official LOST podcast, but I really don't see it. I mean, OK, they are the 2 main ones involved in cons, and situations like that can surely drive you do crazy fates, but I really don't think it was as pronounced as they might think it was. In any case, you could smell the whole setup from the beginning of the episode, which wasn't that cool. I mean, I knew Ben wasn't being held captive. Locke isn't that cold, or sneaky. And once Sawyer got "locked" (hah! nice pun!) into that room with Cooper, I figured out what was about to go down. Does that mean it was not executed well? Not at all... it basically means I'm too dedicated to the show! I'm such a fan, like many of you, that I can see where the main chunk of the ep is going to go...

There is one thing I loved seeing in "The Brig", though: Alpert. I so want him to be Slugworth (well, Mr. Wilkinson) of the Others, but from the hints the producers have dropped, do not be surprised if this splitting of the Others that is eminent (see Juliet's hatred for Ben, Alpert letting Sawyer know of Ben's intentions, etc.)... and Alpert will be one of the heads of any rebel faction against Ben. But who knows? I mean, from that tiny scene with Locke on the hill, you could read it straight: Alpert wants Locke to know he is special, and to prove something to Ben; or you could read it how I originally read it: Ben put Alpert up to it, to force Locke further down the rabbit hole. In any case, Locke took the bait: we see him at the end of this episode, walking with his father's dead body on his back; he says he is going to find his own way, and he is: and from the preview of "The Man Behind The Curtain", we will be learning much more about Hanso and/or DHARMA, and from the producer's own mouths, we will be learning more about Benjamin Linus, who is the man behind the curtain (lovely Wizard of Oz reference).

I don't pay too much attention to spoiler sites, couldn't even give you a link to ones I have checked in the past, but I believe we are to learn more about this mysterious JACOB character in the very near future. We are also going to find out that the survivors find out about Juliet's intentions (which kind of makes sense, since Sawyer is given the tape recorder he jacked from Ben)... but is everything really so cut and dry?

To get back to the island, I just want to bullet a few points:

  • Jack is a damned fool. Not only is this fool wanting to know EVERYTHING that is on the island, he is keeping his own secrets? I doubt he is working for the Others, but he knows something that is going to be detrimental... maybe he already knows Juliet's motives?
  • I'm glad that we now officially know that Penny Widmore was hunting for Desmond; I do not like how fucking mystical its getting though. You'd think that if they found out that Oceanic Flight 815 crashed, that they'd have exhumed the bodies in the plane, no? They recovered mad bodies from the 9/11 site; why not pick up the plane from the ocean for proper burial? Is this customary?
  • The Naomi/Sayid bickering cracked me up. I loved her "remind me not to rescue you" line. I hope she is around for a while...
  • You like how Locke assumes that the Black Rock was steered TOWARDS the island. He has to have some idea of how Oceanic 815 got to the island (although I am starting to reconsider it just being the anamoly that brought the plane down), why would he automatically assume that the Black Rock MEANT to go to the island?
  • WTF is Rousseau doing with the dynamite?
  • Why the inclusion of Cooper's rantings of the island really being purgatory? This has been debunked for a while now... I guess I understand why he would think that, given how he ended up there... but why the persistance by the writers? Or is that a nod to the theorist and fanboys?
  • I liked how Ben threw Locke's "don't tell me what I can't do" line back at him... so fucking eerie, and interesting for sad fucks like myself.

On a totally non-episode note, ABC has let us know that LOST will be ending in 2010, which calculates to 3 more seasons of this masterpiece of a TV show. Best news I've heard in a while. This is exactly what we all need: a finite point, something to look forward to. And it gives the producers a timeline to show shit they always want to show, and weave it in without trying to figure out when and where to drop hints and clues and such.

For more info on this episode, check out LostPedia's synopsis. And if you are bored/looking for something interesting to read, peep MSN TV's LOST Death Pool.
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