My friend nataliesee is video-blogging her progress with getting back into the cello over the coming year… another good example of 2010 being the year when we all Get Excited & Make Things!
The Internet is for porn Creation!
Friday Music
Here we go…
First up, a request in honor of
If you’d like to hear what Imelda May’s own stuff sounds like, here’s a track from her debut album Love Tattoo — an ode to the upright bass: Imelda May – “Johnny’s Got A Boom-Boom.”
Watched a documentary on HBO this week called “This is my Africa”, featuring various famous Anglo-Africans (including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Colin Firth — who was raised in Nigeria) talking about everything from food to language to music. Very cool. The section on music introduced me to the following Nigerian artist. Born Bukola Elemide in Paris, her family moved back to Nigeria when she was two. She perfoms under the stage name Aṣa (pronounced “Asha”), which is Yoruba for “Hawk.” Great sound — a mix of jazz, soul and reggae. This song speaks of the problems facing Africa, which everyone is ignoring. A very compelling mix of urgent, socially-conscious lyrics, with a laid-back sound. Aṣa – “Fire On The Mountain.”
Rob Zombie’s new album is out — the first one that he’s actually recorded with his touring band, instead of just doing all himself. It’s presented as a “sequel” to his solo debut, and the full title is Hellbilly Deluxe 2: Noble Jackals, Penny Dreadfuls and the Systematic Dehumanization of Cool. This track is based around the brilliant fake movie trailer that he did for Tarantino and Rodriguez’ Grindhouse: Rob Zombie – “Werewolf Women of the SS.”
Massive Attack also has a new album, their first in seven years. I haven’t listened to much of it yet, but this track grabbed me pretty much immediately: Massive Attack – “Girl I Love You (feat. Horace Andy).”
…and lastly, a blast from the past which I heard again this week, reminding me of how much I like it. Delerium – “Silence (feat. Sarah McLachlan).”
There you go. Enjoy!
Must-See TV
Remember when Obama said, during the State of the Union, that he was planning on meeting with Republicans and Democrats soon?
Well, today, he went to the House Republicans Retreat and engaged in what can only be described as the US equivalent of Prime Minister’s Question Time. CSPAN has the video. You need to watch this.
He engaged them, on their turf, in an open exchange of ideas. Not only did he come off as the adult in the room, but he showed the difference between debate and obstruction… and well, just fucking mopped the floor with them. Totally dismantled wingnut ‘gotcha’ questions with aplomb and a smile — made them look like idiots. He needs to do this, with *both* sides, on a regular basis. Knock some rhetorical heads and start demonstrating the “presiding” part of the word “President.”
Today’s back and forth was such a dramatic scene that GOP operatives are already talking about how huge a mistake it was to allow cameras at the event and Fox News decided to cut away from the event before it was over, despite planning a full broadcasting block around it.
Wow. More of this, please.