Soundtrack of Week 30

Prison Garde - Systéme Hermés Volume One

A fan of Sixtoo or Megasoid? Then you might just like Prison Garde, Robert Squire's latest moniker. And better yet. You can download a collection of his tracks for free here. Enjoy!

Captain America: The First Avenger

Captain America: The First Avenger

Review: I am kind of a sucker for superhero movies. Some of them are good, and some of them are bad. Captain America: The First Avenger is sadly to say of the latter group. Wasn't too surprised though since I never really dug the Captain America comics. He's always been too much of a patriotic goody two shoes for me. But the movie was watchable, but not much more.

Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest

Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest

Review: This is one documentary I've been looking forward to seeing for a long time. A Tribe Called Quest is one of the most important groups if I look back onto my musical life. Ever since I first heard them back in 1990 I've loved their music and A Low End Theory is one of my top 5 albums of all time. And I must say that I liked this documentary made by Michael Rapaport. It tells the story of the band and don't shy away from the internal conflicts and the reasons behind their breakup. It feels honest, it feels real and it was rewarding to watch it. Now I think it's time to pull out their records from the collection and enjoy them once again.

Super

Super

Review: When sitting down to watch Super, I was kind of expecting just another rip off of movies like Kick-Ass and Defendor. But I was actually very happily surprised. This movie definitely held it's own, much thanks to the dark humor and the terrific cast. I liked it!

Freestyle Fellowship - The Promise

Good news. On October 4th, Freestyle Fellowship will release their first album in 10 years. The album entitled The Promise features productions from Exile, Black Milk and Eligh. Can't wait to hear this one!

Killing Bono

Killing Bono

Review: Killing Bono is based on Neil McCormick's memoir Killing Bono: I Was Bono's Doppelgänger. I really don't know how much of this that is actually true, but it really doesn't matter. The story and the movie is quite weak and something easily forgetable. Must mention though that I like the acting overall, and it was a bit moving to see Pete Postlethwaite's last performance on screen.

Joel Siméus - freeloader

You know what you have to do right? You need to go to the bandcamp page of producer extraordinarie, Joel Siméus. There you can download his latest mix, freeloader, for free. And I really think you should. And if you wonder who's made the classy cover? Well, no other than yours truly. But enough of that now. Go here, download the mix and enjoy good music.

Soundtrack of Week 29

Ironclad

Ironclad

Review: I must say that I was a bit surprised by this movie. It was actually much better than I could have expected. Kind of crappy actors though, apart from Paul Giamatti as King John. He is always a real pleasure to watch.

Howler - Howler Than You

I have to admit that I wasn't really feeling the first video from Howler (ex. Zucchini Drive), but this latest track has a nice feel to it that I dig. Marcus Graap is rocking that hairdo too.

Serengeti - California

From Serengeti's amazing album Family and Friends comes the video to California.

Beastie Boys - Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win feat. Santigold

Latest video from the Beastie Boys camp. Directed by Spike Jonze.

The Beastie Boys Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win ft. Santigold from Beastie Boys

Soundtrack of Week 28

Shabazz Palaces - Black Up

Do you remember Digible Planets? They were one of the forerunners in the 90's when it comes to jazzy hip hop. One of their emcees, Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler, is nowadays a part of Shabazz Palaces. After self-releasing two mini-albums, it's now turn for the full length debut on Sub Pop. And what an album it is! Discordant beats, jazz, wicked poetry and electronic minimalism all merge together to create a record that might not be direct for some listeners, but that lets us discover new things each time. I can lie, I love this album. It's nice to see artists like this in a world filled with talk of swag and auto tune. This won't be the last time that I'll mention this record this year. You will most probably find it amongst this year's top ten albums.

Rating: 4.5/5

iD the Poet & Dusty Nix - Bully Free

I just got sent this album the other day. I must admit that both iD the Poet & Dusty Nix was completely unknown me before that mail. But new sounds are always welcome, and especially when they sound like this. At the same time as I know that this is probably nothing that I will listen to in 6 months time, it feels fresh and funky for the time being and isn't that really what music is all about. The productions on the album is a mix of boom bap, electronic sound scapes and guitars and it all creates a pleasant wall of sound for the vocals to ride on. I might miss something that really grabs me and shakes me around a bit, but in headphones on the way to work this is perfect music for those days that you just want to dream away a bit. Wanna check it out yourself? Go to the bandcamp page and cop that shit. It's name-your-price so even cheap skates can afford it.

Rating: 3/5

Shabazz Palaces @ Daytrotter

Time for another Daytrotter session. This time it's from Shabazz Disciples, the group behind one of this year's best albums so far (review is coming up). Go here to listen/download.

Cablebeard

Yes sir, I will be very handsome indeed in this.

Source Code

Source Code

Review: I liked this movie. A bit predictable perhaps, but still a good watch. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Monaghan are always a pleasure to watch on the screen, and this was just what I needed today. Some escape from everyday life.

AWOL One and Nathaniel Motte - Cheap Sunglasses feat. Slug

New video taken from AWOL One and Nathaniel Motte's album The Child Star.

sole & the skyrider band - Hello Cruel World

I've never been a big fan of sole & the skyrider band. I love a lot of sole's own material and he will always have a special place in my heart, but the work with the skyrider band have never touched me that much. So I must say that I was gladly surprised when I listened to Hello Cruel World. Tracks like D.I.Y., Hello Cruel World and Progress Trap are all great songs and the album is filled with real head nodders. So after a while I was thinking along the lines of giving it all a really high rating. But that was unfortunately before I had heard Formal Designation 134340 and to a lesser degree Captain Bad Swag. No need to beat around the bush about it, Formal Designation 134340 is one of the worst songs sole has ever released if you ask me. Sadly, these two songs lowers the overall impression of a otherwise great album. Being the huge fan of Fake Four Inc. and Ceschi that I am, I just have to ask one question though. Is it part of the deal when releasing music on the label that Ceschi has to be featured somewhere on the album?

Rating: 3/5

Candy for the Bookshelf

Brzowski - A Fitful Sleep

I know it's never good to start off a review with what might be seen as a diss, but I can't help it. The first time I heard Brzowski's voice I couldn't help thinking of Everlast. But here the unintentional diss ends. Because unlike Everlast, Brzowski has got a nice flow, writes good lyrics and is much more than a pseudo thug. This Portland based emcee has been around for many years on the underground circuit releasing a handful of records in different formats. What we get on A Fitful Sleep is disorted guitars, punk aesthetics and hardhitting beats. Brzowski raps about personal things mixed with more political lyrics. Sometimes his flow is straight on, but when you think you have got him pin pointed, he goes off in true tongue twisters. This album may not consist of any real dance joints or radio hits. What it is filled with however, is good music and who could really ask for more?

Rating: 3/5

Virtue & DJ Emoh Betta - Following Wild

Wow! This album was a really nice surprise. I can't say that I'd heard too much of Virtue before putting on this album, but since the album is released on Milled Pavement I was sure I wouldn't be disappointed. And I just have to come out and say it. I love this album! Virtue is a really good emcee that I really enjoy listening to. And with the addition of great guests and amazing productions, this album is a real gem. I even find it difficult to name any specific songs, but I think I at least have to mention Trail Mix. And that is because of 2 reasons: Watsky and dynamo414. I'm really glad to get to hear Watsky flow over my man dynamo414's smoking beat. Finally I also want to lift my hat to the fact that DJ Emoh Betta gets his due credit on this album. DJ's nowadays are too easily ignored. Following Wild keeps flying Milled Pavement's flag high.

Rating: 4/5

Kapten Röd - Fläcken Som Aldrig Går Bort

There are few records that I've been looking forward to as much as Fläcken Som Aldrig Går Bort. Ever since I first heard Kapten Röd back in like 2005 I've been following him closely. I've never really been a huge fan of reggae, and especially not in Swedish. But when Kapten Röd entered the scene I was totally blown away. And to add to it all, I have to mention that he's also one of the nicest and warmest artists I ever had the pleasure to talk to. His debut album Stjärnorna Finns Här that was released in 2007 is one of my favourite records these last few years. So you can imagine my expectations when this album finally dropped this week. And was I disappointed? No, far from it. Kapten Röd still shows why he's Sweden's finest when it comes to reggae, and also why he's one of my favourite lyricists. I would love to give this album a top rating, but I'm afraid that I can't do that. As much as I love him and this album, I have to admit that all tracks don't hold up very well. Wasteman Blues is by far the weakest track on the album and Bua! that is featuring Promoe is not that memorable. But enough of the negativity. Fläcken Som Aldrig Går Bort is still on of the best albums I've heard in a long time, and I will have it on frequent rotation on my iPhone for many many months.

Rating: 4/5

Misanthrop & THMS - Fatalist

Milled Pavement is really doing it at the moment. This is one of 3 releases that I will review the next few days. First out is the new EP from THMS & Misanthrop. For you who have heard them before you know that this is not your everyday hip hop. It is dirty, distorted and bilingual. The mix of THMS verses in Swedish and Misanthrop's German counterparts work very good together. But what really does it for me is the beats. It's definitely my cup of tea, and one of the reasons why I hold Misanthrop as one of my favourite producers at the moment. If you're in the mood for something a bit different this summer, check out Fatalist.

Rating: 3/5

Soundtrack of Week 27

World of the Dead - The Zombie Diaries 2

World of the Dead - The Zombie Diaries 2

Review: Zombies and a camcorder. What an original idea! Not. I love zombie movies in general, but this was a real waste of time.

The Whitest Kids U' Know

So now it all came to an end. I just watched the finale episode of The Whitest Kids U' Know. It's sad to know that there won't be any more shows, but it was fun while it lasted.

The Trip

The Trip

Review: This was just what I needed today. A charming British comedy. The Trip is based on the television show of the same name. It's actually just Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon playing fictionalized versions of themselves undertaking a tour of restaurants in the UK. There isn't really much of a story, but the charm and the humour itself makes this a real joy to watch.

Wild Dogs in Winter - The Butcher's Wife

Great song and video from Wild Dogs in Winter.

Wild Dogs In Winter - The Butcher's Wife from run-comrades on Vimeo.

Kapten Röd - Saknade Vänner

While waiting for Fläcken Som Aldrig Går Bort, the new album from Kapten Röd, that is released this week here's the video to Saknade Vänner. Björn, you're going from strength to strength!

Peace & Love 2011

Time for a short review of this year's edition of Peace & Love. I didn't really watch that many shows in the beginning due to work at the festival. But the first days brought some good performances by Paulo Nutini, Lykke Li and Timbuktu and some less than good shows from bob hund, Sator and Social Distortion. The last day however was a real treat for me. It started off with Kapten Röd. He did a great show and I literally had goosebumps throughout the whole thing. He performed some new material from the album Fläcken Som Aldrig Går Bort and it sounded as good as I could have hoped for. After that it was time for Sage Francis. I've seen him a bunch of times throughout the years, and he always delivers. And this time was no different. Few artists can do what he does with just a microphone and a CD-player, but it was awesome as always. After that it was time for some Bad Religion. I like their music, but I soon lost interest and left. I took a little break before watching the end of Säkert!. There really is something about Annika Norlin that I like. After that it was time for Bob Dylan. This was the show that most people had looked forward to, but I must say that it was nothing more than listening to the Swedish Chef roaring noices with the help of some blues musicians. Boring was the word. I left before he finished to go and check out Beardyman. I loved it. Such a talent and such a party he created on the dancefloor. He lived up to all of my expectiations. Caught a few songs of Christian Kjellvander (good), Foreigner (crap) and Håkan Hellström (ok) before ending the day and the festival with Prop Dylan. He got good songs but live he mostly bores me to be honest. All in all a good festival and I'm happy that I went.

Beardyman - Unshaved

I'm really supposed to write a review of the Peace & Love festival that's been going on this week. But before I do that I will continue to obsess about Beardyman. So here you go.

Soundtrack of Week 26