Keeping things on the other worldly tip, Björk has graced us with her musical presence once again.
As an artist Björk always seeks to tread on new creative ground and can never be accused of being either never boring or predictable.
I haven’t checked out any of the apps created for the album (The Guardian swears it will change the way we ‘consume’ music) however I do like the new video directed by Michel Gondry (who also directed one of my fav films ever – Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind).
Due to ever spiralling costs, last weeks Atlantis landing at the Kennedy Space Center marked the end to the NASA Space Shuttle programme. Space exploration might just be moving that little bit closer to home, as Vincent Fournierand his stunning photography charts the Space Project taking place in otherworldly places right here on planet Earth.
Out in the streets, people are doing more than shopping for new clothes and furniture. History has shown that democracy in action isn’t always pretty. Many are now realising that their democratic rights can’t be fought from the comfort of the living room sofa.
If there were a soundtrack to ‘conscientious uprising’, Africa Hitech’s ‘Out In The Streets’ would be it. At twenty%extra™ we created our own version of the video in response to the poignant chorus, which could literally be a soundtrack of our times.
I don’t know when in 2012 this film is coming out. Christian Bale aside, I don’t even know who’ll be starring in it. I do know however that this teaser poster is simply dope.
An image of anarchy and apocalypse depicted with such craft can only bode well for the film itself.
If you’re an avid culture vulture then you’ll know that art, music and style are cyclical: the old becomes new, and the new inevitably becomes the old.
Whether any of the above are in sync with ‘now’ or not has little bearing on the notion of something actually being good or not. Having said all that, I do love to spot a trend or two. And one bubbling under the radar is the returning influence of reggae and dancehall culture.
Maybe it has been the impact of Dubstep that has seduced audiences into the heavy bass lines, but another thing I’ve noticed and been quite happy about is the resurgence of Reggae & Dancehall legend DJ David Rodigan. Recently I can’t turn for the mentions of ol’ DR’s upcoming gigs and features. Whether it be with Urban Nerds, Giles Peterson or his upcoming show that starts this week Thursday on BBC Radio 2 as part of a ten part special on the origins and current stars of Reggae music.
So why am I excited? Because Rodigan was one of the first DJ’s I followed as a kid. My fingers were always on standby to press play & record on the tape deck whilst listening to his evening time slots on stations such as Capital and Kiss. Later on I would go on to hear his live sets at sound clashes and at parties I probably shouldn’t have been at (sorry Dad!).
Looking like a cross between an accountant and a trendy granddad, when he gets on the turntables his skilful selection and feisty wit going toe to toe with the dancehall establishment is a sight to behold.
With a career that has spanned over the last three decades, what has made Rodigan an enduring force within music is his palatable energy, knowledge and enthusiasm for the music he so dearly loves. Here’s hoping that it will keep him going a few decades more. We salute you David Rodigan!
New music from The Insomniax. The Love She Wants is the music you need.
The reluctant end to a relationship rarely comes with such bone rattling sensibilities, so if you have bass bins I suggest you turn them up, because laptop speakers won’t cut it.
Stones Throw are marketing geniuses. The Stones Throw Video Contest which launched back in April and ends today is proof of that.
Such is the nature of genius that it attracts, well, genius. Enter Samuel Craven with a final day entry that’s already got the attention of Mr Perkins himself.
Sam’s video for Flowers provides all the essential ingredients for a summer video: it’s beautiful, calming and uplifting and works in perfect harmony with the track. Sure I’m biased but it deserves your vote, or at least a play or two.
