Wednesday, May 18, 2011

PROF

“Everyone’s trying to be a preacher or a politician— telling you how to live your life. I’m not running for Senate. I’m doing this for fun and I don’t watch my mouth.” -Prof


Prof. Minneapolis, MN. Rapper. Killer Mustache. His songs show humor and a carefree party attitude that exemplifies his airy approach toward hip hop. But do not confuse this coolness with laziness; his rhymes are clever and beats refreshing, showing real precision and talent. He rocks his shows and is a big part of the increasing popularity and credibility of midwest hip hop. 




Check out his website for info, videos, free downloads and tour dates! http://www.stophousegroup.com/prof/



Tuesday, May 3, 2011

70s Rock and Roll Style

Hard rock of the 1970s... Could I choose a more broad musical era? But right now, it's less about the revolutionary music, and more about their hard hitting style choices. With so much cultural change encompassing the time, these 70s rockers set a statement in both their music and their clothing choices.They came just before the eyeliner, tight leather pants, and big hair of the 1980s rock bands (thankfully). Yeah, these boys were different. Effortlessly cool and very 'Almost Famous'-esque, this is definitely my favorite era to emulate in my own personal clothing style. And because of their long-living tunes and threads, these bands will never be forgotten. Their cool fashion choices have become iconic styles and can be seen everywhere in American culture today.


Led Zeppelin
Tight pants, open button-ups, graphic t's, unkempt hair, and a cavalier attitude are the basic elements of Led Zepp's timeless look. And thinking into the present day musicians, you can realize that music style trends like these never die.  




The Rolling Stones
The Stones exemplify the preppy style of the era- well groomed men with tailored jackets, slim trousers, dress shoes and an arrogant air about them. A timeless look that many have since duplicated.





Deep Purple
Hippie-chic boys of 70s match up perfectly to the breezy styles seen at Coachella and other bohemian music festivals. The same look seen today in hipsters everywhere, these boys are rockin' messy long hair, denim, schoolboy caps, shades, and a cool mind-set.





AC/DC


AC/DC has a chill California skater style, another trend of the moment, which encompasses skinny jeans, loose shirts, and a careless cool attitude.



Seeing how much style has transgressed from this era to today emphasizes that music not only influences how we view the world, our mood, and the people we hang out with, but also our personal style choices. These bands were style mavericks and I'd emulate every one of these looks... while listening to their music (of course). 

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Culture Cry Wolf

Hey. I'm about to get infomercial, so prepare yourself. (Imagine a shouting voice and angry people montages) Are you sick and tired of the same old industry fueled, mainstream maintained bullsh*t some call "today's music"? Well I've got great news! You're not alone, and boom, I've got a solution for you! No, not heroin. It's Minneapolis band Culture Cry Wolf. I recently purchase their 6 song EP The Wesely Opus Sessions, and whammy- I was hooked.



 Their "Hip hop, Reggae, Punk and Ska" sound has hints of 311 and Sublime, which explains why I am so drawn to them. All the genres come together easily to form a bizarre, yet perfect combination. The smooth flow of reggae-ska and a one-two punch with punk and hip hop... Such a beautfiul idea. And Culture Cry Wolf has truly mastered meshing it all together to create an upbeat, complex sound unique to them.

And on the performance side- "Their lively music neatly captures the energy and atmosphere of a sunny summer afternoon in Minneapolis; their live shows could melt the ice off the roof of any venue."
-Tyler Hakes (abovethegroundmagazine.com) Damn! Sounds like a performance worth going to.











Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Live and Direct from the Soulcrate

Let's talk about Soulcrate Music. I'm going to their concert tonight and I'm pretty damn pumped about the show for a few reasons.

1. It may be true that any live music is fun... But Soulcrate puts on a craaazy show. Elbows from every direction and you can only hope that the girl in front of you isn't wearing heels when he stomps backwards on top of your toes.

2. Soulcrate is definitely one of my favorite bands... And the fact that they're a great live band is major plus. I've seen them close to 10 times and I'm still coming back for more. 
 
 3. They just make feel good music for a good time. Show's gonna be dope.
 



                                                                                                                          
                             


ATMOSPHERE



Atmosphere, the hip hop group from Minneapolis, returns with their 7th official studio album. "The Family Sign comes from a place well refined and firmly planted, from a universal perspective. It's about being okay with losing friends and strengthening your bonds with others, celebrating the person who's been the most positive in your life, your kids, your homies, leaving the people you need to behind, and bringing the ones you love with you. It's about your family, your time and the time you have with them. It's about living and dying. It's the truth about family, that it comes from loyalty as much as biology. It's about breaking down your perceptions of family and really appreciating the people who've made you who you are and continue doing so." -Rhymesayers Entertainment


Big Promises from Rhymesayers... luckily Atmosphere has the chops to deliver. Must buy album. So, do it.






Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Winner winner chicken dinner

The costumes, the attitude, the lyrical content. Well it's all weird, but at the same time awesome. Watch Yes Man, and learn to looove Munchausen By Proxy.



Although Munchausen By Proxy is a fictional band in the movie Yes Man, they still deserve some recognition. Plus, I'm feeling a bit aloof, so best not dive into any real music today. The song is Uh-Huh and it is HILARIOUS. Not to mention the amazing Zooey Deschanel is in it... So enough said?