Lollapalooza 2011 Line-up Announced
Interested in this year’s artist line up for Lollapalooza? Lolla is celebrating its 20th year on the music scene and has managed to put together yet another awesome roster of magnificent talent! Eminem, Coldplay, Foo Fighters and Muse just to name a few! Lollapalooza kicks off August 5th – 7th at Grant Park in Chicago.
NME Movie Review TRON: Legacy
Of all the sci-fi released in 1982, few would have predicted it would be Tron, and not E.T. or Blade Runner, that would be ripe for reappraisal almost thirty years later. Now, in the shape of Tron: Legacy supposition has become fact. It’s a rebirth for the eighties curio that Disney are banking on becoming a franchise. Similar plans to produce The Cabbage Patch Kids: Redux are as yet unconfirmed.
Casting bright young things Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde, the studio have said much that is boastful about the new film’s technical ingenuity. $150 million has been spent on marketing, the film was trailed by one of the most talked about viral campaigns of the year, while in pairing up craggy ol’ Jeff Bridges with his more spritely younger self, they’ve set a precedent for aging thesps to revisit former glories that will be either interesting or plain depressing to see play out from here.
David A. Arnold, ‘I’ve Never Heard of You Either!’
Comedian David A. Arnold’s latest DVD, ‘I’ve Never Heard of You Either!’ is a tribute to his 15 year career that has proven to be a true journey. In this 53 minute performance David shares his views on life, his kids and marriage. Sit back, enjoy and get to know the comedian who’s never heard of you either!
Artist Spotlight: KIMBRA
By Brian Bowers
“Interesting” was the first word I thought when the video of Kimbra began playing. A friend of mine posted a link online. She’s pretty smart and has a great taste in music, so I figured I’d give it a go. As the video started up, I was suddenly fascinated by what began to unfold and the interest continued to build.
There was something peculiar about her style, her performance, lyricism and even the way she moved. Her hands stretched before her and with dole-eyes slightly glazed, she worked magic as she conjured the music up from thin air. The song was ‘Good Intent’ live at Sing Song Studios. After the video ended, the only other word I could think of to describe this unique artist was “committed.”
Oftentimes, when listening to artists nowadays, you get a variety of extremes. Musicians are seemingly disconnected to the repetitious melodies of underwhelming music that they struggle to express, much less impress. Then of course, there are those who we find lost in wild histrionics that are bewildering and leave you wondering just what it all meant. There is something different about Kimbra and I believe she could very well be on the verge of something great as she emerges on the global music scene. So who is she?
Kimbra, is a Kiwi singer/songwriter from Melbourne and is only 20 years old. She lists Nina Simone as one of her inspirations, and I definitely see the rebellion and audacity in her that reminds me of Nina in a sense. Nothing is more exciting than witnessing an artist that has music and a performance that fully embraces and envelopes you. The art has a way of commanding you to pay attention at one moment and then gently requests it of you the next. These are the great ones that truly let go in a way that makes you want to let go too—even if for a little while.
Settle Down, the first single from her upcoming album Vows, has a catchy melody carried by an interesting vocal arrangement paired with deeply personal lyrics. Her live performance of the song at Sing Song Studios is almost better than the original, in my humble opinion. In her eyes you get to experience the intensity and passion brought to life with a live band of equally passionate musicians.
I wanna settle down
I wanna settle down
Baby there’s no need to run
I’ll love you well
I wanna settle down
It’s time to bring you down
On just one knee for now
Lets make our vows.
With such compelling lyrics, its clear Kimbra has the soul of a poet that makes for a provocative songwriter. In this way, she reminds me of Corinne Bailey Rae with a beautiful sensitivity delivered with an aggressive edge. Her vocal style is very deliberate, but it isn’t overwhelming, or pushed because it just flows. Her welcoming demeanor allows her to seamlessly blend soul, pop, accapella, jazz in way that is refreshing and clear. If you want to check her out, see the myspace page here and her youtube channel here—gotta love the digital age. Of course we could go on about this great artist, but she is one you definitely should check out for yourself. The album Vows is expected to be released early 2011.
New Netflix App Makes for Discless Streaming
By Brian Bowers
Disclaimer: I am not a ‘real’ gamer. That rhymes, how nice. I’m a poet and didn’t know it! But pressing onward. I enjoy entertainment and gaming consoles. Particular their media and streaming capabilities. They can serve multiple functions.
Considering these things, there are a number of reasons X-Box 360 users have claimed the system is superior to the Wii or PS3. Luckily for all of us, we don’t have enough time to go through them all. Nor do we want to stir debate! When shopping for my own console, one of my main concerns was streaming capabilities, namely Netflix. There are number of top brand BlueRay players that have this capability, but I was set on a gaming console and after much thought I decided to get the PS3.
But, in order to stream Netflix on your PS3 you needed a nice little disc. This was definitely one of the number one complaints I read about the PS3′s from those who try to fully maximize its features I mean, when you are comfortable on your couch, do you really want to get up and take out the game and put the disc in!?!? Of course not! Honestly, it wasn’t ‘that’ serious for me, but I completely understand the sentiment.
It is now official: Wii and PS3 users no longer have to use the Netflix disc with the latest Netflix app/upgrade! In addition to the update, users will benefit from 1080p HD streams, subtitles and 5.1 Dolby as well–with select films! Another disclaimer: I’m not sure whether or not you have to have a ‘newer PS3′ to benefit from this upgrade. If yours does not work, don’t blame Hypursuit! We are just telling you what the press releases say!
Although I’ve yet to try this specific feature out (my AT&T Uverse isn’t going to be set up until this coming Tues), it is nice to know I’ll be smooth sailing…hopefully. Though there are complaints about the user interface, queue issues…etc, many users hope these are kinks that will soon be worked out. There you go, and if you didn’t know, now you know! I’m sure a follow-up review is coming soon…
The [R]evolution of Bilal: Airtight’s Revenge
By Brian Bowers
It’s been 9 years since Bilal Sayeed Oliver released his debut album 1st Born Second. The follow-up album Love for Sale, though regarded by many as some of his greatest work, was never officially released due to label issues and a ![DSC 0060web The [R]evolution of Bilal: <i> Airtights Revenge </i>](http://www.plugresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DSC_0060web.jpg "The [R]evolution of Bilal: <i> Airtights Revenge </i>")
devastating leak online. On September 6, 2010 the singer officially released his second studio album via Plug Research, an independent label based in LA.
Titled Airtight’s Revenge, the album gives us characterstic Bilal with thoughtful lyrics painted on a musical canvas some have called “alternative soul.” Regardless of the genre or style Bilal is simply in his own lane and his music stands alone. To say he has changed would be to minimalize the evolution he has taken artistically. He has grown, matured and he has evolved.
Most of the production is credited to Bilal himself along with Steve McKie, Shafiq Husayn, Conley Whitfield and 88-Keys. The album is really a mélange of ‘retro’ sounds, styles and motifs fused together that create a soundscape that is wonderful and refreshing. On some of the tracks, the melodies draw from a free structure and give a sense of wandering and winding—that is meant in a good way.
A skillful songwriter and master of expression, there is a flow and vibe that makes it all cohesive both in terms of content and style. As the age old adage says, “not all who wander are lost,” and with his latest release he seems to know exactly where he wants to go artistically.
Track listing and Cover for Airtight’s Revenge
![bilal airtights revenge cov thumb 473xauto 6794 The [R]evolution of Bilal: <i> Airtights Revenge </i>](http://soulbounce.com/soul/assets_c/2010/07/bilal-airtights-revenge-cov-thumb-473xauto-6794.jpg "The [R]evolution of Bilal: <i> Airtights Revenge </i>")
1. Cake & Eat It Too 2. Restart 3. All Matter 4. Flying 5. Levels 6. Little One 7. Move On 8. Robots 9. The Dollar 10. Who Are You 11. Think It Over
Standout tracks on the album include Think It Over, Cake & Eat it Too, Little One and definitely Who Are You. On Who You Are Bilal contemplates identity, human behavior and blatantly asks the question throughout the song in a way that lingers with the listener. The artist opens the song by gently conversing with the listener:
Ever told you about the boy, who said he was a Virgo, he walked around doing every little thing he thought a Virgo does. Until he read in the paper, that he might be a Leo, so he started acting out on every little thing he thought a Leo should.
Ever the storyteller, the album certainl Dark and deeply personal, Airtight’s Revenge shows Bilal at his best. All of his work shows a vulnerability and openness that you don’t find too often in today’s complex music industry. He is Bilal, and he is Bilal unabshedly. He bares his soul shamlessly with an effortless lyricism and the conviction that strikes to the core with precision. On the whole, the album is pretty solid and is definitely a good listen for those who enjoy him as an artist and progressive music. In Airtight’s Revenge, we gain insight in to the complex but purposeful evolution of man who is a brilliant artist, but very much human in every sense of the word.
Prince Announces “Welcome 2 America” Tour
By Brian Bowers
As we have mentioned before, the final quarter is always full of big news! New albums, festivals, award show announcements and the list goes on and on.
In any case, Prince recently appeared at the Apollo Theater to announce his Welcome 2 America tour that will start this winter. Artists joining him include Janelle Monae (referred to as his favorite new artist), Maceo Parker, Mint Condition, Esperanza Spalding and Graham Central Station. Though no ‘official’ kickoff date was released, Prince did explicitly mention the tour will start on a “purple day in December.” Mysterious, yet promising!
20Ten is the last studio effort by Prince and was released this past summer in July. Refusing to release the album digitally, the famed musician opted to release it as a free covermount with magazines and newspapers across Europe. The upcoming concert series should definitely be action packed and spectacular. A musical legend joining forces with other legends and up-and-coming superstars in their own right will be nothing less than amazing.
Although the artist does not have an ‘official website’ there are a number of places you can stay update on his latest happenings. Prince.org is one place that keeps updated information. If you are hoping to catch this concert, you better be on the lookout!
Mike Coates Working on New Production
@ Mike Coates Productions
Corinne Bailey Rae’s Highly Anticipated, “The Sea”
By: Brian Bowers
The smooth, sultry voiced songbird that won the world over with hit songs such as “Like a Star” and “Put Your Record On” returns to us with her sophomore effort “The Sea.” In recent interviews regarding her return, Corinne confesses during her break from the industry she was experiencing a period of tremendous loss and grieving.
The dole-eyed singer was on hiatus following the tragic loss of her husband a couple of years ago. Late 2009, however, the lead single from her newly released project entitled “I’d Do it All Again” accurately summarizes the sonic expression of a great loss, but a life and love greater than remorse and, or regret.
“The Sea” is full of a vast array of emotions, but the tone of the album is overwhelmingly seeped in the blues and retrosoul. A title apropos for a life experiences that we all can connect to as human beings navigating this experience we call living. In the words of Agnes De Mille:
“Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how. The moment you know how, you begin to die a little. The artist never entirely knows. We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark.”
Corinne’s latest work is a bold leap into heavy soul wrenching music accented by a deliberate vocal styling that is characteristically her own. This is one work that welcomes any listener looking to take a journey into the soul of an artist finding her voice and finding her way.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be taking place on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, beginning at 9am. For the first time in many years, the parade route for the 83rd annual parade has been altered, heading through Times Square along Seventh Avenue instead of Broadway.
