David Axelrod

Jazz music has always been a part of my life ever since I was a kid. My father had many LP's from Lou Rawls, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and many more of the like, all of which I luckily inherited. Specifically, I've always liked the funk-fused style of jazz. Like the kind found sampled in most hip-hop songs.

Back in 2000 whilst digging in the vaults at NYC's Turntable Lab, hoping to find that one Mo'Wax or Warp record I didn't already have, I discovered a Mo'Wax LP by David Axelrod. I knew for sure I've heard the name since I remembered reading somewhere that Mo'Wax was indeed releasing his work. And I most certainly knew he produced jazz, but for one reason or another I still had not lent his sound an ear (what a shame). Well, being the Mo'Wax collector that I am I went ahead and purchased the LP and took it home for a listen. First thing I thought after hearing the first few tracks was 'WOW! Now I know where DJ Shadow got his inspirations from!' Then after a closer listen I noticed how pure and how real his songs are. It's basically the essence of hip-hop as we know it. The way the guitars moan and snares crack make his sounds so unique, unlike any other jazz producer out there. Most of the recordings on this album were made at least 30 years ago and it's still on the pulse! Here is one particular track titled "The Shadow Knows" that I think has to be the best way to describe his work. Check it out aqui.

Dash Snow

If there is any artist that one can call 'unique' it's definitely no-one other than NYC's Dash Snow. Also known (in earlier times) as Sacer from IRAK crew, Dash Snow is recognized as a very controversial figure in the art world as most of his pieces consist of urine, semen, spit and wax as well as his personal photographs. But believe it or not his work is highly sought after by many influential collectors such as Charles Saatchi, founder of the world famous Saatchi & Saatchi advertising firm amongst many others.

His father was an avid art collector and museum founder so he was born and raised into the art world that he grew to love. He started to get into photography around the age of 13 when he ran away from home and started documenting his life on the streets as a record of places he might not remember the next day. Those Polaroid photographs (see below) are now the aesthetic & foundation to his work. Instances of sex, drug taking, violence and art-world pretentiousness are documented with disarming frankness and honesty, offering insight into the decadent lifestyle associated with many young New York City artists and their social circles.

He has exhibited in galleries and museum's in London and NYC such as the historic Royal Academy of the Arts in Piccadilly as well as the better known Deitch Projects in New York's Soho district. To view more of his work, click here. To read an interesting article regarding Dash Snow from New York Magazine click here. Some of the photos below might not be safe for work.
















Definitely not for the faint of heart, eh? Now, move over Terry!

Hockey Post Season Wrap-Up

Here I go again with another hockey post. But this time, it's much shorter and I just want to show everyone how damn right I was about my playoff predictions on my previous blog-post. To begin with, I was right about the Detroit Red Wings. They were the very first team I spoke about and (of course) they won the cup without much of a struggle. I was also correct on the fact that the Washington Capitals were going to make the playoffs when at the time I wrote that they weren't even in the playoff spot. I also mentioned that Mr Alex Ovechkin would definitely win the MVP trophy and he sure as hell did (amongst many others). I was right about how Carolina, Ottawa, and Boston didn't stand a chance, and they sure as shit didn't. I kind of doubted Dallas as well but they played strong as hell. And I sorta hyped up the Anaheim Ducks a little too much when in fact they played a gash game! But boy was I on target when I spoke about the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Now that the season is over there is not much left for me in the sports world. I shall crawl back into my cave and hibernate till October when the new season starts. Till then, remember that I am a hockey god sent to the earth to school you cats!

Percussion Lab

Well, after a short (much needed) vacation, I'm back on the blog with my usual bag of tricks! Miss me? I doubt! But to commemorate 'my return' (who reads this anyway) I decided to put up a link to my infamous Percussion Lab Mix I made back in 2004. Percussion Lab is an on-line radio station in New York that has had a variety of special guests from the IDM/Electro scene including Funkstorung, Machinedrum, Caural, Lackluster, Sense and many others.

Anyway, the mix contains some hip-hop, IDM (of course), electro, and a bit of hardcore (as some call) drill & bass. You'll hear tracks from Modeselektor, Chris Clark, Two Lone Swordsmen, Smash TV, Vast Aire, Team Shadetek, Jimmy Edgar, Beans, Dabrye, Venetian Snares plus many others throughout the mix-set. Here is a direct link to the mix and bio page on the Percussion Lab site. Enjoy!

Friends...

...how many of us have them. Whodini hit the nail on the head with this oldie, but goodie! Peep em' doin' it all the way live!