HEROINE'S JOURNEY :: American Honey movie review

American Honey

Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life. - Jack Kerouac

Story makes a movie. It is the essence of believable characters. Rarely does a movie stir up so much emotion, and when it does ... it is a treat. Such is American Honey. 

Star (Sasha Lane) meets free-spirit Jake (Shia Lebouf) at K-Mart and the attraction is instant, Jake asks Star to go with him to Kansas with his group of partying sales crew led .... Star says no and Jake tells her if she changes her mind to meet at a local motel in the morning. After a home life of misery and being abused by her father, she decides to leave at any cost. Thus begins her travels with a rag-tag crew of young adults .... selling, hustling, and stealing.

Star instinctively seeks acceptance from Jake and then like the heroine's journey - battles her owns demons to find a state of rebirth.

American Honey's greatest gift lies in it's introduction and development of characters. It allows us to see and feel what they are going through, in a way that's very unique.

BUT OF COURSE :: Why rappers love Grey Poupon?

Why rappers love Grey Poupon?

It's all about the finer things in life - Vox's Estelle Caswell explores hip hop's ubiquitous use of the phrase Grey Poupon.

SING PRAISE :: Schubert - Ave Maria (Scotty Knows remix)

Schubert - Ave Maria (Scotty Knows remix)

A few years back, one of my favorite persons, dope DJ, contributor to the site and musician Scotty aka Ansible-Futurist remixed Ave Maria by Schubert. Now, Scotty is a trained musician on the piano and other instruments. After the breakup of my girlfriend (his cousin) of 9 years, the rest of the family wouldn't speak to me for the longest, only Scotty. I cherish our friendship to this day. I asked him to send me this track from a few years ago and asked if I could post it to Youtube. I hope my video pays homage to what a great and yet simple track - it's all samples from the original ... just in time for the holidays!

EFFIN HELL :: EF - Tomorrow My Friend....

EF - Tomorrow My Friend....

I was grateful enough to catch this one on Atlanta GA Tech college radio tonight. This is definitely one of the most epic songs I've heard in a while. Smoke a J or whatever you need to do, put on your headphones, turn down the lights and press play. Tomorrow My Friend is the opposite of a pop song, it's music made for emotion. Enjoy!



Noble

ALL DAY E'RY DAY :: DROELOE x Holly - Allday

DROELOE x Holly - Allday

I used to worry about staying relevant in this music game, the older I got. Funny thing is, I don't worry about that anymore. I think I'm more relevant than a lot of people my age and maybe not to some others. Point is - I don't really give a damn because there's enough good stuff out there for everyone to like. For example - Droeloe ... made up of members - Vincent Rooijers and Hein Hamer. Droeloe is creating musical soundscapes that are hard to define but easy to listen to.



No Boats

RELEVANT :: Drive By Truckers - What It Means

Drive By Truckers - What It Means

Drive By Truckers might be one of the greatest bands of the last decade. I'd only heard of them by name until my friend Ryan offered me a free ticket to see them recently and I have to say I was expecting the same old - southern rock band. What I didn't expect was the most honest southern rock band ever. The show was incredible, a whole bunch of people and good ole' boys yelling "Fuck Trump" at one point. The band had a "Black lives Matter" poster taped to their organ. It's personal down here. Atlanta is a black city surrounded by republicans so it definitely relevant around here.

Drive By Truckers have always been political, first started in Athens GA, then then recruiting from Muscle Shoals, Alabama almost 20 years ago ... the band has significantly changed over time. Their lasted album "American Band" is a no holds barred political commentary about the state of America. Rated by Paste, Rolling Stone and Rough Trade trade as the top albums of 2016.

"What It Means" is maybe the best musical white objective song to the #blacklivesmatter movement ever. This song is one to be heard on repeat. Why are we killing each other? When will it end?





Noble

ON FIRE :: A Tribe Called Red - The Virus Ft. Saul Williams, Chippewa Travellers

A Tribe Called Red - The Virus Ft. Saul Williams, Chippewa Travellers

I knew from their inception, that A Tribe Called Red were going places. They initially started as a DJ outfit blending electronic and tribal drums. The latest album "We Are The Halluci Nation" ramps up the activism and has guest appearances the likes of Yasiin Bey and Saul Williams. The Virus is a perfect backdrop to the reality of what we are seeing in North Dakota and elsewhere, where there have been a gathering of many nations and tribes to protect the sacred.

Play this loud and get angry!



Noble

GOOD THINGS COME :: Daniel Wang - Free Lovin'

Daniel Wang - Free Lovin'

If you love something, let it go, if it comes back to you it was always meant to be, if not it never was ... remember that quote? Well, it happened to me with this song, as it does with many others. See, I once had a catalog of thousands of digital downloads. This being one of those downloaded when I had an E-Music subscription.

I ended up not just losing one, but two hard drives filled with songs. This was one of those songs I couldn't get out of my head. I have tried to search for it, high and low using lyrics and other ways to no avail. Yesterday, I was going through Facebook memories and came across a mix I did. The download link no longer worked but the playlist was there. As I was going through it today, hoping to recreate the mix - I heard it. OMG! You can't escape from me song!

And that is the reason I blog, to share my passion with you. This is an amazing yet, simple track from Daniel Wang on his Balihu label. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.



No Boats

RAH RAH RASS :: Nihilist Cheerleader - Interview w/ Lead Singer Flynne Collins

Nihilist Cheerleader

A few weeks ago, I went out to see some bands with my room mate. The venue was in downtown Atlanta at place called Mammal Gallery. It seemed to be a celebration of jorts or Jortsfest, as they called it. Not knowing what to expect, we walk into a nice spacious venue, bar to the right, vendor booths setup and a high energy punk band on stage. I was drawn near by their raw energy and talent. After listening for a while, I had to find out who this was - I went to ask the door guy who didn't have the lineup, but pointed me toward someone who did.

"Ummmm, looks like it's Nihilist Cheerleader on right now." he said,

Nihilist Cheerleader - was the perfect description of what I was hearing. I reached out to the band later that night on social media and Flynne Collins, the lead vocalist responded back. She agreed to interview with me and we finally got together tonight to talk.

Hello Flynne! Thank you for taking the time to talk to us today.

Of course!

So, can you tell us a little bit of the band's history?

Nihilist Cheerleader started out as a two-piece with and a friend of mine on drums and playing guitar and singing. Then we added in bass and second guitar and switched drummers somewhere in between. I started Nihilist Cheerleader to have a band centered around having fun and creating healthy/engaging live performances in a somewhat dead/uniform punk scene. We all really love each other in Nihilist Cheerleader and our main goal is to have a good time with people!

It's pretty obvious not only that you vibe together, and enjoy having fun. Can you introduce the rest of the band and tell us how you met?

Soooooo... Leora plays bass and is one of my best friends, we have known each other since we were in kindergarden. Our lead guitarist is named Dylan, i met him in high school. He's one of the sweetest guy's in the world! And our Drummer is named Charley. I met Charley while participating in a thing called "Athens Face Off" where groups of 3 musicians around town are put together and given a month to put together a 15 minute set. We are all just kids that grew up in the Athens/ATL area that found our way together.

You're pretty lucky to have found your dream team, especially when touring and you have been touring a lot recently. Can you explain what its like touring in a female-led punk band in the south?

Touring is very sweaty. Otherwise, touring has really suited our band. Most all of the venues and acts we have played with have been so supportive and respectful. We met a lot of bands on tour that we want to bring to Athens. You'd think there might be some haters due to some of our content, but so far that hasn't been a huge issue ( perhaps because often times it's hard to hear what I am singing live ... haha).

Well, that's punk for ya! haha ... So here's a few questions in a row - is the band Nihilist? is the band feminist? Is the band strictly made of former cheerleaders?

We are not Nihilists and we are not cheerleaders. The name started out as something funny.... I mean a Nihilist Cheerleader ... hahaha. But at the same time, now I feel like it really fits with a the state of mind I want to evoke in our music. Nihilism is belief in nothing and cheerleading is belief. I am deeply upset by a lot of things but I want to seek solutions rather than just letting things build up. I love angry punk music, but I want there to be some light in Nihilist cheerleader songs. I hope that makes some sense. Also, the band is not feminist, but I centrainly bring feminist ideas into my lyrics.

That makes total sense. I always felt like Nihilist and Cheerleader were a dichotomy. You get your message in there for those close enough to pay attention. I know you respect Kathleen Hannah as an influence, any other influences ... I could swear, I hear some Kim Gordon influences on "Shark Fin Soup" ... am I crazy?

I'm definitely a Kathleen fan. Also definitely a Kim fan. Although, I wasn't really thinking Sonic Youth when it came to Shark fin soup. I was actually inspired by the GoGo's for that song! But Sonic Youth influences could have definitely slipped into the song without a conscious decision! We are all Sonic Youth fans-- so you're not crazy!!

I would like to think that we all are. They say that all music is subconsciously borrowing from something we've heard. Last question - what's your music guilty pleasure?

Oh god I have a lot, but I've been listening to Ashlee Simpson recently because she was one of my fav musicians in the third grade ... haha. 

I mean her whole lip-sync scandal was messed up but her songs at least have sort of a powerful independent women thing going at least.

Hope Nihilist Cheerleader doesn't start sounding like Ashlee Simpson haha!

I highly doubt that. Well, thanks Flynne for the great interview!

Yeah! Thanks so much! keep me posted and have a good night!

Nihilist Cheerleader is playing tonight at 3628 Ponce from 9-12

- no boats

ART OF WAR :: Battles - The Yabba

Battles - The Yabba

Battles have been bringing their experimental sound to the masses since 2002. The current line-up is guitarist/ keyboardist Ian Williams (formerly of Don Caballero and Storm & Stress), guitarist/ bassist Dave Konopka (formerly of Lynx), and drummer John Stanier (formerly of Helmet). They recently played at Bonaroo.

I came across "The Yabba" a few days ago and I was blow away by the whole thing. The layering is intense and the audio and video really mesh well together. I could easily see myself playing this in a DJ set. -No Boats

EVERYTHING TO LOSE :: Turf War - Cheers to the Years

Turf War - Cheers to the Years

Known for rowdy shows and catchy rock songs, Turf War started in 2008 as a bedroom solo project for lead singer John Robinson and quickly turned into a full band with Brian McGrath filling in on drums and backup vocals, Cecil Moss on Guitar, and Bradley Morris on bass. Later bringing in Ian McDonald. The had a successful album and tour and then John left the group to do solo work. Cheers to the Years is an homage to debauchery and keeping it punk. - No Boats

BRIGHT :: Ultraísta - Party Line (Nathan Fake remixx)

Ultraísta - Party Line (Nathan Fake remixx)

An incredible remix by Border Community's own Nathan Fake. An incredible techno-maven, Nathan has been producing since 2003. This tune is made for driving fast in the city at a high volume.

NEW CONTRIBUTORS = BETTER CONTENT :: Leon Bridges - Coming Home

Leon Bridges - Coming Home

I'm posting today in anticipation of 2 new future contributors Heather aka H-Bomb and Britney aka Minx. Both have very eclectic ... very excellent musical taste. H-Bomb collects old vinyl ... mainly, 50's soul and turned me on to Leon Bridges. This guy can croon with the best of them.

WHO'S THAT PEEKIN' IN MY WINDOW :: Goodie Mob - Cell Therapy

Goodie Mob - Cell Therapy

In anticipation of the newest Netflix documentary - "The Art of Organized Noize", I want to share one of my favorite songs from the original Organized Noize / Dungeon Family crew - Goodie Mob's "Cell Therapy". The focus with this one is on the lyrics as the melody is simple and not overpowering. The results are perfection.

FLOAT TANK :: Hammock - Ten Thousand Years Won't Save Your Life

Hammock - Ten Thousand Years Won't Save Your Life

Nashville natives, Hammock started as an homage to Jónsi & Alex, the artistic collaboration between Jón Þór (Jónsi) Birgisson (lead singer and guitarist of Sigur Rós) and Alex Somers (graphic designer and member of the band Parachutes), on the night of their United States premier, which was also their first-ever exhibition outside of Iceland. They've also collaborated with Steve Kilbey of The Church. The influence is not lost.

Hammock members, Marc Byrd and Andrew Thompson originally intended not to release their original studio recordings or become a band. I for one - am thankful that it happened.

Ten Thousand Years Won't Save Your Life is a lush ambient track. The kind that makes a beautiful day even better.

SWINGING 30'S :: Orkestra Obsolete - Blue Monday (Retro New Order Cover)

Orkestra Obsolete - Blue Monday (Retro New Order Cover)

Every once in a while, you come across something that blows your socks off - like a 1930's style cover of New Order's Blue Monday. With only period style instruments, Orkestra Obsolete have managed to make a cover that is true to the original but so, so, so much more.

Unfortunately, BBC embedded video is not allowed outside the U.K., so please enjoy the video on the BBC site.

NEOSTALGIA :: Yuna - Come As You Are (Nirvana Cover)

Yuna - Come As You Are (Nirvana Cover) 

With possibly one of the best covers I've heard, I present Yuna performing Niravna's Come As You Are. She's an amazing artist. I can't wait to delve more into her discography.

ILLUMINAT :: Raury - Forbidden Knowledge (Audio) ft. Big K.R.I.T.

ILLUMINAT :: Raury - Forbidden Knowledge (Audio) ft. Big K.R.I.T.

Incredible track from Stone Mountain, Georgia native Raury. True gold from the Conscious Science and Hip Hop - Conscious Hip Hop. This is the kind of music you hear on Atlanta College Radio. The Message on WRAS 88.5 Georgia Tech radio, DJ Cam on the gear.

MONDAY'S TRIPLE ESPRESSO :: Sharu - Euphoric Monday Mix

Sharu - Euphoric Monday Mix

Ahead of the curve for most of you in the America's, I bring you Sharu, Euphoric Monday mix. Actually laid down a few months back. It really should start Monday. Shoutouts to Serious Stuff for bringing such beautiful tunes.

BUMP N TIME :: Blair Norf - Klymera

Blair Norf

Hailing from Vegas, I don't know much about Blair Norf. I know that he's produced tracks for some pretty prolific producers but feels comfortable in the underground scene. God bless' em. These tracks are tops.



Check out more at https://soundcloud.com/blairnorf