MY PICKS
Todd E. Jones
Music Journalist
Edison, NJ USA
PICKS
ALL | SONGS | ALBUMS | MOVIES | BOOKS | OTHER
Serengeti Noticeably Negro
Album picked on Nov 25, 2006 | LINK Delete
this pick? yes / no
Serengeti is back with another album... (like the 3rd one this year). "Noticeably Negro" was released on Audio 8 Records and completely produced by Midas Wells. Not as dope as "Dennehy", but still very dope. Standout cuts include "Triumph", "Waiting All Night", "Island Bozos", and the title track.
Meat Beat Manifesto: Travelogue Live 05
Movie picked on Nov 22, 2006 | LINK Delete this pick? yes / no
Jack Dangers and Meat Beat Manifesto have been an essential brick in the wall of industrial / electronic / experimental music. This DVD features live performances and some behind the scenes footage from their tour (Japan, Cleveland, etc). Some cool live performances are "God O.D.", "Radio Babylon", and "Helter Skelter"
Idlewild
Movie picked on Nov 22, 2006 by 1 other person |
LINK Delete this pick? yes / no
Outkast (Big Boi & Andre) star in this semi-musical which takes place in Georgia during the Prohibition-era. Although, some songs are straight from "Speakerboxxx", others are new. (Were there Cadillacs back then???) Big Boi is not the best actor. Andre holds his own. In the spirit of Moulin Rouge, "Idlewild' is an entertaining film for Outkast fans.
Fat Jon & Styrofoam The Same Channel
Album picked on Nov 20, 2006 | LINK Delete this pick? yes / no
Fat Jon (of 5 Deez) is just a prolific and diverse musician. As a producer and emcee, he is truly unique. Teaming up with Europe's Styrofoam, they made a hip-hop electro trip hop indie pop album. Fat Jon handels the verses and Styro handles the sung hooks. They both make the music. Standout cuts include "Upgrade", "Scream It Out", "Runnin Circles". This is unique and dope!!!!
K-Os Atlantis: Hymns For Disco
Album picked on Nov 16, 2006 | LINK Delete
this pick? yes / no
K-Os is truly coming into his own! Previously, many people brushed him off as another Wyclef, but his music stands alone. His 3rd album "Atlantis" is not as catchy as his previous LP, but it is overflowing with substance. Standout cuts include "Valhalla", "Cat Diesel", and "Electrik Heat".
Jamiroquai High Times: Singles 1992-2006
Album picked on Nov 14, 2006 by 1 other person
| LINK Delete this pick? yes / no
Jay Kay and Jamiroquai have been doing their things for a long time.. and they have the number of solid singles to prove it. This collection consists of good picks with only one or two mistakes. Unfortunately, "Half The Man" and "Stillness In Time" is not included. The stand out cuts make up for it: "Deeper Underground", "Alright", "Virtual Insanity", "Blow Your Mind", and "When You Gonna Learn". There are two bonus new cuts "Radio" and "Runaway" that are decent.
Molemen Killing Fields
Album picked on Nov 08, 2006 by 1 other person
| LINK Delete this pick? yes / no
Chicago's production team, Molemen have been doing their things for a while now. Their new compilation album features guests Slug & Murs (Felt), Del The Funky Homosapien, Casual, Brother Ali, Rhymefest, Myka 9, Cormega, KL, hostyle (from Screwball), Kool G Rap, and more
Jim Jones Hustler's P.O.M.E.
Album picked on Nov 06, 2006 | LINK Delete
this pick? yes / no
Jim Jones is unstoppable. He has another new album out. "Hustler's P.O.M.E." features guest spots by Cam'Ron, Max B, Juelz Santana, Lil Wayne, Hell Rell, and others. Production is handled by Jim Jones, Majik, Mercury, Chink Santana, The Runners, Jim Bond and others.
Kasabian Empire
Album picked on Nov 06, 2006 by 3 other people
| LINK Delete this pick? yes / no
Kasabian returns with a new album. This one is "more evolved". There are more instruments (violins, etc.). Thick grooves for rhythms and sharp guitar riffs to rock out.
Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3 Ole! Tarantula
Album picked on Nov 06, 2006 by 1 other person
| LINK Delete this pick? yes / no
Robyn Hitchcock's newest album is not just a solo. This time, he has the band, Venus 3 to support him. Peter Buck (of REM) helps out on guitar. Hitchcock's last album, "Spooked" was a poigant and mellow affair, but this one is much more upbeat bouncy.
Lone Catalysts Good Music
Album picked on Nov 06, 2006 | LINK Delete
this pick? yes / no
J. Sands and J. Rawls finally release their second album as Lone Catalysts. "Good Music" is simply good music. Produced by J. Rawls, the album's guests include Mr. Complex, Wordsworth, El Da Sensai, PA Flex, Lil Sci, Venus Malone, Masta Ace, Grap Luva, Asheru, and others.
Redman Ill At Will Mixtape Vol. 1
Album picked on Nov 06, 2006 | LINK Delete
this pick? yes / no
Redman is dope.... period. As a fellow New Jerz native, I have a special respect for him too. Since his debut "WHUT! THE ALBUM", Redman has been one of the wildest and coolest emcees in hip-hop. This mix-tape was put out on his own label, Gilla House. Guests include Soc, Icarus, and Snoop. The standout cut is "I C Dead People" which includes vocal samples from Big L, Notorious BIG, 2PAC, and Big Pun.
loudQUIETloud: A Film About the Pixies
Movie picked on Nov 02, 2006 | LINK Delete
this pick? yes / no
The Pixies have reformed! Although we should not expect another "Doolittle", fans should check out this interesting documentary about the group. The film captures everything from the start of reforming (reunion) to 1st rehersals to touring to more.... Kim Deal's addiction, the family of Black Francis, the magic and poverty of Dave Lovering, and the children of Joey Santiago. There is also a great live version of "In Heaven".
Yppah You Are Beautiful At All Times
Album picked on Nov 02, 2006 | LINK Delete
this pick? yes / no
Yppah (pronounced "Yippah") is from Texas, but is signed to a European label, Ninja Tune. His debut album, "You Are Beautiful At All Times" is an instrumental eclectic mix of subtle drums, melodies, and delayed guitars.
Sebastien Schuller Happness
Album picked on Oct 30, 2006 | LINK Delete
this pick? yes / no
Sebastien Schuller has created a beautiful and poigant work in the similar vibe as Elbow, Damien Rice, and Adem. standout cuts are "Ride Along The Cliff", "Donkey Boy", and "Tears Coming Home" ,but they are all wonderful.
Visionaries We Are The Ones (We've Been Waiting For)
Album picked on Oct 30, 2006 | LINK Delete
this pick? yes / no
6 MEMBERS!!!! (LMNO, 2Mex, Lord Zen, Dannu, KeyKool, and Rhettmatic). Well, Wu-Tang has them beat by the number of members... Anyway, Visionaries comes with their full-length on Up Above Records. Production is handled by DJ Khalil, J Dilla, J Rocc, Rhettmatic, KeyKool, Madlib and others. Guests include Sadat X, Brother J, and Rakaa.

