Sunday, April 25, 2010

where's hip-hop in the white house?

Today I read an article in the Washington Post regarding President Barack Obama's lack of recognition toward hip-hop artists since he's been in office. I largely concur with Chris Richards' assertion. Obama has highlighted music as an important cultural element, and has held many concerts, but has yet to show appreciation for an art form that rallied to get him into office. There are many "safe" artists to choose from, but it hasn't happened.

One can assume that Obama is still tiptoeing the very thin line between embracing the hip-hop community and catering to constituents who remain dubious about rap music.

He took a similar approach during the campaign, adopting Jay-Z's dirt-off-your-shoulder gesture during a speech in North Carolina, while distancing himself from a Ludacris song that hurled pointed insults at Hillary Rodham Clinton, John McCain and George W. Bush.

While I also understand Obama's hesitation, I think he needs to tow the line a bit more. As much as I love him, he seemed ready to shake things up all around. There is a way to make hip-hop culture a conscious educational tool. He should use that to his advantage and acknowledge what the music has given him. Bring hip-hop to the House!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

voxtrot FAREWELL tour.

According to Pitchfork, Brooklyn Vegan, and various other sources, Voxtrot have officially announced that they are parting ways. While this saddens me greatly, I can't say that it was unexpected. I am thankful that this tour will come to the Black Cat and I can say goodbye in my own way. These guys wrote songs and lyrics that helped me through any situation or feeling, and really shaped my taste in music. For that, I am eternally grateful, and nostalgic for all of the 2007 shows that made my life.

Voxtrot - "Goodbye, Cruel World" 2010 Tour Dates
MAY 21 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
MAY 22 - Appleton, WI @ Lawrence University
MAY 27 - Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex *
MAY 29 - San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall *
JUNE 3 - Austin, TX @ Emo's
JUNE 23 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat
JUNE 25 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
* = w/ International Waters (Mitch from Voxtrot)

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

take it away.

Transient DC is frequently making me say goodbye. These mixes always overlap, but with a slightly different meaning. Here's the latest tracklisting:

1. rip it up- orange juice
2. you'll start a war- the pale fountains
3. killamangiro- babyshambles
4. starrsha- ringo deathstarr
5. blue jeans- blur
6. fortress- the glands
7. just like honey (home demo)- laura reading
8. sixteen- skywave
9. 23- blonde redhead
10. hindsight- built to spill
11. lived in bars- cat power
12. quiet time in my room- delusions
13. i know i'll see you- a place to bury strangers
14. the drowners- suede
15. cabin fever- the brian jonestown massacre
16. texas never whispers- pavement
17. angry mulch- voxtrot