a truce with jameson.

I've been listening to a lot of 90's country lately, and just stumbled upon this rare Voxtrot track that has a touch of southern feel to it. The lyrics describe my exact mentality right now.

and i can drink

my whiskey and water and

fix folly and peace

cuz there's a price you pay

to live this way, it's called a release.

free mp3 here

I'm also looking for Bob Dylan's version of "Rock Me Mama." If anyone knows where I can find a version even for streaming let me know!

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!

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)

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

WMC 2010.

[A story of my second annual Winter Music Conference]
Day 0: Wednesday at 9PM we started the 16-hour drive from Virginia to Miami. The first stop was Krispy Kreme, then played the scratch-off lotto in Fayetteville, followed by a 2AM jaunt to South of the Border; tourist trap or not, that place is fun. We were all so amped when we got to MIA the next afternoon, that we instantly changed and prepared to party.

Day 1: The first stop was the Alize Oasis at the Raleigh. They had complimentary hair, nails, makeup, and drinks. Peeped Steve Aoki, and enjoyed the sun and music. Dinner was La Sandwicherie, my favorite food spot in South Beach. And the last stop that night was the Fountainbleau. Saw Bronques from lastnightsparty, and hung out for a bit, but ultimately was too tired to continue. I wanted to be prepared for Friday's madness.

Day 2: Woke up at 9AM for brunch at the Pelican, then chauffeured Fabiana to her gig at the Get Wet party at the Standard. Too bad it rained most of the day, but they moved it inside and made the best of it. Next was Diplo and Kelis at the W Belvedere event. This was probably the highlight of the trip for me. Cassidy scored me these Spy sunglasses at the Asics gifting suite, and we ended the night at Vagabond.

Day 3: A relaxing day at the beach with some fabulous beverages from Wet Willie's & some thrift shopping along the way. A night at the White Room Trouble & Bass party for Fabiana, DJ Skeet Skeet, and Tittsworth. This was one of the craziest parties I've been to in a long time. Passed out for two hours and it was time to return to the District. Woke up at 630 AM for the much shorter flight home & slept like crazy.

[the end].

done&done.

The Done&Done Music Festival, which will be happening on April 10th in DC and on April 17th in NYC, will showcase 6 bands each from DC and New York. These groups on the same stage can bring separate crowds together, raising exposure and the potential for a new fan base. DC is a transient city and is constantly being compared to the New York art scene, so collaboration becomes inevitable.

Patrick Kigongo, Erin McAuliff, and Matthew Taylor have come together to create this unique festival. Tuesday night, they held their second fundraiser, with contributions going toward the rental of All Souls Unitarian Church. The event at Velvet Lounge featured State Department, Honey House, and Young and High, with Taylor on the decks.

Photo by Ben Droz

The music was good, many PBR items were auctioned off, and the event was a success. I look forward to the festival.

up in the club pt 2.

A year and a half ago, I spotlighted my five favorite district night spots. Things have changed a lot since then. I moved to the H Street Corridor, so I frequent Rock & Roll Hotel, Sticky Rice, and other spots on the block almost every night. And you can always find me at work at The H Street Country Club. Obviously I need to leave this little Northeast bubble for my sanity, so here is where I love to go when I venture out.

4. I still love Asylum. Though SHORTS is possibly over for good, Asylum offers up things that aren't traditional about Adams Morgan. With Rattler shows, loud live music, and DJs there is a gritty ambiance that sets the scene to be wild and free. www.asylumdc.com.

3. Velvet Lounge is my favorite grimy/dive bar to go to in DC. The home of most Exactly shows, its always nice to see some people moshing and really getting into a performance. I like that this is a smaller homier venue where there isn't any pretense or pretentiousness. Always check the calender to see if something great is coming up: www.velvetloungedc.com.

2. The Passenger- Well-made drinks, delicious half smokes, and a neighborhood feel make the Passenger my go-to destination when I'm in Chinatown. Peak hours can be kinda crowded, but it's nicer when it's quiet. A great place to chat with a bartender or friends. www.passengerdc.com.

1. Marvin- In the heart of U Street/Shaw, Marvin is possibly my favorite place to go for dinner, a drink, and a dance. Belgian & soul food, a lounge, a heated patio, and a dancefloor make this a place you can stay from the evening until close. And the Gibson is just a door away. www.marvindc.com.

And a bonus: as a heads up, U Street Music Hall is my most anticipated new venue. It was announced today that Bliss dance party and Nouveau Riche will be moving there in the coming month. This space is going to showcase a gazillion great artists and I'm excited for it's scheduled opening on St. Patricks day.