I came across this article on CNN.com that was just too good not to share. I’m an admitted news junkie, and my news source of choice is the Cable News Network. I think they might lean towards the left a little, but it’s usually pretty centered even if I tend to be liberal minded. Plus it’s the most watched and trusted news source! And I know most of the anchors, reporters and contributors by name. Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper, John King, the lovely Soledad O’Brien or Betty Nguyen (I’d like to be their Valentines). I think I’ve shown too much of my news-junkiness. Nevertheless, the African-American male liberal political contributor Ronald Martin is a trusted source of knowledge and intellect. I had to be specific, because there’s (who I consider) a female copy of him–Donna Brazile (I don’t see her on CNN’s payroll, although she’s on CNN all the time).
Anyway, Ronald wrote a poignant piece about boycotting Valentine’s Day that totally agreed with my opinions. That’s right. Whether your single, married, engaged, embattled–boycott it! And he states his reasons, which I’ve heard before, but they weren’t typed or linked to my blog… so I’m doing it now. Plus I spent all my research time for this post searching for Donna Brazile’s name. I strongly agree with Ronald: love and relationships should be celebrated everyday, not just once a year. And he says retailers are to blame. I just mentioned card companies specifically–I totally forgot about the jewelers! And the fact that men don’t get much attention other than they are expected to give. Except, maybe for some, they get theirs later that night. And platonic friends shouldn’t expect more than a card or sweets. That’s just the way of the world unless you live in a movie or some brand of fiction. Harsh reality we live in.
But let’s be real and keep it sterling. In this tough economy with people losing their jobs and houses, who can really afford jewelry, fancy dinners, expensive flowers or even a $3 Valentine card when we are trying to scrimp and save to put some morsels of food on the table for the family, let alone one significant other?
Then again, why not make it a day she’ll (or he’ll) never forget? Bump the kids (if any apply). Despite the circumstances, you still came through and made it magical with a shoe string budget thanks to some DIY website you read on Yahoo’s homepage titled “Inexpensive Date Ideas That Impress.” I don’t have a link for that (ran out of research time, remember?) but type those words into Yahoo or Google and I’m sure you’ll get some desired results.
(But did you see what I did there? I like to think of it as being a two-faced devil’s advocate. Either way, it’s fence sitting, but this particular post is definitely leaning towards anti-Valentine.)
I’m still on the fence, like I stated at the beginning of the week. The past few days I’ve been waking up late and weary, so I’m considering sleeping in all day on Saturday. This means I won’t be on the fence, nor will I be on anyone’s side or anyone’s yard. Honestly, I will probably treat that day like any other and enjoy some pizza with a friend or two. That alone would be making a point of non-romantic celebrations. But that’s me. Let’s check out what a rational cynic (if I can call him that) Mr. Martin has to say and you can come up with your own conclusions, if you haven’t already.
cnn is anti-valentine?
bring on the bitter romance, baby!
Valentine’s Day is upon us. I remember way back in my youth reading in a Highlights magazine that St. Valentine had nothing to do with love or romance whatsoever. I don’t feel like Wikipedia-ing right now to find out his story… but perhaps this was one of the first holidays that people say was created by greeting card companies. And, my oh my, do they make a killing. Not that anyone doubts this, but the proof is seen at stores like Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, Hallmark… any store that houses these cards. What will you find? Crowds of last-minute-men scrambling to find the perfect card–or any card–for their special lady friend.
The florists and chocolatist get this treatment too. And it’s not just V-Day, but Mother’s Day I see this happen too. But we’ll wait until May to talk about that.
This holiday’s mascot is probably officially Cupid of Roman mythology. I’ve done my homework on this dude since he became the focus of a trilogy screenplay I had been working on, but I since took a break for other creative interests. But I’ve been thinking about creating a character to counter Cupid. A Grinch or Scrooge to Valentine’s Santa, if you will. Naturally, at the end of his story, this cynical, malice-filled caricature would probably discover the true meaning of Valentine’s Day by the night’s end… or maybe the night before… and change his ways thanks to a caring woman who made his heart grow three sizes that day. Or maybe Cupid will stab him with a magical pitch fork.
I could totally take it to an adult themed story line and tie in Victoria’s Secret marketing. Out anti-hero will discover a different ending that night. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about.
But on a personal level, I’m feeling rather apathetic this year. Most of my friends already have someone they’d call a Valentine. And the ones that don’t… Well, wouldn’t it be nice to get all these bitter singles together to just hate on love and say how overrated romance is? Some hooking up might happen in the process, but they’d be promptly kicked out.
This year, I could go either way. I can look at the lovey-dovey side, or the “this holiday sucks” side. I don’t care. And yes that means that at the time being, I am Valentine-less. But no weepy tears for me. It’s not that big of a deal. Besides, the day hasn’t yet arrived so anything can happen.
I have my favorite past Valentine memories to reflect on though. The double Valentines at Purchase. The Casablanca viewing Valentine. Heh-heh… yeah… Sorry. Okay, so those are only two memories… but they were great and I will plead the fifth as to why and what happened. Good times, indoob.
Anyway, be sure to stay tuned this week as I do the best I can to keep my posts holiday themed. I have had a reputation of being a romantic, so I can’t let those people down. Yet, at the same time, I find the thought of being the anti-romantic intriguing. Maybe we’ll call this alter ego Syd the Cynic. So join in on the bittersweet holiday that so many people love to hate, or hate because they get no love. Or both.
fripodding and immigranting: wyclef jean – carnival, vol. ii
I done forgot what I was supposed to be friPodding this friDay. Oh well, let’s talk about the newest album I bought that iSaac and I can’t stop pumping through every speaker I can plug him up to.
Wyclef Jean’s Carnival, Volume II: Memoirs of an Immigrant.
I find it interesting, almost ironic, how I haven’t bought a Wyclef album since The Carnival, which I loved so much that I “borrowed” it from my sister for the past… I don’t know… 10 years? Well, I accidentally stepped on her original copy while I was making a mad dash through a messy room trying to shut off an alarm, so I had to buy another one. She does not know this because that happened maybe 5 years ago. I swore I bought that album a couple times due to similar accidents… but that’s all beside the point.
What I like about this album is how similar it is to the first. Guest list galore, and each song seems to come from a different location, or has an influence from a different culture. The original album has that same flare too. However, there are no interludes, which made the first album seem like a movie or something. But that being the first solo album after The Fugees’ The Score, I think it made sense. ‘Twas the time of the interludes. Nowadays, we get our music online or even by the song. Interludes are a thing of the past. So sad. I wanted to be on some interludes.
But back to II. This album is actually 2 years old, it came out in 2007. But if I haven’t heard it, it’s new to me, right? And I liked coming into this album not being aware of the singles or what was a big hit. I already know, thanks to iTunes, that the song most popular was Sweetest Girl and it is indoob a good song. I also highly enjoy King & Queen with the Colombian goddess Shakira. I’m thinking about getting a few of her songs because I’m digging her voice these days. Next up is Fast Car with Paul Simon. I liked this song based on the preview alone without even knowing what the song is about. Kinda on the serious and sad side, but still, I love it. Next is What About the Baby with Mary J. Last I saw them together was with 911. I think this is like a continuation of that song, and maybe a hint of Gone Til November. Just me.
I won’t talk about every song. There are a few others on here I really liked. And I like the messages in some of these songs… which are about immigrants and/or society. Not really shocking, is it? But honestly, I didn’t love every song. But the most interesting is the last one called Touch Your Button Carnival Jam which has a long guest list. It has to. It’s 13 minutes long! It’s really 3 songs in 1, and feels like a party that’s winding down, but still jamming. I have to imagine that this is what a carnival party is really like.
Either way, this album fits nicely with my other Wyclef tracks. I would’ve loved some cameos from the other Fugees members, Pras and Lauryn. Who wouldn’t?
ready to read about writing right: "how to write a movie in 21 days"
The truth about me is pretty sad: I’m practically an anti-reader. It’s true for a lot of people I know, they have a hard time picking up a book. I don’t have a hard time picking one up, I just have difficulties opening it. Then, the chances that I do open it, it’s finishing it. That’s why I think it was such a big deal that I finished reading Watchmen. But I can hear critics saying now that that isn’t considered a real book. Well, I beg to differ. It made it on the top 100 novels and it’s the only graphic novel on there. Sure, it’s mostly pictures, but you really can’t figure out what’s going on without reading it.
Anyway, you know you are a sad reader when your friends have to mail you books to read. Peopel can suggest books to you all day, but when it’s hand delivered to you by your local postman, then perhaps it’s time to read the words cover to cover.
Granted, I still haven’t finished Our Uncle Sam by Erik Greene… but I say that’s a wee bit different. I started reading that because our cable went out before I decided to pop in a DVD. Again, I know… I’m a sad reader. I’ve been tryin’ to told ya!
So my friend, whom I dub as my “cinematic soul mate” (and I could write an entire post about, but I’m not going to but will thank her for this book and a birthday card she stuck in it), sent me Viki King’s How to Write a Movie in 21 Days. Hopefully I can read it in at least 7. If I’m not mistaken, I think she wants this book back, so I will get my reading on so I can ship it back to her ASAP whilst I look into buying my own copy. Or buy her a brand new one since I’m too lazy to ship anything myself that can’t fit into a envelope. I have no shame.
By receiving this book, I think it means it’s time for me to head back to the “studio” to start penning a script. February just began. In my dream world, perhaps I’ll wriet a script every month. Hey, I’m a firm believer in making my dreams come true, so if I could write a script every month… Good googamooga! Of course I’d come back to them a month later to tweak and tweak until I see no more need for tweaking until others say so. I haven’t forgotten my mentors Mrs. Rogers and Jaden, plus countless tips I pick up from various trusted sources.
But first, I must read. That’s one piece of advice I haven’t followed that even my idol, Sam Cooke, said to do: read as much as you can. I seriously doubt I can count Wikipedia.
a [pot] lucky day
Today is crunch day, like most Wednesdays, once again. The difference between this Wednesday and the Wednesdays of the past few weeks is this: I’m in (mostly) full health [coughs], my day is just starting (I woke up at 8:45 instead of 5:45), I have a full water bottle (I don’t mind tap and recycling is good for Earth), and iSaac is fully charged and ready to keep me entertained whilst I break down the system (and thanks to my past friPod countdowns, you have an idea of what I’m jamming out to).
Today in particular is a big meeting day at the office. The company would like everyone to be there, by everyone, they mean those who work at home, like me. Will I be there? No. I’m saving on gas and my personal loss of body heat. Which reminds me, I need to make some phone calls to see how much it’ll cost Sam to get some heat in his system even though I’m pretending winter will be over next week.
Anyway, there’s a meeting I won’t be attending–not in person anyway. I’ll listen over the phone and eventually get back to work attacking my files while everyone at the office enjoys what’s called a pot luck. I’m fully aware of the joys a pot luck lunch brings, I just wish it had a different name. It makes me think of leprechauns with black pots of gold. Not that a name like that will keep me from eating. Hmm… now I want me Lucky Charms. But does it seem odd I’m passing up free food? Maybe to some. But the catch is we are supposed to bring food with us, so the others will be like “I’m sure lucky I came” or “They are lucky they got here to get some of my three-alarm rice!” My mother is grudgingly bringing meatballs. I’d like to go a little crazy on them if I made them, slathering them in BBQ sauce or something. Had I done that, none of my co-workers would get one. Tough luck, no pot luck.
The other great thing about today, I know exactly how many more files I need so I could “slack off” tomorrow. That is, I need to destroy as many files as I can today: at least 20 to make my 55 quota. And hey! If I do more I can count it as overtime! And Lord knows I need some OT pay. Sammy needs a new heating system… among other things.
a poem: "tour de force"
I captured you against your own will.
You want to resist but can’t sit still.
I’m shooting my shotgun at your feet.
Your head bobs trying to dodge the beat.
There’s no lacking the cracking of whips.
There’s no faking the shaking of hips.
Work you off the wall to the floor by force.
You’re my slave and that’s my tour de force.
fripodding and heavy rotating: the best of the best
So I didn’t think I’d make it in time to do the final countdown in the Heavy Rotation series. But here it is, the best of the best, and it wasn’t easy because I feel down deep in my stick recuperating bones that I’ve slighted somebody. Once again, I’m judging these albums based on listenability–listening to an album from beginning to end without skipping songs.
Through this journey, I sadly had to leave out some albums. I have to set some limits for myself ya know. I actually let myself go last week and stretched a supposed top 10 list to a top 15 with special exceptions. In this case, it will be a straight top 15 and a few notes about the album. Before I begin, let me name a few artists who did not make the list, or any lists I’ve made so far but I do have complete albums and truly enjoy: Gavin DeGraw, The Fugees, Sara Barellis, Talib Kweli, Will Smith, matchbox 20 and Gnarles Barkley. Perhaps in friPod posts to come, I’ll shine some light on what I like about these artists and/or particular albums.
I’d consider those to be honorable mentions, but I didn’t name their respective albums. I think it’s safe to say that those artists are also on my trust list, that if they came out with an album tomorrow, I would buy it knowing I’d enjoy. It’s always tough making these lists because I really have to consider what I really love about each album. Some of it is lyrical. Some of it is composition. Some is beats and production. Performance. Length. And of course, all of these together, it makes it difficult. But without further procrastination, here’s my final list, last edited about 37 minutes ago according to my feelings towards them.
15. John Mayer–Continuum – I was never really a fan of this guy, but some struck a chord between his voice and lyrics and I became a follower. Plus he’s from Connecticut so I gotta support.
14. Deitrick Haddon–Crossroads – It’d be criminal of me not to include at least one gospel album, and I almost went with Kirk Franklin. But over the years, I’ve come to listen to this guy a bit more also because of his voice, storytelling lyrics which are sometimes straight out of the Bible.
13. Daft Punk–Discovery – A musical journey through remixes, guitar riffs and computerized beats… and if you’ve seen the movie version, then you can see the music and it’s brilliance. Is it safe to say they have a style all their own? And that I love it? I’ll say it. I love it.
12. Panic! at the Disco–A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out – I’ll be honest, when I first heard this album, all the songs sounded the same. But after really listening, I was entranced by the lyrics and their energy. I still couldn’t tell you the titles of the songs, but I know the song when I hear it.
11. The Roots–Rising Down – I started following The Roots a few years ago, and I still haven’t heard everything they have done. I know they don’t seem very high on my list, but I couldn’t leave them out, and I really love this album for their hard hitting, painfully honest piece of work. Again, much love to production by ?uestlove and the genius rhymes of Black Thought (and friends).
10. Fall Out Boy–Infinity On High – I’ve recently been a converted fan, but these guys do play some great music. I may not understand what all the songs mean, but if it means having a good time, doesn’t it really matter? Truly enjoyable music to listen to at high volume and on repeat.
9. Prince–Purple Rain – I mention Prince before, suggesting I’d be better off with a “best of” album but I don’t have one that includes all my favorites, and this is the only album that seems to have most of them at once. Perhaps one day I’ll list all my favorite Prince hits, but so far, this is one of the top albums and top musical movies… even if it wasn’t that good of a movie.
8. Mos Def–Black on Both Sides – I really wanted to get Mos Def on this list, especially this album which I love listening to. Another dude with great wordplay and bringing on social awareness. What this album is, I wish so many more albums were like: full.
7. Raphael Saadiq–The Way I See It – Yeah, you already know. I won’t repost the link again, but just know that this guy is also musically genius and this album has such an awesome retro style that it hurts. I mean that in a good way. Like when your face starts frowning up because it feels so good. Yeah, that’s how I felt.
6. Joss Stone–Introducing… – One of my favorite soul singers on the planet. And both beautiful physically and vocally. Saadiq helped make this album as awesome as it is, but Joss brought it with her voice and lyrics. This also has a retro feel that I love. And Joss beat Saadiq because she’s a girl and I like girls.
5. John Legend–Get Lifted – I love all John’s albums, but I guess sometimes it’s best to start with the first. I remember when I first heard this album, it gave me comfort that there were some people who actually still sang from the heart and had some real soul in their voice. Everyone sounded the same to me, then the Legend hit the radio waves and I’d like to think that things haven’t been the same since.
4. Kanye West–Graduation – Just like John Legend, I enjoyed his previous albums. As much as I enjoyed the first album, I’d have to go with this one (which I explained in the last list).
3. OutKast–Speakerboxxx/The Love Below – More geniuses here. I had yet another hard time picking which album to list, so I applied the “island” rule: if you could only listen to one album forever on an album, which would it be? Well here is a double album. Overall, the best of both worlds and something different the world wasn’t ready for.
2. Lauryn Hill–The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – I knew without a doubt that she needed to be on this list. It just made sense that she be #2, but besides the number, she is just awesome. Both a singer and a rapper, with great messages in her songs and some really great wordplay, I just hope she takes the world by storm again soon. Only she can followup greatness with more greatness.
1. Sam Cooke–One Night Stand! – Who else did you think would get my #1 spot?
how i spent my 23rd
Thanks to a heavy dose of my favorite alcoholic beverage, NyQuil, I arose bright and early and well rested at exactly 5:50 AM. Not by my own sheer will, of course. This is due to my cell phone’s Monday thru Friday alarm set that remarkable sounds different each time I hit snooze. I think there’s a conspiracy behind that.
Compared to the past 48 hours up to that point, I have no choice but to agree that I was feeling 90% better. Now the only health issues I had no choice but to deal with was the remnants of either a cold or what might have been the flu, or [shudders] a fever. I don’t even know what the symptoms of a fever are, but all the while as I rested in bed, I began to ponder if I was supposed to sweat out the flu or feed a cold. Then I considered how some of those old time remedies have since been disproved. Example, candy and sweets won’t necessarily make your children more overactive than they already are. I’d cite the source… but I assume we are all connected to the Internet one way or another.
I make my way down to my desk to start what hopefully turns out to be a full and productive day, despite it being a day most people take off from work to celebrate by doing who knows what. Technically, I’m behind a day and half. But I think all will be worked out. In my half the day the night before, I would equate my productivity to that of a Grand Slam… twice… with the Denny’s meal afterwards. It certainly wasn’t my intention to be ill. Who ever wants to be? Oh wait! I know! Test subjects who get paid at universities to take on bacterias and viruses for the sake of science and hopefully a decent check. I’d almost ask to sign me up. But I’ve never enjoyed feeling extremely frigid body chills, then feeling extreme heat all over sweating in places I never knew possible, a blazing flaming throat, a non-stop leaky nose, delusional and completely weirded out dreams (while sometimes still awake), no interest in food (with my stomach later agreed with the disinterested by violently repelling soon after), and of course… just all around miserableness. That was mostly Tuesday, and I didn’t want to give in to too many graphic details, but it just wasn’t pleasant.
My guess is I may have caught whatever yuckiness my parents (specifically my mother) had, or someone I gave a ride home from church. Or [gasp] both!
Whatever the case, I think my body is now immune to whatever it was that attacked me. It still hurts when I sneeze, but it’s much better than before. During my lunch, I journey out of the house for the first time since Sunday to greet my best friend. All I desired was hot lemon tea. I took a trip to the Mart to pick up some much needed supplies. Tissues and toilet tissues. I guess there’s a first time to be out of all of that stuff at once, right? I’m not a fan of public bathrooms either, so it was a dire need and couldn’t wait to get home to clear out my system and all it’s ailments.
Considering the quarantine had been lifted from the house, some family members stopped by to give gifts. I was allowed to miss choir rehearsal even though I would’ve went. There was talk of cancelling due to weather problems. The weather wreaked havoc yesterday and the city has remained a skating rink. Unfortunately, skating isn’t one of my many talents, so this gives me another reason to stay indoors, especially at night. When it’s disgustingly colder. At least it’s not as bad as the week before, or whenever it hit “BONE CHILLING” on the thermometer.
Anyway, there are plans to probably go out to dinner at a nice eatery like IHOP or Red Lobster or Custy’s or IHOP. Bowling has also been discussed. A past time I do indoob enjoy. I also enjoy mini golf, but it’s winter and 95% of the places I know are currently closed. There is an indoor mini golf, but I don’t feel like making the drive or remembering how to get there. Shame on me for denying myself a good time.
Overall, I can’t complain. It’s been fun. I’m horrendously behind on many other blog posts I love reading, but I’ll catch up soon enough. It’s not a landmark year, but I’m hoping one of these days, Oprah and I can party together.
a poem: "heartbreak hangover"
No, I’m not fine,
I am not okay.
There’s nothing you can do or say.
But thanks for asking anyway.
They don’t make pills for this kind of pain.
My heart can’t stay dry from this kind of rain.
Only time heals a heartbreak hangover.
And my heart won’t truly get over
knowing it won’t be the same.
Unless you were her
and came back to stay,
there’s not much else you can do today.
But thank you for trying anyway.
fripodding and heavy rotating: top 15 of 2008
This post is all about last year. When I tell you it took me forever to write this, I mean it took about three weeks… including right up until Saturday, which means I technically missed Friday. Hey, I’ve been busy not-working so cut me some slack. Heh…
I kept revising this list because I only wanted albums that were released in the past two years, and not so new that I wouldn’t have enough time to legitimize it’s Heavy Rotations status. Then I decide, bump my own rules! I’ll do it how I wanna do. So I changed the list to be the top 10(+) albums I listened to during 2008. I did draw some lines: the album has to fairly recent, say January 2007 until about mid December 2008. This means I had to exclude OutKast (as a group), Lauryn Hill, Mos Def and probably a few others I can’t think of right now because I had to make up and rewrite so many freakin’ lists. I made a few rare occasions: let’s call them “double albums” where I combine both their recent album, and one a bit older. I include it because a lot of the time, iSaac may be set on “Artist” and will play all the songs by that artist. Sometimes, said artist may only have two albums OR I only have/like two. Okay?
Again, what I look for in an album is LISTENABILITY–being able to listen to the majority of the album with little or no skipping. I think it’s also fair to say, that any artist I list here is on the “trust” list. This means, if they released an album tomorrow, I could buy it and find at least half or a third of the album enjoyable. And if you’re like me, albums tend to grow on you after time and you might end up liking more or all of it. With the exception of the #1 on this list, whom I have yet to sit down and listen from track 1 to the end, but we’ll get to that later. On with the list!
15. Justice – Cross
I ran into this album for a couple reasons–a friend of mine posted a video, DVNO and it eventually led me to D.A.N.C.E. Before long, I just took a chance and ordered the album. With these guys being fans of both Michael Jackson and Daft Punk, could I really go wrong? The album has been a fixture for my office work life, not only for me, but my mom too. And it’s interesting to pick out Justice’s songs from TV commercials. It’s a great album to get the energies moving, and a great album to drive too… which is probably why it’s used for commercials. This is an album that’s meant to be played beginning to end, it fades into the next track. It’s bittersweet when sometimes all you really wanna hear is DVNO and you are used to the song playing before it. Meshes so nicely.
14. Alicia Keys – As I Am
I won never really a huge Keys fan, but I loved her talent and I was always a bit attracted to her. And then, she stopped the corn rows and started showing some skin! But this is about her music and this album in particular. What turned me on to it was reading an article (I forget where) about the making of this album, and how personal it was, and is, to her. Once I read about that and got to hear it for myself, I could truly feel the passion she felt in many of the songs. I’m sure everyone got tired of No One real quick, unless you didn’t listen to the radio like me. But I’m sure after a year or so, you can remember why it was such a hit. This is one of those songs you felt the passion. But it was also the beat. Other passionate songs I really felt: Lesson Learned, Tell You Something, Superwoman and although not as passionate I Need You and Where Do We Go From Here which are just fun songs I really like.
13. Maroon 5 – It Won’t Be Soon Before Long
This was going to be a “double album” including Songs About Jane, but I had to be honest with myself… After the newer album, I didn’t listen to Jane as much. Oh, I still did listen to it and I think it’s proven to be a Heavy Rotator. But let’s just say starting this year, they have been getting equal time so far. What I liked about Before Long was that it felt different, but yet the same. If that makes any sense. Every so often, I just crave something new and unique-sounding, and fortunately, I stumbled upon this album just in time. Unfortunately, I get a bit upset when certain songs feel a bit too short. A Little Of Your Time for example. I mean, maybe that’s the point, for it to be a short song, and only taking a little of your time to hear it. I did like the entire album and I don’t want to go through picking each one. But Infatuation stuck with me the most. It might not be on all the albums, but it was on mine and I’m infatuated with it.
11. Panic(!) at the Disco – Pretty. Odd./A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out
So this would be the first double album pick. As you can see, I skipped a number. This is an example of having both albums of the same artists and just letting them run into each other on the playlist, getting used to it and liking it. I know I listened to Fever a lot more that Pretty. Odd. but when it comes to last year? I think I wore them out pretty equally. I love their style. I like Urie’s voice. And I love the lyrics. And yes, I’m even a fan of the titles on the first album. In case you didn’t know, they came from movie/book quotes from Closer, Fight Club, and I think Choke… just to name a few. I don’t know, use Wikipedia. Anyway, since I’m naming both albums, I don’t think I can pick any particular track I really like. The singles, those are givens. It’s probably why they are the singles. And I’ll be honest with you, I don’t know any of the songs on the first album by their titles, HOWEVER, I do have an understanding as to what each title means knowing where they got the title from. But since Pretty. Odd. is the newer album, I’ll pick two non-singles: Folkin’ Around and She Had The World. Both are great songs with beautiful lyrics that inspired poetry of my own. Both album are unique all their own too. I guess you either love it or just don’t care.
10. Raphael Saadiq – The Way I See It
I’m going to cheat here. I already wrote about this album a few months ago on another friPod post. But check it out again!
9. John Legend – Evolver
Yep, the same goes for this guy too. I’m not being lazy. I just don’t want to be redundant. Is that a crime?
8. Common – Finding Forever
Wow, my man Common has been doing big things. I don’t know how many movies he’s done (I do, I’m just making a point) and his music has grown to new heights and even Grammy status levels! Now I’ll say this now, I haven’t heard his newest effort. Honestly, I haven’t heard a lot about it other than it not being his best work, possibly due to his verses not being as socially conscious… but who knows? I’m all for artists trying out new styles, new music. This album, however, was a great follow up to Be. I would’ve made it a double album, but for me, that album didn’t quite pass the listenability test. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a hot album. Both of them are. But I tend to find myself skipping to the songs I like better. Unlike Finding Forever, I’m just enjoying the current track, itching for the next one. Each song brought me somewhere different. But I think one of the tracks I liked the most was Southside with Kanye West. I love when rappers trade verses like they do in this song. And even in the chorus, it’s good to have a friend to sing with because one person takes “south” and the other takes “side” until the next verse start. You have to hear it to understand. Anyway, besides the wordplay, one thing I love about Common and this album, is the storytelling. And honest storytelling at that. Too many titles to choose from, but how about Drivin’ Me Wild? No really, drive me wild. I jest.
7. Joss Stone – Introducing…
To me, she needs no introduction. Excuse me a moment whilst I drool. I apologize, I just enjoy a great looking woman with a great voice. Truth be told, I fell in love with her voice first. But let’s move on to the album. I sprung for the deluxe version and got a DVD with a music video and other nifty things. I do listen to the entire album, but I’m usually stuck on a couple songs like Baby, Baby, Baby because I think I’m in love with the drums on that track (along with her voice). Put Your Hands Me is also a treasure. And so is Arms Of My Baby. You know what? I think it’s all because of the drums and just the funky-ness of the music. I admire the singer-songwriters, like Joss, and the producer Raphael Saadiq. She does make an appearance on his album, just like he’s all over this one. Lauryn Hill is here too, sharing a love affair with Music. Common is on this too with probably my other favorite track called Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now.
5. Daft Punk – Alive 2007/Discovery
Another double album here. I think to fully appreciate Alive 2007, you need to hear all their albums. From Homework to Human After All. The live album mixes all their songs beautifully together. And I saw some YouTube videos about this. It looked fun. Very effing fun. I wanted to be there. Now I will say this about the live album, spring for the deluxe edition or whatever version has the encore. It’s worth it. But again, to fully enjoy an album like that, you need to go back to the roots. My favorite Daft Punk album is probably Discovery. I say probably because I don’t actually own the other two… yet. But what I liked on Discovery are tracks like Face to Face and Digital Love. And I have no problem admitting, the reason I got into Daft Punk is because of Kanye West’s Stronger. And the original is just as good as well. Now if you dig Discovery, then I suggest you look into the movie version of the album. As I mentioned early, these guys influenced Justice, so this is why these two albums also can be played from beginning to end. They do have moments to breathe, that’s always nice.
3. Fall Out Boy – Infinity on High/Folie à Deux
Yep, another double album. I kept hearing about this band Fall Out Boy for a while but never got around to taking a listen. Then I caught a remixed track from Mr. West for the song This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race and grew interested. I told my friend Dearest about it and she gave me a few songs to which I ended up buying Infinity on High and liking it so much more. This time yet again, there are too many songs for me to name that I really really like. And again, the titles I looked up on Wikipedia to get a better understanding. And some of the lyrics are still confusing to me… but they are still beautiful to my ear. And the sound of the music? Awesome. They’ve come a long way. I included their newest album which was the second to last album I bought last year. I love it just as much if not a wee bit more. Again, too many songs too name. This is a very good thing because it’s exactly what I want when I but an album. I don’t want to skip any songs if I can help it. If anything, I’ll skip a song just to get to another on the playlist faster, then go back and listen to the ones I’ve skipped! I’m odd. But these two albums are great.
2. The Roots – Game Theory
This almost made it as a double album. But golly… which album would I choose? To narrow the list, it’d be a fight between The Tipping Point and Rising Down which was the last album I bought last year. It didn’t make the list because I didn’t start listening to it until a couple days before the year is out. But hey! It’s a great contender for this year. Anyway, Game Theory isn’t full of happy songs by no means. Then again, when I think of The Roots, “happy” isn’t a word that comes up anyway. “Lyrical” and “genius” are more likely. This album, where do I start? They say it’s one of the darker albums (with Rising Down being the darkest), and dark means that it’s deep with social commentary and how bad the world is. I’m not really giving it justice, but then again, that’s one of the points… the justice system not working correctly. But Black Thought’s words are… wow. And ?uestlove’s beats and production? Outstanding. A song that keeps popping up that I love is called Here I Come. Oh, let me also throw in that their albums are also built in such a way, that it’s meant to be listened to beginning to end. I mean all their album track numbers continue from the previous album. I won’t get into that right now though. But the first three songs are awesome, False Media, Game Theory, and Don’t Feel Right. I’ll also admit, listening to this album for too long might cause dread that something bad is going to happen, but it also wakes you up that not everything is as good as it looks. Again, great album with little to no skipping.
1. Kanye West – Graduation
Remember the big competition when this album was released the same day as 50 Cent? Oh, that was good stuff. I’m not a big fan of him, so why bother talking about it. This album was awesome. I almost want to call this a masterpiece. Almost, because I’m sure he’s hard at work cooking up more fabulous music. I can already hear the questions now, what about Heartbreak and 808s? Remember earlier I said I liked artists trying new things? I’m not so fond of this new style. BUT, I will listen to the album at some point. But we aren’t talking about that album right now anyway. What I liked about this album was that it felt like he had graduated. I know from what to where, but it just sounded advanced in a way than his previous works. I mean each of his albums did have it’s own personality to it. I would’ve included a double album for him, but I really liked and listened to this album a lot. At work, in my car, at the gym, and just everywhere. It’s not secret, especially not here, one of my favorite songs is Champion. With that same energy, I’d like to also recommend The Glory. I do have a bone to pick with Mr. West. The song Homecoming I’ve heard before on a mix tape, but with a different melody and guest singer–John Legend! I love that version so much more… but, I understand you like to work with others. And I’m still pissed I never made it to any of those crazy insane concerts. I heard they were awesome. Don’t rub it in.
So that’s my list. Next week, my top 10 albums of all time. I’m still changing my mind about it as we speak. For the sake of saving space and time, I will refer back to this list or a previous one should any album appear that has already appeared. Deal?
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