Videos

A Tribe Called Quest – Beat, Rhymes, and Life Documentary Trailer

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A trailer has surfaced for Michael Rapaport's suddenly controversial A Tribe Called Quest documentary, Beats, Rhymes, and Life. A couple things to note here. First, Q-tip is by far one of my top 5 MC/producers ever, and ATCQ is untouchable, so I'm seeing this flick no matter what. Second, Tribe's beef here seems to be pretty technical and superficial, so I'm assuming the overall content will still be truthful and engaging. Lastly, why the fuck did Michael Rapaport, of all people, end up making this film?

The movie is set for limited release July 8 barring any delays.

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Gigs We Dig

Atlantic Guitar Quartet Concerts

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The Atlantic Guitar Quartet is comprised of four musicians, all alumni of the esteemed Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, that share a desire to perform and promote music by living composers. The quartet seeks to heighten the concert experience for its audiences by merging art forms, performing educational outreach concerts, and offering a fresh, new perspective on classical chamber music.

You've previously seen the AGQ on TWD here as promo for a recent concert at the Engineers Club of the Garrett-Jacobs Mansion in Baltimore MD. Well they're at in again with a series of concerts over the remainder of the week in Baltimore and NYC. Read on for the complete concert information and then get your music-loving butts out of the house and take in a show.

The AGQ also happens to feature TWD's author Dave (lower left in the picture) and this shameless self-promoter would love to see a few members of the Dig Nation out at a show. We'll have a glass of wine at the reception.

All AGQ happenings can be found via Facebook and/or Twitter. Concert tickets can be purchased here or via NYDailynews.com here.

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Scenes and Songs

This is Spinal Tap

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Tonight I'm posting the third and final installment in a series of three devoted to the music-based films of Christopher Guest & company: This is Spinal Tap (1980s heavy metal), Waiting for Guffman (stage musical), and A Mighty Wind (1950s/1960s folk). They are some of my favorite movies, and with music so funny and so well done, I thought they'd be great for further discussion as part of the Scenes & Songs feature. This one goes to 11!

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Videos

Sharon Van Etten – She Drives Me Crazy (Fine Young Cannibals Cover)

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Just go ahead and read that title again. Oh, Sharon, you've found so many ways to my heart. I never thought I'd be deeply touched by the Fine Young Cannibals, but Sharon's vocals and slowed-down twang give this late 80's jam a surprising new twist. The video comes from the AV Club's Undercover series where they compile a list of songs and then have current artists choose one to cover (each only being covered once). It's a great series, this.

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Videos

The Avett Brothers – The Once And Future Carpenter

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The Avetts played a show in Pittsburgh last weekend that I was in the city for, but failed to actually go to. Argh. My friends tell me it was amazing and long and on top of that, they played a somewhat new song called "The Once And Future Carpenter" (formerly known as "Scared To Die"). It's sweet and catchy like 98% of the Avetts' catalogue and it has both brothers playing acoustic and trading singing duties.

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Unearthed Music

Shabazz Palaces

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This is the sound of hip hop evolving. And not in a poor quality, gimmicky, step backwards kind of way (cough Odd Future cough). If you want to smartly alter the scope of a genre, Shabazz Palaces shows the way to do it.

Shabazz Palaces – Swerve…The Reeping Of All That Is Worthwhile (Noir Not Withstanding)

Shabazz Palaces – Blast It

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New Releases

J. Cole – How High

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Holy shit I'm amped for the new J. Cole to drop. It's easily my (and maybe the world's) most anticipated hip-hop release of the year. I know that this much hype is always a dangerous thing, but I have to say, from what I've been hearing J. Cole will not disappoint. "How High" popped up out of nowhere today and it's classic Cole.

J. Cole – How High

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Album Reviews

Duo Transatlantique: From Moment to Moment

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Ben Beirs and Maud Laforest traverse the ocean from Baltimore to Paris in order to perform as the Duo Transatlantique. Their new album, From Moment to Moment  recognizes this unusual geographical necessity by offering music from Paris and America with a couple of stops in Italy and Brazil.

The Duo Transatlantique are prolific performers and dedicated musicians who have refused to let their work be contained to a single continent. Their earnest desire to perform together coupled with their enviable technique and craftsmanship make the duo a uniquely musical and extraordinary force on the contemporary guitar scene.

Duo Transatlantique: From Moment to Moment

Duo Transatlantique: Comptine d'un autre ete

Duo Transatlantique: Jongo

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Waxing Philosophic

Beardyman Brings the Beat and a Case for Music Education

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Beardyman is the "King of Sound and Ruler of Beats" according to the BBC, and I am inclined to agree. His beat boxing skills put Doug E. Fresh in the corner and his improvisational skills coupled with his looping fluency make for one entertaining viral video.

This performance is from a recent appearance on the Conan O'Brian Show and it not only showcases Beardyman's obvious talent, but it had me thinking about my work as a high school music teacher, and the case for music education for cross curriculum benefits.

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