Digging to the Next Level

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Frank just got back from another trip to Africa and shared these pics of his digging adventures. It’s safe to say that nobody is iller than him when it comes to vinyl excavation.

New mix of the best 45s Frank found on his trip!

Hip Hop Album Covers

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Sorry there’s been a lack of updates. I’m going to post my top 5 record finds from 2009 sometime next week, but until then you can enjoy some hip hop cover art reinterpreted with Legos. These were posted earlier in the year but I think they deserve a re-post.

Brasil Meu Amor Vol. 1

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Here’s another great Brazilian mix courtesy of DJ Ferrari. I’ve been finding a lot of Brazilian records as of late so I was thinking about getting started on Braziliance Volume 2. Until then, enjoy this killer mix. If you dig, you can download Volume 2 on his site as well as many other mixes. Lots of record porn on his site too!

Download Brasil Meu Amor Vol. 1

Brasil Meu Amor Vol. 1 Tracklisting:

Vanusa – Ponte Aerea: 15 Horas
Arthur Verocai – Caboclo
D’Angelo – Padre Cicero
Carlos Pedro – Tudo Muda Toda Hora
Claudia – Frente Fria
Marcos Valle – Vinte e Seis Anos de Vida Normal
Os Brazoes – Espiral
Caetano Veloso – Tropicalia
Gal Costa – Tuareg
Som Imaginario – Ue
Arthur Verocai – Velho Parente
Piri – Porta Do Sol
Nonato Buzar – Verao Vermelho
Celia – No Boca Do Sol
Secos e Molhados – Sangue Latino
Paulo Bagunca – Cristina
Mutantes – Ave Lucifer
Trio Mocoto – Nao Adianta
Cleo Galante – Momentos de Cada Dia
O Bando – Quem Sabe
O Terco – Longe Sem Direcao
Tuca – Pra Voce Com Amor
Golden Boys – Berimbau
Jorge Ben – Porque e Proibido Pisar Na Grama
Toquinho – Carolina Carol Bela
Rubinho e Mauro Assumpcao – No Munda Da Lua
Assim Assado – Pedacos
Liverpool – Voce Gosta
Gal Costa – Baby

House Remixed

Friday, October 9, 2009

I’ve always had a ton of respect for People Under the Stairs. Since the 90’s they’ve been one of the most consistent groups in hip hop, in large part to Thes One’s (real name Christopher Portugal) relentless pursuit of the perfect beat. Over the years I’ve read a lot of articles and interviews with him and have no doubt that his artistic talents reach well beyond music. A recent article in the Los Angeles Times further supports that fact as it showcases the journey and outcome of his latest project, a complete overhaul of a house he bought with his wife Ritu back in 2004. Even more amazing is that he did it with no prior home improvement experience.

I’ve had numerous conversations with my wife about our dream of one day buying a house, and this article further inspires and excites me about that prospect. It’s clear the Portugal and his wife have great taste, and a clear sense of style and space. The global aesthetics are a great touch and definitely makes the home feel more like an escape than just a place to eat and sleep.

A great family, nice house, lots of records and video games……what else could you want?

Record Porn: African Cover Art

Friday, September 18, 2009

Over the past year or so I’ve become seriously obsessed with African music, in part to the number of blogs dedicated to the music, but also to the number of compilations and reissues that are starting to pop up. Aside from the music, which I will cover in another post and D.I.A. mix, the cover art is something I find particularly striking. Imagining this stuff being done without a computer makes it all that more impressive. Great use of colors, type, illustration, layout….and although the cut and paste techniques are literally cut and pasted, it still contributes to an African aesthetic that in many ways was ahead of its time. Anyways, here’s some record porn for you to feast your eyes on while I start to put together a mix that’s every bit as impressive as the art.

The Wu-Note Project

Monday, September 14, 2009

Wu-Tang album covers are amongst some of the most classic in hip hop, but Logan Walters is giving them a run for their money with his Wu-Note Project. Reid Miles was the Art Director for Blue Note from 1956 to 1965 and is responsible for some of the most timeless cover designs to grace any record sleeve. Often using half tones, sharp geometric shapes, Swiss inspired design aesthetics and big, bold typography, Miles’ impact on design is immense. As an homage to Reid, Logan has decided to recreate all of the seminal Wu-Tang album covers with a Blue Note flavor. Bobby Digital and Liquid Swords are two of my favorites, but I must say Walters has done a great job capturing the bold simplicity of Blue Note design. I’ve included some examples of classic Blue Note album covers for those that aren’t too familiar with them, followed by some of Walters’ work. He continues to release new covers on his flickr page as he completes them so be sure to check that periodically.

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