The Ear Wax

Zeeshan Zaidi Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of LimeWire

theearwax — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:28:38 +0000

Zeeshan Zaidi Gradutes at LimeWire

LimeWire CEO George Searle announced today the distinguished ex Harvard wonder kid, Zeeshan Zaidi will be promoted to the role of company Chief Operating Officer. Zaidi will move from his role as Head of Global where he was responsible for developing and the execution of global strategy for LimeWire.

In his new position he Zaidi will report to Searle on the daily operations as the company look to continue its growth and expansion.

Zaidi has proven more than his worth with a successful tenure as COO and Head of Business Development at NABBR, suppliers of premium entertainment content and brand advertising to the Gen Y market, prior to joining LimeWire.

Looking through his glowing resume highlights include VP for New Ventures at Sony BMG Global Digital Business Group, at RCA Music Group he filled the role of VP of Digital Business Operations where oversaw the commercial development of the frontline and catalog content.

Prior to joining NABBR, Zaidi was Vice President of New Ventures for SONY BMG Global Digital Business Group. There, he was charged with developing and launching new businesses and developed revenue streams using subscription, retail, and advertising models, leveraging the assets of all of Sony BMG’s U.S. labels as well as catalog inventory.

Prior to this he cut his teeth as Senior Director of Marketing at ARISTA Records (BMG) where he oversaw artists that including Usher, Outkast, Pink, Sarah McLachlan, Whitney Houston and Avril Lavinge.

Felt – Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez

theearwax — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:01:42 +0000

“Your favorite group that wasn’t even a group to start!” is the call out from Felt on the lead track “Protagonists” and is littered throughout “Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez”. This is the third release under the moniker Felt and each time the MC’s team up with a new producer (“A Tribute to Christina Ricci” -2002 prod. Grouch from Living Legends and “A Tribute to Lisa Bonet” – 2005 prod. Ant from Atmosphere) seeking a fresh sound and an innovative challenge. On Rosie they have been dished up a monumental task thanks to Aesop Rock of Atmosphere one of the most skilled producers on the independent hip hop scene.

The group is a collaboration of Murs the recording artist from Living Legends and Slug from Atmosphere. On Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez they are produced by the renowned Aesop Rock from Def Jux, who is the real star leading the listener on a descent into a chaotic, frenzied and mostly wonderful attack on the senses.

Thankfully what you get on Rosie Perez isn’t just a production of self love and thuggin’. These elements exist but aren’t dominant and boring as they survive within the mix up of atmospheric and adventurous beats. The album isn’t focused on hooks, which is refreshing considering the constant sampling and hook centric mind numbing crap thrown up by many mainstream rappers lately.

Murs and Slug put forth a valiant effort placing rhymes atop psychedelic blasts and scratches for the most they keep up with the diverse range of sound besides the muddled attempt on “Felt Chewed Up”. The mandatory skit entries “Kevin Spacey” and “Get Cake” give respite from the ominous theme perpetuating throughout each track. There is a bee in the bonnet of the normally fun lovin’ crew and grievances are aplenty throughout.

Click Here To Listen to "Protagonists" the single from Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez

“Deathmurdermayhem” is a serve to all the haters, internet rappers and violent rappers who have gotten under their skin. “Bass for Your Trunk” berates girls who date losers as supposedly having a superiority complex that is served by accompanying no-hopers. “Revisting the Styleetron” is contrasted with old school beats against the angry words of Slug and Murs. There is no room for irony and relaxing in this modern urban environment and the feel of the block has become one of anguish.

“Permanent Standby” is tale of sorrow of two souls lost to prostitution and narrates of the despairing depths of the big bad city. The warning that the life of sex, drugs and partying are not worth it and the birds that prey on the naïve are ruthless lead the whole album into modern electronic, operatic themed hip hop fusion.

Lasting just over one hour Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez is serious and Felt unburden all their hang-ups which may not be for the weekend BBQ mob. Aesop Rock holds a tour de force for 21 tracks and scratches his way to what could be his masterpiece. He is adequately served by seasoned MCs but one wonders what heights could he have reached given more speed. This album is intriguing from start to finish and the collaborations are set to continue with Felt 4 announced on “Paul Reubens”.

Waterloo at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

theearwax — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:01:40 +0000

The Hollies, ABBA, Genesis, Jimmy Cliff and punk pioneers The Stooges are to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame next year. These groups were selected from a short list that included Kiss, Red Hot Chili Peppers and LL Cool J all of whom failed to get the nod from the committee.

The ceremony will take place at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on March 15, 2010. This will be the 25^th Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony and other notables to be honored include legendary record executive David Geffen alongside songwriters Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil with the iconic Jesse Stone.

Blakroc – The Collaboration of 2009

theearwax — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:56:53 +0000

Ohio based blues rockers The Black Keys are back from the studio with their seventh release “Blakroc”. The riffs are still here but this time the twist is that they have collaborated with a bevy of hip-hop and R&B artists including RZA, Raekwon, the late great Ol’Dirty Bastard, Q-Tip, the soulful Nicole Wray, Mos Def and Ludacris to name a few.

The venture was overseen by co-founder of Roc-a-Fella Records Mr Damon Dash whom has hailed The Black Keys as his favorite band in the world. After meeting the musicians in person he sought their services for the sum of eleven days with the assistance of Jim Jones, of Diplomats fame and his fellow partner in the newly formed Splash records.

The first single off the album “Hoochie Coo” sees a duet with Auerbach and Mos Def with Jim Jones supplying the backing slow grinding rap verses. What is delivered is a hot serving of smoking southern fuelled blues and hip-hop hybrid. For a progressive mix the roots of the blues is prominent as the Virginia sweat on the brow of the founding fathers of African-American music.

Click Here to Watch "Aint Nothing Like You" Music Video

Raekwon has the jazz in “Stay off the Fucking Flowers” and a beat nix delivery suits the modern styled electro mashed rhythms ideally. The keyboard is used throughout “Blakroc” with significant slight and intentional impact for each impact and the undertones on this track make it flow. “On the Vista” shows that Mos Def is the people’s poet of Gen Y and while only included after he butted in on the studio it seems fate played a winning hand to production staff.

RZA pulls the dirty flow on “Tellin’ Me Things” and a sterling job on backing could see this be a late night club favorite for years to come. A shout out goes to Pharoahe Monch for raising the bar on “Dollarz & Sense” to match motors with partner RZA.

The choices for partners seemed inspired with Nicole Wray, who unbelievably has only one album to her credit back in 1997. Her work on “Hope Your Happy” sets the track as a standout with her dynamic delivery among Q-Tip and Billy Danze’s tight flow. The best characteristics of each genre are on display with blues, rap and soul meeting in a 70’s inspired melting pot. She returns triumphantly on “What You Do to Me” feat Billy Danze and hard hitting Jim Jones for the pool hall themed, blues heavy track.

If any fears exist due to previous nuptials between rap and rock they are dulled by purposeful production alongside the emotion and talent delivered by each performer. At the completion of the album I was inspired that many others will now see what is possible with genre crossovers. “Blakroc” is 11 tracks in 11 days of passionate music made with no bottom line outstanding in the minds of the production crew and artists. If you are not feeling it straight away I recommend that you give this album some time and a late night session for maximum value. For the M.V.P it is a tie between Wray and Jones but everyone pulls more their own weight for a sterling Christmas present idea.

Cat Power is Set to Make a New Album

theearwax — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:27:45 +0000

Just before she hits the shores of Australia and New Zealand, Cat Power (Chan Marshall) has announced that she is set to record a new album. However unlike her previous outings she will go it alone this time around.

The Dirty Delta Blues Band backed Marshall for the last five years and produced the backing to her successful covers album “Jukebox” in 2008. So this will be the first release of original material since 2006’s “The Greatest” which will release the tension of a guilty conscience for Chan. “Its just me this time, I’m at a point where my heart tells me, Chan, you haven’t played piano or guitar for four or five years,’ and I do have guilt about that,” she told Brisbane’s Courier Mail newspaper.

Cat Power Announces New Album in the Works

She has been busy writing and was keen to release new material at the time she released “Jukebox” she also warns that she is returning to the sadness that was prominent on her early records.

Slow Poison – The Bravery

theearwax — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:11:02 +0000

In has been an eon since The Bravery last released a studio album, finally fans can now get their sweaty palms on the copy of the latest single “Slow Poison” from their upcoming third album “Stir the Blood”. New York has become a darker place in the last couple of years and the music reflects the native habitat of this indie-synth outfit.

On the surface everything sounds similar to previous tracks with the melodious synthesizer coupled with monotonous vocal design all at a rapid tempo, which is becoming the signature sound for group. The harmonious intro of guitar against the backdrop of a stagnant drumbeat with the electro loop encompassing riffs is disarming and friendly in its purpose.

Click here to watch the music video "Slow Poison"

The melody has a care free vibe, however what lies beneath are bleak lyrics sung by a morbid Sam Endicott “Burn burn the house on fire/I’m so sick and tired,” Throughout he delivers an emotionally removed performance and not until the bridge is their any stress on what he is feeling.

This single is courageous and lives up to the bands name as being a leap into a different musical direction. Many try to achieve a new sound while remaining true to their core unsuccessfully. The Bravery on “Slow Poison” has achieved a praiseworthy first single and if this is a reliable appetizer, expectations are huge.

Hot Chip – Take It In

theearwax — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:07:35 +0000

Hot Chip is set to prove they are no fluke with their new single “Take It In”. This new release from the modern masters of synth-pop is surprisingly the final track of the anticipated release One Life Stand. The latest buzz is that Hot Chip has announced themselves as trendsetters in the modern world of Indietronic. There is a maturity and an advancement of song craft which if is a preview of things to come could see their fan base swell dramatically in the next six months.

The stellar production of repetitious slow grinding beats is the driving force behind the desolate verses. The boys are showing off their skills with soaring and catchy choruses coupled with a minimalist trademark. However unlike before, the additional undertones of choir style backing and piano combining with electronic pop complete a superb piece of music.

Click Here to Listen to "Take it In"

This is shameless and with lyrics such as “my heart has flown to you just like a dove” it is surprising how it is not corny or over sentimental. I thoroughly recommend this and it may well be the track of the 09’.

Wild Palms – Over Time

theearwax — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:39:37 +0000

Many years ago Oliver Stone embarked on a sci-fi television program called Wild Palms, a futuristic delirium styled show, with warnings that society will be brainwashed by technology and drugs. While the six hour mini series has been forgotten by most it seems that the young London pose has been heavily influenced in their methods.

Click here to watch a live performance

“Over Time” is a taut, atmospheric and decadently dark debut. For the past few weeks there has been a growing hype about them, “The hottest act in London”, and on the basis of one track I can say that I am interested in hearing more. The production values could be increased while still harnessing the youthful rawness.

This is the post-punk sound of 2009 and Wild Palms by all reports will be the buzz of 2010.

Tour News – Muse Annouce Wembley Dates

theearwax — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:42:31 +0000

After the stellar performance at Wembly last year Muse announce that they will return there in September 2010. There is also a gig at Manchester that will be a highlight of there UK arena tour and a finale at London’s O2 arena before they embark on the a tour of the rest of Europe.

Lancashire County Cricket Club – September 4 2010

Wembley Stadium – September 11 2010

Tickets on sale November 20 2009 9am.

Muse Announce UK Shows 2010

The Arctic Monkeys – Cornerstone

theearwax — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:55:51 +0000

There has been a shift in the sound of The Arctic Monkeys new LP Humbug. The album is more stripped back and melodic than the two previous releases. This is an unexpected step as Josh Homme is the producer and fans were probably bracing for the most intense work to date. Unfortunately the new mood has seen quite a lackluster and self serving set of meandering tracks. “Cornerstone” however stands clearly above the rest and is a good choice to release as the first single.

Alex Turner is a fluid wordsmith and on “Cornerstone” he is at his vibrant and poetic best. This is a tale of lost love, or so it seems; and the grieving process that endures long after unrequited love interests have departed. It seems the solution is to seek like minded individuals and consol each other with a good snog.

Click here to watch the video "Cornerstone"

The organ is utilized to maximum effect in portraying the emotion of the reminiscent and sorrowful tale. Turner has matured greatly here as a vocalist and his wordplay is somewhat tempered and hence economical, sharper and enhancing the overall track.

Bands all go through a transition attempting to keep things fresh. Sometimes they work and the group is highly regarded for their adaptive ability and longevity is their reward. Some never live up to past glories and sometimes good things take time. What will it be for The Arctic Monkeys?