Tonight 80’s night for the guys, and there is plenty of options for ghastly song choices, which this bunch has been prone to so far in this competition.
Also tonight, the candidates reveal embarrassing moments. these are always so stupid.
Luke Menard's sister dressed him up like a little girl when he was a child, and tonight he sings Jitterbug. Is there a connection? What a hilariously stupid choice. I mean, seriously? Wham is not a good choice for anyone who'd prefer to appear 'with it' or 'straight'. This guy is so fucking lame. That may be his last chance to sing Wham in front of tens of millions of people ever.
Randy says it was rushed, surprising, corny choice. Paula loved it, she of course choregraphed George Michael's tour, and Simon made my night already by saying there's no chance he's advancing to the final 12, and that it was girly. Perhaps Menard should have opted for the more masculine, tough as leather jacket George Michael style.
David Archuleta is already some kind of fundraiser singer, and, based on his choice of "Another Day in Paradise", he is going to be an advocate for the homeless as American Idol. This is one of many songs Phil Collins songs that spooked me just a little as my Mom listened to KS95 when I was in my early youth. He starts at the piano (he plays piano, what can''t this kid do?) but gets up after the first verse, and while its nowhere near as good as "Imagine" from last week, but still very good. Randy is generally non-committal, calling it "Nice". Paula's grip on reality is already slipping, and she is glad he isn’t a make believe person or a hologram, which his flawed performance showed. Simon thinks its getting gloomy, with all these sad songs. But he says a moment later that he’ll probably make the final two so. Simon just wants happy songs that will sell millions of records to tweenieboppers, not biting social commentary from the likes of Phil Collins.
Danny Noriega is next, complete with streaks of purple hair. and he is TMTH with “Tainted Love”. This is a little too burlesque for most Americans, I would think. Judges are split. That was one of his worst performances to date.
David Hernandez is next, and his antedote about boogers isn’t making him any more likable. And that is more embarrassing than stripping your way through singing school? I just read that he was a stripper in a mostly male clientele joint called Dick's Caberet in Phoenix. For Three Years. Now he's moved on to singing Celine Dion. “It’s all Coming Back To Me” doesn’t sound bad, necessarily, but it doesn't sound quite right either. He would be excellent in some kind of Disney singing role. Simon thinks we’ll see him next week but I hope not.
Michael Johns did mascot work in Australia, and once got beat up in a Kangaroo costume. “Don’t You Forget About Me”. A lot more energy and showmanship than anyone else so far, but it wasn’t fantastic. The judges love it. Actually Simon liked it but didn’t love it. He is such a smart man.
David muthafuckin Cook is gonna rock the electric guitar again, as he sings “Hello” by Lionel Ritchie. The judges all love it, think it could be a modern emo hit, but I think it's about ime for him to go as well.
Jason Castro goes for Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, and I don’t think I could be more impressed. I really dig that song, and he did it well. Randy and Paula love it as well, and Simon actually uses the words “Absolutely brilliant”. Best tonight, no question.
Chekesie – used to cry himself to sleep at night. Oh wait that’s just the song. “All the Woman That I Need”. I think he has as much personality as anyone among the guys and I am surprised to find Chekesie among my favorite dudes these days. Paula is excited about Chekesie and all the guys, but it wasn’t Simon’s cup of tea. Chekesie should be around for a while.
So, Luke Menard, David Cook, and David Hernandez are all looking mighty vulnerable., and I will not be sad to see any of them out.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
American Idol - The Results
Tonight we go from our top 20 to our top 16, and we will lose four more of these brave young souls next week. Then it gets serious.
Tonight, we start with the boys.
Jason Yeager. Gone. Piece of cake.
Noriega, standing next to him, looks confused and relieved and annoyed.
And the fate of the ladies...the first to go has got to be Amand-what? They, I mean America, is sending Alexandrea home. That is most unfortunate. Stupid America. Well, I guess Americans don't go for 'that sympathize with me, I'm the underdog' bullshit.
More results for the ladies, and we're saying goodbye to Alaina. Which blonde was she again? Right, Grease Lightning. I would have thought she could been one of the safest this week, because she sang well, even though it was Grease. Kady should have been booted 20 times before Alaina, after her miserable "Magic Man".
One more fella to go tonight. Luke and Robbie are summoned to center stage, where we can get a glimpse of just how lame Robbie is with his enormous skull t shirt and skull bandana. We get it. Skulls. Luke sucks, but must be scoring high with the "I love chiseled features" voting block, because he is safe and Robbie Carrico says goodbye. "Hot Blooded" was one of the stupidest song choices imaginable. He deserves to hit the road.
It's really too bad to see both of the ladies go , but I'm ok with America's judgment on the guys side. Next week is an 80's theme!
Tonight, we start with the boys.
Jason Yeager. Gone. Piece of cake.
Noriega, standing next to him, looks confused and relieved and annoyed.
And the fate of the ladies...the first to go has got to be Amand-what? They, I mean America, is sending Alexandrea home. That is most unfortunate. Stupid America. Well, I guess Americans don't go for 'that sympathize with me, I'm the underdog' bullshit.
More results for the ladies, and we're saying goodbye to Alaina. Which blonde was she again? Right, Grease Lightning. I would have thought she could been one of the safest this week, because she sang well, even though it was Grease. Kady should have been booted 20 times before Alaina, after her miserable "Magic Man".
One more fella to go tonight. Luke and Robbie are summoned to center stage, where we can get a glimpse of just how lame Robbie is with his enormous skull t shirt and skull bandana. We get it. Skulls. Luke sucks, but must be scoring high with the "I love chiseled features" voting block, because he is safe and Robbie Carrico says goodbye. "Hot Blooded" was one of the stupidest song choices imaginable. He deserves to hit the road.
It's really too bad to see both of the ladies go , but I'm ok with America's judgment on the guys side. Next week is an 80's theme!
The Hives @ First Ave 2/28
Though The Donnas have been around for quite some time, 10 years to be exact, this was my first time seeing the all girl punk rockers. They put on an enthusiastic show full of heavy guitar licks and energetic vocals. Brianna, having seen the band many times over the years, recommended keeping an eye on the drummer, who was thrashing away beautifully. After their set Bri and I were buying a cool lil Donnas sticker when the bad ass metal guitarist cam by and starting talking to Bri.
Aren't they adorable?
As for the Hives, I am really not too familiar with them so I really didn't know what to expect. The come on stage, the four of them wearing matching black and white suits. Real fancy and classic like. Pele, the lead singer, was absolutely shameless and relentless in his quest for crowd participation and adoration. I have never seen a band so openly in need of, no demanding of cheering, clapping and screaming from its audience. It was hilarious.
He liked to strike simple bargains with the audience, along the lines of "We make noise, and then you clap. We make fucking noise, and then you fucking clap." Pele, the lead singer, was all about climbing anything he could, speakers, stair rails, etc, and he was also fond of theatrical posing and Jaggeresque strutting antics. Later, when his crowd was sufficiently frenzied and awe inspired and vocal, he said things like "I think you're getting it now!" and finally, when by the end of the show, we had won him over, he proclaimed "I wanna make love to every one of you" and I "Wish I could kiss all of you on the lips" and so on. I'm sure we all appreciated the sentiment.
Aren't they adorable?
As for the Hives, I am really not too familiar with them so I really didn't know what to expect. The come on stage, the four of them wearing matching black and white suits. Real fancy and classic like. Pele, the lead singer, was absolutely shameless and relentless in his quest for crowd participation and adoration. I have never seen a band so openly in need of, no demanding of cheering, clapping and screaming from its audience. It was hilarious.
He liked to strike simple bargains with the audience, along the lines of "We make noise, and then you clap. We make fucking noise, and then you fucking clap." Pele, the lead singer, was all about climbing anything he could, speakers, stair rails, etc, and he was also fond of theatrical posing and Jaggeresque strutting antics. Later, when his crowd was sufficiently frenzied and awe inspired and vocal, he said things like "I think you're getting it now!" and finally, when by the end of the show, we had won him over, he proclaimed "I wanna make love to every one of you" and I "Wish I could kiss all of you on the lips" and so on. I'm sure we all appreciated the sentiment.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tampled by Turtles @ The Inferno 2/15
One day, out of the clear blue sky, my good pal Scottie A alerted me to a party. Not just any party, but a party on wheels. Not just any party on wheels, but a party on wheels going to a Trampled by Turtles show. This party would take place on the way to a humble bar called The Inferno in Mankato, MN. How could I say no? A chance to party heartily for 90 minutes or so with 40 rowdy die hard TBT fans immediately before an out of town show does not come along nearly often enough. The bus riders were spirited as expected, and got more so as the ride and the evening went on. By the time we were on our way home after 2am, there were people stumble-dancing in the aisles, people passed out left and right, and a bus full of exhausted bluegrass fans.
I could not even begin to provide this kind of detail about that raggedy old school bus with the raggedy old nasty bathroom in the back, but someone on the Turtle message board did, so I will share it here: Well done, Furthur.
--
Name: Furthur Location: Twin Cities,
Date: Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Furthur info on the bus...
It was an older, well tested flat face model. Resembling a pre 1970 metro transit bus. This beast wreaked of poorly exhuasted Diesel fuel. It had a warm welcoming presence, (anything would when its -0F outside) tastefully painted to resemble a Cheatah, fitting, as we made it down there in considerably good time. The inside was decorated with multicolored tube/christmas lights, seamlessly wrapping thier way around the cieling. Its seats where finely apoltstered with a dark, heavily worn, monotone, Tolex-Vinyl, that made me feel like a first grader all over again. The well positioned heaters offered heat to keep our feet (and ill-positioned booze) comfortable, but had a tough time competing with the often ajar windows. Scottie A put together a masterfull and dully representative mix CD "Get on the good foot" (I seem to recall). that had us dancing our way to mankato, and kept us wobbling our way home. The bus driver was a hospitable and accomadating fellow. Well traveled, and well conditioned for a load of folks like us (except for his admitted lack of sleep). Obvious in a crowd such as this, there was an ample variety of "dry mouth reversal fluids" which also carried the side affect of increasing one's blood alchohol level. The gang of Turtle fans was a solid mix of close friends, loose acquantances, and never-met-before's. The bus provided a uniquely ideal environment to develop and reaffirm comrodory and friendships that I'm sure will last to the next show and beyond.
Big ups to Scottie A for putting it all together. and to TxT for giving him a reason.
--
Hells yeah Scottie, awesome job indeed.
Heres a couple pics of the show, I couldn't tell you the last time I got to see the boys on a stage this small. Capacity was 120 at this little Mankato joint, and we were 40 deep, so the Twin Cities were well represented here.
It was an excellent show, the first one I have seen since TBT officially proclaimed fiddler Ryan Young to be the fifth Turtle. Dave S. dedicated the first song, "School Bus Driver" to the party bus people. I'm glad I got on the bluegrass bus, and look forward to the next adventure.
I could not even begin to provide this kind of detail about that raggedy old school bus with the raggedy old nasty bathroom in the back, but someone on the Turtle message board did, so I will share it here: Well done, Furthur.
--
Name: Furthur Location: Twin Cities,
Date: Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Furthur info on the bus...
It was an older, well tested flat face model. Resembling a pre 1970 metro transit bus. This beast wreaked of poorly exhuasted Diesel fuel. It had a warm welcoming presence, (anything would when its -0F outside) tastefully painted to resemble a Cheatah, fitting, as we made it down there in considerably good time. The inside was decorated with multicolored tube/christmas lights, seamlessly wrapping thier way around the cieling. Its seats where finely apoltstered with a dark, heavily worn, monotone, Tolex-Vinyl, that made me feel like a first grader all over again. The well positioned heaters offered heat to keep our feet (and ill-positioned booze) comfortable, but had a tough time competing with the often ajar windows. Scottie A put together a masterfull and dully representative mix CD "Get on the good foot" (I seem to recall). that had us dancing our way to mankato, and kept us wobbling our way home. The bus driver was a hospitable and accomadating fellow. Well traveled, and well conditioned for a load of folks like us (except for his admitted lack of sleep). Obvious in a crowd such as this, there was an ample variety of "dry mouth reversal fluids" which also carried the side affect of increasing one's blood alchohol level. The gang of Turtle fans was a solid mix of close friends, loose acquantances, and never-met-before's. The bus provided a uniquely ideal environment to develop and reaffirm comrodory and friendships that I'm sure will last to the next show and beyond.
Big ups to Scottie A for putting it all together. and to TxT for giving him a reason.
--
Hells yeah Scottie, awesome job indeed.
Heres a couple pics of the show, I couldn't tell you the last time I got to see the boys on a stage this small. Capacity was 120 at this little Mankato joint, and we were 40 deep, so the Twin Cities were well represented here.
It was an excellent show, the first one I have seen since TBT officially proclaimed fiddler Ryan Young to be the fifth Turtle. Dave S. dedicated the first song, "School Bus Driver" to the party bus people. I'm glad I got on the bluegrass bus, and look forward to the next adventure.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
American Idol - The TopTen Ladies
That's right, it's ladies night for the 70’s theme. I hope our top ten ladies make it funky.
Carly the Irish Smithson is first with Crazy by heart. Fucking dynamite. Maybe my favorite of the season so far. She says its her favorite songs ever, and she’d dreamed of singing it on Idol. Simon says no girl can touch her vocally and the one to beat, even tho she supposedly hasn’t connected with any songs yet.
Syesha Mercado the commercial actor does a scary crying baby impression before "Me and Mr Jones", a feminized version of Tom Jones' slow jam "Mrs. Jones". Simon says it was obviously not for a woman and "not a particularly clever choice”. Her acting skills apparently can't pull that one off. An elementary youtube search revealed Syesha's range. First is Syesha doing - what else but a Nigerian beer commercial.
and here she is doing a commercial for some medical training:
what a biotch.
But wait, there's more. I have major ethical problems with this...
Thats downright shady. Well I guess we know who the good folks at Ford and their thorough sponsorship of the show are backing.
Brooke White is up with some Carly Simon. She went to beauty school but quit and began singing. Armed only with an acoustic guitar, she puts on what is probably her best performance yet with "You're So Vain", but it seemed more like a Carly Simon impression than anything else. Still it was acceptable. Simon lllloved it. Of course they can't resist relating the song to Simon. OMG, Simon Cowell like can't get enough of himself.
Little Ramiele next, she does Polynesian and hula dancing, and she is adorable. She starts out slow but brings the disco. I like it, and it shows some style, but this was far from her best. The judges didn’t care for it, but recognize there is a lot of talent there.
Kristi Lee Cook is a farm girl who loves boy stuff. She sings “You’re No Good”, and although she has a great voice, she always looks uncomfortable up there, and all her movements still look forced. All the judges liked it, and think she should head down the Country Western path, as she’d have more success there. She has the name to be a country star, at least. "Kristi Lee Cook is openin’ up for Alabama at the State Fair!"-Bri
Amanda’s hair has never looked worse than tonight, and her voice has never sounded worse than on “Carry On My Wayward Son”. Yikes. Absolutely horrible. Randy spares any mention of the vocals and complains only of the song choice, and Paula does the same. Simon, however, doesn’t hold back and says the whole thing was a mess. He even admits the hair is absurd and hideous, in so many words. It looks like some king of Medusa skunk do.
Alaina picks “Hopelessly Devoted to You” from Grease. It’s pretty good, but not great. She has an excellent voice but nothing about her stands out from the crowd of blondes. Pageanty, and a Dark Horse, says Simon. She is still a potential finalist to me too if she can come up with a couple knockout performances.
Alexandrea has been singing at her dad’s Fire Department things for years, and was the poster child for the Atlanta FD. Awesome voice, but not a good song to showcase it, a sleepy, "don’t let our love slip away", suck song. “Don’t make safe choices” scolds Randy, but Paula was impressed. Simon thought it was boring. Then Alexandrea is pulling the "Vote for me, I'm the underdog and the media hates me" thing like you know who.
Kady loves to sing opera and decides to finish the show with more Heart. “Magic Man” starts out very rocky and continues as such. She did not make it work at all. Worst of the evening.
Asia’h is our final contestant of the night. She was a cheerleader, and she has spirit, yes she does. “All by Myself” is her choice, and it is one she will regret when she sees the tape. She completely missed one of the first insane notes. That’s too bad, but I bet she’ll still make the cut. Hey, wait, she’s sick? Ok, that’s a good excuse. Sure, I’ll take that.
Ok, so hopefully manana we’ll lose Kristi Lee Cook and Kady Malloy, but Amanda the nurse biker rocker may well go after her awful display tonight.
American Idol - The Top Ten Dudes
Michael Johns plays tennis and sings to relieve stress, and sings “Go Your Own Way”, the Fleetwood Mac jam, and really struggles through it. Its super pitchy in parts and it just doesn’t sound right sung by a feller. This was his worst by miles. He may want to go pick up his racquet, because his handsome charm may not save him after that disaster. Randy and Paula like it but Simon is inclined to give the straight dope and calls it his weakest performance yet.
Jason Castro is next and admits he hates interviews. Seems like a pretty shy guy, but he’s a fucking natural on stage. Again he has his guitar to accompany him on “I Just Wanna be Your Everything”. It’s good, but not great. Not nearly as good as he’s been in the past. The judges are not on board with that either. Simon thought he looked uncomfortable up there, maybe old Jason is having second thoughts about all the glitz and glamor.
Luke Menard sings in an a-capella group, which I really don’t understand. You would think that would mean he’s a fantastic singer but he is certainly not. “Killer Queen” is his song. Oh boy. Few people should attempt to sing like Freddie Mercury, and Luke Menard is not one of those people. It’s bad, and he may be on his way out. Randy and Paula somehow liked it but Simon calls it a mistake, because Freddie had charisma, and Luke Menard did not. Exactly.
Robbie Carrico drag races cars, legally, and inexplicably chooses “Hot Blooded”, one of about one thousand songs that forced me to swear off KQRS forever so many years ago. Ouch. It’ s absolutely brutal, but it would be absolutely comical if I didn’t like the guy. Even though Randy loves the song, he didn’t much care for the performance and questions the whole ‘rocker’ thing. We are then imparted with classic Abdulian wisdom: “Only you know who you really are” or some such sillyness. Simon lets him off easy and calls it ok.
Danny Noriega was once in a punk band until some people heard them play, and chooses a sleepy Carpenter’s song, full of baby’s and love. Not a very entertaining performance at all. Decent vocal, but where is all his crazy diva attitude?! The judges think he was trying too hard but cannot deny their love for him.
David Hernandez, the medal winning child gymnast, does “Papa was a Rolling Stone”, and I am quite surprised to find it enjoyable. That was, without question, the best I have ever heard him sing. He’s still not an outstanding performer, but that was pretty good. The judges love it and Simon says it’s the best of the night.
Jason Yeager taught himself how to play guitar, drums, and piano. Now if he could only teach himself to sing. He picks “Without Love”, in what may be the first time the Doobie Brothers have been sung on the American Idol stage. I suppose he’s not a horrible singer, but he just has no star power and is really uninteresting to watch. Randy is right on when he says it’s not a singer’s song, and I hope he’s one of the two to go this week.
Chekezie’s name is Nigerian, and he is bringing the funk tonight. He does a Ray Charles number “I Beleive to my Soul”. Damn that is one funky, soulful song, and Chekezie just rocks it perfectly. It’s a million times better than anything I’ve seen him do before, and now I like this guy.
David Cook calls himself a “word nerd” and a “geek for vocab” before he sings “Allright Now”, while strumming an electric guitar. Yet another of the songs that drove me away from 92.5 on your FM dial. Man this guy is lame. Randy and Paula love the “rock”, and Simon called it “solid”, but said he lacks charisma. I say he lacks charisma and that was not solid at all.
David Archuleta is up last, and he was lucky enough to meet the finalists of American Idol season one when he was but 11. They show a clip of that encounter, when young David sang “And I’m Telling You” for Kelly Clarkson and crew. When he’s through, K Clark gives him a hug and asks his name. Immediately I wonder if this is a moment we will see down the road, like a young Bill Clinton meeting President John F. Kennedy. David has chosen “Imagine”, and he has slowed it down and masterfully reworked it into even more of a love ballad to the world. I am astonished at the control this kid has over his voice, he really knows how to use it. This giggly little guy is going to go far. Really far. Randy says it is one of the best vocals ever on the show, and Paula is in tears as she proclaims David Archuleta to be “Destined for Superstardom”. Simon sees dollar signs. Big dollar signs. He is going to make a lot of money off David, and he can see that clearly now. Simon is pleased, and says there are 19 other contestants who are miserable because there’s a new frontrunner. I’d say he has the nomination pretty much locked up after that. Wow.
Wednesday night is the Ladies, and Thursday we lose Luke Menard, Jason Yeager, and/or David Cook.
Jason Castro is next and admits he hates interviews. Seems like a pretty shy guy, but he’s a fucking natural on stage. Again he has his guitar to accompany him on “I Just Wanna be Your Everything”. It’s good, but not great. Not nearly as good as he’s been in the past. The judges are not on board with that either. Simon thought he looked uncomfortable up there, maybe old Jason is having second thoughts about all the glitz and glamor.
Luke Menard sings in an a-capella group, which I really don’t understand. You would think that would mean he’s a fantastic singer but he is certainly not. “Killer Queen” is his song. Oh boy. Few people should attempt to sing like Freddie Mercury, and Luke Menard is not one of those people. It’s bad, and he may be on his way out. Randy and Paula somehow liked it but Simon calls it a mistake, because Freddie had charisma, and Luke Menard did not. Exactly.
Robbie Carrico drag races cars, legally, and inexplicably chooses “Hot Blooded”, one of about one thousand songs that forced me to swear off KQRS forever so many years ago. Ouch. It’ s absolutely brutal, but it would be absolutely comical if I didn’t like the guy. Even though Randy loves the song, he didn’t much care for the performance and questions the whole ‘rocker’ thing. We are then imparted with classic Abdulian wisdom: “Only you know who you really are” or some such sillyness. Simon lets him off easy and calls it ok.
Danny Noriega was once in a punk band until some people heard them play, and chooses a sleepy Carpenter’s song, full of baby’s and love. Not a very entertaining performance at all. Decent vocal, but where is all his crazy diva attitude?! The judges think he was trying too hard but cannot deny their love for him.
David Hernandez, the medal winning child gymnast, does “Papa was a Rolling Stone”, and I am quite surprised to find it enjoyable. That was, without question, the best I have ever heard him sing. He’s still not an outstanding performer, but that was pretty good. The judges love it and Simon says it’s the best of the night.
Jason Yeager taught himself how to play guitar, drums, and piano. Now if he could only teach himself to sing. He picks “Without Love”, in what may be the first time the Doobie Brothers have been sung on the American Idol stage. I suppose he’s not a horrible singer, but he just has no star power and is really uninteresting to watch. Randy is right on when he says it’s not a singer’s song, and I hope he’s one of the two to go this week.
Chekezie’s name is Nigerian, and he is bringing the funk tonight. He does a Ray Charles number “I Beleive to my Soul”. Damn that is one funky, soulful song, and Chekezie just rocks it perfectly. It’s a million times better than anything I’ve seen him do before, and now I like this guy.
David Cook calls himself a “word nerd” and a “geek for vocab” before he sings “Allright Now”, while strumming an electric guitar. Yet another of the songs that drove me away from 92.5 on your FM dial. Man this guy is lame. Randy and Paula love the “rock”, and Simon called it “solid”, but said he lacks charisma. I say he lacks charisma and that was not solid at all.
David Archuleta is up last, and he was lucky enough to meet the finalists of American Idol season one when he was but 11. They show a clip of that encounter, when young David sang “And I’m Telling You” for Kelly Clarkson and crew. When he’s through, K Clark gives him a hug and asks his name. Immediately I wonder if this is a moment we will see down the road, like a young Bill Clinton meeting President John F. Kennedy. David has chosen “Imagine”, and he has slowed it down and masterfully reworked it into even more of a love ballad to the world. I am astonished at the control this kid has over his voice, he really knows how to use it. This giggly little guy is going to go far. Really far. Randy says it is one of the best vocals ever on the show, and Paula is in tears as she proclaims David Archuleta to be “Destined for Superstardom”. Simon sees dollar signs. Big dollar signs. He is going to make a lot of money off David, and he can see that clearly now. Simon is pleased, and says there are 19 other contestants who are miserable because there’s a new frontrunner. I’d say he has the nomination pretty much locked up after that. Wow.
Wednesday night is the Ladies, and Thursday we lose Luke Menard, Jason Yeager, and/or David Cook.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Dre Day VI @ First Ave 2/22
Dr. Dre has become perhaps the most prolific and successful hip hop artist/producer the game has ever known. He goes back to at least 1986, to the very beginning of gangsta rap with NWA. That was some hardcore shit back then. It still is, really. Some real, gritty, vulgar, violent imagery that would go on to influence countless rappers and white suburbanite nation, nay, worldwide for years and decades to come.
Straight from the streets, or Straight Outta Compton as it were, was Dre, Ice muthafuckin Cube, Eazy muthafuckin E, MC muthafuckin Yella, MC muthafuckin Ren, and Arabian muthafuckin Prince, who left the group before they hit the big time.
This stuff was absolutely mind blowing and revolutionary when I and millions of other youngsters got hold of it at the tender age of 14 or so, and I have always had a place in my muthafuckin heart for Dre and his many projects. You gotta give Dr. Dre mad respect. Not only was he in NWA and had a dope solo hit or two, he discovered Snoop Dogg, who has gone on to be perhaps the most recognizable face in hip hop, Eminem, and later 50 Cent. Those are some big acts. We are talking about what, billions of records sold? All that doesn't even mention the legendary collaborations with Tupac, on tracks like "California Love", which to me has about the most gangsta beat ever. That's what genius about Dre. Not only does he rock upon the mic, but he comes up with these beats and hooks that add so much texture and layers to a song.
Suffice it to say that Dr. Dre is a hip-hop icon and hip-hop icons deserve to be celebrated in some fashion, and a yearly tribute on Dre's birthday seems as good a way as any. This was the sixth time such a celebration has been held, and it marked his 43rd birthday. This was the first time it's been at First Ave. Previously it was at the Triple Rock, which can often be counted on to host newer and more niche events like this must have been six years ago. This year, my first but not last year attending the festivities, First Ave had a healthy crowd of well mannered hoodlums and fun lovin holligans. The DJ's kept our muthafuckin heads ringing with Dre and Dre related jams, from the aforementioned collaboration with my all time numero uno hip hop artist, Tupac, "California Love", to the old school classic "Aint Nothin but a G Thing (baby)". Also, although we unfortunately didn't catch any of the lives acts, there was Arabian Prince, an original, if not memorable member of NWA in the house. Members of local label Doomtree were laso on hand, and I really wish I would have seen a live "$20 Sack Pyramid".
As if the music wasn't enough to make the night, the bar was selling fucking 40oz's in brown paper bags. Now, I have never bought a forty in a bar before, and tho it was mighty tempting, I do my best to avoid malt liquor after midnight. Instead I ordered a 24 oz Summit and offered the barkeep $1 for the street cred that would come with one of them paper bags. He declined the dollar but did provide said ghetto fabulousness, complete with a sticker proclaiming "Deez Nuts".
I hope to make this an annual tradition and I highly encourage those who have been fans of the D.R.E. for somewhere near half their lives to join in this recognition of a hip hop pioneer.
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