What I listened to

The last three months have been interesting. The new Breakestra album sure had an impact on my listening habits. Osaka Monaurail and Prince obviously strong, as usual.

2 much music

Yes, there an be too much music. In particular, when you are drowning in choice. I really really want to hear it all.

A bit like all the e-newsletters you subscribe to and then there is twitter, Facebook and your e-mail - all five accounts. Then my Google Wave account was confirmed today.

OK, you say, not the same, because I can listen to music WHILE I read my e-mail, work, read newsletters or change my daughter's diapers. BUT THERE IS JUST SO MUCH !

I have CDs on iTunes, then there is Gu's Homediggin', weekly editions of WeFunk Radio, Swissgroove I haven't listened to in ages, he Craig Charles Funk Show on BBC6... speaking of BBC6, there is so much good stuff on there. Then last.fm, audiomagnet and Soundcloud where new music is suggested to me. Bassinda I found while browsing through Myspace profiles, so I should do that again sometime. Oh and then all the labels drop new funk. Daptone, Strut, Unique, Freestyle, Recordkicks etc. etc.

Oh recommendations from Amazon, Jazzthing, uptown strut, and the miriad of other online and offline media. Not to forget all the online music services I haven't even touched yet like Pandora, Lala, Spotify, etc.

There is only one way I can get all this into my head: move back to London and commute again. That way I have hours and hours stuck undergrond without Internet or phone signals and can listen to the iPod.

*sigh* Problems of the 21st Century.

Schtuff I listened to the last 6 months

New Music Pt 1 - Prince

The two constant guests on my iPod are currently Prince & Maceo. The artist formerly known as the artist formerly known as Prince has opened the doors to his new website lotusflow3r.com on March 24th. Those who can click and find the clues on the homepage get the privelege to pay 77 dollars for an annual subscripton to the site. What one gets is unclear apart from access to the new three albums lotusflower, MPLsOUNDS and Elixer. The latter a coproduction by the heir and Bria Valente.

Instant favourite is Dreamer from the first album. A classic guitar riff and straight song with clever guitar solos. Ol' School Company from the second album also feels like back in the days... which is not surprising, given the name. Of Bria's songs the title track is my current favourite. All three are very different in style and that is a good thing. If you are in the US, drop by your nearest Target and get all three for just under 12 dollars. Otherwise, pick up your plastic and pay the fee for the three albums and access to exclusive videos on the site.

So much more to say, so little time.. next issue: Maceo.

T

I'm really 27

Which is nice, isn't it? Want to find out how old or young you really are? Here a little tool that helps you along the way... or not, depending on the outcome, obviously.

Good luck!

http://www.platinnetz.de/game/age/start

Missing James Brown? Experience the sound LIVE

We've said it before, we'll say it again. Why? Because this is a once in a livetime chance to see something really special.

You'll never forgive yourself, if you miss this band! When was the last time you heard a really good live band? Too long ago. Go and get your ticket today, because this might well sell out shortly !

LIVE from Japan:
Osaka Monaurail in concert

Our Label Artists Osaka Monaurail are touring through Europe. We proudly present their stop in Bremen, Germany: December 7th, 8 pm @ Lagerhaus, Bremen + a massive After Show Version of the Urban Jazz Groove with special guests DJ Pari (Soulpower), DJ Gu (Our Label Records) & DJ Ubeyde Cimen (Urban Jazz family).
Tickets available now! More info at http://www.ujg.de. Don't miss it!

See you there ;)

Bettel Rap (geddit?)

He almost jumps at u from the undefined pulp of the crowd.

Two months ago on Reeperbahn, just now in Altona. I am not a big fan of people asking for money but this guy earns it. Quick, rhyming and extremely friendly. Yes, he wants dosh but at least he is smiling and providing a service, unrequested as it may be. Today I was only carrying a hanky and my keys which I showed him silently as we strolled down the street to the sound of his rap and the hussle and bussle of the street as his backing. He incorporated both items into his rhyme b4 leaving with a wave. As quickly as he had appeared he was gone.

I hope to see him again soon. People like him can really make your day.