Justice coming to DVD

Vinyl Rules

I hear about the comeback of Vinyl almost yearly it seems. But it is good to finally see a reputable paper, The Washington Post, write a well researched story (well researched by today's blogging culture standards) on a marked change in popularity. The reporter talked about kids who appreciate the sound quality that comes from analog records. I have had episodes where I painstakingly compared sound quality on my records vs. my Cd's on my better-than-average-but-nothing-special stereo and granted Vinyl a very slim victory. But I suddenly get it, because to kids today who grew up on iTunes songs and pirated mp3s, the uncompressed sound of vinyl should be amazing.

Though I have severely cut down my record shopping habit and increased my savings in the process, I found somethings pretty interesting in the story.

Turntable shipments topped 32,000 in April, one-third higher than the 19,000 record players sold the same month a year ago, according to the Consumer Electronics Association in Arlington. That's less than 1 percent of total music-player sales, but the increase has not escaped the notice of store managers. CD sales declined 15 percent in 2007, but sales of vinyl recordings are on the rise, according to Nielsen SoundScan, a research company that tracks music sales. Year-over-year sales of vinyl records increased 70 percent in March and could reach 1.6 million by year's end.

Long live vinyl, maybe I can count it as a long term investment.

Ghetto Blasters

Kids these days...
In a trend coming out of Queens, a subculture of youth from Trinidad and Tobago have pimped out their BMX bikes with homemade stereo systems. Its a new embodiment of what brought hip hop and DJ culture onto the scene back in the 70's. At that time local DJs and gangs would roll up carts of stereo equiptment in NYC parks, plug into the lampposts and face off to see who had the loudest sound system (Kool Herc was the first).

I really want to hear what these things sound like and am not sure that I can wait until the short documentary on the kids and the culture, comes out.

I Got One

Its in the mail. From my favorite DJ shop turntablelab.

DJ drum breaks

Because I have a hangover after my bday (thanks everyone, especially p!), I am spending larger than normal amount of time on the internet today. I found this video while reading the blog of David Choe (posted below). DJing and Drum breaks. Makes me sad for the saturday nights I would head down the street to hear Cut Chemist spin at Star Shoes. No cover, packed dance floor - the good ol' days. The drummer is Paul Humphrey

Vintage Soul

a friend of a friend has been asking me to dj at his band's monthly residency for the past 6 months or so. nothing special, i just fill in between bands with some music. its a regular place for me show up and play what i want (no requests) and its usually fun, but lately, i've been a little over it. I think i can pinpoint a couple of reasons why;

1. paying a cover is annoying and anyone i ask to come hang with me has to pay a cover ($10), so i feel guilty asking.
   
2. no money for records - on a good night, i'll get a couple of drink tickets
3. i only get to play 20-30 minute sets (actually, on second thought, this often works in favor with my musical ADD)

so why am i excited for the show coming up on friday?

1. i have a bunch of new music to play
2. its in my neighborhood
3. its been a long time since the last one in nov.
4. my boy ed from the make it funky nights is coming through to help out.

if anyone who reads this (that means you EG and thats a long trip for a show) wants to come, here's the flyer.