Les Chinoiseries

Onra is a young producer from Paris that I had never heard of until discovering his most recent album, Chinoiseries. The samples used here are of traditional Vietnamese music he picked up at a flea market while on a trip there. Juxtaposed with ill beats reminiscent of Jay Dee’s Donuts & Madlib’s Beat Konducta in India, these samples, although heavily oriental, become accessible and enjoyable to any hip-hop lover. The sound of crackling vinyl can be heard underneath everything, bringing you closer to the music & giving it a vintage gloss. Unlike his predecessors, Onra perfects each track leaving little room for mediocrity. In the past, instrumental hip-hop has proven to be either bland or unfinished- sometimes both. For many of these artists, beats were fragmentary ideas for full songs, seemingly thrown together at the last minute with little thought or concern for mastering the tracks. Here, however, we see a perfectionist, a strong believer in his own work, and an artist who is showcasing his talents. Each track, although only around a minute long, flows into the next one and does not fail to excite the listener. It is safe to say that this is my favorite instrumental hip hop album this year (along with Flying Lotus's Los Angeles). In the future I would love to hear some artists rap over these beats and am keeping my fingers crossed that he will gain enough recognition to tour in the United States. Listen to some here and here.

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Mr. November.

With the changing of seasons comes another dismal opportunity to create a [brand new] playlist, befitting the not so sudden, and ever so slight drop in temperature that generally occurs as we plunge deeper into the year, and consequently deeper into that pile of leaves, which at USC is that mire of papers that has gathered around one's desk-- the intensity of it depending wholly on your personal level of procrastination, a direct measurement of exactly how many days you chose to dance in an inebriated state to M.G.M.T. (to whom no one has a reason to listen to except for the reason above) instead of doing work. Regardless, Matt Berninger may have been doing likewise in his younger days as he reflects back on the autumn season. The National- "Mr. November"   "I used to be carried in the arms of cheerleaders". With his cavernous deep voice and well carved cheekbones, it is not difficult to see understand why, as this lead singer proves awkward looks to be an unnecessary (although common) component to being frontman of an indie band. Kudos to those of you already familiar with the band, shaking your head to my cliche choice of song for said playlist, which is not so cliche at all with the exception of the title itself.. Those of you familiar with the band, but unaware of the existence of albums other than Boxer, should have their indie status examined. Those fully aware and fond of all albums, especially the Virginia EP, should lose their hipster status altogether... (I mean, half of the new EP wasn't even new). For those who've never heard the band, here's a chance to have a listen and redeem yourself: http://www.myspace.com/thenational Have a listen, but if your immediate reaction is to add them as a friend, then you my friend, are behind the times. Dear reader, what are you doing with an active myspace and without a proper blog account? I guess that's what we're for. So stay tuned and keep reading.

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Bad economy = fewer children being held over balcony rails

Michael Jackson, who had gone into default on the $24.5 million Neverland ranch, transferred the deed to a company he partially controls Monday. The company, Sycamore Valley Ranch Co. LLC was a joint venture between Jackson and an affiliate of Colony Capital LLC. What will become of the 2,500-acre property in Santa Barbara's wine country? No one has said yet. Recent photos show that the ranch is falling into disrepair. Jackson has not stayed there since he was acquitted of his 2003 charges of molesting a 13-year-old boy. Ever since his arrest, Jackson's financial status has begun to crumble, just like his abandoned zoo, ferris wheel, and roller coasters. Not to mention his dignity.

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Hipster Olympics...

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