Look, Diamond Messages & Money

Konnichiwa Jammies-Son!  It has been FAAAAR too long since a new post has come around here.  I believe its time to get back into the groove, if you know what I mean.  Although I harbor no excuses, computer science has been rather demanding as of late.  But no matter!  I have also begun to intensively and actively practice full-on music production [rather than mash-ups and heavy sample arrangement].  Music theory, my guiding light, has proven itself to be a reliable companion through this adventure.  Its malleable rules and forms lend new a new awareness to my ears.  Keep in touch as some of my very first releases will be dropping soon :).  I can’t disregard you guys coming back day after day regardless of my slow updates!  Thanks to you I am back in this chair delivering pleasant tunes to your eager ears.  Shall we?

Pick 1:  Diamond Messages – The Look

Diamond messages delivers a solid cover of Metronomy’s ‘The Look.’

Pick 2:  Kid Cudi ft. King Chip – Just What I Am

I cannot tell a lie… this beat is sick.  (ESPECIALLY THAT KICK DRUM!)

**Bonus1:  Giraffage – Money

Giraffage makes the rhythm flow like water in this piece.  D-R-I-F-T.

Well ladies and gents, thank you for coming back around.  I’ll try my best not to let you guys languish in slow updates as usual :D.

Until Next Time.

-Francis

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Wealth, Health, and Feathers

I’m currently in class, but I do want to drop a bonus post for you guys while we have some downtime.  I don’t have a way to hear or preview my posts right now so I’ll just cross my fingers and throw em’ out there.  I hope your day is fantastic and your night is truly magical.  Enjoy.

Pick 1:  Nujabes – Feather

I really don’t deserve to analyze such awesome talent.  Nujabes is a true hero to me… that’s all I can say.  I will say though, this type of lyricism is truly touching.

Pick 2:  Young Triforce – The First Wealth is Health

Young Triforce is something you can’t really put your finger on.  This particular piece of his mixes traditional Chinese melodies, intonation, and instrumentation with the ever clicking hats and sporadic bass of trap music’s percussion.

Until Next Time.

-Francis

[POTD:  http://mylittleuchiha.deviantart.com/%5D

Dreams of the Mere

     Long time no speak Jammies!  Welcome back to another late installment of music and mischief.  Summer is quickly nearing its end as winter creeps closer.  In all honesty though, I don’t mind the cool breezes coming our way.  Its a refreshing change to the swampy rain we’ve been constantly inundated with.  Enough about weather though!  Music is the topic of today’s discussion so lets stick with it.

Within audio, visual art, and virtually any other artistic form there is a dynamic play between two forms; negative and positive [space].  The concept of such a thing transcends beyond the arts into the lofty realm of culture and spirituality (yin/yang-good/evil-etc).  For our purposes and simplicity’s sake, I will only be referencing the arts.  The framework for understanding and dissecting such a characteristic is better known as ‘composition.’   Every song, painting, photograph, or track is framed within a composition.  This could be the literal frame of a picture, its boundaries, or a phrase within a musical piece. Furthermore, Within the idea of a composition is encapsulated the careful play between negative and positive space.  Artists  try to create balance and symmetry between the two, but it is important to note that asymmetry is just as important, more-so in eastern art and composition.  In conclusion, take this understanding/lens of perception and critically analyze your surroundings.  What is empty?  What is full?  Where is the balance in this piece?  How is the artist attempting to achieve this balance?  Furthermore, and perhaps more abstractly, what kind of ‘weight’ does the artist impose on certain elements?

Take these concepts into that pretty little head of yours and analyze these:

Pick 1:  Lil’ B – NYU (Prod. by Emerald Ruins)

Smooth synthesizers drift like tides on the beach as the percussion track locks them into step.  Thank You Bass God.

Pick 2:  Reykjavik Swing Syndicate – Si Tu Vois Ma Mere

This stunning cover of Sidney Bechet truly does this piece justice.  Enjoy.

**Bonus1:  Aerial Pink – Only In My Dreams

A sweet little bonus from the lo-fi wizard himself, Aerial Pink.  I must say though, this song sounds like it belongs in a Wes Anderson film

Until Next Time.

-Francis

[POTD:  http://marionogueira.deviantart.com/]

1 Out Of 2 Change Heart

A seemingly wise man by the name of Steven Wright once said, “Monday is a terrible way to spend 1/7 of your life.”  Well Steven, I disagree my friend.  They may call you Mr. Wright, but today you are Mr. Wrong (*Ohhhhhhhhhh*).  I ask you, “What is Monday, but merely a day with a name.”  You can party like its Friday, hope like its Wednesday, or tarry around like its Tuesday…  your call.  Although it is in fact Monday, we can start our work week on the good foot with some nice tunes.  Shall we?

Pick 1:  Ta-Ku – Higher (Flume Remix)

These bright chord patterns are enough to take anyone higher.

Pick 2:  Breakbot – 1 Out Of 2 (ft. Irfane)

When I hear this new exclusive radio broadcast of Breakbot’s ‘1 out of 2’, I can’t help but be reminded of Foreigner.

**Bonus1:  GRiZ – You Got to Change

You got to change your evil ways… baby 😀

**Bonus2:  Porcelain Raft – Unless You Speak From Your Heart

Like an odd sort of pulsing carnival, this piece brings a breeze of originality into the Charts.

If you hear someone say, “Its for the greater good.”  Ask them, “What is ‘greater’, and what is ‘good’?”

Until Next Time.

-Francis

[POTD:  http://shahsepram.deviantart.com/]

Dark Camel’s Touring Pockets

Greetings Jammies.  Welcome, yet again, to another exciting installment.  Today I’ve pondered the direction of my major within the computer sciences.  I’d like to share my line of thought with you.  First of all, the route chosen is data/network securities.  The reason for such is a simple yet powerful thought I have kept with me for sometime now.  Every wall, every lock, every form of security, no matter how complex/comprehensive, has a hole.  Of course in software this hole is digital, but my first inception of this concept, through the practice of lockpicking, was physical.  I was taught to understand every physical lock, no matter how finely machined, has an imperfection that can be fully utilized.  I’m not sure where I’m going with this but I find it interesting ^^.  Anyways, lets jam!

Pick 1:  Tours – Grand Lux

Stabbing vocal samples and a steady percussion track drive this track into the ethereal realm of inspiration.

Pick 2:  Team Cat Food – Dark Camel

Shifting and meandering emotions run throughout this Cat Food.  The Dark Camel rides on.

**Bonus1:  Empty Pockets – BITCshhh

Reminiscent of Black Moth Super Rainbow/Tobacco, this piece seems to drift in and out of itself.  Hello lazy summer.

I know you guys are doing your best out there, and if you’re not, pick it up ladies!

Until Next Time.

-Francis

[POTD Compliments:  http://xxnightflower.deviantart.com/%5D