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Dan NishimotoAbout Dan Nishimoto Nishimoto has written features for Wax Poetics, Paste, Venus and Prefixmag.com, liner notes for Tuff City funk reissues, and more than his allowable share of forgetable book reports. When he’s not DJing weddings, working on his footwork, balancing budgets, shaking hands or kissing babies, you can catch the kid blahgging at sintalentos. He also detests bios and lists. Wait a second… Features
Future Funk Soldier: Looking Back on Jay Dee by Looking ForwardThough many of his production techniques had been innovated by other producers, Dilla arranged them in a new fashion and took them to a logical extreme. In a sense, he helped bridge hip-hop's transition from Pete Rock, Prince Paul and Premier to Pharrell and Timbaland. [16 February 2006] There Is None HigherSnap your fingers and clap your hands and say, 'Run-DMC is the King of All Bands!' Reissue of the group's first four lets new jacks catch up while old timers reflect. [4 October 2005] Danced Myself Right on to the Stage: Born to Boogie: the DVD and CDBorn to Boogie, Marc Bolan and T.Rex's famed concert film, is finally receiving a proper reissue. To get to the heart of this project, PopMatters spoke with key figures close to both Marc and the DVD/CD: legendary producer Tony Visconti; reissue director Mark Allen; reissue producer Mark Roberts; and Rolan Bolan, Marc's son. [8 April 2005] Danced Myself Right on to the Stage: Born to Boogie: the DVD and CDBorn to Boogie, Marc Bolan and T.Rex's famed concert film, is finally receiving a proper reissue. To get to the heart of this project, PopMatters spoke with key figures close to both Marc and the DVD/CD: legendary producer Tony Visconti; reissue director Mark Allen; reissue producer Mark Roberts; and Rolan Bolan, Marc's son. Danced Myself Right on to the Stage: Born to Boogie: the DVD and CDBorn to Boogie, Marc Bolan and T.Rex's famed concert film, is finally receiving a proper reissue. To get to the heart of this project, PopMatters spoke with key figures close to both Marc and the DVD/CD: legendary producer Tony Visconti; reissue director Mark Allen; reissue producer Mark Roberts; and Rolan Bolan, Marc's son. The Mythbuster: An Interview with Bill WithersA middle-aged man with a heart full of songs makes a career change and leaves an indelible print on pop music. Over 30 years later, he's still Bill Withers. And thank goodness for that. [1 January 1995] Best Foot Forward: An Interview with Waajeed of Platinum Pied PipersThe Platinum Pied Pipers carry the burden and fortune of residencies at mega-Motortown camps Motown and Slum Village. Yet the group is set to strike out on its own with its debut, Triple P. Producer and one half of the duo Waajeed brings it on down. Inner Visions: An Interview with Felix of the Heiruspecs'Hiero?' 'Heru?' Neither a crew from the Yay, or an MC based in LA, the Heiruspecs offer visions from the Midwest. Group co-founder and MC Felix lays 'em all out on the table and explains. Tuesdays with Matt: An Interview with Heavy Trash’s Matt Verta-RayHe likes the simple things in life: Gene Vincent, reel to reels, Chevy Novas, and Marcel Duchamp. Matt Verta-Ray puts 'em all together on his strut down memory lane, talkin' 'bout that new collaboration with Jon Spencer, Heavy Trash. Full Circle, Not Four Square: An Interview with Dave Allen of Gang of Four'It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you...' So, Gang of Four decided to come back with the original gang of four, rerecord some old tunes, do a tour, and change your world. Let It Be: Tonight’s the Night for the Freak SceneNearly 20 years since the original line-up broke up, PopMatters speaks with Lou Barlow on the Dinosaur Jr. reunion. Blackalicious: Good Black Music Since 1987Nearly 20 years later, Chief Xcel and Gift of Gab continue to spark the fire. Cold Steel in the Midnight Hour: An Interview with Dan Auerbach of the Black KeysThey're a dirty duo that's not garage rock; they pay tribute to Junior Kimbrough but they're not a blues act. The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach explains. If You Hear Any Noise…: An Interview with Beastie BoysBeastie Boys take you to the stage with their concert film Awesome: I Fuckin' Shot That!. Tuesdays with AnnieHer story is readymade fable, but she's just plain ol' Annie. Columns
Electoral Relaxation: The Myth of the Hip-Hop Achilles HeelEither Obama's "hip-hop candidacy" makes him appeal to a heretofore disaffected and/or untapped voting bloc, thereby legitimizing his claim as a candidate of hope and change; or this unwelcome connection to a controversial art is a liability. [3 November 2008] (more Call and Response) Back in the DayHeat and beats make for a good combination. No surprise then that most of my memorable experiences related to hip-hop happened during the summer. [11 August 2008] (more Call and Response) Yes We Can CanThe recent "censure" of The Boondocks demonstrates the difficulty art faces in raising a critical converation in a corporate setting. Considering hip-hop's deep embedding into corporate culture, how can radical change happen? [5 June 2008] (more Call and Response) It Ain’t No JokeHip-hop, like most other arts, intentionally pays humor less mind because, hey, it's not supposed to be taken seriously! But seriously. [1 April 2008] (more Call and Response) Burning Down the HouseA pack and purge process got Nishimoto to thinking about Jay Electronica, who may be the M.I.A. that hip-hop has been waiting for. [5 February 2008] (more Call and Response) Viva ‘Wild Style’Wild Style confirms what we now know for a fact: hip-hop wanted to and succeeded in blowing up. No one in the cast/ crew/ generation could conceive what it meant to go pop. [11 December 2007] (more Call and Response) Season of the TribeA Tribe Called Quest's standout recognition among the glitterati at the VH1 Awards could be viewed as a subtle reminder that hip-hop does not adhere to a static definition, nor is it beholden to a single (commercial) goal. [2 October 2007] (more Call and Response) Now, Check the MethodBrian Coleman's new book on classic hip-hop albums and Saigon's public rant offer rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of hip-hop's creative process. [20 July 2007] (more Call and Response) Bling, Bling, Bia, Bia!: How Hip-Hop Can Survive Beyond Black History MonthIf hip-hop is an art, or a larger entity such as a culture, then we must be able to assess it. No body survives unchecked, so what sets hip-hop apart? As its producers and participants, fans and Stans, we must be able to navigate conversations about our actions. [13 March 2007] (more Call and Response) Where Are They Now?: Hip-Hop Learns How to Look Back in Anger (Management)The year 2006 was notable for when so many highly visible artists stepped up to sharply criticize, yet still support, the culture; when's the last time so many of your top five dead or alive had so much to say? [26 January 2007] (more Call and Response) Who Owns What?: Engaging the Fog of Hip-HopHow do the "artist" and "critic" reconcile each other's presence? How literally must one walk this way in order to talk that way? [6 December 2006] (more Call and Response) If 6 Was ‘06…With the ritualistic deluge of year-end music lists barely behind us, Nishimoto offers up a different kind of list to help hip-hop's 2006 future learn from its 2005 mistakes. [6 February 2006] (more Call and Response) Pickin’ Up the Pieces: Sampling from the Great ProducersWhat makes a hip-hop song dope? It's not just about the hook, it's not just about the drops, it's not just about the scratch chorus, and it sure as hell ain't about a salary; it's about a totality. [2 December 2005] (more Call and Response) Reviews
La Jetee / Sans Soleil (1962)The persistence and permutation of memory (or the truth about cats, blondes, Hitchcock, video games, and the post-apocalypse) -- what more would you expect from Chris Marker's entry into the Criterion Collection? [20 July 2007] 
Practical Research Methods for Media and Cultural Studies by Máire Messenger Davies and Nick MoI majored in history, but failed math: strongly agree, strongly disagree, or I don't remember. If you chose the first option, continue reading. [19 July 2007] 
The Electric Prunes: Release of an OathIt took a village to raise the Electric Prunes to both its highest and lowest. [12 July 2007] 
Betty Davis: Betty Davis / They Say I’m DifferentFunk's first feminist Betty Davis resurfaces. [18 May 2007] 
Connie Price & the Keystones vs. Big Daddy Kane and Percee P: Give a Demonstration, Part 2Golden era emcees meet new school funk band. [17 April 2007] 
Sidney Bechet: Treat It Gentle [DVD]For all his accomplishments, mishaps, and adventures, Sidney Bechet would likely have preferred a less calculating and exact retelling of his life. [5 April 2007] 
Basement Jaxx: Crazy Itch RadioBeats, bleats, and everything in-between. But can you dance to it? [26 September 2006] 
Ghostface Killah: FishscaleGhostface Killah is all grown up now. And he's got some stories to tell. [27 April 2006] 
Ne-Yo: In My Own WordsIt will blow up if it flirts with pop. Poppa Jay-Z smiles as singer and songwriter Ne-Yo proves a worthy investment. [21 April 2006] Neko CaseBanishing the grey days of a wintery spring. [20 April 2006] 
Various Artists: The Rough Guide to Bhangra DanceSecond round for Rough Guide's tour of bhangra. This time, the travel company seeks to update the sounds for your next trip to Kuch Kuch. [3 April 2006] 
Various Artists: Studio One WomenSoul Jazz tweaks its extensive foray through Jamaica by presenting the ladies of Studio One as artists in their own right. [10 March 2006] 
Four Tet: Everything Ecstatic Part 2 [CD + DVD]A literal makeover, Everything Ecstatic Part 2 offers a visual counterpart to Four Tet's latest album. 
Duke Ellington: Love You Madly/A Concert of Sacred Music at Grace Cathedral [DVD]Call it a Portrait of an Artist as a Gentleman, the reissued Love You Madly/A Concert of Sacred Music at Grace Cathedral captures the sophisticated grace of Duke Ellington. [28 February 2006] Various: The Celluloid YearsThe Celluloid Years collects rare hip-hop nuggets from the '80s and charts the intersection of hip-hop beats and Bill Laswell. [13 February 2006] 
DaCapo Best Music Writing 2005: The Year’s Finest Writing on Rock, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Pop, Country & MorJ.T. LeRoy compiles essays for Da Capo's latest Best Music Writing collection. Not that anyone can tell. [7 February 2006] 
Various: Dawning of a New Era: The Roots of Skinhead ReggaeTrojan explores rocksteady's transition to reggae and how UK skins helped with the jump off. [31 January 2006] 
Various: Cuban EssentialsEscondida Music presents the second half of its 10-part Cuban Essentials series, covering a spectrum of greats from the last half-century. Not Been There, Done That; rather, Been There, Should've Done This, Instead... [18 January 2006] 
9 Songs: Unrated Full Uncut Version (2004)Through sex, specifically the surrender and exposition of self through this oldest human hobby, Michael Winterbottom communicates the beauty and pain of a relationship. [13 January 2006] 
Juelz Santana: What the Game’s Been Missing!A! Now that Juelz has got your attention... [11 January 2006] 
Various Artists: Impulsive! Revolutionary Jazz ReworkedFollowing in the footsteps of the Verve Remixed series, Impulse! opens its vaults to the young lions. [23 December 2005] 
Anthony Hamilton: Ain’t Nobody Worryin’Anthony Hamilton is proof that you can handle The Truth. [20 December 2005] 
Chamillionaire: The Sound of RevengeKilla Cham sets out to get more minds correct with his Universal debut, The Sound of Revenge. Maybe he should've checked himself beforehand. [16 December 2005] 
Franz Ferdinand: Live [DVD]Franz enters the DVD market with more live footage of the band than you will ever need in your entire life. Lucky, lucky, you're so lucky!" [5 December 2005] 
Lady Sovereign: Vertically ChallengedFeminem? M.I.A. in a cheeky kinda way? Ch-ching go the banks, but S-O-V gets the last laugh. All told in a letter from one concerned Blahberian. [18 November 2005] 
Various Artists: Childish MusicWhat's good for adults isn't always good for kids. Ekkehard Ehlers gets his inner silly on, but what for?" [8 November 2005] 
Dengue Fever: Escape From Dragon HouseThe Los Angeles sextet get thoughtful with their sashays the second time around. Just don't call it Cambo-Pop. [7 November 2005] 
Gang of Four: Return the Gift (U.S. Version)Ever get the feeling you've been burned? Gang of Four demonstrates how to stay vital past 40. [26 October 2005] 
Boards of Canada: The Campfire HeadphaseBoards of Canada gathers listeners around for a powwow at The Campfire Headphase. [18 October 2005] 
Rockers (1977)For the last 25 years, Rockers has passed the spirit of Roots, Rock and Reggae on to successive generations. A remastered and re-released DVD promises to continue its legacy. [11 October 2005] 
COB: Moyshe McStiff and the Tartan Lancers of the Sacred HeartThree men chase their dreams in the fields of Scotland. Thirty years later, fans no longer have to chase their records. Moyshe McStiff and the reissue treatment. 
Kool Keith: Kool Keith Presents Global Enlightenment, Part 1 [DVD]News Flash! Kool Keith is Kra~zy! What, you knew that already?" [30 September 2005] 
Curumin: Achados e PerdidosGet lost. Then find yourself with a Brazilian wunderkind. [20 September 2005] 
Wire: The Scottish Play: 2004 [DVD]Two distinct performances from post-punk pioneers Wire; one consistent vision. [19 September 2005] 
Superpitcher: TodaySuperpitcher takes you for a spin... Hear the needle lift when it's all over. [30 August 2005] 
A Gun Called Tension: A Gun Called TensionThe resulting amalgam is more thoughtful than the pop thud of Rage Against the Machine or Linkin Park, but not as clever as any of the aforementioned. [29 August 2005] 
Various Artists: Thai Beat A Go-Go, Volume 3The Thai Beat A Go-Go has reached its third and final installment, but continues to deliver the finest twists on the American pop formula from Siam. [12 August 2005] 
The Likwit Junkies: The L.J.‘sJust one MC and one DJ, Herut and Babu officially christen their pairing with a lengthy offering. [8 August 2005] 
The Juan MacLean: Less Than HumanJuan MacLean. Juanita MacLean. Juan's gay robot best friend. Hilarity ensues. [1 August 2005] 
Pale Sunday: Summertime?Summer breeze make you feel fine? Then settle back in your plastic lawnchair with a caipirinha de tangerina and the new Pale Sundays record. Oh, and the Bill Hicks trench coat mafia need not apply. [15 July 2005] Seu JorgeWhat City of God star sells out a Monday gig? Seu, can you dig it? Who gets love from all the favelas, and Bill Murray? This Seu cat is one baaad malandr..., shut yo' mouth! I'm talkin' 'bout Seu! [5 July 2005] 
Various Artists: The Bunny Lee Rock Steady YearsMoll-Selekta has quickly established a considerable reputation with impressive reissues of Jamaican artists, such as Cornel Campbell and Barry Brown. The Bunny Lee Rock Steady Years is its latest set of golden nuggets. [24 June 2005] 
Solvent: Elevators + OscillatorsJason's addendum: odds and sods, or remixes and revisits?" [23 June 2005] 
Cardinal: CardinalCardinals aren't so rare. So why's this bird's song so top shelf?" [17 June 2005] 
Kava Kava: MauiKava Kava Kava Kava, Shish Boom Ba / Guitars and yer Big Beat suck real hard. [9 June 2005] 
Björk: Army of MeAlthough she's known for making a big splash, Björk earns her stripes one at a time in the world of philanthropy. [8 June 2005] 
DJ Sneak: House of Om Presents: DJ SneakCome one, come all: speaker people, head boppers, pill poppers. [3 June 2005] 
Proe: PerfectWho the eff is Proe? Just another MC, doin' it on his own. Not bad for his second time out. [31 May 2005] 
Deep Thinkers: Necks MoveOne gets deep. The other just thinks. Unequal halves. Will the disparity be reconciled?" [20 May 2005] 
Various Artists: 4 Women No Cry4 Women No Cry establishes a new space for female musicians, one grounded in pure creativity, art for art's sake. And it's only just begun. [19 May 2005] 
Petra Haden and Bill Frisell: self-titledThe two surnames conjure evocative atmospheric punctuations, summoned from a dark recess of the metaphysically combined subconscious charted somewhere along the courses of the S.S. Bill and the U.S.S. Chuck. However, this Haden is one of the triplet daughters of Charlie. And the Frisell presented here is, well... still Bill. The collaboration is evocative, atmospheric... yet uniquely sweet. 
Mice Parade: Bem-Vinda VontadeNot a give and take. More like, 'Work with me.' Mice Parade salutes you. [18 May 2005] 
The Quantic Soul Orchestra: Pushin’ OnHow do you make that Mr. Scruff joint sound like Johnny Frigo's 'Scorpio?' Call QSO. And you'll get so much more. [10 May 2005] 
Platinum Pied Pipers: Triple PProbability of Platinum Pied Pipers pieing people to purchase plats to up stats? Pretty good, is all goes according to plan. [6 May 2005] 
Mark de Clive-Lowe: Tide’s ArisingMark de Clive-Lowe demonstrates deft skill on the MPC, and shiny chords on the keys. There's something in between that's missing, though. [5 May 2005] 
One Be Lo: S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M.De la asked where you were when you first heard Criminal Minded. The Rawkus era pined about Resurrection. One Be Lo seeks to be the Next Coming. [27 April 2005] 
Bunky: Born to be a Motorcycle(timidly) Knock knock. (brusquely) What the path-wurd? (whispers) Bunky. (loudly) What? (shouting stubbornly) BUN-KEEE!!. [26 April 2005] 
Various Artists: Verve Unmixed 3Verve unveils the latest edition of its remix series, outsourcing mostly softies this time around. But God bows to Billie, Nina, and Sarah. [18 April 2005] 
Nat King Cole: When I Fall in Love: The One and Only [DVD]On the demise of the Nat 'King' Cole Show, the star famously remarked, 'Madison Avenue is afraid of the dark.' When I Fall in Love: The One and Only hardly rectifies or sheds light on this disgrace in American broadcast history. However, in focusing on the hits, the DVD highlights the beauty of Cole's music for both the casual and critical music listener. 
Heavy Trash: self-titledGotta love a band that can affix faux-substance to slummin'... and still garner a chuckle. JSBX (now BX)'s Jon Spencer and Speedball Baby's Matt Verta-Ray take a stroll down musical lane, littering the aisle with the honkiest honky-tonk. [15 April 2005] 
Daft Punk: Human After AllFor those about to rock, we... download you? Daft Punk continues to tease your hair, while slipping you a spyware mickey. 'Dude. Did we f--- Staten Island last night?'" [11 April 2005] 
Various Artists: Soundz of Spirit [DVD]Soundz of Spirit is a documentary (and accompanying CD soundtrack) that explores the 'creative process' and 'spirituality' in hip-hop. First-time filmmaker Joslyn Rose Lyons pieces together dope beats, ill rhymes, sick moves, and some deep thoughts. However, is the God in one enough to move the God in another?" [31 March 2005] 
Shesus: Ruined It for YouWhoooo weee! Jeee-zusss! Shesus returns with both the crunch and the crunk on Ruined It for You. Don't let the title fool ya: it's more get down than down on itself. [29 March 2005] 
Yann Tiersen and Shannon Wright: self-titledAmélie with dark eyeliner? Ill-conceived notion, mon freur. Tiersen and Wright found a mutual respect for care and craft, and resonated that feeling throughout their self-titled collaboration. [28 March 2005] 
Pigeon John & the Set Trippin’ Trio: Sings the BluesFrom the Good Life to a pretty good life, Pigeon John is lookin' all right these days. So, why is PJ singin' the blues? Because he's Pigeon John, damnit!" [23 March 2005] 
Nagisa Ni Te: Dream SoundsPrince once sang of hearing songs in his dreams, so does that mean Shinji Shibayama is like the unpronounceable one? Nagisa ni te, his collaboration with Masako Takeda, has enjoyed a number of comparisons, some more likely than others to be be invoked while listening to the duo's latest, Dream Sounds. Dig a little deeper, and you'll find a tender beauty that is neither Belle nor Sebastian, Neil nor Young, here nor there. [11 March 2005] 
CMA: All OverCMA returns with another Living Legend production, filled with trademark attitude, wit and observations, along with a name that film quote game. [7 March 2005] 
Living Legends: ClassicThe Living Legends continue marching toward 4001, bowing to no one but the mic. And you thought MOP was militant. [3 March 2005] 
Thievery Corporation: The Cosmic GameThievery Corporation is back up to the old tricks, digging deep for new beats. A global cast casts vocal incantations across the plats, crafting a new new sound for the Corp. Does it hold?" [28 February 2005] 
Ursula 1000: UrsadelicaWelcome to the razzamatazz world of Ursadelica. The Willie Wonka of the big beat flexes fancy behind the decks this time out. Why he saved his best album title yet for a mix CD is the only puzzler. [23 February 2005] 
Jeremy Ellis: Lotus BloomsLet the PR machine sound off on Ellis' ill-fated trip to the PR islands. Instead, indulge in Lotus Blooms' bliss: all natural, organic hype, the type that make you want to shake shake shake or marinate with the 'phones for a minute... or sixty. [22 February 2005] 
Various Artists: Lif Up Yuh Leg an TrampleThe boutique label- and Blur-frontman-backing lend Lif Up Yuh Leg an Trample an out-of-place discomfort, not unlike Otter and co. walking into the Dexter Lake Club. However, Honest Jons remains true to its name and presents a complete document of pan-African music, this time focusing on hits from Trinidad's most recent Carnival seasons. [18 February 2005] 
Tindersticks: BarebackInternational Emmy awardee and Bamfa nominee Martin Wallace has collaborated with the Tindersticks since the band's inception in 1993. The filmmaker's careful and observant work with the band is finally collected on DVD, providing a new spin on some equally subdued and observant music. [17 February 2005] 
King Britt: On the Seventh: Park Hyatt ChicagoKing Britt shows off his lover's rock collection. Lucy of Van Pelt is impressed, bids high. Charles Brown observes, feels jealous. [15 February 2005] 
Jason Moran: Same MotherOn his sixth album, Jason Moran continues to explore the roots and influences of the jazz idiom, while simultaneously demonstrating how its innovations can be applied to any number of mediums. [1 February 2005] 
Anita O’Day: Anita O’Day and Billy May Swing Rodgers and HartHey hey, it's Lady O'Day from back in the day. Cut from a cloth more velveteen than hard swing, this set of Rodgers and Hart hallmarks is an easy-chair, whiskey sour ride in the hands of Anita's trademark charm and that Billy May one-two combo. [26 January 2005] 
Mohd Rafi: The Rough Guide to Bollywood Legends: Mohd RafiThe Rough Guide series collects a diverse swath of the legendary Rafi's recordings, the strength and diversity of which makes the compilation both an ideal introduction for new listeners and rediscovery for the initiated. [21 January 2005] 
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings: NaturallyDon't call it a comeback. And don't you dare call it a throwback, either. Sharon Jones was 'introduced' to a new generation as a cryogenically-thawed funk tornado, but she makes it clear on her follow-up that she is not just a one-time beat junkie's fix. [19 January 2005] 
Various Artists: Nickodemus and Mariano Present Turntables on the Hudson: Fifth Anniversary EditionCelebrating their fifth anniversary, Turntables on the Hudson organizers Nickodemus and Mariano compile a disc of hits that have moved the crowd over the years. [11 January 2005] 
De La Soul: De La Mix Tape: Remixes, Rarities & ClassicsDe La Mix Tape is a curious collection of, well, remixes, rarities, and classic joints in Tommy Boy's recent slew of De La Soul product (see the joint release of Live at Tramps NYC 1996 and last year's Timeless: Singles Collection). [16 December 2004] 
Ladysmith Black Mambazo: On Tip ToeFilled with fascinating interviews and rife with moving music, the film outlines in a lucid and poetic manner the history of these high-profile South African cultural ambassadors. [6 December 2004] |
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