Happy days: Tilda Swinton and David Bowie enjoy a pleasant afternoon’s stroll
David Bowie has released another weird film in the lead-up to his new album The Next Day.
Directed by Floria Sigismondi and starring the Thin White Duke alongside actress Tilda Swinton, the clip – which appears to be a surrealistic critique of celebrity culture, incorporating an unprovoked attack with a Morphy Richards electric carving knife – accompanies the track The Stars (Are Out Tonight).
If you like what you see and hear below, the song is available on iTunes right now.
David Banner Amazing video featuring Chris Brown, the fifth single from Banner’s upcoming free independent album, “Sex, Drugs and Video Games,” scheduled to be released on 5-22-2012.
Visual for David Banner’s Californication single featuring Snoop Dogg, Game, Nipsey Hu$$le, Kree & Ras Kass, from his upcoming mixtape ‘Sex, Drugs & Video Games‘.
212215329 SuperProducer (and still a dope DJ too) Mark Ronson and Super-Everything Erykah Badu team up on the David Letterman show with one of my all-time favorite drummers, Ziggy Modeliste of the Meters, and members of the mighty Dap Kings… hip hop music
David Bowie‘s classic single ‘Space Oddity’ has been turned into a free children’s book.
Graphic designer Andrew Kolb has taken the lyrics from Bowie‘s 1969 track and used them as the inspiration for his book of the same name. Although it currently only exists as a free digital copy on his website, he is hoping to release a physical version in the future.
It was one thing to make images that corresponded to the lyrics, but it was another to try to make it function as a visual story on top of that. In my early drafts it didn’t really work as a picture book, and that was my goal all along.
He went on to add:
It’s been really cool hearing all these different interpretations of the lyrics, and all I can say is that the approach I took was the one that translated best to an image-based story. Either way, how could you not have fun designing spacesuits and jet packs!?
My thoughts: I adore Daivd Bowie! I keep hoping he’ll go on tour just for the fun of it – who needs a new record?
Of course, I do know the best Bowie tribute performer of all time, David Brighton, I can always go see him while I’m waiting. He’s talented AND a sweetheart! You should check him out if you ever get the chance!
I couldn’t find an excerpt that would capture his take, out of context, so you should click through and read the whole thing. David Simon on Snoop’s Arrest slate First of all, Felicia’s entitled to the presumption of innocence. And… hip hop music
As two of the more respected producers in the game, 9th Wonder and David Banner have each crafted a different sound in hip-hop. 9th Wonder was part of the movement that brought sample based production back to the forefront, while Banner crafted hits for himself, Ying Yang Twins and T.I., to name a few. 9th and Banner’s collaborative opus Death Of A Pop Star finds the two producers joining forces, with Banner focusing more on his talents as an emcee. With their seemingly opposite styles of production, the idea of a collaboration album between 9th and Banner is a curious one.
Death Of A Pop Star is a bit of a mystery, especially in hip-hops’s current landscape of free pre-release albums and leaks. With the exception of the singles “Slow Down” and “Strange”, the album was kept under wraps. And it was worth the wait. With only 10 tracks, Death of A Pop Star is a short and focused release that shows a more lyrical and deep thinking David Banner. On the tracks “Strange”, “Diamonds On My Pinky” and “The Light”, Banner gets a lot off his chest, speaking about the state of hip-hop, but more importantly about the state of the nation and the religious and social issues affiliated with it. Both are an excellent example of using the music as a platform to speak on relevant issues and Banner performs well in the pulpit.
Production-wise Death Of A Pop Star is strong, but seems as if something is missing. Which it is. The glaring issue with Death Of A Pop Star as far as production goes, is the noticeable change from sample use to live instrumentation on the tracks. “Slow Down” is the biggest example of this, as the original track sounded much better with it’s dusty sample.The live instrumentation and singing completely takes away from the essence of the original track. Now, the changes may have been due to sample clearance issues, but they do in fact take some of the luster away from the album. Another issue, though minor, is the 9thmatic persona that now fills a few 9th Wonder affiliated releases. While he is not a rapper, and really does not claim to be, 9th Wonder still drops rhymes on a few releases, including Death of A Pop Star. Even in small doses, it’s clear that 9th’s calling is that of super-producer, not super-emcee.
Death Of A Pop Star is a well crafted, enjoyable listen. While not a classic album, it does have long replay value. The duo of David Banner and 9th Wonder work well together and if this opus is any indication, their future work together is worth the wait.
