Under the Counter

The Verve’s “Urban Hymns”

My week started off listening to The Prodigy and now it has progressed to The Verve. Back in the 90’s I was really into Britpop and anything that was coming out of there such as Blur and Oasis. When “Bittersweet Symphony” came out I ate it up and bought the album. Reminiscing to my younger days this week has led me to the nostalgia of rock in the 90’s. Although the 2000’s have introduced us to wonderful acts, the feeling I get listening to this just doesn’t compare to what’s out today. For all of you lovers of 90’s rock, take a listen to this album if you haven’t already. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Download link: :The Verve- Urban Hymns

A favorite of mine by The Verve’s singer, Richard Ashcroft and Unkle.

The Prodigy’s “The Dirtchamber Sessions Vol.1”

Yesterday while driving back to Miami from Gainesville, FL with my boyfriend we were listening to music and I mentioned how one of my favorite mixes of all time was one I heard when I was about 14 years old. Surprisingly, The Prodigy’s Liam Howlett made a special mix for the BBC’s Radio 1’s show The Breezeblock which I found in a used cd store across from FIU almost 13 years ago. Unfortunately that store closed but right before it did I found this gem. What really surprised me was the amount of hip hop samples in it. Also, it was The Prodigy we’re talking about here, the dudes that brought us hits such as “Smack My Bitch Up” and “Firestarter” so listening to this, coming from them, really struck me. Anyways, I can’t find my original cd of this mix but I was able to find it online! For any of you that haven’t heard it, please do. I think you’ll really dig it.

Download link: :The Dirtchamber Sessions Vol.1

Skeleton Zoo’s The Busride EP

Finally getting back into town and being able to read my emails and discover new music, I came across a very good album by Skeleton Zoo. First hearing a song on WVUM, the group immediately intrigued me as I’ve been prone to listen to mostly instrumental music this year. What made me really happy was the fact that the band is allowing listeners to download their EP digitally through their bandcamp website for free. I’ve recently been going back to buying music again because I want to start to supporting artists again. Although most of their money is made through touring, I think a little extra $ in their pocket doesn’t hurt. Anyways, give this EP a listen, it’s definitely worth your time.

:The Busride EP

Glazin’

I know I’m super late at posting this but I wanted to put it out there for anyone who hasn’t seen this already. Luckily the Jacuzzi Gals were able to make a site especially for the video as it has been brought down way too much. Congratulations to everyone who worked on this and for making such noise out of it. Plus the song is so rad. Go Jacuzzi Boys and Jacuzzi Gals!

:Jacuzzi Gals “Glazin’” Video

Jonti-“Twirligig”

I haven’t been excited for an album release in quite some time but I heard a few tracks off the upcoming album of newbie Jonti. The album is due to drop this month through Stones Throw Records. Unfortunately my downloading skills were unsuccessful at finding the album so I’ll wait until it comes out.

Tom Guilmette Playing God

As always, Boing Boing provides me with very fun and interesting things found on the web. Today they posted this video below that blew my mind. Technology just keeps getting more and more advanced and when the right person gets their hands on the right equipment, they make things like this:

Locked in a Vegas Hotel Room with a Phantom Flex from Tom Guilmette on Vimeo.

Barry Jenkins

Like I’ve mentioned before, it was a pleasure for me to work with Barry Jenkins on his short film Chlorophyl which will be screening this Saturday, April 23 at the 7th annual Borscht Film Festival. The New Times wrote their cover story on Barry Jenkins, his film, and a little history about where he came from. Please take a minute and read the article, it’s great and it portrays how talented this young director really is. Much love Barry, much love.

Barry Jenkins: Borscht Film Fest’s Real Star by Michael E. Miller

Malls Across America

I’ve always been a fan of documentary and journalistic photography and maybe someday I can actually do it for a living. I came across this Kickstarter project today and thought it was quite interesting. A photographer based in Brooklyn shot malls across the country back in ‘89 to capture the “loss of regional differences” across the nation. He emphasizes how he looked at the photographs he shot throughout the years and didn’t know what to do with them, but he knew he wanted to do something. Luckily, his project got attention and now he’s raising funds to make a book that will include stories by writers for the images. Take a look at this story, it’s a great read and if you feel inspired like I did, help out and fund even a dollar to his project.

Kickstarter: Malls Across America by Rumur

Borscht Film Festival

Ok, I know I’ve posted plenty about this festival but the week has come for its grand premiere and you all must go! Not only will you see amazing shorts, but you get to see me too! I participated in 2 of the films this year so it’ll be a great way for you to either praise me as an actress or throw rotten tomatoes at me. HA! So please do come and I promise you’ll have a blast and see some of Miami’s best filmmakers/artists! Here are the trailers to the two films that I got to be in:

Chlorophyl Teaser from Strike Anywhere on Vimeo.

Get your tickets here: Borscht 7