5
Written, Directed and Produced by Kiko Jones
A Ballsy Production
* * * * *
Back in the saddle again, friends. We commissioned a guest editor to cook up last week’s stew , but a series of technical and personal problems prevented them from making the deadline. So rather than whip up some half-assed issue, we decided to take a break and return to form the following week. Which brings us to this issue.
Since we’ve been in a reflective mood of late, we felt like listing our Desert Island Discs, and of course, sharing them with you. Funny how this sort of exercise can lead to re-evaluating your record collection: discs that haven’t been in rotation lately can be dusted off and remind you of a certain time and/or place and consequently, why you still love them. Some you may love but aren’t necessarily D.I.D. material. Others may have outlasted their welcome or just don’t pack the same wallop they once did. In any event, it was very hard to come up with the 5 main records on the list at first, but as we looked back on their particular significance in our lives, the list wrote itself. Feel free to opine or even send in your own. We always love to hear from you. Whether or not we agree with what you have to say.
Later,
-KJ
"You can’t erase a dream/You can only wake me up"
–Peter Frampton, "Lines On My Face"
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COMMENTS, PRAISES AND DEATH THREATS:
This was REALLY SCARY: Four of the five things in your "recommended listening" section [5- 8/12/02] have been in my CD player or downloaded from Launch Video in the past month. Like I’ve said, I think we have the same musical chip implanted in our heads. Now I guess I should really give The Soft Bulletin the chance I never gave it since I agree with all your other recommendations.
JOSH NOREK Los Angeles, CA
Check out The Fags dude, they rock ... Never mind the
name.
NELSON GARCIA Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
[We did. And they do. Thanks for the tip. –KJ]
Hey Kiko, can five have a movies we love section???? Old and new and cult and all in between (pornos for fun)?
My 5 Faves:
1. Rear Window
2. Fight Club
3. Love And A .45
4. The Exorcist
5. Raging Bull
D. ANGER Sunnyside, NY
[Feel free to send in your faves anytime. –KJ]
* * * * *
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO:
DEFTONES White Pony (Maverick)
THE KNACK Get The Knack (Capitol)
MYRACLE BRAH –self titled- (NotLame)
OASIS Heathen Chemistry (Epic)
RED HOUSE PAINTERS Down Colorful Hill (4 A.D.)
* * * * *
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO ?
* * * * *
* * * * *
MR. JONES’ 5 DESERT ISLAND DISCS (in alphabetical order by artist):
THE BEATLES Abbey Road (Apple-1969)
While Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is widely regarded as not only the Liverpudlians finest recorded moment, but the greatest rock album of all time, we are quite partial to their very last album (Let It Be was recorded before Abbey Road but released afterwards in 1970). On the verge of breaking up, the lads came together one last time. And what a way to go out: "Come Together", "Something", "Here Comes The Sun", "Because" , and the side 2 suite (on vinyl) that is to this day a marvel to behold, are a few of the highlights. Kudos to producer/arranger George Martin for his deft handiwork across the board –-literally and figuratively. As we’ve gotten older and truly appreciated the talent and musicianship involved in the making of this album, we find it hard not to put down our guitars in surrender and contemplate a career in, say, carpentry or something.
MILES DAVIS Kind Of Blue (Columbia-1959)
Question: How can this 40 year-old album --and one we’ve loved for so long-- still capture our hearts after uncounted repeated listenings?
Is it that:
a) as musicians we can appreciate the artistry of Miles and the cast of heavyweights on it (including John Coltrane and Bill Evans)?
b) as music fans it speaks to us so profoundly?
c) its presence brings an added reflective quality to any situation: from conversation to romance to bliss?
d) perhaps, all of the above?
Answer: d), silly.
PETER FRAMPTON Frampton Comes Alive! (A&M–1976)
Referred to in certain circles as "the Star Wars" of music (i.e., the blockbuster album that officially turned the music business into BIG business), Frampton Comes Alive! came at a crucial time in the career of its namesake: Four albums into a solo career that hadn’t really taken off, the former Humble Pie guitarist went into the studio to listen to live tapes from the previous year’s tour in support of Frampton (A&M-1975) for an upcoming live album. Upon hearing the tracks, visionary record man and A&M boss Jerry Moss was so excited by the results that he demanded the album be released as a double LP. Like there’s a chance in hell that the bean counters and corporate lackeys of today would let that happen now. Anyway, the bet paid off: Frampton Comes Alive! went on to become the biggest selling live album of all time and Frampton himself became a huge star and ‘70s icon. Sure, "Show Me The Way" and "Baby, I Love Your Way" have been played to death, but they still stand up. The acoustic tracks are quite lovely and heartfelt; the cover of The Stones’ "Jumping Jack Flash" rivals the original; and "Lines On My Face" and "Do You Feel Like We Do" retain their majesty and momentum more than a quarter of a century later. And we didn’t even get to Frampton’s rockin’ band and killer guitar playing! On the occasion of its 25th Anniversary, Universal released a deluxe edition of Frampton Comes Alive! in 2001. This album was love at first sound for us and it’s still very near and dear to our hearts. Obviously.
NIRVANA Nevermind (DGC-1991)
Disgusted and tired of the hair-band epidemic that had infected both the audio and visual airwaves during the second half of the ‘80s, we submerged ourselves in the music of college radio heavyweights such as The Cure, The Replacements, The Church, The Smiths, and –-at the time-- some slightly more obscure acts like Soundgarden and Mudhoney. So, as the hair farmers’ careers started dying off and a new vibe was in the air, we found ourselves catching the video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on MTV, late one night after 120 Minutes (we have since discovered it was the first time it ever aired on the video channel). After being won over by the song’s raw power, infectious melody and highly symbolic video clip (talk about the changing of the guard: a parallel universe-type gymnasium with tattooed cheerleaders; shaved, dreadlocked, and rainbow colored heads; and Bad Brains t-shirted misfits), we proceeded to purchase this soon to be ‘90s pop culture artifact and alt-rock landmark. Then and now, we were floored by the power, angst, and ultimately, catchy nature of Kurt Cobain’s songs and the monster Novoselic-Grohl rhythm section. A big influence on us ever since. That the mighty KC was born on our birthday is just a sweet plus.
DAVID SYLVIAN Gone To Earth (EMI-1986)
While always an interesting figure during his tenure as Japan frontman, David Sylvian has opted to go further away from the mainstream in his solo pursuits. A highly underrated art-rocker, Sylvian has collaborated with the likes of composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, the late Can bassist Holger Czukay and King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp. Gone To Earth is the beginning of his fruitful collaborations with the latter (they’ve made about half a dozen records together) and one of the most moving, beautiful and accessible experimental rock records ever made. Not to trivialize the dreamy soundscapes and the profound feeling of passion it evokes, but Gone To Earth also happens to be a perfect soundtrack for certain pleasures of the flesh. When it comes to that aspect of it, the album has become our veritable aural American Express: can’t leave home without it.
JUST A FEW HONORABLE MENTIONS (well, maybe not a few):
THE BEATLES Revolver; MIGUEL BOSE Bajo El Signo de Cain; WILLIE COLON presents RUBEN BLADES Metiendo Mano; CROSBY STILLS & NASH self-titled; NICK DRAKE Pink Moon; BLACK SABBATH Paranoid; THE CURE Wish; JUAN LUIS GUERRA & 440 Soplando; GUNS & ROSES Appetite for Destruction; JANE’S ADDICTION Ritual de lo Habitual; JELLYFISH Spilt Milk; LIVING COLOUR Time’s Up; JONI MITCHELL Blue; MY BLOODY VALENTINE Loveless; THE POLICE Zenyatta Mondatta; THE POSIES Amazing Disgrace; SMASHING PUMPKINS Gish; SODA STEREO Sueño Stereo; SOUNDGARDEN Superunknown; MATTHEW SWEET Girlfriend; YES Close To The Edge; and many, many more.
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* * * * *
IN THE FLESH: Toni Tennille (as in The Captain and …) sings backup on Pink Floyd’s The Wall.
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Comments, Praises, Death Threats and info on previous "5"s: KikoJonesUSA@yahoo.com
8/12/2002
5
Written, Directed and Produced by Kiko Jones
A Ballsy Production
* * * * *
We’re always turning on friends to cool records that we’ve come across in our musical travels. It’s a big part of our raison d’ être as music fans. A few of these platters we periodically review here, but some never make it to "5". We intend to correct that particular omission in this issue. This is music we’ve been raving about for the last year or two and recommended to acquaintances and friends approaching us with the ubiquitous "What’s out that’s any good?" or "What’s been blowing your mind lately?" inquiries. Enjoy the show.
Later,
-KJ
* * * * *
COMMENTS, PRAISES AND DEATH THREATS:
* * * * *
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO:
BARE JR. Brainwasher (Immortal)
LA BARRANCA Tempestad (BMG US Latin)
DULCES PESADILLAS Cuando Duermes –advance copy-
STONE GOSSARD Bayleaf (Epic)
VELVET SUN Dreamhome (Flotation)
* * * * *
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO ?
COLDPLAY Rush of Blood to the Head (Parlophone)
LENINE Falange (BMG Brazil)
DAVID GRAY A Century Ends (Hut)
JOHN MAYER Room for Squares (Aware/Columbia)
EMILIANA TORRINI Love In The Time Of Science (Fat Cat)
FICO LAZZARO Washington, DC
DOWN II: Bustle In Your Hedgerow
WEEZER Pinkerton
WEEZER -self titled- (aka The Blue Album)
Zona De Obras Magazine Peru Compilation
CHICHI PERALTA Y SON FAMILIA Pa Otro Lao
SOZIEDAD ALKOHOLIKA Directo
FRANK SINATRA Duets
BILLY JOEL Greatest Hits 3
LEO SUSANA Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
* * * * *
* * * * *
RECOMMENDED LISTENING (in alphabetical order):
JUMBO D.D. Y Ponle Play (BMG US Latin)
The exact opposite of what is commonly known as a sophomore slump, the follow-up to Jumbo’s tentative 1999 debut Restaurant is quite a spirited affair. Chock full of soaring choruses, solid playing and held together by a finely tuned production approach that gives the proceedings its underlying fluidity, D.D. Y Ponle Play is a rousing rock and roll record from start to finish. Fans of Sloan and Teenage Fanclub will surely find a lot to like in a record that would kick-ass in any language, with even the most cursory of listens (D.D. Y Ponle Play actually includes two songs in English: "Happy High" and "Far Out"). In the last few years, the northern city of Monterrey has become Mexico’s de-facto rock and roll epicenter. This album –and Jumbo itself- are a big reason why.
FINN BROTHERS –self titled- (Capitol-1995)
The Brothers Finn are New Zealanders Tim and Neil, of Split Enz/Crowded House and respective solo fame. This hauntingly beautiful album is performed almost in its entirety by the singing siblings and given an understated but effectively moody, atmospheric canvas by noted producer Tchad Blake (Los Lobos, Pearl Jam, Peter Gabriel). Reminiscent of American Music Club circa Mercury, the album’s highlights include "Only Talking Sense", "Last Day of June" and "Where Is My Soul?" (Both the brothers and the non-US version of this album are simply known as Finn).
FLAMING LIPS The Soft Bulletin (Warner Bros-1999)
Hailed as, arguably, the best rock album of 1999, it’s hard to believe this album has been in and out of our cd player (mostly in) for the last 3 years. Time flies when the whimsical but never precious sonic fabrications of Oklahoma City’s finest surround you. "Where’s the old noisy Flaming Lips I knew and loved?" you may ask. Well, the feedback and white noise that made them infamous have gradually given way to keyboards, strings and other assorted sonic landscapes. A risky, but artistically viable –and subsequently, fruitful- step in the right direction, as far as we’re concerned. But not everyone feels the same way: we came across a review that disparagingly referred to The Soft Bulletin as a misstep where seemingly " … Led Zeppelin and Yes joined forces to back Neil Young …". Nothing wrong with that in our book.
OWSLEY –self titled- (Giant-1999)
After his band The Semantics -an early version of which included Ben Folds on drums(!)- floundered after Geffen Records decided not to domestically release their debut album Powerbill (it sold 20,000 copies in Japan with no promotion whatsoever), Wil Owsley became a sideman for the likes of Amy Grant and Shania Twain. With the income from his guitar-slinger day job, Owsley started work on his self-titled debut album, which he recorded at home over the space of three years. This is an undiscovered gem littered with old-school pop hooks, catchy guitars and muscular drums. The top-notch songs may benefit from the spot-on mixes by über-engineer Tom Lord-Alge, but like Nirvana’s Nevermind, this is one of those albums where the songwriting and arrangements are too strong for you to notice how polished it is - until it’s too late: by then you’re hooked for good.
WEEZER "Keep Fishin’" -single off of Maladroit (Geffen-2002); video directed by Marcos Siega
Released exactly a year (364 days to be precise) after their comeback-inducing, self-titled disc (aka The Green Album), press and fans alike have been whole-heartedly embracing Weezer’s latest album Maladroit. To be honest, we’ve never dug anything by the band other than their first hit single "Buddy Holly". And frankly, we can’t get past the cock-rock posturing of the first couple of tunes on Maladroit, not to mention the well-meaning, but ultimately unsatisfying forays into emo and punk towards the end of the disc. But this song is driving us CRAZY!!! This is three minutes and five seconds of pure ear-candy bliss, in the same vein as Cheap Trick’s Live At Budokan classic "I Want You To Want Me". That a song like "Keep Fishin’" would garner mainstream exposure in 2002 is, on its own, nothing short of remarkable. Which brings us to the equally ebullient Marcos Siega directed clip. A faux Muppet Show episode, it features Kermit and the gang panicking over the disappearance of Weezer drummer Patrick Wilson (who’s been kidnapped by none other than Miss Piggy) moments before the band is due to perform. Siega has put together a cute, nostalgic little trip (with head Weezer Rivers Cuomo quite visibly amused throughout the whole thing) that holds up after repeated viewings/listens. Trust us: the last time we were this enthusiastic about a song and its video, Reagan was president.
You might also want to look into: JOHN COLTRANE The Classic Quartet: Complete Impulse! Studio Recordings (Impulse); CPR -self titled- (Samson); DESORDEN PUBLICO Plomo Revienta (Sony Venezuela); JASON FALKNER presents Author Unknown (Elektra); DAVE NAVARRO Trust No One (Capitol).
* * * * *
* * * * *
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN: Guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani can count fellow fret kings Steve Vai, Metallica’s Kirk Hammet, renowned jazzman Charlie Hunter, and Primus’ Larry LaLonde among his former guitar students.
* * * * *
* * * * *
Comments, Praises And Death Threats: KikoJonesUSA@yahoo.com
Written, Directed and Produced by Kiko Jones
A Ballsy Production
* * * * *
We’re always turning on friends to cool records that we’ve come across in our musical travels. It’s a big part of our raison d’ être as music fans. A few of these platters we periodically review here, but some never make it to "5". We intend to correct that particular omission in this issue. This is music we’ve been raving about for the last year or two and recommended to acquaintances and friends approaching us with the ubiquitous "What’s out that’s any good?" or "What’s been blowing your mind lately?" inquiries. Enjoy the show.
Later,
-KJ
* * * * *
COMMENTS, PRAISES AND DEATH THREATS:
* * * * *
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO:
BARE JR. Brainwasher (Immortal)
LA BARRANCA Tempestad (BMG US Latin)
DULCES PESADILLAS Cuando Duermes –advance copy-
STONE GOSSARD Bayleaf (Epic)
VELVET SUN Dreamhome (Flotation)
* * * * *
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO ?
COLDPLAY Rush of Blood to the Head (Parlophone)
LENINE Falange (BMG Brazil)
DAVID GRAY A Century Ends (Hut)
JOHN MAYER Room for Squares (Aware/Columbia)
EMILIANA TORRINI Love In The Time Of Science (Fat Cat)
FICO LAZZARO Washington, DC
DOWN II: Bustle In Your Hedgerow
WEEZER Pinkerton
WEEZER -self titled- (aka The Blue Album)
Zona De Obras Magazine Peru Compilation
CHICHI PERALTA Y SON FAMILIA Pa Otro Lao
SOZIEDAD ALKOHOLIKA Directo
FRANK SINATRA Duets
BILLY JOEL Greatest Hits 3
LEO SUSANA Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
* * * * *
* * * * *
RECOMMENDED LISTENING (in alphabetical order):
JUMBO D.D. Y Ponle Play (BMG US Latin)
The exact opposite of what is commonly known as a sophomore slump, the follow-up to Jumbo’s tentative 1999 debut Restaurant is quite a spirited affair. Chock full of soaring choruses, solid playing and held together by a finely tuned production approach that gives the proceedings its underlying fluidity, D.D. Y Ponle Play is a rousing rock and roll record from start to finish. Fans of Sloan and Teenage Fanclub will surely find a lot to like in a record that would kick-ass in any language, with even the most cursory of listens (D.D. Y Ponle Play actually includes two songs in English: "Happy High" and "Far Out"). In the last few years, the northern city of Monterrey has become Mexico’s de-facto rock and roll epicenter. This album –and Jumbo itself- are a big reason why.
FINN BROTHERS –self titled- (Capitol-1995)
The Brothers Finn are New Zealanders Tim and Neil, of Split Enz/Crowded House and respective solo fame. This hauntingly beautiful album is performed almost in its entirety by the singing siblings and given an understated but effectively moody, atmospheric canvas by noted producer Tchad Blake (Los Lobos, Pearl Jam, Peter Gabriel). Reminiscent of American Music Club circa Mercury, the album’s highlights include "Only Talking Sense", "Last Day of June" and "Where Is My Soul?" (Both the brothers and the non-US version of this album are simply known as Finn).
FLAMING LIPS The Soft Bulletin (Warner Bros-1999)
Hailed as, arguably, the best rock album of 1999, it’s hard to believe this album has been in and out of our cd player (mostly in) for the last 3 years. Time flies when the whimsical but never precious sonic fabrications of Oklahoma City’s finest surround you. "Where’s the old noisy Flaming Lips I knew and loved?" you may ask. Well, the feedback and white noise that made them infamous have gradually given way to keyboards, strings and other assorted sonic landscapes. A risky, but artistically viable –and subsequently, fruitful- step in the right direction, as far as we’re concerned. But not everyone feels the same way: we came across a review that disparagingly referred to The Soft Bulletin as a misstep where seemingly " … Led Zeppelin and Yes joined forces to back Neil Young …". Nothing wrong with that in our book.
OWSLEY –self titled- (Giant-1999)
After his band The Semantics -an early version of which included Ben Folds on drums(!)- floundered after Geffen Records decided not to domestically release their debut album Powerbill (it sold 20,000 copies in Japan with no promotion whatsoever), Wil Owsley became a sideman for the likes of Amy Grant and Shania Twain. With the income from his guitar-slinger day job, Owsley started work on his self-titled debut album, which he recorded at home over the space of three years. This is an undiscovered gem littered with old-school pop hooks, catchy guitars and muscular drums. The top-notch songs may benefit from the spot-on mixes by über-engineer Tom Lord-Alge, but like Nirvana’s Nevermind, this is one of those albums where the songwriting and arrangements are too strong for you to notice how polished it is - until it’s too late: by then you’re hooked for good.
WEEZER "Keep Fishin’" -single off of Maladroit (Geffen-2002); video directed by Marcos Siega
Released exactly a year (364 days to be precise) after their comeback-inducing, self-titled disc (aka The Green Album), press and fans alike have been whole-heartedly embracing Weezer’s latest album Maladroit. To be honest, we’ve never dug anything by the band other than their first hit single "Buddy Holly". And frankly, we can’t get past the cock-rock posturing of the first couple of tunes on Maladroit, not to mention the well-meaning, but ultimately unsatisfying forays into emo and punk towards the end of the disc. But this song is driving us CRAZY!!! This is three minutes and five seconds of pure ear-candy bliss, in the same vein as Cheap Trick’s Live At Budokan classic "I Want You To Want Me". That a song like "Keep Fishin’" would garner mainstream exposure in 2002 is, on its own, nothing short of remarkable. Which brings us to the equally ebullient Marcos Siega directed clip. A faux Muppet Show episode, it features Kermit and the gang panicking over the disappearance of Weezer drummer Patrick Wilson (who’s been kidnapped by none other than Miss Piggy) moments before the band is due to perform. Siega has put together a cute, nostalgic little trip (with head Weezer Rivers Cuomo quite visibly amused throughout the whole thing) that holds up after repeated viewings/listens. Trust us: the last time we were this enthusiastic about a song and its video, Reagan was president.
You might also want to look into: JOHN COLTRANE The Classic Quartet: Complete Impulse! Studio Recordings (Impulse); CPR -self titled- (Samson); DESORDEN PUBLICO Plomo Revienta (Sony Venezuela); JASON FALKNER presents Author Unknown (Elektra); DAVE NAVARRO Trust No One (Capitol).
* * * * *
* * * * *
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN: Guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani can count fellow fret kings Steve Vai, Metallica’s Kirk Hammet, renowned jazzman Charlie Hunter, and Primus’ Larry LaLonde among his former guitar students.
* * * * *
* * * * *
Comments, Praises And Death Threats: KikoJonesUSA@yahoo.com
8/05/2002
5
Written, Directed and Produced by Kiko Jones
A Ballsy Production
* * * * *
Last week was a lot of fun. Ranting can be quite liberating. Must do it again sometime. Soon.
Remember, feel free to forward "5" or better yet, let us know and we’ll send them an introductory e-mail and put them on the list. It could be your early Christmas or Hannukah gift to them. In which case, they’d hate you for being so cheap. But hey, you thought enough of them to give "5"! And that’s a gift in and of itself. Damn, we laid it thick …
Anyway, we’re back to random topics this week. We held back as much as we could, but in the end we just had to address this recent Michael Jackson fiasco. Besides, you were expecting it.
Hope all is well.
Enjoy,
-KJ
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COMMENTS, PRAISES AND DEATH THREATS:
Hey KJ,
I love rants [5 We Love To Hate - 7/29/02]. You should do them more often. Maybe put up a couple of audio rants on the site. 45 seconds of pure bile.
I agree with you on all almost everything, but I'm a big Kiss fan. I can see where you can get pissed off by comments and actions from someone like Simmons, but that doesn't condition my like or dislike for the music. I just think that Gene Simmons is an expert at getting attention and milking everything for every little ounce of publicity. Come to think of it, he is kind of an asshole. But hey, I don't know him personally. Don't want to.
Fred Durst... my God... poor fellow. He hasn't hurt my family, hasn't don't anything offensive, except practically RUIN 2 Years of POP music WITH his garbage and infect my drummer with Limp Biskit-itis (AAAAGGGGGGGHHHHH). Thank the Lord, WES left... When even a member of a band can't stand what's going on , it kinda shows that detractors aren't that far off. I don't like to judge but I think Limp Biskit SUCKSSSSS! I Like "Nookie", though (can't win 'em all ... I do it all for the Nookie.... yeah right).
You're right about Spielberg. I guess that's why I liked his work when I was really young. Big fan of Raiders and shit like that. Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan are both beautiful movies; visually stunning but have some sappy moments that really fry my brains...
Coño, KJ.. You’re on it! "5" makes you think! It's good for the soul. It also makes me realize how much time I've invested in pop culture . Gotta start reading more ... Less MTV, more Cortazar!
LEO SUSANA Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
Could have been my favorite issue if you would have put 10 to 20 on the crime list.
ERIC HALPERIN Brooklyn NY
Howard Stern may be crude to certain people, but to make a blanket statement incriminating anyone who is a fan of Howard is ten times more dangerous and ignorant than all of his shows put together. Does anyone remember laughter? Nuff said.
G.R. JONES Brooklyn, NY
* * * * *
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO:
JERRY CANTRELL Degradation Trip (Roadrunner)
CHOCOLATE GENIUS Black Music (V2)
THE KNACK Get The Knack (Capitol)
POKET Mas Aceitosos Que Nunca (La Viuda)
WILCO Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Nonesuch)
* * * * *
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO ?
OASIS Heathen Chemistry
WEEZER Maladroit
FITO PAEZ Rey Sol
ABSINTH Live At Ocho Puertas
SANTUARIO Adicto Al Kaos
I was reading a Dominican magazine the other day and for some reason had a problem with the title "electronica genius". This piece was about Moby … who I think is full of crap.
NELSON GARCIA Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
[What magazine was it? -KJ]
THE CRANES Future Songs
JAMES Getting Away With It-Live
VAN MORRISON Astral Weeks
DAVID BOWIE Low
BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB -self titled-
G.R. JONES Brooklyn, NY
* * * * *
* * * * *
THEY SHOULDN’T HAVE DONE IT
It turns out that Slick Rick has been held with out bail sine his June 1st arrest in Miami. The London-born rapper was detained by the INS on the grounds that his 1991 felony conviction is grounds for deportation. Interestingly, the Ruler (as Rick is also known) was released from jail from his conviction on that charge in 1996. He won two cases against the INS, but they succeeded on a 1999 appeal - the outcome of which was allegedly not made known to Rick or his attorneys. He’s currently not being granted bail because he’s a flight risk. Huh?! The INS can send dead hijackers visa renewals but can’t let go of this thing? After all, this guy served his time and has been crime-free (as far as we know) for the 6 years since his release. So what gives? As for the consequences of eventually being deported, Slick Rick is married and has several children, as well as other relatives in the NY area. He claims that although London was his birthplace, he has no family ties there. His label, Def Jam, has an online petition on its site (http://defjam.com) urging the INS to at least grant Rick bail while he resolves his legal problems. Stay tuned.
OFF THE WALL
Instead of accepting the fact that his lackluster albums and the scandal surrounding his alleged child molesting is what has finally brought his once shining star back to earth, it's sad to see Michael Jackson resort to pathetic shenanigans and worse, to have people believe him. Yes, the music biz is corrupt, devious and greedy. But not racist (isn't hip-hop outselling everything else these days?). No record company cares what color you are if you make them enough green. And Jackson doesn't make them enough green anymore. That still doesn’t explain as to why -according to him- they would allegedly sabotage their biggest investment. And as far as the shoddy treatment of black artists (not to mention white and brown) by the industry over the years is concerned, it is without a shadow of a doubt, quite a sad truth. What a horrible legacy of thievery and deceit! But Berry Gordy, P. Diddy, Suge Knight, and many other African-American label heads are part of this shameful legacy as well. It’s not a black thing, it’s a green thing. Michael Jackson’s remarks and accusations make a mockery of the plight of those that have, in fact, been ripped-off by their labels. This latest scandal appears to be his last stand; the final act in what has become a lackluster and quite disappointing tragedy, under the guise of a career.
LOST IN THE SHUFFLE
Now that the inept members of the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America, the major labels’ trade organization) have failed at providing an alternative to the music-sharing sites, and the research and implementation of their copy-free CDs in the marketplace has gone belly up, they want the government to let them hack into music-pirating sites. Yes, hack. Of course, that’s illegal. But cloaked underneath the Peer to Peer Piracy Prevention Act is wording that, if passed, would enable them do just that. Fuck, you all know how much we hate piracy, but this is just some bullshit. Before you know it, these clueless morons will be "accidentally" disabling non-offending sites left and right and wreaking even more havoc. We give up. The artists aren’t doing much to fight the RIAA and alert their respective fanbases as to how piracy affects their livelihood, either. The P2P bill (now, there’s an analogy) will in all likelihood come up for a vote in Congress this fall. The sad thing is that if RIAA’s membership came up with a really solid online subscription service right now, they could rack in BIG bucks. But they’re too busy keeping their collective head up their ass while searching for clues.
THE CALL OF THE SIREN MAY BE MET WITH A ROAR
Somewhat to our regret, we did not attend this year’s second annual Siren Festival, once again held in Coney Island on this past July 20th. Our ambiguity stems from not really being a fan of any of the acts on the bill, and subsequent reports of oppressive heat and uncontainable crowds, from "5"ers on the scene. We noticed that main sponsor The Village Voice took out an ad recently, where they congratulated everyone involved in this year’s event (which as far as we know, they didn’t do after last year’s maiden voyage) and looked forward to 2003. However, they may have to contend with the Mouse. Reports have been circulating that Disney is seriously interested in taking over Coney Island. And we all know that if this comes to pass, it’s goodbye old-school charm, rickety Cyclone and alt-rock festivals; hello , Times Square on the beach. The new, antiseptic, Giuliani-approved, Branson MO-wanna-be Times Square, that is. Hopefully, Disney will oblige us and take its bullshit elsewhere. Yeah, right.
CQ (2002) Directed by Roman Coppola
The feature film directorial debut by Francis Ford’s eldest son (his first appearance on film was playing Sonny Corleone as a child in The Godfather Part 2) is actually three films in one: Jeremy Davies (Saving Private Ryan) is an American working on a low-budget Barbarella-type film called Dragonfly in 1969 Paris, while filming a black and white documentary on his everyday life. After Dragonfly’s director (Gerard Depardieu) is fired for not providing a satisfactory ending, and his replacement (Jason Schwartzman) is removed from the project, Davies is promoted from editor to director. Now, on top of his struggle to come up with a climactic ending that will conform to both the producer’s (Giancarlo Giannini) tacky concept and his own sense of artistry, he has to contend with his live-in girlfriend’s cries of emotional abandonment; his falling for Dragonfly’s leading lady (Angela Lindvall); and of course, the conclusion to his own little flick. Sound familiar, you artists out there? Director Roman Coppola does a fine job his first time out, although the unavoidable ironic twist is the fact that he couldn’t come up with a satisfying ending for CQ itself. Hmm. A fun, entertaining picture, nonetheless. Look for sister Sofia Coppola’s cameo as Giancarlo Giannini’s mistress.
* * * * *
* * * * *
BLAST OF SILENCE: This year mark’s the 50th anniversary of avant-garde composer John Cage’s most notorious piece: "4:33", popularly known as "Silence". It requires a pianist to sit at the instrument, in silence, for four minutes and thirty-three seconds before a live audience. The sound of the room (generally, the uncomfortable audience) is the actual rendition of the piece.
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Comments, Praises And Death Threats: KikoJones@yahoo.com
Written, Directed and Produced by Kiko Jones
A Ballsy Production
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Last week was a lot of fun. Ranting can be quite liberating. Must do it again sometime. Soon.
Remember, feel free to forward "5" or better yet, let us know and we’ll send them an introductory e-mail and put them on the list. It could be your early Christmas or Hannukah gift to them. In which case, they’d hate you for being so cheap. But hey, you thought enough of them to give "5"! And that’s a gift in and of itself. Damn, we laid it thick …
Anyway, we’re back to random topics this week. We held back as much as we could, but in the end we just had to address this recent Michael Jackson fiasco. Besides, you were expecting it.
Hope all is well.
Enjoy,
-KJ
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COMMENTS, PRAISES AND DEATH THREATS:
Hey KJ,
I love rants [5 We Love To Hate - 7/29/02]. You should do them more often. Maybe put up a couple of audio rants on the site. 45 seconds of pure bile.
I agree with you on all almost everything, but I'm a big Kiss fan. I can see where you can get pissed off by comments and actions from someone like Simmons, but that doesn't condition my like or dislike for the music. I just think that Gene Simmons is an expert at getting attention and milking everything for every little ounce of publicity. Come to think of it, he is kind of an asshole. But hey, I don't know him personally. Don't want to.
Fred Durst... my God... poor fellow. He hasn't hurt my family, hasn't don't anything offensive, except practically RUIN 2 Years of POP music WITH his garbage and infect my drummer with Limp Biskit-itis (AAAAGGGGGGGHHHHH). Thank the Lord, WES left... When even a member of a band can't stand what's going on , it kinda shows that detractors aren't that far off. I don't like to judge but I think Limp Biskit SUCKSSSSS! I Like "Nookie", though (can't win 'em all ... I do it all for the Nookie.... yeah right).
You're right about Spielberg. I guess that's why I liked his work when I was really young. Big fan of Raiders and shit like that. Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan are both beautiful movies; visually stunning but have some sappy moments that really fry my brains...
Coño, KJ.. You’re on it! "5" makes you think! It's good for the soul. It also makes me realize how much time I've invested in pop culture . Gotta start reading more ... Less MTV, more Cortazar!
LEO SUSANA Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
Could have been my favorite issue if you would have put 10 to 20 on the crime list.
ERIC HALPERIN Brooklyn NY
Howard Stern may be crude to certain people, but to make a blanket statement incriminating anyone who is a fan of Howard is ten times more dangerous and ignorant than all of his shows put together. Does anyone remember laughter? Nuff said.
G.R. JONES Brooklyn, NY
* * * * *
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO:
JERRY CANTRELL Degradation Trip (Roadrunner)
CHOCOLATE GENIUS Black Music (V2)
THE KNACK Get The Knack (Capitol)
POKET Mas Aceitosos Que Nunca (La Viuda)
WILCO Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Nonesuch)
* * * * *
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO ?
OASIS Heathen Chemistry
WEEZER Maladroit
FITO PAEZ Rey Sol
ABSINTH Live At Ocho Puertas
SANTUARIO Adicto Al Kaos
I was reading a Dominican magazine the other day and for some reason had a problem with the title "electronica genius". This piece was about Moby … who I think is full of crap.
NELSON GARCIA Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
[What magazine was it? -KJ]
THE CRANES Future Songs
JAMES Getting Away With It-Live
VAN MORRISON Astral Weeks
DAVID BOWIE Low
BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB -self titled-
G.R. JONES Brooklyn, NY
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* * * * *
THEY SHOULDN’T HAVE DONE IT
It turns out that Slick Rick has been held with out bail sine his June 1st arrest in Miami. The London-born rapper was detained by the INS on the grounds that his 1991 felony conviction is grounds for deportation. Interestingly, the Ruler (as Rick is also known) was released from jail from his conviction on that charge in 1996. He won two cases against the INS, but they succeeded on a 1999 appeal - the outcome of which was allegedly not made known to Rick or his attorneys. He’s currently not being granted bail because he’s a flight risk. Huh?! The INS can send dead hijackers visa renewals but can’t let go of this thing? After all, this guy served his time and has been crime-free (as far as we know) for the 6 years since his release. So what gives? As for the consequences of eventually being deported, Slick Rick is married and has several children, as well as other relatives in the NY area. He claims that although London was his birthplace, he has no family ties there. His label, Def Jam, has an online petition on its site (http://defjam.com) urging the INS to at least grant Rick bail while he resolves his legal problems. Stay tuned.
OFF THE WALL
Instead of accepting the fact that his lackluster albums and the scandal surrounding his alleged child molesting is what has finally brought his once shining star back to earth, it's sad to see Michael Jackson resort to pathetic shenanigans and worse, to have people believe him. Yes, the music biz is corrupt, devious and greedy. But not racist (isn't hip-hop outselling everything else these days?). No record company cares what color you are if you make them enough green. And Jackson doesn't make them enough green anymore. That still doesn’t explain as to why -according to him- they would allegedly sabotage their biggest investment. And as far as the shoddy treatment of black artists (not to mention white and brown) by the industry over the years is concerned, it is without a shadow of a doubt, quite a sad truth. What a horrible legacy of thievery and deceit! But Berry Gordy, P. Diddy, Suge Knight, and many other African-American label heads are part of this shameful legacy as well. It’s not a black thing, it’s a green thing. Michael Jackson’s remarks and accusations make a mockery of the plight of those that have, in fact, been ripped-off by their labels. This latest scandal appears to be his last stand; the final act in what has become a lackluster and quite disappointing tragedy, under the guise of a career.
LOST IN THE SHUFFLE
Now that the inept members of the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America, the major labels’ trade organization) have failed at providing an alternative to the music-sharing sites, and the research and implementation of their copy-free CDs in the marketplace has gone belly up, they want the government to let them hack into music-pirating sites. Yes, hack. Of course, that’s illegal. But cloaked underneath the Peer to Peer Piracy Prevention Act is wording that, if passed, would enable them do just that. Fuck, you all know how much we hate piracy, but this is just some bullshit. Before you know it, these clueless morons will be "accidentally" disabling non-offending sites left and right and wreaking even more havoc. We give up. The artists aren’t doing much to fight the RIAA and alert their respective fanbases as to how piracy affects their livelihood, either. The P2P bill (now, there’s an analogy) will in all likelihood come up for a vote in Congress this fall. The sad thing is that if RIAA’s membership came up with a really solid online subscription service right now, they could rack in BIG bucks. But they’re too busy keeping their collective head up their ass while searching for clues.
THE CALL OF THE SIREN MAY BE MET WITH A ROAR
Somewhat to our regret, we did not attend this year’s second annual Siren Festival, once again held in Coney Island on this past July 20th. Our ambiguity stems from not really being a fan of any of the acts on the bill, and subsequent reports of oppressive heat and uncontainable crowds, from "5"ers on the scene. We noticed that main sponsor The Village Voice took out an ad recently, where they congratulated everyone involved in this year’s event (which as far as we know, they didn’t do after last year’s maiden voyage) and looked forward to 2003. However, they may have to contend with the Mouse. Reports have been circulating that Disney is seriously interested in taking over Coney Island. And we all know that if this comes to pass, it’s goodbye old-school charm, rickety Cyclone and alt-rock festivals; hello , Times Square on the beach. The new, antiseptic, Giuliani-approved, Branson MO-wanna-be Times Square, that is. Hopefully, Disney will oblige us and take its bullshit elsewhere. Yeah, right.
CQ (2002) Directed by Roman Coppola
The feature film directorial debut by Francis Ford’s eldest son (his first appearance on film was playing Sonny Corleone as a child in The Godfather Part 2) is actually three films in one: Jeremy Davies (Saving Private Ryan) is an American working on a low-budget Barbarella-type film called Dragonfly in 1969 Paris, while filming a black and white documentary on his everyday life. After Dragonfly’s director (Gerard Depardieu) is fired for not providing a satisfactory ending, and his replacement (Jason Schwartzman) is removed from the project, Davies is promoted from editor to director. Now, on top of his struggle to come up with a climactic ending that will conform to both the producer’s (Giancarlo Giannini) tacky concept and his own sense of artistry, he has to contend with his live-in girlfriend’s cries of emotional abandonment; his falling for Dragonfly’s leading lady (Angela Lindvall); and of course, the conclusion to his own little flick. Sound familiar, you artists out there? Director Roman Coppola does a fine job his first time out, although the unavoidable ironic twist is the fact that he couldn’t come up with a satisfying ending for CQ itself. Hmm. A fun, entertaining picture, nonetheless. Look for sister Sofia Coppola’s cameo as Giancarlo Giannini’s mistress.
* * * * *
* * * * *
BLAST OF SILENCE: This year mark’s the 50th anniversary of avant-garde composer John Cage’s most notorious piece: "4:33", popularly known as "Silence". It requires a pianist to sit at the instrument, in silence, for four minutes and thirty-three seconds before a live audience. The sound of the room (generally, the uncomfortable audience) is the actual rendition of the piece.
* * * * *
* * * * *
Comments, Praises And Death Threats: KikoJones@yahoo.com
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