The Cold Cut

Beatology.zip (Link 2)

When Jay-Z performed on Glastonbury 2008's second night, he effectively altered British music festivals. In doing so, he simultaneously made a mockery of all those who doubted whether hip-hop belonged in a British festival atmosphere- yes, Noel, that's you. I personally hate the fact that these genres are largely left out of European line-ups, and when they're included, they are swept onto smaller stages.

Jay-Z- Wonderwall/99 Problems (Live At Glastonbury)
Jay-Z- Rehab (Live At Glastonbury)
Jay-Z- American Boy (Live At Glastonbury)

Jay-Z is the first rap artist to play on the main stage of a mainstream UK festival and to recieve extensive coverage, and his set was a huge success, hopefully opening up new avenues for artists such as Lupe Fiasco and Kanye West who also have brilliant stage presence. Let's all be honest- he bossed it. Jay had everything at Glasto: political relevance, controversy, the tunes and a brilliant show. As did Lupe, who gave a confident and energetic performance (watch it), on the small Jazz World stage, when in the US such an artist probably would have been centre stage. Although it looks like that is about to change. Especially with the following set of tunes flying the flag:

A-Trak ft. Lupe Fiasco- Mastered

A-Trak was the latest musician drafted to create a Nike+ soundtrack, entitled 'Running Man'. He must have pounced on the chance of distancing himself from Kanye West and his ever-expanding ego (I still love you Kanye), and he modestly illustrates why he has one five DMC championships. Using some of his contacts from the Glow In The Dark tour, he drafts in Lupe Fiasco, who all but carries the song. In small doses, this type of music is really great. I can't, however, see him successfully producing a Mark Ronson aping album. Myspace

John Legend ft. Andrew 3000- Green Light

It's a case of less musicianship, more commercial appeal with this song. John doesn't sacrifice too much, and the combination of the two vocals has a really strong R'n'B vibe. Myspace

T.I.- Swing Your Rag

Since 'My Love' was release, and running up to 'Love In This Club', T.I. was everywhere, and probably on the cusp of a Lil' Wayne style commercial breakthrough. Unfortunately, he's now under house arrest, and has been quietly working away at a new album, 'Paper Trail'. 'Swing Your Rag' is one of 50 recorded tracks- expect the album to drop mid September. Myspace

Unfortunately, this post is going to have come and gone before you know it. Chemistry rules my life at this moment, but all this toil and trouble will be done (FOREVER) in a mere 36 hours. How fucking scary is that? You will actually have my undivided attention and focus for the summer.

Interpol- Rest My Chemistry

Went out this afternoon to buy some 'supplies' for post exam partying. Top of my list was a bottle of champagne (it just felt 'right'), and I was closely followed by my friends. One of whom, I might hasten to add, has promised me he is going to spray me with his champagne, just as in F1. I can be Lewis Hamilton for a few minutes, before getting off my face.

Shaggy- Intoxication

Walking out of the exam hall for the penultimate time today, I saw a guy in front of me literally doing a crotch grab and shouting 'FINISHED', a mere 10 metres from the door. Hilarious, and I can totally see where he is coming from. I can't kick the feeling that I'm going to cry when I walk out of that exam hall on Thursday: when having a conversation at lunch today, we decided that finishing exams was almost tear worthy, whereas leaving school would be emotional, but not too bad- friends stick around (if you are all willing to make the effort), whereas those are the final set of exams were I am actually forced to sit in that seat. From Thursday, my life is in my hands.

And I am looking forward to it. School has become difficult over the last few years, and my motivation almost completely dissapeared recently. However, I think I've regained a bit of face and I hope I can leave this school on a high, with a good set of grades, friends and achievments alongside me.

The Flash- All The Tunes.zip

Enough pondering: on to the tunes/news (download all: above, as promised!). Coldplay have been accused of copying Creaky Boards 'The Songs I Didn't Write' on 'Viva La Vida', their latest single. Our reply? Bullshit- listen to the two songs if you don't believe me: and even if Coldplay did copy them, 'immitation is the sincerest form of flattery'. Get over it! They did it better than you could? Nice publicity stunt, anyway...

Creaky Boards- The Songs I Didn't Write
Coldplay- Viva La Vida

Lil' Wayne continues to dominate in the rap world, with an official remix of 'A Milli' featuring both Jay-Z and Chris Brown. His songs seem to have the common trait of 'remixability'. 'Lollipop' has been tricked to death, and 'A Milli' is next in line.

Lil Wayne- A Millie (Remix Ft. Jay-Z & Chris Brown)

Oh, and Ratatat are getting remixed as well. Tres strange.

Ratatat- Falcon Jab (Them Jeans Remix)

I've just added a Skribit widget to the right: do leave a note if there's anything you think I've missed or need to write about. The aim of the blog is to keep both you and I informed, so share the knowledge and love.

Next time I write, I will be free. I imagine you can all sypathise with me. I'll catch up with comments/submissions soon!

Probably for the first time ever on The Cold Cut, I get to combine two of my greatest passions: music, and Apple. And before I hear numerous cries of 'Fanboy!', let me state my case. Just a few days ago, Apple's computer market share broke 8%. Their shares now lie at somewhere around $200, when but a year ago they were valued at $80. They've produced some of the most iconic products of the last decade (iPhone, iPod, iMac, Macbook (Pro)). So what's not to love?

As I sit in my room, writing this potentially important post on my Macbook Pro, I can't help thinking what this means for the music industry. If the rumours are true, Apple will be launching their own music label with Jay-Z, possibly at Macworld 08 (15th January onwards). Jay is a great partner - after stepping down as CEO from Def Jam, possibly one of the most successful hip-hop labels in existence- and Apple already hold one of the most important cards: iTunes.

Many music labels already look upon iTunes as 'the enemy', after Apple made music legally available over the net, at low prices. Since online music sales beg an to rise, the format in which music is sold has rapidly changed. Could Apple, and Jay-Z, be the ones to work out the winning formula? Given their track record, almost definitely.

Here's a little celebratory Jay-Z track:

Jay-Z- Encore

This is a daunting post. Not only am I walking an exceedingly well trodden path, I'm also aware that my top 20 might not fit with your idea of great albums. Oh well- blogging is about opinion, so here we go. This will take the form of 4 posts, each with 5 albums. I should be done before Christmas... If you want to buy the album, click on its title. If you want to see a bit more about each artist, click their name.

After I've got through the top 20 there will be a round-up, with some notable mentions, my top tracks of the year, top films and a general 'best of the year' feature. Enjoy, and have a merry Christmas. As usual, leave comments, both good and bad. I like to read what you think.

20. Foo Fighters- Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
I've debated long and hard as to whether this deserves a place in my top 20, but I was bowled over by its simplicity and balance between anthemic rock and intimate ballads. If you are willing to take this album for what it is- a balls to the wall stadium rock album with a few soft moments- I'm sure you'll feel the same way.

Favourite Track: The Pretender

When coupled with its explosive video, 'The Pretender' becomes my favourite rock song of the year. No contest...

19. Bright Eyes- Cassadaga
Before Cassadaga, Coner Oberst had never really met my expectations. I mean, come on, being proclaimed a 'musical prodigy' ramps up the pressure a bit, doesn't it. Well, Cassadaga finally fulfilled what he, and Bright Eyes, were capable of. You could say he came of age, although he is already 27.

Favourite Track: Four Winds

Has to be 'Four Winds', for its provocative lyrics concerning religion. Folk at its most enjoyable.

18. Jay-Z- American Gangster
At the time, Jay-Z coming out of retirement was a massive mistake in my eyes, and he put fuel to the fire by releasing 'Kingdom Come', which seemed superficial and over-produced. American Gangster, on the other hand, has put my mind at rest: a concept album such as this is just the medium required for Jay to show what he is still capable. It's one of the few solid rap albums of this year, and it fully deserves its spot in my top 20.

Favourite Track: Roc Boys (And The Winner is...)

Roc Boys is a celebratory track, and Jay is obviously enjoying the fruits of his efforts. Thankfully, this song is so good that we can enjoy the moment with him. Rolling Stone's favourite track of the year, and for a good reason.

17. Klaxons- Myths Of The Near Future
So the Klaxons brought "new-rave" back to life? I don't really know what new-rave is, and to be honest, I don't really care. What's really important is that Klaxons are a weird (in the good way), revolutionary band, and Myths Of The Near Future is a fantastic debut album. Winning the Mercury award was a lovely present to cap off a brilliant year, and hopefully they will capitalise on their popularity and release some new material soon.

Favourite Track: Golden Skans

Golden Skans, a song which simultaneously invaded your conscience with its ah-wooh-ah-wooh-ah-wo-oh's and inventive video. After they released this, they became contenders.

16. Interpol- Our Love To Admire
Interpol have pulled the sneaky trick of writing the same album, three times in a row. It doesn't bother me though, and whilst 'Turn On The Bright Lights', 'Antics' and 'Our Love To Admire' are all very similar, each album is better than the last. Next time round I'd like to see a bit more progression, but you can't help loving an album with great songs such as 'Pioneer To The Falls' and 'Mammoth'.

Favourite Track: Pioneer To The Falls

A song which they now open live performances with, this song says more about Interpol than 'Turn On The Bright Lights' and 'Antics' bundled together. Looking for a chilling, atmospheric composition? Look no further...

Well, thats it for now. Parts 15-11 will be up tomorrow.

Update: The original version is also below...

Rihanna (ft. Jay-Z)- Umbrella