Song/Artist/Album

Shazam! 2:27 Beastie Boys To the 5 Boroughs
Roots In Stereo 4:43 P.O.D. Testify

Thunder 2:55 Matisyahu Light (Bonus Track Version)
Nite Becomes Day 4:53 Citizen Cope The Clarence Greenwood Recordings

Undeniable 4:24 Mat Kearney Bullet
Hey Ya (Outcast Cover) 4:28 Obadiah Parker Obadiah Parker Live

Heartless (Kanye West Cover) 4:02 William Fitzsimmons Heartless – Single
Angel (Acoustic Version) 4:02 J. Cash & Jon Young Angel (Acoustic Version) – Single

Thugz Mansion (Nas Acoustic) 4:12 2Pac Better Dayz
Pow 2:14 Beastie Boys Check Your Head (Deluxe Version)

Kiss Me Thru the Phone (Acoustic Guitar In the Style of Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em) 3:19 Bryce Larsen Hip Hop Un-Popped! (EP)
Curbside Prophet 3:35 Jason Mraz Waiting for My Rocket to Come
B-Boys In the Cut (Language)/Beastie Boys/Hot Sauce Committee Part Two
Poetry of Life/Elemint/Born Fresh

The Autobiography/Stalley/MadStalley: The Autobiography

Another Tattoo (Parody of “Nothin’ On You” By B.o.B. feat. Bruno Mars)/“Weird Al” Yankovic/Alpocalypse (Deluxe Version)
Fibonacci Sequence/Beastie Boys/The Mix-Up (Bonus Tracks) – EP

Early life

Adam Yauch 2006

A single child born in Brooklyn, New York, Adam learnt to play the electric guitar while at Edward R. Murrow High School, and soon formed a hardcore punk band called the Beastie Boys with Michael Diamond, Kate Schellenbach, and John Berry. Their first gig was on his 17^th birthday, but soon the band broke up. Adam and Michael, with the addition of Adam Horovitz, changed the Beastie Boys into a hip-hop trio, and by the time Adam was 22 the Beastie Boys, aka MCA, Mike D, and Ad-Rock, had released their first album, Licensed to Ill.

Anyone who has the slightest interest in music will know full well how successful the Beastie boys have been over the years, and the amount of awesome music they have graced our ears with. Just last year they released their eighth studio album, 25 years after they released their first. Adam’s voice resonated throughout their illustrious career, his deep and raspy vocal sound fitted perfectly with his upbeat and sometimes satirical lyrics. Adam thought a lot about what he rapped about, and never lost his integrity as himself and the Beastie Boys rose to fame. Even after he had all the cars, clothes, and platinum cards he ever dreamed of, Adam kept his feet firmly on the ground let the fame get to his head.

Awesome music

Beginning with one of the Beastie Boys best known tracks, and the song that still gets dance floors jumping to this day, ‘(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)’ never fails to get a party pumping. Advocating some of the less finer things in life, like beer, pornography, and general raucous behaviour, this track will never get old.

In their track ‘Sure Shot’ from their 1994 album ‘Ill Communication’ the emphasis on beer, parties and girls has changed somewhat, and soon their lyrics changed to reflect the band member’s different outlook on life. In one line rapped by Adam, he says “I want to say a little something that’s long overdue, the disrespect to women has got to be through. To all the mothers and the sisters and the wives and friends, I wanna offer my love and respect till the end.” As their music matured, MCA, Mike D, and Ad-Rock expressed their new outlooks through their rapping, and drew in many more fans.

Not just about the music

The thing is, even though Adam is best known for his place in seminal rock-rap group the Beastie Boys, he was involved in much more than the music business. Working with charities and producing films were just two of the other activities he busied himself with. Adam converted to Buddhism at the beginning of the 1990s, and became heavily involved in the Tibetan Independence Movement. He even created the Milarepa Fund, a not-for-profit organisation that helped to raise money and awareness for the Tibetan Independence Movement, and held a number of charity concerts including the Tibetan Freedom Concert.

Adam also tried his hand at film directing and producing. He directed a number of the Beastie Boys music videos under the pseudonym Nathaniel Hornblower, including ‘So What’cha Want’ in 1992 and ‘Intergalactic’ in 1998. By 2002 he co-founded an independent film production and distribution company, Oscilloscope Laboratories, and was heavily involved in some the films they released. He directed the 2006 Beastie Boys concert film ‘Awesome; I Fuckin’ Shot That!’ and a basketball documentary in 2008 called ‘Gunnin’ for That #1 Spot.’

Sorely Missed

Tributes and messages have poured out since news of Adam’s death was released. Eminem said that, “Adam Yauch brought a lot of positivity into the world, and I think it’s obvious to anyone how big of an influence the Beastie Boys were on me.” Fellow Beastie Boy Mike Diamond wrote, “The world is in need of many more like him. We love you Adam.” There is no doubt that Adam will be sorely missed by people across the world.

Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch; 1964 – 2012

The Appetizer was birthed in September of 2003 out of a desire I had to hear music on the radio that I was actually listening to. I’m sure you can relate. When was the last time you heard your real favorite songs on your iPod on the radio? Isn’t this what fuels people to plug into Pandora and Spotify? I’ve been in radio since 1997, and even then my desire was for the airwaves to be full of music that was unique and that not everyone was into. If every station across a town is playing “Pop” music, that’s like every restaurant in your town serving only hamburgers and fries. Sure it’s tasty once a week or so, but it gets old really fast.

I have really diverse tastes in music. I bet you do too. I’m not sure if there are certain seasons where I listen to some types of music more than others, but I like some very different styles of music. I love punk rock, especially stuff from the 90s (No Motiv, NOFX, etc), and yet I also love acoustic singer-songwriter(Iron & Wine, Brandi Carlile, etc). I love grunge (Pearl Jam is one of my all-time top 5 faves) and I love hip-hop, but here I’m much more selective. It’s honestly more of a closet fan and don’t know a lot of every style or artist. My favorite artists are 2Pac, Jay-Z, Nuwine (now called Wine-O), and K’Naan.

I think what draws me to this style is beyond just the talent it takes to flow rhymes together in sequence, and even more than the talent of the beats is some of the stories told in rap, even hardcore rap. I’m drawn to stories that grip me, that I feel something I haven’t experienced before. Rap does that for me. I didn’t grow up in a place where I had to hustle to survive, where bullets riddled the streets, and I was in danger every day. While that’s not I life I seek, those who have experienced it and survived, and made a way for themselves and others to get out of it is inspiring. Yeah in the midst of those inspiring raps there are claims of how many people the rapper has shot, how tough they are, what happens if you cross them, and all that. I chalk that up to the lingo and vernacular of the geography of the streets. It’s hard for someone who hasn’t lived that or experienced it to just judge it on the cover premise alone. My family raised me in church. Church lingo and vernacular doesn’t make sense to those on the outside of it. So it’s the same thing. There’s a lot of crying out to God for rescue in rap. That brings it all around, and makes it where everyone can relate. Isn’t that a similarity in every style of music. “Oh God Help Me!” I think something along those lines and cry is in every style of music in every language, in every century. “I love you!” is as well. That’s in every variety of musical flavor.

I’m not into the overly sexualized side of this music, but I’m not into that in any style either, where women are talked about like property or good for only a one-time encounter. So please don’t accuse me of being someone I’m not by being into this stuff. I say that because I’ve heard those comments from people in reference to rap. I’m also not into condemning and judging people based on their lifestyles, and I know plenty of religious self-righteous people who do this stuff. So just because I believe and love God doesn’t make me a hater on everyone who doesn’t go to church or speak in Christian-ese. And listening to rap, or hardcore rock/screamo (which is another favorite) doesn’t make someone inherently evil. Ha, glad I got that out.

Some of my friends and family that regularly listen to The Appetizer every week might think they want to sit out this week, since I’m doing something outside the envelope. But let me ask something of you, that my mom used to ask of me (actually I didn’t have a choice, but you really do). I remember sitting down to Sunday dinner and she cooked up asparagus (which smells horrible!). I looked at it and said (in a whiny, irritable tone) “I don’t like that and I don’t want to eat it.” She told me to give it a try. “You never know, you might actually like it.” Turns out she was right. I frickin’ love asparagus!

If you give it a shot, and join me in the process, you’ll see how hip-hop is really already in a lot of musical flavors, many of which you probably love. It’s wild but I realized that until this week, I’ve left out one of the styles of music I love a lot on The Appetizer. The past several months I’ve been stretching the palates of people tuning in to include more progressive rock, some country, and other styles. But I haven’t included something that is part of me-hip hop. Not anymore. This coming week, join me in a unique music experience, as I put the V back in Variety in a Hip-Hop Salad. More to come!

Song/Artist/Album


Amazing Eyes/Good Old War/(Unreleased)
Barfly/Ray LaMontagne /Til The Sun Turns Black



They’re Already Here/Stuart Davis/Music For Mortals
Beautiful Place/Stuart Davis/Music For Mortals


Crash ’95 Mix/The Primitives Dumb And Dumber Soundtrack
Where I Find My Heaven/Gigolo Aunts/Dumb And Dumber Soundtrack

Morning/Lucy Schwartz/Life In Letters
I Want The Sky/Lucy Schwartz/Life In Letters



Riot/Choir Of Young Believers/Burn The Flag
Sharpen Your Knife/Choir Of Young Believers/Burn The Flag


Landforms/Other Lives/Tamer Animals
Burning And Hiding/Ryan Montbleau Band/For Higher
Just Perfect/Ryan Montbleau Band/For Higher


Nevermind Me/The Mighty Mighty Bosstones/Let’s Face It
Noise Brigade/The Mighty Mighty Bosstones/Let’s Face It
Ruby Soho/Rancid/And Out Come The Wolves

Who is he?

Dent’s from Oxford, Mississippi and studied at Jackson Prep and the NYU Film School. He’s been involved in music, the writing and creating of since he was thirteen years old and was in many a teenage band playing cover versions of hits by bands like Creed and 311. May’s cites his time at the NYU Film School as one of the worst of his life and he felt thoroughly miserable for the months he spent there. When he moved back to Mississippi he began to take his music more seriously and became involved in various projects which either faltered or failed to get started properly. Growing up, one of the biggest influences on his style was Beck. When you hear him, although they are completely different characters, it’s clear to see where the inspiration comes from:

There’s something of the uber-nerd about this guy, but what a sound he makes – all at once soulful and sweet yet at the same time you feel any minute he might burst into something much rockier. It’s cute and comedic too; in a strange sort of way despite the nerdiness you could imagine him being the kind of guy who’d have no trouble getting a date with someone because his geek chic would win them over. As you can see, his videos are very often lovingly geeky too, with a really nice eighties feel to them – slightly creaky graphics. This one is slightly reminiscent of Talking Head’s “Once in a Lifetime” in places.

What’s he done?

He’s signed to the hip indie label Paw Tracks, who are based in Washington and have other notable acts like Ariel Pink and Black Dice on their roster. He’s released one album so far – the imaginatively titled “The Good Feeling Music of Dent May and his Magnificent Ukulele” which was critically acclaimed and a complete cult hit amongst his fans. There’s also been a selection of brilliant singles “Oh Paris!” released the same year as the debut album and followed by “That Feeling” in 2010 and last year’s “Fun”.

The exciting news for his fans – and hopefully for anyone who isn’t yet acquainted with him is that this year will see the release of his second album, hopefully due out around June time. Called “Do Things” it’s available for pre-order and download already, or perhaps you could even think about Fedexing a parcel copy of the CD to someone you love! Prior to the release of the album, there’s going to be another new single called “Best Friend”. His sound is something special, bridging the gap between sixties psychedelia and twenty first century pop. He uses such lovely harmonies, redolent of great acts like The Beach Boys. The added twist of him playing the ukulele makes his sound just that little bit extra unique. It’s a nice twist in a music world otherwise completely dominated by guitar bands (not that there’s anything wrong with them, it’s just a refreshing change to hear something different!)

You’ve convinced me. Is he on tour anywhere?

He’s taking the new album on the road prior to its release in June. It’s going to be a mammoth tour which he hopes will go worldwide at some stage. For now, he starts on the 18^th May in Brooklyn. Then there’s a month’s hiatus before he reappears in mid June with a date at the Bryan Street Tavern in Dallas, Texas. From then on he plays dates in Arizona, California, Washington and Georgia and more dates are to be announced very soon. If you would really like to hear something fresh, unique, nerdy and loveable then Dent May is your man – give your ears, heart and soul a treat they deserve, you absolutely won’t regret it.

Bio:
Imogen Reed spent most of her youth in the United States where she grew up. Always having a calling to travel, as soon as she could raise the money she left her job and headed to the Far East where she would spend years visiting the beautiful cities and the distant villages of the Orient. Eventually Imogen would have passport stamps from five continents and basic communication skills in no less than four languages.

After completing her tour of the world, Imogen settled in London where she would find journalism work and start to form a more stable life. Having tasted freedom it was, perhaps, inevitable that she would quickly accumulate freelance clients and move away from the shackles of deadlines and allow the quality of her work to speak for itself.

This past weekend, we hosted 3 bands in Abilene at The Historic Paramount Theater. It was a great night full of music and conversations and collaboration. I met some great new people like students Jake, Conner, and Sam from Wylie who love indie music and introduced me to some great indie acts. I’ll be checking them out this week and those suggestions might find their way on the show. I spoke with Matt who is originally from Portland but is in Abilene working temporarily. It was great connecting with him and hopefully we’ll talk some more. And I got to see some old friends I hadn’t talked to in a long time including Brandon and Justin from The Rocketboys, Alex and Kara from The Light Parade, and my buddy Dave from Austin. Dave and I went to college together and we got to catch up briefly and share some laughs. It was a great time.

If you missed the show, I’ve provided a taste of what you could have dined on with me. If you didn’t and you came out, thanks. I hope to see you around at the next show. Enjoy!

The Rocketboys


The Light Parade

Courrier

Thanks to everyone who came out to The Paramount. Tell them how much you loved the show. And please share us with your friends on Facebook. We appreciate it!

Song/Artist/Album

Let It Be Me/Bob Dylan/Self Portrait
Hazel/Bob Dylan & The Band/Planet Waves

Will You Love Me (The Fourth Wall, 2012)/The Vespers/3 Brand New Ones, 2 Older Ones, 1 Live Un’
Better Now (The Fourth Wall, 2012)/The Vespers/3 Brand New Ones, 2 Older Ones, 1 Live Un’
Have I Loved/Peter Bradley Adams/Down Like Silver

Last Exit/Pearl Jam/Vitalogy
Needle And Thread/Brad/United We Stand
Bound In Time/Brad/United We Stand

New Coat Of Paint/Joe Bonamassa/Driving Towards The Daylight
For Nancy (‘Cos It Already Is) [Live "Bootleg" Version]/ Pete Yorn/Live From New Jersey
Do You Wanna Dance / Closet [Live "Bootleg" Version]/Pete Yorn/Live From New Jersey

Obsolete (Live)/Sara Groves/Invisible Empires Acoustic EP
Miracle (Live)/Sara Groves/Invisible Empires Acoustic EP

Two Part Game/Lindsay Katt/Happy Fits Of Rage
Not a mistake/Lindsay Katt/Happy Fits Of Rage

The band is made of two sets of siblings, sisters Callie and Phoebe Cryar and brothers Bruno and Taylor Jones. The girls handle the vocals, while the guys contribute the instruments.

I was able to check out their newly-released album, “The Fourth Wall.” The album is evidence of the great talent of The Vespers. The tracks are an eclectic blend of catchy pop tunes to emotional country ballads.

Also, I have to admit that I usually love any song that uses a banjo AND The Vespers use the banjo a lot (INSTANT FAN). One track that really caught my attention was “Will You Love Me.” This track has great organic sound. It is made up of amazing spiritual lyrics blended with a country twang brought in by the mixture of guitar, banjo and drums. Add in the beautiful breathy voices of the Cryar sisters. It is definitely worth checking out, so no better time than the present.

This is The Vespers official music video for “Will You Love Me”.

Also, on this week’s episode of The Appetizer, D Grant will serve up two amazing tracks from The Vesper’s new album. I won’t tell you which ones though, that would ruin the surprise.

Don’t forget you can listen to The Appetizer right here with our new streaming page!

Since I’m in the music industry a lot of people assume that I know a lot about every musician, or that I know a lot about the really big ones. I confess that this is not necessarily true. I’ve heard a lot of music, and I’m a fan of a lot of music. But it hasn’t been until the past several years that I’ve become more interested in the backstories and histories of some of the big icons. Bob Dylan is one of them. I have to credit some of my fellow music connoisseurs who’ve introduced me to more and more Dylan over the past several months. This has led me to have a deeper hunger for his songbook. And I had no idea how deep that songbook is.

These two albums I picked up are among them. I’d honestly never heard of Planet Waves (recorded with Bob Dylan & The Band) nor Self Portrait. But I’m digging them now! Planet Waves has more of a rock and jazz feel to it. The full band avenue gives Dylan more to work with in the magnetism of his writing. It adds some layers and flavors that are really unique.

But Self Portrait has been the big surprise and here’s how: I’m growing in my appreciation and interest in a style of music I was previously not too big on and that’s country. This is more classic-styled country. Slide guitar, pedal steel, and some fiddle here and there that is the throwback sound we’re hearing now from a lot of indie singer/songwriters. Maybe my love for indie music has laid that foundation. A few years ago I didn’t have the stomach for classic country (no pun intended). But that’s really changed and as I was listening to this album that occurred to me.

Without diving too deep into a critique or review of the album (and that’s not what I’m doing this time), I just want to tell you some cool songs that you might want to check out. One is The Boxer. I thought this might be a cover of the Simon & Garfunkel track, since both songs came from the same era. But it’s not. It’s a really interesting story about a boy who leaves his family and has to survive. He tells of growing up on the streets, and his adolescence into early adulthood. Then he encounters The Boxer, and there’s something about the passion and fire in this man that’s very intriguing. It’s a fascinating song and its one that I replayed several times to get the full effect.

Another great track is Woogie Boogie. Like the title implies, it’s an old fashioned jazz/blues jam. It’s all instrumental, and it’s a lot of fun. Dylan covers Blue Moon and his unique stylings adds a different dimension to the classic tune. One track in the classic country style that I really dig is It Hurts Me Too. It’s a great love song and hits all the right notes. So does Take Me As I Am (Or Let Me Go).

All in all, Self Portrait has 24 tracks, and 90% (in my opinion) are fantastic. That’s easily worth the $3 price tag. Actually, I feel like I got the better end of the sale. What do you think?