On the day of the National Championship Game (Go Bulldogs!) its only fitting to announce the champ of our first, hopefully annual, Musical March Madness – Wale. Wale’s “New Soul” trumped Vandaveer mighty handily in the final matchup to take home the prize. Thanks everyone for your participation, we certainly enjoyed it and hope you did as well.
(2) “New Soul” – Wale
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The Championship round is finally here…the votes are in, and the final song from the Needle will now face the final song from the Groove. The match-up is below, and as with the earlier rounds, you can vote by clicking here, or getting in touch with one of us here. Get your votes in now, and as always, spread the word!
The Needle, Round 4:
(5) “A Mighty Leviathan Of Old” – Vandaveer
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As the Groove notes below, it is really tough to keep talking about songs that we clearly think are amazing. Vandaveer’s “A Mighty Leviathan of Old” is definitely one of those songs, so in the interest of the competition, we have simply left you the songs and some of the lyrics…the rest is up to you:
I found that I find the things that you find
Important rather peculiar
The space in between between you and me
Has grown darker and deep and bigger…
So I clawed through the dirt, the soil of the Earth
With bare hands that barely could shovel
And the canyon did flood with water and blood
From a thunderous storm up above
Yes and God spoke clearly for the very first time in my life
And the sounds he made were glorious and great
It was a tidal wave of rhythm
The Groove, Round 4:
(2) “New Soul” – Wale
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Tough to keep talking about a song I find so amazing. So I’ll just leave you with the ending words of the song from Wale, and hope to get your vote:
My pride is just why I resist,
It’s why I conflict,
With the why, when and ifs,
The Jiggas, and the Tips, and the Ems and the 50s,
And I’m the fuckin’ best, nevermind if you iffy,
So while the world goes Drake crazy,
I’m Danny Granger, I’m just working with a different pace or (Pacer),
Speed or patience, please cause,
Slow and steady wins this race,
Fuck leadin…
Get your votes in, and leave us some feedback. This is our first time doing this, so if you have any thoughts or suggestions, pass them along!
We’ve come at last to the Final Four! This round will decide the final two songs, which will pit the Needle against the Groove (let the trash talk begin!). The new match-ups are below, so be sure to get your votes in, and as always, spread the word. You can vote by clicking here, or getting in touch with one of use here.
The Needle, Round 3:
(4) “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
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It seems that my half of the bracket has become a battle of the mid-majors. Neither Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros nor Vandaveer are what I would consider well-known bands. They both have loyal followings, but Edward Sharpe has only recently begun to explode onto the scene. Following appearances on late shows and substantial touring, the group definitely has the popular momentum heading into the Final Four.
(5) “A Mighty Leviathan Of Old” – Vandaveer
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This was definitely the closest match-up of Round 2. Vandaveer just barely pulled off the victory over Fanfarlo. It’s hard to deny that the people of Roanoke love the group, and why not? On their last tour, they started and ended their travels with great sets in Roanoke. It will definitely be hard for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros to compete with the hometown favorite, but Vandaveer comes in as the 5 seed, so they will have their work cut-out for them.
The Groove, Round 3:
(1) “Empire State Of Mind” – Jay-Z (ft. Alicia Keys)
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No big surprise here, as the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys duet makes it to the Final Four. The New York ballad came behind from an early deficit and overcome the upstart Chiddy Bang. Could Empire State of Mind’s consistent radio play be hurting it now? We’ll have to see as it matches up with Wale in the Final Four.
(2) “New Soul” – Wale
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No major upsets this round, as Wale moved on to the Final Four as well. Again, as my favorite song of the year, New Soul bumped out Kid Cudi’s “Alive” in fairly overwhelming fashion. Though Kid Cudi had an overall more successful debut album, Wale will be facing Jay-Z for the right to compete for the song of year title.
The votes are in and the results have been tallied….let Round 2 begin! The Groove is out enjoying the life of the Caribbean, so I’m going to do my best to put up both sides of the bracket. New match-ups are below. Be sure to get your votes in, and as always, spread the word. To leave your vote, simply click here. Or, if you prefer, just get ahold of one of us by clicking here.
The Needle, Round 2:
(8) “Julian Of Norwich” – Bombadil
Clearly the upset of the bracket, Bombadil’s “Julian Of Norwich” knocked off the heavily favored, synth-heavy sounds of Animal Collective. Spurred on by local support and what I can only assume to be a universal love for minstrel music, the former Dukies put up a strong first round showing. With their impressive lyrics and catchy sounds, Bombadil has already become the Cinderella story as they enter Round 2.
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(4) “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
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In one of the closest matches of the Round 1, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros pulled out the last minute victory over the upstart Generationals. This is going to make an interesting matchup for round two. Both Edward Sharpe and Bombadil combine folk lyrics and toe-tapping music. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros definitely have the advantage in media exposure, however. With recent appearances on late shows and the appearance of this song in a newly released movie trailer, they definitely have the momentum on their side.
(5) “A Mighty Leviathan Of Old” – Vandaveer
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In what was by far the biggest blowout of Round 1, Vandaveer absolutely crushed Yeasayer’s recently released “Ambling Alp.” The Roanoke crowd definitely came out in force, but there is just no denying that “A Might Leviathan Of Old” is an absolutely brilliant song. And in a contest between traditional folk and experimental pop, the folk music has clearly won out.
(2) “Harold T. Wilkins, Or How To Wait For A Very Long Time” – Fanfarlo
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Fanfarlo’s “Harold T. Wilkins” still remains the most listened to track I have ever posted, and it is clear that their music has maintained its popularity among our listeners. Their clear victory once again leaves me with that unspeakable joy that even a bunch of nerdy kids can can make great rock music. We will see if they can compete with the powerhouse that Vandaveer has apparently become.
The Groove, Round 2:
(1) “Empire State Of Mind” – Jay-Z (ft. Alicia Keys)
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Probably no surprise here. Jay-Z’s “Empire State Of Mind” was the heavy favorite. Not only does the song have immense commercial appeal, it’s also just a great song. Surprisingly though, it barely won. Bobby Ray’s “I’ll Be In The Sky” was a strong 8 seed, but in the end it could just not compete with the dulcet tones of Alicia Keys and powerful lyrics of Jay-Z. Although it got off to a rocky start, “Empire State Of Mind” is without question still the heavy favorite.
(6) “The Opposite Of Adults (Kids Remix)” – Chiddy Bang
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When the groove first posted this song, he noted that this track stuck with him…and many of you as well. And the results of Round 1 have certainly proven him right. This matchup was another blowout. Chiddy’s MGMT remix has clearly maintained its popularity, but will it be enough to best the powerhouse that is Jay-Z? It’s hard to say. “Empire State Of Mind” has been overplayed a fair bit, and there is just no denying, “The Opposite Of Adults” is tough to listen to just once.
(3) “Alive” – Kid Cudi (ft. Ratatat)
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The Groove matched two new songs against each other in Round 1, Kid Cudi’s “Alive” and Lil Wayne’s “Watch My Shoes,” and the result was one of the closest outcomes of the bracket. In the end, it was Kid Cudi, who won out. The song blurs that line between hip-hop and alternative, and definitely presents a very unique sound for other tracks to compete with. Despite the fact that this may not be everyone’s favorite song from Kid Cudi’s newest album, there is no denying that the Groove has taste.
(2) “New Soul” – Wale
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The Groove said that Wale’s “New Soul” was one of his favorite songs of the year…and while I may be no expert in the world of hip-hop, I can’t help but agree with him. Of all the songs the Groove has introduced me to, this is one of my favorites (as was “I’ll Be In The Sky,” but alas, that one lost out). Featuring a slowed-down, eerie sample of Yael Naim’s “New Soul,” I found this song to be somewhat hypnotic…and clearly many of you agreed. Wale destroyed Mos Def in the votes, and this song is definitely entering the next round with quite a bit of momentum.
I hope I did the Groove proud, and don’t forget to get your votes in!
Now that the Needle’s tunes have been given ample time to garner votes, its now time for my tracks to get their day in the first round spotlight. To vote, just leave a comment or contact us to let us know who your picks are. Vote early, vote often…and as always, feel free to share.
(1) “Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
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Tabbed as my favorite track from Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 upon first listen, “Empire State of Mind” has since blown up on the radio and heard worldwide. The perfect balance of quality music with commercial success – the only thing working against the track is the fact that it might be played out to many at this point.
(8) “I’ll Be in the Sky” – B.o.B a.k.a. Bobby Ray
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One of my favorite surprises of the summer was the mixtape release of B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray. As someone who has little respect for most southern artists, I expected this to be no different. Instead, B.o.B delivered a refreshing, alternative hip-hop track. Despite its quality, I doubt it can pull of the upset against one of the most successful albums of the year.
(4) “Grown Simba” – J. Cole
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In the 4-6 Matchup, we have the two newest artists to the scene. J. Cole blew me away when I first heard him at Cat’s Cradle in April. I have never seen an unknown opening act get as much crowd support as he did…instantly got the respect of the room. This track – Grown Simba, is definitely one of my favorites from his second mixtape – The Warm Up.
(6) “The Opposite of Adults (Kids Remix)” – Chiddy Bang
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Chiddy debuted on the scene at the beginning of the summer with this MGMT Remix. In the successful dance/electronica/hip-hop cross-over genre, this is definitely a track that sticks out to me, and its apparent it stuck out to others as Chiddy signed with EMI Music this week.
(3) “Alive” – Kid Cudi featuring Ratatat
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This matchup features two songs I never wrote about on here, but both are clearly deserving of their spot here in the bracket. Cudi’s debut album was incredibly unique, and definitely toed the line between alternative and hip-hop. This track, featuring Ratatat, is easily my favorite on the album – though I know it is not for many. I find the hook amazing and the Ratatat added instrumentation is instantly recognizable.
(5) “Watch My Shoes” – Lil Wayne
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Though I don’t put Lil Wayne in my upper echelon of rappers, his work on No Ceilings can’t go unrecognized. Returning to his critically acclaimed form, Wayne goes in on a number of tracks – “Watch My Shoes” being one of them.
(2) “New Soul” – Wale
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Easily my favorite tune of the year. I recognize my stannery, and couldn’t bring myself to make it the one seed. Though Wale’s Attention Deficit was a disappointment to me, this track reaffirms all my positive feelings for Wale’s future.
(7) “Casa Bey” – Mos Def
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Mos Def released his Ecstatic this summer. Though I am a big Mos fan the album didn’t completely do it for me. This track, however, stuck out to me as an ultimate display of Mos’ talent – both lyrically and in flow. Awesome track all around.
Well, it’s that time of year again when everybody gets swamped with work, and inevitably develops a case of ADD, ADHD, or Senioritis. So what better activity to occupy my time than review Wale’s Attention Deficit? I’ll admit it, I desperately wanted this album to be an instant classic that I spun on repeat, but unfortunately, it was a bit of a disappointment. Don’t get me wrong, the album is very good, but it didn’t quite appeal to me, someone who has followed his career upwards of 2 years now. I think its biggest fault is that it is not on the same level as A Mixtape About Nothing which concept, production and content-wise trumps his debut effort. I don’t mean this to come off overly negative, it really is a quality album – but I just don’t think it could meet my year of expectations.
Wale – “Mirrors” featuring Bun B
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Content and production wise Attention Deficit very much reflects its title. As Wale frequently stated, he attempted to have one of ‘every type of song’. The album intersperses radio/mainstream type tracks – “Chillin”, “Pretty Girls”, “Let It Loose” – with tracks that take on a more serious note – “90210″ discusses eating disorders, 9th Wonder produced “Shades” tackles black-on-black racism, and “Diary” tells a story about a girl that has been in bad relationships and takes it out on her current love.
Wale – “Diary” featuring Marsha Ambrosius
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I believe by starting off this review in a negative light might have been unfair, in that, I really don’t dislike any song on the record. Wale was substantially criticized for featuring Gucci Maine on “Pretty Girls,” but that didn’t really bother me considering the intent and market intended for the record. After the original was released sans Gucci, I definitely felt like the track needed another traditional hip-hop verse to make the change up at the end of the track more powerful – and Gucci’s verse definitely aided that.
Wale – “TV in the Radio” featuring K’Naan (production by Dave Sitek)
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That being said, there is no track that really stands out among the rest – and when it comes down to it, I’d rather listen to A Mixtape About Nothing if given the choice. I really wished the album had included more skits or Wale talking or something that would have allowed his personality to shine through a little bit more. On all of his mixtape efforts, the listener came away not only impressed by his skills – but genuinely liking Wale and thinking he’s a pretty funny guy, regardless of music talent. On his debut effort, I feel like the buyer was deprived of that – and it could potentially hurt Wale’s likability down the road. I’ve interspersed some of my favorites (they are all very good) from the album, that try to highlight his tremendous range of flow, content, and production on the record. If you have liked any of Wale’s 5+ mixtapes in the past (and got them for free), I highly encourage you to go out and buy the album – its worth your 9.99 on iTunes. Again, I’m critical simply because my bar was set so high, it still trumps the other debut efforts from other XXL Freshman this year, and is definitely one of my favorites of 2009.
Wale – “Beautiful Bliss” featuring J. Cole & Melanie Fiona
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You know it gets no better than this,
Its like sunshine on a rainy day,
Its like a high could you take me a way…
When you feel like this, When you spill out hits,
When you ridin’ with tints, and you ain’t bothered a bit…
Long time no see….Well the figurative day has arrived in more ways than one. College basketball is back, thank the lord, and I managed to make it out to Carolina’s thumping of FIU. Should be an interesting season for Carolina, not a lot to prove… but a lot of potential. Anywho, it got me to thinking about my own playing days and the one song that allowed me to make it through my one miserable year at the high school level. “Til’ I Collapse” by Eminem, in a very similar format and style as “Lose Yourself” was that song for me. The song is filled with raw emotion and arguably my favorite pump-up song of all time. I thought about quitting basketball so many times during my freshmen year, and this one song had the ability to keep me at it. Corny, I know…but pretty powerful stuff.
Heels kick off season against FIU
Eminem – “Til I Collapse” featuring Nate Dogg
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Carolina football has been using another song of late, Roy Jones Jr.’s “Can’t Be Touched”…and in combo with their 4th Quarter highlight reel, this ish gets me pretty hype. The verses leave a little to be desired, but the hook is killer.
Roy Jones Jr. – “Can’t Be Touched”
And in completely unrelated news, Wale’s Attention Deficit comes out today (1AM as I’m writing this) and I encourage everyone to go buy it. Here is a link to download via iTunes - I’ve had it about a week, and my review is pending. If this album served better as a coaster than a cd I would still go out and buy it – simply because Wale has kept me optimistic about hip-hop for the past two years. Dude deserves everyone’s support, so pick it up if you’ve ever enjoyed one of his free mixtapes.
