Monday, March 21, 2005

Just for the sake of it.

A quick rundown of the week to come:

Work-y work-y Mon-Fri.

Fin.

Roll credits.

Deleted Scenes:

1. The Rickshaw Dumpling Bar rules. It's on 23rd b/t 5th and 6th (north side of the street). So far I've tested their chicken and thai basil dumplings, peking duck dumplings, salad, and edamame. Their hoisin sauce and peanut sauce (with coconut?) are both awesome. It's not a bargain, but the cost of a lunch is comparable to most other places in the area.

2. I saw Gunner Palace last night, which is a documentary about soldiers stationed in Baghdad. Check it out if you haven't. It's really the only imagery of the war that I've seen, and was interesting for that if nothing else. I'm still not quite sure what to make of it, though, in terms of how it makes me feel about the war. The movie certainly portrays the occupation as a disorganized, chaotic operation. There's some really amazing, poignant rapping (possibly freestyle?) done by a few of the soldiers, too, that I think puts a lot of mainstream hip-hop to shame. In terms of "keeping it real," Jay-Z, Ludacris, and Juvinile don't have anything on these guys. They're working on making a soundtrack. I look forward to owning it.

3. Speaking of hip-hop, I think I'm finally finding my niche in that realm. I don't empathize much with the gangsta or hustler modes, but there are a few more socially conscious rappers--Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Che Fu, and my ex-co-worker's boy, Chaz--who I'm enjoying. I find myself getting excited by a clever turn of phrase and particularly fast or smooth rhythms and rhymes. The a cappella part at the beginning of Kanye's "Get 'Em High" is especially sweet.

4. Lists are cool.

5. More overhire theater work is coming my way. Joy.

6. I have a play date this week with Yasmin's cat, Sarah. I think we will become fast friends. Cats are also cool.

2 comments:

Flushy McBucketpants said...

I have crossed paths with Black Star. I've yet to make a purchase though. It's on my list. I've listened to Mos Def's new album a couple of times at the Virgin Megastore, but it's not catchy enough for me. I haven't really taken to Common, though. Couldn't exactly tell you why at this point. My vocabulary when it comes to talking hip-hop isn't very good and when I do talk about it, even I don't believe I sound like I know what I'm saying. That aside, politically motivated hip-hop is the way forward. I'd like to check out the Roots too, as I hear they play with an actual band. I found this group Heiruspecs that also plays with live instruments. They're pretty awesome.

In other music news, I'm totally into Green Day's latest album. I think it's fucking amazing pop music. And if you dig the Postal Service I think you should check out this guy Hanalei who's working in a similar vein.

Flushy McBucketpants said...

I'd be happy to take a listen to some tracks. My email address is willfain@gmail.com . A couple of your favorite songs would be cool.