Music at the Push of a Button

I'm working on a big mix for the summer. So I've spent a lot of time sifting through music, and my computer has not been holding up well. The computer regualrly overheats and has no more storage space. It takes the computer about 7 minutes to boot up, which is a pretty long time.

This morning I made a disc to listen to in the car while I go and get my coffee. I decided to shut the computer down, before I left so it would not overheat.

When I got home with my hot coffee, I had a number of very good ideas about what to put on and off the mix. I was excited to make the playlist updates on the computer. I nearly lost my enthusiasm when I thought about how long it would take to boot the computer up. As the computer began its long start-up sequence, I glanced at my clock-radio(pictured), and thought, "music at the push of a button! How novel!" I pushed the on button and was instantaneously able to enjoy mid-day jazz from Newark. The speed of delivery made my head spin.

Two Options:
1 - You could click here and listen to my local jazz station wherever you are.
2 - You could click here and listen to Clock Radio by Action Figure Party. 

Picture in Grayscale

I just downloaded Picasa from Google. It's easy to use: it took a minute to take my picture, make it grayscale and post it here.

Now I need more data storage for more music projects. I'll need a good 500 gigs, at least.

This summer's mix is on the way. Keep the suggestions to yourself and consider the following:

• Jenny Lewis and Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat
• Theivery Corporation - Versions
• The Boy Least Likely To - The Best Party Ever
• There's more, but I don't' want to give too much away. Let's just say that there's going to be a lot of covers, some comedy, sound clips, and maybe even something original.
• Wait-n-see....
  
  

The Dude On Hell Day

Click on the picture above to get a page with the dude and his custom ringtone from my phone.
Making this was a complete and utter waste of time.
Just the latest from the Ministry of Silly Things.

Happy Hell Day

Prepare To Face The Consequences

The Consequences catch up with you again Wed night June 7th @Midway, 8:30 PM.

Club Midway (formerly Scenic/Guernica/Save-the-Robots)
25 Ave B
between 2nd & 3rd St.

$5 Cover
Tell the door staff you're there to see "The Consequences".

Goodbye Ironhead

Craig "Ironhead" Heyward died this week. He was a decent football player, and a total mess of a human being. He is probably best remembered for his commercial for Zest bodywash.

When I was in high school, my friends and I would meet for a football game on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We called the game "The Turkey Bowl" and we would play tackle, with no pads. Since it was a pickup game, anyone who was in the park could play if they wanted. I was a little late for Turkey Bowl 1982, and as I arrived, my friends came over and told me, in concerned tones, that Ironhead was playing for the other team.
"Who's Ironhead?"
"His name is Craig Heyward, he's, like, all-state or something at Passaic High."
"Well so what?"
"He's really good."
I was undaunted by my friends warnings and I told them that I would play quarterback if they were too scared. My friends agreed and I took my first snap, keeping an eye on Ironhead who was playing in a linebacker position opposite me. I dropped back to pass, and while looking for an open receiver, I saw Ironhead rush in on a delayed blitz. Right before he would have made contact with me, I pump faked and got out of his way. Ironhead breezed past me and I headed down the field. I was amazed at how easily I eluded him, and was concerned about two defenders converging toward me from opposite sides of the field. I sprinted as fast as I could, trying to thread the needle and get through the two defenders. Before I could reach that point, I was hit from behind by Craig's iron head. Not only did he manage to change directions and catch up with me downfield, he hit me with such force that the lenses popped out of my glasses. Mimicking my favorite football players, I popped up ready for the next play, while trying to mask my pain and the fact that I had the wind knocked out of me.

The strategy for the rest of the game was to keep the ball away from Ironhead.

Last night when I showered in Passaic, I gave a long sigh when I picked up my lather thingie.

Craig Heyward 1966-2006

schadenfreude

schadenfreude: enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others.
Etymology: German, from Schaden damage + Freude joy

Best exemplified by watching Jimmy Kimmel get bitten by a snake.

Bartok the Randomizer as Guru

Here's a great setlist from Bartok. He played it for me when I was having a rough morning. By the time I had arrived at my destination I felt as though I had attained enlightenment. All this bliss was achieved without using any kind of POD, but rather, by using the technology produced by the good folks over at Creative Labs.

Bartok's Enlightenment mix:

1. Gâyatrî Mantra (a prayer of praise that awakens the vital energies and gives liberation) - From the Rig Veda (2500BCE)
2. Israel 70 - Danny Ben Israel - Bullshit 3 ¼ (1970)
3. At Least We Were Together - Moby - 18 (2002)
4. Open the Door of Peace - Critters Buggin - Stampede (2005)
5. Capricorn Dance - The Platina - The Girl With The Flaxen Hair (1976)
6. Kafo Fite - The African Divas - The Rough Guide to Global Dance: World Beat Carnival - All Areas Access (2000)
7. Take Me Inside - Christophe Goze mix, with Afterlife/Dannii Minogue - Buddha-Bar, Vol. 7 (2005)
8. Natural Blues - Moby - Play (1999)
9. Lama Li Politika Achshav - Mashina - Ladies and Gentlemen... (1989)

Bartok the Randomizer

Bartok the Randomizer is truly amazing, but he is not long for this world.

The power recharger cord is frayed; the wires are exposed and don't charge Bartok any longer.

Bartok has been having other troubles. He seems to have lost sound on one side, so the music no longer plays in stereo. In fact, music with a high level of separation, like The Beatles, sounds really bad. You can either hear the lead vocals or the backups vocals, but rarely both. You get the picture.

So although it's a little too early to eulogize my trusty old friend, I will instead post playlists which have exemplified some of Bartok's brilliance. I have spent many mornings driving to work and wondering how Bartok was able to feel my mood and play the best songs for the moment. These are actual playlists, with Bartok set on "random." These mixes are his and not mine:

Mix #1

1. Put A Needle On The Record - Luscious Jackson - Natural Ingredients (1994)
2. Sangue Quente - Guilherme Vergueiro - Brazil Boogie (2002)
3. Bright Nights (feat. Yukimi Nagano) - Koop - Waltz for Koop (2002)
4. Love Cliche - Bran Van 3000 - Discosis (2001)
5. Ramblin Man - The Allman Brothers Band - Brothers and Sisters (1973)
6. Better Days - Lord Flimnap - Point of View (1986)
7. Late In The Evening - Paul Simon - One Trick Pony (1980)
8. If I Like It, I Do It - Jamiroquai - Emergency On Planet Earth (1993)
9. Rosalita (Come Out Tonight) - Bruce Springsteen - Live 1975-1985 (1986)
10. Swoon Units - Digable Planets - Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space) (1993)

Mix #2

1. Beast Simone - Exit Clov - Starfish - (2003)
2. Bug Powder Dust - Bomb The Bass - The K&D Sessions (1998)
3. Another Brick in the Wall Part II - Pink Floyd - The Wall (1979)
4. Stepchild - Bran Van 3000 - Discosis (2001)
5. Rainmaker - Traffic - John Barleycorn Must Die (1970)
6. Magic In The Air - Badly Drawn Boy - The Hour of Bewilderbeast (2000)
7. You Can't Turn Me Away - Sylvia Striplin - AnotherLateNight: Zero 7 (2005)
8. Something's Got To Give - The Beastie Boys - Check Your Head (1992)
9. I Love Every Little Thing About You - Stevie Wonder - Music of My Mind (1972)
10. Trouble - Coldplay - bootleg (2001?)

New Stuff!

• Retro radio blog: July 26, 2002. An encore presentation of the mennu method streaming web station circa '02.
  
• Passover 2006 donation cup. Well, to be honest, the cash would help. They ain't giving out the imported wine for free!
  
• Still have that gig...So why not stop by?
  

Gig Alert

I'll be hosting another night of mennu method music on Sunday, April 2, at 7:00PM-12:00 at the mocca lounge. They have a decent menu, good atmosphere, an impressive variety of cocktails, and some of the best music you'll hear on a Sunday night.

When: Sunday, April 2, 2006 from 7:00PM till around midnight.
Where: Mocca Lounge (corner of Church and Reade Streets)
Cover: None!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

I made a playlist to help all you get ready for St. Pats day, a day when we all feel Irish. To hear the music click here.

I am really hoping that I can make a pre-pre-shabbat scene at Fitzgerald's Harp and Bard in Clifton where my cousins John and Jon will be playing from noon to 6:00.

Yehuda Galantz: Go Daven Already

Hilarious video.

Another Winner!

Last night was fantastic! What a great time!
I want to thank the Richter Brothers, who are true champions. Another off the hook purim!
I want to thank all the people who came out.
I especially want to thank all the folks who hooted, hollered, gave me the "thumbs up," and danced all night. The late crowd rocks!
Last but not least, I want to thank the Dude for doing a great job of hoidling and hosting the after party. Rock on!

And by the way, I'll be spinning again this Sunday night at Mocca.
Come on by...

Preview the New Setlist

I'm still working on it...particularly the colors. They are really gross!
Playlist is shaping up though.

click here

the annual richter brothers purim bash

It's official. This year's purim party will be held on Monday, March 13, 2006, at Star: 246 Columbus Avenue (between 71st and 72nd), New York, NY.

Click here to see the full invite.

Time to work on the setlist...

Matisyahu and Basketball

I know I should have a post about my forthcoming Purim party.
Maybe a post explaining the blue and white mix.
I should change my playlist on the jukebox.
I should do lots of things. But this is too funny.
Hasidic reggae superstar Matisyahu shows off his wicked basketball skillz.

Check it out.

mennu method blue and white radio blog

I got a call today from someone looking for an Israeli DJ. It's hard to describe the type of Israeli music that I like because there's such a good range of it. So I made a radioblog like the one on the right over there. All the artist on the jukebox are Israeli, regardless of whether they sing in English or Hebrew. Some of it's instrumental. I'll write a more detailed description of it later.

Click here for the mennu method
blue and white radio blog

mennu method at mocca

Every other week I'll be hosting an Israeli evening at the mocca lounge:

• Dinner will be served "Israeli Steak House" style. Totally alla keffak.
• A vintage Israeli movie will be screened.
• A DJ set featuring some of the best Israeli music from the '60's until today.

Stay tuned for more details, or join my mailing list:
http://groups.google.com/group/mennumethod

#1: First Playlist

Here's a little bit about my first playlist. The biggest problem I had was the order of the songs. I hope to work it out soon.

1. Chaser - Blue Planet: One of my all time favorite songs. Sometimes I get fed up with this planet and think of leaving, and then something happens, or I'll see something and it makes me think that this planet isn't so bad after all. This song reminds me of this concept. Over the years I listened to it on the " Om Lounge 3" compilation, but this version is actually from the Fila Brazillia - " Brazillification" album.
2. The Go! Team - Friendship Update: The Go! Team's album " Thunder, Lightning, Strike" was recommended to me by An Elf. When I listen to their album, I feel like I'm in my own Kill Bill movie. It's got that retro cool sound made by people who listened to a lot of Run-DMC as kids.
3. Caribou - Hello Hammerheads: Another recommendation by An Elf. Their album, " The Milk of Human Kindness" is chock full of really interesting stuff.
4. Belle & Sebastian - Waiting for the Moon to Rise: Although they have a new album, I took this track off the excellently named album "Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant.
5. Phoenix - If I Ever Feel Better: Got this one off the Erlend Øye "DJ Kicks." The album features a lot of artists from the Astralwerks label, but often, Erlend sings along with the tune, usually imposing the lyrics of one song over another one. This track is a lot of fun.
6. Kings of Convenience - Leaning Against a Wall (Evil Tordevil Remix): from "Versus." The melancholy of the lyrics contrast with upbeat remix. A few years ago I downloaded almost all the tracks on this album. I finally rounded out the collection.
7. David Holmes - Gritty Shaker: from "Lets Get Killed." I love the talking he does in the beginning, but most of all, I think that the term "Gritty Shaker" is a good description of some of my friends. I wish I was able to control the order of the mix, because this song would have appeared at a different point and not in the middle of my Scandinavian mix.
8. Acid House Kings - Sunday Morning: I got turned onto this group recently and I can't get enough of them. Check them out: http://www.acidhousekings.com/
9. Mo' Horizons - Soho Vibes: From "Remember Tomorrow." Recently, while I was buying CDs in Israel, the shop keeper turned me on to a number of recent Israeli dub reggae albums, but he felt that it was necessary that I add this gem of a CD into my collection.
10. Sylk 130 - Funk Hut: From "This Is What Radio Should Sound Like," by King Britt. A very very funky track.
11. Super Furry Animals - Back on a Roll: From their new album called "Love Kraft." These guys are way too much fun. It's like straightforward rock and roll.
12. Pizzicato Five - Tout Va Bien (Towa Tai Mix): From "Expo 2001."