There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance. We need to learn to love ourselves first, in all our glory and our imperfections. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others or our potential to create. Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.
- John Lennon
Today marks the 29th anniversary of John Lennon’s death. It is a day that I have marked with some recognition for most of my life. Usually involving a lengthy conversation with my mother recalling where she was when she found out (in the car with my sister) and what he meant to her and her generation. As a child of an entirely different culture filled with louder and relentless opinions, promotions, and declarations I sometimes forget that before Lennon it was rare for an entertainer to use their fame and platform to take a large scale political stance. And it can safely be said that no one’s influence rivaled that of the former Beatle.
Lennon used his skill for crafting memorable phrases to transpose messages for the larger social consciousness giving a poignant and unrelenting voice to a massive movement calling for peace. Political peace, social peace, inner peace. It is a timeless cause and his words remain just as relevant now as they did when they were first spoken. Simply reading his words and recalling his actions will remind you of his impact on music, politics and culture. In his wake there have been and will continue to be artists who choose to use their voice to further noble causes but John truly was a pioneer.
I’d like to think my own actions and words pay tribute to his dedication to a greater cultural awareness and in writing this, using my own little platform you may also carry on the spirit of peace and love that was the very heart of John Lennon’s work.
You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.
Imagine – Eva Cassidy
Happy Christmas (War Is Over) – Polyphonic Spree
Some of my absolute favorite Philly acts are gathering tonight at The Khyber for what promises to be a block rocking good time (not to mention a quick hop for First Friday activities in Olde City). Be there, get silly and GET SLIMED.
Chang Chang
Kinda like watching a kid masturbate with his own tears in front of his mom. Some rapping may ensue but more than likely ending in a pissy stage. Every wonder who buys those expired stacker2’s from the dollar shore. Sold out.
Ruinit
Grind with your goth girlfriend while contemplating how you will kill your parents in their sleep. Dance your shit off, blogs can’t see you!
Man Like Machine
Never will you ever see more panties and bras be thrown on stage by girls who had no clue they just threw their panties and bras on stage. More rock band then you’re rock band. Don’t tell your parents you snuck out of being grounded.
Menya
Ever step inside of a bubble gum bubble then hot box it. Seeing them will be well worth your allowance. Cuter than puppies dressed as cats.
Deadly Technologies
These dudes do things behind robots that they can’t show on tv. Dance, laugh, write your pen pal in japan. Pay attention….they will be your ruler soon!!!
*Note I didn’t write these descriptions, that would be Jon Rehr, but hes pretty much spot on with every darn word.
I’m long over due for a Remix Rehash but its been slow on the receiving end for quality material. However, there has been a but of really enjoyable electro music to be had so this remix rehash is more electro than remix but, regardless, I hope you enjoy!
Apple Jelly – Kissy Sell Out
This track is pure fun. Kissy brings out play in its full glory. Building from a base that is strictly 80′s sitcom montage score he pops it up with catchy lyrics and some tech-tastic loops. What really got me though, was the fact that his still manages to tell a story (with sound effects and all). Kind of makes me wish Perfect Strangers were still on TV cause this would be an excellent candidate for soundtrack.
Ctrl Alt Dance (Coulson’s Cheap Arcade Remix)- Max Justus
Seriously addicted to this song. It’s clean. It’s rooted in video game music tradition. It has inspired a few dance parties of one while on the streets of Philly. There is even a bit of funky rush tucked in there. Don’t over think it. Just sit back and let the music do its thing.
Killer Queen Bee – Downtown Harvest
These guys are outta Philly and, quite simply, you should be listening to them. They combines all of my factors from the previous two bits. Video game sample? Check. Montage quality? Check. Gets hips a shakin? Check. Tidy loops? Check.Funk factor? Yup. Unusual? You know it. I’m gonna make an effort to see what they have to offer live but this should satiate me until then.
Bertie Blackman’s song Thump is originally intended to accompany a late night walk; and, indeed, it does tunes you into that sense of organic rhythm. The Duosseudo kids push it to a more fevered pace while maintaining its smooth soulfulness. Its a perfect iPod night cap jam.
Thump (Bertie Blackman) – Duosseudo Remix
Canadian DJ Burns is at his foot movin hip groovin best with this track. Its the kind of tune you can have on in the background and dip in and out of your chair dance as your attention span sees fit. I recently did a all night drive and this was a staple on that soundtrack. Burns is out on tour with DeadMau5 including a stop in Philadelphia on November 22.
Burns- FrankMusik – 3 Little Words (Burns Back to 96 remix)
This one straight up rocks. Wilkis knows how to give a track a real spit & shine freshness. His treatment of this Shwayze bit even inspires a little thrash rock out. This is must for your gym mix. It gets your pulse up and your energy pumping. His Pink and Purple is also worth your exploration.
Get You Home (Shwayze)- Alan Wilkis Remix
Its been a productive, albeit ADD, day for me today. In all the hubub a few notions, news bits & links have risen to the top of my consciousness and I wanted to share’em with you.
Summer got a little bow of the head earlier this week with less than October temps in the 70s. It coincided with the delivery of this full on party mix provided by the boys of Pretty Girls & Lasers.
Next up…
This one is definitely thinking mans electro. Mixed by Darklord and produced by Shawn Ryan its the kind of jam I’d use if I were doing a haunted house. Perfect for a mellow, and a little spooky, fall night.
Finally, to keep you moving (ie warm) for the first few really chilly fall days I give you two by NY’s DJ Chachi. Whether you need some jams while you prep for a night out or you’re hosting the party at your place drop these in the mix and enjoy! If you’re really feeling ambitious take a gander at his schedule and get the mix live.
Philly fav Flufftronix dropped this nibblet last week. Its a trippy fuzzed out take on Major Lazer’s Pon De Floor. Do yourself a favor and listen to this on a proper system so you can enjoy all it has to offer.
Pon De Floor (Major Lazer) – Flufftronix Remix
Sheenabeaston 
shared this mash up featuring the seminal musical track Video Killed The Radio Star. Only, given 4Watt‘s treatment, its a lot less sweet and much much grittier. The sticky hook is still there and but with an added smacking bass line to make it even more addictive.
Video Killed The Radio Star (The Buggles vs Yeah Yeah Yeah) – 4Watts Head Will Roll Baby Remix
Every once in a while I will receive a witty, well witten, quirky, intriguing piece of PR. Most of the time though, once I listen to the music I realize the writing is compensating for the atrociousness of the music. This kid Boonie though scored a one-two punch. Claiming an affinity for funk and keeping an insatiable audience moving it he has created a track with a funky bass touch that proved excellent for getting me in a dancing mood. Considering this Aussie is still very young I’m sure he will only get better.
Jump Club
The gentlemen of Jump Clubb hail from LA but that’s about all they are willing to divulge about themselves. They will, however, share their “no dance” music freely. Intended to inspire you to think before you leap on to that dance floor. When I read their interestingly cerebral approach to the usually carnal world of good dance music I couldn’t resist. And upon hearing A Frozen Hug I think they’re dead on with their description. It certainly makes you want to move but the reasons why are up to you to figure it out.
Frederick Carlsonn 
Continuing on with the dance theme I give you the “Swedish dance D’artagnan” Frederick Carlsson. Mando Diao’s hit gets a fabulous treatment and makes you want to groove out even more. To speak from personal experience, this track is ideal for taking a break from your work or stress and dancing around like you’re starring in your own iPod commercial. Get it.
BorrachoTo send you off right I thought I would share with you this fantastic 45 minute set orchestrated by Borracho at a gig in Argentina. I’m sure you’re with me when I say I would’ve loved to be there for it live but the next best thing is to savor it be it while you’re at your desk, in your car, at the gym or wherever. Its all good.
The Grand Archives
This album is so very many things calming, curious and beautiful. The group initially intended it to be a rock album but what their organic recording process shaped was something entirely more evolved. The lyrics, tender and intelligent, are delivered with crisp harmonies. The instrumentals, created by the usual as well as the unusual (a giant glass harp), surpass the “experimental indie band” cliche with such grace you almost miss its brilliance. But the patina Keep In Mind Frankenstein wears gets richer with every listen. Get it now! They will be in Philly at Johnny Brenda’s on October 7th
Oslo Novelist
Pet Ghost Project
This trio has been on my radar for a long while bliping a little louder with every new recommendation. I finally got to catch a live set at the Danger!Danger! Gallery a few weeks ago. They were set up in the spaces basement and it was the perfect setting for their gritty aggressive rock. It is a group lead sonically by the bass and drums rather than by a guitar and vocals. Its a dynamic befitting their raw visceral sound. The drummer and the bassist exchange roles and can do so seamlessly because they both posses the level of dexterity and skill necessary to make those instruments step out front and shine. I really look forward to their next Philly foray, hopefully with a better sound set up next time.
Power Symbol
Serengeti & Polyphonic
Serengeti, the rapper, and Polyphonic, the producer, both bring a lot to their collaboration. Clearly there is an abundance of talent but, beyond that, there is a wealth of music knowledge (both have studied/nerded out on everything from classical to hip-hop) as well as actual life experience. The samples and instruments used to construct Terradactyl stretch the norms of each component. It would seem Serengti & Polyphonic have, together, realized the potential evolution for inter-genre hip-hop. Now it is up to us as the audience to generate the demand.
My Patriotism
Day two of Monolith was a vast improvement on Saturday. There was a little falter at the beginning when a late cabbie meant missing We Were Promised Jetpacks. But, we did get there in time for …
The Grates
I have long adored this Aussie group’s addictive pop music and had heard a lot of great things about their live show. So, I was pretty excited to see their set. Lead singer, Alana, was the embodiment of cheer. Championing the Grates cause to get everybody moving and happy. It was a fantastic way to start the day. If you haven’t heard them here’s a taste of what they sound like live. Suckafish at the Knitting factory.
Rahzel
While The Grates were on the SoCo stage Rahzel was entertaining on the main stage. Considering it was his beat boxing that first really pushed me towards the world of Hip Hop I couldn’t miss his bit. He was every bit as amazing as I was expecting. The man’s ability to throw his voice and imitate well, anything is astounding and his years of experience made for a flawless show.
Monotonix
I’m not gonna lie, Monotonix isn’t my bag; however, watching the spectacle they created was a little amusing. They prefer to do their thing from crowd level (ie the press pit) forcing the misplaced photog’s and other assorted media to the stage. It was a unique sight to behold. 
The Thermals
Next up were The Thermals. They served up a sharp thirty minutes which really woke up the festival goers up on the plaza. This trio had so much fun on stage it would have been had to ignore them even if their music weren’t so incredibly awesome. I am glad to say my first live dose of them was at Red Rocks.
Passion Pit
Regardless of how you feel about Passion Pit this was the most breath taking set of the weekend. It is undeniable that their electro pop music is catchy and the lengthy stints on the road have transformed them into total crowd pleasers. With the lighting and a day of fantastic music tucked under our belts Passion Pit’s dancey set was a delectable dose of dance music at just the right time. Sleepyhead – Run Toto Run
Bad Veins
Chased Passion Pit’s set underground on the WOXY stage. Having just seen them play in Philly to a dismal showing it was nice to see them get the audience and response they deserve. Ben was ever the showman while Sebastian wowed on the drums. They are coming back to Philly with The Subjects in October.
There were a lot of other acts we heard on Sunday. Some notable mentions:
Tigercity • Health • Neon Indian • Twilight Sad
Why am I not giving them blurbs you ask? Because their stages were “closed” when the rooms they were in reached capacity. But, from the hallway I can tell you without a doubt they were fantabulous.
Phoenix
Hands down the best act of the weekend was Phoenix’s show. Originally slated for the SoCo stage for a 30 minute set ealier in the day they were moved to the main stage when MSTRKRFT had to cancel due to illness. Groups were shifted around. Passion Pit taking Phoenix’s space and Phoenix stepping in for MSTRKRFT.
I can’t imagine it falling any other way. The French electro pop group filled the entire 45 minute with a flawless set touching on both their older, lesser known hits, as well as, the big crowd pleasers from Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. They brought the entire amphitheater to their feet and kept them dancing, singing and simply celebrating the beautiful night and fantastic music. There wasn’t much stage banter but it wasn’t necessary as the progression of songs was well thought out and delivered perfectly. Impressed doesn’t even begin to cover what I felt after watching these veteran (but, clearly still contributing kick ass tunes) pull together a main stage worthy performance at the very last minute. I left feeling entirely satiated by my first Monolith experience. I look forward to seeing what kind of line up they assemble next year.