R.I.P. Canon Rebel XT

20Apr10

Unfortunately for the past couple of weeks I have been too busy to write a new post. This has been due to the fact, that a camera I use for my shoots was stolen by a miscreant of some kind.  Since I have been struggling to find a job, in order to replace the stolen equipment. However, to  add insult to  injury I now may be held liable for its theft. These things and more have plagued me the past following nights. At my lowest point in my journey so far, I turned to music for my soothing. In doing so I have found some amazing artists.(Thanks to David Chaitt)

The Black keys

One such artist is the Black Keys, who through three albums made it to the top of  my list of favorite bands for all time. “The band released their debut album, The Big Come Up, in 2002, followed by Thickfreakness in 2003, and Rubber Factory in 2004. Around this time, they also opened for bands such as Pearl Jam, Beck, Radiohead and Sleater-Kinney.  The band is frequently compared to The White Stripes (also a blues-based musical duo of drums and vocals/guitar that started around the turn of the millennium) and to the stylings of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant,^[11] Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead are fans of the band. Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has also stated in an interview that he enjoys listening to the band. Arctic Monkeys‘ drummer Matt Helders can be seen in a Black Keys t-shirt in an interview on MTV’s RAW.” (wikepedia.org)

This bands southern rock, blues combination has me in a daze still to this day. With such soulful tones, each track begs to be played. The best part is any of their albums are great to play during any part of the day and in every possible mood.  This band was an amazing find, and I suggest to the southern blues rock lovers to give this band a listen. My favorite song entitled “Lies” is full of soulful tones and classic blues riffs.

“An album featuring The Black Keys and several hip hop artists was released on November 27, 2009 (“Black Friday“) under the name Blakroc. The project was spearheaded by Damon Dash and also sports contributions from Jim Jones, Mos Def, Q-Tip, RZA, Raekwon, Ludacris, Pharoahe Monch, NOE, Nicole Wray, Billy Danze and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.” (wikipedia.org) 

A favorite song of mine of their collobaritive hip hop “Blakroc” is Ain’t Nothing Like You featuring Jim Jones and Mos Def.

Nerd Camp

My next musical find is not so much a find but more recognition for a favorite local band. As I reside in the suburbs just outside of Philadelphia, the artist and music community is rampant with both young and creative talent. One such example of this is the band ” Nerd Camp.”

Band members include Jake Innis, Kevin Simmons, Robbie Kizirglou, Julia Kec, and Jake Liberatore. Who released their first album just last spring and have been performing charity events during the past year. Some hit songs include “My Heart” and more recently Glow.

The band has been performing more live shows recently, likening my antics to that of a school girl in eager anticipation for their next show. There is not much I can say about this band that  does not come across in their energetic live shows. My advice is to see this band live or get a copy of their highly coveted albums.  As of right now this band is one of my favorite examples of a band going from their basement to the live stage. I can not wait to see how the band grows this coming summer.

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Tags: Black Keys, Canon Rebel XT, David Chaitt, Nerd Camp, Tragedy