Behind The Sample: Lafayette Afro Rock Band - 'Darkest Light'

You've heard it before. That smoother-than-smooth horn loop is recognizable from the very onset of the first note. So indelible, you could probably hum it in your sleep. "Rump Shaker!" you call out with abandon to all decency.

Yes, I am talking about the "Rump Shaker" - that lovably tacky 1992 rap hit from Wreckx-N-Effect. It was a single that climbed to the top of the charts and caused its fair share of complaints. Afterall, the video was basically everything The Grind at the MTV Beach House wanted to be - beach babes in bikinis dancing to funky beats. It was a celebration of the simple things in life.

Wreckx-N-Effect - "Rump Shaker" (1992)


But the sexy saxophone that got all those ladies shaking dates back a heck of a lot longer than 1992!

Let's take the wayback machine to 1975 - a time when a group from New York, called Lafayette Afro Rock Band, was struggling to overcome obscurity by pursuing a career in France.

Taking cues from African rhythms and beats, Lafayette Afro Rock Band only received the widespread critical success they deserved years after disbanding. Today, the group is heralded as one of the most influential funk bands of the '70s and their music has become amongst the most heavily sampled in hip-hop. Their song, "Darkest Light", written by band member Michael McEwan, could even be regarded as one of the best break-beat samples of all time. "Why?" you may ask. Well, let me show you.

Lafayette Afro Rock Band - "Darkest Light" (1975)


But the story doesn't end there. It merely begins.

Before ever being picked up as a raunchy summer anthem, "Darkest Light" first had to undergo its most important revival.

When Public Enemy's epic album, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, dropped in 1988, it forever changed the hip-hop game. The album's ingenious, biting lyrics were woven over heavy samples, including jazz and funk.

On the interlude track, "Show 'Em Whatcha Got" (via YouTube), Public Enemy take "Darkest Light" for a fresh spin. The horns loop, the bass thumps and Chuck D and Flavor Flav call out, "Public Enemy Number One" and "Show 'Em Whatcha Got!" respectively throughout.

Public Enemy's sampling of the Lafayette Afro Rock Band song created a resurgence for the classic funk band's music.

Below is a list of some other songs that have sampled "Darkest Light." For audio/video links, simply click the song titles:

• Masters at Work -- "Justa Lil' Dope" (1991)
• Kid Capri -- "The Apollo" (1991)
• N2Deep -- "Back to the Hotel" (1992)
• Heavy D & The Boys -- "You Can't See What I Can See" (1992)
• Ice Cube -- "Friday" (from the 1995 movie soundtrack)

The song received one of its most popular and high-profile samples to date on Jay-Z's massive 2006 single, "Show Me What You Got."

Besides sampling the original horn loop from Lafayette Afro Rock Band, Jay-Z invokes Flavor Flav's notorious call from Public Enemy's "Show 'Em Whatcha Got."

Now, that's what I call a sample.

Jay-Z - "Show Me What You Got" (2006)

The Room - 'Oh Hai: Dubstep Remix'

In this film-to-music collision we have a clever (and very funny) autotune remix of Tommy Wiseau's masterpiece, The Room.

For those unfamiliar with The Room, it has gained cult status in recent years as the "worst film ever made."  Just one viewing of this movie-mistake will instill feelings of rage, humor, and immense perplexity.  It's certainly worth experiencing at least once.

Obviously, if you haven't seen the movie already, this remix will make zero sense to you.  On the other hand, if you've already watched it, this remix will make you laugh and laugh---almost more than the original movie. 

Watch 'Oh Hai' below: 

Hottest tracks

Rain Drops Lyrics Cheryl Cole	Better To Lie Lyrics Cheryl Cole
Amnesia Lyrics Cheryl Cole	Hummingbird Lyrics Cheryl Cole
Like A G6 Lyrics 50 Cent	Big Big Bang Lyrics Miley Cyrus
We're Not The Same Lyrics The Ting Tings	Yeah Yeah Lyrics Cheryl Cole
Someone Save Me Tonight Lyrics Lady GaGa	Far From Me Lyrics Lady GaGa

Get your free list here.

Best Coast - 'Boyfriend'

The ghost of 90's grunge haunts the distant and fragile 'Boyfriend,' a strong track from Best Coast's Crazy for You.  

Like many songs of that time, 'Boyfriend' is paradoxically flimsy, yet firm; dilapidated, but unyielding. Overall, this opposing nature is what wraps 'Boyfriend' into the tight package it ends up playing out to be.

Groove along to 'Boyfriend' by streaming below:

	Best Coast - Boyfriend .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Jerry Cantrell - 'Dickeye'

By the time I was really getting into Alice in Chains, the band had been long broken up.

However, in 1998, the band's guitarist provided diehard fans such as myself with temporary relief.  Jerry Cantrell's Boggy Depot contained at least a couple of radio friendly singles ('I Cut You In' and 'My Song'), but it contained some riff-heavy tracks as well.

'Dickeye,' the opening cut, was an assault of grungy guitar and weighty rhythm playing, reminiscent of Facelift and Dirt.  Although it could hold no candle to its AIC antecedents, the song, and corresponding album, were a worthy substitute.

Stream the Youtube version of 'Dickeye' below:

Caught On Tape: Gorillaz - 'El Mañana' (Live in Harlem)

Gorillaz have been around for a few years. In fact, Damon Albarn (of Blur fame) and his animated band has scored multiple smash hits, from their very first single, "Clint Eastwood" (2001), all the way up to their current album, Plastic Beach (2010).

The band's 2005 LP, Demon Days, famously delivered "Feel Good Inc." and "Dare" - two of the group's catchiest and most popular singles-to-date. Those singles helped propel Demon Days to sell more than 10 million copies.

But if you're still a casual Gorillaz fan such as myself - one who hasn't followed every nuance of the fictional band's storyline as it's unraveled - it's quite possible you overlooked one of Gorillaz' most well-written tracks, "El Mañana".

Released in the U.K. as Demon Days' fourth and final single, "El Mañana" was accompanied by a stunning, full-budget music video by Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett.

The video follows Noodle, the band's guitarist, as her peaceful life on a flying island is suddenly attacked by fighter helicopters. The video is a continuation to the plotline of "Feel Good, Inc." and a precursor to "On Melancholy Hill".

Hewlett's lush animation captures both the melody and pain in Albarn's lyrics and the video is as intense as the original song is understated.

Below is a video of "El Mañana" performed by Gorillaz in Harlem, NYC. The song's original music video can be seen paired together with Albarn and an orchestra of live musicians.

It might just be one of the best Gorillaz songs you never heard.




For more on Gorillaz, visit the band's official website.

Duffy - 'Well, Well, Well'

Here's Duffy's new video.

Temper Trap - 'Fader'

Although Temper Trap's Conditions has been available for a little over a year already, 'Fader' is just now gaining its grip here in The States.

The tune is an urbane cross between the polished rock of Coldplay and the sonic layering of Radiohead.  Certainly, the embelmatic "coo coo cooooo" of the chorus seals the deal on this particular song.

Stream 'Fader' below:

	The Temper Trap - Fader .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Wavves - 'Post Acid'

Would it be sacrilegious to declare Wavves The Beach Boys of Generation Y?

Watch the band's fresh single, 'Post Acid', below and decide for yourself:


Wavves - "Post Acid" from GreenLabelSound on Vimeo.

The Limousines - 'Internet Killed the Video Star'

Oh, the times, they are a changin'!

Watch The Limousuines' ode to technological change, 'Internet Killed the Video Star,' below:

Brandon Flowers - 'Crossfire'

Brandon Flowers' solo foray, by way of 'Crossfire,' doesn't strike a fancy the first time it's played.  Indeed, it fails to make any statement until its sixth or seventh spin.  Perhaps this has more to do with alt rock radio stations saturating the airwaves with it's sounds than it has to do with hidden beauty--but that's mere speculation at this point.

Speculation aside, 'Crossfire's' declaration is a worthy one.  It's an American West-themed tale of darkness and apathy, of despair and paralysis.  Yet, it's also a song sprinkled with a bit of hope.

Stream 'Crossfire' below:

	Brandon Flowers - Crossfire .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Freelance Whales - 'Hannah'

'Hannah' is a buoyant electro-pop song from Freelance Whales.  In the same vein as She and Him, 'Hannah' features playful lyrics, as well as idiosyncratic song stylings.

You can stream 'Hannah' below:

	Freelance Whales - Hannah .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Foster the People - 'Pumped Up Kicks'

'Pumped Up Kicks' is a gentle track by Foster the People that implements distant-sounding vocals, whistling, and repetitive lyrics throughout its composition.  The aftermath is a contagious, lighthearted romp.

Stream 'Pumped Up Kicks' below:

	Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Fistful of Mercy - 'Father's Son'

One of the newest supergroups, Fistful of Mercy consists of Ben Harper, Dhani Harrison, and Joseph Arthur.

'Father's Son' is a blues-inspired romp that features Southern harmonies and Gospel, while also displaying a bit of acoustic-Zeppelin flair.

Recently, Fistful of Mercy went on Jimmy Fallon's show and teamed up with The Roots to debut 'Father's Son.' Watch the video of this performance below:

Weezer - 'Memories'

Weezer is probably one of the most polarizing bands on the modern rock scene today.  In fact, one anti-fan is so annoyed by the band, he is currently attempting to raise 10 million dollars to convince Weezer to break up.

The derision toward the band isn't always fair, however.  When Pinkerton was originally released, critics, including Rolling Stone, panned the album as a disaster.  Today, Weezer's sophomore effort is viewed as one of the most important records of the nineties.  (Click here for more information on Pinkerton's rise from initial obscurity to legendary status).

Although Weezer's latest effort, Hurley, may not be Pinkerton-redux, it still shows some critical promise.  Among the decent tunage is 'Memories,' a relatively muscular riff that harks to a more nostalgic time for the band.

Stream 'Memories' below:

	Weezer - Memories .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Ray LaMontagne - 'Beg, Steal, or Borrow'

Ray LaMontagne's latest disc may not have inspired as many critics as Gossip in the Grain did.  Nevertheless, there are still gems to be found on God Willin' to be sure.

One such track is 'Beg, Steal, or Borrow.'  It's a rootsy descent into Joni Mitchell, steel guitar, Dylan, and Americana.

"Young man, full of big plans, and thinking about tomorrow" is the aching lyric about hankering youths that truly encapsulates the single's spirit.

You can stream 'Beg, Steal, or Borrow' below:

	Ray LaMontagne - Beg, Steal, or Borrow.mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Joe Jackson - 'You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)'

Joe Jackson is perhaps best known for his 8-bit video game inspired 'Steppin' Out'.  'Breaking Us in Two' and 'Is She Really Going Out With Him?' were other eighties favorites.

One common theme of Jackson's music is his synthesis of Costello thrum and jazz piano with current musical styles of the time.  In 1984, however, Jackson stepped out of his usual paradigm (pun intended), and dedicated an album to a more jazz-heavy sound--an approach rarely heard of in the 1980s.

'You Can't Get What You Want' was one such result of Jackson's fusion experiment.  While echoing the rousing funk of bands like The Time, Jackson still retained his signature new wave hook when it came to the tune's chorus.

Check out the video stream for the tasty 'You Can't Get What You Want':

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - 'Janglin'

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros released the relaxed 'Janglin' in 2009.  With eleven members total, it was not difficult for the band to spawn the lush melody that is characteristic of the song.

You can stream 'Janglin' below:

	Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Janglin .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

New tracks

If I Was You Lyrics Far East Movement	Night Is Young Lyrics Nelly Furtado
Live It Up Lyrics Lee DeWyze	Christian Dior Denim Flow Lyrics Kanye West
Deuces Remix Lyrics Chris Brown	Ours Lyrics Taylor Swift
Don't look Now Lyrics Far East Movement	Superman Lyrics Taylor Swift
Stars Lyrics Greyson Chance	Bill Gates Lyrics Lil' Wayne

More blog tools found here.

Everyone's Talking - 'Find Your Love' (Cover of Drake Single)

Everyone's Talking is a Toronto-based piano rock duo that has a knack for creating stirring melodies and moving lyrics. 

They recently released a spot-on cover of the Drake smash-hit, 'Find Your Love.'  The video for the cover is below:

Coming Hits

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Lyrics Kanye West	Sunshine Lyrics Rye Rye
In For The Kill Lyrics La Roux	If This Was A Movie Lyrics Taylor Swift
Raise Your Glass Lyrics Pink	Shut Um Up Lyrics Ciara
What You Want To Do Lyrics Nelly Furtado	The One You Call Lyrics Keke Palmer
It's Never Enough Lyrics Drake	Sun Is Up! Lyrics Inna

More blog tools found here.

Cee-Lo - 'F### You'

Who knew the liberal use of curse words could amount to such a wonderful sing-along tune?

Cee-Lo's 'F### You' is a warm pop song that looks to Motown to pull off its buoyant hooks. Despite its lyrical crudeness, you'll find yourself wanting to sing along to 'F### You's' chorus in no time.

Listen to 'F### You' below:

	Cee-Lo Green - Fuck You .mp3
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Fresh news

Cinderella Man Lyrics Eminem	No Hands Lyrics Waka Flocka Flame
10 Seconds Lyrics Jazmine Sullivan	Love the Way You Lie Lyrics Eminem
Stutter Lyrics Maroon 5	I Wanna Be Bad Lyrics Jessica Sutta
Loud Lyrics Rihanna	Like It's Her Birthday Lyrics Good Charlotte
The One You Call Lyrics Keke Palmer	Down On Me Lyrics Jeremih

More blog tools found here.

Behind the Sample: Stan Getz, The Pharcyde & Mya

In a previous installment of his Behind the Sample series, Tae intricately examined the similarities between The Pharcyde's 'Passin' Me By' and The Lovin' Spoonful hit, 'Summer in the City.'  This time, we focus our attention once again upon The Pharcyde, albeit only briefly.

In 1995, The Pharcyde released their cool-as-ice track, 'Runnin'.'  The single's video was notable for its parody of white privilege, as well as for its highlighting of the residual effects of slavery.  The track's musical substance was led primarily by a short loop of Stan Getz's 'Saudade Vem Correndo.'

In 2003, Mya lifted the backing track from 'Runnin'' (and by extension, from 'Saudade Vem Correndo') and fused it with her unique brand of stylish R&B vocalization.  The result was a moving record that touched upon yearning and desire.

I've featured videos of each of the three songs featuring the sample below.  Check them out and witness for yourself the evolution of the sample.







Stan Getz - 'Saudade Vem Correndo'







The Pharcyde - 'Runnin''







Mya - 'Fallen'

Sizzling songs

Dear John Lyrics Taylor Swift	Get Em Girls Lyrics Jessica Mauboy
They Burned Me Lyrics 50 Cent	Give It To 'em Lyrics Akon
Bulletproof Heart Lyrics My Chemical Romance	Kiss Goodbye Lyrics Avant
Ym Salute Lyrics Lil' Wayne	Perfect Day Lyrics Susan Boyle
Somebody Lyrics Joe McElderry	Baddest Chick Lyrics Alesha Dixon

Get your own here.