Houston, We Have a Party
March 2nd, 2009
You better believe the hype is real. When your average music fan looks at the lineup of N.A.S.A.‘s (North America / South America) debut LP The Spirit of Apollo most give it the double or triple take. “WHAAAAAAAAT?” Which really is the appropriate response. The list of collaborators on this record is simply ridiculous. Some features are better than others, but all are fairly unique and enjoyable. I have read a bunch of reviews on the album and some people gripe that it lacks focus or is too ‘all over the place.’ That is exactly why I love it so much. There is something for everyone. How on earth (pun intended) do you make a project featuring the likes of: David Byrne, Chuck D, Chali 2na, Satigold, Kanye West, Kool Keith, Karen O, Method Man, ODB, E-40, MIA, RZA, Fatlip, Tom Waits, Spank Rock, Del, DJ AM, DJ Swamp, KRS-One, Ghostface, The Cool Kids, and many more, focused and coherent? IT IS NOT FUCKING POSSIBLE. That said, take off your over-thinking cap and just sit back and enjoy the trip.
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The album is a solid effort. The production is top notch. The album artwork is equal parts shock and awe. Just because of my personal preferences, I enjoy the first half a little more than the second. The more electro vibe of the second half is still good in its own way, but the first 6 or 7 songs on the record are just bananas. It starts off with a phenomenal look into the human existence and condition called ‘The People Tree’ with David Byrne, Chali 2na, Gift Of Gab & Z-Trip. 2na and Gab fit together perfectly on this jam swapping lines about evolution, what it means to be human, and the good and evil in all of us. David Byrne’s voice is so piercing and effective on the hook(?) that it makes me want to dig back in my collection and vibe out on some Talking Heads. Dude is just so far out there and light years ahead of everyone creatively. The next track ‘Money’ with David Byrne, Chuck D, Ras Congo, Seu Jorge & Z-Trip is my favorite by a long shot. It picks up where the last song left off, with the corruption of the human spirit. The beat goes hard. The subject matter is brought to a new level with the current state of our economy and country. David Byrne once again shines, but Chuck D steals the show and drops one of his most poignant verses in a loooooooong time. “You know the Euro, kickin Uncle Sam in the who know, you know dinero, the root of all evil / I know you can’t stand it, bein broker than the 10 commandments, and the broker ain’t planned this.” Other highlights include: Way Down with RZA, Barbie Hatch & John Frusciante, Strange Enough with Karen O, Ol’ Dirty Bastards, Fatlip and N.A.S.A. Music with Method Man, E-40 & DJ Swamp. But in reality, all songs bring something fresh to the table. It is a truely unique listening experience and should be enjoyed as a ‘collection’ rather than a album.
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Here is the video to ‘Money’ (kind of one huge OBEY ad, but still very dope)
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N.A.S.A. will be bringing a live production set to Nectar Lounge this Tuesday, March 3rd, complete with backup dancers, video mixing (combining footage of the artists in the studio performing the tracks), and all sorts of other nonsense. It should be a pretty rediculous party. Opening for them will be Seattle live hiphop crew the Staxx Brothers and myself on the turntables playing the finest in ass shakery. I reccomend you make the trip out and enjoy some Space Jams (no Bugs Bunny). Buy advanced tickets HERE for only $10
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Nectar Presents
N.A.S.A.
Staxx Brothers
dj100proof
9 PM / 21+
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