Adam "MCA" Yauch 1964-2012

I still remember the day my cousin brought home the Beastie Boys' License To Ill, she immediately took me to the bathroom to look at the album in the mirror. Looking at the cover, I realized the meaningless characters "3MTA3", flipped to spell "EatMe" and we both giggled hoping no one would find out. They had me hooked and I hadn't even heard a note.

As she played the album in my room, I could hardly contain myself. Every song blasted through the speakers, every beat made me want to dance, and every line made me wish I was as cool as them. For the next 4 hours I played Paul Revere, trying to mimic their voices and memorize each line. I was 8.

Over the last 20+ years, I've been a fan of the Beastie Boys, admiring their skills, researching every name dropped in a verse and appreciating their efforts to make this world a better place. One of my first posts here was 3 years ago when Adam "MCA" Yauch announced he had cancer. Sadly, he lost that battle this morning, he was 47 years old.

Adam's raspy voice and signature style are part of hip-hop history, that's a fact. His distorted bass riff on Sabotage is embedded in my generation's DNA. More importantly, his efforts to raise awareness about Tibet and his subsequent benefit concerts ushered in a new level of social consciousness. It may seem like an accepted idea now, but he was fighting back in 1994.

The most amazing thing about him was his ability to try and teach you something without ever being a preacher. Listen to Sure Shot, between its ridiculous flute sample and some of their best lines, he adds "I want say a little something that's long overdue/The disrespect to women has got to be through/To all the mothers and the sister and the wives and friends/I want to offer my love and respect 'til the end." Try finding that on a #1 album today.

No disrespect to Mike D. or AdRock, but on some of their best songs you'll find MCA leading the charge, either by opening the song or handling the hook. I've often wondered if they heard him on Stand Together and just gave up, like 'No way, we're touching that.' They can be heard coming in with 15 seconds left on the song!

For all the songs he started, nothing can compare to the way he ended Professor Booty, my all-time favorite track. It should be taught as Diss Track 101. Changing flows and working one of the dopest transitions ever, it breaks my heart to know I'll never hear him again.

Too many times people get immortalized simply because they were a celebrity; offering no actual worth or change to those around them. Adam "MCA" Yauch was a pioneer, a philanthropist and an incredibly talented individual. He was above hip-hop, above punk, above alternative, above indie. He was a person I've looked up to for so long and I don't plan on stopping any time soon.

Eddie Vedder - Skipping

Starting today, you can pick up Every Mother Counts 2012, a star-filled benefit album with a brand new song from Eddie Vedder. Skipping is one of the 19 tracks, 13 of which are previously unreleased, and features a little help from Eddie's daughter, Olivia.

Other artists contributing to the project include: Dave Matthews Band, Paul Simon, Faith Hill, Beck and Coldplay. Sold exclusively at Starbuck's, $8 from each cd will be given to the organization, in support of maternal health care worldwide. You're probably there every morning, so please support a great cause, with great music.

Introducing: Oberhofer

Brad Oberhofer has been releasing his brand of lo-fi indie pop since 2010. Originally from Tacoma, Washington, he has a knack for finding the line between chaos and melody.

On his latest release, Time Capsules II, you'll find a collection of yelps and howls that are as much about energy, as they are innocence. Songs like Away Frm U and Haus, are as direct as can be, musically and lyrically.

In fact, the entire album never strays too far away from the formula of crashing cymbals and chugging guitars. The surprise is that it never gets old, with some help from xylophones, strings and unexpected breaks that swell at just the right moment. Listen to the entire album below and check out their latest video too.

Miike Snow - Paddling Out (Penguin Prison Remix)

So this year's Lollapalooza lineup was announced yesterday and one act that I will not be missing is Miike Snow. It's been a long time since their debut album in 2009, but they're back with a new album, Happy To You, and a slick remix from labelmate, Penguin Prison.

If you haven't picked up the new album, you are really missing out. Need a little incentive? How about the Penguin Prison remix, the lead single Devil's Work and another remix of their hit Animal, for FREE. You're welcome...

Tenacious D - Rize Of The Fenix

Way back in 2001, Tenacious D released their first album. A mix of metal, comedy and folk that found a cult following. Prior to that duo was best known for their appearances on Mr. Show and a short-lived series on HBO.

For better or worse, after gaining quite a few celebrity fans, the D was pushed to the back burner as both actors worked on films. To make matters worse, after Jack had a series of hits, they decided to release a movie and album titled, The Pick of Destiny. The 2006 film bombed and all has been relatively quiet since then.

However, 2012 will see the Rize Of The Fenix, a new album slated for release on May 15th. In typical oddball fashion, the first video includes no actual music, but tries to bring us up to speed. Listen to the first single after the video and catch them at the Aragon, July 7th.


Absolutely genius, don't you think? As an added bonus you can watch their video for Fuck Her Gently, easily the greatest video of all time.