Well fuck me in the ass and call me Alice. Imagine standing back-to-the-wall, head spinning, moon glaring down at you, blood rushing. You had one too many whiskeys. There's a staple gun pointed at your testicles. You can't figure out how you got here, but damn, you like it. This is what Diemonds are; old school, balls-to-the-wall rock'n'roll.
With this in mind, I'd say check out Diemonds straight away. If sadism is your thing, then party on. I can't remember how Diemonds came upon me, although I assume it was through links when listening to Dirty Penny and Vains of Jenna. 420 missionaries, they have a real sound, only getting better with each successive release. Their videos want to make you go out and snort coke off a hooker's backside, while simultaneously kicking over every rubbish bin in a 10 mile radius in the name of living young. Hailing from Toronto, and with Priya Panda at the head (quite easy on the eye, so to speak), the bands image is like they walked fresh out of the Whiskey; the year is '86. This reminiscing of the old days has it's own modernity about it though, making them still a fresh act, and I'm still waiting on them to come to Ireland so I can harass them in person, rather than creepily over the internet.
The guys play a lot of shows and festivals around Canada, America and such, and I can't recall ever seeing that they have played outside outside the Americas or Canadas. It would be nice seeing them play a few European dates, even if it was a few festivals. If they have played events in Europe, do feel free to say so. I won't argue. Peace and love, bro.
The Facebook page (link at the bottom) is full of ridiculously photogenic images, notable with Priya at the front, and it really looks like Motley Crue have siblings that are finding their ways in the world. More leather than a slaughterhouse and more jewelry than a prostitute living off their last tenner, the band's image is one to be reckoned with. Maybe they live in the wrong era for their music, but you can view them how you will. Personally, they're the missionaries that Jesus always strove to be; relevant but still cool. Cool like a Summer's eve, or some stupid shit like that.
With nearly seven years in the bag, possibly eight, according to the Facebook page, you'd think Diemonds would have given up at this stage. No way. Still going strong, looking as crisp and hot as ever. The band have hardly changed in appearance from 'Highway', through 'Take On The Night', right up to the recently added 'Get The Fuck Outta Here'. Links shall be posted at the bottom. Personally, I have a soft spot for Take On The Night. Seeing a Native-American-style lady walking through trams is always... enthralling, while cut scenes of the band playing are equally as appeasing. 'Get The Fuck Outta Here' has the classic Grease-style intro, although not half as camp. Thank fuck. A serial killer goes on a spree, with bongs being ripped through skulls and scalps being combed off, quite literally. Again, cut scenes of the band are featured, looking spectacular. If memory serves, then I remember seeing a young lady's nips, before Youtube jammed their fascist foot in the door and had it censored. Check-check-check-che-check-che-check it out.
Another reason for unfaltering affection is the fact that they care about their fans. Almost every post is about where the band is, and to come party with them. Weed masons though they be, I'm sure they wouldn't mind sharing. In my inebriated state, I have a few times messaged them, and they always reply. That's caring right there. There will come a day when I too shall share a can of the finest brew (Prazsky) with this peoples, and I await this day with pride and valor. But, I digress. For now, I shall sip away at my icy beverage, nutrition to the soul, and dream; I wait, archers at my side, helm upon my steed, wind gushing behind my bent spine... wait, where was I going with this?
If there's any questions left as to who and what they are, maybe their page info will sort you out:
Members: Priya Panda - Sweet Squealin' & High Heelin'; C.C. Diemond - Guitar Rippin' & Whiskey Sippin'; Daniel Dekay - Flyin' Vees & Smokin' Trees; Tommy Cee - Rockin' Bass & Givin' Chase; Aiden Tranquada - Drummin' Thunder & Evil Plunder. There you have it, folks.
Diemonds averageity rating: Above average. Well above average.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diemonds
Monday, 23 June 2014
Saturday, 21 June 2014
Split Prophets - A Few Words
With as many, if not more, members as Wu Tang, Split Prophets, the bois from Bristol, are a serious collective to be reckoned with. Incredible flow is a common feature across each member, the beats are sick. If you have a head for any type of hip-hop, give them a shot. There's a lot on Youtube and Bandcamp, and I'll post links to the three songs I'm looking at later. And so, with my can of Prazsky at my side like a fair maiden, I set to watching these videos in detail. The songs are epic, and the videos only really compliment rather than give any great significant insights. How and ever, epic they still be.
The first song, Ain't Amused featuring Upfront MC and Res, is a pretty chilled one. A stab at haters, for lack of a better word, the insults fit the beat. They're relaxed too, but hit home. The two look happy out to be chillin' to the beat, singing away, wearing their snapbacks. Noticeable is Res smoking the whole way through in nearly every scene (bad for you mate), and Upfront doesn't, until the very end. Not entirely sure why this struck me, but hey, the nature of the lyrics probably had an influence.
Throughout the whole song, and much more, Upfront's flow is sick. Proper sick. In fact, I haven't heard a group with more flow to their rhyming. The words just tumble out of each of them, the heavy accent helping.
The chorus features Upfront singing the first half, then Res sort of fading in with the second half. Smiling the whole way through (who knows why), his lyrics hint on oppression of the people, and the problems growing trees. Res, still smoking, seems to like the Ganji, with lyrics such as '... peace to everybody growing trees...' I assume this isn't your average Oak or Birch. No, this is the devil's cabbage. Not even during the Famine would that stuff be touched. But I digress, as he goes on to tell that we are 'supposedly free'. Maybe we are, maybe not. Although looking at how America is approaching the topic of the herb, freedom is getting broader, in a sense. Although I'm not here to discuss that.
Upfront kicks in again, with some serious lyrical bombs. He'll 'blow your flow to bits...' and his crew quite enjoys being 'cool like the ocean is'. Reminds me of Snoop on Doggystyle, being 'fly as a falcon'. Upfront and Snoop for a colab, yeah? Yeah.
Being major pacifists by the looks of it (?), the lyrics of the both of them keep getting better. A line that stood out for me was '[I'll] hit you with my pen and all I wrote with it'. Can't say I've heard something like that before. It's like a rejection of the old school ideas of sex and money, bitches and hoes. Much preferred with this author. Another thing that stood out, quite significantly, was the dissing of Oprah. Made me laugh. If you got problems, you'll need to go see 'that Oprah bitch', because no one in England cares, 'even if the plane crashes.' A witty little line, even if a bit close to the bone, although it made me giggle. Overall the song is quite basic. The straightforward beat is accompanied by an easy strings and piano duo, which is effective in its own right.
Next on the hippity hoppoty menu is Paro's 12oz Steak. Self entitled 'one for the munchies', this one is an odd little banger. Super relaxed, the video is comedy in itself, featuring Paro horsing into as much shit as he can gobble in circa 4 minutes. He delivers, as does Sainsburys. His dealer also delivered in mass quantities for the video, and the doobies and smoke are rife throughout. Adds the that impact of the lyrics of being munched out of your being. The rapping in the supermarket is brilliant, although a tad out of place, one would think. The 'fridge raider' really loves his JD, although I'm more of a Bushmills/Jameson kinda guy. Didn't let it come between us. It's a simple video, with Paro on the couch, and that squealing guitar riff really grows on you. Paro's lyrics made me chuckle to myself, describing the ideal meal would be that much more complete with a certain something; 'always tastes better with a blowjob...' Tee hee. Yeah, for anyone who enjoys random-ass lyrics, this song is key. '...chewing whole lemons, drinking shots of adrenaline, ill swoop on your chicken like a peregrine'. Can't beat this stuff, man. Needless to say, the song is just about his love life; his date with Mary Jane. Works though. Gotta give him that.
Next on the menu is... Well, The Menu, featuring Mystro. Whopper tune, a real one for humming away to yourself. The vocal chops mixed with the piano really create a psycho acoustic phenomenon... I think. The video's a funny one, and Mystro never looks serious, ever. In regards to the sound, the drums are simple enough, the bass is simple, and there's little guitar riffs combined with the vocal chops. Nice delivery, one for the sunny days and Miller on the porch. Mystro's flow is sweet, the self proclaimed 'sexually deprived cannibal in an orgy' is a sweet feature on this, and anyone interested check out Diggi Down Unda.
Second verse, Upfront (flow unreal again), rapes the beat, in his words. He takes over the cooking abilities and throws what appears to be the lyrics on the pan, turning to look at the camera with the middle finger up. I laughed. I'm not entirely sure where 'Miley Cyrus on death row' came out of, but it's a line to remember.
Res is on ze third verse, and looks mashed as a potato (mister nice when the chronic's sparked). Makes sense. I don't think there's any point mentioning his flow here, is there? I mean, each has outstanding ability. I'll leave it there.
Datkid finishes the song, and being an orange man, not an apple man, you won't find them on iTunes. First time I heard it, not much remark was passed on the fact that he mentions him 'tryna feed his bulimic pockets'. Best lyrics ever? I think so. When it set in what this meant, yeah.
One big session, the video is a funny one. Where that dog came out of I have no idea. Probably high as shit too. It ends with cds being overcooked, not how I like mine, but I digress. Good vibes all round. Worth a listen.
One major problem with the videos looked at here: major, major sausage fest. Where the hunneys at?
Each song showcases the Prophets in a very solid state. Their image is a relaxed one, no rushing around here. The hats are funny looking ones. Lyricism and projection go hand in hand for them, great stuff. If you're into modern hip hop, yeah, give them a listen. After this review, if you guys are reading it, I wouldn't, em, mind a vinyl pressing or some shit. Yeah, peace.
My new system: the averageity rating; below average, average, or above average.
Split Prophets averageity rating: above average. For deffs.
The first song, Ain't Amused featuring Upfront MC and Res, is a pretty chilled one. A stab at haters, for lack of a better word, the insults fit the beat. They're relaxed too, but hit home. The two look happy out to be chillin' to the beat, singing away, wearing their snapbacks. Noticeable is Res smoking the whole way through in nearly every scene (bad for you mate), and Upfront doesn't, until the very end. Not entirely sure why this struck me, but hey, the nature of the lyrics probably had an influence.
Throughout the whole song, and much more, Upfront's flow is sick. Proper sick. In fact, I haven't heard a group with more flow to their rhyming. The words just tumble out of each of them, the heavy accent helping.
The chorus features Upfront singing the first half, then Res sort of fading in with the second half. Smiling the whole way through (who knows why), his lyrics hint on oppression of the people, and the problems growing trees. Res, still smoking, seems to like the Ganji, with lyrics such as '... peace to everybody growing trees...' I assume this isn't your average Oak or Birch. No, this is the devil's cabbage. Not even during the Famine would that stuff be touched. But I digress, as he goes on to tell that we are 'supposedly free'. Maybe we are, maybe not. Although looking at how America is approaching the topic of the herb, freedom is getting broader, in a sense. Although I'm not here to discuss that.
Upfront kicks in again, with some serious lyrical bombs. He'll 'blow your flow to bits...' and his crew quite enjoys being 'cool like the ocean is'. Reminds me of Snoop on Doggystyle, being 'fly as a falcon'. Upfront and Snoop for a colab, yeah? Yeah.
Being major pacifists by the looks of it (?), the lyrics of the both of them keep getting better. A line that stood out for me was '[I'll] hit you with my pen and all I wrote with it'. Can't say I've heard something like that before. It's like a rejection of the old school ideas of sex and money, bitches and hoes. Much preferred with this author. Another thing that stood out, quite significantly, was the dissing of Oprah. Made me laugh. If you got problems, you'll need to go see 'that Oprah bitch', because no one in England cares, 'even if the plane crashes.' A witty little line, even if a bit close to the bone, although it made me giggle. Overall the song is quite basic. The straightforward beat is accompanied by an easy strings and piano duo, which is effective in its own right.
Next on the hippity hoppoty menu is Paro's 12oz Steak. Self entitled 'one for the munchies', this one is an odd little banger. Super relaxed, the video is comedy in itself, featuring Paro horsing into as much shit as he can gobble in circa 4 minutes. He delivers, as does Sainsburys. His dealer also delivered in mass quantities for the video, and the doobies and smoke are rife throughout. Adds the that impact of the lyrics of being munched out of your being. The rapping in the supermarket is brilliant, although a tad out of place, one would think. The 'fridge raider' really loves his JD, although I'm more of a Bushmills/Jameson kinda guy. Didn't let it come between us. It's a simple video, with Paro on the couch, and that squealing guitar riff really grows on you. Paro's lyrics made me chuckle to myself, describing the ideal meal would be that much more complete with a certain something; 'always tastes better with a blowjob...' Tee hee. Yeah, for anyone who enjoys random-ass lyrics, this song is key. '...chewing whole lemons, drinking shots of adrenaline, ill swoop on your chicken like a peregrine'. Can't beat this stuff, man. Needless to say, the song is just about his love life; his date with Mary Jane. Works though. Gotta give him that.
Next on the menu is... Well, The Menu, featuring Mystro. Whopper tune, a real one for humming away to yourself. The vocal chops mixed with the piano really create a psycho acoustic phenomenon... I think. The video's a funny one, and Mystro never looks serious, ever. In regards to the sound, the drums are simple enough, the bass is simple, and there's little guitar riffs combined with the vocal chops. Nice delivery, one for the sunny days and Miller on the porch. Mystro's flow is sweet, the self proclaimed 'sexually deprived cannibal in an orgy' is a sweet feature on this, and anyone interested check out Diggi Down Unda.
Second verse, Upfront (flow unreal again), rapes the beat, in his words. He takes over the cooking abilities and throws what appears to be the lyrics on the pan, turning to look at the camera with the middle finger up. I laughed. I'm not entirely sure where 'Miley Cyrus on death row' came out of, but it's a line to remember.
Res is on ze third verse, and looks mashed as a potato (mister nice when the chronic's sparked). Makes sense. I don't think there's any point mentioning his flow here, is there? I mean, each has outstanding ability. I'll leave it there.
Datkid finishes the song, and being an orange man, not an apple man, you won't find them on iTunes. First time I heard it, not much remark was passed on the fact that he mentions him 'tryna feed his bulimic pockets'. Best lyrics ever? I think so. When it set in what this meant, yeah.
One big session, the video is a funny one. Where that dog came out of I have no idea. Probably high as shit too. It ends with cds being overcooked, not how I like mine, but I digress. Good vibes all round. Worth a listen.
One major problem with the videos looked at here: major, major sausage fest. Where the hunneys at?
Each song showcases the Prophets in a very solid state. Their image is a relaxed one, no rushing around here. The hats are funny looking ones. Lyricism and projection go hand in hand for them, great stuff. If you're into modern hip hop, yeah, give them a listen. After this review, if you guys are reading it, I wouldn't, em, mind a vinyl pressing or some shit. Yeah, peace.
My new system: the averageity rating; below average, average, or above average.
Split Prophets averageity rating: above average. For deffs.
Tuesday, 17 June 2014
The Pretty Reckless - Fucked Up World Reivew
Upon seeing this video for the first time, I can't stress how pleased I was. Yes, Taylor, bask in my compliment. But really, this video showcases a very nice side of the lovely Momsen. Much less dark and depressing, the video itself is very much reminiscent of a mainstream act's video. How and ever, it still surpasses anything of the kind. A bold statement about feminism is brought forward, with 'Not A Whore' across one of the bikini-clad ladies, and with a porn star's chest being fondled, you can easily get the picture. Also, 100,000 views in 10 hours says something; says a lot since the days of Blender and Blonde Rebellion. God, I loved those days.
The video, set on a beach, features a band clad in black, and Taylor in colourful outfits, along with several other ladies in bikinis. Distancing herself from the band, in a sense, like always she becomes the centerpiece of our attention. Straight away there's provocative images of ladies. In particular, after seeing the video once before, the lady in the background who isn't moving, just standing in the back of the main band shot. Hold yo shit and watch her, son. Also, this leads into the section that recurs featuring two gold-covered women all over each other, holding stashes of money. Again son, hang onto yo shit and watch them.
As the video continues nicely, the lady in the background still keeps still, while Momsen flashes her eyes and women in bikinis play with water-guns. The sun shining down, the ladies about, all you need know is a fat one. Maybe it's worth noting how ideologically picked these women are, as they're all skinny and have pronounced features. How and ever, the two golden-clad ladies are featured getting intimately intimate, with cut-scenes of the band playing.
The women themselves in this video look at the camera quite provocatively, however one gets the feeling that it is like they are staring at you, into you, rather than looking for some sexual encounter. Also noted is the fact that there is a girl lying on the ground next to the band playing, who simply lies there waiting to be stared at, almost. Feminism and the sexual exploits are showing.
Noticed here is the fact that while the video for the song plays, the only men in the video are the three in the band. The rest are big-breasted, nice-bottomed women, and although I can't say what the video is trying to achieve, I get the feeling that maybe this is what we are supposed to see. Feminism is predominant here, take note.
After an interlude of fondling breasts in the sea and near-kisses, the lady in the background who stool still as a statue turns around, and 'Not A Whore' is written across her back. She is the only women in the video who hasn't partaken in the stereotypical activities of every other video out there; wet clothes and provocative imagery. A brave statement, hitting home.
The camera crew are filmed at this stage, and it's like we're watching a video being made. A stereotype of women half naked being sold to the masses is being filmed, and we are watching it happen. The camera crew love it, the band loves it, Taylor loves it (in the video of the video). Whether this is an accurate view or not is debatable, but as far as this viewer can say, it sounds accurate.
Towards the end, the two golden women hold up a sign: 'Is this what you want to see?'. Of course, every horny male with some brains realizes that this is exactly what they wanted to see, and the underlying message is clear. The stereotype of women half naked for our pleasure is manipulated here. They haven't done anything necessarily dirty deemed by today's standards, aside from the odd lick here and there, but of course it drives us men mad. Don't lie, it does. Staring at the screen, it's like they're staring accusingly at you.
At the end do I see a bit of twerking?
People can argue that the title means a certain or other thing, but I believe the only one who knows is the one who wrote it. When listening to the song without a video, back in the days when it was released, it certainly sounded like a song about the fucked up state of things in general. Never did it cross anyone's mind (that I heard) that feminism was a part of it. Whether this was added later or was prevalent in the writing sessions, of course, is known by one person; the writer. I won't argue for or against any opinion.
It's pretty obvious that our eyes are drawn to certain things during the video. Probably deliberate. Certain shots of girls' rear ends promote this, along with other shots of women. Again, the men are there simply 'just because'. The band themselves aren't a part of the video in a sense. They're there because they can be, in essence. They don't promote the feminism or any other ideas. Even in the shots in the water Momsen isn't necessarily a part of the action going on. She stands back and does her own part.
The idea of the video of a video being made is an interesting one. Seeing everyone happy at this degradation of women makes one think. If this is reading too deep into a concept that isn't there, tell me, but really it seems obvious when you watch the video a couple of times.
Another aspect that hits home the ideas is the explicit stating of such ideas. It has to be stated that the lady in the bikini is Not A Whore; it has to be stated that the golden women are fondling each other for our viewing pleasure.
A small factor in the promoting of the video: bewbs. Sweet, sweet bewbs. Many. Jenna Haze is in this video, nuff said.
Upon seeing this video for the first time, not much thought was given to any of these ideas. Maybe Taylor liked getting off on this kind of thing. Maybe that's what was supposed to be thought, as the next time the video was viewed, knowing the ideas behind it, it was very different. I felt a little disappointed (maybe) in the fact that the Pretty Reckless had (almost) gone mainstream with the video with the beach and the half-nakedness. At the end it's obvious that this isn't true, and it is a very different way of approaching the topic of feminism and (possibly) the fucked up state of the music industry.
As always, Taylor and the Pretty Reckless deliver well. Although the song itself is not reviewed here, it's a banger. Will they ever stop delivering? Of course not. That's down to opinion and this reporter will probably never stop loving. Script.
Check that, 123,000 views after another hour.
For anyone that wants to see it here it is:
Momsen, as always, looks fine. XXXX
The video, set on a beach, features a band clad in black, and Taylor in colourful outfits, along with several other ladies in bikinis. Distancing herself from the band, in a sense, like always she becomes the centerpiece of our attention. Straight away there's provocative images of ladies. In particular, after seeing the video once before, the lady in the background who isn't moving, just standing in the back of the main band shot. Hold yo shit and watch her, son. Also, this leads into the section that recurs featuring two gold-covered women all over each other, holding stashes of money. Again son, hang onto yo shit and watch them.
As the video continues nicely, the lady in the background still keeps still, while Momsen flashes her eyes and women in bikinis play with water-guns. The sun shining down, the ladies about, all you need know is a fat one. Maybe it's worth noting how ideologically picked these women are, as they're all skinny and have pronounced features. How and ever, the two golden-clad ladies are featured getting intimately intimate, with cut-scenes of the band playing.
The women themselves in this video look at the camera quite provocatively, however one gets the feeling that it is like they are staring at you, into you, rather than looking for some sexual encounter. Also noted is the fact that there is a girl lying on the ground next to the band playing, who simply lies there waiting to be stared at, almost. Feminism and the sexual exploits are showing.
Noticed here is the fact that while the video for the song plays, the only men in the video are the three in the band. The rest are big-breasted, nice-bottomed women, and although I can't say what the video is trying to achieve, I get the feeling that maybe this is what we are supposed to see. Feminism is predominant here, take note.
After an interlude of fondling breasts in the sea and near-kisses, the lady in the background who stool still as a statue turns around, and 'Not A Whore' is written across her back. She is the only women in the video who hasn't partaken in the stereotypical activities of every other video out there; wet clothes and provocative imagery. A brave statement, hitting home.
The camera crew are filmed at this stage, and it's like we're watching a video being made. A stereotype of women half naked being sold to the masses is being filmed, and we are watching it happen. The camera crew love it, the band loves it, Taylor loves it (in the video of the video). Whether this is an accurate view or not is debatable, but as far as this viewer can say, it sounds accurate.
Towards the end, the two golden women hold up a sign: 'Is this what you want to see?'. Of course, every horny male with some brains realizes that this is exactly what they wanted to see, and the underlying message is clear. The stereotype of women half naked for our pleasure is manipulated here. They haven't done anything necessarily dirty deemed by today's standards, aside from the odd lick here and there, but of course it drives us men mad. Don't lie, it does. Staring at the screen, it's like they're staring accusingly at you.
At the end do I see a bit of twerking?
People can argue that the title means a certain or other thing, but I believe the only one who knows is the one who wrote it. When listening to the song without a video, back in the days when it was released, it certainly sounded like a song about the fucked up state of things in general. Never did it cross anyone's mind (that I heard) that feminism was a part of it. Whether this was added later or was prevalent in the writing sessions, of course, is known by one person; the writer. I won't argue for or against any opinion.
It's pretty obvious that our eyes are drawn to certain things during the video. Probably deliberate. Certain shots of girls' rear ends promote this, along with other shots of women. Again, the men are there simply 'just because'. The band themselves aren't a part of the video in a sense. They're there because they can be, in essence. They don't promote the feminism or any other ideas. Even in the shots in the water Momsen isn't necessarily a part of the action going on. She stands back and does her own part.
The idea of the video of a video being made is an interesting one. Seeing everyone happy at this degradation of women makes one think. If this is reading too deep into a concept that isn't there, tell me, but really it seems obvious when you watch the video a couple of times.
Another aspect that hits home the ideas is the explicit stating of such ideas. It has to be stated that the lady in the bikini is Not A Whore; it has to be stated that the golden women are fondling each other for our viewing pleasure.
A small factor in the promoting of the video: bewbs. Sweet, sweet bewbs. Many. Jenna Haze is in this video, nuff said.
Upon seeing this video for the first time, not much thought was given to any of these ideas. Maybe Taylor liked getting off on this kind of thing. Maybe that's what was supposed to be thought, as the next time the video was viewed, knowing the ideas behind it, it was very different. I felt a little disappointed (maybe) in the fact that the Pretty Reckless had (almost) gone mainstream with the video with the beach and the half-nakedness. At the end it's obvious that this isn't true, and it is a very different way of approaching the topic of feminism and (possibly) the fucked up state of the music industry.
As always, Taylor and the Pretty Reckless deliver well. Although the song itself is not reviewed here, it's a banger. Will they ever stop delivering? Of course not. That's down to opinion and this reporter will probably never stop loving. Script.
Check that, 123,000 views after another hour.
For anyone that wants to see it here it is:
Momsen, as always, looks fine. XXXX
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