The Different Types of Man

We all know that modern men fall into one of 4 basic categories...but if you're anything like me you'll have trouble identifying them from their appearance alone. Luckily, recent scientific advances have allowed us to capture the theme tunes of each different breed frolicking in their natural environment. So why not study these clips and try to memorise both the visual and sonic signatures of these different varieties of bipedal primates - you may even like to try and work out which category YOU belong to.

MACHINE MAN



FLASHMAN



LION MAN



CHANGE MAN

Mantronix

So imagine this scene if you will: Downtown Records, Manhattan NY 1984. MC Tee has just walked into his favourite wax emporium to embark on a little recording shopping, when all of a sudden his ears are caressed by an almighty bassline booming from the in store stereo. He looks up to see Kurtis Mantronik hunched over the decks. Their eyes meet. A moment is shared. MC Tee won't be buying any records today, because from that moment on - he will be MAKING records.

Mantronix - 'Bassline'



Over their 7 years partnership, Mantronix managed to progress through various styles of music, seemless blending samples, synths and breaks. And sometimes, just sometimes...belting music videos.

Mantronix - 'Simple Simon'



Mantronix - 'Who is it?' (live)

The Other Day I'm Feeling Very Happy

The days are getting colder, the nights are getting longer and as your doctor I can offer only one antidote to SAD.

Silver Pozzoli - 'Around My Dream'

Free Culture

My friend Ella brought this to my attention a few years ago, and I've found I keep coming back to it for one reason or another. Its a flash recreation of Lawrence Lessig's keynote address at OSCON 2002, on the current state of intellectual property and its ramifications on creativity and culture.

Lawrence Lessig - 'Free Culture'

Thomas Dolby & Friends

Excited at the prospect of catching Thomas Dolby on his forthcoming tour (see his website for details!) I was having a browse through youtube and found some interesting collaborations. The first of which was one that had been brought to my attention before, but deserves some proper attention...brace yourselves, its Thomas Dolby at the 1985 Grammy Award Ceremony with Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder and Howard Jones!

Thomas Dolby, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder & Howard Jones - '1985 Synth Medley at the 1985 Grammy Awards'



And if you managed to contain yourself after that stunning display, theres more to come! This one was new to me, but its an interesting collaboration with Ryuichi Sakamoto of YMO fame.

Thomas Dobly & Ryuichi Sakamoto - 'Field Work'



Next up, a personal favorite of mine - apparently inspired by Dolby's Uncle who was a submariner who was tragically killed in a faulty submarine.

Thomas Dolby - 'One Of Our Submarines'



And finally, I suppose it wouldn't be right to write about Dolby without giving you a quick link to his most popular classic...if only to watch the awesome video!

Thomas Dolby - 'She Blinded Me With Science'

The Last Country Village

Rune Grammofon have never failed to impress me - they seem to be tirelessly releasing amazing music, all of which stems from Norway. Opsvik & Jennings are no exception (well...okay, they've relocated to NYC, but they're still Norweigan and definitely amazing!) - so I was pleased to find this video for 'The Last Country Village' off their latest album, 'Commuter Anthems'. Check it, and when you've seen how right I am, go and buy it. Idiots.

Some grime

Rebound X - Rhythm & Gash (picture shows Wiley, but I'm not sure he's got anything to do with this beat)


Tempz - Dickhead Ting (what a video! amazing!)