Videodrome

It's been a big week for music videos, which is to say that it's been one of those weeks when half the messages that make their way into my inbox have YouTube links. And that's not a bad thing.

This, of course, leaves me to collect all these disparate images and compile them lovingly into a single blog post – which you are now reading.

First up is another slice of "rural American rap" from Indiana MC id obelus, or more specifically from his project Creatures of Habit. The single is called "#Swagriculture," and it's a lyrical challenge to fame-obsessed rappers of all stripes. The video was recording using a novel approach, specifically an iPad 2 and the 8mm app, and the track itself is presently available for any price point via Bandcamp.

Yet another slice of syncretic hip-hop combines the uniquely urban sensibilities of rap with a dash of down-home flair, though in this case there's also an interesting sci-fi twist. Of course I'm talking about "Leaf on the Wind," the song at the center of the second video teaser for The Browncoats Mixtape. The almost breathless delivery of Adam WarRock's vocals coupled with the sparseness of the beat is a bit jarring at first, but there's something in there that serves to make it gel perfectly with kHill's delicate chorus. Also, R.I.P. Wash. :(

The next video features a similar sneak peek into the latest from otaku rap favorite Ultraklystron. It includes snippets of 11 songs from the upcoming nerdcore album Animatic, not to mention slice-of-life photos from throughout his career. More info is available at Karl's official site, and new listeners are encouraged to peruse his back catalog (including a new best-of comp) over at Bandcamp.

And a last minute addition comes to us from UK sometimes-solo-act-sometimes-duo-now-suddenly-a-quartet Superpowerless. It's a parody of "My Moment" by infamous pop princess Rebecca Black with a distinct Where the Wild Things Are slant. It's entitled "My Wolf Suit," and eschews Superpowerless's usual chiptune leanings for a more synth-pop feel.

Sleazy Listening

We're scarcely half a day into the workweek, and I, for one, am already having trouble staying motivated. I imagine that this not an isolated incident, so I'll share with you the one thing keeping me going right now.

Spoiler alert: it's music.

My brothers Steve and Gord, of Ye Olde Bonebat Show, have assembled their own survey of musical nerdery from the Pacific Northwest. It includes Supercommuter, Klopfenpop, Southside and Billy the Fridge, boasting many-a live cut from the one and only AlienBobZ. Definitely check that shit out. And would it kill ya to subscribe?

Also, if you're a less-talk-more-rock kinda cat, Chip Banger Records has just released The Gameboy Adventure by French chip artist Flip-Flop. It marks the debut release from the Marseille native, and it is five songs of charging beats and crazy-ass 8-bit energy. It’s also a name-your-own-price release at Bandcamp, so go check it out and maybe toss a couple of dollars euros Flip-Flop's way.

Go, and sin no more.