IM // UR | Uglyedits Vol. 2

We swear this isn't an ironic listening. We love Beyoncé and 4. OK, we might unironically skip straight to track 5, 'Party', produced by Kanye West and with rap by Andre3000, because we ain't no stay-home-mums that need all those ballads about being broken hearted and finding the right person. But, after that, the album turns into a beautiful compilation of classic r'n'b, soul and a bit of sweat-inducing booty tracks - not too many though - that sound surprisingly courageous considering the actual state of pop music. And for that, we bow down and hail Queen B. P.S. Get the deluxe version, for those extra couple of amazing tracks.

WE // R \\ WEARING

The name of this label has been interpreted in many ways; from 'bass-seekey' to 'base-ike', but the correct way describes exactly what this label is about: BASIC. Bassike delivers easily breezily cut staples with an interesting little twist that keeps them from being your run of the mill. For those that live in climates like that of Australia (where Bassike hails from) or Brazil, you'll know how easy it is to make fashion faux pas when the weather gets hot and the prospect of wearing anything but a bathing suit becomes slightly unappealing; Bassike is all and everything you need.

WE // R \\ WATCHING

Before watching HBO's Game of Thrones, I assumed the series would tend a bit more towards the blood-dripping Danish movie Valhalla Rising rather than fairy-tale stories a lá 'Lord of the Rings'; and for that I didn't really like the series at the beginning. But slowly, I found myself submitting to tales of bad kings, midget juggernauts, savage warriors and... dragons. And that happened probably because there aren't exactly good guys and bad guys here, like there are in Tolkien stories - and that is, of course, a simplification of his work. Another reason I relented to this series is because of the intriguing political backstage element that leads to the ever-happening dance of thrones. Oh, and did I mention the gratuitous nekkid-ness?

WE // R \\ GOING

Of the slew of new spots having opened up in Sydney in the last six months, The Norfolk on Cleveland St in Surry Hills has been one fated with success. Owned by some of the same kids that have brought The Flinders back to life (and currently, it's incredibly quick onset of 'The Norms'), you'll undoubtedly find The Norfolk rammed with all kinds, vying for a bite, a beer and a spot in the garden out back. The aim of the game is to cultivate Aussie pub culture at it's best; and it's doing a pretty decent job so far - if only you could get a table!

WE // R \\ READING

Super Sad True Love Story is the third book from the writer of the best selling Absurdistan, Gary Shteyngart. Incidentally, I read him name dropped in Flavorpill's Ultimate Hipster Reading list and in the same sentence as James Franco (they're buds, apaprently) just before I finished his latest offering. Don't let any of that put you off, or take away any of the sad scary brilliance of Super Sad True Love Story; written from the perspective of one 39 year old Lenny Abramov, son of Russian immigrants and in love with the impossibly cute and cruel Eunice Park. A satire that cuts to the bone, Super Sad True Love Story is exactly it's title. And it's good.

Uglyedits Vol. 2

Monday // May 18, 2009 at 12:50 // filed under Music

Inside every modern production duo, there's one that's a better producer and the other who's the better PR. Let's just say that Database is at the moment exploring both sides to the maximum with the second edition of their Uglyedits compilation. Almost every single band or producer who is checkworthy on the Brazilian scene - and also the American duo French Horn Rebellion - have reinterpreted old songs using elements extracted from the original MP3s alongside lots of editing to make the track their own; or have simply just covered it oldschool.

Highlights come from the clash of Copacabana Club versus Our Gang in the cover of La Bionda's 'I Wanna Be Your Lover', The Twelves covering Daft Punk's 'Nightvision', Roots Rock Revolution accelerating the forgotten anthem of Nu Shooz, 'I Can't Wait', and many many many more - as the list of the features continues with Edu k, Superpose, Dada attack, Killer on the Dancefloor, Allan Falkyn, Nando Feitosa, Midnight Martyn, Pelussje & Blood Shake, The Random, Terrorduo, Sexistalk, Dubstrong (2Crazy Deadman), Mono-4, Discobot, Mottorama, Fisk, Digitaria and Chernobyl. Oh, and let's not forget Database with 13 (!) Uglyedits!

From where the Brazilian scene stands now, this release is going to be much better than the first volume. If you like to rock the party, Database is inviting everyone to the release party tomorrow (19^th of May) at São Paulo's D-Edge and, of course, urge you to check their Myspace on the 25^th of May to listen to all the songs and download them for free.

Meanwhile check the awesome teaser that the boys prepared below and two exclusivity Uglyedits. Database's edit of Dc Larue's 'Cathedrals' is like making love to your ears and as everybody knows you can't go wrong with The Jackson Five, the French Horn Rebellion contribute their groovy lines to the compilation. There is nothing ugly about these edits.

UGLYEDITS VOL.2

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POSTED BY RAPHAEL CAFFARENA