Why We Are In This Business - Part 2

We have had a great few months filled with wonderful weddings and fantastic clients. Not to get too sappy, but it is so great to be part of such special occasions. Whether it is a wedding, a commitment ceremony, a private party or a cooperate event, I must say that making people happy is contagious. Man we are lucky to be deejays.

Staff Album Reveiw - Neville

Nas - Untitled
Hard-hitting lyrics provide staying power

If verbally crushing left wing politics and preserving African–American culture is your idea of a kick-ass album then, Nas’ Untitled should be at the top of your list. With his ninth studio-release, Nasir Jones crafted this album more conscious, intellectual, and lyric driven than any of his albums to date. Known to most as one of the few mainstream artists who present meaning and substance in his lyrics, Nas manages to bluntly present his feelings and views on many issues in America. The album is generally themed around the use and the lifestyle that follows the word ni**er.

Untitled, originally titled Ni**er, was initially protested by Al Sharpton and the NAACP, and was to be banned in stores for the offensiveness of the titled. After listening to the album, Ni**er actually seems to be appropriate title, in that, almost every song addresses an issue of the word. Songs like You can’t Stop us Now, Be a Ni**er too, N-I-*-*-E-R, and Ni**er Hatred, personally I haven’t really figured out if this album offends me or not, but it’s nice to hear Nas stray away from his old school gangsta-rap style and takes aim on the establishment that he’s been addressing since Illmatic. In Sly Fox, Nas instructs people to, “watch what you watching” concerning media sources and specifically attacks FOX news.

Even though he is one of my favorite rappers going all the way back to his first release, Illmatic, Nas seems to be a little preachy with his rebel persona. Because this album is so politically driven, Nas becomes more preachy than ever, basically using his status as a celebrity to tell his audience what to believe. This also goes with Nas’ tendency to give himself a kind of iconic status, with nicknames like God’s Son, or as explained in Hero. Nas can prove to be preachy or too cocky at times on this album. He presents many of his beliefs in a “with me or against me” style, which is nice because hip-hop artists don’t really do that, but it can get very annoying after a while. With all that said, I also would appreciate if there was just one song with no message, meaning, or substance just heavy bass and gangsta rap. But that’s just me.

The album also has good use of interesting samples and excerpts from different places such as Barack Obama’s change the world speech in Black President and Paul Mooney in Ni**er Hatred. With credits going to Dj Green lantern, Cool and Dre, Jay electronica, and Mark Ronson; the production on the album offers a creative mix of classic bass-heavy hip hop beats, but also some jazz driven melodies and great use of horns with a Motown swagger in Fried Chicken.
After a decade “in the game” Nas has proven that the talent that got him in the industry is still thriving. Between catchy thought-provoking lyrics, and top shelf production Untitled manages to show us Nas’ transformation as an artist and his beliefs on American culture a way that no other rapper can. I think this was a good album with a strong message, (maybe too strong) and amazing production. 3 out of 5 spins

Clients of the Year 07-08

It was a very tough decision because we have had so many great clients this year, but we have decided to give our first ever “Clients of the Year” award to Tim and Jessica W! We are going to throw the happy couple a 1-year anniversary party as a token of our appreciation. We came up with the idea for “Clients of the Year” at their wedding, so naturally, it seemed appropriate that they were the recipient this year. Congratulations!

Staff Album Review - Mark

Usher - Here I Stand
R&B superstar grows up quickly.

Usher has released his sixth album entitled Here I Stand. It has high expectations after the success of his last album Confessions, especially the mega hit single "Yeah". "Love in This Club" featuring Young Jeezy is the first song released from the album and was a refreshing jam when it came out earlier this spring. I don't think it carries the energy of "Yeah", but it is a bright and fresh new song for the club for '08 and it has reached #1 on the charts. Initially when listening to the album I was disappointed because I was expecting more high energy songs that could be played at the club, then I remembered Usher is an R&B singer. On the positive side, I realized when critiquing this album that the bulk of the lyrics are written in first person. Usher tells stories and uses situations in his life to build songs around, which I enjoy. Song after song Usher takes from personal experiences to shape the 17 tracks on the record.

Before I bought the Here I Stand I heard the buzz that Usher had grown up, and on this album he only talks about being with one woman. The 29 year-old married Tameka Foster, 37, in August of 2007 and they had a son, Usher Raymond V, in November. (Our kids might be listening to Usher the V). This news about the album was disappointing because I had been a fan of Ushers since I was in high school. Part of his appeal for me had always been that he was a bachelor and his songs explored the life of bachelorhood.
Here I Stand definitely is different. This album is for those who are married or in a relationship. Now, I do believe in love and I know finding that special individual is the ultimate goal for most people in this world.

After listening to the album my disappointment lifted and I respected it for what it was and Usher for where he is in life. Usher has matured and you can find that the majority of the songs talk about the impact his wife has had on his life. What I like about the way he goes about it is, he justifies his feelings, allowing you to join him in his journey. In the song "Something Special" he says, "Baby this is new for me, I get excited when you're here my dear. . .we both know I've been running for so long, this time love won't let me leave." In the song "Before I Met You" he says, "I was a hustler and player (Before I met you), oh but how you made a difference, look what I've been missin’, you got my life together and I thank you forever. . ." Those are pretty powerful lyrics. Anyone who is in a relationship or has been in one can appreciate the essence of what he is saying.

Not every song is so positive though, "Moving Mountains" is the third single released from the album and is one of my favorite tracks. It talks about how things can be when partners aren't on the same page. This song has a music video, and I like it for it's creative and catchy composition. Usher does throwback to his old days as a bachelor in "What’s A Man To Do" and "What’s Your Name" feat. Will.I.Am. He also has a short interlude where he talks about his newborn son in "Prayer For You.”

Even though there isn't any song that matches the energy of "Yeah,” Here I Stand is very satisfying. R&B music is supposed to be about love, and Usher has covered it from all angles. From the bedroom to his deeper feelings about his family, Usher uses a variety of styles to deliver his songs. He sings powerful ballads that use many synthesized instruments, and sings simple finger-snapping-story-telling-rhythms that only use a bass and acoustic guitar. Usher has captured my attention and put out a complete album that elevates him and elevates love. I give it 4 out of 5 spins.

Staff Album Review - Tyler

Flight of the Conchords - Self-Titled

audio proves to be nearly as funny as television show.

A wise man once told me to “be more constructive with your feedback.” That is why I will do my best to give a fair review of this fantastically hilarious album. On their first full-release, self-titled effort, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement have recorded a majority of the songs from the first season of the hit show Flight of the Conchords (HBO). If fans are looking for something new, they will not find it here (although there is a new verse on Hiphopopotamus…). FOTC have offered narry a peak into what the future (..the distant future…ok, I’ll stop) holds for the New Zealand duo. I guess we will just have to wait.

Even though this album lacks in new material, it offers fans a chance to break down the material. Hell, one could even learn a few of the songs on their guitar and play said songs at a Sunday open mic night at Hops and Barley, 4359 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60641 – hypothetically speaking of course. This album could prove very useful for groups of friends who love the show’s Indie appeal.

The album begins with a French (well, kind of) song called Foux De FaFa which translates into “crazy about funny,” or “crazy about easy.” At any rate, the song seems to be about faking knowledge of the French language. As the songs move on, you really get a feel for Jemaine and Bret’s different styles and roles. This could be compared to Abbott and Cosello meets Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Where the listener can really get a sense for who is contributing what in the creative process. I have one major complaint about the song selection. Songs such as Tape of Love and If That’s What Your Into were left out, and Prince of Parties was put on. That is just maddening.

There are parts of this album where the hilarity of the lyrics is matched only by the interesting progression of chords. “The Artist Formerly Known As Princesque” catchy melodies are also ever present on this record. However, if you are looking for the Beatles White Album, then you should listen to The Beatles White Album. This record, and the corresponding television show, is only for people willing to not take themselves too seriously, if even for just a brief moment. I give FOTC 4 out of 5 spins.

Love These: Think About It, Business Time, Bowie

Skip These: Prince of Parties

Staff Album Review - Mark

Snoop Dogg - Ego Trippin'

In his laid-back world, Snoop continues to remind us that it's good to be a gangsta'

Snoop Dogg has released another album entitled "Ego Trippin". It is hard to believe, but this is his 9th album! Snoop has been in the industry for 16 years and he definitely keeps his pimp status entact with his latest release. For this record Snoop chose to have the music produced by legendary producer Teddy Riley and DJ Quik. If you need a refresher, Teddy Riley had a major influence on Hip-Hop and R&B music of the 80's and early 90's. He has worked with artists like Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Keith Sweat, Whitney Houston and Micheal Jackson. DJ Quick who put out seven albums of his own, has produced music for artist like Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, Ludacris,Chingy and Dr. Dre.

It is a major accomplishment to stay in the music industry for almost two decades, and Snoop Dogg has certaintly shifted from his hardened gangsta rap days to a more chilled out state of mind. Snoop is still smokin' however, and is still into woman, remaining the "King of Cool." With twenty one tracks to listen to, "Ego Trippin" is full of music that'll keep you entertained. What stands out about this album is the throwback to 1980's synthesized electro. You can hear futuristic twists to old sounds, which propels pop music production ands keeps it fresh. This is most important to anyone keeping an ear on the sounds being released from year to year. The best example of this is Snoops first single "Sensual Seduction". Called "Sexual Eruption" in the explicit version it provides bright, heavenly gusts of string instruments atop deep and broad pulsing electronica. The great part is that it's carried by one of the best usages of a flute I've heard in any song in awhile. The production of this song is genious and Snoop actually sings on this track. The radio version "Sensual Seduction" broke into the Top Ten on the charts.

To this fan's surprise. Snoop has a country song on the album too called "My Medicine", which he dedicates to Johnny Cash. I'll give you one guess what "My Medicine" is about. . .
Snoop continues to have both jazzy and r&b tunes on his albums. This works well for him because of that laid back, yet formidable flow he has. The style is perfect for ridin' in your car somewhere in warm weather with the windows rolled down. Although much of the lyrics continue to talk about a lifestlye of being with woman and havin' it all, Snoop Dogg shows a more sentimental and uplifting side in "One Chance (Make It Good)," "Can't Say Good Bye," and "Why Did You Leave Me?" Snoops ability to stay forceful in pop culture is extraordinary. Imagine nine albums and having the same appeal? Snoop Dogg is one of those guys who will still have it even as an old-timer. The production of this album is the key component that catapults it from being just another Snoop Dogg album to being one worth purchasing. As a Hip- Hop album "Ego Trippin" makes a great addition to your music catalog and I give 4 out of 5 spins.

Why we are in this business - Part 1

Cage and Aquarium has had very good year and we are fortunate that our company is striking a nerve in Chicago. Sometimes I wonder why that is, and then I read quotes like this one from an article about a deejay named DJ Wes in DJTimes magazine...

"At weddings, during dinner, I will go around and perform up-close, slight-of-hand magic for the kids....it's a great icebreaker and the adults enjoy it just as much as the kids."

Really DJ Wes? Really? There are adults who still enjoy magic tricks? Where do you find these people? I guess the point I am trying to make is that normal, socially interesting people get married too. And there needs to be a company that represents individuals who are capable of enjoying more in this world than magic tricks. Here is another quote that explains why Cage an Aquarium has been a popular choice amongst urbanites...

"I'll lead everyone in the Chicken Dance as a way to get people out of there chairs..."

If you have been searching for a deejay online lately, you know where the rest of this quote is going. For every person you show me who wants a deejay leading the "Chicken Dance" at their wedding, I'll show you ten who would rather do anything else but that on one of the biggest days in their lives.

New Album Review - Tyler

Old 97's - Blame It On Gravity

Dallas rock stars attempt the impossible: The attention-grabbing status quo?

In preparation for this inaugural album review from Cage and Aquarium, I was doing a little research. I found that Blender Magazine has a write-up on the New Old 97’s effort. I then noticed they had written the exact opposite of my thoughts on this record (for instance, their two favorite songs are my “skip tracks”), so I figure I must be doing something right. - Touché Maxim moguls.

The album kicked off with “The Fool” and I have to admit my initial disappointment. There is nothing worse than a  great band phoning it in on a new album after four years of nothingness. But I noticed, as I forced myself through some of the early tracks, the album grew on me. After listening to Blame it on Gravity for the mandatory third time, I became comfortable with my conclusions, and ready to write the first of many Cage and Aquarium staff reviews.

First and foremost, this might be the most lyrically interesting Old 97’s effort to date. They have some corny rhymes (i.e. telecaster and train disaster), but there is a nice message underneath the hard-to-handle forced poetry. That is not to say this album does not have verbal stinkers, because it does. “She loves the Sunset” is a song that proves this point.

Although some songs fall very short lyrically, I like that the Old 97’s took some risks on this new album. “Here’s to the Halcyon” is a sarcastically religious track that leaves a lot up to interpretation. But my favorite verbal menace is the reference to Dallas, Texas as “big D-little, AKA the city of hate…deep in the big black heart of the Lone Star state.” So many times great bands from Texas get defensive when you point out true generalizations about the state of Texas and the people who inhabit it. I’m talking to you Bob Schneider.

My second observation is that Murray Hammond saved this record. Old 97’s fans might remember him as the quirky bass player with the novelty songs on any given Rhett Miller fronted collection – see “Crash in a Barrelhead” from Fight Songs, and “Coahuila” from Drag It Up. Playing Cosmo Kramer to Miller’s Seinfield has worked in the past, but it seems Hammond is tired of being typecast. He has written some amazing songs here. “Color of a Lonely Heart is Blue” is a chilling song that deals with the different types of tragic loss experienced throughout a lifetime. To show his emotional diversity, he also penned “This Beautiful Thing” which is a very sweet love song that captures the amazing way a relationship begins. And to top it off, he wrote the chorus to “My Two Feet” which is the best all-around track on BIOG.

I remember listening to Hitchhiker in Rhome my junior year at Joplin High, 1994, wondering "where can this band could go from here?" It has been an up and down 14-year battle, with some Rhett Miller solo records thrown in the mix, but I am happy with the present. Somehow this band has managed to keep it interesting without changing their root sound too much (not an easy task...ask Radiohead). I give Blame it on Gravity 3 out of 5 spins.

Love these: My Two Feet, Color of a Lonely Heart is Blue, The One
Skip these: The Fool, She Loves The Sunset

Like your 19th Nervous Breakdown....Here it comes

The dust has finally settled from our fundraising effort and we are officially heading into another wedding season. Cage and Aquarium has grown so quickly, we recently were able to hire two more staff members to begin training for the 2009 wedding season! We are also aggressively pursuing more deejay jobs in bars and clubs as the demand grows. As we book public events, we will be sure to let you know via our website. Thank you for your support. Stay tuned.

A Thank You

As things trickle in, we will keep them posted. Here is a quick thank you note from the techer whose class our friends, family, and clients helped. Congratulations!

"I love technology.." - Kip Dynamite

FUNDRAISING RESULTS!

The final tally is in and we were able to fully fund an LCD projector in a southside Chicago classroom. We are very proud of this effort and are excited to begin planning our next fundraiser. Here are the details of the gift:

DonorsChoose.org Project Cost Report
Project: Cuckoo For Computers (#151410)
Teacher Receiving Resources: Ms. M (Abbreviated since this document is publicly available)
DonorsChoose.org Staffer Procuring Resources:

Materials Resources:
Item Vendor Unit Price Quantity Total Price
Hitachi CP-RS57 LCD Projector - Total Project Cost $1,054.24

Again, we want to thank all those involved (A special thanks to Chris and Jamie at The Globe Pub) and we hope to see everyone out again at our next event.

Donorschoose.org Fundraiser - Great Success!

We had a great time hosting our first fundraiser this year. We would like to thank everyone involved as we are more than pleased with the end result. A big thank you goes to The Globe Pub for taking our idea and making it possible. It was nice to see so many friends and family. We were able to raise nearly $1000 for Chicago schools and we could not be happier.

The night began with acoustic music from our deejays. Later we showcased our deejay talent as we spun the rest of the evening and the Globe Pub was rockin'. We will be posting pictures soon.