Friday Flashback - Striping For Your Pleasure Edition

The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army

With Jack White poised to take the #1 chart spot in several countries thanks to his new record, I decided to bring out a classic Stripes track from the excellent "Elephant" released in 03. "Seven Nation Army" is a classic rocker from the Detroit power duo and features a video with mind bending visuals.

I feel for White since he confessed that he really, really misses the White Stripes. After listening to "Blunderbuss", the feeling is mutual. 

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - Dreaming B.I.G. Edition

The Notorious B.I.G - Sky's The Limit (Featuring 112)

Heading back to '97 with this one, when Bad Boy ruled the world and hip hop music was attaining unprecedented popularity.

One of the more underrated album tracks from Notorious B.I.G.'s everlasting classic Life After Death LP.

-Turnbull

Friday Flashback - House of St. Patrick Edition

House Of Pain - "Jump Around"

Time to get your shamrock on! In honor of everyone's favorite drinking holiday, P&B presents House Of Pain's "Jump Around". For all you trivia buffs out there, this Irish-American anthem was released in 1992 and the group's name was inspired (or taken) from H.G. Wells' "The Island of Dr Moreau". BONUS: The song was produced by the always awesome DJ Muggs.

So, grab a pint, throw on your Celtics jersey and get vertical!

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - UK Pretty Boy Garage Edition

Craig David – Fill Me In

Do you guys remember Craig David?  Whatever happened to this guy??  

The Brit took the North American music scene by storm back around 2000-2001 with his soulful croon and boyish good looks on his debut album Born To Do It.

"Fill Me In," the album's first single, blended R&B with the “Garage” (also known as 2-Step) sound that was blowing up in the UK at the time (Garage is pronounced like it rhymes with "carriage")

I remember so many girls loving him off back then .... it was pretty annoying to tell you the truth!

I know he put out a couple more records after his debut, but not much has been heard from him in recent years.  Reports indicate that a new record may surface this year.

We shall see...

-Turnbull

Friday Flashback - The End Of The (Soul Train) Line Edition

I Love Music - The O'Jays

In honour of Don Cornelius' passing, P&B present the iconic Soul Train Line. You can see Cornelius doing his thing at the beginning and can easily see how this was a popular show back in the day. Throw in "I Love Music" and you got yourself a party!

Your homework this weekend is to invite your friends over to your pad and get your Soul Train Line on! And you can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! As always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!

R.I.P. Don Cornelius
1936 - 2012

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - Things Come Together In Movement Edition

The Roots - "The Next Movement"

P&B present this classic jam from The Fifth Dynasty in honor of their freshly released (and rad) album Undun. This cut comes from the LP that arguably put The Roots on the map. For any of you that don't own Things Fall Apart, you need to a) run to the your favorite record store now and b) eventually forgive yourself for not getting on this amazing album sooner.

The song features scratching from the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff and the video shows that The Roots are immune to gravity. 

This track is best consumed at a high volume level. 

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - Punk Meets Funk Edition

The Clash - "This Is Radio Clash"

This song, which was released as a 12" single back in 1981, was not included on any of The Clash's studio albums.

It is heavily influenced by the New York City hip hop, funk, and dub sound that was starting to permeate the group's sound at the time.  IMHO, it's one of the band's most underrated cuts.

The track marks the early beginnings of the dance-punk sound that has influenced modern-day NYC acts such as The Rapture, !!!, and LCD Soundsystem.

This Is Radio Clash is a timeless classic that would still sound fresh if it were released today.

-Turnbull

Friday Flashback - Birthday On The One Edition

Metallica - "One"

On this day in 1962, the world was blessed with the arrival of an influential guitarist complete with long, dark wavy hair. The birthday boy in question is Kirk Hammett, lead guitarist for Metallica.

The video for One is significant for a few reasons: it was Metallica's first video and it's mad cool. The song's theme is war and features tons of creepy clips from a flick called "Johnny Got His Gun". The underlying message is dark, which is not very conducive to kicking off a weekend. But it's a great way to blow off some steam (read: heavy head banging part).

Another way to blow off some steam would be to smash your copy of the Lou Reed/Metallica collabo Lulu, and get back to the basics. Destroy the thing that should not be. Ride the lightning back catalog.

PS sorry for the pop ups/ads in the vid.

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - Haven't Heard This Track in like, Forever.....Edition

Urban Dance Squad - "Deeper Shade of Soul"

This one goes back to 1989, and was the debut single from the Dutch band's Mental Floss for the Globe record.

It did pretty good on the US chart, reaching the #21 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Somethin' a little warm & breezy for a chilly November day.

-Turnbull

Friday Flashback - Bohemian Consciousness Edition

Brand Nubian - "Slow Down"

"Slow Down" was the 4th single released from Brand Nubian's critically acclaimed debut album One for All. This classic joint rode the "alternative" hip hop wave from the early 90s that ushered in a new consciousness to the game along with legendary groups like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and Jungle Brothers. Brand Nubian unfortunately couldn't keep it together and dissolved a few years later (they reunited in the mid 2000s).

"Slow Down" features a bevy of samples but the most recognizable is "What I Am" by Edie Brickell and New Bohemians. Brickell's wailing "What I Am Is What I Am" makes an appearance, while the guitar lick is the driving element for this cut.

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - The Boss On The Mend Edition

Rick Ross - "Here I am"

Everybody's favorite shirtless MC is on the mend. And what better way to bring the Florida native back to health than a shot of FF straight to the veins.

Ricky Rosé suffered 2 seizures in the same day last weekend, one in the morning and later in the afternoon, on his way to Memphis for an appearance and performance. He is now in stable condition and recovering.
This is great news for the hip hop community since no one brings the Gangsta Fromage like Ross (note: I would never say that to his face or I would have a health scare).

P&B presents "Here I am" as a get well ecard to the Boss. This cut from Trilla is oozing with cheezy lyrics and features Nelly, with Avery Storm singing on the catchy hook. Get out of your chair and show Rick Ross some love!

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - Occupy Blogstreet - Rage On Edition

Rage Against The Machine - "Freedom"

People are striking back at Wall Street (and all of those peeps with too much money and not sharing the wealth) with massive protests which are now spreading worldwide. We're talking about a revolution. In honor of this phenomenom (and Tom Morello's appearance at the protests), P&B offers you "Freedom" by everyone's favorite shit disturbing band Rage Against The Machine. Sorry about the video size and quality...surprisingly a song called Freedom was not easy to find thanks to some restrictions. Does Rage know about this?

"Freedom" was released in 93 and was the last single from their self-titled debut, which sold over 3 million albums. This is a classic album from the 90s that still spins relevant today. If you feel like getting your protest on, check out your fave social media provider for details on a gathering near you. Protesting does not mean violence. Keep that shit real.

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - Happy Birthday! Naked Swimming Baby Edition

Nirvana - "In Bloom"

The 20th anniversary of Nirvana's quintessential album has come and gone. In honor of Nevermind's (belated) bday, here is one of my fave cuts "In Bloom", complete with a rad video. 

(Photo via badmoon.co.uk

For all of you Cobain heads out there, the Super Deluxe edition of Nevermind comes complete with 4 CDs and a DVD. The CDs include the original release remastered with B-sides, The Boombox Rehearsals recorded before to the final product and the Devonshire Mixes by Butch Vig. The DVD is a previously unreleased concert recorded at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, accompanied by a CD of the live show. This special box set will run you about $130 as it's limited to 10,000 copies in North America, with another 30K for the rest of the world.

Vinyl is also available if you want to wax your memories back.

Click here and here for previous P&B posts about Nirvana.

Your homework for the weekend: throw your copy of Nevermind in your stereo and remember when rock/alternative made a massive impression on the 90s and beyond. Heroin optional. Headbanging required.

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - Straight Out Of The 80s Edition

N.W.A. - "Straight Outta Compton"

Ahhhh yeah!! This is one of my favorite cuts from the 80s! Such a raw track from such a synthesized decade.

This is the premier video from the N.W.A. that we all know and love; a heavily jheri curled Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, MC Ren and Eazy-E. FUN PAQMAN FACT: I listened to N.W.A. as a young lad while delivering the local newspaper.

And on a much more selfish tip, the intent of this week's FF is to create a bit of foreshadowing for my Kendrick Lamar post coming at you very soon.

Enjoy the power of street knowledge!

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - Turning Over A New Pepper Edition

Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Give It Away"

This video stunned me when I first saw it cause it was so visually innovative. Released in 91 and directed by noted French fashion photographer and director Stéphane Sednaoui, "Give It Away" won a few MTV VMAs in 92 including "Breakthrough Video" and "Best Art Direction". Well deserved.

We are dedicating this Rick Rubin produced track to former band member John Frusciante and the release of their new album "I'm With You" featuring new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who played in a few bands but is know as a session musician. He worked with Gnarls Barkley, Beck, PJ Harvey and the Butthole Surfers.

Click play and get your freak on!

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - Sweat(ing) To The Oldies Edition

Eric B. & Rakim - "Don't Sweat The Technique"

We present to you this week a classic jam from Eric B. & Rakim. This track comes from their fourth release and is by far the most sample heavy cut from the bunch. It features samples from Kool and the Gang ("Give It Up" - horns hook), Young-Holt Unlimited ("Queen of the Nile" - baseline), Curtis Mayfield ("Right on for the Darkness") and Bob James ("Take Me to The Mardi Gras").

This is one my faves from 92. Enjoy!

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - Royal(t)y Crappy Deal Edition

The Verve - "Bitter Sweet Symphony"

Friday Flashback is baaaaaaaaaack!

In this reintroduction edition of FF, we present The Verve's most recognizable single. This gem from 1998 is not without controversy. "Bitter Sweet Symphony" heavily sampled a song performed by Andrew Oldham Orchestra, which was a remake (or reinterpretation) of "The Last Time" by the Rolling Stones. In the end, the song writing credits for "Bitter Sweet Symphony" were awarded to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, leaving the Verve high and dry (FF note: vocalist Richard Ashcroft wrote the lyrics but got zero composer credit for it). Imagine not getting one penny in royalties for your biggest, international smash hit!

You can check out the original Stones tune here and the Andrew Oldham Orchestra track here. 

The richer get richer, no? Besides all the legal issues, "Bittersweet Symphony" stills stands up today as an amazing single. 

A Keith Richards quote to the end the post? Absolutely! His reply when asked by Q magazine if it was harsh for Jagger/Richards to get 100% writing credit on "Bitter Sweet Symphony":

"I'm out of whack here, this is serious lawyer shit. If The Verve can write a better song, they can keep the money."

-Paqman 

Friday Flashback - Freedom Boat Weekend Edition

Aaliyah - "Rock The Boat"

In honor of our boy Turnbull, here's the classic "Rock The Boat" by Aaliyah.

Cause we'll litteraly rock that boat!

Cheers!

-Paqman

Friday Flashback On The July 1st Tip - Happy Canada Day Edition

Rascalz featuring Kardinal Offishall, Choclair, CheckMate and Thrust - "Northern Touch"

In honour of Canada Day, we're hitting you with a Northern Touch. This Little X-directed video was released in '98 featuring a lineup of up and coming players in the Canadian hip hop game. Jully Black and K-OS were slated to be on the cut, but couldn't make it do to prior commitments. This is also the first appearance of reknown video vixen Melyssa Ford (she can be seen sitting on Choclair's lap).

The song features a sample from B.T. Express from a song called "Everything Good To You" which can be checked out here.

Enjoy Canada Day and your long weekend!

-Paqman

Friday Flashback - Centennial Celebration - We've Got To Find A Way, Mr. Gaye Edition

Big Daddy Kane featuring Easy Dred and Junior P - "W.G.O.N.R.S."

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Marvin Gaye's legendary album "What's Going On", here is a cut from Big Daddy Kane that samples the Motown star's classic title track. No video on this one, just Kane doing what he does best...taking care of business. Please leave your thoughts in the comments regarding your love for Gaye and his legacy.

This is also P&B's 100th post!!!!! Thanks for all of your support (and you can also drop some love for P&B in the comments!). We will continue to bring you quality posts on the exclusive insight tip. P&B is now in the top 8,000 ranked blogs on Technorati which is a huge achievement for us! Especially since we worked our way from a 28,011 ranking back in April. Turnbull and I love doing this and we hope that you dig our work. Thanks again for joining us on this ride and for visiting on the regular.

Cheers!!!!!!!

-Paqman