That unspeakable feeling

Some of us have one or more an unspeakable feeling or feelings in our lives about something or someone. The unspeakable feelings can cause a lot of pain both emotional and physical. I know that’s prevalent for me. I call them unspeakable because they may be so personal and painful that you don’t want to share those feelings with anyone for fear that won’t understand, not know what to say or do, or even worse not care at all. My unspeakable feelings have been with me for years and have increased within the past year. They are something I live with on a daily basis it’s as if these painful emotional and physical unspeakable feelings seem to always loom over me. We all may feel or have felt that way. I guess the next best this is try to figure out a way to deal with these unspeakable feelings caused by pain. Some people try to numb the feelings with alcohol, drugs, or whatever else they can think of. That normally leads to more pain and more unspeakable feelings. I don’t think you can ever stop feeling the pain from whatever happen to you emotionally or physically. Well, if it’s physical you can carefully take the pain medication to manage the feeling of pain. Dealing with the unspeakable feeling of emotional pain is not that easy yes, there is medication for it but, it may not be enough. That unspeakable feeling may creep back I know it has done that for me. You don’t want to walk around with these unspeakable feelings forever. I know from experience it’s not the best thing for you. I guess the best way to deal with is to actually speak about the feelings with someone you can truly trust. You don’t want to live your life with your life having that unspeakable feeling.

I can say that I have a black friend

Tonight, the Democratic Party nominated the first African American to lead a major political party in the United States. Tomorrow, he will formally accept the nomination on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech. For those of you who think that these events will magically wipe out years of racial ignorance or just flat-out racism, I give you some examples why that isn’t so. I was with some old “friends” earlier this year and the touchy topic of politics came up. One of them said,” I like my president old and white, that’s how it should be.” I guess he forgot I was black or can hear and understand English. It amazes me what people will think is acceptable. I've had people (mainly white) tell me that you speak so articulately which is not the complement you think it is. I don’t know how to speak any other way I’ve had this speech pattern for 30 yrs now.How am I supposed to sound like a character in a Blaxploitation film? I guess I could try to slang it up or use a “blackcent” (black accent) I’d only sound goofy. When I worked at Borders this guy would be embarrassed and upset by the corporate sells lady who is black and spoke with a “blackcent” (according to him) to customers which he thought could hurt sells (I don’t know why he cared we never saw that money) He would voice these complaints to me! What was I supposed to do work a My Fair Lady thing on her? I’m no Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison). When I was younger, people used to come up to me and ask if they could touch my hair because they never felt a black person's hair before! (really?) I've had people tell me that I can't be completely black because I'm smart and I because love stuff like French films and Brian Eno (not together).Even when I was in high school I dressed in colorful and "non black” clothing with skate shoes and shirts. I also listened to a lot of alternative music.I was made fun for those thing druring my time at Hammond High most by black people. Now, when I’m at the mall I see young black kids dressing the same as I did with their skateboards also rappers are crossing genres in a non ironic or patronizing way. (if you can sample a song Can you’re golden).It's weird growing up and even now I'm normally the only other black guy at a show or boring French Film sometimes people give me a look saying," what is he doing here?" when I was younger I thought I had to prove myself that I belonged there or something. The idea of Black people in America is changing for the better with the help of Barack Obama and his lovely wife and countless others that just live not in the mold the media or society but has placed us in for years But, they're living as good honest people regardless of race ,is'nt that America is about? But,we are a strong people we will over come any negativity with our blend of positivity!

The things I lost and the things I have gained part 2: Wrapping up

After three times a week for a year I finished my last bit of occupational therapy this week I had already finished physical therapy and a touch a speech therapy a few months ago. I also did a stint in cardiac rehab again for 3 months. Now, this is all I did for a year! I don’t know how I feel about the whole thing I guess you could say I’m apathetic about it. I’m not where I thought was going to be or want to be physically I still need to do arm exercises at home to regain strength and full use I do a ton of walking for my leg around my neighborhood or the mall (it’s walking distance from my house) I do get really frustrated being able to only use one arm to do everything however, I’ve gotten pretty good at it. But, this is not the life I want it’s like being trapped in your on body. I’ve been like this for a year. Sometimes I think people who haven’t had a stroke don’t realize how hard it is to give up your independence or give up the simple things you like to do. You quickly realize how much you took that stuff for granted and you want nothing more to do those boring mundane things again. I do look back and see how far I’ve come physically and I’m kinda impressed. There are things about this stroke I hate with in reason aside from all the physical set backs and disappointments. There is the emotional and personal stuff I deal with on a day to day level. I’ll talk to a few people I knew pre-stroke and when they’re not patronizing me or making awkward and phony conversation they’re treating me like as if a stroke is contagious (it’s not trust me.) they basically treat me kind of “wired”. Someone said to me,” Maybe they don’t know how to deal with it” well, that’s good if I was caught stealing from Claire’s or something. But, I’m the one that had the “tragedy” and I 'm the one who is dealing with the "pain"! Treat me the same way you did before June 17th 2007.With all that whining aside from this stroke I’m learning to adjust and move on. I used to think the phrase “count your blessings” was nothing more that tacky sentimental stuff you say to someone you don’t want to deal with. But, now I’m like,” Yeah, that makes sense in a way” I’m able to work at a job that you can do with one hand.(and watch movies) I have the support of my family a few key friends. Going through this has forced me to “grow up” emotionally and learning how to deal with things better. I’ve meet some wonderful people during this whole thing I’m learning the fine art of humility. I’ve learned what a church isn’t and what one is the same could be said about friends or relationships .A part of me is like, “ those are things I’m having to settle on” but, the truth is those are things that are helping me to recover from everything this past year. I have a strong feeling that all what I’m going through will be wrapping up very soon. And I need people as well as myself to continue to have absolute faith in God without any doubt that He will restore me back to good health! My stroke has been all I’ve known for a year it has been both a setback and advancement for me. But, I’m looking forward to the next thing in my life that will advance me to greater things as all this is wrapping up.

FYI

I just realized or someone pointed it out is what really what happend (Thanks Bunnie) that not everyone could post comments on my blog. Well, I fixed that so anyone can post a comment or two you don't need a Blogger account. So feel free to comment away.It's really no big deal but, I'd love to hear your feed back!
Manny

You Pretentious Jerk!

I saw Dark Knight not too long ago. This is not a post on how much I loved it or what I learned from it or anything deep like that, because I hated that movie (I almost walked out). I’m not going to list why I hated so much because I don’t want to give away anything (your welcome). And if I learned anything I learned that I’m not into "over-hyped" movies that are driven by action rather than a good story with good performances. The Dark Knight lacked one of those and it was not Heather Ledger because he was great or whatever. With my dislike of the movie that everyone and their mother is going bonkers over made me think," Have I become so pretentious or that I can’t enjoy that movie or any movie like that? Or can I really enjoy anything in everyday life or pop culture for that matter"? Maybe it's just I'm really particular about what I like and how I live.I have been pondering that for sometime now. So I decided to list the top 15 things that would make me seem so pretentious that I can’t enjoy everyday stuff. Maybe the list will show that I’m just really particular or just pretentious.
1.French New Wave films are my favorite type of films.
2.I refuse to listen to the radio that’s not jazz, classical, or NPR.
3.I’m a picky vegetarian and apretty much a picky eater.
4.I really don't conversing with most people about music or films. (I think thatjust makes me kinda of jerk)
5.I refer to movies as films.
6.I prefer shopping at boutiques than the mall.(Don't get me wrong I still shop at and love the mall)
7.I’m one of those people who enjoy the original rather than the remake.
8.Fashion and looking good is just that important to me. (That makes me kind of gay)
9.I hate irony on any level.
10.I won’t buy clothing at Target that is not underwear or lounge/workout clothing.
11.I tend to listen to or watch moslty obscure and avant-garde films, music and comedy groups.
12.I love theater but,not musicals so much.
13.I think Charlie Rose is cool.(This makes me a dork)
14.I normally dislike things based on it's level of trendiness or if it's overrated.
15.I blog and make lists on this blog.
Now, you have all the info you you need. So is Manny an eye rolling prententious jerk (Oh, Lord I hope not) or is Manny a handsome particular guy?

Wanna know a secret?

There are times obscure amazing bands and artist goes ignored, underappreciated, and over shadowed by tacky, trendy, and unoriginal music that is found on the radio, Mtv and the biggest problem American Idol! These are bands that influence the people that the people today are ripping off. Those bands that are ignored are actually some of my favorite bands and artists.




Gang of Four: Hailing from Leeds Gang of Four made some of the best post punk music in its early stages. What makes Gang of Four stand out is that they blended political theories, culture and status issues effecting England at the time, and love. They were able to do all this with a tight “grooving” sound that can make you either pump your fist in the air with rage or get on the dance floor. Gang of Four was influenced and at the same time influenced generations of music that I have grown to love.I’ve seen Gang of Four twice and after 28 years they conveyed the same rage, confusion, passion, “groove”,and loss of identity of any band now or of it’stime.
Album of choice: Entertainment!






Os Mutantes: Pretty much unknown in the U.S. but, wildly popular in their native country of Brazil. Os Mutantes or “You Mutants” in English were one of the most dynamic, radical, and smart bands of both the psychedelic rock and Brazilian pop.quite an accomplishment during a period when most every rock band spent quality time exploring the outer limits of pop music. A trio of brash musical experimentalists, the group fiddled with distortion, feedback, musique concrète, and studio tricks of all kinds to create a lighthearted, playful version of extreme Brazilian pop. Although,they sang only in Portuguese you are able to understand the universal language of good music. Os Mutantes went outside the realms of psychedelic rock and Brazilian pop with amazing guitar work and complex sounds to make their own version of music that really hasn’t been matched.
Album of choice: Everything is possible





Monks: One of the strangest stories in rock history, the Monks were formed in the early '60s by American G.I.s stationed in Germany. After their discharge, the group stayed on in Germany as the Torquays, a fairly standard beat band. After changing their name to the Monks in the mid-'60s, they also changed their music, attitude, and appearance radically. Gone were standard oldie covers, replaced by furious, minimalist original material that anticipated the blunt, harsh commentary of the punk era. Their insistent rhythms recalled martial beats and polkas as much as garage rock, and the weirdness quotient was heightened by electric banjo, berserk organ runs, and occasional bursts of feedback guitar. To prove that they meant business, the Monks shaved the top of their heads and performed their songs — crude diatribes about the Vietnam war, dehumanized society, and love/hate affairs with girls — in actual monks' clothing. The Monks only gained a cult following among collectors, and has ironically made them much more popular and influential on an international level than they were during their lifetime.
Album of choice:Black Monk Time




Ester Drang: One of my favorite bands coming out of Broken Arrow Oklahoma. I saw then open for another band about 7 years ago and blew me away Ester Drang have composed a sweet daydream trip since their 1995 formation. The best way to describe their sound is, if Brian Eno was in My Bloody Valentine and played “space rock and “shoe gaze (that’s a good thing).The lyric work shows these boys have grown up in a faith based way but, they tackle love, depression in a non over bearing patronizing way .I’ve seen Ester Drang around 4 times and each show had a inviting warmth to it. I have all their albums and each one together they derived a lush, bittersweet sound. I’ve also met chatted with the members over a beer after a show in Baltimore and theses guys wear their hearts on their sleeves. They were real and approachable. The drummer actually remembered me from another show where I recommended some obscure hip-hop to him! In a way I’m glad they are so under the radar because it keep them from becoming and sounding phony and fabricated like most bands today.
Album of choice: Infinite Keys

Now, any developed music scholar would have heard of at least one or two of these bands. What I like about these amazing bands obscurity is that it makes them seem like they are the best kept secret to me and other music scholars that we hold on to a appercaite more because we took the extra effort did our homework, went to shows , and most importantly did not settle for whatever is out there. My advice to you is to look deeper and find your little secret!
Manny

The things I have lost and the things I have gained part 1:The overview

It was about this time last year I had my stroke and I’ve lost and gained a lot these past 365-like days. I know I’ve temporally lost my independence the use of my left arm, my independence, my self confidence, my sight (at times)about 20 or so pounds it’s the stroke survivor/vegetarian diet( only I can make that joke) people may treat me "wierd" or think I'm disabled. But,it almost seems worth it with the things I know I’ve gained forever a deeper, stronger, and real relationships with Christ and with family and friends, an unreal peace, stronger faith in Him and knowing that He will heal me completely.I look at my life a year or so ago and see how much I have changed not only psychically but, spiritually emotionally, and mentally. I sometimes think and say, “I’ve lost a year of my life recovering from this stroke.” I've said that twice once to my psychical therapist, Judy and she said,"You did not lose a year you’re taking a small detour to get yourself back together” I also said it to my friend Reese and she said something very similar to Judy she said,“You haven’t lost a year,you’ve gained a new life of possibilities." Both the things they said are true and mean a lot to me. During this “detour” and some of the endless possibilities God is showing me and doing amazing things in my life. I know that God is not only restoring my health completely He is obviously restoring me spiritually emotionally, and mentally. At the time in my life when I had my stroke I’ll spare you the details and say I was at a place where God could not reach me. He didn’t give me this stroke to punish me. I believe He did it for several reasons:
1. To stop me from continuing to ruin my life
2. To show me His power, grace, mercy, love, peace, and understanding.
3. To humble me and my spirit on different levels
4. To softened my heart to the elderly (my people) and the disabled.
5. He allowed me to experience both good and bad things that will change my life and can use to minister to others.
Those five things are just the very start of what God is doing, did, and the amazing things He will do.I’ve also learned are that I can not settle where I may be physically or where I'm at with my recovery and have the faith that God willcontiue heal completely me also do the work that goes along with stroke recovery. I’m learning not to accept the negative or short-sighted things people see or say to me about or my stroke recovery. In the same way not to accept what I see in front of me and have “eyes of faith” that God will continue to do His work in me and fulfill His promises and do unorthodox things with faith and works! (Read Hebrews 11) I will have to admit this journey is not always easy. I have gone through things psychically that someone my age should not go through. I’ve experienced all sorts of rejection, loneliness, anger, doubt, humiliation, stress and heartache. But, I know as I’ve mentioned before God is not putting me through this for nothing. I believe is preparing me for something great and He will not put us through something we could not handle James 1:2-4,5:7-10. As German philosopher Nietzsche said, “What does not kill me makes me stronger”applies to my life. I may have bad days but,if I and others continue to hold on to God, His blessings, His word, and never failing promises we will see great things happen!

The Gospel of Mixtapes According to Manny

I’ve been making mixtapes for myself and others and Mixtapes are important part of the music snob/hipsters culture. Mixtapes can be for friends or a secret crush they also allow you to introduce someone to new and better music. Mixtapes have gotten me through some good and bad times a good one will do that. Now when I make a mixtape modestly speaking I make a good one nix that, I make an awesome one! I’ve gotten better with each mixtape. Unfortunately I haven’t received as many good ones as I’ve given. There are a lot of rules when making a good mixtape here are the top 11:
1.It should be good. Time, thought, effort, and most importantly good music should be put into each mixtape.
2.It should if possible be on a cassette. That’s not a hard rule but, traditionally mixtapes are on cassettes for that music snob/hipster that I know it’s much easier to slap some songs from iTunes on a cd Rather than using your tape deck, cds, and records I obviously prefer cassettes. Lately I’ve had to do them on cds which is okay for now.
3.Start with a really great track something really catchy, jumpy, fast, or upbeat. You want to grab the listener’s attention and set the tone of the mixtape. This is not debatable option.
4.Keep it diverse try to have different genres if you stick to one or two genres you can loose your listener. I like to keep my mixtapes the way I like my lifestyle diverse. I try to put anything from “indie” rock, hip-hop, soul, pysch, garage, ye-ye pop, some obscure stuff, and my personal favorite French pop.
5.Don’t out obscure your listener you don’t want to scare them off. I’m guilty of this but; if that Zappa track is so awesome you got to share it then do it!
6.Don’t put something on the mixtape you know the listener will hate to be funny or cute and avoid too ironic tracks you again can loose your listener and it’s tacky. Irony and goofiness belong on birthday cards!
7.Try to keep the flow going smoothly not a bunch of fast tracks in a row a slow track clumped together. I like to have it flow like a movie soundtrack or something.
8.Neatness doesn’t count. If your using a cassette the “blurps”and”blops” makes the tape seem more heart felt in a way.
9.Return the favor and feedback are a must. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been burned on making mixtapes for someone with nothing in return
10.If you uncertain of a track don’t put it on there you’ll ruin the mixtape. This is like rule 6.
11.Make them good and have fun.These aren’t hard rules just mine so have fun!

Manny and music sittining in a tree!

If you know me you know that I LOVE music and not just anything I’m really particular about what I listen to I don’t settle for just anything I really do my homework to find some quality stuff. Some would call me a music snob or a pretentious music snob, which is not far from the truth. I just know what know what I like. So now your wondering what does Manny listen to I have a diverse taste that goes anywhere from Herbie Hancock to the Beastie Boys to the Flaming Lips and so on. But, my top 3
Picks would have to be:




1 .The Talking Heads: The unorthodox post punk art rockers from NYC make the top of my list. At the start of their career, Talking Heads were all nervous energy, detached emotion, and subdued minimalism. When they released their last album about 12 years later, the band had recorded everything from art-funk to polyrhythmic world beat explorations and simple, melodic guitar pop. Between their first album in 1977 and their last in 1988, Talking Heads became one of the most critically acclaimed bands of the '80s, while managing to earn several pop hits. While some of their music can seem too self-consciously experimental, clever, and intellectual for its own good, at their best Talking Heads represent everything good about art-school punks.
Top records:
1. Talking Heads:77 (1977)
2. Speaking in Tongues (1983)
3. Little Creatures (1985)*






2. De la Soul: De la Soul could best is described as “neo- psychedelic” hip hop. They came on the seen in the late 90’s or the “golden age” of hip-hop before tacky bling and phony gangster rap swept the suburbs. Coming from Long Island, NY these guys were miles ahead of others with their low key, clever rhymes and goofy humor made records that to this day sound like no others much like The Talking Heads Del a Soul were/are unorthodox. They did not reach too much top 40 successes in the mainstream hip-hop world. But, they still have a strong a loyal fan base that prefers the witty rhymes over the tacky ones.
Top records:
1. 3 Feet High and Rising(1989)*
2. De la Soul is Dead(1991)
3. Stakes is High(1996)





3. Thelonious Monk: The most important jazz musicians are the ones who are successful in creating their own original world of music with its own rules, logic, and surprises. Thelonious Monk, who was criticized by observers who failed to listen to his music on its own terms, suffered through a decade of neglect before he was suddenly acclaimed as a genius; his music had not changed one bit in the interim. In fact, one of the more remarkable aspects of Monk's music was that it was fully formed by 1947 and he saw no need to alter his playing or compositional style in the slightest during the next 25 years.

Top records:
1. Brilliant Corners (1956)
2. Straight no Casher (1966)
3. Underground (1967)*

These three groups have a few things in common 1. They are all awesome 2.They found success not following the crowd and not just settleing and having eyes of faith to move on to bigger things.3. They are all considered unorthodox their genre of music. I’m like that in away I just don't want to settle for the average way of living just like these three artist did not settle. I want to do unothordox things as well!* Favorite Record

Remind me to remember

When people go on vacation the sometimes like to bring back tacky trinket or souvenir to remind of the goodtime they had. Every time they look at the tacky trinket they are reminded of that goodtime. Some people will get will get a tattoo. I sometimes watch the reality show Miami Ink it’s about a tattoo shop in you guessed it Miami and the tattoo artist that run it and the customers. Each episode customers will come in the shop wanting tattoos that remind them of something that happened in their life whether good or bad some want on to pay tribute to a loved one. Most just want one because they like the tattoo culture and the art work. I have a friend Lauren that has quite a few tattoos over her body they are all very cool and nicely done I’m not sure if any of them are there to remind her of anything but, are still nice to look at. Sometimes after an accident or surgery you are left with a scar some are hardly noticeable most you can see. my friend James had surgery on his knee after an injury that youc an see. I’m sure every time he looks at it he is reminded on how he hurt it and the pain he went through the brace he wore the surgery and then his recovery.I had open heart surgery when I was four and I have about an 8 inch scar down my chest (it’s sexy ladies) last year I had a defliberator placed in my chest to stop any further blood clots you can see it when shirtless (sexy again ladies) and feel it through my shirt. So there is about a 3 inch scar across my heart (not so sexy) In Genesis 32:22-40 it tells the story of how Jacob wrestled with God. After they wrestled God did tafew things. He a few things He left Jacob with a limp and told the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob's hip was touched near the tendon giving him that limp he also changed his name from Jacob to Israel. God did these things remind Jacob, Jews, and us the struggle Jacob went thorough and Jacob’s victory over those struggles with the help and power of God. Once my recovery is complete I won’t have any limps like Jacob I will be whole. But, I will still have my scars when I look at them especially my defliberator scar. I will always be reminded and thankful for the miracle of the physical recovery from my stroke and the emotional and spiritual recovery God did in my life. So what does your scar, tattoo, or limp remind you of?!

What I got from Sex in the City Movie PART2

When I was watching Sex in the City Movie I expected 4 things:I expected Carrie to have on awesome outfits in every scene and she most certainly did.I expected Miranda to have her tough but loving attitude that makes her a great character and she did expected Charlotte to have her “quirky” traits that make her my favorite character and well, she still is number1! I expected Samantha to be her typical “sex-crazed” character she did not fail. I was grossed out at times! I did not however expect to be ministered by this the movie. But, that moment was when Charlotte said something like.(without giving too much away)”When you stop trying to get what want and let it happen it happens” The same can be said about God the moment you stop trying to figure out what His next move is and just step back a trust Him. He moves I know that’s true for me. Last year after my stroke I was at Kernan Hospital for my first wave of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The first few days there I was understandably upset I did not want to be there I was mad that at 28 I had a stroke. Then after speaking with my family and spending time with God and letting go and trusting Him. He did several things for me He gave me a peace and joy that passed all understanding. He gave me such a positive attitude despite all the hard work, loneliness, humiliation, frustration, and negative therapist. It allowed me to bless the lives of so many and be blessed my self I was able to befriend other patients even though that are my grandparent’s age. I also believe (and this is most important one) He fine-tuned my sense of humor! I actually had fun some days it was like a sleep away camp for seniors. He gave me a big heart for seniors and I now know how they feel at times. It goes to show that you when allow God to be God He works in ways you would never believe. In James 4:7-10 it James writes of the benefits of submitting your life to God. James makes very clear guidelines in what you should do in you time of pain or confusion. It may seem hopeless at the time. But, once you do submit and humble your life and situation to God, keep far away from the devil or doubt, worry, stress, fear, anger, or trying to do it yourself once you stop all that and seek the face of God with a broken and pure heart and cleaning yourself of all negativity .Turn that pity party into a gnarly jam! God will give you the grace, mercy, love, and support you need until it’s over and His faithfulness, love and power is shown. I’m holding on to that as I go through my long and hard recovery process. I also believe God is making my time manageable with various people and things to bless me and I to them so ultimately we will witness the power of God during all this until it’s over and I’m praising Him at my gnarly jam!

What got from Sex in the City Movie PART1

I went to see Sex and the City yesterday (by choice) with my friend Reese and her sister (P.S. loved it!) I did watch the show when it was on from time to time. While watching I noticed the similarities and differences between Carrie and guys like me or “hipsters” much like Carrie and the girls we obsess over shoes but, in our case it’s sneakers I have 15. I’m looking to hit 31” (one for every day of the month) each pair of sneakers or shoe must be clean, never, tacky, cheap, o r too trendy. Just like Carrie and the girls we lose it whenever they see a pair of must have pumps. We also lose it when see a fresh pair of premium sneakers. And we both are willing to spend top dollar a certain pairs of heels/sneakers we both hunt down exclusive pairs. Like the ladies we are “label whores”. They have Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Vera Wang, Betsy Johnson, bebe, Fendi, Marc Jacobs. We have Stussy, Nike, Supreme, Fred Perry Alfie, Rocksmith, Vans, Alife, Ben Sherman and Crooks and Castle. We too want massive closet space to house our goods. Instead of jewelry and such we go gaga over vinyl toys and fancy gadgets. They talk at great lengths about who did the nasty with whom and how many times where and all the sultry details or relationship mishaps. They even talk about pretentious high society and the struggles that come with it. We too have our pretentious discussions but, ours is about music. We too talk great lengths about our favorite bands past and present. We brag about the effort that we went through to getting original pressings of a Talking Heads record and get excited about who is playing a show where or who is spinning at what club or what rapper dropped the most exclusive joint. We “hipsters” do the same for films watching abstract foreign films and we flock to seedy art house theaters to see limited released film or documentaries While Carrie and the girls get all wedding crazy. The thing we both have common ground on is the desire to find love in the end.

Let's get this party started!

I had a blog about 5 years ago I mostly talked music and stuff nothing ever to serious or grammatically correct. I want to do the same thing this time but, more effort and less grammar errors. For this first one I just wanted to take it light and easy. I’ll get to seat squirming,tear jerking,and mind blowing stuff later.

Well, since I love music and people ask me for recommendations quite often and since it’s halfway through the year. I would make a list of the best albums so far this year according to me
1. Santogold-Santogold- A black chick from Brooklyn that has a nice mix of “indie pop/alternative and soul-like”. She makes a point in saying she is not R&B look for her remixes with Switch, A.C., and Spankrock.Top tracks- 1.L.E.S. Artistes, 2.Creator
2. MGMT-Oracular Spectacular- Proto-electro punk art noise rockers from Brooklyn but ultimately pop. Top tracks-1.Electric Feel, 2.Time to Pretend
3. Vampire Weekend- Vampire Weekend- These "preppie indie rockers" from NYC received a lot of positive ink for an album that has a blend of “indie rock’ and African-like vibe think late Talking Heads. Very catchy and addictive.Top tracks 1.A-Punk, 2.Mansard Roof
4. ManMan- Rabbit Habit- Philly’s noise clompers that sounds like if Tom Waits and Captain Beefheart formed a mega band of nonsensical lyrics and clommpy sounds. Top tracks1. Top Drawer, 2.Engris Bwudd
5. R.E.M.-Accleralte- Newest Album from Athens college rockers. That continues to keep their classic sound on this new album. The guys do not disappoint on this album with Stipes always clever lyric work. Top tracks 1.Supernautralsuperserious, 2.I’m gonna dj
6. Timemachine- Life is Expensive- L.A. indie hip hopers that bring us smart hip hop that has this new black and white duo of hipsters that has a highly anticipated album that does not fail. Top tracks 1.Something We're Becoming,2.The Groove That Just wont Stop.
7. Coolkids-Bake Sale-This pair of young blippsters (black hipsters like me) give us a hip-hop album that harkens back to the golden age of hip-hop with..I really like these guys they have a authenticity that Lupe Fiasco will never have . They bring this new trend of urban bmxers and skaters that I’m love with.Top tracks 1.88, 2.Gold and a Pager.

I know some of you may not be too familiar with the music listed here. But, I assure you its all quality stuff. In the future I will try to bring you post that will inform, entertain, encourage, and mostly allow you to get gnarly! Feel free to leave comments from time to time and call me out if necessary. Please fell free to tell others about my blog.

Be Rad,
Manny