MEDIAFRENZY FRIDAY - 16-07-08 #BlackLivesMatter Edition 2016

On this edition I discuss the #BlackLivesMatter movement, the reasons the #AllLivesMatter hashtag is problematic, the recent deaths at the hands of police along with other injustices that the black community has faced, and both current and historical social movements involving racial issues within the last century.  I paired the spoken information with radical, revolutionary songs from those movements or with songs with lyrics that address social issues regarding racism, slavery, discrimination, immigrants, refugees, poverty, police brutality and the prison industrial complex. 

  

This edition of mediafrenzy fridays was extremely difficult for me, for a few different reasons: 

On one hand, I have some strong opinions and I felt a desire and need to bring up some of these issues, to make sure they are discussed in the media and that the stories are not silenced.  However, I do wish that I had organized this show with enough time to invite people from the #BlackLivesMatter movement to join me in the studio.  I realize perhaps it shouldn't have been my voice in the spotlight, but I had only decided on the morning of the show that I absolutely had to focus on #BLM and through the radio, I have the avenue to broadcast ideas, so I did just that.

The other difficulty I had was personally not letting my emotions overtake me during the broadcast. Usually I can keep my composure but I, like many of you, have been feeling grief, sadness, anger and guilt for the tragic events happening in the streets and in our communities.  These emotions are detectable in the dialogue portion of this program.  I'm not apologizing for that.  Things are messed up around the world and I spoke from the heart, be it stuttered and awkward in parts.

My goal of this program was to share the words of these musicians, because music always has a role in sparking positive change. Music tells stories.  Music speaks to the beat of our souls and that's universal.  Thanks to Jason, Ando and Al for the requests.  Also thanks to everyone who called in and congrats to those who got their name entered for the Way Home Fest tickets.

Much love and appreciation for Toronto Black Lives Matter.

This show aired on July 8th, 2016 on CHRW 94.9FM

PLAYLIST

Ana Tijoux - Somos Sur

Nina Simone - Mississippi Goddamn

Sly & The Family Stone - Everyday People

Gil Scott Heron - Whitey on the Moon

Eugene McDaniels - Supermarket Blues

Irma Thomas - Anyone Who Knows What Love Is

Shad - FamJam

John Coltrane - Blue Train

Shabazz Palaces - New Black Wave

Janelle Monae - Hell You Talmbout

CQuel - The Death of Me

Taina Asili - Freedom

Invincible & Waajeed - Detroit Summer

Lauren Hill - Time Moves Slow

BadBadNotGood - Time Moves Slow

Neil Young - Southern Man

Radiohead - Burn The Witch

Factor - Factoria

Macklemore - White Privilege II

DOWNLOAD LINKS (good until July 29th, 2016)
https://chrwradio.ca/radio/podcasts/51089/Jul-08Fri1400.mp3
https://chrwradio.ca/radio/podcasts/51089/Jul-08Fri1500.mp3

Best Albums of 2013

December 31st, 2013

2013 was a exciting year for music and I had a very tough time choosing what I considered 'best', due to my eclectic collection (which I have recently dubbed an 'eclection').

They're the 'best' for me in so many different ways; some 'best' for the dancefloor, road trips, cheering up or mellowing out.  The common denominator is that I loved them, so there's that.

Here are my top 5 albums of 2013 + runner's up, in no particular order because it's nearly impossible to compare my favourite rap, rock, electronic and roots albums in that way.

xx dj mediafrenzy

DJ MEDIAFRENZY's TOP 5 ALBUMS of 2013

Shad - Flying Colours

Ah yeah!  This album just makings me so happy to listen to.  It's rap at it's finest IMO;

clever, lyrical, socially conscious, deep and hopeful.  While Eminem would be screaming obscenities at us through the mic, Shad shares poetry with a smile and a helluva beat.  My favourite tracks include: "Love Means", a duet with the very rad femcee, Eternia from Tdot delving into the complexities of relationships, monogamy and expectation and "Fam Jam" a super upbeat track exploring his roots and place in this world.  I was fortunate enough to open for Shad last year at a small show, EOA, which was quite a treat. His passion for his old London stomping grounds is ever apparent.  He praised and thanked all the lifelong/old friends and faces he saw at the LMH concert on this year's tour.  I wish I could have enjoyed the show more, the melody was lost in the bass, which shook my insides and made the songs almost an unrecognizable vibrating fart.  They should have turned down the bass a tad and let the rest of the elements keep shining. The spoken word during the encore made the hairs on my arm stand on end, so it made it all worth it.

Washed Out - Paracosm

This might just be my most listened to album of 2013.  I picked up a CD copy of this on the way out of town and it stayed on repeat for the whole 4 hour drive.  I wasn't sick of it at the end.  I listened to it more, I want more.  The album, which features the sounds of over 50 different instruments immediately puts you in a relaxed zen state, but holds you entranced and interested, never bored.  Ernest Greene's best work yet.  Good for both late night driving and early morning rising.

The Sadies - Internal Sounds

The awesome, dark psychedelic side of the the Sadies shines through the most in their latest release.  It still contains a heavy western feel of twang and sorrow, but with such a driving force coming through the instruments.  I do love this album, but the optimum way to fully experience the emotion, strength and endurance in this music is to see 'em live, playing their hearts out through 2 sets and a encore.  "Thank you Ladies and Gentleman, we only have 26 more songs for you tonight."

Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

It's funny how albums grow on you (or you into them).  I really didn't care for this album on first listen: the poppy disco vibe was annoying me, but damn if it wasn't so catchy.  The second listen had me bobbing my head, singing along and looking forward to the next track. I was hooked. My favourite song on the album is the finale, an epic electronic prog symphony called Contact, but the whole album is solid. I still enjoy hearing 'Get Lucky' despite it being overplayed to death on the radio this summer and I always look forward seeing to the next associated music video.

Charles Bradley - Victim of Love

Ooohh, sweet soul.  The horns, the moans, the deep, cool, sexy sounds from Daptone Records.

No, I'm not mistaken, this wasn't recorded in 1973.  But with 2  amazing albums in 3 years, I must say, we are extremely fortunate to have soul music of this calibre being recorded in 2013.  What a voice from Mr. Bradley, and The Menahan Street Band satisfies to the utmost degree.  I hear in Toronto he finished the show and got offstage to give the audience hugs.  

Close Runners Up

Factor - Woke Up Alone

My favourite hip hop producer collaborates with a stellar crew here, especially Kirby Dominant and Jeans Boots with their track "Don't Give Up"

Cults - Static

Love me some Cults, puts me in a good mood

Valerie June - Pushing Against A Stone

Beautiful rootsy, bluesy, folk with a strong hint of soul.  She's got a real phenomenal, unique voice. Hopefully 2014 will bring a live show my way.

Black Sabbath - 13

YES! Dirty, rough, pumping rock and roll.  The old boys have not lost their touch.  Definitely worth checking out.  I'll be missing the concert this spring, but a big 'rock on' to those of you who will witness these legends on potentially (one of?) their last tour(s).  Bluesy 'Loner' wins best track off this one.  The album cover is magical.

Neko Case - The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You

Neko singing Nico's 'Afraid'.  That song alone wins this album a place on this list.  Haunting and dramatic…and beautiful.

2014, whatcha got for my ears?