Alternate Movie Tag Line: It's Complicated

"Sophie's choice just got a whole lot easier."

2009: The Musical That Was.

2009 is about to be up and out of here in a minute kids and here's a quick look back at the musica that gave me that crunch up my face, Gaahd Damn, who the hell is this feeling. WARNING! ACHTUNG! FIJATE! Not all of these songs were released in 2009. Don't consider that a cheat, consider more that these are the songs that made me clutch my chest, that made me smile, that made me think of someone special, that made me have my solo dance parties, that I'm gonna play at my next house party (soon people), that made me sing out loud, that made me ignore you on the train, that made me think everything is alright if you got your music with you.

"Zero" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs from the album It's Blitz: Go ahead, ask me how I feel about Karen O. I wish you would. I am a fan and if you ever meet her you do me a favor and let her know my name is Ricky. This is the album that makes the convincing argument that dancing with a girl in a blue cape is something we should all strive for.



"Talking 'Bout My Baby" by Fatboy Slim from the album Halfway Between The Gutter And The Stars: Here's what you do. On a nice summer day, when you wake up next to your wonderful woman and she says, "What are we gonna do today baby?". You play this song for her and you just belt out those vocals to her. "Under the big bright yellow sun!". Thass right.



"Gettin' Up" by Q-Tip from the album The Renaissance: "Ahhhh! Here's my Q-Tip!" That was the reaction a lot of us had when we heard "Gettin' Up" after we were all a little disappointed with his first album Amplified. The Renaissance made us realize again that "what good is a ear if a Q-Tip isn't in it.". And for the record I would wear every outfit that Tip rocks in the video. Red military blazer, fox hat, shorts, big rimmed glasses. I'll rock that no doubt.



"Show You The Way To Go" by The Jacksons from the album The Jacksons: I never would have known of this song had it not been for the Michael Jackson Tribute mix made by DJ Premier shortly after Michael died. The mix is hot. Talk to that. This cut is one reason why. Young Michael in full dance floor R&B smooth swagger mode.



"Sooner Or Later" by N.E.R.D. from the album Seeing Sounds: "Sooner or later it all comes crashing down.". Well crashing never sounded so good. Enjoy the crash, and the cymbals, and the sick guitar solo, and "It's Over! Leave It!".



"It's Your's" by Jon Cutler Feat. E-Man (Tiefschwarz Vocal) from the album After The Playboy Mansion [Disc2]: You like housing it up? You like feeling good about yourself at the same time? Would you like to combine those two feelings? Then this song would like to talk to you for a minute.



"Make Her Say" by Kid Cudi Feat. Kanye West and Common from the album Man On The Moon: End Of Day: "Day N' Night" was Cudi's big hit and the obvious choice but as much as I loved it I gotta go with "Make Her Say". The old school drum beat, the scratches, and the guest vocals by Kanye and Common put this one on top. Especially Common's verse "They say you be on that conscious tip, get your head right and get up on this conscious dick."



"New Wu" by Raekwon from the album Built For Cuban Linx Pt.II: Throw your W's up. Don't fight that lip curl that happens while you listen to this. That is the natural Wu Tang reaction at work. Embrace it. Wu Tang International.



"Thank You" Jay-Z from the album The Blueprint 3: Thank you Hector for giving me this album. You're welcome to everybody who got a copy from me.



"JuJu" by Black Coffee feat. Zakes Bantwini from the album Home Brewed: I heard this song courtesy of Mario Romay from Groove Parlor and believe me when I tell you everyone in the spot turned and looked over at him like, "What is this?!?"



"I Don't Need It" by Jamie Foxx from the album Intuition: I heard this on the Mediterranean Sea. I danced to it in a palace in Istanbul. DJ Sadie and Madrid Perry. Thank you.



"Funky Kingston" by Toots & The Maytals: The first thing that's gonna happen is your leg is gonna start bouncing, then you're gonna put your fist up, then you're just gonna be magically stoned. Enjoy. Thank you James Fritz.



There was more, a lot more that I could have put on here but that's just a taste of what the musical good times were like this year. Thanks to everybody who gave me music this year: Groove Parlor, Paul, Angel, Fritz, Hector, Gusto, Becky, Evan, Zo, Josh, Michael, etc., You don't know how happy it makes me.

Alternate Movie Tag Line: AntiChrist

"It's The Date Movie Of The Year!"

Ebert, Mookie, And Me.

Roger Ebert loves Spike Lee. I love Spike Lee. Roger Ebert is my boy. Not just because we feel the same way about Spike Lee (it don't hurt though) but because Ebert really knows how to explain a Spike Lee movie. Where I might just let my emotions override what I'm actually trying to say and I just turn into sound effects with the word "Mookie" sprinkled in throughout, Ebert respects the work and effort that Spike Lee puts into his movies and knows how to get that point across. He can explain to you what's happening inside the frame of a Spike Lee shot and he can give solid insight as to what's happening behind the camera. Ebert's been leading the Lee charge from the time "She's Gotta Have It" was released and his opinion/review to watching "Do The Right Thing" when it was first released in Cannes is legend, that is if movie reviewers can have legends.



Head over to Roger Ebert's site right now and check out his blog called Great Movies where he discusses great films past and present. Ebert just revisited Spike Lee's "The 25th Hour" starring Edward Norton. If you haven't seen the movie do not read the blog. Actually if you haven't seen "The 25th Hour" go handle that right now then check out Ebert's solid look back on it.

Hey Have You Seen The New Iron Man 2 Trailer?

Hey it's The Larry Sanders Show starring Iron Man! Actually it's the trailer for Iron Man 2 but that is Mr. Sanders, Garry Shandling himself, starting the trailer off before being joined by Robert Downey Jr., Mickey Rourke, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Don Cheadle as Terrance Howard. Everything regarding Iron Man 2 up to and including this trailer has the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" vibe to it and that's a very good thing. Unless your Terrance Howard. I'll never understand why he's not in this movie but seeing Buck Swope as War Machine is pretty bad ass in my opinion. Enjoy the goodness that is the Iron Man 2 trailer peoples. It arrives in theaters on May 7th, 2010.

Two Thangs For Tuesday...actually Three!

Que Pasa Peoples! Quick thangs for the week, rundown of shows, and that's that.

I will be performing at CHICAGO UNDERGROUND COMEDY tonight at 9:30pm. It's the best place to see stand up, it's my favorite place to do stand up, it's something you should come check out and see. Guepa!

My sketch comedy show "We Don't Need Know Stinkin' Edumucation!" is still going strong at the Chicago Center For The Performing Arts - 777 N. Green Street. Check it out this Thursday at 8pm. Email the ESL Players on Facebook and you get a chance to get some free tickets. Times are tough, I know it!

This Sunday Dec. 20th I'll be performing stand up at Gorilla Tango Theater (1919 N. Milwaukee) as part of "Hanuchristmakwanzika II".

"Hanuchristmakwanzika II will benefit Imagination Theater, a non-profit organization that provides schools and diverse audiences with dynamic, participatory programming. They enhance well-being and create a more civil, safe society. Hanuchristmakanzika II will be a holiday-themed, PG-13 comedy show featuring hilarious stand-up comics and improv you won’t want to miss."

Please continue to support shows like this one that are for a good cause during the holidays. Tickets are $10 (cash only). Showtime is 4:30pm. Donations can be also be made at this link.

Happy Monday!

Nothing says technology to me like being able to use a computer in an airport. I base all advances in technology not on medical breakthroughs or space travel accomplishments, nope. I base them on selfish solutions and the advance of video game graphics. I'm glad they found water on the moon but have you seen that new Arkham Asylum! Hell naw!!!
I don't want to be selfish right now. I want to say thanks to everybody who came out to the Lincoln Lodge this past Friday night. Every comic did great. As nerve racking as those nights can be the best part is seeing your friends go onstage and tear it up. And ya' say Chi-City! Duke's Ale House in Crystal Lake also was a treat. Cool peoples who came out in the cold to laugh. Solid.
And it wouldn't have been a Saturday without hearing some House Music. Big thanks to Groove Parlor's Mario Romay and DJ Hector Lopez for knocking it out this weekend. I brought a little bit of what I heard with me from Saturday. Oooooh, this cut is sick. This is Black Coffee featuring Zakes Bantwini with the track "Juju". Happy Monday.

I Feel Good Music.

It's Friday! If the sun ain't shining where you are that don't mean you shouldn't be smiling. You'll be able to handle your business. I feel good today. I feel like that Richard Pryor bit where he just keeps saying, "I feel!...I feel good!...I feel..."
Real quick people. I will be performing at The Lincoln Lodge tonight at 9pm. It's a special showcase for NWE Talent based out of New York and Los Angeles. The line-up is stacked. It's gonna be fun. I'm looking forward to it. If you can come through that would be solid. You can find all the specifics for the show right here.
Hey how about some music to make you feel good music on this Friday right now? Word. This cut here is "Go Getter (Soulflower Mix)" by Matthias 'Matty' Heilbronn and featuring Monique Bingham
on the vocals. This is solo dance party in your house music. This is getting dressed in front of the mirror ready to go out music . This is "Oh she singing about me!" music. This is the kind of song where when you walk down the street your footsteps make the sidewalk light up. It's the kind of song where Morris Day would say, "This song ain't for everybody only the sexy people!" It's the kind of song where if the sun ain't shining you go "No problem. I can handle this". Handle it.

Where I'm From

Today in Chicago it's cold where I'm from. Today there's not many warm happy people where I'm from. Right now this is how I'm dealing with where I'm from.

Talk To This.

This is one of the many reasons I love the CHUD website. If you don't know the site check them out. They write about movies, toys, television, etc.. Here in particular is a great revisit to the movie Rocky. Good reading for you to enjoy.

The Jacksons....Are They Your Boys?

I have been on a Jacksons kick lately. Not a Michael Jackson kick. I've heard practically every Michael song there is. No I'm talking about The Jacksons. I know their hits but like every group there's always a song that comes out of the woodwork that makes me go "Who's this?" Then I put on my Indiana Jones outfit and I'm on the quest for the next great cut. This cut here is one of them. This is "Show You The Way To Go" performed in London circa 1979 on the Destiny Tour. I heard this song as part of the DJ Premier Michael Jackson tribute mix that Premier put out not long after Michael passed. The great thing about the mix is that it's predominantly Jackson 5/Jacksons material with some Michael solo cuts sprinkled throughout. If you can get your hands on that mix it will do you no harm. For now enjoy some of this right here. And hey give it up for the Jacksons for them space outfits. Those outfits are proof once again that every musician during the '70's was from Outta Space.

Good Times & A Good Cause

Que pasa peoples. I have some fun shows lined up for you this week if you're looking for the good times. First up it's Mikey O.'s 8th Annual Holiday Giggle at Joe's On Weed Street. Comedians come together and perform for local charities. Good Times & A Good Cause. What more you need? Doors open at 6pm and showtime is at 7:30pm. Click on this link for more details.

But wait! There's mas! Every Thursday at 8pm check out "We Don't Need Know Stinkin' Edumucation!" at The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts. This show brings back the Old School, brings in the New School, and shows that it's okay to act like a fool. You bring yourselves and we'll bring the funny. Hoochies as always are always encouraged to attend this show.



Hope I get to see you out and about peoples. You're wonderful. Peace!

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Jay-Z...Is That Your Boy?

Shaun Carter was born December 4th weighing in at 10 pounds 8oz. He was the last of my four children the only one who didn't give me any pain when I gave birth to him and that's how I knew he that he was a special child.

And so begins the cut "December 4th" by Jay-Z off the hip hop classic The Black Album which I am bumping right now on this very December 4th 2009. Clearly the album title is a nod to The Beatles The White Album and even more clear is the fact that like The White Album has its status as one of the great rock n' roll albums of all time, The Black Album is one of the best hip hop albums of all time.



I came in late on the Jay-Z fandom. When Jay-Z hit the scene I was not interested. I was so stuck in my time of early '90s hip hop like Tribe, De La, and Pharcyde that anything that even threatened the pedestal that I placed those bands on I would look at with a crooked eye. That's a bad habit I had. Too many people tell me to listen something and I immediately look for the problems with it. "Man screw Jay-Z. You like rappers who use Annie samples huh? Must be how you was raised." Finally someone gave me a copy of The Black Album and I wasn't hearing Jimi, I was listening to Jimi.

I didn't go crazy and buy every Jay-Z album. I just couldn't stop listening to The Black Album. I played "Encore" so much I would mime the opening horns in my terrible Miles Davis impression (it's really bad) no matter where I was listening to it, the shower, the club, the train. Any song on that album causes a reaction. You get that Jay-Z swagger when you hear "What More Can I Say", "Dirt Off Your Shoulder", "99 Problems" and the track list goes on and on. I have to mention "My 1st Song". That's how you end an album. That song has Rolling Stones status when it comes to ending an album. Listen to the album Exile On Main St. by the Stones and when you get to the final track "Soul Survivor" you feel like you've taken a musical trip with them. The same goes for "My 1st Song".

Then Jay-Z retired and he lost me again. I thought "Who retires from hip hop?". Policemen retire, boxers retire, Carlitos Brigante retired. Rappers don't retire, they just stop rapping until something else comes along. So I bid my adieu to Jay-Z for awhile yet again. And what does Jay-Z do? He comes out of retirement and drops this on me:



To everyone who was around me when "Show Me What You Got" dropped I apologize for playing it to death...PSYCH! You must be out'cho mind if that song don't get you to moving. Play it at a house party the next time you can and see what the reaction is. Shoulders bouncing and heads bobbing. That's what it do.

Now I'm on the lookout for what Jay-Z is gonna do next. What's he gonna do? How will he follow up that monster cut (Kingdom Come as an album is a'ight but "Show Me What You Got" on its own is ridiggilous.)? He makes the soundtrack to Denzel's American Gangster. Yeah that was the sound of my brain exploding.

"I Know" is the best song on that album. You can make your arguments but you'll be making them to a cardboard cut out of me cause ain't nothing you can say that will convince me.

So what then? Time goes by. Then I get a gift in an email a little while back that said The Blueprint 3. Download here. What did I do? I do what any intelligent music loving person would do, I downloaded it and this comes banging out my speakers:



That's what Jay was talking about and that's what I been talking about ever since. Think back to the exact moment when you first heard that opening beat drop on "What We Talkin' About". What happened? My neck dropped back right away followed by a "Daaaaaaamn!" How many of you got the album? How many times have you sung "Empire State Of Mind" in your own Alicia Keys impression (it's probably better than my Miles Davis impression)? How many of you said Thank You Jay-Z for The Blueprint 3? You should today. It's Jay-Z's birthday. It's December 4th.

Tonight!

Tonight is my show at the Beat Kitchen. It's Chad Briggs-Wha'What! Joe Fernandez-Look Out! Carrie Callahan-Awww Hell Naw! DJ Sadie Woods-Don't Hurt'em! It's all for you. You should come check it out. We'll laugh. We'll funk. And it will do you no harm. It's Ricky Carmona: UnFunkinLimited.