Belly's Best Music of 2012: At the Quarter Pole

At the end of 2011, I compiled a list of my favorite records released in that year. It consisted of 13 albums. This year, I feel as if I've been inundated with very good music at a much greater rate; though perhaps my unemployment is responsible for this impression, as it has given me more time to keep abreast of new developments. Accordingly, as we round the quarter pole of 2012, 14 albums have thus far caused me to take note. Faithful readers will not be surprised by the heavy concentration of electronic music. Additionally, female musicians and vocalists, often possessing a retrospective bent, feature prominently. However, lest I be accused of sexism, I should point out that one of my favorite albums on the list - Tanlines' Mixed Emotions - was made by a pair of dudes. In any case, hopefully my abundance of free time, resulting in this aggregation of tunes, will allow the more harried to find something they like without searching too exhaustively. Finally, please note that the selections are listed simply in alphabetical order and numbered only for clarity. Have at it, after the jump.

Snoop Dogg: Deep House DJ

A delightfully surprising (and free!) mixtape from the always smooth Snoop D-O-double G. Link below.

01 TEKNO EURO MIXX

Kick Them When They're Down

"Them," in this case, refers of course to the Duke Blue Devils, who, as a number two seed, just went down in flames to the fifteenth-seeded Lehigh Mountain Hawks. However, it is not enough to note that Duke has a pathetically inferior basketball team this year. We must also keep in mind that, if they have souls (and most likely they do not), they are as black as the deepest night. Thus, I feel on hesitation in kicking them when they're down. Indeed, it's what they would do if the roles were reversed, as you can see. 

Despite the awesome, uplifting, glorious fact that we do not have to view the disfigured mugs of the Plumlees, Ryan Kelly, and the rest of Duke's mong brigade until next year's season, we will undoubtedly be subjected to watching Christian Laettner's shot against Kentucky in the 1992 national semi-finals over and over and over. The selective and gratuitous repetition of this episode is a potent reminder that all history is interpretation; subjectivity invariably enters into and colors the recounting of events past. In this case, the NCAA, as well as every major TV network and corporation, for some reason (probably racism) choose to paint Duke as heroic victors, despite their undeniably petty, reprehensible nature, illustrated in the disgraceful act committed by Laettner. So, every time you see the insufferable UPS commercial featuring the hackneyed highlight from this contest, please recall that the game in question also included this lowlight. Furthermore, one could ask why UPS did not simply include a rundown of all Laettner's NBA highlights, which could fit just as easily into a 30 second television commercial, but I suppose that's beside the point. The point is that Duke is utterly terrible in myriad ways.

In any case, congratulations to Lehigh and, on behalf of humanity, I extend our deepest gratitude.

Three Hypnotic Minutes

I don't mean to turn this into a site in which I simply post music, but this video and song have such an extraordinarily beautiful confluence that I wanted very much to share it. Additionally, CFCF is a remarkable musician that has put out a wonderful album (Continent) and two EPs (Panesian Nights and The River), but is still relatively unknown. I highly suggest checking him out. The following song is apparently from an upcoming album, called Exercises. Enjoy.

CFCF, Exercise #3 (Building)

Keep It On The Down Low

Recently, I posted a playlist on the occasion of my (sort of) birthday. It consisted of newer, fashionable music, for the most part. However, I must admit that I wasn't always so hip. I started to develop an awareness of popular culture in the early 1990s and, in all honesty, I was conflicted from the very start. How could one not be? I was supposed to be developing into a man (a traditionally masculine one, that is), yet I was being bombarded by some of the most affecting, sensitive ballads of our time. On the one hand, I tried to act tough by professing a preference for hard rock and hip-hop; but then I would flip on MTV and get misty-eyed watching the videos you see below. I hated that I loved these songs; it embarrassed me thoroughly. But, looking back, I think my instincts were right and I'm now prepared to admit my affinities, which I've kept on the down low all these years. Who's with me? (Songs after the jump...)

Playlist for Drinking Alone on One's Birthday

Despite the title, I assure you I'm not seeking sympathy with this post (though, if you're offering, I might take just a little...). Honestly, I've had incredible birthdays the past couple years when nearly all the best lads on the eastern seaboard descended on me for joyous weekends of carefree frolicking (easy, not like that). It was much more than I deserved and I'm incredibly grateful to have such wonderful friends; it would be selfish to ask for more (but if you guys are coming to surprise me, that doesn't mean you should scrap your plans or anything). So, in that magnanimous spirit, I thought I'd give a little something back, rather than my usual taking. Unfortunately, I don't have much; hence, I offer music. 

Contrary to the melancholy title, I would characterize this playlist as a smooth, pleasurable listen, with enough bounce and variety to keep things interesting and fun, though I must admit that it does end in a somewhat wistful, doleful (but hopefully not unpleasant) manner. All in all, it's not unlike myself: smooth, pleasurable (that's gross, sorry), interesting, fun... well, maybe not, on second thought. But the end is, at least. Wistful, doleful, hopefully not unpleasant: Yes, that's more like it. In any case, whether alone or with others, raise a mug of the sweetest white wine you can find and enjoy. (Playlist after the jump...)

Belly's Wednesday Wine & Food Pairings

I realize it has been a while since the last BWW&FP. However, this time I have a good excuse for my apparent slothfulness! Plus, in the meantime BWW&FP gained a veritable anthem in a wonderful song by Blondes, titled simply "Wine." 

(Incidentally, I make an appearance in the video around the 3:00 mark.)

Now, why have I been tardy in bringing you your weekly wine knowledge?