Monday, November 22, 2010

HIPSTER RUNOFF

HIPSTER RUNOFF

The Negrofication of Pitchfork and the Death of White Man's Indie

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 05:24 PM PST


Before I was born
into an authentic alt indie music maker
I heard an old legend / old wives tale
abt some 'cool dad' band called Wilco made an album
that received a 10.0 from Pitchfork

I was still incubating in an alternative womb
and wasn't able to appreciate 'the genius of Jeff Tweedy'
I still don't even know what Wilco sounds like (but I would probably find them 2 be boring)
so I didn't really have any sort of 'foundation' for what 'indie greatness' was

This means my modern life
Has been all about 'searching for that 10.0 buzzband'
Selecting 'unknown' bands before they even have an entire album to sample
Watch them grow
Watch them create new genres/memes/mp3s/mediocre music videos
Watch their debut album get a 8.0 - 8.7
Wait for their second album 2 disappoint/exceed expectations

I wanted 2 be there the whole way
Until a buzzband got a 10.0
Sort of like how u 'root for a sports team 2 win a championship'
It doesn't mean as much when u tune in to the final game
to celebrate as a 'bandwagon fan'
U want to be there opening day of the regular season
I wanted to be there the whole way
Watching a buzzband earn their alt-cred

Tons of bands picked 'the easy way out'
and just 'went mainstream'
instead of 'catering to authentic indie audiences'
Trying to get that 10.0

I guess it makes more sense from a 'financial perspective'
Because u have 2 make money in order 2 buy groceries

Just wish I was born 5 to 10 to 20 years earlier
and started a music website when the internet was 'first learning how 2 blog'
I feel like I have a unique perspective
that can be turned into an editorial site
offering news, reviews, and unique writings
on relevant musical themes

I feel like I could have had the chance to be 'Pepsi'
where p4k = Coca Cola
It seems like all blogs are just a bunch of
Mountain Dews

In a world where bloggers change their last name to the name of their blog
I wish I could be 'Carles Pitchfork'
and be 1 of the most relevant ppl of all time [link]

Back in the late 2k0s
mainstream media outlets wrote a bunch of articles about how
'a great Pitchfork rating can make or break ur career'
(not sure if that is still true or if Pitchfork ratings are just another internet meme/talking point 4 people who read 2 many blogs)

Felt like they had 'won' the indiesphere
Got 'tons of hits' + mainstream coverage abt how 'indie websites are relevant'
The rest of the internet online indie scene was/is an 'afterthought'
They banded 2gether as a unit 2 battle for relevancy

Tons of lil MP3 blogs began 2 pop up
(way 2 many, probably)
Hype Machine made them a lil more powerful as a unit
But then Hype Machine made them all seem kinda long-tail-y
Then a bunch of crappy lil alt snark blogs emerged that don't really offer that much value

And now we are in a stagnant phase of mp3 blog innovation
the niche exists
People know what they are getting
But maybe it is all 'stale' and 'boring'
now that the buzz + buzzband manufacturing process is so established

Who will offer a disruptive indie-blog experience
and 'take online music journalism'
and buzzing
2 the next level?

November 22, 2010
Kanye West's "My Dark Twisted Fantasy" receives a 10.0 from Pitchfork [link]
Review by some bro named "Ryan Dombal"

I googled the name Ryan Dombal
Because it seems like this is 'the defining moment of his journalistic bloggy life'
Even though I don't know anything abt him
And possibly will never know anything more abt him

It seems like he tweeted abt the reaction 2 his article
Wonder what it feels like
2 monitor twitter
knowing something that u wrote
'resonated' with hundreds/thousands/millions of ppl

Wonder what resonated more
the 'writing'
or 'the number'

"Life is all about numbers."
-probably some smart person / business person / mathematician

I never thought I'd live 2 see this day
a 10.0 on a new album
via the Pitchforks
(until Merriweather Post Pavillion is re-issued in 5-20 years)

But I feel 'a little bit effed'
Like there is 'no where to go' now that I have experienced perfection
It would be kinda like of God descended from Heaven
and was like 'Sup it's me--God.'
Then every1 would be like 'well, I guess we know who God is now.'
and there would be no more problems + drama
no more unanswered questions
no reason to keep searching 4 truth
Because God bro was like 'sup, I'm truth'

Perhaps this will lead to a 'reactionary sect'
creating 'even more backlash' [via hits] for the Pitchforks
But also
It might get 'rlly boring'
And no1 will even care any more

Maybe 'white man's indie' has been killed
and mainstream African American hip hop for white people will 'crowd out'
altbro internet market share
We live in a time where humans use tastemaking websites
2 construct their identity
Maybe alternative ppl will 'disconnect' from the internet
now that 'online perfection' has been experienced

We already know that in the 2k10s
only rappers can be 'brilliant' / produce perfection
so groups of 1-4 white dudes
can't make relevant albums any more

As a white skinned bro
Who used to think indie music made me 'unique'
I'm not sure why I am alive any more
I no longer believe that 1 day I will create the_perfect_buzzband

I sorta want to pull a 'reverse Michael Jackson'
and become black
not to play in the NBA/NFL,
but instead to write a relevant album

Somewhat confused about the decision to co-brand with Kanye West
Attaching ur credibility 2 Kanye West
unless u think he is gonna 'tragically die'
and then people will overrate him
and they can say 'we were on board b4 he died'

I thought that Kanye West = mainstream
And he didn't really make albums, he just gave outlandish interviews
and generating troll-wave memes
Waiting for a dude to implode/die/commit public sucide/overdose
I guess maybe he is 'more like Radiohead'
where every1 has to say they are 'amazing' whenever they release something

I thought Pitchfork was a place for white skinned people 2 chill
But I guess now they will probs start blogging about video hotties, sneakers, and the NBA
I respect them for going after 'the negro mainstream'
Kanye West represents an amazing land bridge
2 those 'random black avatars on twitter'
who are tweeting about mainstream stuff + trending topics

It takes a socially transcendent moment to remind us what makes life worth living [link]
But sometimes
It might make us think that life is worth giving up on
[via having 'no identity'/no reason to 'go on']

Really don't care abt Kanye West
This is 'just another meme'
in the Top 20 memes of his career
I still rank 'banging Amber Rose' ahead of getting a 10.0 from Pitchfork

"I'd rather pound an ass like that than a 10.0 from Pitchfork' -a bro

Today is not abt Kanye West
Today is about Pitchfork.com
An important day, a celebration of greatness

'making a bold decision'
'shaking up 2k10'
'shaking up the decade'
'shaking up indie'

Taking time 2 celebrate Pitchfork.com's blogzine career
Behind every blog/website is a spirit
and they were waiting for a 10.0
even longer/harder than u were

Back in the day
It used to take a 'revolutionary piece of journalism'
an interview where 'some1 famous said something controversial'
or a 'behind the scenes look at a public figure who is relatively secretive'
to make a splash

But today
It only took one number to transcend the modern state of music journalism
four characters 1 0 . 0
1 meme

(sorta wonder if they should get the rights to a 10.0 sponsored by a brand)

10.0 brought 2 u by Old Spice / Heineken / Bud Light Amber Wheat

10.0
My life is totally different
My life is totally the same
My online existence where I search for relevant bands, albums and mp3s is no longer a journey
I have reached my destination

Maybe Pitchfork
Should give themselves a 10.0
For winning the battle 4 hits]
The battle for relevant memes
The battle for editorial weight in a world where bloggyspots just post reactionary crap and forgettable mp3s on the reg
Transcending the long tail
and the bottlenecks of content generation
and 'making the leap'
to 'mainstream'
riding the human meme
that is Kanye West

Do u think this 10.0 will 'revitalize' Pitchfork's brand?
Does a 10.0 mean anything to people who already listen to Kanye West?
Is the new Kanye West album 'bold' and 'amazing'?
Do u wish u could be a journalist/blogger/online web presence?
What is the future of online music blogs?
Do u think Pitchfork will take away Wilco's 10.0 because they are white?

R u proud of Pitchfork for 'doing something bold'?
Do u think P4k will ever give a modern buzzband a 10.0 now?
Can a 'crappy new white buzzband' get a 10.0, or does this introduce a theory where u first have to 'go mainstream', then make something that 'is bold/innovative' that makes u more relevant/10.0worthy?
Is Pitchfork 'done' with the Animal Collective brand?
Will ppl begin to associate P4k with Kanye West instead of AnCo?
Does this mean 'less Animal Collective = the face of indie' jokes will ultimately hurt the band?
What's next for mp3 blogs? Will they find a new 'indie darling'?
Is indie music dead?
Do u buy into any of the 'conspiracy theories' abt this 10.0? [link]
Does any1 even 'give a shit' abt p4k ratings any more?
Has pitchfork 'rebranded' and 'opened up a new era' in online journalism + the evolution of their reviews?
Is this the greatest moment in Pitchfork Reviews history?
If Pitchfork could rate ur life, what do u think they would give u?

BREAKING: Cut Copy releases another new mp3. Is 2k11 finally here?

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 01:14 PM PST

Link: http://www.modularpeople.com/news/listen-cut-copy-take-me-over-premiere-/3894.html


Cut Copy is a relevant band from Australia that is releasing a new album in 2k11. It seems like they are going to be one of the first 'relevant' artist to enter into the 2k11 armsrace for the 'album of the year. They released some new mp3.

STREAM:

Is this already 'the best song of 2k11'?
Will Cut Copy release the best album of 2k11?
Is Cut Copy 'crushing it'?
Will their album not be anything 'earth shattering', but still a welcome, consistent product that u can 'shake ur ass 2'?

Melbourne's finest, Cut Copy, are proud to unleash the first official single from their new LP Zonoscope, "Take Me Over" which you can listen to, below. The new single is available NOW from all fine digital retailers and will be dropped on 12" vinyl in the very near future.

Zonoscope is out on Modular February 4 in Australia, February 7 in Europe and February 8 in North America.

Do u <3 Cut Copy?
Can Cut Copy ever 'do anything wrong'?
Can they top 'In Ghost Colours' and/or 'Bright Like Neon Love'?
Which 2k11 album release are u looking forward 2 the most?
R u glad that 2k10 is finally ovr now that Kanye West got a 10.0?
Is Cut Copy 'authentic' or 'entry level'?
Should I make a Thanxgiving Party Anthem mix tape and put this song on it?

Gorillaz covers the XX, sounds way better than the XX

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 12:23 PM PST

Just watched this video of the band GORILLAZ 'covering' the XX's hit song "Crystalized." I didn't know Gorillaz were 'real ppl', I thought that they were just cartoons or something but I guess not. Anyways, they have like a 6 person band, and I feel like they 'make the song sound better' because there are so many more layers and the song sounds all haunted on the lil piano.

Not sure if the 'minimalness' of the XX really 'held up' over time. They probs need to ditch that gimmick on their next album. Sometimes it feels they they 'stumbled in2' catchy guitar riffs. Sometimes I feel kinda over them, but sometimes I'm like 'they're chill--hope they keep eyeball fucking the shit out of me.'

Went ahead and watched a live performance of Crystalized by the XX.

I guess it 'has its charm', but feel like they need to 'go way bigger' on their next album if they want to go mainstream-er. Like multiply their touring band by 2x, have 6 members ready to 'fill up an arena' with ambientwave rock n roll. Also feel like Jamie XX should get some drum lessons just so they sound better/he doesn't get carpal tunnel.

Do all mainstream bands think that the XX is 'brilliant'?
Can the XX release the album of the year in 2k11?
Will they get a 10.0?
What can they do to sound better in 2k11?
Is Gorillaz an 'authentic' band or just a gimmick for stoner lamestreamers?
Is the lead singer of Gorillaz 'a genius'/the 'modern Trent Reznor'?
Do yall miss the XX memes as they record their new album?
Is this cover 'brilliant' or 'terrible'?

//feeling//
s000//
/crystalized/////

PREVIOUSLY
Shakira covers the XX, totally butchers

Vampire Weekend writes the official jingle for the Honda Civic commercial

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 08:57 AM PST

Recently, Tommy Hilfiger put the song "Holiday" by Vampy Weeks in2 one of their commercials [link]. It seems like Vampy Weeks 'cashed in' because they also sold the rights to the song to Honda in this new commercial for Honda Civic. The commercial is supposed 2 have that whole 'quirky'/'artsy' aesthetic going on, so I guess they wanted a song that sounded whimsical 2 mainstreamers.

I wonder if Honda/Tommy Hilfiger is pissed that Vampy Weekend 'hustled them'/'two-timed' them. While many ppl

Do u think this commercial will make u want to buy a Honda Civic?
From what I understand, Honda Civics are for high school girls and sensible young adults who don't have enough money to buy more of a luxury sedan, so the Civic is something that shows ur sensible, not poor, and still trying to make more money.

I guess it was a good idea that they put Vampy Weeks in their commercial so they can have an 'upscale brand' instead of being 'the official street racing car of AZNs.' [via Tokyo Drifting while ur 2 fast and 2 furious gone in 60 seconds]

Did Vampire Weekend strategically compose this song to make 'mad bank'?
Does Vampy Weeks have to raise 'mad capital' to pay Kirsten Kennis' broke ass?
Do u think the label is 'green lighting' these commercials bc of Kirsten?
Will 'Holiday' be used in another holiday-themed ad before the year is over?
Will Vampire Weekend's exposure in these commercials lead them 2 become 'bigger than U2' when their next album is released?
Is 'writing songs 4 commercials' the best way to make $$$ as a band?
Will Vampy Weeks next album get a 10.0 from p4k?

BREAKING: Kanye West gets perfect 10.0 from Pitchfork. Have we finally found 'the perfect album'?

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 07:39 AM PST

Link: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14880-my-beautiful-dark-twisted-fantasy/


Pitchfork.com is a popular indie music website that does reviews of CDs/albums, and the highest score is a 10.0. In one of the most newsworthy events/memes of 2k10, Pitchfork has given Kanye West's new album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy a perfect 10.0. Not sure if there is some sort of gimmick/conspiracy behind this. Few albums have received a perfect 10.0 upon first release. Not sure why p4k gave them a 10.0 when he is an African American rapping negro artist. They usually focus on white man's indie music, so maybe they are trying to 'break into' hip hop markets.

Did this album receive a 10.0?
Did u even know Kanye West had a new album out?
Does this mean 2k10 has been 'saved', or is this like some sort of nuclear bomb being dropped on 2k10?
Do u think p4k reviews have been losing relevancy/traffic, and they sort of wanted to remind ppl 'hey. we are relevant, controversial, and get ppl talking. Please feel free to re-blog, FB share, and tweet this link'?
Should every album get a 10.0 for the sake of getting 'mad hits'?

Anyways, the review seems like the kind of thing where they 'tried rlly hard' to make it all 'amazing' because people will look at that review until Pitchfork dies, so they wanted to really 'capture a moment' in history or something.

They really try to sell the angle that we are 'watching greatness' and Kanye is one of the best of all time:

To be clear, Kanye West is not Michael Jackson. As he told MTV last month, "I do have a goal in this lifetime to be the greatest artist of all time, [but] that's very difficult being that I can't dance or sing." He ended the thought with a laugh, but you get the impression he's not kidding. Unlike Michael, he's not interested in scrubbing away bits of himself-- his blackness, his candidness-- to appease the masses. And while Jackson's own twisted fantasies of paranoia and betrayal eventually consumed him whole, West is still aware of his illusions, though that mindfulness becomes increasingly unmoored with each newspaper-splashing controversy. The balance is tenuous, but right now it's working to his advantage. On Twisted Fantasy, Kanye is crazy enough to truly believe he's the greatest out there. And, about a decade into his career, the hardworking perfectionist has gained the talent on the mic and in the control room to make a startlingly strong case for just that.

I think the whole gimmick around this album is that it is 'really bold' and he 'tried shit that no1 else would' so he is really 'an artist' or something.

With his music and persona both marked by a flawed honesty, Kanye's man-myth dichotomy is at once modern and truly classic. "I can't be everybody's hero and villain, savior and sinner, Christian and anti Christ!" he wrote earlier this month. That may be true, but he's more willing than anyone else to try.

Does n e 1 know what the last album 2 receive a 10.0 was? Do u think Kanye West is better than Wilco?

Many alts and pitchfork experts say that this is 'really fishy' and tons of conspiracy theories are developing abt this 10.0

Conspiracy Theories Developing....

-Kanye West played Pitchfork Offline [link] and had a handshake agreement with Pitchfork to receive a 10.0 from them in exchange 4 playing 4 free
-Kanye West promised miscellaneous Pitchfork writers 'exclusive content
-Pitchfork is attempting to break into 'hip hop blog markets' and this is a meme that will get 'random black ppl on twitter's attention'
-Even though Kanye West is more of a celeb gossip blog meme, a 10.0 was the only way to get ppl to treat him like he is a cover-able indie artist
-Pitchfork is 'giving up on indie' because 2k10 was a 'huge let down'
-There is a large-scale ad campaign that is running concurrently to this 10.0, and they are just driving mad traffic
-Pitchfork founder Ryan Schreiber grew up in Chicago with Kanye West, and they were childhood friends


Do u have a conspiracy theory?
Is this the biggest moment in the history of modern indie music?
Have we finally found 'the perfect modern album'?
Do u h8 how white indie blogs are all like 'black ppl are kewl'?
Is this 'indie affirmative action'
Did Kanye West deserve a 10.0?
Is Kanye West a real artist or just some1 who makes memes?
Did u listen to this album? Is it 'good' or 'just another rap album abt how the rapper is great/dark/deep etc'?
Have we finally found 'the perfect album'? Can we stop searching for relevant buzzbands bc we finally have a perfect product?

Is this the album of 2k10?
Is this the album of the decade?
Is this the album of the century?
Is this the album of the millennium?
Is this the greatest album of all time?

#Project_Girl re-emerges, responds to Regine, does Arcade Fire cover

Posted: 21 Nov 2010 06:29 PM PST

#Project_Girl is some girl who made a high school class project about HIPSTER RUNOFF [link] and ended up getting a B- as a grade because the teacher was all like 'wtf is hipsterrunoffs?' Anyways, projgirl has captured the hearts and minds of the HRO community and has become a divisive figure as she continues to generate bloggable content. It seems like she created some sort of response to Regine Chassagne who continues to 'ruin' the Arcade Fire by singing and no1 likes her voice.

Do u think Win Butler should 'dump' Regine and integrate projgirl in2 his life/band?

Is Project Girl more attractive+marketable than Regine?
Does Regine sound better in MP3 format than she does 'live'?
Will Regine 'go solo'?

#Project_Girl then did a keut little dance to some vintage Arcade Fire song. Do u <3 her free spirited tween dreamy dance moves?

Will Win Butler replace Regine with Proj Girl?
Do u <3 ProjGirl?
Do u think Projjie Girl has a better voice than Regine?