And in this spirit, Complex is throwing a big party at The House of Vans in Brooklyn on Thursday, October 18. It is called “Judgment Night” and will feature two stages across from each other trading blows… rap vs. rock. Our very own Paul Banks is headlining the rock stage with Action Bronson closing the night out. Check out the line-up, including Alchemist DJ’ing all night, Purrp, Ratking and the very awesome Savages, who are playing one of their very first shows in the US.
And don’t forget to check out the big Paul Banks show featuring 98% less rap on November 13 at Webster Hall. Tickets available here.
This ’70s group from the African country of Benin (or in its earlier incarnation Dahomey) has been kicking my ass lately. Poly-Rythmo recorded every imaginable type of African popular music – rhumba, funk, calypso, blues, Beninois folklore – but manage to imprint their elegantly loping, loose style onto every one. They released over 50 LPs and 100 7″es, mostly on the Albarika Store label, before guitarist Papillon died in the early ’80s.
T.P. stands for “Tout Puissant,” a moniker used by other African groups such as Franco’s OK Jazz.
Thanks to Analog Africa for posting this video from a videocassette. If this piques your interest, search out the Kings Of Benin compilation on the excellent Soundway label.
Perhaps the most depressing thing about that New York Times article on the nu-breed of kid rockers was learning the most highly touted of the bunch just sound like a watered down Times New Viking. (video link from Skinny Robbie)
