Max and Ari, the duo behind Oakland Surf Club, have quietly turned OSC into one of the Bay’s most eclectic retail destinations, curating everything from gear and boards, to vinyl and fine art–all while balancing a budding business with a new marriage and a brand new baby girl.
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Download: The Shangri-Las – “Leader of the Pack”
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Download: The Marvelletes – “Playboy”
Ladies and Gentleman, the renaissance is near. For some of us it’s here. The renaissance will bring a collection of things, but none more important than what lies within. On the entertainment front, we will see a return to true artistry. A departure from the MTV superstar and a return to the real. The 2010 will usher in the emergence of the triple threat. And I’m not talking about the hoop stance. When it comes to music, the triple threat artist will master these three elements of the game. 1. They make slaps. Making the slap get’s you in the door, you’ve got our ears so now we’re listening. 2. They have a dope message. You’ve got our attention now what are you gonna say? 3. They master the live performance. We’ve heard you on our iPod, we’ve heard you in the car, now what are you gonna do when you’re standing right in front of us? Ladies and Gentleman, this the triple threat, and we will not stand for anything less. Take it away James…
Although I’d love to take full credit for this one, I must admit, I’m only facilitating. Don’t thank me, Thank Tiago. More from him soon. I just love how this song starts. And then it hits. Released in 1977 at the peak of America’s interest in reggae music, 96° was the groups most commercial album, and their biggest success. Whether you’ve just got off work, or just finished finals, you should twist one up and settle on this. Happy Friday.
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Download: Third World – “96° In The Shade”
With Rebirth on the way, it was time for Weezy to drop a new single. Hitting the blogosphere and the radio this week, On Fire is an ode to bad ones all over the world. While I fuck with the message of the song, the music leaves a little to be desired. Fortunately, Cool & Dre picked a winner to sample. Honestly, I was gonna pocket this one for a rainy day, but Wayne blew it up. Capturing the first moment Tony runs game on Elvira, She’s On Fire epitomizes 80′s synth, while adding to the Scarface soundtrack. Easily one of my favorite slaps of the era. I’m sure this one will be loved and hated. But can someone do this sample justice? Cool & Dre were cool. Hyphen, Nic Nac and Baysic could do better. I hope they will.
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Download: Amy Holland – “She’s On Fire”
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Download: The Clash – “Police & Thieves”
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It’s a strange time to be a music fan. Not only do entire albums leak early, but music fans can deconstruct albums sample by sample before it even hits shelves. Say what you want about Ye, but the man’s sample game is undeniable. You can’t put a price on an ear like that. German synthpop group Alphaville became big in the ’80s off singles like “Big in Japan”, as well as this track lifted by Mr. West for Jay’s “Young Forever”. Something for the producers and sample heads, and something for cats like Max who stay on some ’80s shit. Learn more about Alphaville here, and on the off chance you haven’t heard it yet, The Blueprint 3 drops September 8.
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Download: Alphaville – “Forever Young”
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