[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/5211151]

This Saturday (20th June) is gonna be exciting. First, we’re gonna hit Cargo for Summer Bubblers where Rox & the homie Melo-X will be performing (check the trail above) and then we’re gonna bounce to Brainfeeder, to check out a whole host of dope people do their thing including FlyLo, Dorian Concept, Gaslamp Killer and many, many more! We went last year and it was insane, to say the least! This year, I’m sure, will no exception!

Oh, also download the Summber Bubblers podcast – you know, to get you in the mood!

See you thurr!

Peace, Love & Summer Bubblers

Speeakz

Yup. You heard me. Jay-Z & Colplay > Wembley Arena > 18th & 19th September 2009.

Now, you’re either gonna be super excited about this, or like me, not. I mean, Jay-Z of course, I’d be excited, but Coldplay? Man. Why they gotta do that for? I know I’m about to insult a bunch of people, but I really, really cannot stand Chris Martin or his band! They’re just so…Boring!

But as I type/moan, I know that this is Hova and so, Speeakz will most likely have to be there regardless lol!

Peace, Love, Jay-Z & Coldplay

Speeakz

Last night I was invited to attend the Q Music Club held at the Hard Rock Cafe on Park Lane, to catch Mr Hudson & The Noisettes live.

I’m a big fan of the Noisettes and so I was pretty excited about seeing them live for the first time. I’ve seen Mr Hudson a few times previous to last night and while not his biggest fan, I remain open minded about his new material and really do love his new single “Supernova”…So was looking forward to hearing that live.

Anyways, Mr Hudson was up first – performing only 5 tracks including the aforementioned song and new single “Supernova” which sounded even better live! He also sang “There Will Be Tears”, another song that’s growing on me, as well as “Too Late, Too Late” from his debut album with the Library. It was a nice, albeit short, set.

After a short interlude and a few too many canepes (mini burgers, chicken sticks & chocolate brownies? Yes please!) and a couple (on the house) drinks, it was time for the Noisettes. As mentioned previously, I hadn’t before last night, seen this band do their thing live – not even on TV, so I had no expectations, but was curious to see how they got down on stage. And boy oh boy, was I in for a shock!

…The stunningly beautiful lead singer Shingai was spellbinding to watch. Her energetic stage antics and powerful (and I mean powerful) vocals brought the songs I love off their album alive, adding a whole new dimension to them in the process. I knew she had a dope voice, but I never knew she got down like that. Jumping in and out the crowd, on top of bar fixtures [see picture below] and back onto the stage again – I was out of breath just watching her! Strumming her bass, while rocking out with her band, Shangei oozed star quality. She most certainly has “it”, whatever “it” is. I was perfectly blown away – to say the least.

I have some footage of both acts on stage, and will try my best to get that up by the end of this week (if not sooner), so bear with me on that. In the meantime, make sure you check both Mr Hudson’s new stuff and the Noisette’s new album (out now)!

Peace, Love, Q Music Club, Mr Hudson & the Noisettes

Speeakz

Shouts to Natalie

To be honest, it’s not much a review, because all I can say about Beyonce is that is, without any questions or debate, the best female R&B/Pop artist out there. Simple. Don’t come to me with your Rihanna’s, Ciara’s (whom coincidental I was sitting next to at the gig!), Keri Hilson’s etc – they don’t come close. Don’t get me wrong, I think they’re all cool in their own right, but next to Bey, they all pale in comparison. This may upset a few, but in my opinion it’s not up for discussion.

Her voice is as breathtaking as her beauty – flawless in fact. Not one note out of tune, not one ad-lib miscalculated, every song sang to pure perfection. I did warn you, not much a review here. Her choreography, while not the most complex I’ve seen was effective nonetheless. I enjoyed the show aspect of the concert too – I thought it flowed really well and played the ‘Sasha Fierce’ thing off quite well (a theme I’ve never really been too found of). Ms Knowles performed all the tracks we wanted to hear including “Crazy In Love”, “Upgrade You”, “Me, Myself & I”, “If I Were a Boy”, “Diva” and of course “Halo”. Not to mention a dope medley of Destiny’s Child biggest tunes! During “Baby Boy” she flew up and over the crowd and landed on the mini-stage right.next.to.my.seat – my girl was singing while dangling upside down – c’mon!

…I literally took some 200 odd pictures. I went ‘flicking’ crazy.

So yea, I was a stupidly huge fan before I saw her live and now – I have probably earned my ‘stan’ stripes. All jokes aside though, I do not think there is a better female pop/R&B artist out there at the moment (or has been in a very, very long time). While many will hate and most will have their opinions the facts don’t lie. Her voice is faultless, her moves are cool and her concepts (videos etc) are contemporary and graceful. I have no doubts in my mind that in 25 years, people will look at Beyonce and hold her in much the same regard we now hold Tina Turner.

Peace, Love & Beyonce

Speeakz

If Hip Hop is my wife and Soul is my lady, then Pop is that chick I guiltily run back to that no one knows about.

PinBoard is proud to be a little different, a little diverse, and while we’re 99.9% about Hip Hop/R&B/Soul, we also can down to a little unadultered pop music. Booooooyaaaa! So, with my free* ticket in hand, I sat back (ok, stood up) and watched Britney’s circus roll in.

…And oh, what a freak show it was!

It safe to say, no one pays to hear Britney sing, but miming the entire way through was a bit shambolic. And while it’s clear Ms Spears still remains a bit…’vacant’ and not 100% back in the game – what she does on stage for two hours (ish) is nothing short of spectacular. Granted, she had a few extended moments off stage (costume changes etc) – but nevertheless her show  was just amazing. Dwarfs, acrobats, flame throwers, martial arts, clowns, dancers and all sorts helped Britney put on one of the most extravagant shows I have witnessed since Michael Jackson’s in 1997. And damn, I don’t know what the hell that man is gonna bring if his show is gonna be even bigger?!

Anyways, Britney isn’t one to analyse, you don’t need to think deeply about her artistic integrity or her musical ability – you don’t even go to hear her sing. What you pay for is to see her entertain and while I don’t necessarily feel she ‘loves’ what she does like she used to and actually at moments, felt quite sorry for her – she is, without a doubt, a born entertainer and whether you like to admit it or not, she’s a legend in her own right. Check out some of the snaps from last night…

^ Never been a Ciara fan but wow, did she kill it on stage. Her moves are beyond serious! God blessed her with an amazing bumper too (just FYI).

So there you have it. Britney does the 02 big styleeee! I know she ain’t to everyones taste, but as I’ve said a zillion times before, music is about having fun and she most certainly granted us that.

PinBoard will now return to it’s regular scheduled programming.

Peace, Love & Britney

Speeakz

P.s true story: after the gig, I listened to a combination of Nas, Jay-Z, Wu Tang, Brother Ali & Immortal Technique – you know, just to restore balance! LMAO!

*Shouts to Suneetha for the good, good hookup!

Writers Block returns with yet another killer line up! Summer is almost here (it’s definitely trying to arrive) and I’m tellin’ you, this is one of the best ways you can spend a warm evening.  Spoken word, acoustic music, short films & live painting – we’ve been supporting WB from the beginning for good reason – if you’re in LDN Town on the 17th June 2009, I once again highly recommend you check this out. After the jump, peep the back of the flyer (with line-up info, directions & more).

Peace, Love & Writers Block

Speeakz

Continue reading this post

Yesterday I posted up the flyer for this event, now here goes the video commerical…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_nsEaziCF0]

Maluca > Cargo > Saturday 30th May 2009 > Be There.

Peace, Love & Maluca

Speeakz

Shouts to Peggy & James