THE DROP: Penelope Spheeris’ "Decline of Western Civilization" a handbook for the decline of hipster culture?

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For the past thirty years, filmmaker Penelope Spheeris has devoted her career to the discussion of the often nihilistic aims of youth culture and rock music, doing so in her brilliant troika of films, The Decline of Western Civilization. Every ten years, from 1980 onward, Spheeris has done a note perfect job in chronicling the decadent with an undercurrent of manic depressive lifestyles led by American youth attempting to use rock music as a muse to understand their place in society. Starting with 1980’s brilliant piece on the LA punk scene, with highlight profiles of Fear, X and the Circle Jerks, to 1989’s piece chronicling the hair metal scene in LA, with the absurdity of Kiss and Ozzy Osborne placed directly up against the ill-fated rock star dreams of never will be band Odin, and the cruel, brutal shots of reality from Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith. 1998’s critically acclaimed features the harsh, stark reality of gutter punk culture. Maybe it’s time, in the face of the dying days of hipster subculture (yes, this is very real and will be discussed again soon) for Spheeris to walk the streets of the now upscale nature of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, or look at the high rise apartments and professional types that dot the landscape of DC’s U Street “hipster” party scene. Do take the time to view the three films, culled below for your viewing pleasure, and slowly watch the de-evolution of America’s youth into the blase, desensitized, carefree children of the future. George Clinton in 1972 said that “America Eats Its Young.” Well, it’s 2010, and it would appear as if that’s still the case.

Volume 1 is cut into 18 separate parts and is EXTREMELY rare and hard to find on the internet:

http://www.liveleak.com/e/985_1222476203


Volume 2 is in its entirety

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=4689920637100527225&hl=en&fs=true

Volume 3 in ten parts

http://www.youtube.com/v/U-lJrfk9rfg&hl=en_US&fs=1&

TGRIOnline.com presents the "STAMPED" Program, The Best of the Best in Underground Music!

True Genius Requires Insanity takes the first in what are necessary steps the site feels in identifying artists that we feel are on the cusp of what’s next in music on all levels. The “STAMPED” program will note DJs, producers, bands, and individuals we feel are on the cusp of being dominant musical forces to be reckoned with locally, nationally, and internationally in all genres. The program will be an ongoing and neverending search for music and musicians we feel are consistently on point, and defining of a constant level of musical excellence. The artists, their music, and events will be perpetually featured on the site, and the site will endeavor to be the first stop for all information regarding these talented individuals.

 

TGRIOnline.com “STAMPED” Artists (from clockwise): DC/Bmore DJ Andrew Jaye, Israeli dance pop act Terry Poison, DC rap duo the Roll Wit Us All-Stars, Baltimore club music producer and DJ James Nasty

Simply click the highlighted names of the performer for an updated list of the TGRIOnline.com features on the artists.

Andrew Jaye (Local DJ STAMP) is a Pittsburgh native now with roots in the DC Metropolitan area. A weekly fixture on the DC and Baltimore party scene, Andrew is quietly known by many as possibly one of the best “opening” DJs on the East coast, as his encyclopedic knowledge of all music and devotion to moving a crowd instead of pushing a musical agenda makes him a true DJ in an era of individual superstars deeming themselves more important than the crowd in the EDM genre. Having spun at nearly every top underground venue in the area, Andrew was always been underrated, and with this honor, we bring his talents to the forefront and encourage anyone that sees his name on the bill to know that if opening, closing or just playing in general, Jaye is a kingpin selector who absolutely has ALL the grooves to make you move, no matter the time, space or place. Jaye can be found at the 12 LB Sound party on the third Fridays of every month at his two residencies at DC’s 9:30 Club Backbar, as well as at the Feedback Dance Party at DC9 on the second Saturday of the month.

Terry Poison (International STAMP) are quite simply the future of mainstream international dance pop. The Israeli quintet owe as much of their fame to their sound as their style, the international party starters on the cusp of VERY big things stateside to match their overseas renown. With a vibe that screams “NOW” on the North American pop stage, it’s not a matter of if, but when the group will blow up! Visit terrypoison.com for more information!

Roll Wit Us All Stars (Local STAMP) are unequivocally the top underground group in the DC area. Combining a sensibility for blending the worlds of club and dance with hip hop, and recalling the party rap era of the early 90s with skill and excellence, the duo’s radio friendly jams like “Girl You Know What’s Up” are filled with pop hooks and razor sharp flows. Dreadlocked Malik Starx is a wordsmith extraordinaire with an old school flavor, while Mr. Clif’s polysyllabic smackdowns are highly entertaining. With a background that includes being produced by superstar DJ Jesse Tittsworth, and performing with the likes of Rass Kass and Souls of Mischief, the group has the pedigree and aptitude for greatness. Visit myspace.com/rollwitusallstars

James Nasty (Baltimore Club Producer) is the answer to the statement “If there was ever a man who’d be the first person to play club music on the moon, it would be this producer and DJ.” A DC native, James Nasty is a believer in the healing effects of classic Baltimore club music. Having played the My Crew Be Unruly party in 2009 w/ on again off again collaborator in the 1.21 Jiggawatt Soundsystem, Andrew Jaye, and having released a very successful Good Times EP, James is on the cusp of much bigger things. With a style reminiscent of legendary B-more selectors Rod Lee, Diamond K and KW Griff, he overwhelms partygoers with effusive glee through music. As of recently, he has produced tracks for Brooklyn hipster faves Maggie Horn, Menya and Ninjasonik. For more information check http://bln.kr/-JamesNasty

THE DROP: Terry Poison Brings Their Party To the US!

http://www.youtube.com/v/nwbF1gs01HM&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01

Terry Poison isn’t a band, Terry Poison is a party. A party you’ll never want to leave.

Israel’s entry into the electro pop market, Terry Poison are a potent mix of sex and snark with a great sound that is reminiscent of CSS, as the band initially started as a punky riot grrrl combo before meeting producer Idan “Bruno” Grife who refined their sound into something a lot more mainstream palatable. They’re even actresses as well, with Gili Saar starring in an Israeli telenovela. They brought their dance rhythms to the states this past October, and are coming back for SXSW, Winter Music Conference, and an extended New York based media and performance stay for the month of April as they attempt to secure US distribution for their music. With tracks like “Smack Snack,” “Ballroom,” and the synthy, uber danceable confection of Comme Ci, Comme Ca, plus a promise of tins more, it’s quite apparent why they opened for Depeche Mode during their Israeli stop on their most recent tour, and are one of the most buzzed about bands in Europe. Definitely check them out as they are in this author’s opinion the future of international dance pop on the American stage.

For more information absolutely check out myspace.com/terrypoison, twitter.com/terrypoison or youtube.com/user/terrypoison for more information! Enjoy!