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Music Podcasts
By Brad White
Has that recent 60GB Video iPod purchase left you
too broke to actually put any songs on it? Afraid to use file-sharing
for fear of lawsuits and viruses? Well fellow music lover, consider
Podcasting as a way to get free music straight to your iPod
without the R.I.A.A. kicking down your
front door.
While many mainstream
podcasts can be found in the iTunes Music Store,
many are littered with advertisements, boring conversation, or simply
play horrible music. Even as a new medium, it's astonishing to see
how quickly podcasts are being
used to sell skin care products and chain restaurants. So once again,
we proceed with the time-honored tradition of turning our ears underground
to find content actually worth listening to.
Hellthy Entertainment
One of the greatest things
about the "iPod Generation" is
it's appreciation for music, regardless of genre. No podcast exemplifies
this more than Brooklyn's Hellthy.com. The site offers both audio and
video podcasts, spanning a myriad of genres including Rock, Punk, Hip-Hop,
and even Early American Folk. The Hellthy podcasts are in an easily
digestible single song format, with in-depth descriptions on each artist
and why they were
chosen in the show notes and on the website. This personal touch is
refreshing to see in the midst of the often faceless Internet music
world. Artists seeking exposure can also upload their own music to
the site's "Big Open Channel" podcast. With 11 different
podcasts to choose from, you're sure to find something you like at
Hellthy.com.
www.hellthy.com
The Threat (Indie rock)
If the indie
rock on Hellthy is just not quite indie enough for ya, delve even deeper
into the underground scene with The Threat. This weekly show hosted
by Ron Bates features mainly Canadian experimental indie rock and punk,
as well a genre known simply as "noise" (Think
Sigur Ros experiencing severe equipment malfunctions). The mix shows
usually begin with tunes in the standard four minute format as a warm-up
before venturing into 20-25 minute epics that push the boundaries of
the definition of music. Bates' playlists are both challenging and
rewarding, and anyone with an open mind will surely enjoy this two
hour vacation from mainstream music.
www.ckdu.ca
Rhymes And Beats (Hip-Hop)
If you're idea of Hip-Hop
is storming the dance floor with your Sorority sisters when "Don't
Cha (Wish You're Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me)" comes
on, then this is definitely not the podcast for you. DJ Audio1, a ten
year veteran of California's Bay Area scene, provides weekly 30 minute
mix shows packed with premium underground Hip-Hop designed for true
heads who live and breathe the culture. In each episode, listeners
can expect to hear new joints, classics, and rare B-sides by some of
Hip-Hop's top underground icons, as well as a special hour-long tribute
to the late J-Dilla (R.I.P.). Audio1's knack for creating cohesive
mixes by including songs with a similar feel also
make this show stand out among shows that offer thoughtless assortments
of songs.
www.djaudio1.com
Hip-Hop and Kool Aid (Hip-Hop Talk Radio)
When
you need a break from the Boom-Bap and need to get some news about
your favorite rap artists, the Ohio-based duo of Donte Morrisette and
Todd-1 offer a humorous take on the latest news about today's stars.
Over classic instrumentals, they discuss everything from P.Diddy's
weekly name changes and court battles to reviews of upcoming albums.
Aside from having one of the most intriguing titles around, their witty
and relaxed conversation make Hip-Hop and Kool Aid an instant favorite.
The hour-long shows are currently bi-monthly, so while waiting for
their next episode to drop, be sure to check out Donte's equally entertaining
second podcast with Michael Lacy called "Brother's At Play."
www.brothersatplay.com
Fish Go Deep (Deep House)
Need some
new tunes for your next workout session or to help get you through
those last couple hours at the office? Then check out DJ's Greg Dowling
and Shane Johnson's Deep House podcast entitled "Fish
Go Deep." For those who may be a bit unfamiliar with electronic
and dance music, think of Deep House as a more chilled out and jazzy
version of the club music cliche' you're used to. The shows are recorded
live from Ireland's Red
FM and clock in at around a 30 minutes each. Each episode typically
showcases one or two different artists in a seamless mix with very
little talk between songs to interrupt the vibe. The result is a blend
music with the potential to both relax and motivate.
www.fishgodeep.com
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