M-Audio: Fast Track

M-Audio: Fast Track - Record Guitar and Vocals on Your Computer
Turn your computer into a powerful music production studio. Fast Track allows you to plug and play with its USB connection. Plug in your instruments and you're ready to record. There are a lot of digital recording systems out there, but none are as easy to use as the Fast Track. Plus, the sound quality to price ratio can't be beat. If you purchase Fast Track from an M-Audio official dealer it will cost you around $150, but look around and you'll find it for $90. Be sure that the package comes with bundled software, otherwise you'll have to drop another $30 - $50 for a decent production package. 

Wick-It the Instigator

Big Boi v. the Black Keys Mashup
Nashville DJ and Mix Artist Wick-It the Instigator has created a great mashup with Big Boi and the Black Keys. The album is available for free and can be downloaded off SoundCloud. Even if you don't want to download it, it's definitely worth a listen. The key to a great mash is finding two artists that complement each other. Surprisingly, Big Boi's the Son of Dusty Chico and the Brothers Album by the Black Keys creates a deep layering that spreads well throughout its 8 songs.

Greenberg

Greenberg
Written and directed by Noah Baumbach. Greenberg is a clumsy, awkward, funny, pretty great movie. Ben Stiller stars as Roger Greenberg who is just starting to put his life back together after a nervous breakdown. Greenberg house sits for his brother in L.A. and begins a relationship with Florence (played by Greta Gerwig).  Even though Florence has an apathetic attitude toward life decisions, she is endearing and very likable. You'll find yourself laughing at the uncomfortable situations and enjoying it. 74% Rotten Tomatoes Review Grocery List for Greenberg: Ice Cream Sandwiches and Whiskey.

Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe

Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe

Ingredients: 1 Cup (8 oz) Cream Soda, 1/4 Cup (2 oz) Ice Cream Butterscotch Syrup, 1/2 Tablespoon Real Butter, Whip Cream

Directions: Put 1/4 Cup Ice Cream Butterscotch Syrup and 1/2 Tablespoon Real Butter into microwavable cup/glass and heat for 1 minute.  Remove from microwave and slowly pour in the 1 Cup of Cream Soda.  The mixture will begin to fizz.  Slowly stir the heated Butterscotch Syrup, Butter, and Cream Soda. Put a dab of whip cream on top and enjoy.

Study: Love Music? Thank a Substance in Your Brain

Study: Love Music? Thank a Substance in Your Brain
Whether it's the Beatles or Beethoven, people like music for the same reason they like eating or having sex: It makes the brain release a chemical that gives pleasure, a new study says. The brain substance is involved both in anticipating a particularly thrilling musical moment and in feeling the rush from it, researchers found. NY Times Article

Girl Talk - The 373 Hit Wonder

Girl Talk - The 373 Hit Wonder
In November, Gillis and his label, Illegal Art, released the fifth Girl Talk album, “All Day,” as a free download. Within 24 hours, several sites had posted annotations of “All Day,” cataloging the samples on the album —there are 373 of them. Download traffic was so heavy that MTV News ran the headline “Girl Talk Apologizes for Breaking the Internet” — hyperbole, but not far from the truth. NY Times Article

Spoon - Transference

Spoon - Transference
This album is a half & half, with some songs sounding polished and together and the other half sounding like demos. While it creates a disjointed album as a whole, it doesn't take away from its strengths. The heavy drum beat and Britt Daniel swagger are ever present and make for another strong album. Written in Reverse and Before Destruction are my favorites, but don't overlook the rest of the album. Like Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga and Gimmie Fiction before it, this is a great listen for anyone that enjoys Austin American Indie Rock. Click Below to Listen to Before Destruction.

Matei Apostolescu

Matei Apostolescu
Freelance illustrator from Bucharest, Romania.  Uses all kinds of tools ranging from rotring pencils, markers, spray paint, to Wacom tablet, Photoshop and Illustrator.  His work is very cool and perfect for a skinit or wallpaper.  Check his work out here, available for purchase, commission, and viewing. 

Matei Apostolescu Gallery