Ropeadope

Forget about Facebook versus Myspace, it's now Apple versus the world. Apple recently introduced their own music-based social networking platform, Ping. Integrated into Itunes, you can follow artists, fans, and your friends' activity just like on Facebook, or Soundcloud. There's been some criticisms, but Apple is king - and hey, it looks pretty cool and we all use Itunes anyway.  In the near future, look out for Apple to take it next-level with a cloud-based service announcement.  

Some gems have been hitting the net recently - here's some I've been diggin: The Foreign Exchange, a grammy-nominated duo consisting of Phonte and Nicolay, who met on the internet and started making music via email - Check the first leak from their third album here.  Ropeadoper King Britt's live experimental/electronic outfit Saturn Never Sleeps released an EP here.  

Are you a picky eater? I'll eat pretty much anything, but for those of you who are, or even if you just like tasty foods, you gotta check out Slant Shack Jerky. They're a NJ-based artisan company that will custom make beef jerky to your specs. Not your thing? Check out custom made pet food, protein shakes, and energy bars. Remember to eat up, so you can Stand Strong with Ropeadope.  

Yesterday, we hipped you to some next-level cover bands and today, it's next-level trumpeters. Don't get us wrong, we love Miles Davis, but it's 2010 and we appreciate the efforts of those who are pushing art further (just like Miles did throughout his career).  So, head on over here and check out who's evolving the world of trumpet - from new sonic contexts, new effects, and new ways of playing. Dope.  

Ropeadopers know the power of music, but the scientific explanations of such are still in the beginning stages. This includes how music effects us mentally, but also the physical effects it has on our body's systems. For now, this study shows a correlation between better exercise and upbeat music. So, just remember music is all powerful and to run faster, listen to this.  

Our man Clay Ross is still goin at it with his monthly free singles. Grab this month's right here. Inspired by his close friend's experiences in the Israeli army, "Battle Hymn" is another gem we're glad to have.  If you've been sleepin, catch up with all of these here.  Thanks Clay!  

Sure, some of the cover bands out there are gooood, but they can only do so much for us. So, we want to hip you to some next-level stuff - the innovators of the cover band scene. For instance, we got the Judas Priest cover band Nudist Priest (yup, it is what you think it is). Also, check out Dread Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Pipers, and the Misfats.  Never before has the bar been set so high.  

A friend of our friend David Chaitt, hooked us all up with a most excellent live recording of the Benevento Russo Duo. Taken from their recent set at the Highline Ballroom, all 100-minutes of their set were captured with incredible quality. Check it out right here. The two are staying busy on their own, but it looks as though we can expect another Duo album soon!  

Is it really going to be September this week? And is Summer really almost over? I suppose so, but that's nothing to be sad about. It was a memorable Summer indeed, where it was reissue season at Ropeadope, which saw the reemergence of classics by the Dead Kenny G's and Antibalas. But looking ahead, we got some great things cooking, and first up is Snarky Puppy. Stay Tuned!  

When Below the Heavens came out, I became a diehard Exile fan.  As one half of the duo for that record, he was the man behind the beats, creating the perfect backdrop to rapper Blu's imagery.  And armed with his MPC and records, Exile stood strong with his solo release "Radio", which was comprised of samples soley from the LA radio airwaves.  Tomorrow, the remix album of Radio, "AM/FM", drops.  Be sure to check it out.