Favorite Music from 2007

This '07 list is late by internet standards. It has given me some time to consider some late arrivals to my collection that might squeek into the top ten. My tastes are eclectic by some standards, but I think there is something here for everyone. One of the tragic things about this list is that it is largely artists known to me making music that is slightly less good than their previous shit. Tragic my be a bit strong. Moving on...

1. Menomena-Friend and Foe I am just cool enough to get this. Barely.
2. Arcade Fire-Neon Bible It is not Funeral, but what is.
3. Spoon-Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga Fun, fun, fun record. I stopped at three.
4. Common-Finding Forever Kanye's beats best with dose of Common Sense.
5. The National-Boxer Add Springsteen and Waits with used sweater rock.
6. DJ Spooky-Creation Rebel Interesting listen. Trojan gets Spooked.
7. Beastie Boys-The Mix Up Boys make it funky.
8. Pharoah Monch-Desire Welcome return from indie gansta rapper.
9. Lee Perry and the Upsetter-Ape-ology Killer double reissue from a legend.
10.Radiohead-In Rainbows Thanks to Radiohead for changing the game.

I know I am getting older when one of my favorite tracks from one of my favorite albums kind of sounds like Billy Joel. Fuck. Spoon's video for Underdog is nice though.

Pats are 16-0

New England Patriot QB Tom Brady couldn't have done it without his offensive line. Sadly their bikini pics were less inspiring than girlfriend Gisele's.

Peace from APT Hammersmith, London

Holla to all my peeps across the pond from Hammersmith...Roomie is holdin' it down, party people, holdin' it down...

No pic to post (at a video store writing this, Internet cafe style)...but I'd like to take a moment and breakdown the food here in the UK...

British food not good? Stereotype? Here is a breakdown of my eats here thus far...

-Havelock Tavern
This is our "local", about a block away from the crib on 46 Masbro St.
Items ordered so far: Fish cakes (@@@@) and lasagna (@@@)....also, hand draught ales Andams, Fullers and Doom Bar (all @@@@).
Overall rating: @@@@

-Some Soho pub
Fish and chips @
Mac and cheese @@@
Sam Smith beer, tap @@@@

-Corner Bizzle (some breakfast joint just down the street from the crib)
Bagel with smoked salmon, eggs @@
Coffee @@
loo @@

-Tate Modern Cafe
Fancy-pants organic apple juice @@@
service: disaster!
Art: @@@@
Overall: @@@

-The Queens Cross (just down the bend from the crib)
Fish pie @@
Salmon soup @@ (gave me the burps)
some English IPA ale that I don't remember the name of @@@
drunk guy messing with MAV, RV, TE and I @@@@

-12 Monkeys Cafe, Notting Hill
First, thanks to Mr. Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, this place is overcroweded to the max.
Smoked salmon, eggs, toast, cappuchino NO STARS!
This bizzle was B.A.D. Even the waiter was complaining...
Unintentional Comedy moment: Roomie discovering the broked loo and then seeing the line was 6 deep.
2008 Prediction: This place will be closed soon.

-Story Deli
Best meal in London yet!
Bonito del norte pizza (mozz, tuna, red pepper, red onion, capers, olives, raisins, marscapone. Crust is yeast free, made with organic flour, Highland spring mineral water and seasun sea salt. WHAT?!?! This is ballers only.
Also had some "September" organic ice cream AND kicked it with the owners 6 year old son, Chipper.
@@@@@

Check back for more updates...

In the meantime, you might want to have a look at this from one of Roomie's fav films of 2007...

My Favorite Movie of 2007

My brain is shook and rattled. Post holiday chaos abounds in the house that APT built. Flu, Santa, and chasing falling snow has consumed me. Alas. Here is the most entertaining, silly, crash, boom, bang, flick of the year. And it is British too. Atonement be damned. Roll tape.

London Calling

Safe travels to the King Roomie Rock and the various members of our Apt royal family as they make the trip across the pond. Much love.

How does your Christmas sound?

Jazzy, phat, or nasty? Ella, Coltrane, U2, The Duke, Run-DMC, Tom Jones, Weezer? How about a mash up. Dre and Bing. Believe it.




A very merry to all. Eat, drink, and play nice.

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

... and we bring that silly campy shit like each and every day.

Favs of 07 - Film

Roomie's pick for favorite film of the year:



If you have not seen this yet, please heed the call...

Best of Portland

Big ups to Portland ME's very own Labseven for bringing the mix tape flavor on their 07 offering. Featuring our boy Saiyid, the Big Easy Freestyle Host with the Most. He and many other locals display some verbal gymnastics worthy of your festive non- denominational holiday shrubbery.

APT Flick of the Week

Winter holiday. Time off. Catch a film. Indie cutie Ellen Page and understated all- star Micheal Cera drop Juno this week. The lass is getting tons of press for her role as a pregnant teen mom. Here in Portland, Me. we love teen pregnancy drama. See King Middle School getting national press for offering the pill to 13 year olds. Apt won't say where we stand on the issue, but I still have that condom in my wallet from the public health center. Circa 1991. Anyway, check Cera's video and learn how a real man gets it done.

Zo

Couldn't agree with this more...

For the record:
*NBA Champion: 2006
*All-NBA First Team: 1999
*All-NBA Second Team: 2000
*2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year: 1999, 2000
*2-time NBA All-Defensive First Team: 1999, 2000
*7-time NBA All-Star: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002 (WHAT!!!!!)
*Heat Franchise All-time Leading Scorer
*Led NBA in blocked shots: 3.91 bpg in 1999
*NBA All-Rookie 1st Team in 1993
*Won bronze at the 1990 FIBA World Championship with the US national team [5]
*Won gold at the 1994 FIBA World Championship [6] and the 2000 Olympic Games with the US national team

APT Field Trip, Boston Mass, Celts vs. Pistons

APT took it to the streets of Boston, Mass yesterday...Celts vs. Pistons @ the Garden.
(left to right: MC Saiyid, RV (aka Big Brother), W2 respectively)

W2 is a fiend for the Celts...that includes the last 15 years of torture this franchise as endured (although Celts fans have enough banners in the rafters to never have to complain about this again, do you think that stops them? Check "NO" on that answer box please).

In true APT style, we rolled past security owning the joint scoring a sweet courside view of the warmups. W2 was feeling all tinglely after making friends with the Big Ticket and Jesus Shuttlesworth...
(left to right, in the background)


Playa.

STOIC

RV (card carrying Piston fan) likes to keep it on the downlow...although not at public sporting events. Big Brother rolled with Sheed AND Hubie pre game...


CONTROVERSY!!!!


There is so much is wrong with this pic, APT does not know where to begin...
Name: MC Saiyid
Team: Chicago Bulls
Celtic Green? WHAT?!
Although this APT member represents the midwest through and through, dude brought it for the East. One thing is for sure, the bandwagon is full.

Boston Celebrity Sighting

APT loves Boston celebrities. From Dennis Leary to this guy, you won't find a bunch of nicer, well behaved, red-haired, fair-skinned Irish dudes anywhere. Donnie was holdin' it down courtside, so big ups to him and Jordan Knight.


Souvenir cup...WHAT!!!!


View from our VIP seats.


Don't forget to make friends with the people that sit around you. ESPECIALLY if you are wearing the colors for the other team AND you spill your drink on them.


Post game meal at the rest stop...thumbs down to Popeyes for being closed...


Roomie was able to scam an onion ring...don't sleep!

Nasty Paul

The dude has been stabbed and stuck on a team with the likes of Ricky Davis, Toine, and Gary Payton. Now he is geting his. Pierce was named Eastern Conference Player of the week. His line: 25 points and 5 rebounds per, plus 3 wins for the C's minus Shuttlesworth. Tonight ATP loads up the Saturn Wagon for a meeting between the Pistons(17-7) and the Celtics(20-2). Believe it! See you at Pushcart Pizza.

Gore's Groove

In 2004 the Beastie Boys tested what I believed to be a given....if they took a poo in a cup and pressed record, it would be good. Fortunately Green Lantern's 2006 remix New York State of Mind helped us forget the failings of To the 5 Boroughs. That aside, the Boys are back in 2007 with the Mix-Up. They drop the sustainable flow on Off the Grid.



If I could make music, this is what it would sound like. Lazy and hazy funk. PS...Check Mike's fro!

Great matchup

There is something about the Suns that bring out the worst in the dirty-ass Spurs. Watching these two teams go at it last night reminded me of Sixers-Celts of the 80's or Bulls-Knicks of the 90's. Rarely do you see two teams play with this much gusto this early in the season.

Grant Hill had 22 last night...hopefully this will be your Western Conference Finals matchup...APT will not miss another...recommended viewing for those who like to have fun.

Chromeo

"Bonafied Lovin'"...that's exactly what you get from APT.

Chromeo on the best of 2007 list? Yes, yes...

Check this performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live...peep Alfredo Ortiz, percussionist for the Beasties, on the trap kit. To the max...

Be sure to watch the whole vid...props to Scott Foley (Felicity) and the dis to Matt Damon! WHAT!

Real Hip Hop

Some kids believe that Kanye owned 2007. He crushed 50 cent, dropped Graduation, and put down some smoothed out beats for Commons Finding Forever. But, he ain't the only game in town. Check out NJ's Dalek. This off beat crew's Abandoned Language is 2007 indie critics darlings. Check this video from the "six shades of WTF file." Pushing the genre further? I guess. Brace yourself.



PS ATP hall of famer DJ Graymatter will open tonights Holiday Bash at the Big Easy at 9pm. Down tempo funk classics, beats, and cuts. Check the ODB remix on his myspace page. Nice!

Preview of the Review

As the year ends APT gears up for their top ten albums of 2007 list. Check this super fun ditty from Feist. This joint is from her excellent Let it Die LP. Watch her clown with Halifax's best MC, Buck 65. Will this years sunny and sad Reminder make the list? Stay tuned.

APT Flick of the Week

This Is England.

Cool Out Tip Number 1

Here APT, it's all about relaxing. We believe that relaxation IS and can be a way of life. "The Cool Out" is what founding member APT King Roomie Rock likes to call it...

Music, food, film or conversation, finding comfort is cruital each and every day.

APT is feelin kava. Peace to T. Edlund for the tea recommendation...one cup in the evening puts you straight....to bed.

On the music tip, you can also mellow out like my dad does...to this cat...

Funk keeps you Warm

At ATP we keep things warm on a slow cold Sunday in Maine by brewing up a dark cup and dropping head nodding funk. Betty Davis brings it. Enjoy the montage.



Her albumns were rereleased in May. She is the women that Miles Davis said was too wild for him. Their marriage lasted a year. The affair with Jimi Hendrix didn't help.

APT Flick of the Week

Das Leben der Anderdan, The Lives of Others

East Germany, 1984. Scribe Georg Dreyman (Sebastian Kock) and his fly actress girlfriend Christa Maria (Martina Gedeck) enjoy the privileges that come with being the ruling party's artistic elite. But at what cost?



Watch as staunch party loyalist and sensitive creep, Weisler (Ulrich Muhe) is hired to monitor their every move. Love the jacket, and the tension and passion onscreen is palpable. Catch it...cuz APT just might be watching you!

Snow = Chili

Portland got some snow this weekend. "The Chi" got some too...peep the pic above.

Check my girl on Whipped for the chili recipe of the winter. Don't eat meat? Not sure what to say about that...tofu might melt.

Don't be left hangin'. And don't forget this.

Super Jamario?

The name 27 year old, undrafted rookie, Jamario Moon has been dubbed by the Toronto Raptor faithful. This kid is IT!



#33 is a throw back high flyer who gets to the rim like Drexler and protects it like Mutombo. He will get snubbed for rookie of the year. Cop the jersey, if you can find one!

And for the fellas...

Playa know how to make it work...

Hey ladies...

...this is for y'all...



Love the dancing fingers...

I'm there...

Shot this past Saturday in Brooklyn, NY. The real deal.

Morally unfit

I have been accused of questionable decision making. Convincing my sister to moon passing cars at the age of four, liberating various items of amusement while being tilted on my axis, voting for third party candidates, and so on. The latest allegations of wrong doing are from my pal who thinks I should have paid something for Radiohead's latest release, In Rainbows. Dude, it is free.

How you gonna deal with this comedy team?

Do we even need words for this pic? Between the 4 of them, they've probably put up 20,000 shots this year...12,000 of the coming from Crawford.



I think Eddie could eat a small person...



Legit.

And let's not forget...



Homeboy is averaging a double double since arriving in NYC.

Don forget the old days.

Celts and NY Knicks...two of the best unis in all of sports.

Road Trip

Christmas comes early. The kids from APT are loading up the family station wagon for their first live glimpse of the Celtic's three headed monster. The question isn't whether Boston will beat New York, but will Knick Coach Isiah Thomas keep his hands to himself when he sees APT's fly ladies in the house?

APT Flick of the Week

Le Cercle Rouge
Paris, 1970...3 crooks and a cop. If you are into films from this era...great cars, great clothes and a killer mustache worn by the lead, Corey (Alain Delon)...then Le Cercle Rouge is a must.

Check this scene...dope.

Say Hello To My Friend...

Hmmm...what is going on here, you might ask? Pele? Brazil? A post from someone other than the mighty King Roomie? That's right, y'all...please welcome APT's newest contributor, W2.

W2's interests include snowboarding, reggae and as much "peripheral debris" as possible. For a physical description, please see photo above (courtesy of Scot Pollard).

Time to pimp this blog out...

An Agreement Among Friends

Some time ago, a pact was made by several APTers that if the World Cup was ever held in Brazil, then we would go...wives, dogs, loved ones, jobs, and money be damned! Enjoy this rendering of Brazilian soccer legend Pele, by Prettyinpunk008 with artist Jeremy Fisher. Save your pennies kids, 2014 is right around the corner.

Best Crunk beat I've heard...

APT is feeling this. Crime Mob...who are these guys? I love how simple the video is too...

Always worth a look...

I don't even really like this song, but what a great performance...

APT Actress Spotlight

Juliette Binoche has always been a favorite here at APT. Most folks will recognize her from the American joints she's been in. However, homegirl had a nice little career over the pond well before The English Patient came out.

When this frenchie smiles, something happens.

Blue is certainly one of her best, but Les Amants du Pont-Neuf is right behind. Both are worth checking out.


Blue

Les Amants du Pont-Neuf

Turk and Stan Van

APT does not like to talk smack OR do two NBA related posts in a row, but one team got their Thanksgiving turkey served early by my man Turk last night. Thank god this guy is back. Get your spray tan on.
Miami at Orlando this Saturday, y'all...

Chicago Bulls are 1-6

The Chicago Bulls are 1-6. Is it panic time? You live by the jumper, you die by the jumper. Time to get Pau Gasol or Jermaine O'Neil on the horn asap.
A few of the crew at APT is down today. However, when this happens, the vid above helps lift some spirits.
Chicago Stadium in '89...please. Don't front...

APT Actor Spotlight

Bob Hoskins is one of APT's favorite actors as of late. You might know him from Roger Rabbit, but the real deal are his films from Britain in the 80's. Homeboy is like Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney rolled into one...lovable, charismatic, scary, intense and real. Check out two of his BEST films below. Little man got game.



The Long Good Friday


Mona Lisa

Simply Breakfast

Aside from flapjacks, doughnuts are an APT breakfast staple. Check Jen @ Simply Breakfast. Girl knows what 'the most important meal of the day' is all about. Jam, toast, Puffins, omelets...give those Lucky Charms a rest, my friends. These photos are how the crew at APT start their day off every morn...if you skip breakfast, then you dear reader, are not down.

(Click here to see what King Roomie Rock includes in his weekly fryups for the crew at APT. WHAT!!! So good it makes us FEEL British...)

DJ Ayers Vinyl Mix

King Roomie Rock spins VINYL ONLY at APT. Check my man Ayers'new vinyl mix here. You can also see him keep the party live here. Long live wax.

All Souled Out - Special Edition Post From APT

Hova

Nas

APT is FEELING this. Check these two vids from NYCs finest. Raw soul is hard to come by these days, but these two hall of famers still know how to get it done.

Eggbeater...talkin' that food stuff

Check Shauna on Eggbeater for some honest food spiel. This right here has got to be the BEES KNEES.

Coffee

ATP loves coffee. No Starcraps, Dunkin Doughnuts...that stuff is wack, jack. APT also has big love for the West Coast P. This coffee is brewed there and it is some of the best we've had. Check it.

(Thanks to Shuna Fish Lydon for the photo. Check her blog here and see more of her photos here.)

APT Flick of the Week

Really good...

This was not so good. However, the crew from APT just waited for E Blunt to show up onscreen and we were ALL good...

Lady Soul

Alice Russell got pipes like Chaka. Her releases can be found on Brighton's Tru Thoughts label (which has lots of great artists worth checking out). Girl sings soul, gospel, freaks some electronica grooves and even covers The White Stripes. End the curiosity and just mellow out to this.

Kicks

Off court.

On court.


Tretorn has been making tennis shoes in Europe since the late 19th century, even before you ever heard of a Chuck Taylor.The Nike Air Force 1 is one of the greatest basketball shoes ever made. Both APT picks here are pure dopeness.

Get Whipped, y'all...an APT food Tip

We at APT LOVE food. Check my girl C on Whipped. "Whipped" you say? Sounds, I don't know...kinky. Mos def. You couldn't be more right...just look at the cake above. Tell me you don't want to eat the whole thing, espresso on the side, with your lady or your man? I think you know what APT is talkin bout...
These recipes and overall general food love are as good as it gets. Peep "What Portland, Maine had in Store" and if you dig coffee (like APT REALLY does) check "Seeking Coffee Guidance".

Remeber, friends..."Food is our common ground, a universal experience." - James Beard

Meet Christine

If you've ever had the chance to stop over for a visit at APT, you'll know the vibe over here is chill. For the last year, Christine has been providing the soundtrack. A DJ out of DC, you can find out what she's all about here.

She's numero uno in our book, she should at the very least be IN yours...

APT Flick of the Week

We at APT LOVE film. From Roadhouse to Rear Window, we got it covered...

Looking to get schooled on some classsics? Check "Elevator to the Gallows", or the legit title, "Ascenseur pour L'Echafaud". You got amazing location shooting of Paris in '58, tons of smoking, French girls with short haircuts and MD on the soundtrack. Recognize.

It's Halloween, so pretend you are someone else and rent something you normally wouldn't...Peace to Louis Malle, peace to Miles and peace to Jeanne Moreau.

You just think its Tuesday...

Today is one of the favorite days of the year for the crew here at APT. Find out why...*

30 Degrees in ME this AM

For fall and wintertime head protection, APT recommends lambswool. Check it here.

APT Music Vid of the week

"I Want You", will.i.am produced track off Com's new album, "Finding Forever". APT recommended.

This, that and the other...

First post, y'all...

King Roomie Rock and Slick Rick the Ruler, backstage, Big Easy, Portland, ME.

Check back for the dish on sports, music, current events, wedding announcements, police blotter, etc.

Peace + Love, KRR