by SCOTT C

Somebody asked me to pinpoint one of the most frustrating moments in my life this week, and all past relationships aside, I had no problem at all recounting the time and place. I was driving to Toronto with my friend Jen, a couple of tickets to see D’Angelo at Massey Hall burning a hole in my pocket. While driving through Kingston, Jen tried to light a cigarette while driving, and we spun out of the fast lane at 120kph, across three lanes of oncoming traffic, and backwards into a ditch. Shook, amazed to be alive, and about three hours before showtime, we were pushed out of the ditch by the OPP and some truckers. I took over the driving from a shaken Jen, and we were able to roll into Toronto with 45 minutes to spare. Unfortunately for us, we were met at the curb by Massey Hall ushers, who were intercepting giddy and excited ticket-holders with news that D’Angelo would not be performing at all, due to some throat stress. Of course, he hasn’t toured since.

Got a call from Simahlak last week letting me know that his new Web site is finally up and running. Those of you familiar with the underground sounds that are created and nurtured in Sim’s basement know that he’s been working long and hard on a few different projects, all of which you can find out about by visiting www.simahlak.com.

Looking like the cast of some new reality show, the live hip hop extravaganza of Kodiak takes the stage at Divan Orange this Friday, July 15. This quebecois crew incorporates dancehall, funk, R&B, hip hop, crazy showmanship and choreography for their onstage performance, and you can check them out for whatever you can afford to pay at the door. Check out www.kodiaklive.com if you don’t believe me.

Montreal crew Atach Tatuq get ready to launch their new album Deluxxx, which I’ve been waiting to hear for some time now, on Wednesday, July 20 with a full show at Foufounfes Électriques. Expect all the theatrics you’re used to.

Time again for Eccentric Cypher 5, two-on-two freestyle dance battles for the future. On Sunday, July 17, at the Nest (3673 St-Dominique) from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the city’s only all-ages battle jumps off once again. Check out www.agentlynx.ca, where you can find info on featured musical guests DJ Freezer’s Orchetraz, live painters PKSO and ROD, and demo providers Sunny Tang Kung Fu Montreal and Cat’s Corner Swing Dance Studio.

Seven reasons psychiatry is not an option:
1. J Dilla Welcome 2 Detroit instrumentals (BBE)
2. Beatfanatic The Gospel According to Beatfanatic (Groove)
3. Artist of the Year Cut Disco (Cheezy Sounds)
4. Plant Life “We Can Get High” (Counterflow)
5. J Rawls feat. Middle Child “Soul (Again & Again)” (CDR)
6. Tiombe Lockhart “Mr. Johnnie Walker” (Giant Step)
7. Mellowmood feat. Dan Beats “Remember” (Mont Réal)

CONSTANTLY, MENTALLY, DEFINITELY... fathead@videotron.ca

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