"KILL BILL VOL.1" review by TOKYO CIGAR

KILL BILL VOL.1 & 2




Part 1


Kill Bill Vol. 1

Remember the first time you really bumped your head hard on something? A cupboard, the floor, somebody else’s head, whatever. Remember the slight feeling of being dazed that hit you as your brain tried to soak in all that just happened. That is what the end of this movie left me like.

Quentin Tarantino solidified his spot in cinematic history way before he made this. But yo, this to me was his Livin Proof/Only built 4 Cuban Linx. This was literally ALL the shit a lot of people grew up on compressed into one movie. ( it starts with a Klingon proverb for Pete’s sake ) Simple in plot ( and brilliantly so in dialogue as well ); incredible in execution. I once saw a flick where I literally did not give a shit about the main character or anyone in the movie. That was never the case with this movie. From “The bride” ( as Uma Thurman’s character is referred to since here name is bleeped out anytime anyone mentions it ) to Nikki Bell ( Vivica Fox’s character Vernita Green’s daughter ) the movie is packed with people that stay with you even if they only appear on screen for a short time. Hell, people still speculate that Nikki will grow up and hunt down the Bride for killing her mother in a Kill Bill sequel.

The movie ( for the five people who didn’t see it ) is about Uma playing an assassin who wants to leave the life behind when she get’s pregnant. She gets betrayed by her former crew and wakes up after a bullet induced coma to seek revenge. Like I said, simple in plot. The execution is where it gets crazy. I think the references are where it really shines. Everything from the fact we never see “Bill” ( R.I.P. to the homie David Carradine who played the part remarkably ) to the fact “the bride" has many unknown things about her even though she is the protagonist gives the movie a very 70’s action drama feel. Everything from zooming into the eyes when she's about to fight, to the deadly viper name flashes on screen give it enough humor to offset how dark the movie actually is. Parents are murdered in front of their children, people get shot up in Church and the INFAMOUS tea house scene let you know this is some seriously ill blood and guts shit going on.

While the story and Dialogue are purposefully simple in homage to the olden days action/Martial arts features that inform a lot of this movie. The acting, pacing and references is where the true power comes through. Uma really makes you feel for her. When she kills Vernita you may not fully realize her quest yet but by the time she kills Buck ( yeah you know Buck ) you already start rooting for her. The randomness of certain things like the Yakuza argument where dude flips out then start's fanning himself keeps you laughing and the black and white parts, the animated origin of Oren Ishi and such spark memories of that classic movie/anime you know you saw a while back but cant recall in detail.

Another demographic this film will appeal to is the beat making crowd. Brilliantly scored by The Rza ( if you don’t know who that is KILL YOUR DAMN SELF ) the movie is jam packed with ill music that had producers running from the theater to MPC to flip something. From Nancy Sinatra’s “Bang, bang”, to the raw theme song used for the Crazy 88’s entrance to the tea house, to the Zamfir song that had all Killarmy fan’s yelling “Yooooooo that’s the joint 4th disciple flipped”. The music was such a classic element to the movie that the songs still turn up today in commercials.

Intense, funny, graphic, this movie is what good cinema is about to me. I saw it in the movies 4 times and I still watch it on DVD. Totally engrossing. This ain't the sort of flick you have on in the back ground. Like the aforementioned Group Home and Raekwon albums, you have to fully pay attention to what is going on to realize that this is one of the dopest pieces of art ever. Some may not be able to stomach the gore but if they close their eyes for those parts and watch the rest, I think even they could not deny that Tarrintino knocked another one out the park with this movie.

Peace

Maxwell - Fistful Of Tears (video)

Maxwell = Amazing. That's all. Absolute genius. Barely made a wrong step since 'Urban Hang Suite'. Just watch, please.

Artist Feature: DJ Rob Swift

This is one man who needs no introduction. Any self-respecting Hip Hop fan will know of The X-Ecutioners, one of the most respected and talented DJs crews to ever rock the 1200s. The recent passing of the legendary Roc Raida has brought the guys to the forefront yet again; well, it's not like they ever left, really.

DJ Rob Swift has just released a brand new album entitled 'The Architect', and it's unlike anything you've ever heard before. Hip Hop, Classical, Turntablism. Actually, let's just call it good music.

I was blessed to do the first Australian interview with Rob (shouts to the homegirl Tamia!), so let's get right to it...



Cee: Hey Rob, how's things man?

Rob Swift: Things are great!

Cee: First up, I checked out the album. All I can say is 'wow'. This is on some next level shit. What was your main inspiration for it?

RS: The inspiration for "THE ARCHITECT" is the genre of classical music. On past albums, Jazz was the driving force for a lot of my creativity. Listen to my first album "THE ABLIST" and you'll hear songs with live bands. Even the album cover was intended to invoke a feel of the old Blue Note record label. Pick up my second album "SOUND EVENT" and discover tracks like "Salsa
Scratch" featuring jazz pianist Bob James. But this time around, about one month prior to begin working on what would later become "THE ARCHITECT", I discovered the genre of classical music. It made such an impression on me that subconsciously I was thinking like a classical composer, working movements and things of that sort. Once I realized this, I embraced it.



Cee: How do you feel turntablism and classical music are related?

RS: Both the classical musician and turntablist compose music. Its as simple as that. Obviously, the way we compose our music is different. Turntablists do not read sheets of music. A classically trained pianist or violinist does. However what ties us together is the way sound, rhythm and tempo inspire us to make music in the first place. Both the instincts of the
Turntablist and classical composer guide him on what sources of sound to incorporate into a piece, and so on.

Cee: Why the move to use more classical sound on this project?

RS: I felt the need to reinvent my sound. This was my way of giving my audience something new to look forward to regarding my music. It also served as a way of keeping the process of recording new and challenging for me.



Cee: Why the decision to only include one vocalist on the album?

RS: Well, I was listening by composers like Beethoven, Mozart and especially Frederic Chopin. Their music captured your attention with out the need of a vocalist. I wanted to achieve the same. I didn't want to use the presence of an MC on a particular song as a crutch!

Cee: What do you expect to achieve with this album?

RS: My goal on all of my albums was to emphasize the turntable is a musical instrument in the hands of the right DJ. For skeptics that didn't believe it when release my prior albums, there's no way than can deny it after listening to "THE ARCHITECT".



Cee: Was this more of a personal record or something for the people?

RS: I put my heart into everything I do. Thus, this album was just as personal as all my other releases. Likewise, I like to stimulate my audience and challenge the way they hear music so in that sense its for the people!

Cee: How did you meet Mike Patton and link up with his label?

RS: I first met Mike Patton at a show the X-ecutioners collaborated with him on in Canada. This was many years ago. Later on, we recorded an album with Mike entitled "GENERAL PATTON VS THE X-ECUTIONERS". Most recently, I toured with Mike as a member of his band "Peeping Tom". All of this allowed us to develop a strong musical connection. So midway through the completion of my album, I reached out to Mike about releasing "THE ARCH..." And after
listening to a rough draft of the album Mike responded in a very positive way to it and offered to draw up a recording deal on behalf of his label Ipecac Recordings.



Cee: How did the passing of Roc Raida affect you both as a musician and as a friend?

RS: As a musician, it makes me appreciate what I do for a living even more. It's easy to grow tired of the countless hours spent on planes, trains and automobiles on your quest to tour the globe spreading the word about a particular project. It's easy to get comfortable in what you've accomplished in the past and play it safe, only doing just enough at a show or in the recording studio. But Raida passing away is a reminder that you can't take life and the opportunities life offers us, for granted. Raida showed us that none of us know what's waiting for us around the corner so its important for you and I to give everything we do 110% because after we're
gone our work on this earth is what carries on our legacy. As a friend, Raida showed me the important roll we all play in each others lives. Raida and I motivated each other to be the best DJ, producer, musician and all around person. At times we accomplished this through being creative. Other times we accomplished this did it through it was through working out
creative and personal differences. Our friendship was deep. Tumultuous at times because of the passion we have but full of love as well. We were like brothers! I'll miss him forever and for this reason I dedicated "THE ARCHITECT" to him!



Cee: Tell us about the live show for the album.

RS: The live show is something you definitely must witness in person. Let's just say you won't be disappointed. I'm usually drenched in sweat by the finally of the show.

Cee: Are you working on any other projects at the moment?

RS: At the moment, I'm working on a DVD documenting "THE ARCHITECT" world tour!



Cee: What's the plans for the immediate future?

RS: Work, work, work and work some more to promote my album!

Cee: Are you getting down to Australia any time soon?

RS: Thanks to a fine trio of Australians (Tamia, MJ and Aaron - WHAT UP!) I will be touring Australia this May! It'll be my first solo tour their and I'm really excited about it!



Cee: Any message for the fans?

RS: I'm looking forward to seeing you all at the various shows I'll be having in Australia and please support my new album!

Cee: Thanks for your time man!

RS: Thank you!

DJ Rob Swift MySpace
DJ Rob Swift Website

Got Beef? Presents: 360 vs Keynote

I ain't seen a good battle for a minute, so the homie 360 gave me some inspiration. Dude came in and absolutely ass raped Keynote from the jump. It's a three verse battle, but just watch 360's last verse - wow. Next level battling.

By the way, Thesaurus and Madness were the main dudes who were there for the battle - they went tag team against 60 and Justice. I'ma post that as soon as they throw it up.

DJ Krush- Zen Approach (ft. Black Thought)

I recently started listening to DJ Krush (I know I'm late). All of his stuff is dope but this one track stood out to me because of the Black Thought feature. Do yourself a favor and check this out...

Drake - Over (video)

New Drizzy. Cool shit. Actually starting to look forward to this album, though I have a feeling it won't quite live up to 'So Far Gone'. Here's hoping though...

Cee & Bekah feat Theology3 - Livin' This Life (download)

Aight, so this is some FRESH shit right here.

We were lucky enough to work with the big homie Theology3, outta Toronto, Canada. My boy Hustle Beats was putting together his new mixtape 'Borderline', and he hit us up for a joint. I suggested that we work with Theo, who we knew from appearing on his radio show, Stylistik Endeavours, when we were in TO back in '08. Hustle made it happen and BANG, we made a classic.

We recently performed this joint in Melbourne and it went down real well (minus Theo, unfortunately). Cop this track as a FREE download below, and hit us with any feedback!

Download Cee & Bekah feat Theology3 - Livin' This Life

What Cee be on...The Temper Trap

Back to my skinny jeans music...

So I've been on The Temper Trap for a minute - an indie rock outfit from Melbourne who are making some serious noise around the globe. However, I've only really gotten into 'em hard lately. These cats are playing in Melbourne in July so I'm already preparing myself for the gig.

Check the video for 'Science Of Fear' above; I tried to lace y'all with 'Sweet Disposition' but the damn thing was barred from embedding (a practice which I still don't understand).

D2S - All Day (video throwback)

HUGE shouts to the big homie Kebrasca (the dude with the vest and the hair in the above video) for hitting me with this one.

My dude was in a group called D2S back in New Zealand, and this joint, 'All Day', was released in 2002. These cats were pretty big over there - mad gigs, support slots, radio/TV appearances, video rotations, the works. Brasca hit me with this today, so I thought I'd share it with y'all.

My man will be appearing on a bunch of Movement Fam projects coming up, including Notion's forthcoming mixtape 'On The Corner of Notion & 9th: A Tribute To 9th Wonder' - we're releasing the sponsors for this shortly, so stay tuned!

Rhymefest feat. John Mayer - Letter [Directed by Court Dunn]

Y'all been knew I fucks with Court Dunn's video game.

His latest in the One Shot series is with Rhymefest, who apparently jacked the joint that Wale rocked with John Mayer - exactly the same hook, though the beat is a bit different (I actually prefer the Wale version).

Either way, both the track and video is dope.