99 Problems by Hugo
Just finished watching the new Fright Night costarring David Tennant, which I loved, and the end credits featured this cover of Jay Z’s 99 Problems. I have to say, I liked it a lot. Generally, I feel like covers of hip hop songs with twang seem novel or kitchy (ala the Gourds cover of Gin and Juice), but this one seems to be really grounded. Plus, the closing credits looked incredible.
I keep hearing this song pop up more and more even thought it’s two years old. Heard it in the opening credits of Horrible Bosses and then at Victory Sandwich Bar in Inman Park (btw, excellent potato salad and nice folks). I hate to say that I had to Shazam it. I should have known that it was Spoon, because it’s great.
Mark Ronson doesn’t really produce the future, but this video is pretty futuristic in the way that it is inspired by Japanese robot cartoons from the 80′s. My friend Zach had posted another Mark Ronson video directed by Warren Fu entitled “The Bike Song“. I can see why he likes it. For one, Zach works in film and it’s a tasty looking video. Two, he bikes to so many places and I can imagine him singing the chorus in his head as he rides home from trivia. Zach, thanks for the link. Everyone else, check out the bike video.
I had honestly forgotten how much I liked Mark Ronson. Immediately, I started looking for new songs and videos from his newest album “Record Collection”. “Version”, his earlier album has been well worn on my iPod and I have been pining for new material ever since. Ronson is the guy who produced Amy Winehouse and at this point I think his career will outlast hers. Well, patience is a virtue. I love how the intro (full version here) shows him gearing up with his musical equipment as if he’s a member of Voltron. All we need now is a voice-over by Peter Cullen.