pdl: we all play happy, so let's all play "happiness", ok?

PdL does not stand for Punch-drunk Love. If you asked him what he stood for he'd tell you what he does not stand for---hate crimes...and the Pledge of Allegiance. If you were cool, you'd know that PdL stands for Perfidy de Licious, one half of the awesomely under-rated hip-hop duo The Mirror Boiyz (which I am totally unbiased about...of course). But you might not be cool...and that's why I'm here to help, because I'm SUCH a good friend.

On the proposed day of the world's end, PdL was featured on the lovely musical haven known as Fluxblog and everyone rejoiced in the sounds of "Happiness"...which goes to show you that one man can do a lot with a kazoo and a heart of gold. You can call it a summer jam or you can call it the jam of your life, but there's much more complexity existing beyond the sweet organ chords and catchy verse. Join me as I share the story...behind the music.

In spring of 2006, PdL was busy doing research for an ethnomusicology class at Wesleyan University. The final product of his readings and internet browsing was a song entitled "Shake that Bomb!" and a paper too, but that's not important. While developing "Shake that Bomb!", PdL came across samples of phone calls made on 9/11. He wanted to work the phone calls into the song by transforming samples from them into bass drums and snare drums. Once this was done, he liked the beat so much that he decided to use it for "Happiness". Are you offended? Are you appalled? Or are you still drawn in by the hypnotic glow the song offers? I vote the latter.

If "Happiness" becomes your jam of the summer, "Ambivalence" could easily become your token break-up jam...if you need one that is. The lyrics are quite simple, but the delivery captures the confusion you are left with at the end of a relationship. Pretending to be okay. Hating your ex. Reluctance to let go. These are among the themes hidden behind the electronic layers of de-Liciousness. Things we all go through and get over within a week or two once we recognize we can do much better. The song makes a blatant reference to the gay cowboy breakthrough film, Brokeback Mountain, but not in an annoying kind of way. It's nice to see that Mr. Licious hasn't forgotten his roots as an experimental gay rapper, taking the Notorious B.I.G.'s vocals and, um, making the late king of East Coast hip-hop sound like he's talking about gay sex. You read that right.

And how 'bout that bass line? It makes me feel like I'm back in church singing hymns in the choir. If you're not a disciple of PdL by the time those 3 minutes and 1 second pass, then we need to have a talk about what YOU stand for.

DOWNLOAD: PdL- Happiness
DOWNLOAD: PdL- Ambivalence

No album release date is set, but I will certainly keep you posted...by, er, posting.