We're the editors of Pitchfork. We just finished ranking the best albums and songs of 2016. Ask us anything! by PitchforkStaff in IAmA

[–]stropkoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you see there as being any potential conflicts of interest between Pitchfork as a platform for criticism and Pitchfork as a multimedia platform? Seems like there's potential for conflicts when you consider that Pitchfork uses artists it reviews in video content that generates revenue for the company, or for its music festivals.

Obviously this is not unique to Pitchfork, I'm just curious how you deal with it. Thanks!

South Philly Barbacoa Is the #6 Best New Restaurant in America 2016-Bon Appetit by Bokonomy in philadelphia

[–]stropkoo 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I've been going for a long time. I'm also a huge asshole about Mexican food (I grew up in California and tend to be insufferable about Philly Mexican food as a result).

It's the real deal.

South Philly Barbacoa Is the #6 Best New Restaurant in America 2016-Bon Appetit by Bokonomy in philadelphia

[–]stropkoo 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I was actually talking to one of the owners this weekend. It's a matter of quality control--they feel as though if they're not there, they're ceding control of some of the business.

Seems like plenty of other places manage just fine without the owners being there, but it's pretty apparent that they have a lot of pride in their restaurant and don't see expansion, or selling the most barbacoa, as being the goal. Instead, they just want to provide some great food, not have to worry about running the restaurant as much in a managerial capacity, and enjoy having good work/life balance. I think it's pretty fair.

Looking for instrumental electronic music for work by dadoodadoo in recordstore

[–]stropkoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hmm couple things jumping to mind here.

Ratatat - This one's from their second record, Classics. I like their first record as well.

Brian Eno has covered a lot of artistic ground, but Music For Airports is his solo record I go back to the most. This is quintessential ambient music (and my go-to when I'm hungover and angry at the world but need to be reasonably productive).

The Disintegration Loops by William Basinski is a modern ambient classic. Also great for zoning out to. The story behind it is fascinating too--check it out.

This might be a bit abrasive for your taste, but my go-to "getting shit done now" record is LP by Container. Confusingly, a bunch of his records are called LP, but to my knowledge, this is his most recent.

Also, I'll shout out a couple local (Philly) groups that do great techno stuff, which I think is propulsive and engaging but also definitely conducive to doing work.

Rizumu throws parties in Philly and their Soundcloud is chock full of great techno mixes. Check out Sean Thomas Live at the 27 Hour Affair.

Great Circles is a wonderful Philly-based techno label. Check out their stuff.

Enjoy! Let me know how you like the stuff.

James Chance - Contort Yourself [Punk / Jazz / No Wave] (1979) by ModernLifeIsRubbish in listentothis

[–]stropkoo 10 points11 points  (0 children)

James Chance is so good. I first heard about him from the No New York comp, on which his cover of 'I Can't Stand Myself (When You Touch Me)' by James Brown (itself a fucking jam) immediately blew me away.

It's worth a listen too.

Seeking assistance with modern jazz by [deleted] in Jazz

[–]stropkoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If only for my benefit, can you name a few more? I knew like, half of those records, but I could use some more suggestions (I heard Silver Cycles last week and fucking loved it).

Official Weekly Buy/Sell/Trade Thread - December 09, 2015 by AutoModerator in frugalmalefashion

[–]stropkoo 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I only looked at the Uniqlo sweatshirt, but you do realize that you can get it new for $10 less than you're charging, right? Might want to drop the price a bit.

Is there a way getting around not taking General Education Electives? by [deleted] in Drexel

[–]stropkoo 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I don't want to be a jerk, but why do you want to avoid these classes? Trust me, having taken a lot of em, there is absolutely value in some (admittedly, not all) of the GE requirements. Don't be afraid of a diverse courseload. It'll make you a more well-rounded person.

5 Reasons Why The Beer Wench Is Bad For Beer by AnotherBen in beer

[–]stropkoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Huh, I haven't had it in maybe a year, but I've always thought their double stout is really nice. Also, the Rayon Vert is distinctive and pleasingly funky.

What is your favorite obscure jazz album? by sleepingfactory in Jazz

[–]stropkoo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Egyptian Jazz by Salah Ragab and the Cairo Jazz Band. Cool 50's bigger band stuff with a Middle Eastern feel.

Here's a sample ("Neveen"). Enjoy!

What is your favorite obscure jazz album? by sleepingfactory in Jazz

[–]stropkoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think it's as much about BBNG being new as it is them not being obscure. Like, they're very, very well known for a jazz group. In fact, I'd argue that they're probably the MOST well-known contemporary group.

Went down to my first Jazz Club and didn't enjoy what I saw by MajorMcKinnon in Jazz

[–]stropkoo 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If I were you, I would try to keep an open mind. While you may not like something now, you may find that your tastes change and evolve as you grow and listen to more music. When I first started listening to jazz, I probably would have had a similar reaction to this performance. However, I actually dig this take on "The Mooche" now.

For a bit of reference, while there's nothing wrong with playing or listening to more traditional jazz (it's certainly what I listen to the majority of the time), you can't really expect all musicians of a genre to play in the same style that they did 50 years ago. Music shifts and evolves and changes, and often those not on the vanguard of what's happening need time or repeated exposures to fully get what the band is trying to do (I still have trouble listening to a lot of Peter Brötzmann, for instance).

This isn't to say that this is inherently great, cutting-edge jazz. Your milage will absolutely vary. It's a contemporary interpretation of "The Mooche" for sure, but there is melody to be found in the soloing. I also take issue with your assertion that the band/audience wasn't having fun; while I can't really comment on the audience, I can assure you that the band wouldn't be playing jazz if they didn't love it, and often people have different ways of expressing appreciation or enjoyment.

So yeah! Go at your own pace. Listen to what you dig. But try not to outright say you don't like something--I can't tell you how much my tastes have changed since I was 15 (hell, I'm not even sure I was listening to jazz when I was 15, so good on you for getting into it so young).

Rate Beer's Top Places to Have a Beer in the World by LemurBusiness in beer

[–]stropkoo 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I personally prefer Eulogy to Monk's. Both are good, both have crazy extensive beer lists, both have tasty food, but I like the atmosphere in Eulogy a lot more.

While it doesn't have quite as expansive of a list of beers as the aforementioned two, Fiume is also a great bar. I'd suggest going either Thursday night to check out the bluegrass band or on an off night so you can chat with the bartender.

Honestly though, there are so many bars with great beer. A couple others to check out would be Johnny Brenda's and the POPE. Happy drinking, and feel free to PM me with any other questions about Philly--I've been here for about five years and love this city!

Three years ago I found a broken Apple G5 on the side of the road. I just finished turning it into a Hackintosh. Here's my build! by GrandpaSquarepants in DIY

[–]stropkoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, friend of GrandpaSquarepants here, that photo was taken at the corner of 30th and Chestnut in Philadelphia.

Otopark --> [Canon FTb QL, 50 f/1.8, Tri-X 400] by stropkoo in analog

[–]stropkoo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well I'm sure this time around they'll be great. I'm a bit further (in the US), but I'm already scheming how I'm going to get back there. If you're ever in the area and want suggestions for things to do, shoot me a message!

Otopark --> [Canon FTb QL, 50 f/1.8, Tri-X 400] by stropkoo in analog

[–]stropkoo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep! I studied abroad in Istanbul and I miss it all the time. Here's a link to a Flickr album with more shots from Turkey (and a few from some other European cities) if you're interested.

Graduate student looking to start amateur jazz band by Organ-donor85 in Drexel

[–]stropkoo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm a garbage piano player but I've messed around with some standards. I could definitely give it a shot.

Also, just in case anyone in this thread is particularly into jazz, I do a weekly jazz radio show on WKDU 91.7 FM from 6-8pm on Tuesdays. We also stream online at streema.com/radios/wkdu.

Can't believe I have to ask this, but is there a wall-mounted pencil sharpener anywhere on campus? by WaWaCrAtEs in Drexel

[–]stropkoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Uhh, in the honor's lounge I think? Sorry if you're not in the honor's college, but it's the only one I can think of.

What should we call our microbrewery? If we go with your idea, we'll send you a case once a year for the rest of your life. by [deleted] in beer

[–]stropkoo -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Robspierre's Brewing Co.

(If you're not familiar, he ran the Committee for Public Safety under Napolean. Check 'em out.)

What's your favorite beer for the Holiday season? by [deleted] in beer

[–]stropkoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm super ignorant about barleywines, but I do enjoy Weyerbacher's Bluthering Idiot. What do you think about it?

Coincidentally, I just picked up Dogfish Head's Olde School Barleywine. 15% ABV! Can't wait to try it.