Visual Sound: Issue 3
AUDREY NUNA,
“TOP AGAIN” (FT. SABA)
Filmed on the streets of Jersey, this Manalapan Miss arranged her own death for this clip where halfway through the video, she gets fatally run over by a motorcycle. Is this the most creative video to come out of New Jersey this year? She's hot! With a new Lexus commercial, Times Square Billboard, and recording contract, there's no telling how far she'll go.
BETTYE LAVETTE,
“SOMEBODY PICK UP MY PIECES”
Nobody does pain like West Orange’s own Bettye LaVette. Originally from Detroit, this Living Legend has the unique capacity to suspend time with her every breath. It’s almost as if she can channel all the pain and injustice we feel in America every day with her every tic and twitch. With no known precedent, LaVette is a simmering cauldron of emotion. Here, she transcends a 1998 Willie Nelson song and—in this 2009 performance—sings it like nobody before or since.
JOHN MELLENCAMP,
“WASTED DAYS” (FT. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN)
From out of the blue, with no advance fanfare, comes this gem.
KUTTUP REEK,
“DAT DUDE”
Star Of Tomorrow: Kuttup Reek, 22, the Burlington County rapper, cites 50 Cent as his primary influence. He says the fact that he creates original music others can enjoy is something that makes him feel alive, adding “the art of creation is very therapeutic.” He’d love to hear from fans on Instagram @kuttup_reek.
DINOSAUR STAMPEDE,
“THE ENABLER”
Garage Band Glory: Dinosaur Stampede--singer/guitarist Packy Thompson, drummer Sim Cain, bassist Keith Hartel, lead guitarist Keith Kenny—perform Instant Death’s “The Enabler” at Randy Now’s Man Cave in Bordentown. (Randy was the DJ at legendary Trenton club City Gardens.)
JOE GRUSHECKY & THE HOUSE ROCKERS WITH BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN,
“NEVER BE ENOUGH TIME”
Here's Bruce and his good Pittsburgh friend Joe Grushecky in 2010 rocking the house. Thanks to Bob Merlis for this rare clip which has Bruce doing a little shred at the end. Joe’s classic American Babylon, produced by Bruce, will be re-released later this month for its 25thAnniversary. It was one of the best damn rock albums of 1995.
KOOL & THE GANG,
“PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS”
Jersey City. 1964. Kool & The Gang is born. If everyone would only listen and take to heart the message of this legendary band’s new song, the world would be a better place.