Favorite Albums of 2015

My top three albums from 2015 

#1 - A Pimp to a Butterfly: Kendrick Lamar

When I found out that Kendrick Lamar was releasing his 3rd album earlier this year I vowed to buy it. Not digitally either. That's right. I still buy CDs.
Before I had even heard anything off of it, come March I had me a copy of Pimp To A Butterfly. I pretty much knew that it would be my #1 favorite album of the year as soon as I listened to it.
The first thing that hit me was the undertones of funk and the throw back sound of old 90's hip-hop. You just don't hear originality like that in hip-hop these days, especially hip-hop that gets air play.  The fluidity of these simultaneous beats is made even better by the pristine production of them. The amplification and sound quality is engineered so impeccably well that the whole album sounds clean and clear no matter how high you turn up the volume and/or bass.
The wisdom that come from this young lyrical genius proves he is wise way beyond his years and also a lot wiser than a lot of his peers. He raps in a way that is very narrative, intuitively raising important questions about race ("The Blacker the Berry"), politics ("Hood Politics"), class ("How Much A Dollar Cost"), today's society ("Wesley's Theory"), life ("Alright") and how he fits into all of it: how each of us no matter our race, class or beliefs are a part of it and how our actions determine the outcome of not only our life but the lives and life around us. These are important concepts people are afraid to bring up and Kendrick isn't trying to combat them, he's trying to understand them and he
does so with out preaching.

He also acknowledges battles with his own inner demons ("U"). In a society saturated with the idealization of  being happy all of the time and no-one wanting to hear any different;  it's sad, but true, that this along with a need to be successful in society's eyes while the fortunate happily turn a blind eye to the widening gap between the rich and the poor and the disappearance of the working middle class, self medicating to be better or to feel better is prevalent ("These Walls").  Kendrick bravely addresses why those demons exist(ed) and his battle with them.







None of these topics are easy or fun. He doesn't glamorize these personal and socitial struggles nor does he deny them.Yes, on Pimp To A Butterfly he raps about quote un-quote pimps and hoes as well as drugs but not in the way most probably think.

Though there are technically only two interludes on the track listing ("For Free?" & "For Sale") there are actually a few more through out the album: delivered in a  monotone spoken word style, each one has the same opening "I know you was conflicted" and the redundant repetition of these un-official interludes serve more as poetic stanzas. The use of line repetition in poems drives a point across, highlighting the importance of the writing's theme  and can also indicate an upcoming shift in or a development in emotion. The usage of this writing tool is a powerful one and a smart move on Lamar's part because it brings the listener back to the story he's telling with a driving force.
This album is so good, it's great.
It's relevant, smart, innovative, moving, powerful, inspiring and you can still get down to it! 

Kendrick Lamar received more Grammy nominations than any other artist this year, beating out Taylor Swift and Adele with 11 nods for Pimp To A Butterfly, including album of the year!
Good luck Kendrick, you deserve it!

My faves:
- King Kunta
- Hood Politics

#2 - Dodge and Burn: The Dead Weather

Even with the release of the single "Buzzkill(er)" late last year, there was only a little buzz surrounding the release The Dead Weather's long over due 3rd album. 2010's Sea of Cowards was the last time we heard from the blues-rock supergroup and Dodge and Burn was rumored to be released in 2014 but it actually, finally, dropped this September. The fierce, gritty rawness The Dead Weather is known for got an up grade on this album. 

On the surface is Jack White's undeniable distinctive taste of musical style: the lo-fi, grainy, organic distortion of true rock with blues roots and a prominent garage grunge reverb. Then there's Alison Mossharts' formidable wailing , laced with her substantial howls kicking everything up a notch with a burning passion, bellowing out from deep inside, painting each track with an even darker aesthetic. It all sounds more polished. Dodge and Burn is more heavily driven by mean guitar riffs and roaring solos than on the first two albums. Track, to track to track their sinister sound is amplified to a grandiose rock anthem, arena worthy sound. While the whole album possesses this quality, some tracks sound as if influence was drawn from the likes of  Queen on "Impossible Winner" and the Fun Loving Criminals on "Three Dollar Hat". As he's done in the past, drummer Jack White joins Alison Mosshart on vocals, either as back up or in duet fashion on a few tracks in a row in the middle of the 12 track album.
 My love/hate relationship with Jack White burns strong as there is no news of a Dead Weather tour in the works and for as good as this album is, it's most likely a whole lot better live!
It is truly heart breaking to know we probably won't be seeing their new material live anytime soon.

My faves:
- I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)
- Be Still

#3 - Love Stuff: Elle King

Tanner Elle Schneider is better known as her stage name these days, Elle King and thanks to her hit single "Ex's and Oh's" and her successful debut album Love Stuff, the 26 year old musician has become pretty well known.  I first heard said single on the radio and had to shazam it:  I needed to know what gravely voiced siren I stumbled on because I loved it and needed to know. That's when I fell in love with Elle King. I then came to learn that the saucy outspoken songstress is the daughter of local comedic legend and music enthusiast Rob Schneider! Her Dad is from my hometown of Pacifica and he started the Rob Schneider Music Foundation in Pacifica in 1997, offering middle school students a chance  to explore their creativity, learn how to play music and find a love for it. I think it's awesome that his daughter grew up to be a musician. Knowing this about her made me fall even harder for Elle King. Her outspoken edge characterizes her soulful sound of bluesy-rock with a country twang and a vixen swagger. The tempo of the album ebbs and flows evenly with faster, tempos and upbeat vibes and then slower tempos with almost melancholy feels.
Love Stuff is catchy, it's flirty, it's fun, it's unapologetic, it's empowering for ladies everywhere and it got Elle King a Grammy nomination for best song and performance for "Ex's and Oh's". Get it grrrrl! 

My faves:
- Kocaine Karolina
- See You Again

My favorite singles of 2015 

There's a reason why certain songs are plucked from albums or released early as singles, because they're good, they're catchy and the hope is when you hear one song you'll want to hear the whole album. 

"Sorry" - Justin Bieber 

"Downtown" - Macklemore

"Roses" - Chainsmokers

"First" - Cold War Kids  

Pink Velvet Cupcake from Teacake Bake Shop

I hung out with a friend on the other-side of the Bay the other day when he pointed out a small little bakery that I hadn't heard if before, Teacake Bake Shop.  After eating lunch, we walked by the small little bakery again when my friend asked if I was going to get a cupcake. I wasn't planning to treat myself to a cupcake that day but at that moment my will-power impulsively failed.  Plus, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to review a cupcake from a bakery that was  new to me!

Pink Velvet Cupcake display @ Teacake Bake Shop
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Their handcrafted cookies, cupcakes, brownies, cakes, cake-pops, donut bites and whoopie pies are made with the finest ingredients: imported Belgium Chocolate, Dutch coco, Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, local farm fresh dairy, eggs and sweet cream butter all baked in small batches through out the day for the best and freshest quality. The retail store has an open kitchen policy so customers can watch bakers whip up original Teacake treats and see them put a spin on classic flavors.

 Teacake Bake Shop Pink Velvet Cupcake
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Inside, a sweet fresh scent tickled my senses as my attention was drawn to cupcakes in the display case. There was an assortment of chocolate varieties: Chocolate cake with Chocolate Buttercream, Chocolate cake with Vanilla frosting, Vanilla cake with Chocolate Buttercream, Chocolate cake with Sea Salt Carmel Cream-Cheese frosting and a German Chocolate Filled Cupcake. There was also a couple Holiday flavors available: Gingerbread with Cream-Cheese frosting and Peppermint with White-Chocolate Peppermint  Buttercream, but I went with their take on Red Velvet and got a Pink Velvet cupcake with cream-cheese frosting. With it's festive red, white and green pearl candies sprinkled on top I feel like it still fits in with the Holiday Season Cupcake selections. They boxed it up for me at the register in a plain white box just big enough for one cupcake. I always think is super cute when places have packaging like that: a perfect, single size cupcake box. It's the little things :) 

 Teacake Bake Shop Pink Velvet Cupcake
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Though it's called a Pink Velvet Cupcake the cake was very much red. Not a deep crimson or dark burgundy like other Red Velvet cakes and cupcakes I've come across but Teacakes' Pink Velvet is not pink, it's red. Traditionally this take on Devil's Food Cake is gooey and decadent but surprisingly this cake was a little on the dry side. Despite being dry, it did have a full coco flavor that Red Velvet is suppose to have. 

 Teacake Bake Shop Pink Velvet Cupcake
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Teacakes' Cream-Cheese frosting is amazing. It's a sugary sweet spin on original Cream-Cheese frosting, whipped to a light, melt in your mouth taste of heaven. It's the first time I had a Cream-Cheese frosting with consistency no where close to a rich and creamy Buttercream or even a standard frosting. The sweet fluffiness of the whipped frosting equaled out the dryness of the flavorful cake and the hard pearl candy sprinkles added a crunch of Holiday cheer. It was a heavenly dessert. 

Teacake Bake Shop is located at 5615 Bay Street in Emeryville. They have more flavors than the ones I saw when I visited and there are some vegan options too! Sugar plums won't be the only thing dancing in your Christmas eve dreams once you try this Christmasy treat. 

Kelela @ The Independent 12/14/2015

Since gaining major praise for her 2013 mix tape, Cut 4 Me, Kelela has been on the rise, finding her place as a performer. Currently on a headlining tour in support of the EP Hallucinogen, her show at SF's The Independent on Monday night was sold-out! 

Kelela @ The Independent 12/14/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

Kelela @ The Independent 12/14/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

The hip, young crowd was un-phased by the long change-over following the unique, globe-trotting, dance-pop opener Lafawndah. No equipment was moved on or off stage and it remained dark for the better part of an hour, yet there were no chants trying to entice Kelea to start: she was making her fans (painstakingly) wait and they blindly obliged.  A seemingly bold move for a growing artist, however; when she finally, un-apologetically appeared on the dark stage, eclipsed by bright white light ans showered by whirling applause, I realized I was witnessing a diva in the making.

Kelela @ The Independent 12/14/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

Churning out songs from her career launching mixtape and her recent EP, the sassy singer/songwriter hit and held some serious, Mariah worthy high-notes early on. If she didn't have your full attention by then, there's no way there was anyone who wasn't locked in after she dropped those! 

Kelela @ The Independent 12/14/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

The audience poured out even more adoration when she asked who had been with her since the release of her mixtape before expressing how grateful she was to be back since her first show here with Solange about 3 years ago. The amount of loud cheers was a clear indication that Kelela has loyal fans here in SF, a fact she was visibly happy about. 

Her soulful singing style characterizes her experimental R&B sound while her minimalistic performance is carried by her fierce demeanor and even fiercer delivery of empowering lyrics. 

Spurts of popping, locking, robotic movements struck an FKA Twigs resemblance while she radiated an approachable, Beyonce air. 

Kelela @ The Independent 12/14/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

Playing off of that approachable attitude, Kelela hopped off the stage mid-song at one point and leisurely navigated through the crowd as she sang. She looked comfortable and welcomed one on one attention from cooing fans swaying around her. Bright back lighting and rays of indigo and violet spot lights through out the night beautifully accentuated the  ambiance of the somber, broken hearted love songs: easily transforming the show into an intimate evening. 

It's obvious Kelela knows what she's working with. As she soars to success with her sweet, powerful pipes she keeps what could be a show effecting ego in check by remaining welcoming.

 A debut LP from this songbird is suppose to drop sometime in 2016 so we will be hearing more from Miss Kelela soon!

Hello (peanut-butter) lover

My roommate works near SusieCakes and sometimes she brings home cupcakes to share which is really sweet of her. The last time she did, she brought home a box full of 9 different, delicious SusieCakes cupcakes to choose from! She told me the flavors of the ones I didn't know, but there were two right next to each other that she couldn't remember which was which: one was mocha and one was peanut-butter. 

Red velvet is her favorite from SusieCakes so she chose that cupcake and being a peanut-butter lover I chose  the one I thought was the peanut-butter cupcake: the one of the two cupcakes with the frosting that was more tan the "could be mocha"one, the one with the chocolate sprinkles. Either way it was going to be good! 

As soon as I tasted the frosting I knew it was indeed the peanut-butter cupcake! It was so thick and and flavorful! The ratio of peanut-butter to actual frosting has to be greater in this recipe because of how phenomenally peanut-buttery it is! Like a Reese's peanut-butter cup, chocolate is a perfect  match so of course it's great cake choice for this cupcake. The deep dark chocolate wasn't as rich it looked and that's a good thing! It would be an extreme overload if the cake was as intense as the frosting! It was dense and (dare I say) moist and just chocolatey enough. 

Some of Susiecakes' cupcakes are filled and as I slowly enjoyed my peanut-butter cupcake, I came to find-out it was filled with more delicious frosting! Some people like salty and some people like sweets and I deffinitely have a mean sweet tooth but I love me some salty snacks, too. This cupcake is great for when your taste-buds are being indecisive: the saltiness of the peanut-butter mixed with the sweetness of frosting satisfies both cravings. SusieCakes' could easily make a Crunchy Peanut-butter Cupcake option by adding some chopped up peanuts on top. Then they'd have a Crunchy Peanut-butter Cupcake and a Creamy Peanut-butter Cupcake! Did someone say yum?! 

If you're a peanut-butter lover like me, you have got to try Susiecakes' Peanut-butter Cupcake! They have locations in Marin, San Francisco, Menlo Park, Lafayette, San Carlos, Sacramento and Southern California. 

Puscifer @ The Fox Theater 12/8/2015

Maynard James Keenan, a name synomonous with legendary Rock front-men, returned to the Bay Area with one of his many bands; taking the stage at the sold-out show at The Fox Theater in Oakland with one of his many bands, Puscifer for the first time since 2011.

There's a first time for everything and the show Tuesday night held three firsts for me. Not only was it my first time seeing Puscifer, or Maynard for that fact but the show was a seated one which was another first for me.

Luchafer @ The Fox Theater 12/8/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

At 8:00 the show started with an opener you typically don't see, or expect to see at a concert. With a full on wrestling ring center stage at the picturesque venue for a Lucha libre match from Luchafer quite literally kicked off the night! Out of all of the shows I've been to this was the first time I ever saw a Lucha libre opener. It was exciting!

Exaggerated grunts and loud repercussions of body slams jolted the silent stricken venue for about half an hour as the two teams of two battled it out.  Their loud costumes were as vibrant as their wildly animated antics and as they thrashed about you couldn't help but be completely enthralled, amused and entertained. When the referee joined (and dominated) the fight,  murmurs of speculation that it was Maynard himself stirred around me but I'm still not so sure it was him.

Luchafer @ The Fox Theater 12/8/2015 
Photo by Marc Fong 

Hardly any time passed from when the wrestlers took their final to when the lights dimmed and a parody PSA video started. Paying homage to Puscifer's debut on the HBO's Mr. Show with Bob and David (Arrested Development's David Cross and Break Bad's/Better Call Saul's Bob Odenkirk), a white trash costumed Maynard starred in the short video warning all show goers not to take out or use their phones (or else!) and to just fucking enjoy the show. And with that, everyone jumped to their feet, hollering and clapping at the first sight and sounds of Puscifer! 

Pusicfer  @ The Fox Theater 12/8/2015 
Photo by Marc Fong 

Jeff Friedl was set up on drums in front of the wrestling ring with bassist Paul Barker (formerly of Ministry) guitarist Matt Mitchell to the left of him with keyboardist Mahsa Zaragaran to the right. Maynard and co-vocalist, Corina Round were behind the rest of the band with retro microphones in the middle of the ring. 

The infamously illusive front-man lurked in the shadows, as he's known to do during his shows, wearing his own Lucha libre mask. Cognitive guitar snarls and surreal synth hooks teamed with Round's robustly halcyon tones delivered a romantically eerie, cumbersome feel while Maynard's grandiose hand gestures pulled you in and his daunting delivery kept you hauntingly spellbound. 

 Puscifer @ The Fox Theater 12/8/2015 
Photo by Marc Fong 

For a band of revolving members (except for Maynard who is the only permanent member of Puscifer) they sounded sharp, bound by the layers of experimental, industrial rock, genre redefining sound they seamlessly make on stage. Their collective expertise left no need for prolonged banter: the atmosphere they created as they played provocatively connected Puscifer to their fans in Oakland. 

There's something to be said for great musicians who don't take themselves or what they do too seriously: knowing  how good and influential they and their craft are yet able to give fans a serious wholehearted performance while having fun with it. Maynard is one rock-star who has mastered this trait.   

Puscifer set-list 12/8/2015 

1. Simultaneous

2. Galileo 

3. Agostina 

4. Vagina Mine 

5.  Horizons 

6. Arsonist

7. Remedy 

8. Life of Brian 

9. Rev 2220 

10. Grand Canyon 

11. Polar Bear 

12. Breathe 

13. Toma 

14. Telling 

15. Moneyshot 

16. Man Over Board 

17. Undertaker 

En-core 

1. Humbling River 

2. Autumn 

Mr. Holmes for the Holidays

For the longest time I didn't know what the small place at 1042 Larkin was because it always happened to be closed but I knew that I enjoyed the pink neon lights that lit up the white tiled wall that read: I Got Baked in San Francisco. A bakery? A cafe? An art studio?  

Inside Mr Holmes Bakehouse @ 1042 Larkin Street in San Francisco
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

One fateful day as I was walking by I got super excited when I saw that the doors to the store front were open and I practically ran inside. Low and behold I found out it's a bakery, or a bake house rather, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse to be exact. The thick aroma of sweet buttery deliciousness consumed me once inside the tiny store. I wanted some of whatever it was that I smelled. It was the middle of the afternoon so there were only a few fancy looking "jelly" donuts in the display case. I was able to tell that they were two different flavors by the colorful filling spilling out of them.  The staff were happy to let me know what the flavors are as there's no menu or signage displayed. I made the difficult decision to treat myself on a different day and to go in the morning when everything was fresh and there was more choices.  

Intrigued, I did a little research: they offer sweet and savory danishes, croissants, a gourmet pop-tart called an Ube Tart, cookies, Donuts, some other really yummy looking french style puffs and the famous Mr. Holmes confection creation, the Cruffin. Think of a Cruffin as the West Coast cousin of the Cronut: the Donut/Croissant hybrid pastry made famous in New York. A Cruffin is part muffin part Croissant filled with a scrumptious custard. Like the donuts, the flavor of the Cruffin varies everyday. Their hours are 7am to 2:30pm Monday through Friday and 8am to  3:30pm on the weekend. Fresh baked Cruffins are available at 9am everyday until they run out! I was on my way to work on a Friday morning when I returned to Mr. Homes Bakehouse and I had decided not only was I going to treat myself to a Cruffin but I was going to treat my co-workers to gourmet donuts, cause who wouldn't want a gourmet donut?

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Donuts
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

 It was just past 9:00am when I got in line which wasn't very long and moved pretty quickly.  As we inched inside I could hardly believe my eyes! The display case was full of an array of so many gourmet pastries! My stomach instantly gbigger than my eyes and I started to second guess what I was going to get. But I stuck to my plan. I got two of each flavored donut, there was three that day: Mango Citrus, Vanilla Bean Raspberry, and Blood Orange and they were all curds or custard filling not jelly. I also impulsively got a Chocolate-Chip Walnut cookie for everyone to share.


And of course there were the Cruffins. Chocolate toffee was the flavor of the prized pastry's filling that day! One of the workers emerged from the back (where all f the magic happens) with a huge sheet of fresh Cruffins. As she placed them in the display case she explained inquiring on-lookers that they bake three times as many Cruffins than any other pastry there and they sell completely out within hours every single day.


 With 6 donuts and a cookie in one adorable white and gold box and a separate bag for my Cruffin, I merrily skipped out the door and made my way to work as my mouth watered.
The way my co-worker's eyes lit up and seeing their bright smiles when I walked into work with the box of donuts gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I love making someone's day. I explained to them that they would have to share because I couldn't afford to get everyone their own donut and before they could find a knife to cut the donuts in half the cookie was broken into pieces and devoured.
They had so many questions: What's this place called? Where is it? What are the flavors? Why did you bring these for us?

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Chocolate Toffee Cruffins
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

As they enjoyed their treats it was time for me to enjoy mine. The way the custard spills out and sits on top of the Cruffin makes it look like a cupcake in a way. That and it's muffin shape, a shape which is the same as that of a cupcake, I decided to review it because it's close enough to being a cupcake! Covered in a thin layer of granulated white sugar the flaky dough was baked to perfection. On the outside it was a toasty shade of brown with a little bit of crunch and on the inside it was layers of golden yeast-leavened, butter dough.

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Chocolate Toffee Cruffin 
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

The chocolate custard was thick and creamy and it's chocolate flavor didn't take away from the pastry that surrounded it. The sprinkle of toffee flakes on top were a smart way to incorporate that flavor without over doing it. It was a little awkward to bite into because of it's size and shape so I ended up tearing it in half and eating it that way. It didn't look as appetizing but I was able to get the best of both worlds, some custard and pastry in every bite!






Cruffins are definitely more Croissant than they are Muffin and though they are not the most nutritious breakfast (1 regular Croissant = 231 calories, 12 grams of fat and 26 grams of carbs. 1 serving of regular custard = 234 calories, 8 grams of fat and 26 grams of carbs) they are one of the more delicious breakfasts! At $3.00 and $3.50 a pop the Cruffins and Donuts from Mr. Holmes Bakehouse are pricey but worth the monetary and caloric splurge!

Be the star of your next Holiday party by bringing a box of Mr. Holmes Bakehouse goods!

BØRNS @ The Independent 11/22/2015

One of this year's biggest breakout artists, BORNS, played at one of the smaller venues in San Francisco on Sunday November 22nd. It was a chilly night on the streets San Francisco  but inside The Independent it was nice and cozy with fans arriving early to the show which had sold-out in a heartbeat. The floor was full and pulsating with politely chatting, dancing show goers when Avid Dancer got the show going. Warming the crowded room up for the highly anticipated headliner, the LA based openers were modest, asking SF fans if they were excited for BORNS a couple of times during their solid alt-indie-pop set.

BORNS @ The Independent 11/22/2015
Photo by Marc Fong

BORNS @ The Independent 11/22/2015
Photo by Marc Fong

Garret Borns, the critically acclaimed 23 year old Michigan born, LA based singer-songwriter, better known as BORNS, sparked more movement throughout the already jubilicious crowd. Positively radiating happiness, he lead his band, and fans into the dreamy, dopamine fueling set. For as heavily synth sounding as his debut album, Dopamine is, surprisingly there wasn't a single synthesizer on stage: one gal played two different key boards, another kept the beat on drums and gents on guitar and bass made up the ensemble. 

His velvety vocals enchanted with an unassuming intensity and were pleasantly accentuated by female back up vocals from the keyboardist. With his signature luscious locks, gracious stage presence and flawless singing, Borns' exuded an angelic air. It was easy to fall into a trance while he lifted the audience up on a high with his seamless experimental psychedelic pop. 

BORNS @ The Independent 11/22/2015
Photo by Marc Fong

The best of course was saved for last and surely sent everybody home more than happy, ending the sensational show climatically with "Electric Love". 

I gotta say seeing BORNS on a Sunday night sure was a great way to wrap up the week! 

After finishing the current  leg of the US tour December 18th at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo New York, BORNS will continue touring in Australia, the UK and all around Europe through early 2016!