Author Archives: Jason

About Jason

Jason R. Koepke is Founder and Data Strategist at GNT LLC, a risk-analysis and data strategy firm that provides analytical and technical services to the public and private sectors. His work and research has been featured in the academic, financial, and technical industries.

Albums Of The Year: Heard In 2006

Here are the best albums I heard, but not released, this year:

  • Dolphy, Eric Out To Lunch – Amazing.
  • Pitch Black Afro Styling Gel – If this country has any taste, whatsoever, African hip hop will blow up soon.
  • Knife, The Deep Cut’s – The Knife’s three albums are on my best albums heard in 2006 list. Need I say more?
  • Knife, The Knife, The – Why no one told me about these guys before will remain one of the world’s greatest crimes against Jason. Thanks LA!
  • Sonic Youth – During a two week period I listened to Sonic Youth’s entire discography. Mind blowing. Shame on past relationshippees for not forcing me to sit down and focus.
  • Hot Chip Coming On Strong – Too bad LA ruined the follow up for me by putting one of the tracks on loop.

Albums Of The Year: Most Disappointing

Most disappointing albums I heard in 2006:

  • Detroit Cobras: All their albums except Baby are fairly weak/standard.
  • OutKast Idlewild: Admit it. Their only “really good” now.
  • Spektor, Regina Begin To Hope: Way overproduced album from one of my favorite vocalists. Probably a result of the label’s push to make her big, ala John Legend.
  • Kano Beats And Bars: Terrible. Grime is dying. I can’t wait for Dizzee’s new album.

Meme? Fine.

Normally, having friends that really know you is good. In this case, however, it is bad. Steve has tagged me for a meme, and he’s absolutely correct in expecting me to hate it. But here goes:

Five things most people do not know about me:

(1) I do not completely understand what a meme is.

(2) I have noticeable hearing loss in my right ear, and I suspect it affects me more than others know (the second half of the sentence should be news for those who know).

(3) I would not pass a US geography test.

(4) I have an incredibly difficult time staying awake through a film/move, regardless of the film/movie, unless I have a cup of coffee before or during it.

(5) I am not much of a sweets person, but I can not control myself around Twizzlers or Red Vines.

Now for the tag-you’re-it part of the meme. I tag JB, Furious Ben, and Josh it.