12/31/2005 - New Year's Resolution

Song: New Year's Resolution
Artist: Otis & Carla
Why this song is the current jam: Because it is New Year's Eve and I can't think of a better song to go out with the old and in with the new. I'll leave you all to your debauchery or loneliness or anything in between tonight (heck, maybe a little of both). Check in tomorrow cuz I am gonna start the new year off right!

12/30/2005 - Try a Little Tenderness (Live)

Song: Try a Little Tenderness (Live)
Artist: Otis Redding
Why this song is the current jam: OK, so it is getting close to the end of the year and I want to finish 2005 strong so lucky you all, you get extra good bonus tracks here. I present for your enjoyment my favorite version of one of my favorite songs by Otis, one of my favorite singers. The live version above is from Otis Redding: Live in Europe the LP. I grew up on this record. It is really amazing to hear Otis just kill it and get called back for an encore. Mad energy. Now there is also the completely good original studio version which everyone should have in their collection. Great, but lacking the same energy. Finally there is the live version that you will find on the re-released CD and on iTunes. This is good and all, but it not the version that used to appear on the vinyl record back in the day. I didnt have that version I grew up to on any new media like CD or mp3 so I downloaded it when it (finally) showed up on iTunes. Imagine my chagrin when the very song that I was dying to have to badly was NOT THE VERSION I WAS LOOKING FOR. Go ahead, imagine. More than that. Anyways, I was bitter, and for the record, if you want evidence, you can look up Live in Europe on iTunes and see my salty-ass review. I didnt get my money back, but I did show what a dork I am. Anyways, the point is, this is a completely bad ass song. And these are all good versions. Everyone have a great New Year's Eve. Props to Tina for playing this last night in the blues room at Rhythmic Arts.

12/29/2005 - Things Ain't What They Used to Be

Song: Things Ain't What They Used to Be
Artist: Johnny Hodges
Why this song is the current jam: This song is straight up sexy. That is why I like it. There is something about that slow, steady beat, and the way they play that riff, so slow and easy, just draggin everything thing out. I think this is what so many people would never think of when they think of dancing to jazz music. There is such a wider range of emotion and energy that can be conveyed than just Sing Sing Sing yknow? There is a real sensuality in the way that real artists are able to play and it is on full display in this version of this song. Johnny Hodges tears shit up here seriously, and it just sounds beautiful. I guess he was taught and inspired by Sidney Bechet, so that would make some sense as to why he is such a badass. He played with Duke Ellington for most of his career if that tells you anything. Anyways, I think the saxophone is my favorite jazz instrument (when it doesnt totally suck - Kenny G et al) and this guy is really amazing. Just listen to the sound he makes. The solo sounds like a chick takin off her pantyhose after a long night of dancing. And when they come back in for the chorus at the end, it makes me want to dance with a LADAY. As if she was a laday, know what I am sayin? Anyways, if I heard more of this I would dance slow and close a lot more often.

12/28/2005 - What You Gonna Do After the Party

Song: What You Gonna Do After the Party
Artist: Willie Hutch
Why this song is the current jam: Willie passed away this year (check his obit here) so I thought it would be nice to make mention of him on the blog. His music is pretty amazing and aside from his own stuff, he has created some great music for a lot of other artists as well. I think of Willie as a musician, not a singer or songwriter or anything, just a musician. He is an amazing talent and his voice, his guitar, and his compositions have influenced a ton of people. This song in particular I just think is so beautiful. You have to really let the music move you, and just feel him on this one. It is so easy to here him talkin to this girl and kinda swaggerin and kinda laugh it off as a joke. But there is some real emotion and vulnerability here. He starts out just tryin to mack, but I think he chills out and gets more and more real as the song goes on. And what is so wrong with seein a girl at a party and wanting to hang out? That's right, nothing. I know it is a cheesy line, but when he sings about "heaven missing an angel" it is heartbreakingly beautiful to me. The sound of this song sounds like love to me.

I am including two little bonus treats here as well. First, "Brothers Gonna Work it Out" from The Mack. This one is a testament to Willie's commitment to social issues. He did this soundtrack and Foxy Brown which were mainly some bullshit like most blaxploitation movies. But there was definitely something underneath just the vicarious thrill of black people getting over and sticking it to the white "man." This song brings some of that out and the more you hear of Willie the more you realize he is about love and freedom and good stuff like that. That being said, on to treat #2. The blaxploitation movies and their soundtracks were wildly influential in hip hop culture and that music has been used over and over again. Here is a recent example of a sample of a Willie song by the Three 6 Mafia called "Stay Fly". They tend to say some stupid shit, but the beat is hot and this was one of this fall's big jammy jams.

12/27/2005 - Diary (Live)

Song: Diary (Live)
Artist: Alicia Keys
Why this song is the current jam: This song is off of Alicia's Unplugged album * and there are two cool things about it. Number one, and the reason I am posting this song is that my friend Dave showed me the DVD of the show last night, and this song in particular. He wanted to show me what a good performance it was and also show me the awesome backup singer that sorta semi-duets with Alicia on this one. I think his name is Jermaine (or Tremaine) Paul. He is buff sexy black man with a really good voice and he really does do it up Trey Lorenz-style (from the Mariah cover of "I'll be there") here with Alicia, lots of feeling. And it really is fun to watch, because it becomes a moment. Alicia sings the song seemingly to her singers, with this smile on her face and this sidelong look that reminds me of Bangles lead-singer Susanna Hoffs but without the pretension (but with all of the pretty). She really sings it like she is in love and means what she says and I think that this song has a beautiful sentiment for a lady to sing to a fella. When Alicia and her dude go back and forth it really gave me the goosebumps to see them doin it up so I hope you enjoy the song. Part two of the coolness is that my boy James was at the show. He is buyer for Target's R&B (among other) musical categories and so check this. He got flown out to NYC, for one night, to go see the show, and then come back the next morning. For WORK. Man I thought my job was cush. Anyways, so he was there bearing witness to the hotness of the whole thing.

* I enjoy this album despite the fact that is showcases once again that Alicia is still a young artist. She recognizes the badassness of a song like “How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore?” but it remains completely out of her reach. I offer for comparison here, her version and Prince’s original. Which makes you feel more? I mean she can sing good yeah, but the song is about some pain and introspection. It is lonely and quiet. I guess you can figure out which I like more. He is the man.

12/26/2005 - Everybody

Song: Everybody
Artist: Anthony Hamilton
Why this song is the current jam: Here is a little present from me to you. Remember the new Anthony Hamilton album that I was talking about? No? Well maybe you should check the blog more often. Anyways, I was talking about how I hadnt really gotten a good listen to it yet. Well I have. And it is really good. This is a song that I am hooked on right now. You should run out and buy this album pronto so that he makes more like it. He is maybe my favorite voice of any of the dudes out there right now. I dedicate this one to Ron in London, who I was ABOUT to send this album to via the post when he left me a message sayin' "hey man, check this out" and then he played this song. Once again, we are on the same page. And this song is the bomb. Enjoy. And seriously, pick up the album.

12/25/2005 - Ave Maria

Song: Ave Maria
Artist: Schubert
Why this song is the current jam: OK so I am cracking under the pressure and putting up a Christmas song. Bill O'Reilly can sleep soundly tonight. But this one is personal. This is one of my mom's perennial favorites and we play it almost every Christmas at my parent's place. It really is beautiful and again Pavarotti does this song good with that voice. This is holiday music that I can get down with. This makes me think of a warm fireplace with my family opening presents. I am a lucky mothergrabber when it comes to family stuff. One family to visit on Christmas, never went without, always got too many presents, listened to Pavarotti sing on Christmas. Remind me not to complain. Merry Christmas folks and happy holidays.

12/24/2005 - Stay (Live)

Song: Stay (Live)
Artist: Erykah Badu
Why this song is the current jam: OK so I mentioned Erykah in my last post, and then I realized, why not post something by her? She is an amazing vocalist and I can testify to her skills as a performer. I feel like there are so few people who can get up on stage and just fuckin sing really well and have a compelling show. She has such stage presence, it really is bizarre. She just chills out standing there, swaying a little bit to the beat like some earth mother and she sings her ass off. So I figured most everyone has heard a lot of Erykah before but maybe I can focus on her live skills and her voice. This song highlights both I think. It is a cover of Stay by Chaka Khan and she really tears it up. The band is amazing too, but it is Erykah's voice that is the highlight. As the song builds she comes with more and more force until she is just straight up wailing at the end. She hits a few notes that are so intense and beautiful and they are so fucking poignant and so touching that they move my insides around so that it squeezes a few tears drop out. It is really a visceral, physical reaction. Turn this up loud and the feeling will hit you too. She has skills. And she dates my favorite rappers.

12/23/2005 - You'll Lose a Good Thing

Song: You'll Lose a Good Thing
Artist: Barbara Lynn
Why this song is the current jam: I love this woman's stuff, and I have heard so little of it. This is a beautiful old song, and it is not even my favorite by her. If anyone has or can figure out how to find "This Is the Thanks I Get" (the OLD version, not the 1994 one) by Barbara Lynn, please please please let me know. It is the bomb. This one is still a hot track though, and what is cool about Barbara Lynn is that she was a guitar player, not just a vocalist. But the fact remains that she has a great voice, and I love the way she sings this tender old ballad. There are definitely moments (like the 2nd time she sings "good thing" that little baby run right there) where she reminds me a little bit in her vocal style (if not so much her voice) of Lauryn Hill and I can't help wondering if she was a fan. Also, she wrote this song herself. I would love to hear more of an artist like this and it makes me wonder what she would have been able to produce in a time when women like Lauryn and Erykah are able to tear it up as solo artists, writing and recording their own stuff.

12/22/2005 - It Ain't Me Babe

Song: It Ain't Me Babe
Artist: Bob Dylan
Why this song is the current jam: What can I say about Bob Dylan? He is kinda the best. I never really listened to Bob Dylan when I was younger, I never had the patience. I couldnt dance to it and I didnt have the time to listen to the words. But Over the past few years I have been listening more and more and I am more and more overwhelmed by how amazing he is. Really, he is an extraordinary artist and he seems like a unique fellow as well. I read his Chronicles: Volume 1 book and I loved it, I recommend it to you as well if you havent checked it out. Trying to pick out one Bob Dylan song is preposterous so I just picked one that I like, there are so many. What I love about this song is how ruthless it is. There is no one like Bob for a serious kiss off. I admire him for being a person who is perfectly willing to be NOT the person someone wants him to be, whereas I, and I think a lot of people, really have an urge to fit themselves at least a little bit into the molds that other people have in their heads for us. It is easy to say that you dont care about what people think of you and that you dont change how you are to suit anyone besides yourself, but in general, that is complete bullshit. Most of us spend a lot of time doing just that, regardless of what we say. And again, the music of this song is so powerful, it has as much to do with the force of the song as the lyrics. When he sings the parts about "You say you're looking for someone..." there is an urgency that mounts and pushes your emotions so that when he cries "It ain't me babe" you feel some small part of the pain that whoever he is singing to must feel. I'll have to have more Bob Dylan later, but for now, if you haven't listened to much, buy a bunch, and spend a few days hanging out and listening and I guarantee you will be a fan. I mean it, if you dont like the CD you buy, I will refund your purchase.

12/21/2005 - My Drawers

Song: My Drawers
Artist: The Time
Why this song is the current jam: Maybe it is just me, but I fuckin love this song. I am a sucker for anything with that old school Prince sound, and this track by the Time has that in spades. This is off of their classic Ice Cream Castles album. You've probably at least heard the big hits "The Bird" & "Jungle Love" off of it. These guys were a great band, and it makes sense that they would be. Super-producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were in it and Prince wrote a ton of their stuff. A good start. And I love me some Morris Day. Anyways, I like the funk, synth, rock thing on this song. Like "If I Was Your Girlfriend" it has a hook that gets me every time. And Morris Day describes himself as this girl's "number one body-rocker" - how fuckin great is that?! I dont know what it is, but I have a deep and enduring love for that 80's near-gay gigolo shit that Prince and Morris had going on. Prince especially with his desperate, hypersexual pleading, but Morris definitely takes a page out of his book on this one. He delivers the verses with that whining, sneering emphasis that I love so much. Slap me!

12/20//2005 - Bring It on Home to Me (Live)

Song: Bring It on Home to Me (Live)
Artist: Sam Cooke
Why this song is the current jam: OK it's time for some classics. Sam. Cooke. Did you know that there are people who do not know who Sam Cooke is? If you are one of those people, slap yourself once hard for me, and then check this shit out. Sam Cooke is known as the man who invented soul, and not for no reason. He really was the fountainhead of so much of what we know as soul music. He was one of the first black artists to do the business as well as the art of music. He created his own record label and publishing company. He crossed over like no other artists before him, from gospel to popular music, and he reached white audiences and black audiences. How, you ask? The voice. He was also a consummate performer and he studied the art of singing and composing songs, but above all else, it is his voice that endures. On this track, a live version of his beautiful song Bring It on Home to Me (with Lou Reezy on the background vocals), Sam has the place whipped into a complete frenzy. He straight up takes it to church here. I challenge you to listen to the intro of this song and not get goosebumps when Sam starts wailing "You Send Me." And when the crowd is screamin out "Yeah!" along with Sam? Shit! It is amazing. Just a little taste of what Sam would have been like to see live. He, along with other guys like Jackie Wilson who were so full to bursting with talent, was given so many songs that were syrupy sweet and a little cheesy. But you have to listen to his voice, it makes it all ok. Listen to the soul and energy and love that his voice brings to those simple sweet songs. And then imagine seeing the man that could sing like that live, in front of you, singing what he wanted, how he wanted. It is such a shame that he died so young, because he had so much more to give, even though he had already given so much. This song fills my heart so that it might explode. Sometimes things are so beautiful they are hard to bear. This song is like that.

p.s. If you want to find a good Sam Cooke compilation, you can't do much better than The Man Who Invented Soul, a 4-disc set, which includes the entire Live album that this song is from. It has pretty much everything you'll need (minus the early gospel stuff). What I want is for the WHOLE crowd to go "aww shit! That is my SONG!" when I am DJing and I play a Sam Cooke song. Right now we are at about 50% I'd say which is preposterous.

12/19/2005 - If You Love Me

Song: If You Love Me
Artist: Monique
Why this song is the current jam: This is a song that I got from one of the compilations CDs from Jitters, our local Northern Soul venue here in Minneapolis. Every Wednesday night there is a jazz trio playing at the Times Bar downtown and right downstairs, at a little bar/club place called Jitters, they spin some mean soul music. That old school obscure you have never heard of it shit. That is why I know nothing about this artist beyond her name. These two white dudes just dig and dig through stacks of 45s to find some gems and this is one of them. They have been kind enough to make a compilation CD once a year for their anniversary party so that all of us suckers can get down with some of the good stuff. So anyways, I thought I'd share some of the wealth. This girl has a great voice and sings with so much feeling. Thanks to those guys for holding it down every Wednesday!

12/18/2005 - Hung Up On My Baby

Song: Hung Up On My Baby
Artist: Isaac Hayes
Why this song is the current jam: How is it that all those dudes from the 70's created music that was so rich and creative that artists are able to steal it over and over again and we still enjoy it? It really kind of boggles my mind sometimes when I think of certain artists, Isaac Hayes among them, whose work has been poured through countless times by DJs and producers all over for snippets and tidbits of melody and rhythm to base a whole track on. It really is amazing that Isaac and people like him were able to create so much music that even their little moments could fuel whole songs by other people. Then again there is the argument that music is getting more and more simplistic, formulaic, and derivative, but I buy that much less than the average joe I think. It must be some combination of the two, and when you hear this song, I think you'll see what I am talking about. This song has an infamous hook bitten originally by the Geto Boys for their song My Mind's Playin Tricks on Me. This was the bomb track back in 8th grade, I could not get enough of the beat even if some of the rhymes were stupid (Willie D & Bushwick Bill aka the 2nd and 3rd dudes on the song are really useless rappers, while Scarface on the other hand has skills and has done some really good songs). I wondered for years where this hook came from. It has been used by several other artists as well, and I just got hungrier for it every time I heard it. Finally after having forgotten about it for years, I found it last year and have been bumping it ever since. Pick up any Isaac Hayes greatest hits album and listen to the music that gave birth to several of your favorite hip hop tracks. This song sounds like he is in love, and I love to bump it on repeat and get a taste of that feeling.

12/17/2005 - Tsunami

Song: Tsunami
Artist: Res
Why this song is the current jam: I think this is a really pretty song. And props to Res for using the word Tsunami before zillions of people died halfway around the world - I'd say that gives her a head start on most of the nation in the vocabulary department. I like the steadiness of it as it plods forward. Res has a nice voice and her whole album is pretty good. I think it is a good thing when a song can create a mood, and the simple melody plucked out at the beginning of this song and the strings that fill up the background of the track set the stage for a quiet, melancholy mood. Melancholy is good for music (according to me). As an added bonus, Res is disgustingly beautiful. Check here if you dont believe me. I have often described her as so beautiful that she is like an alien from a planet of humanoids more beautiful than humans. She could be like one of their lesser beauties (aka fantastically beautiful to all of us here on earth) sent as an emmisary to pave the way for their beautiful mothership. Anyways, I havent heard anything about a new album from her, but I'd be excited to hear it. And see it... She's pretty.

12/16/2005 - So Lonely

Song: So Lonely
Artist: The Police
Why this song is the current jam: This song brings me back. I love the Police. Stuart Copeland is such a badass drummer. And their whole sound just really appeals to me. Plus they remind me of my brother, he used to listen to them a lot. This whole album kicks ass and I just love the energy of this track. I feel like 50-80% of their appeal is the fact that they steal so much from reggae, but they do good things with it. This song is bright and shiny to me even though the singer is sad. I find myself enjoying the earlier work of most bands (as most people do I think), and for me I think it is because there is a certain naivete that allows them to hurl themselves at their music 100%. That may not make sense but this is a good song.

12/15/2005 - Hip Hop

Song: Hip Hop
Artist: Dead Prez
Why this song is the current jam: The first verse on this song is amazing. The way he rides the beat and is able to say something at the same time. This was the only song from these guys that I have seen on MTV. I think the track is stunning. It is so sinister. Dead Prez are some rappers that are actually saying something. You can hear a bunch of little samples of their newest album on their website. This song is off of their first album Let's Get Free. I find it interesting, the contrast between their focus and most of hip hop that you hear on MTV or the radio. Their 2nd mixtape is called "Get Free or Die Tryin'" vs 50 Cent's "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" - can anyone see which word is different in the two titles? These dudes are hard and gangster and all that, but their perspective is good for me to hear, and they make good music. Maybe they have a point when they urge their listeners to "Turn off the radio, turn off that bullshit!"

12/14/2005 - Diamond Dogs

Song: Diamond Dogs
Artist: Beck
Why this song is the current jam: OK time for some more Beck. He is good, and this song is really good. It is a cover of David Bowie's original but I must say that this pumped up electronic take on it is perhaps my favorite of the two. I dunno, hard to say. But anyways, I love this song it is fascinating to listen to. My homeboy Pablo put me on to this one. The track was done by Timbaland, perhaps my favorite hip hop producer. His beats are amazing and they make a really haunting sort of ambience behind the melody of this song. Check it out.

12/13/2005 - I Cry

Song: I Cry
Artist: Anthony Hamilton
Why this song is the current jam: This is off of Anthony Hamilton's recently released but actually several years old CD Soul Life. I guess Anthony has had some serious record company woes. He kinda got screwed I think twice before getting his recent hit album Comin' Where I'm From because record companies basically pooped out or went belly up before his stuff could get released. Anyways, Anthony got put on the map big time when he sang with Nappy Roots on their song "Po' Folks" and I searched and searched for music by him, finding only one song off of a movie soundtrack. So finally his album drops, and sure enough, it is the bomb. If I could sing like any current singer, I think it would be like Anthony Hamilton. He has such a beautiful voice but it is dirty and real too. I love this song because it sounds old and new at the same time. It has the beautiful melody that sounds like an old 60's song, and then there is the beat which actually kinda bumps. And again, the voice. And, today Anthony's new album is released. I havent gotten a chance to listen to it, but I have faith that it is the bomb. I'll keep you posted.

12/12/2005 - What's Goin On

Song: What's Goin On
Artist: Donny Hathaway
Why this song is the current jam: Ok here is another track on which I have to credit a friend. My boy James showed me this one off of Donny's Live album. It is a great album all around, really a great showcase for his voice, his band, and the amazing interaction between he and the crowd. Now normally I hate when people try to get sneaky (like say a west coast swing DJ) and try to play some remake (or worse remix) of some amazing old song and it is just not nearly as good as the original. But I feel like this recording brings something worthwhile to the table even if it is only Donny Hathaway's voice. There are some moments in this song that just blow me away. I am all about the moments in songs, even more than the songs themselves. A few of the "Heys" and the "mother mother mother" on the last time he comes in again give me the chills. Donny Hathaway has influenced like every neo-soul singer in the universe too. And he wore cool hats.

12/11/2005 - Karate

Song: Karate
Artist: The Emperors
Why this song is the current jam: Yoink! I am totally jacking this song from Caitlin, because it is amazing. She played it for me this year at Beantown and the crazy New Orleans kinda beat just hit me right in the chest. When I just wanna wild out and go crazy, this song is the perfect soundtrack. The beat is so big. And the weird thing is, they are from Harrisburg, PA, not New Orleans at all. Anyways, thanks to Caitlin for this one. This is like a sweaty house party in a to go box.

12/10/2005 - Kids & Cocaine

Song: Kids & Cocaine
Artist: Richard Pryor
Why this song is the current jam: Richard died today after years of battling M.S. Check out the NY Times article here. He was my favorite comedian of all time and really he is the funniest person I have ever heard. He really can find the humor in almost anything. I guess I dont wanna say too much about him, because the more I blab, the less he becomes a man and the more he becomes a shitty reductive amalgam of the things that I say. (and that other people write etc) There will be a lot of talk about how how dirty he was, and how he did drugs, and how he burned himself up that one time, and how he had MS, and how he was influential to other black comedians and comedians in general. These things are true I guess, and I dont know this man better than any of those people, but I'll just say this. I think a lot of what people say about Richard Pryor doesnt mean a thing. Like how he swears a lot. So fuckin what? What was he really SAYIN? Almost always some honest shit. I think that it is that honesty that is most amazing to me. There was something about Richard that was more honest and real than most people. That I think is why people liked him and why people thought he was so damn funny. Ever heard the expression "it's funny because it's true?" Well, that was him.

My first exposure to Richard Pryor was in 7th grade with my best friend at the Time Marshall and some homies in my basement. We watched Richard Pryor: Live in Concert and it blew our minds. We watched it literally 3 times through and laughed our asses off every time. We laughed so hard that we missed a bunch of the jokes the first (and second) time around. This is my favorite thing of his that I have seen, you should check it out.

As part of this post I am also including an interview of him off of his "Here & Now" album. It is really compelling to listen to Richard Pryor the man, not the comedian. He seems like someone whose soul is so shining and good that regardless of all of the weird shit that he does, or the bad shit that happens to him, or how sad or angry or hurt he is, it will always show through. This interview is kind of a big file cuz it is 20 minutes long, but I really encourage you to listen to it and get a taste of some of what is behind Richard Pryor. I listen to this interview like I listen most of my music (and I think like I listen to people in general a lot of times), I listen to the words and there meanings, but also I try to listen to the music and feeling underneath and surrounding the words. Richard is quoted in the NY Times article as saying "that he was proud that, 'like Mark Twain, I have been able to use humor to lessen people's hatred.'" RIP Rich.

12/9/2005 - Funky Drummer

Song: Funky Drummer
Artist: James Brown
Why this song is the current jam: I couldnt resist a little post about James as well. Perhaps THE most sampled song ever is James Brown's Funky Drummer. Just listen to it when James says:

"I wanna give the drummer some of this funky solo we got here, you don't have to do no soloin brother, just keep what you got, dont turn it loose, cuz its a mutha."

This is the beauty of JB to me. He gets a groove going that is so fuckin tight, that the solo is the same shit the drummer was already playin, just more so. I love the way this song builds into something better and better, especially the rhythm. It takes a while for the drummer to really find that rhythm, and listen to how the drummer plays that break. He doesnt go crazy and do a bunch of bullshit, he doesnt even turn up the volume so much as he just plays it with more FUNK. That is a groove. If you dont know that is why his dancing makes you want to dance like nobody else's. There is such an amazing groove and he keeps his focus on that, so that melody and all that pretty shit take a back seat to it. It makes you move you lower parts.

BONUS POST - Caitlin's Music Blog

Hey all, so Caitlin's got her music blog up and running and she'll be posting a song a week. She has great taste in music and knows a bunch of stuff that you likely dont, so go check it out at http://aciddqueen.blogspot.com. Or click on the link listed conveniently under the "links" heading. See how easy I make it for you? Because I love.

p.s. I think it is cute and funny for me to put any non-music posts under the heading BONUS POST in all caps. It implies that you (and by that I mean you mom and dad and the 3 other people looking at this) are so eager to see these posts that you would be excited and feel like it was a little bonus for you to read an extra one. That is of course not the case, hence the irony and humor. See? I'm not a dick.

12/8/2005 - Think (About It)

Song: Think (About It)
Artist: Lyn Collins
Why this song is the current jam: It is the shit - that's why. I mean really, it doesnt get a lot funkier than this song. And Lyn Collins is one of the hardest female singer I have heard. She really does have a female version of James Brown thing going on, and surely not by accident. This song was produced by JB himself and its impact on music today is huge. It is one of the most sampled songs ever. Just listen to the first break, and if you grew up anytime close to when I did, you will be doing the running man (or perhaps some shame-filled attempt at it) in no time. That is because Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock jacked the break for their seminal party jam, It Takes Two. And god bless em, because honestly that was one of the first songs that I ever danced to, so it holds a special place in my heart. I swear during the breaks of "Think (About It)" it is nigh impossible for me to imagine a band playing rather than a DJ cutting and mixing beats. They really lay down an amazing groove. And you know what else I love about this song? The name. I love names with those completely redundant parenthetical addendums. If I ever become a singer, my songs are definitely gonna have a bunch of those. "Hey Man Let's Go (to the Store)", "I Love (You {Honest})", "Oh Yeah? (Yeah!)".

12/7/2005 - Turkish Belly Dance

Song: Turkish Belly Dance
Artist: Some Completely Amazing Drummer Guy
Why this song is the current jam: This is basically just some seriously bad ass drumming. There are so many different things happening in here and the song moves and changes all the time with all sorts of crazy rhythms. This is just a gem that I found via dumb luck on the internet. I got really into belly dancing music after talking with Nina and Naomi who do some bad ass belly dancing themselves. I just downloaded a bunch of stuff and got lucky. If you are looking for some music like this, you can try out some stuff by Hossam Ramzy. He is a really good guy for this kind of music. If I were you though, I would stick to stuff that is just drums, because even the best dudes are really not afraid to throw some seriously cheesy piece of shit synthesized strings on there and really weird that shit up. Think of the worst music you would hear at your favorite falafel joint. You dont want that. Also, for some really amazing bellydancing, check out Rachel Brice. This chick is seriously amazing. Naomi first showed me her dancing on her Bellydance Superstars DVD and let me tell you my friends, there was a lot of rewinding going on. And yes she is hot, but really that is just a lovely bit of icing on the cake of her really really extraordinary dancing. She will really make you respect the shit out of bellydancing in a new way. So enjoy the song, and definitely take a peek at the clips on her site. They are really cool, and they do her no justice at all.

12/6/2005 - Ch'ella Mi Creda Libero

Song: Ch'ella Mi Creda Libero
Artist: Giacomo Puccini
Why this song is the current jam: So dont anybody start thinking that I know anything about classical music, because I dont. And I am posting some Opera here today, but the same goes for that. I know very little Opera, but I love it, what I have heard. And Ashley, you have to give me credit for not posting Nessun Dorma or anything from Carmen (both of which I love). So anyways, this one is sung by the big guy, Luciano Pavarotti. It is from Puccini's "La Fanciulla del West" and it is sung by this guy who is going to be hanged (I think). What I love about it is the hugeness of the emotions in the music and in what he is saying. Also, like so much Puccini stuff, it has this really contemporary sound to me. I dont know if that is the right way to describe it, but the way his music moves doesnt sould old to me. Anyways, I love this song, and what his face has a good voice. I figure, while we are off on a tangent, lets try one more. Hope you like it.

Ch'ella mi creda libero e lontano, Let her think I'm free and far away,
Sopra una nuova via di redenzione! on my way to a new life of redemption!
Aspetterà ch'io torni She'll wait for me to return..
E passeranno i giorni, and the days will pass,
Ed io non tornerò... and I won't return...
Minnie, della mia vita mio solo fiore, Minnie, only flower of my life,
Minnie, che m'hai voluto tanto bene! Minnie, you who have loved me so much!
Ah! tu della mia vita m io solo fior! Ah, you, the only flower of my life!

12/5/2005 - Trois Gymnopedies (I, II, & III)

Song: Trois Gymnopedies
Artist: Erik Satie
Why this song is the current jam: This song is one that my parents introduced me to when I was younger. They heard it once while traveling through France. It sounds really sweet actually, they were just walking in the country, and they just heard this piano floating up to them. It sounded like someone playing it right there for them. I think it was a local person playing their record of the song, but once you hear the song, you can imagine what it must have been like walking through the beautiful countryside of France and to have that music flow over you. I think of this song as haunting and beautiful. But not haunting in a scary way, more like a beautiful woman who you could dance with and have tea and look out of the stained glass windows of a giant english mansion at a rainy day with, except she's dead, but not in a gross way, just in a you are dreaming so you somehow know it way even though there are no signs. The notes are just so tender and melancholy. I thought this would be a nice change of pace. I dont really know anything else by Satie, but maybe I will get off of my butt and find more of his music. If you know any of this kind of music, or any classical music in general, feel free to hook me up with some knowledge, cuz I am very ignorant on that front and I am trying to figure out more of what to look for. Oh also, fun fact about this song: Janet Jackson bit the piano melody in the beginning for the chorus on her song Someone to Call My Lover, see I knew there was a reason I kinda liked that song, despite how stupid it is. I tell ya, you put any planet rocky type beat and you almost have me at hello right there. Add in the subtle sneaky Erik Satie interpolation on the chorus, and I'm yours.

12/4/2005 - Rubber Band

Song: Rubber Band
Artist: The Trammps
Why this song is the current jam: OK, today's bite was brought to you by The Game for his hit with 50, Hate It Or Love It. I found this song like I find a lot of good old soul - I heard the hip hop track, knew there was a tight sample happening in there, and searched it out to find the original track. That is so often worthwhile, and let me tell you, as a white guy who was born in 1977, there aren't a ton of good ways to get in touch with lots of the music I really like. There were only so many of these artists and songs around me growing up, and I am too young to have found a lot of this stuff by chance. Anyways, this one like so many others is really rewarding because I like it better than the hip hop track. For today's bonus extra bite, I am going to one of the classics from my high school days. This song was a disgustingly huge hit for Warren G, and I must admit that the (cassette) single for Regulate did play in my mom's car for about 3 months solid. This was one of hip hop's most egregious bites, lifting from what I can tell it's entire track minus I think one enhanced snare sound from the original by Michael McDonald, I Keep Forgettin'.

12/3/2005 - Move On Up

Song: Move On Up (Extended Version)
Artist: Curtis Mayfield
Why this song is the current jam: OK so for Saturday and Sunday this weekend, I'll be posting some old school jams that have ended up as some recent new school jams. This first by Curtis Mayfield is off of his amazing album,Curtis. This may be my favorite Curtis Mayfield song, I am not sure. It is up there at least. I just got a bunch of his albums and they are all good. You have likely heard this song as one of the jams off of Kanye's new album, the song is Touch the Sky. Bonus track today is the beat from Lose Control by Missy. The beat was lifted pretty much 100% from this old electrofunk band called Cybotron and their cut Clear. Both of these songs are huge bites, but I still do give some credit to them both. Kanye's track (actually produced by fellow Rock-a-Fella house producer Just Blaze) has a lush arrangement and some tight drums supporting it, and Missy just basically takes a good track and makes it better by turning up the hype-o-meter about 300%, with her vocals, the breaks, and mainly by adding Fatman Scoop, the Lil Jon of NYC to holler on the track.

12/2/2005 - Hello it's Me

Song: Hello It's Me
Artist: Lou Reed & John Cale
Why this song is the current jam: This song is off of an album called Songs for Drella which is a dedication to Andy Warhol. This album is really weird, and props to my pops once again for picking it up. I spent my first few listens to this album making fun of how horrible it sounded and how weird it was. But it got to me. The album is really touching if you really listen to it. This song in particular is a sort of post-mortem fairwell and it is pretty but also really heartbreaking. Again the words mean a lot, but his voice and the sound of the music are equally touching to me. Cuz Lou Reed cant really sing for shit in a conventional sort of way, but here it seems right. This is one of those songs that if I really just sit and listen to it, it makes me cry, it is so sad. When he sings "I know it's late in coming, but it's the only way I know" I think that sums up the whole album. This song and this album makes me wanna know more about both of these artists. I hope you like.

12/1/2005 - One Mo'gin

Song: One Mo'gin
Artist: D'Angelo
Why this song is the current jam: This song is so good I wrote a bad poem about it:

Everytime I play this song, I have to let it play all the way through, no stopping.
Let it play.
Listen.
Even when I am late or tired or not in the mood.
Nuances and depth sneak up on me with each listen, and all of the sudden I am in a room where the air is dense and steamy with the sound of it.

This album just grows up around you from the dirt underneath your feet. I know this sounds like high praise (or maybe just low prose) but the point is, this is an album that you should know about, and moreover, one that you should listen to all the way through, and often. It took me about 4 years to really get down with this one. I was so into D'Angelo's first album Brown Sugar that when I first heard Voodoo I dug it, but didn't really appreciate it except for some of the more bangin tracks and the lead single. (which was accompanied by perhaps the sexiest video ever made by a male artist - at least that features a male artists. Ladies, go find "untitled (how does it feel?)" and enjoy [did I mention that I am straight - because I am.] anyways) I would listen to the album occasionally over the next few years, but it wasn't until my boy Dave asked me to put "Feel Like Makin' Love" on a CD for his wedding reception this spring that I really started listening to the album. Then I got hooked. First with that song, and then with others. As Naomi knows well, I played that fuckin song everyday in Herrang upon waking, before bed, and usually several times in between. I also closed down the Herrang soul party on that memorable Tuesday night this summer with "Feel Like Makin' Love" and it was good.

So then I got a tip from a student at a workshop in Nashville that her favorite cut on that album was "One Mo'gin" (or track 7 as she called it). So I checked it out and guess what - hooked all over again. I have since been hooked on most every song on the album, and I really urge you all to go pay money for this one because it really is something special, although some of what makes it special may take some time to reveal itself. I found an interesting interview of D'Angelo by ?uestlove, drummer for the Roots and bad ass producer (that is him playing those tight ass drums on the whole Voodoo album) that was from the night before Voodoo was released, I think it is worth checking out. Also of interest is an interview I found with ?uestlove himself, about music in general, hip hop, and Voodoo and D'Angelo. I wish I could hang out and talk music and life with ?uestlove, he sounds like a smart, sensitive dude, and lord knows he is talented and knows his stuff. (look at all of your favorite Neo Soul artists and he will be involved somewhere along the line) It is really interesting to hear how ?uest talks about D'Angelo before and after the release of Voodoo.

As of now, the word on the street is that D'Angelo is in bad shape, having had some trouble with drugs and stuff. I hope he can get his stuff together, cuz I think the world would be a better place with an album to follow up Voodoo.

When I teach I often talk about the difference between simple and easy. This song is a perfect example of how something simple can be so much more sometimes than something complicated. There are only a few elements to this song, it is not complicated, and yet there is a synergy in the simplicity of it, and the music they are making is not "easy" to make, regardless of how simple it is. Like James Brown and Prince, D'Angelo (and ?uest) are able to make something trascendent out of only a few simple parts. This song (and most of the album) represent what I like most about music that I can dance to: a groove, a pocket, or some other description of the overall feeling that drives the song. I am all for cute breaks and bullshit like that, but it is the root of the song, the bottom that really moves me.