Peter's Music Blog

Blog 2.0 on www.imeem.com

2008-03-01T02:36:00.002-06:00

So I used to keep my blog here, and for a while a couple years ago, I was really on top of my stuff and posting a song every day. I like to just post songs that I really like that I think other people may be into as well, and I try to write something about them to make it clear what I appreciate and enjoy about them. So I eventually found myself feeling obligated to post and stressed out, which sucked. So I let myself off the hook a little (although, since I am the only one who really gave a shit about it in the first place, not much of a hook) and posted just when I felt like it, but it turned out that I felt it less and less.

Anyways, I have been feeling it lately. Wanting to write something, to express something, and I figure that this is a great place to start. It gets me more into my music and pushed me to listen to more of it and to find more. And I love the idea of sharing with people if anybody actually sees this and hears a song they hadn't before and they find something new that they like. And the nice thing here, it is like a diary but better in some ways. Better because although it feels great to get something written down and expressed outside of yourself, in the world, so that it is not in your head anymore, it feels even better sometimes to give that expression to someone else. And just like email, which I could easily shit on for a ton of reasons that we all shit on email, it has the benefit of FEELING like your expression has been received on some level right as you post it. So feel free to never check this at all, or to not even read this in the first place, this forum for expression is its own reward. And this is all to say that I am excited to get back at it, posting some good music that I am excited to write about and to share.

I'll be posting on imeem whenever I am inspired to do so, no real idea how often that will be, but there it is. I am gonna do it all on imeem from now on because it is such a great way to be able to listen to music, it is legal, and it is a great way to find and check out songs that you sometimes cant find other places, or that you wanna check out before you buy (and if you do buy I strongly recommend amazon over itunes because it is cheaper, higher quality, and without and DRM!). I hope that if you do end up checkin this out you will take advantage of imeem and sign up and find yourself some cool new music on here. There is a ton and not ALL of it is Soulja Boy-related. Honest.

Hope the 4 people who check this out enjoy it, I'll try to get some good stuff up here and keep it comin. Take care, internets.

-P

2/12/2007 - Richard Pryor Interview (again)

2007-02-12T04:18:00.000-06:00

I just found myself listening to this little interview and I just keep listening to it. Sometimes it is just so good to hear someone talk. I have posted this before, but I am putting it up again. This is an interview of Richard Pryor and he is just talking. Not trying to be funny or anything, just trying to be honest. Listening to this makes me think hard about most of the talking and listening I do. It is surprising that we even get by, just surviving on such tiny scraps of eachother all the time, cuz when I listen to this interview I feel like he is just offering such a big hunk of himself. And not in the weird needy way that people do all the time when they are like, hey let me serve you a fancy-ass meal of me, with seven courses of what they consider their best shit. This is like hey, I am a buffet, take what you want from it. Here is what I posted abuot it last time.

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.

So I dunno, I didnt have a song in mind today, but I was kinda touched by this interview and I wanted to share it but didnt have anyone handy so, here it is. I hope someone listens to this and it is special and kinda touching to them. It really is to me, so quiet, so not trying to be anything but himself. I admire the shit out of that. I want to just take some time to record everyone I know sometime and just hear them out until they start talking like this. I bet everyone would have some amazing things to say, given the space to do it in. Hm. Its funny cuz as much as I would love to hear the things people would have to say, I can find it so hard sometimes to listen to what people are comfortable saying. Did you ever feel like the things you hear people say are so full of things beyond what they are saying? Like there are all of these things that they want as a result from their speaking. David Mamet said one time that he sees all language not as just communicative or expressive, but actually coercive. That sense of speech definitely comes through in his writing, but he does have a knack for dialogue that sounds natural and real and compelling. And I can see where he is coming from, because there are so many little wants that go along with most everything that people say. But Richard talking in this interview, it is like he doesnt really want anything from the conversation, doesnt want anything in exchange for his words. It just sounds like he wants his words to be true. Of course the world generally isnt a great place to talk like Richard is talking, but man it would be great to hear it more often.

2007 Posts

2007-02-09T02:37:00.000-06:00

As of now, the 2007 posts are available, but everything else you are gonna have to find on your own, I have had a lot of it up for a while now and I took it down tonight. If you are coming late to the blog, I still invite you to check out the old pages, I think at least that everything I post is worth buying and I usually have a link to somewhere where you can find it. Anyways, back to music posts, I am gonna try to be a little more regular here, I have been missing it.

-P

2/7/2007 - Good Rockin' Tonight

2007-02-07T12:14:00.000-06:00

Song: Good Rockin' Tonight
Artist: James Brown
Why this song is the current jam: So James Brown is gone. It is kinda hard to believe, I mean I think there was such a permanence to him. He was so clearly a living legend, and such an icon, he stood for a lot of stuff that was bigger than him and stuff that doesnt go anywhere even after he passes on, but it makes it feel so abrupt and odd when he actually passed. He just wasnt someone I ever thought of as getting old or dying, I guess I just never took that much time to think of him as a man rather than as this figure who changed the face of music. Anyways, I wanted to share a song of his besides I Feel Good.

This track is off of his Messing With the Blues Album (which I found out about through Steven Watkins - thanks Steve!) it is the bomb and you should check it out. JB getting into it with some classic blues numbers. He really tears it up. As a bonus, here is the original big hit version by Wynonie Harris. (who kinda stole the song from Roy Brown who wrote it, but I dont have a good version of it to post here, and Harris's version made it a big hit)

James sings this with such intensity, I mean he just kicks the shit out of it right out of the gate. The intro always throws me, but then in comes James. It seriously sounds to me like James Brown has some poor guy in a headlock and everytime he starts belting it out he is just punching him straight in the face. Maybe it doesnt sound exactly like that to you, but the song is the bomb, you have to agree with that.

RIP James Brown.

2/5/2007 - Andre Remixes

2007-02-05T05:13:00.000-06:00

Song: Millenium
Artist: Andre 3000
Why this song is the current jam: Ok for my 1st post of 2007, I am gonna dedicate the whole multi-song post to one artist. I wanna feature Andre 3000 here, but not in his solo capacity like in The Love Below. Not in his role as collaborator in any of the Outkast albums either. I wanna focus on a few recent guest spots he has done on some hot remixes.

First lets start with the REMIX of Lloyd's new song You. Andre doesnt really kill it on this one, he just kinda fucks around and phones in a talky rap that is kinda cute, but I do enjoy the disdain for rapping that it displays. I mean if I were him I would prob be tired of rapping too and want to portray something different. But I think it kinda misses on this one in terms of his verse, but luckily the track is hot. It is a beautiful bite of the classic Spandau Ballet ballad, True. (Which I just saw on this completely random Australian music video show - it was awesome to watch those guys and think, my god, those guys got laid! I am gonna start a fuckin band.) If you recognize the riff, but not the Spandau Ballet song, then perhaps you are just the right age/awareness to know it from this junior high (for me anyways) classic.

REMIX number 2 comes again straight from Atl. UNK had a big hit with his stripped down Walk it Out. Check out the dance. But Andre changes the whole thing up on his verse, basically shitting on the very dudes who he is doing this guest spot for, "Your white tee, well to me, looks like a nightgown. Do your mama proud, take that thing two sizes down." His flow here is tight, making the other dudes sound lame in comparison, and even the way he fucks with the "Walk it Out" chorus just shows how easily he makes music with his voice. It is cool to hear him rhyme to the rhythm with these sparse dirty south beats and still be trying to say something.

Finally we have my favorite recent Andre verse out of these 3 remixes. This is the REMIX of Rich Boy's jam Throw Some D's. Here Andre basically just makes amazing music with his words, I mean you cant ride the beat much tighter than that. (as is made clear the second Jim Jones bumbles through his sloppy fat-tongue verse - and isnt it sad that Jim Jones has to follow Dre on both of these tracks. It reminds me of when I was watching this TV special on soul music with my parents and they had Al Green come on in the middle of the show and he ran from the back of the theater, handing out roses to the women, in an all-white 3-piece suit and then kicked the shit out of Let's Stay Together and basically left everyone teary, and we all agreed, they should have just let Al go last)

These tracks, especially the last one just go to show that if he is even remotely interested in riding the beat, Andre is far and away my favorite rapper. His voice is so tight and he really just make his words sound like music more than anyone else I can think of, and he is actually trying to say something not completely ignorant. So much talent. I reinstate him officially as my favorite rapper, in case I had let him slip in my estimation in his absence from rapping recently. Fuck that, he is still the man as I see it.

Oh yeah, and Millenium is just a great example of how Andre can make anything sound good, evidenced in this song by the chorus which is just basically Andre going "uh" in a very cool way. Try it sometime. See if people think it sounds cool.

11/15/2006 - Vans (Remix)

2006-11-15T18:23:00.000-06:00

Song: Vans (Remix)
Artist: The Pack
Why this song is the current jam: The new super-ignorant club banger. New for me at least. I heard this at the club on Saturday and had to rustle it up on the interweb. Basically a shitty remix of the Whisper Song, but yknow, I can’t help myself, this makes me move. It’s all about Vans. The shoes. Honest. Check the video and see for yourself. I love when people are like, no man, THIS is the new hot shit. My cheap ass shoes that look like shit. THESE are the the new hotness. Seems arbitrary but there are a lot of cultural elements that I don’t quite grasp at play here. Just try starting some hot new trend for the streets and see if people think you are keeping it real. Very much about who you are and where you are (at least perceived) as coming from. And white Aris Allens don’t count, swing dancers, that works on an entirely different (although equally disturbing) level. Here is the original and another remix in case you care.

One more remix, this time by, me. Just mixed this with the Whisper Song. beat. Check it if you still care:

DJ Peetski Remix

9/25/2006 - Babysitter

2006-09-25T14:30:00.000-05:00

Song: Babysitter
Artist: Betty Wright
Why this song is the current jam: So this one is a request, one more song off of the playlist I posted last time. All of the music I think should be pretty easy to find with the exception of a song or two. This one is perhaps one that is not as well known but it is the jam nonetheless. If you pick up The Best of Betty Wright on Rhino records, you'll find all sorts of goodies that you'll enjoy. This song just has this beautiful smoothed out beat with those backup horns just killin it the whole time. Betty is pissed off here (as she can tend to be) about getting jacked by her babysitter. Listen at the end when she advises the ladies that if they want to keep their man, they should get themselves some "Sizzle pants" and babysit their OWN babies. Sage advice on one level, in that everybody likes sizzle pants. Anyways, this song is crackin and it is great to dance to, so enjoy it. Thanks to Swifty for puttin me on to the Betty Wright compilation.

9/19/2006 - Stubborn Kind of Fellow

2006-09-19T12:14:00.000-05:00

Song: Stubborn Kind of Fellow
Artist: Marvin Gaye
Why this song is the current jam: OK back home from many trips and with a moment to breathe, so here is a new post. This one by Marvin I have to thank Jerry from DC for reminding me of while I was out there for Jammin the Blues. I never played this song when I djed just because I hadnt listened to it in forever. Well, anyways, the song is the bomb, above all else because of that amazing hook, "say yeah yeah yeah, say yeah yeah yeah!" The rhythm is hard and driving but slow enough to chill out to, and just get your groove on. Listen to the song, listen to the words, I am feelin this.

Several people asked about the music I was playing at the Showdown soul party on Sunday night, so I said I'd post my playlist. Here it is:

Artist Song

The Marvelettes Mashed Potato
Billy Paul Me and Mrs. Jones
Four Tops Ain't No Woman (Like The One I Got)
Sam Cooke You Send Me
The Drifters There Goes My Baby
The Impressions It's Alright
The Marvelettes The One Who Really Loves You
Otis Redding Look At The Girl
William Bell My Kind Of Girl*
Solomon Burke Got To Get You Off My Mind
Sam Cooke Little Red Rooster
Rufus Thomas Walking The Dog
Albert King Crosscut Saw
Doris Troy Just One Look
The Shirelles Baby It's You
Young Rascals Groovin
Aretha Franklin Baby, I love You
Aretha Franklin Don't Play That Song (You Lied)
The Elgins Darling Baby
Gwen McCrae Rockin Chair
Jackie Wilson Lonely Teardrops
Martha Reeves & the Vandellas Heatwave
Marvin Gaye How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
Four Tops Baby, I Need Your Loving
Betty Wright Baby Sitter
Johnnie Taylor Try Me Tonight
Mary Wells My Guy
The Impressions Woman's Got Soul
Sam Cooke Touch the Hem of His Garment
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles You Really Got a Hold On Me
Sam & Dave Soothe Me
The Elgins Heaven Must Have Sent You
Aretha Franklin Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)
Stevie Wonder I Love Every Little Thing About You
Chaka Khan Sweet Thing
Sly & The Family Stone Family Affair
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?
Otis Redding Hard To Handle
Sam & Dave Hold On! I'm Comin'
Wilson Pickett In The Midnight Hour
Jr. Walker and the Allstars Shotgun
The Jackson Five ABC
Martha Reeves & the Vandellas Jimmy Mack
Aretha Franklin Respect
The Temptations My Girl
Diana Ross & The Supremes Baby Love
Fontella Bass Rescue Me
Stevie Wonder Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Marvin Gaye Stubborn Kind Of Fellow
Mary Wells Dig the Way I Feel
James Brown Papa's Got a Brand ... (Long)
James Brown Cold Sweat
The Jackson Five I Want You Back
The Sugar Hill Gang Rapper's Delight (Original)
R. Kelly Step in the name of love (Remix)
Sam Cooke Good Times
Sam Cooke Sugar Dumpling
Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs Stay
Solomon Burke Cry To Me
Stevie Wonder Signed Sealed Delivered Im You
The Temptations The Way You Do The Things You Do
Marvin Gaye w/Tammy Terrel Your Precious Love
The Temptations I Want A Love I Can See
The Shirelles Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
Staples Singers Let's Do It Again
Stevie Wonder If You Really Love Me
The Spinners I`ll Be Around
Al Green Tired Of Being Alone
Bobby Womack That`s The Way I Feel About `Cha
Willie Hutch I Can Sho Give You Love
Marvin Gaye Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
Donny Hathaway What's Goin' On
Isaac Hayes Hung Up On My Baby
Curtis Mayfield Move On Up (Extended Version)
Aretha Franklin I Say A Little Prayer
Al Green I'm Still In Love With You
Lenny Williams 'Cause I Love You
Maxwell W/As My Girl
Curtis Mayfield So In Love
Curtis Mayfield I`m So Proud
Sam Cooke That's Where It's At
Sam Cooke A Change is Gonna Come

8/16/2006 - At the End of a Slow Dance

2006-08-16T17:14:00.000-05:00

Song: At the End of a Slow Dance
Artist: Van Hunt
Why this song is the current jam: This is off of Van Hunt's new album, which I enjoy more the more I listen to it, always a good sign. This is my favorite track off of the album, sort of a Princey rock-type thing with him doing some weird David Bowie-like vocals. There is something about the weird way that he sings this and the way it goes from quiet to yearning as it goes between verse and chorus. I dig it. He is like a little bit off-key the whole time but I find myself enjoying it, and I cant explain why. It sounds kinda old to me. Maybe it is just pushing some weird nostalgic buttons inside of me. Anyways, I like the dirty sound he is using on some of the tracks off of this album, less clean, perhaps a bit funkier than his first. Good stuff, check it out.

8/8/2006 - Just Fine

2006-08-08T16:36:00.000-05:00

Song: Just Fine
Artist: Chris Brown
Why this song is the current jam: One more dance/cheesy R&B post. Another SYTYCD inspired song. This one by Chris Brown has a bangin beat with a pretty melody and some bittersweet lyrics (which is where the cheesy in "cheesy R&B" comes in). Travis (who should win at this point) and Martha (voted off and rightfully so a while ago) did a choreography to this in which Travis killed it, explosive movement conveying sweet boyish energy and Martha was a fuckin droopy dog doing ber best Beyonce impression (aka I cant dance in these damn 9 inch heels). And the judges crapped on Travis for doing too much. How lame and how literal-minded of the judges to presume that since the melody was sweet and smooth that all the movement had to be. What I love about Travis dancing this choreography (and what I love about most good choreographies) is that it makes me hear more in the music than I would have otherwise. Judge for yourself here.

Also, lets just give some props to Chris Brown here. This dude can dance. He makes Usher look like a peg-leg. Check on this video of him on the BET awards, killing it with his dancers. Note especially the Michael Jackson "Smooth Criminal" outfits and the fucking TUMBLING RUN he does in the middle of the performance. Skills.

And, as a final bonus chunk of this post here, I am adding Chris's jam, "Ain't No Way (You Won't Love Me)" which I taught a little routine to this weekend in Denver. Several folks asked what the track was so, if you were one of those, here it is for your enjoyment. And I do recommend you pick up Chris's album, ingeniously titled Chris Brown. It is full of some good old R&B jammy jams.

8/7/2006 - Sexy Love

2006-08-07T16:29:00.000-05:00

Song: Sexy Love
Artist: Ne-Yo
Why this song is the current jam: Just b'postin' here folks. This is sort of a continuation of the "Touch" post. Again inspired by the good folks at So You Think You Can Dance, this song was used for a choreography by Shane Sparks for Allison and Ivan - 2 AMAZING dancers, and it just radiates a rather adorable teenage love. Check the video which you can view/download, it is listed as Ivan & Allison dance 2. Now both of them are off the show which is a total bummer. (Go Travis) But in any case, I think it is a sweet song and there is something completely addictive about the hyper-repetitive percussion. There is something about mixing or levels or just the right fake clap sound that some producers out there today just get in a way that I dont understand, they make the sounds so damn tasty. Like Timbaland does on "Promiscuous" for example (which I wont post here because seriously if you havent heard it, turn on the radio and wait 30 seconds).

Also, the melody of this song, the chord changes owe a striking debt to one of the classics of our time in the realm of pop R&B. That song is Human Nature off of MJ's Thriller album. Just as there would be no "Touch" without "Dorothy Parker", there would be no "Sexy Love" without "Human Nature." Enjoy!

7/26/2006 - Touch

2006-07-26T16:39:00.000-05:00

Song: Touch
Artist: Omarion
Why this song is the current jam: The beat is hot. I love the hyper-artificial sound they get with the drums and the voice in combination. There is someting about the way this song sounds that is fuckin sexy. Also, an easy way to get hooked on this song is to check out the video on youtube, because Omarion and that chick dancing straight up KILL it with the dancing. Amazing. That is the kind of choreography/dancing that I love because it makes you hear new and interesting things in the music. And plus, this song would never exist had not my main man Prince come along first. Listen to this song in the context of "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker" and the key changes and feel of the song come into focus a bit. Try though one might, Prince's ever-present influence on popular music is nigh-unavoidable. This one is dedicated to Nomster since we shared our love for this song and the video at Herrang this year and celebrated with a dance to this song. Check for O's new album in October if you like this song.

7/6/2006 - This Is Life

2006-07-06T02:44:00.000-05:00

Song: This Is Life
Artist: Krukid
Why this song is the current jam: Hey so I met this guy through my friend Dave who met him at some camp somewhere, and this dude wanted to freestyle with my boy cuz Dave is a rapper. So they do it up, and whoa, this kid is really really good, really has a sound a lot like Jay-Z. He is originally from Uganda and now lives in Illinois, and I think he is gonna be a pretty successful rapper eventually. As far as I can tell from my completely-disconnected-from-anything-that-is- keepin-it-remotely-real-in-hip-hop-circles position, I think he is blowin up in the underground scene already. So this is his first album and really just listen to the flow. It is easy, has that feeling like he could just keep going, like he is talking to you. He also says clever shit and is even pretty poignant from time to time which is a tall fuckin order when it comes to hip hop these days. Plus I really enjoy his production. For all you heads out there, you should definitely "cop" this one as the kids say. This one gets me just because the sample is so tight. So interesting and such a long, weird sample, and his rhymes are tight too. Enjoy.

7/4/2006 - Sugar

2006-07-04T14:06:00.000-05:00

Song: Sugar
Artist: John Starkey
Why this song is the current jam: OK, how about 1 good song every 3 months. Shit, I have gotten a little derailed on this music blog mission here, but hey, what better day to get back on track than the 4th of July? So here is a little something for anyone who ever checks this. This guy is from the Twin Cities, and he is really talented. I got to see him the other day and he has a tight little band with two female backup singers (which I think would be just great to have in general, two chicks to back me up whenever I felt like busting into song). You can tell that he has listened to a lot of D'Angelo and Prince, both of which are good things in my book. It was also really fun dancing to his music. So anyways, you can get this album on iTunes, I recommend checkin it out.

Here is a little bonus track since I feel so guilty for not posting anything for 3 months. This is from his live album, which I guess you have to buy at a show, so it may be tougher to get a hold of. This is Don't Be Afraid which is his own song, not to be confused with the Aaron Hall jammy jam from back in the day off of the Juice soundtrack by the same name.

p.s. Here is that Aaron Hall song, it is exemplary of the style of R&B/Soul in the vein of Joe Tex, that I have dubbed date-rape music. There is something about the sultry stylings here that seem to cross some sort of legal line. But when you dont listen to the words, it all works the same.

3/14/2006 - Exercise in Swing

2006-03-14T17:53:00.000-06:00

Song: Exercise in Swing
Artist: Lester Young
Why this song is the current jam: Ok time for a little change of pace. A little jazz for the fans out there. Going back to my man Lester Young again - I fucking LOVE the way he plays. This song has such a pushing frenetic beat, and he just chills all over it, and the other guys playing with him on this one are hanging in that pocket the same way. I think that a lot of great musicians now have no access to that sorta pocket that dudes would get into back in the day. I mean, for me, there isnt enough focus on the rhythm and letting that carry you and not rushing and overdoing everything. Lester knew how to lay back in that pocket, and it makes his music breathe.

3/13/2005 - The Ballad of Dorothy Parker

2006-03-13T17:33:00.000-06:00

Song: The Ballad of Dorothy Parker
Artist: Prince
Why this song is the current jam: Ok so this is the song I mentioned in my last post about Andre. It is a Prince classic. Another one of his complete mishaps that turned into something beautiful. During the recording of this song, all of the levels got stripped except for the midrange, which is what gives this song its weird, haunted, muted but cool and intimate feel. Its just a little story song, ala the Princester, relationship troubles, resovled in a sexy way, but of course with a twist. Anyways, the song is cool, great music and well delivered vocals. I'm feeling spendy so here is a little treat, a live version of the song, different (because like so many of his best creations, it cant really be recaptured in live performance - see "Kiss," for example) but cool in its own way.

Oh yeah, I think he is sort of alluding to this Dorothy Parker just to color in his female character here a little bit. I think she was a really interesting chick if you are interested.

3/12/2006 - She Lives in My Lap

2006-03-12T15:21:00.000-06:00

Song: She Lives in My Lap
Artist: Andre 3000
Why this song is the current jam: OK so who is #1 fav rapper and #1 rapper to try and do the whole grow-as-an-artist thing? That would be Dre aka Andre 3000 of the seminal hip hop group Outkast, you know them. This fella is my favorite rapper of all time. (as evidenced previously in this post) What I really love about Andre is that he has changed so much. It is awesome to see how he grows and how so many times when I have been trying to get down with some new thing he is doing, I realize that he isnt ahead of the curve, he IS the fucking curve. Serious. Anyways, he has taken a serious nod from my favorite of favorites, the purple one on this jam. This one sounds like if "She's Always In My Hair" and "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker" had a love child. Interesting production, cool vocals, trying new shit, you have to love it. As a little bonus for this post, I am including a slightly older track off of Outkast's Stankonia album called Slum Beautiful where Andre sorta raps/sorta sings and as always provides the hook. You look at all the Outkast hits, and those super catchy super simple-but-musical hooks, that is 100% Andre my friends.

3/11/2006 - Mr. Intentional

2006-03-11T13:50:00.000-06:00

Song: Mr. Intentional
Artist: Lauryn Hill
Why this song is the current jam: Let it not be said that I left Lauryn Hill out of the picture of hip hop artists who have progressed and grown and changed. Her Unplugged Album was just she and a guitar, sitting, talking and singing. It is pretty heavy, but really worth listening to, if only to hear a real portrait of someone struggling to stay true to who they are in front of more than just the mirror. It can be a bit pedantic and maybe almost pretentious at times, but I respect the shit out of her for stepping up and saying how she felt anyways, singing songs that are like baby butterflies with wings too wet too fly, putting her fragile, changing feelings out there. That takes guts, and that particular type of honesty can be hard to come by in hip hop circles. This song in particular is biting and powerful. It feels to me like an indictment of all of the worst aspects of men in relationships, many of which I find in myself. She is new to the guitar here I think, but her voice is beautiful and expressive and her emotion is so present in its pain and even anger. My bonus track for Lauryn is off of her first solo album and you have certainly already heard it, but here it is again cuz it is the bomb, Ex-Factor. There is something so poignant and I think honest in both of these songs about what it can be to be a woman in a relationship with a man. This of course from my completely external and essentially uninformed perspective. But I feel like if I can get past the parts of these songs that cut, I feel like I learn so much about my own past. Lauryn's music is pretty deep and there are a bunch of lessons in it, not the least of which is "Don't break up with Lauryn Hill."

3/10/2006 - Bedstuy Parade & Funeral March

2006-03-10T12:59:00.000-06:00

Song: Bedstuy Parade & Funeral March
Artist: Mos Def
Why this song is the current jam: OK here's another MC turned whatever. (in this case singer/movie & broadway actor) Mos Def is one of my favorite rappers and it isnt really fair. He just has the coolest voice ever. Anyways, here is a track off of his newest album, which is really just a barely held together bunch of jams and stuff. But I like to see people stretching for something new. I like the groove he gets going in this song, and when he is just sing-songing, I think it works just cuz I like his voice and his musical sense so much. The bonus for Mos Def is a clip of him performing Fear Not of Man live in Detroit with his band, Black Jack Johnson (you can hear Bernie Worrell on the keyboards) My friend said that Mos Def in concert with the band was amazing. See how you like.

3/9/2006 - Even If It Is So

2006-03-09T11:36:00.000-06:00

Song: Even If It Is So
Artist: Q-Tip
Why this song is the current jam: This song is from Q-Tip's as-yet-unreleased album, Kamaal the Abstract from 2000. I can't figure out exactly why this hasn't been released, but I guess the record company probably thinks it wont sell well. For me personally, I just love that someone is trying (or tried in 2000) to do something different and to grow as an artist(e). This song has a nice groove and his little raps about the girl he is into are poignant. Once again I am including a bonus here, the track Do You Dig You from the same album. This has just the tightest beat, and he kinda sinks into the background letting a long instrumental jammy thing go on. It is cool, but I have to admit, that he had me at hello on this beat, I love the way it starts out.

Check out what I found! You can listen to the whole unreleased album online at this dude's blog! Check it!

3/8/2006 - Gettin' Grown

2006-03-08T11:05:00.000-06:00

Song: Gettin' Grown
Artist: Cee-Lo
Why this song is the current jam: I thought I would do a few posts here in honor of some of my favorite rappers, several of which have moved in a different direction recently, one that has taken them a little bit away from rapping. The first here is Cee-Lo from Goodie Mob. I posted a song of theirs earlier, highlighting his verse. This song is from his 1st solo album, which is an interesting mix of stuff. It is imperfect but there is so much good stuff on there I highly recommend it. I like the gentle contemplative vibe of this song, and as always, Cee-Lo's lyrics are good and worth listening to. He has a great voice that takes a little getting used to and a perspective that may or may not click with you upon first listen, but I encourage you to listen more than once. As a little bonus, I am gonna include Young Man (Sierra's Song), a track with 3 great verses where Cee-Lo speaks to young black men from his experience. There is such a warmth and depth of understanding to his words, they dont come off as particularly preachy, even though he is straight up giving advice.

3/8/2006 - You're a Big Girl Now

2006-03-08T04:35:00.000-06:00

Song: You're a Big Girl Now
Artist: Bob Dylan
Why this song is the current jam: I think I love everything about this song. I don't feel like saying much about it. Its words convey a lot without being explicit and boring, and the music is so beautifully rhythmic and nuanced - but shit, see, there I go, pontificating on some shit that you should really just listen to. I hope you love this half as much as I do. Go Bobby D.

3/7/2006 - She's Always in My Hair

2006-03-07T04:37:00.000-06:00

Song: She's Always in My Hair
Artist: D'Angelo
Why this song is the current jam: Yet another contribution to the bloggy blog by the illustrious D'Angelo. And yet another cover of a fabulous Prince song. Here is a simple formula for you:

Good Prince song + cover by good artist = good song.

It works folks. And here it is at work again. This track is from the Scream 2 soundtrack - it was found during some random downloading searching for D'Angelo. I really like the way he attacks this song. It has that same tight-but-loose, perfectly-imperfect, right-in-the-pocket feeling of the Voodoo album, but with a little Prince vibe thrown in there. I love it. See what you think.

Oh yeah, and here is the original as well - a bad ass b-side classic from the man.

3/6/2006 - Wishing Well

2006-03-06T04:20:00.000-06:00

Song: Wishing Well
Artist: Terence Trent D'Arby
Why this song is the current jam: If you are gonna haterate on my musical tastes, now would be the time. I am posting this gem from the late 80's as a testament to my lack of shame when it comes to a cheesy jam that I enjoy. Plus TTD was always trying to hard for the Prince thing, so I have to give him some credit for having good taste at least. Seriously though I like this song, nice beat, and the hook is catchy as shit. On a side note, I think it would be a really hilarious thing if TTD opened a fast food chain. Terence Trent D'Arby's folks? C'mon! That is almost as good as my imaginary restauraunt for fat people, "the Obistro."

3/5/2006 - Starman

2006-03-05T04:03:00.000-06:00

Song: Starman
Artist: Seu Jorge
Why this song is the current jam: Have you seen The Life Aquatic of Steve Zissou?. Well you may love it or hate it, I dont know, but the soundtrack kicks some ass. This guy sings a few songs during the movie, Bowie covers actually, in Portugese. Novel yes, but more than that, good, well-done covers. Here is one for your perusal. And of course, I wouldn't jack you and leave you without the original for comparison. Enjoy.

3/4/2006 - Fuck and Run

2006-03-04T03:17:00.000-06:00

Song: Fuck and Run
Artist: Liz Phair
Why this song is the current jam: OK so the Femmes song reminded me. I first heard this song on a Peer Plus retreat. (Peer Plus being this organization at my high school arranged by this guy who was like quasi-guidance counselor/hall-monitor with the basic mission of creating opportunities for kids to learn to be better friends. It sounds like such a nice thing now at my ripe old age of 28, but I tell ya, I always thought it was so weird back in the day, this group where you just hung out and did things to be friends, not a sport or anything like that.) I was such a petrified little teenager that I had avoided most Peer Plus activities if at all possible for the first 2 years of my high school career, even when I was explicitly invited several times. So finally, I had no excuse and had been cajoled/convinced that I should go to the junior retreat, where all the juniors in Peer Plus head to some camp for a weekend and hang out and bond, and pass the candle telling secrets to the group and stuff like that. It was THE GREATEST FUCKING THING IN MY LIFE EVER. I had never had so much connection to different people, even girls mind you, and the whole thing kinda blew my mind. So it was there, that I heard this song, played by several of the girls, most of whom I would not really have considered myself friends with outside of the borders of the magic world of the campgrounds that weekend. We shared things and spent time on "one on one's" where you just walked around talking with one person for an hour (a powerful thing in comparison to group/cult-run high school interactions) That weekend was the first time in my life that I felt a soul-crushing nostalgia for the things that I had passed up or been too afraid to try. Nostalgia for things that used to be is bad enough, but nostalgia for a time that never was, that can be a killer. In hearing this song, I realized how much life some of the girls had been living, how they could relate to something that was so beyond me. It was part posture to be sure (nearly everything is when you are that age I think) but they were drawn to the pain in the song, and I think they felt a solidarity with the disaffected voice of it.

There was a review for this song on AMG and I checked it out and what do you know, it does not completely suck. In fact, unlike so many reviews (akin the ones I shit on recently on the bloggy blog) this one just describes the song, and what makes it work. I like the way she describes some of it, so I'll post it here:

Anyone who's harbored the secret, guilty thought that sexual freedom isn't all it's cracked up to be is likely to identify with "Fuck and Run," the song that became Liz Phair's calling card as the voice of young, disillusioned womanhood. As is often the case with Phair's work, casual listeners seized on the song's four-letter words and sexual frankness, missing the loneliness at its heart. The story of an awkward morning after, "Fuck and Run" is positively old-fashioned in its way -- witness the "What ever happened to a boyfriend?" refrain and the narrator's longing for things like "letters and sodas." What makes it new is Phair's self-consciousness about those yearnings; even as she wishes for the trappings of romance, she deflates them as "stupid old shit." In fact, the dominant tone of "Fuck and Run" is its diffidence, from the low-key jangle of the melody to the unstudied, can't-be-bothered quality of Phair's singing. This is not Joan Osborne raving gleefully about sex with her "Right Hand Man" or Alanis Morrisette lashing out at an ex, to cite two of Phair's contemporaries. This is just a vaguely disappointed woman who slept with someone and knows he won't be sending flowers. Whether the encounter was even enjoyable in and of itself is left unclear -- even at her most graphic, Phair keeps something in reserve. Only a slight uptick of urgency in her voice as she sings "I can feel it in my bones/I'm gonna spend my whole life alone" betrays the sadness behind the shrug. For obvious marketing reasons, "Fuck and Run" was not the Exile in Guyville single, but it was the track that got people talking about Liz Phair, and it's the perfect embodiment of her tug of war between freedom and safety.

- by Kristi Coulter, AMG

"The sadness behind the shrug." Man I wish I had written that about this song. That is what I think makes it powerful, even beyond any parallels that you may be able to draw to your own life. That sad shrug I think encapsulates the adolescence of so many people I have known, and I hope I never ever forget that if I have kids. This whole album is good by the way, so check it out. This song makes me think of how I learn the important things I learn in life. The ones that you can say to other people as clearly as you want and it will make no difference because it is not about hearing the words, but experiencing the idea. I think it always works best for me to learn something from something smaller than my own life. Lately it has been dancing all the time, since that is what I do. But lots of times, it has been music, or a book. And then of course there is good old fashioned stumbling-through-it life experience but that usually takes me a few tries to get the point.

3/3/2006 - Kiss Off

2006-03-03T03:05:00.000-06:00

Song: Kiss Off
Artist: Violent Femmes
Why this song is the current jam: Dorks unite! This song is for all of the angst I felt when I was too afraid to just be normal when I was younger. It reminds me how much of our youths are spent in fear and pain, even people with pretty sweet childhoods like mine own. I love the way the lyrics and the music mesh to create the same completely addled, jittery feeling, and I love how the song builds only to drop off into a detatched I-dont-really-care vibe on the refrain. This song makes me think of all the times when I felt out and not in. I never really had this music to connect to when I was that painful, embarassing, adolescent age. I really wonder if I would have turned out differently had I heard this stuff back then. But, I missed the boat, and only caught it a few years ago. But I can remember clearly the feeling, and however you may think of me personally, I can assure you that there is a part of me that can relate 100% to the feelings expressed with such a beautiful angst-ridden ambivalence in this song

3/2/2006 - The Greatest

2006-03-02T12:42:00.000-06:00

Song: The Greatest
Artist: Cat Power
Why this song is the current jam: First off, have to give props to Angie for telling me to check out Cat Power. I have just started listening to her, but so far, daddy likey. I think this song is really really beautiful so I thought I would post it for the few white people who havent already heard of Cat Power and who dont own this album already. Sometimes I get the sense that there is a massive culture of primarily white indie-type music that all of my friends get this big newsletter on, and I just dont have a subscription. Anyways, I am trying to catch up. So back to the song.

I love the gentle pace of this song, just striding forward, rolling ahead like a slow waves or succession of waves. Powerful, but not like a big crashing tidal waves, but like water is powerful over thousands of years, bending solid rock to its shape. The production is huge and sweeping, yet still intimate and they keep her voice the centerpiece of it all, and I love that. She has a beautiful voice. It makes it almost hard for me to listen to the words, just because I like hearing the sound of it so much. But the lyrics themselves are pretty cool. They point to some meaning, and I guess the song is ostensibly about a boxer, or so it says on AMG, but I dont particularly get that out it so much. It makes sense and all, but I find myself focusing more on the lines themselves like "No wind or waterfall could stop me, And then came the rush of the flood, The stars at night turned you to dust, Melt me down" The way the lyrics fit together and lead from one to the next draw me in, even though I dont maybe know exactly where they go. Anyways, I like em, and I like the song overall. Good musicians, good singing. I hope you enjoy too. I just read this review on this album and was reminded why I kind of hate reviews. They always sound so right, and make so much sense, but maybe you may feel differently about the music, but you may never know, because you may take the reviewers word for it that it is not so great. Or perhaps more insidiously, the reviewer's take could just color your vision of the music, and you'll find yourself half-quoting the reviewer when you talk about the album so that you sound smart, all without ever having really listened closely and with an openness to the music yourself. When this reviewer says

"Still, it's impossible to ignore the pull of the Beautifully Tortured stereotype, no matter what reality lies behind it. But if we didn't want Beautifully Tortured, we'd be obsessing over Norah Jones."

I kinda just want to tell her to go fuck herself. Just a little bit. I mean, of course I understand the allure of an artist who shares their pain through their music and who feels honest in this expression. But dont pretend to be above the lust for the "Beautifully Tortured" and looking down from on high at it and then proceed to talk shit about the album on the grounds that it is not that. Even if I agree with her review, what a fuckin intellectual hypocrite. It's like reading City Pages. So often self-important

In any case, I suppose I should just include this little caviat to my whole music blog enterprise. While I HOPE that other people like this stuff, I do keep in mind that at all times, these are just my opinions, and I really just invite you to check this music out and give it a listen. I am not reviewing this stuff, I only post stuff that I would give a good review, were that what this was about. I am just trying to show you where I am coming from on each song and what I see about it that makes me like it.

3/1/2006 - Something in the Water

2006-03-01T15:03:00.000-06:00

Song: Something in the Water
Artist: Prince
Why this song is the current jam: Ok this is off of the SEMINAL, CRUCIAL, ESSENTIAL album, 1999. Prince has so many damn hits that they are hard to avoid, but I am gonna try to share a few of my favs that you may not have heard a million times. Basically most of this album is pretty fuckin sweet, but I wanted to highlight this song in particular. It captures a lot of what I really love about the man back in the day. The music itself is 100% hyper-artificial. He has this programmed drumloop, with the crazy high hat and the weird computer noises. He has a pretty trite set of lyrics for the most part, "does not compute" and "something in the water" etc. But here is the magic part, he manages, through the combination of these disparate elements, to create something with real human energy and emotion. If there is one thing that Prince does well, it is longing (usually sexual longing although here it is less specific). Prince as the scorned lover, hanging on to that which causes him pain, it works for me, I dont know why. I can believe his pain, his yearning. I love the atmospheric, pained quality of this song. This man can sing a song. This is one that you maybe have to listen to from the right perspective to appreciate, but I entreat you to give a listen from a few different angles, and see if you can find the beauty herein.

2/28/2006 - Street Hassle

2006-02-28T12:38:00.000-06:00

Song: Street Hassle
Artist: Lou Reed
Why this song is the current jam: Ok I just saw this movie The Squid and the Whale (which I very much enjoyed and would recommend provided that you are up for a clever but not very chipper romp straight through the pain, discomfort, and embarrassment of a NY divorce in the early 80's - my sense is that if you have gone through a divorce yourself, this movie will ring very true, perhaps painfully so) that was directed by Noah Bambauch who has worked with Wes Anderson (the guy who directed Rushmore) on Zissou and anyways, THIS song, was what closed the whole movie. I had never heard it before, but it is funny because I had just been downloading (legally!) a bunch of Velvet Underground records and in fact a different album by Lou Reed. In any case, the song is actually a 3-part little mini-suite with one basic melody carrying through the 3 parts, starting out song-like then getting more spoken-wordy, then sort of morphing back into song. Lou Reed has always been kind of a fascinating character to me, in that he has always struck me as motivated by a powerful and contemplated lack of talent. I dont know exactly what I mean by that. But I mean he cant really sing for shit, but he had the inclination to say different things (differently) than most other folks and his music is good and interesting to listen to. Anyways, there is something about the repetitive melody of this song that I get addicted to, and there is something about the words of the song and the way Reed delivers them that makes me think of licking a cold sidewalk in fall. That has to mean that there is something to this song, otherwise I am insane. So I hope you like.

2/27/2006 - Lucille

2006-02-27T12:37:00.000-06:00

Song: Lucille
Artist: Anthony Hamilton
Why this song is the current jam: Here is a little more Anthony Hamilton for you all. This is off of his album, Comin From Where I'm From, the one that put him on the map so to speak. I love his take on this song, and here is the kicker. This is Anthony's take on what was originally a Kenny Rogers song. Anthony changes it up quite a bit. He has such a soulful voice, and he sings it with such tenderness, so gently. He doesnt overdo a single moment of the song, and I think the delicate melancholy production goes perfectly with the vocals. I could do with more verse and less vamp at the end, but overall, I love the song. There are just so many things going for it. In addition to the vocals and the nice production, there is the beautiful drumming, and the subtle but crucial rhythm it lends to the whole song. The rhythm of the music and the vocals just click together perfectly, like when he sings "now my heart is broken and I don't know what to feel." Sad and beautiful, further advancing my theory that in general, on average, sad songs are better than happy ones.

2/26/2006 - The One Who Really Loves You

2006-02-26T12:19:00.000-06:00

Song: The One Who Really Loves You
Artist: Mary Wells
Why this song is the current jam: Ok I love this song. It is written by Smokey Robinson, one of the greatest writers of pop songs ever. It has this sweetness and innocence to it. There is something touching to me about the the chorus where she sings, "lose me, little me (the one who really loves you)" because here she is almost threatening to leave, but finishing that breath with a reminder that her love is for real. The Marvelettes of "Mr. Postman" fame also did a version of this song, and honestly, I cant figure out which I like better. The Mary Wells one has a bigger, deeper sound with the music, and her shy, beautiful voice is always great. But there is a tightness to the Marvelettes version, and there is something about the lead singer's sort of scratchy little voice that I cant get enough of. You decide for yourself.

2/25/2006 - The Grind Date

2006-02-25T19:40:00.000-06:00

Song: The Grind Date
Artist: De La Soul
Why this song is the current jam: Man, you wanna know two things that I love? Pandora and allofmp3.com. Here's why - I listened to Pandora today (my Sam Cooke radio station that I created) and they played for me this song by De La. So then I open up my handy dandy allTunes explorer program that I downloaded from allofmp3 and I download the whole album right then and there. (for $1.50) Damn that is the interweb at its best. Anyways, I think this song is the bomb, the beat is just so damn catchy, and it is nice for a fair-weather fan like myself to hear that De La hasnt fallen off. They have a lot of good stuff even after their now-seminal 1st album. Enjoy.

2/24/2006 - Glad and Sorry

2006-02-24T21:20:00.000-06:00

Song: Glad and Sorry
Artist: Faces
Why this song is the current jam: So I have finally gotten more stuff by Faces (I thought the Faces, but I guess it used to be "The Small Faces" and then they dropped one dude and picked up two more and became "Faces" - check the artist link). I had heard Ooh La La off of the Rushmore soundtrack, but guess what - they have other good songs! Generally they are good and crunchy rock, nice & messy and with an appreciation for soul etc ala the Rolling Stones,...cept differ'nt. So anyways, I get the album "Ooh La La" and I find this song, which I think is awesome, even if it doesnt rock like most of their stuff. The piano is pretty and something about a bunch of dudes singing together nice and easy sounds good to me. I like the lyrics too, although they dont say anything too specific to me, maybe that is why I like them. I really like the "can you stand it in the cold light of day, neither can I" line, I guess I can make up my own meaning for it, so it works. There is something about the gentle mood of this song, the lyrics, the piano, the sloppy little guitar playing along, just the easy, almost plodding pace of the whole thing, it is tender somehow, and I like songs that can be like that without telling you so.

2/23/2006 - One Little Dance

2006-02-23T20:44:00.000-06:00

Song: One Little Dance
Artist: Moovers
Why this song is the current jam: As promised, here is #3 of 3 in the obscure soul section of the blog, again, provided by the amazing folks at Numero. Go guy their stuff! So worth it! And I am missing out big time because I never buy CD's anymore so, I dont get all of the great liner notes that they include, which look to be so so worth it. Anyways, this track is just a good dance track, that I would have loved to hear at my high school dance if I had grown up back in the day. It must have been awesome to have such good music about love that you could really move to.

2/22/2006 - We Have Love

2006-02-22T01:35:00.000-06:00

Song: We Have Love
Artist: The Arrows
Why this song is the current jam: This song is from the Bandit Label compilation (again by Numero who produce some high quality stuff!). I love how this track starts out, just begging to be sampled, so spare and full of rhythm. And the vocals are tight too, if poorly recorded. This is the kind of song that reminds me how little I really know about music. I cant even find a bio for the Arrows, but this is good music. It is a good reminder to us all that good music is all over the place, and like the best of so many things, it is almost by definition not the easiest to come by. Enjoy.

2/21/2006 - Row My Boat

2006-02-21T01:02:00.000-06:00

Song: Row My Boat
Artist: The Four Mints
Why this song is the current jam: OK here is some hot shit that you have never heard. I found this on this great compilation album on iTunes. This label called Numero has put together these compilations from old soul music labels that were never very commercially successful. I got 3 of them, and I am gonna post a sample song from each, in the hopes that some of you will be enticed enough to buy them yourselves. They are really great. This one is off of the Capsoul Label compilation. I think it is a nice and pretty song, even if the lyrics are a little silly in their simplicity, but the voices are really good and the band is absolutely blazin. Just listen to the rhythm they lay down out of the gate, and pay attention as the beat gets funkier as the song progresses, until the final verse where they bring in the banging multiple bass hits and the claps. So good. Enjoy.

2/20/2006 - Spottieottiedopalicious

2006-02-20T13:18:00.000-06:00

Song: Spottieottiedopalicious
Artist: Outkast
Why this song is the current jam: This is a track off of Outkast's album, Aquemini (combo of aquarius and gemini, the respective zodiac signs of Big Boi and Andre FYI). I think that the music itself is really awesome. I love the sorta dub beat. I like the idea of having this random ass spoken word piece on the album. I like Dre's part just because I can listen to his voice regardless of what he is saying, and also, I like the little picture he paints at the end. I feel like it is a little cheesy in the beginning, but when he brings it back to the fight breaking up the club, that seems like poetry to me. And those horns, those horns, they are so hot. I think the last bit in that horn riff is taken from/inspired by the song I Can't Wait by Nu Shooz (one of my fav old jams) Is it just me or do the synthesized "oh's" hit the exact same little riff at the end of one of the first or second runs right after the beat kicks in, right before she sings? When I first heard the Outkast song, I knew I recognized those horns from somewhere, and after a few listens, I figured out it was this song. Usually my sample-senses are pretty sharp, but maybe I am just making up shit this time, who knows, you be the judge. In any case, the horns are hot, and I think the music is so well done on this song, it carries the weirdness of the verses, lends some gravity to them. This is contrary to the cheesy ass ripoff of this song that the Ying Yang Twins attempted recently. Check out the sad rehash of this idea in the middle of Live Again.

Ying Yang boys, come on now. Seriously, you can't dedicate 100% of your career to misogyniztic raps nearly exclusively about tearing the (most often strip) club up and effin "these hoes" and then turn around, hire Adam Levine and preach about the troubles of the strippers. I mean, I am all for people being both sides of the spectrum etc and being more than one-dimensional, but seriously, you have to lose SOME credibility once you say "now bring your ass over here ho, and let me see you get low if you want this thug." Seriously. Come on.

2/19/2006 - I'm Going Home

2006-02-19T13:19:00.000-06:00

Song: I'm Going Home
Artist: Prince Conley
Why this song is the current jam: I don't know much about this dude, and the link on his name is the only information I could really find on the interweb. (and that is about all the exhaustive research I'm am down for at moment) I do know though, that this song is hot. It is has a certain sound that I think nowadays would make people think of Pulp Fiction - there is a wierd sort of near-surfer edge to the guitar line. But, there is something funky about this song - the fuckin HORNS, and the guitar itself is played so hot. And the little break where the band swings it for a minute keep it out of this realm for me. This is from the Stax label before it was called Stax - it was Satellite. And I guess that this was the first time that Steve Cropper played for the label, so that makes it a big deal in and of itself, because he was one of the original bad motherfuckers of soul music. He played on all of the big Stax hits and here is a little sample of him on his own (with a hot band) later. The track is just ok, but the intro is about the hottest fucking thing I have ever heard. This is his version of Funky Broadway.

2/18/2006 - Let's Get Married

2006-02-18T17:08:00.000-06:00

Song: Let's Get Married
Artist: Al Green
Why this song is the current jam: Huzzah for love everyone - Caitlin gets married today! I'll leave it to Al to express it best, much love!

2/17/2006 - The Times They Are A-Changin' (live)

2006-02-17T13:19:00.000-06:00

Song: The Times They Are A-Changin' (live)
Artist: Tracy Chapman
Why this song is the current jam: Tracy Chapman. She is good stuff, and I assume this is not much of a surprise to anyone around. But perhaps you havent heard her rendition of this Bobby D classic. It is quite well-done I think. Her voice seems perfectly suited for this kinda song with its tremulous intensity and urgency. I need to post more of the Bobby Dizzle soon, but for now, enjoy this.

2/16/2006 - Gimme The Night (Chill Mix)

2006-02-16T18:52:00.000-06:00

Song: Gimme The Night (Chill Mix)
Artist: Randy Crawford
Why this song is the current jam: Here is another West Coast Swing jam that I really enjoy for some reason. I know it is a little weird and muzak-y but I still like it. It is intimate, like the Goapele song, has a good feel for partner dancing. I like her voice ok too, and the hook it tight. There is something about the way that the verse rushes into that refrain "Give me the night" and then the song just steps back and pulses along until it repeats. Manu hipped me to the fact that this was a cover - which I had always kind of assumed for some reason, a certain familiarity or a certain sound about the song, I dont know - but in any case I didnt know the original well. It is by George Benson (who Crawford actually toured with) and it has a very different feeling but I really like his version as well. Check em out, see what you think.

2/15/2006 - Closer

2006-02-15T01:26:00.000-06:00

Song: Closer
Artist: Goapele
Why this song is the current jam: It's pronounced "Go-AH'-peh-lay'". This song is just a perty lil ditty that makes me want to partner dance. I like her voice, and I really like the track. It is the kind of the beat that I can just get addicted to. It is so simple and it really creates a mood, intimate and, well, close. It is romantic to me, and has a certain gentle, sort of tender feeling of nostalgia that seems perfect for dancing close with a partner. I like that it just flows straight through too, like one long vamp. Oh, and I love the beginning too, just so soft and simple, with that infectious beat. They play this song sometimes at West Coast events, and I dig it.

2/14/2006 - That's Where It's At

2006-02-14T12:35:00.000-06:00

Song: That's Where It's At
Artist: Sam Cooke
Why this song is the current jam: Finally it is Valentine's day and I think it is time to turn once again to the man who invented soul, mr. Sam Cooke. There are all kinds of lovey feelings, but this song is about those special moments, the ones that we remember. And few can do it like Sam when it comes to capturing in a few simple words the feeling of those moments. Even when I think I am getting a little old and jaded about love and relationships, this song pierces straight into me, and wakes up my heart, reminds me that those feelings are still alive. Enjoy this one all you lovebirds out there. I dedicate this one to Kai, I'm happy for you man.

2/13/2006 - Angel Eyes

2006-02-13T13:41:00.000-06:00

Song: Angel Eyes
Artist: The Jeff Healey Band
Why this song is the current jam: This is a song that I have always liked. It is sweet and sentimental, but that's all good for a love song once in a while. And really, Jeff can play some good guitar. He actually has a rather kick-ass jazz band as well. Caitlin would kill me if I didnt mention too that he was born in Toronto, her adopted home town. This to me is a good old fashion slow dance song, get out of the floor and sway around a little bit. Sorta like Wonderful Tonight Jr. Anyways, I like how he sings this song, enjoy.

2/12/2006 - Secret Garden

2006-02-12T02:26:00.000-06:00

Song: Secret Garden
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Why this song is the current jam: OK, now I dont wanna hear any shit. I know that this song was on the Jerry Macguire soundtrack. I know that on some level it sounds a bit like a retread of the starkly beautiful, Streets of Philadelphia. And yes, I know, this is El Boss we are talking about here, the guy who sang "Born in the USA." But look here, I dont give a shit. I think this is a beautiful song about the nature of a woman's love, and the lyrics are really haunting to me.

Maybe it is just the music, but they sound true to me. And not in a truthiness sort of way. There seems to me something to the idea of there being a place inside of a woman that is her own, a sanctuary that maybe no one can get to. I am still young and naive in a lot of ways, so I could be horribly wrong, but I can feel on my part this urge to get all the way inside of whoever I am with in a relationship. Like I want to be in every part of them. But so far, I haven't really made it all the way there, I dont think. But was I worthy of that? I used to think that probably that only came with time and a proven true love. And I havent really gotten there I guess, so it is only fair to not get the key to the garden. But when I listen to what he says in this song, I wonder. Maybe there is somewhere you can never go, in a woman, or maybe just in another person. It can be sad to think of actually. The idea of that miniscule and insurmountable distance between people.

It makes me think of one of the most powerful short stories I have ever read. It is called "The Dead" by James Joyce and it is from his collection of stories called "Dubliners." There is an image near the end of the story (and dont you DARE skip to it without reading it if you are interested) that I feel like is a glimpse into the secret garden that Bruce talks about. It reminds me too of the beginning of Zora Neale Hurston's book, "Their Eyes Were Watching God."

"Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. For others they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes away in resignation, his dreams mocked to death by Time. That is the life of men.
Now, women forget all those things they don't want to remember, and remember everything they don't want to forget. The dream is the truth. Then they act and do things accordingly."

There is something true here, about the nature of women, and men. Something about what we can give to eachother and what we want from eachother, what we are to eachother. I can't explain it, it would only come out wrong. I dont even think I really understand it. But I can sense it, and something in this song comes close to the truth. The same with the images from the books. They all point to a truth that cant really be articulated with words, because it means too many different words at the same time.

2/11/2006 - I Love Every Little Thing About You

2006-02-11T01:58:00.000-06:00

Song: I Love Every Little Thing About You
Artist: Stevie Wonder
Why this song is the current jam: Ok, I know it is cheating, but I skip 2 tracks ahead in my Stevie compilation, and there is this. I mean come on people, this is a love song if there ever was one. And remember that joyous energy that I was talking about in my last post? Guess what - it's here again. Stevie really sometimes does explode my heart with the soul that shines out of his music. The rhythm of this song is great too, easy to move to, but not as simple as it first seems, with little layers just keeping it interesting while it moves along. Man, I am gonna be on a little Stevie kick for a while, I can tell.

2/10/2006 - If You Really Love Me

2006-02-10T01:43:00.000-06:00

Song: If You Really Love Me
Artist: Stevie Wonder
Why this song is the current jam: Pop Quiz - who is a good singer/songwriter? The answer in 2 words: Stevie fucking Wonder. I mean really, his voice. Let's just say, he can sangg. But on this song, there is this thing he does, where the song just explodes with energy and joy and yearning. I think it is because of the arrangement, the melody, but perhaps above all, just the presence of Stevie in the thing. The way he brings it down to barely anything, then he goes all Emeril and kicks it up about 10 notches back into that glorious chorus. He just wants to hear so badly that this woman loves him. He wants so much to let himself be in love with her, but like so many fellas, he needs to hear that it is safe for him to commit to this one person. I know that's the way I like it - "yeah, I'll be into you and stuff, but could you just sign in blood here that you officially are into me so I wont be rejected in any way? Ok great thanks." Ok so Stevie puts it more eloquently.

I dedicate this one to Manu, cuz he is a preposterously big fan of Stevie and I am just learning to be. I am a little baby when it comes to music, but I am hungry. I cant believe sometimes how much music there is out there, and by people whose names I know, and who I would say, "oh yeah, I totally like so and so" but without ever really spending any time listening to their shit. What a poser I am. Anyways, here's to getting into some more Stevie, I highly recommend it.

2/9/2006 - What I Did For Love

2006-02-09T23:15:00.000-06:00

Song: What I Did For Love
Artist: Irene Reid
Why this song is the current jam: I dont know what it is about this song that I like so much. I heard it for the first time in 2001 in San Francisco at a house party late one night during the San Francisco exchange and I made them play it over and over again. It creates such a mood for me. I like the breaks and the pregnant pauses that just seem to last forever. I like the nearly-smarmy horns too, the way they swing the melody, and the way the whole thing just lays so low during the verses. This is a cover of the Bobby Caldwell original called What You Won't Do For Love. Bobby's version is nice, but it sounds a little dated to me, and doesnt have the punch that this one does. My guess is that there will be some who really dont like this one, it is definitely in the realm of my more idiosyncratic tastes. But I urge you to just let it hit you, listen for the mood and the vibe of the whole thing, the way she lays back and swings the vocals, the way the she hits those breaks, the way the band plays so quiet and intimate. This to me sounds like a soundtrack to a romantic night in the city with an old love. Dinner somewhere nice up high with floor to ceiling windows looking out over the city lights, some dancing with the lights low, a drive in a nice car back to the posh apartment. Maybe I am crazy, but I love dancing to this song. It doesn't really make me want to swing out, but I love dancing to it, it makes me want to dance with a PARTNER yknow? Anyways, I hope you like it anywhere near as much as I do.

p.s. Bobby Caldwell also did the song Open Your Eyes which Common used for his track The Light. Good Stuff. Oh an he is white - ha HA! My people strike again!
p.p.s. I almost forgot that 2Pactotally bit this song for his track Do For Love.

2/8/2006 - I Can't Make You Love Me

2006-02-08T11:45:00.000-06:00

Song: I Can't Make You Love Me
Artist: Bonnie Rait
Why this song is the current jam: OK folks, who wants a broken heart? All those who raised their hand, listen to this song. This is one song that completely supports my hypothesis that if you were to take all the happy songs and all the sad songs in the world and put them on two rival gangs and have them duel it out one by one like the tied hands fight in the Beat It video, the sad songs would kick the shit out of the happy songs. There is something about the pain conveyed in this song, through its absolutely beautiful melancholy melody and through the touching, world-weary lyrics that cuts through to your heart. Whether you have felt like this or not, this song makes this situation real to you, a final night with a lover that is already gone away from you in their heart.

I think that Bonnie Rait is the perfect person to sing this song too. The story of a woman who has been in love and lost if before, who is smart enough to see that it is over, but in love enough to ignore it to enjoy her last moments. She herself has been around as a musician for a long time before this song came along, and her voice coveys the resigned sorrow of the lyrics perfectly. This is one song, like A Change is Gonna Come, that if you really listen to it, I dont think you can help crying. There are some amazing moments in this song as well that remind me of another all time tear-jerker classic, Vesti La Giubba (the really sad Opera song that you have heard even if you dont know the name, it is about a heartbroken clown, whose tears he must hide in laughter as he laughs at the sorrow of his own life) Just like in Vesti La Giubba, I always feel like I have reached the highest cliff peak of emotion when he sings (in Italian) "Laugh clown, laugh!" but I am always pushed over the edge into the true depths of sorrow when he continues "though your heart is broken!" when Bonnie sings "I can't make you love me" I can feel my heart about to burst, but when she continues "...if you don't" that is when it breaks for real.

* This song was so good that even my man did a cover on his Emancipation album.

2/7/2006 - And I Love Him

2006-02-07T10:58:00.000-06:00

Song: And I Love Him
Artist: Esther Phillips
Why this song is the current jam: I love Esther Phillips's take on this Beatles song. (Here is the original - of course a smashing version as well) Her voice goes so well with this melody and the overall effecting is haunting (but not in a Munsters way) and beautiful. I especially love the last bit where she repeats "And I love him," dragging out the "I" for a beautiful moment. I have said it before, but I am all about these little moments in songs, they can be so transcendant. I guess the Beatles dug her version of her song so much that they flew her out to England to perform. You have to give it up for the Beatles, as really most of those big famous British bands, they really had impeccable tastes. All of their first loves were the old blues and soul singers from the states. To quote my good friend Steven Colbert - "USA! USA!"

2/6/2006 - As Time Goes By

2006-02-06T02:31:00.000-06:00

Song: As Time Goes By
Artist: Dooley Wilson
Why this song is the current jam: Ok, if we are talking love songs, this one is a classic. Perhaps the classic. From my favorite movie of all time Casablanca, (why does that surprise you?) this olde-tyme ditty has some unique timeless quality to it, and Dooley Wilson's rendering is simple and elegant. He had to play up the "blackness" in the movie, (its one flaw in my estimation, a virtually unavoidable element in showbiz from those days, the overt and idiotic depiction of black people as simple and either cruel and evil or, as in this case, dog-like in their loyalty) so it is easy to overlook the skill of his performance, but his voice really lends itself wonderfully to the song. Despite appearances in the movie, that is not him playing the piano either. In fact, if you look at what he is doing, he is just sorta plunking his hands onto the piano, and the appearance is actually that he doesnt know how to play the thing at all. (Elliott Carpenter actually played the piano - the only two black people on the set, creating something amazing and lasting) Perhaps it is just my association of it with the movie, one I recommend to all to check out, but this song, with its lyrics, its melody, and its elegant and whimsical beginning, encapsulates a world of love in a few short verses.

As a special treat to those of you still checkin the blog even as I am so grievously behind, I am posting a little tidbit of Billie here for you, her own take on the song. It is bad ass, you'll like it.

2/5/2006 - Easy To Love

2006-02-05T23:18:00.000-06:00

Song: Easy To Love
Artist: Billie Holiday
Why this song is the current jam: Here is a little old school jazz for you. Another love song, this one by Billie Holiday. I love the way this track is just so easy and light. The mood pervades this whole song, and for me, more so during the instrumental parts. I love Billie Holiday, and she has the skills to take a song that is a bit cheesy and fomulaic and make it something special. But on this track, to me, the real story is the band. They start the song off right, chill out and let the singer sing, and they bring it up when they have to, and the whole time they work together so beautifully as a unit, something that seems to have been largely lost (or at least valued a lot less now, in jazz). I love music that makes me feel a certain way without saying much. I hope you jazz-lovers out there enjoy this one.

2/4/2006 - This Girl's In Love With You

2006-02-04T17:34:00.000-06:00

Song: This Girl's In Love With You
Artist: Aretha Franklin
Why this song is the current jam: Perhaps you have heard of her. Re-re. Well I guess it can't be considered digging deep since this song is on several greatest hits compilations of one of the best known (perhaps THE) soul singer of all time. But still, I dont hear this song very often, and I think it is amazing. A little sadder take on love today, but still touching. Re-re NEEDS your love, or she will die, just listen.

2/3/2006 - Why Do Fools Fall in Love

2006-02-03T17:23:00.000-06:00

Song: Why Do Fools Fall in Love
Artist: Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers
Why this song is the current jam: OK this may sound syrupy sweet and I know you've heard it before, but we need to take just a moment to really listen to the voice. It is the easiest most striking thing about the song, so easy to hear and yet I think it is easy to take for granted as well. On a song that you have heard before a lot, that could be considered by some even cliche, that amazing voice that pierces through the rest of the track can seem normal, possible. But really it isnt. And for me, there are some things that are above cliche, like they are too good to be cliche, and this song is one of them. Frankie Lymon really does sound like a little angel singing on this track and like some of those sugar-sweet old Sam Cooke songs, you only need to pay attention to the voice to get what is so good about the song.

2/2/2006 - Settle Down

2006-02-02T12:57:00.000-06:00

Song: Settle Down
Artist: Zwan
Why this song is the current jam: Here is one for any Smashing Pumpkins fans, Billy Corgan's band that he formed in 2000. I really like the one album they put out. I always dug Smashing Pumpkins and this is sorta like them but happier. This is the 2nd in my series of lovey type songs and I think it is a trip to hear Billy Corgan sounding actually like happy. I love the melodies and I think the whole album is really good. I especially like the drumming as well, I think it is really great on every song, varied and never too much, but kicking plenty of ass in many places. And in rock songs I think it is a good sign if you actually notice the drummer. I love his fills. Anyways, I hope you like.

2/1/2006 - My Love's On the Way

2006-02-01T13:00:00.000-06:00

Song: My Love's On the Way
Artist: Intro
Why this song is the current jam: This is first of 2 weeks worth of posting of love songs. I have a lot of catching up to do and I was thinking of how to post the right song on Valentine's day and I just couldn't decide, so here goes 2 weeks of love songs, happy and sad. This one by Intro is one of my favorite modern R&B songs. This dude has a really good voice and I like the simple track along with the lyrics. It has a bit of a sad feeling, but I think it only serves to add to the emotional impact of the lyrics. This man is pledging his love, and he is serious. I love the way the singer deals with each verse, his phrasing is simple and beautiful.

1/31/2006 - The Heathen (Live)

2006-01-31T00:45:00.000-06:00

Song: The Heathen (Live)
Artist: Bob Marley
Why this song is the current jam: This track off of Bob's album, Baylon By Bus is perhaps my favorite Bob Marley song of all time. Probably it is part of a 3-way tie, but for now, lets focus on this song. First of all, this is the seminal version/recording of this song. Just listen to the album version off of Exodus. Severely lacking in comparison. The K-Os track reminded me of this, perhaps my all-time favorite reggae bassline. The rhythm on this track is just so HARRRD. I really never understood why Bob Marley's stuff sounded so fucking good until I had been swing dancing for several years. I had become more and more acquainted with different types of swing music and I eventually found myself (and still do find myself) drawn over and over again to those songs that have a certain tightness of rhythm. Like the band is together in a very synergistic sort of way, one that isnt so much about every little part so much as how they all cohere together. That is what makes a good swing song drive forward and make you want to swing out, the rhythm section punching it out, and everything on top playing off of that foundation. When I listen to Bob's stuff now, I realize that his band is so amazing because those guys were so very tight and together that with seemingly no effort at all they were able to produce these amazingly powerful, deep rhythms which underpinned all of his stuff. I mean, just listen to the drums - there is not a lot happening, but just like in Funky Drummer, it isn't that he does something crazy, he just takes that rhythm and goes deeper with it, accentuates it, and together with the bass, and the guitar, the rhythm is just unstoppable.

This has become a seminal, and hence much sampled, rhythm among reggae artists. Here are a few random examples I found by Yami Bolo, Shabba Ranks, and Pinchers. All still pretty hot tracks which just goes to show, you cant really eff up a beat this hot. I heard a recording of some Dance Hall MC on KMOJ (89.9 FM) a few years ago performing some freestyle to this track at a live show - it was one of the hottest things I have ever heard. The car was just exploding with the sound of this beat, this MC going off, and a crowd going crazy for it all. I wish I knew who it was, cuz I would find it and snatch it up in a second.

1/30/2006 - Superstarr Pt. 1

2006-01-30T00:29:00.000-06:00

Song: Superstarr Pt. 1
Artist: K-Os
Why this song is the current jam: Here is another track from K-Os, this one off of his first album this time, and one that I really like. It has a well-done little reggae flavor, and again, I must remind you that this dude can totally rap. He just chooses to sing here, which he can also do pretty dern well. I love the bassline on this track, and the horns on the chorus. (which, for the record are pretty much straight-up jacked from Bob's jam, Africa Unite) To all those for whom hip hop puts a bad taste in the mouth, I encourage you to check K-Os out. He is a talented dude, smart, and spiritual but not in an annoying way. An actual artist, but still keepin it real. (in a good way)

1/29/2006 - Tomorrow Never Knows

2006-01-29T11:11:00.000-06:00

Song: Tomorrow Never Knows
Artist: The Beatles
Why this song is the current jam: Here is why the Beatles kick ass. I have been studying up on my Beatles, ie actually listening to their albums rather than just saying I liked them. Fuck they are good. Listen to this track from 1966 (aka 40 years ago). This is off of their Revolver album. It is weird and psychedelic and let's just remember that this is 40 fuckin years ago. Listen to the bizarre, dense layers of sound and the relentless repeating structure, with no verse/chorus blah blah. Even fuckin RINGO is gettin into the act here. The drums on this track are fuckin powerful, their stuttering attack power this song forward. Now listen to Bloc Party, from all accounts the greatest thing since sliced bread. Here is their song, Like Eating Glass. This song is just a normal song dressed up with a fast, agressive beat and kick ass bassline. Now, I like this song, but it comes off a little dickless in comparison to the Beatles one. Check out Theme for the Outcaste from Untouchable Outcaste Beats. This has some similar elements, and again, I dig it, but it is just the planet rock beat with some hot ass drum sounds and atmospheric effects. I feel like what the Beatles did was so different and more creative in terms of structure, sound, lyrics, production, all that shit, it really is crazy. I'm not shitting on any new bands or anything either, I like Bloc Party and I like this Outcaste beat, but I am just saying, if they are the greatest thing since sliced bread, then the Beatles are sliced bread itself.

1/28/2006 - Beyond This World

2006-01-28T15:12:00.000-06:00

Song: Beyond This World
Artist: Jungle Brothers
Why this song is the current jam: OK so Souls of Mischief got me on a little kick so I had to post this track from the JB's. These guys were contemporaries of De La Soul and Tribe but they didnt really get the same props, but this album really holds up over the years. I am really impressed at the production AND the rhymes on almost the whole thing. There is a low-fi sound that is really crunchy and tasty on the whole album. The beats are heavy and the rhymes are tight. There are a lot of samples that you have heard in other places, but more than likely after these dudes. This track, the first off of their 2nd album, is a nice representation of what these fellas do, although their eclectic tastes require an album really. The JBs also have a nice little guest spot on the CLASSIC De La Soul single, Buddy (which is itself a beautifully done interpolation of the Heartbeat beat by Taana Gardner) The verse is lifted from a song off of their first album called "I Got it Like That" and I happened to find a really cool mix of that song with the Hollaback girl beat so just cuz I'm so nice, I'll include it here. Both of the first two albums of the Jungle Brothers are classics, well-worth having if you are into hip hop. I miss these days.

1/27/2006 - 93 'Til Infinity

2006-01-27T14:59:00.000-06:00

Song: 93 'til Infinity
Artist: Souls of Mischief
Why this song is the current jam: I'm going back a little ways on this one. Back to what is now commonly recognized as the golden era of hip hop - the early 90's. There was so much good stuff back then, and I didnt really realize it at the time. But really, take these guys for example. They are all good rappers, the whole album is hot, beats and all, and the content is so much more playful and listenable than so much of the crap today. I mean whatever happened to a little of the good ol' braggadocio? Really though, these guys tear it up and this beat is the bomb. I love the muted out bassline and the weird laser sound. This one brings me back to rolling around in my boy James's tiny Renault convertible in High School, blasting the heat with the top down in early spring. Good times.

1/26/2006 - Hey Little Girl

2006-01-26T17:30:00.000-06:00

Song: Hey Little Girl
Artist: Professor Longhair
Why this song is the current jam: This song is some quintessential Professor here. The rhythm is jsut slammin, and it is just as leering and sexy as his vocals. There is something about the playful way that he does the dirty old man in this song that makes me think of a sweaty, boozy night in New Orleans, in a tiny bar filled with music and people dancing all smushed up on eachother. This, to me, is a song to get your blues on to. 1 - it is a blues song, 2 - sounds like dancing close, 3 - if you feel like getting sexy with it, well that is there too. There is also something about the beat of this track, the way it rolls along with the piano, that is completely New Orleans. Me wish me could talk gooder about it. Hulk smash.

1/25/2006 - When You Were Mine (Live)

2006-01-25T18:03:00.000-06:00

Song: When You Were Mine
Artist: Ani DiFranco & Maceo Parker
Why this song is the current jam: Ha-HA GOTCHA! I went there folks, to the Ani DiFranco, but no apologies. First off, she and Tori are good artists, despite the ubiquitous nature of their music among lots of sometimes-annoying younger folks. But even beyond that, this song, it is PRINCE cover folks, and that kicks it up more than a notch. And then there is Maceo playing as well which doesnt hurt. Although I would take the original anyday in a choose-one-for-life-on-a-desert-island-with-a-record-player contest, I still really like Ani's take on this song. It is really gentle and tender, sort of culling out the painful emotion that lays one layer under the pop surface of the Prince version. (which, by the way, is why I love the original so much, it is such an honest representation of a kind of tormented and very adolescent pain) It is a live recording, so the quality is a bit crappy, and you have to work really hard at times to ignore this TOTAL FUCKING WHOOPING IDIOT who obviously did not know that someone was bootleggin the show nearby, and I have to say that Ani does sound annoyingly smug on her intro to the song, but yknow, it is probably really hard to balance confidence and humility onstage in front of a zillion people who think your shit doesnt stink. Anyways, overall, I really like this version of the song, and however you may think of Ani DiFranco, you can't fault her taste in music.

Dirty Mind
When You Were Mine
Do It All Night
Gotta Broken Heart Again
Uptown
Head
Sister
Party Up

1/24/2006 - Caught a Lite Sneeze

2006-01-24T17:50:00.000-06:00

Song: Caught a Lite Sneeze
Artist: Tori Amos
Why this song is the current jam: If you are 1. a white female or 2. have gone to college with any white females, then I must apologize for the Tori Amos. You are likely a bit overloaded at this point. But hey, it's not Ani DiFranco, so don't whine. Perhaps there are a few of you out there like me who aren't already into (or perhaps over) Tori, but I only really know this song and a few others. Of course I am drawn to this song because of the beat which I think is pretty heavy and awesome (after posting Shout, I had to post this, it reminded me) and I love way in interacts with her pretty, haunting melodies, and her weird wicca-spirit singing. I need to do some studying up on her, she seems like a talented gal. Off to the U of M dorms I go!

1/23/2006 - Shout

2006-01-23T17:36:00.000-06:00

Song: Shout
Artist: Tears for Fears
Why this song is the current jam: A little Tears for Fears anyone? Come on, you HAVE to know already that this song is the bomb. I am just posting this here in case you forgot or dont have it handy. I really like this whole album but it is this song that gets me the most. I mean the production on it is just sick. The beat is really slammin and I love the way they layer everything and I love the way they create such gravity with the verses. The chorus only adds to the seriousness of the song. It rocks, but in a funky way. And, as far as I can think of off the top of my head, it is one of the only rock and roll type songs to be quoted in an Outkast song ("Drop, like tears, like for fears, 'Y'know Shout, Shout, Let it all out', just for my peers" - A. Benjamin, "Wheels of Steel") and that is cool.

1/22/2006 - Hymn to Freedom

2006-01-22T16:45:00.000-06:00

Song: Hymn to Freedom
Artist: Oscar Peterson
Why this song is the current jam: This is a really beautiful song that I encountered a few years ago through dancing. I was kinda into Oscar Peterson and more recent jazz stuff back then, not having really become that acquainted with a lot of the old great stuff at that point, and after hearing Peterson's amazing version of Moten Swing off of his Night Train album with his trio, one or another of my dance homies hipped me to this one (off of the same album) which really is beautiful, even if it doesn't really make me want to swing out at all. It builds and builds with Oscar's piano running through the whole thing. And the powerful crescendo and the quiet return to the melody at the end of the song create a realyl dynamic emotional feeling. It manages to sound somehow American, I dont know, its the chord structure or some technical music shit like that. I just know that it has like the faintest whiff of patriotism without being staid or lame (perhaps because Peterson, as I am sure my partner Caitlin would tell you, is originally from Canadia). Anyways, me like.

1/21/2005 - Fear Not of Man

2006-01-21T16:16:00.000-06:00

Song: Fear Not of Man
Artist: Mos Def
Why this song is the current jam: On the really really cool intros to albums tip, I had to include this one from Mod Def. Yet another of my favorite MCs (and perhaps the most handsome of them all, I mean check out the face on his album cover - that is a face with character) here has an intro track to his album full of interesting rhythms which build to a really nice little verse. Just check the lyrics here:

All over the world hearts pound with the rhythm
Fear not of men because men must die
Mind over matter and soul before flesh
Angels hold the pen, keep a record in time
which is passin and runnin like a caravan trader
The world is overrun with the wealthy and the wicked
But God is sufficient and disposes of affairs
Gunmen and stockholders try to merit your fear
But God is sufficient over plans they prepared
Mos Def in the flesh, where you at, right here
on this place called Earth, holdin down my square
Bout to represent in your whole atmosphere

Really, cut the last 3 lines and this is a perfectly tolerable poem, which is a very tricky thing to come up with my friends. I mean have you ever tried writing anything in any sort of verse? I will personally send you a mix CD if you can show me evidence of a poem that you have written that does not sound like the musings of a dreamy and/or morose high school girl. It is not easy. Try writing down some verse sometime - THEN - then trying rapping it my friend. Step 3: kill yourself to end your shame. My point here is that Mos Def is really good at this whole saying interesting things to a rhythm business - this Rhythmic American Poetry (ha HA! see the clever acronym?! Thank you D.O.C.) Anyways if you liked the Common intro, you will dig this one too. And I am serious about the poetry thing - send it to me if you dare and I will be the judge as to whether your art merits a mix CD.

peter[at]lindymovment.com

1/20/2006 - Place to Be

2006-01-20T23:23:00.000-06:00

Song: Place to Be
Artist: Nick Drake
Why this song is the current jam: This is my favorite song by Nick Drake. It is off of his Pink Moon album, by all accounts his best. If you dont know, he was a singer/songwriter in the late 60's/early 70's. He was a very sad dude and not much appreciated while he was alive. He died of an overdose of anti-depressants that may or may not have been suicide, but the point is, he died young and his music has been appreciated since he passed. If you want melancholy, this is your man. The moment this song starts, I feel like I have been in the middle of it for hours. It is under 3 minutes long, but something about the melody he plays on the guitar makes it seem constant somehow, like I tune in and out of it, rather than starting and finishing the song. It always reminds me of when I spent Christmas at an old girlfriend's parents' place in Michigan. It was really fun, in a warm, family loving sort of way. Her brother and she were home from school for the holidays and he played this album over and over and everytime this song came on, it seemed to fill up the house and I felt transfixed. I remember thinking how nice it was having this really nice family welcoming me and stuff and at the same time feeling somewhere inside doubtful that I would be able to live in a world with so little pretention. Sadly, it ended up that my feeling was right, but still, I feel like I have this song as a memento of that time.

1/19/2006 - I Found a Love

2006-01-19T06:06:00.000-06:00

Song: I Found a Love
Artist: Wilson Pickett (w/the Falcons)
Why this song is the current jam: Wilson Pickett, the Wicked Mr. Pickett, passed away today. It seems like there are fewer and fewer of the old soul masters with us. I guess we are at that time where we are just lucky to have those with us that we still have. Here is a link to Wilson's obit. I won't say a ton about him, especially since I have already posted a song of his earlier. I'll just say that he was a great talent and his vocal powers are easy to hear on this track despite the horrid recording quality. He just tears this song apart, his voice is exploding with emotion on this one. I like to hear a young Wilson in comparison to his older hits. I imagine these guys just whipping a crowd into a frenzy. I mean just listen to the way he wails the verses of this song, and then the plaintive wail of the chorus. It is killer. I cant think of many singers who have ever reached these hights of power and emotion. Imagine seeing and hearing this live! It would have been crazy, nearly too much to handle.

1/18/2006 - Time Travelin' (a Tribute to Fela)

2006-01-18T23:16:00.000-06:00

Song: Time Travelin' (a Tribute to Fela)
Artist: Common
Why this song is the current jam: This one takes a little bit to get going, but once it does, the rhythm is amazing and Common, a rapper who is really worth listening to, does his thing. This was produced by the illustrious ?uestlove, who seriously, you should know about. I am a fella who cares about the drums and rhythm in a song, but he makes me feel like I have never really paid attention to the drums in a song until I heard his music. There is such a character to the sounds he comes up with. And Common is spitting some knowledge with some really amazing meter, switching it up. This has the same sort of depth and subtlety that D’Angelo’s Voodoo album had (which makes sense as they are fairly contemporary). I want to see more of ?uestlove producing and taking the helm of some more projects of these talented artists. The things that come out of it are amazing. Listen to the RHYTHM!

1/17/2006 - If You Can't Say No

2006-01-17T16:53:00.000-06:00

Song: If You Can't Say No
Artist: Lenny Kravitz
Why this song is the current jam: This song reminds me of my very first post, with that constant beep in the background which for me manages to not be annoying at all (I hope the same for you). This song has kind of a sad vibe, but I like the quietness of it, and the contrast between the verses and the chorus. I also like the way the song builds. Lenny Kravitz can be a hugely annoying poser, but I do like some of the songs he’s done. On an interesting side note, I saw some VH1 thing on Lenny and there was a time back in the day that he was just a lame Prince wanna be and he called himself Romeo Blue, I love that. Everyone they interviewed just gushed over Lenny because “he would do ANYthing to be famous, to make it man.” I love that. THIS is what people remember about him, and rather than shitting on him for it, which I would tend to do, they actually ADMIRED his painfully shallow pursuit of stardom. Ah. Maybe that is how he was able to put up with Lisa Bonet for so long. Anyways, I like this song, I think it is some of Romeo Blue’s finer work. It is certainly one of his less painfully derivative efforts and I like the hyper-artificial feel of the beat. Enjoy.

1/16/2006 - Keep On Pushing

2006-01-16T16:45:00.000-06:00

Song: Keep On Pushing
Artist: Curtis Mayfield & the Impressions
Why this song is the current jam: This post is for Martin Luther King Day. Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions bring us this song (which is actually waltzable, weird) about pushing on, through bad times, trusting in the good that lay ahead. I don’t wanna say too much about MLK day because I bet it would end up sounding stupid or preachy. So, just enjoy this song and the spirit that it conveys, even though I am posting this late.

1/15/2006 - Save Me

2006-01-15T15:25:00.000-06:00

Song: Save Me
Artist: Aimee Mann
Why this song is the current jam: The more I hear Aimee Mann, the more I like her. I first heard her forever ago when she was in the band the band Til Tuesday in the 80's. But she is a really good songwriter and I like the melody of this song and its sorta quiet gentle vibe. Above all though, I think it is the hook, when she pleads for someone to save her from "the ranks of the freaks who suspect they could never love anyone." Such a poignant image, those people "freaks" who dont think they can love anyone. It sounds to me like she doesnt want to get involved with any of those people and much less become one of those people herself. I get the sense though that she may have a similar suspicion as those "freaks" that she sings about - that maybe she could never love anyone either. I can feel her on that one, I think it is harder than it sounds to just go ahead and be in love with someone. And sometimes, people just dont seem that exciting on that tip. I like the hope in this song too though, it points to an exit from and growth beyond this viewpoint. Good words.

1/14/2006 - Guess Who's Back

2006-01-14T16:31:00.000-06:00

Song: Guess Who's Back
Artist: Scarface
Why this song is the current jam: OK today we dedicate to beats by Kanye West (perhaps you have heard of him). He has produced some of the hottest tracks ever. Seriously. There is a reason for the hype. Here are a few of his best beats. We'll start it off with what is potentially my favorite track he has ever produced, Guess Who's Back. This song is so hot that even Beanie Sigel sounds pretty good on it. Scarface and Jay-Z both tear it up, but the big story is the beat. It is beautiful and hard and bangin at the same time. Kanye has a few trademark elements and several of them are at work here. First off, there is the old soul sample of course, but this time minus the chipmunk vocals, which is nice. Next up we have Kanye signature dirty snare/clap drum sound. It is full and heavy while still being sharp and he uses it ALLL the time (to great effect). This all combines with the heaviest, most rhythmic bassline that I can think of off the top of my head in a hip hop song. It is staggering what this does to the track. Kanye does this a lot, with either a really fast bass drums or pounding bassline like this, and it creates quite an effect. I love the rhythm it brings to the song here. Lastly there is the little Slick Rick sample from his hip hop classic, Hey Young World. Overall I think this is his most well-put-together beat. Check out the instrumental to hear how the elements come together.

Since Beanie is on this track, I figured I would include a hot beat that Kanye did for him, Mom Praying. This one has Scarface on it as well and it is a dedication to their moms which is cool. (If you can't stand the rapping, here is the instrumental) The track sounds epic and a touch sorrowful, something the Kanye is able to do really well with the soul samples. Jay-Z gets his own track here as well, Some People Hate. This song makes use of such and interesting sample to create such an interesting sound and feel that I love it. Check the instrumental.

As an extra double bonus, I am including an old Kanye track not on his albums called, Home with John Legend singing on the chorus. Also I am posting We Can Make it Better, a bonus track off of Kanye's newest album that you only get on the UK edition - what's up with that? I am down with buying the album, but why can't I get the bonus track? Also rapping on this song are Talib Kweli, Q-Tip, and Rhymefest (the rapper who is about to make a career out of ghostwriting half of Jesus Walks)

I hope everyone has enjoyed hot beats week, sorry I am so behind, hopefully I'll be caught up soon. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

1/13/2006 - What It Is

2006-01-13T00:40:00.000-06:00

Song: What It Is
Artist: Busta Rhymes
Why this song is the current jam: Ok today is dedicated to songs that I feel like have been slept on. These tracks haven't gotten a ton of attention maybe, but I think the beats are totally slammin. We'll start with this Busta track, which is The Neptunes at their finest, with Kelis on the vocals. (The same Kelis whose Neptunes-produced Milkshake blew the fuck up in 2003 and is still a guaranteed club favorite to this day) My friend Dave and I used to joke all the time about how the Neptunes had only one drum pattern, the "Boom, Crack... Boom, Crack, Boom, repeat ad infinitum" beat that is displayed in part on this song. The first year or two that Neptunes productions were around, it was truly amazing to see how many different hits they could produce that had the exact same drum pattern. But hey, if it aint broke (and makes you millions of dollars)... I guess the same could be said of Swizz Beats as well though - see the 10th's post for examples. Another song I am posting as a dark horse beat that I love is Down For Me by attractive by subpar rapper, Loon. This guy is basically Mase 3.0 and I think Puffy had big hopes for him that didnt really pan out as much as he would have liked. In any case, I think that this beat is completely infectious. I can listen to the instrumental over and over, but I am a geek like that. Another song that I think has a really hot beat that wasn't really a huge hit is possibly THE anthem for date rapists everywhere. In You Owe Me by Nas he is talking about exactly what you think he is talking about. I mean, the lack of irony is so astoundingly blatant that it is nearly charming. I mean among most folks that I hang with, the idea of "I bought you dinner, now you OWE me!" is generally accepted as trite on an afterschool special-level. Be that as it may, Nas seems to think it is a great idea. You have to love the sexual politics of hip hop, healthy healthy healthy. Anyways, Timbaland's production is hot as usual, so check it out. Finally I am including a track by Mr. Cheeks formerly of Lost Boyz fame. The song, Lights, Camera, Action just has the most infectious rhythm and hook (one that I first heard on Ralph Tresvant's She's My Love Thang). Quik and Rock taught to this at Great Southwest Lindyfest (which if you are a lindy hopper you should attend this year because the 10th anniversary is going to be the bomb, chock full of goodness) and it was hot. You may or may not have heard these songs before, but in my little scorebook, they are all the bomb. Hope you like.

1/12/2006 - Shake

2006-01-12T00:23:00.000-06:00

Song: Shake
Artist: Ying Yang Twins
Why this song is the current jam: Today's jam is from the crunkified side of things. This track by the Ying Yang Twins and Pitbull is the second club banger off of the Ying Yang Twins' new album. Now these dudes are high-caliber ignorant, but the beat is bangin, so I forgive. This beat is lifted from a club classic by a random German guy, George Kranz called Din Daa Daa (you'll hear why). Another Pitbull collabo with Twista, Hit the Floor has a similarly crunktastic uptempo party feel. Pitbull has been headlining a lot of the hottest fast tracks (he even did his own popular take on the Coolie Dance riddim with Culo) and his Miami bootyshake style can be heard on almost every track on his album. The themes dont really extend anywhere beyond "I am cool" and "Hey you, attractive lady, dance sensually for me" and intersections of the two, but what can you expect? This is club music, designed to move butts. And move butts it does.

1/11/2006 - 1 Thing

2006-01-11T22:18:00.000-06:00

Song: 1 Thing
Artist: Amerie
Why this song is the current jam: Today we focus on two songs with real unique sounds. Sounds that sound original and awesome, and though indeed they are bangin and really well done beats, they are 100% about samples. This first one by Amerie is just a bangin track, so exciting, I love how it is just drum fill after drum fill. And the live drums sound so good when all you here is cheesy dirty south drum machines. And even her sort of annoying vocals work for me, like she is so worked up that she has to sing it that way. Produced by Rich Harrison, I think this track does a great job of recontextualizing a sample. Check the original (a tiny, short break with about a minute left) in Oh Calcutta by the Meters. Second, we have Big Pimpin' (also the instrumental) by Jay-Z and produced by Timbaland. This beat is amazing, but it turns out that Timbo, not know for his heavy sampling, jacked the entire thing from Hossam Ramzy's belly dance song Khusara, Khusara (thanks to Nomster for that one). Timbo really was at the front edge of the trend to introduce these cool eastern sounds into hip hop beats. As you can hear, it works like a charm here. Both of these beats take something that was good already and make them something new and interesting. Recontextualizing old music and making it new is not as easy as it seems. I give these guys props for using samples but not completely ala puff daddy.

1/10/2006 - Straight Up

2006-01-10T13:32:00.000-06:00

Song: Straight Up
Artist: Sean Paul
Why this song is the current jam: Today we take a departure to the world of dancehall. Now I realize that everyone is over the newness of dancehall and all and that Reggaeton is the new dancehall, but still, for me, I dig the dancehall stuff. First of all, you can't stop the doo,kee-doo-kee beat. Second, the energy is just overwhelming and there is something irrepressably vital about the straight up down and dirty "I want to have sex with you girl" theme of most of the songs, they get at our most basic urges to shake our butts (and other stuff). So this song by Sean Paul (my favorite because of his awesomely flat voice and singsong melodies) is an example of a sorta newer rhythm that is all over the place now. The beat is by this producer, Supa Dups and it is called "Kopa". Most of the beats you hear are created by a producer and then given to a ton of different artists to tweat and rhyme over as they see fit. It is interesting how they do it, and you can check out how this stuff works by picking up one of the riddim albums, Greensleeves generally has good ones. If I bought physical media, I'd be all over it. Another example of a beat like Kopa is the Coolie Dance riddim which actually came out earlier. Two of my favorite takes on it are Nina Sky's Move Ya Body cuz I like the little trill they put in there on the chorus (even though those girls really cant sing for crap) and Elephant Man's Jook Gal Remix cuz he has some good rappers on there and comes with the crazy energy as usual. Another amazing beat was the diwali riddim made famous in the states by Sean Paul with Get Busy. This riddim, created by Steven "Lenky" Marsden is so unique, I just love it. The claps and all the polyrhythmic shit he makes happen, just amazing. Here are two more examples of the riddim: Wayne Wonder's No Letting Go and Lumidee's Stay (Uh Oh). The latter is really a tutorial in horrible singing, but the rhythm is really clear and it was a huge hit for her. It just goes to show what an effect a tight beat like that can have. For a little taste of a more old-school but still bangin sound, check out Murder She Wrote by Chaka Demus & Pliers, a seminal dancehall song based on Sly and Robbie's Bam Bam riddim. It is truly the doo,kee-doo-kee beat at its finest. As a special bonus to a post chock full of bonus tracks, I am including one more by Sean Paul that I mixed with the diwali riddim, Like Glue (Diwali Mix).

1/9/2006 - Get It On the Floor

2006-01-09T15:26:00.000-06:00

Song: Get It On the Floor
Artist: DMX
Why this song is the current jam: Today we move on to beats with the BOUNCE. For this we will turn to none other than the self- proclaimed "only muthafucka in NYC with bounce", Swizz Beats. We last saw Swizz on the Busta track from yesterday. This track by DMX is a prime example of the hyped-up, high-energy beats with that crazy bounce that Swizz is known for. I love the energy and rhythm of this beat. And crass though it may be, let the rhymthmic qualities of the word "motherfucker" not go underestimated, just listen to how they work on this track. Another recent example of a completely off the chain beat by Swizz Beats is Bring 'Em Out by T.I.. This one displays Swizz's amazing knack for vocal samples *. Just like in Touch It, the vocal sample here is the linchpin of entire track, bringing all of the elements together. But back to the bounce - I am so glad that Swizz Beats is back on the radar again. I read an interview of him and he said that he planned very purposefully his temporary departures from music. He has come back after being a really hot top producer about 4-5 years ago and he said that he sensed that his beats and his sound were nearly overexposed and he decided to step back and lay in the cut for a few years until he felt that the hip hop world was ready to hear him again with fresh ears. Well it worked **. Here is a track from 2004, by Cassidy called Hotel. This one has a more sultry R&Bish vibe with R. Kelly on the hook. (busting out a little Michael Jackson-style "hooold on" in the background - have you ever heard the R. Kelly demo for Michael's song, that R. wrote specially for him, "You Are Not Alone"? It is eery how much R. sounds like Michael.) I love this beat and it would be a great song to step to if I ever got the chance. In general, I am just really impressed with this man's ability to take sound that sound like a fuckin Casio keyboard (the whistles, the fake fake horns, the shakers) and make something that conveys a real energy with them. I think it takes someone with real talent to take such artificial parts and make music that has such a visceral effect (see: Prince - 1999 & Purple Rain).

* Another great example of Swizz's vocal sample powers is I'm a Hustla again by Cassidy this time off of his new album. (Also a Jay-Z vocal sample, like Bring 'Em Out. Jay released an accapella version of his Black Album and a lot of folks, including Swizz Beats have been mining it for hooks)

** If you want even more Swizz Beats, turn on the radio and you are sure to hear "Check On It" by Beyonce - it is inescapable to a Coolio-like extent. Nice beat, but my god, I want Beyonce to please not be singing every time I get in the car.

1/8/2005 - Grindin'

2006-01-08T14:35:00.000-06:00

Song: Grindin'
Artist: Clipse
Why this song is the current jam: OK we are starting off hot beats week with an extra special post chock full of all sorts of hot shit to make you bounce. Plus I feel guilty for having gotten behind on my posts so I am gonna make it up to you on this one. We begin hot beats week with the sparse beat. There are a lot of beats out there right now that are essentially snare/clap, bass, and a shaker and not a lot else. There is a power to these tracks and their eschewing of a bunch of sissy melodies and shit like that. These beats are tough and hard. One of the ones that really spawned a lot of imitators was "Grindin'" produced by the ubiquitous Neptunes. It was a pretty different sounding track when it came out and it is still a hot beat now. There are a lot of songs out right now coming with the same sparse instrumentation and heavy bang. Snoop hit it big with the Neptunes producing once again with Drop it Like it's Hot. One thing that always interests me about these seemingly very simple beats (and a lot of Neptunes productions in general) are the little elements they add that seem like they dont really do anything. For example, check out the spray paint sound effect that runs through Drop It, bouncing from the right to the left channel. I'd love to hear the song without that to see if I could feel it missing. Anyways, another more recent track is There it Go (the Whistle Song) by Juelz Santana and produced by Carlisle (who I dont really know anything about). I got to use this song in class at the New Year's Eve event I just attended and it was a blast. I love making people shake their butts to hot beats. The last example of the sparse beat up for display here is Busta Rhymes's new release, Touch It. This is off of his up coming album and is produced by Swizz Beats who I think we will see later in the week. This track of his is so simple it is preposterous, but the sample on the chorus, combined with Busta alternately "getting low" and "turning it up" on the vocals, makes this song addictive as hell. And again, the random laser noises on the chorus? Why do they work so well, and would you have ever thought to make them part of the track? Me neither, that is why we are not Swizz Beats, making zillions of dollars to make a beat with a bass a snare and a shaker.

p.s. The sample on Touch It is from Daft Punk's song Technologic.

1/7/2006 - In a Sentimental Mood

2006-01-07T13:42:00.000-06:00

Song: In a Sentimental Mood
Artist: Duke Ellington
Why this song is the current jam: I just think this song is completely beautiful. It is so elegant and delicate and just a very tiny bit sexy in moments, like just a little whiff of sexy floating by. It also has some thing a little melancholy, and overwhelmingly sentimental to it. Makes sense I guess. I love this version because I feel like I can dance to it. While it doesn't necessarily make me want to swing out, it does make me want to dance with a woman. This song makes me want to have an elegant, romantic dance with a beautiful lady at a gala ball, where the rest of the room fades into the background as we have our dance. Like that scene from the Paris montage in Casablanca, I think of that a little bit, but with more intringue (and better dancing) when I hear this song. This is probably a song that most have heard before, and it goes without saying I guess that most stuff by Duke is gonna not suck at the least. The most popular version of this song is Duke's collabo with John Coltrane and it really is hauntingly beautiful and I would hate for you to miss it so here it is. The way the piano tinkles along with the saxophone - well it really defies description, just listen to it, it is a thing of beauty in a very serious and deep way. My good friends used this as their wedding song - how cool are they?! The composition itself is beautiful and performed by Duke it is classy, elegant, and romantic, and performed by Coltrane with Duke, it gains an intensity even while Trane plays it so gently, and it is so lush as to be almost sultry, but still with that elegance that is infused in the melody. Enjoy.

1/6/2006 - Tobacco Road

2006-01-06T23:02:00.000-06:00

Song: Tobacco Road
Artist: Lou Rawls
Why this song is the current jam: Lou Reezy passed away today yall. This man had one of the best voices I have ever heard. Caitlin described it to me as a deep, round tone. Rich, like a velvety soft chocolate truffle. But also, he could kick some serious ass. He was around in a time where his idiom was very far from what makes sense to me - he was quite often a lounge singer. That can easily be an insult, and in fact in most cases when I use it, it is. But Lou's voice transcends the cheesiness of some of the stuff that he did. And most of it wasn't that cheesy at the time. Anyways, he is enough of a badass to not need me to defend him against my own prejudices. This song by Lou showcases not only his voice, but the legendary dripping, juicy soul that he puts into a song. As a special Lou bonus, I am including 3 more songs here:

First we have You've Made Me So Very Happy by Lou (produced by David Axelrod which I downloaded at www.soul-sides.com which is a great [aka much better and more informative and well-done than this one] music blog if you like soul-type stuff. Thanks for the tip Steve!)

Next we have a song that I have previously posted, which should sound all the more familiar now, since the song above is where they got the sample (hook, line, and sinker as it was) and when I found it on soul-sides, I just about doo-dooed myself with excitement. But wait, the connections go deeper still my friends.

Finally we have a version of You've Made Me So Very Happy by Alton Ellis, an artist whose stuff I have posted before. Alton does it up reggae-style, as is his wont, and I quite enjoy the bounce he puts into it.

So to sum up, much love to Lou Rawls. RIP.

1/5/2006 - The Glamorous Life

2006-01-05T03:54:00.000-06:00

Song: The Glamorous Life
Artist: Sheila E.
Why this song is the current jam: This song was my JAM back in the day. When I was younger, I loved this song so so much when it came out. I loved (and still love) all that old Prince stuf (this was produced by Prince, it is clear to hear, just like the Time). What I didn't really know was what a total badass Sheila E was in her own right as a real deal artist. I mean she can drum her ass off. I remember one time, I took the 45 of this that I used to have and I played it on slow speed, and some of her rolls were STILL faster than I could have played them, and crisp and clear as shit every one. And this song had some cool saxophone too which I always liked (that Pussycat Dolls song, Don't Cha totally bit the horns on the chorus from this song - in spirit at least). And perhaps the most compelling thing about this song was that the sax player in the video had this super fuckin cool earring (in only one ear, with a cross) that hung down and sparkled all cool. I always thought it would be the coolest thing to have a big old earring in one ear and dress cool like those guys. I think at some point later I realized how amazingly gay that would be and thought, "perhaps that look is not for me." But I still do appreciate the beauty of it as an idea.

1/4/2006 - Hurt

2006-01-04T03:24:00.000-06:00

Song: Hurt
Artist: Johnny Cash
Why this song is the current jam: Johnny Cash is such an interesting artist. Just his voice alone is so different and compelling. Anyways, I dont know much about him really, but I was checking out some of his stuff, and I came across this song and I like it so much. It is so cool to me that Johnny was like, hey, that is a good song, I'd like to sing it. I heard him interviewed on the radio once and he was so straight-shooting, I mean really, like exactly how you think a good old all-american man would be. Anyways, this song is great, and I like the original too by the Nine Inch Nails. The pain of this song comes through so powerfully in Johnny's voice, and he really makes this song his own, like he shoots those words and that melody through his own prism. I think the best thing about this song is the insistent building towards hope that comes with the refrain, only to settle back into the "Hurt." Hope you like.

1/3/2006 - Fame

2006-01-03T17:21:00.000-06:00

Song: Fame
Artist: David Bowie
Why this song is the current jam: OK so David Bowie is a real bad ass artist, like a real artist, who has talent and everything. And he is the kind of guy who you try to pick a representative song for, and you look like an idiot because he does so much different stuff. So I just picked a song that I like, and one with an interesting little story. This song was written by Bowie, John Lennon, and this dude Carlos Alomar who played for Bowie all the time. It is maybe Bowie's funkiest tune ever, with an amazing riff played by Alomar and backed by some badass session musicians. The weird vocals go beautifully with the track too. Here is the interesting thing though. James Brown, the most sampled musician ever, totally jacked this beat for his song, Hot (I Need to Be Loved, Loved, Loved). Check out a short version of the story here. Perhaps even more interesting though is this review that I found here of the Young Americans album that this song was off of. Check this quote:

"Fame," written by John Lennon and Carlos Alomar and recorded with Lennon, was a US number one, his first Top 10 hit in the Home of the Brave. It was so popular it even came back to the top spot, leading before and after John Denver's "I'm Sorry." The instrumental hook of the song is clearly derived from James Brown's "Hot (I Need to Be Loved, Loved, Loved)," but that did not make it any less effective.

- Paul Gambaccini, The Top 100 Rock 'n' Roll Albums of All Time, Harmony Books, 1987.

It sounds like this dude assumes that the funky track could not have come from Bowie, but had to have originated with the black artist, in this case JB. I emailed him today to see if he still thinks the same thing or maybe he knows something the rest of us don't, we'll see if he responds. In any case, my guess is that talent is talent and Bowie has a ton of that, not to mention that he has good taste in his fellow musicians, which is where this song comes from. That's why he has worked with so many bad mothergrabbers, of all different kinds, including some of the funkiest dudes around (like for example Nile Rogers who you can thank if you have ever gotten down to Rapper's Delight aka Good Times). I dig both of these songs, but as usual, I feel a stronger connection to the original which I think is the Bowie.

1/2/2006 - Ooh La La

2006-01-02T18:47:00.000-06:00

Song: Ooh La La
Artist: The Faces
Why this song is the current jam: This song is a good song for heading into a new year, it has a really poignant bittersweet vibe that I love. This band used to be the Small Faces until they changed their lineup a bunch. Ron Wood (bassist for the Stones) and Rod Stewart were in the group too. Anyways, I just love the story this song tells, and the sound of it really comes together with the lyrics in a beautiful way. The chorus, "I wish that, I knew what I know now, when I was younger" is such a perfect sentiment for growing older. Enjoy.

1/1/2006 - A Change is Gonna Come

2006-01-01T08:20:00.000-06:00

Song: A Change is Gonna Come
Artist: Sam Cooke
Why this song is the current jam: Ok, let's do this. I hereby officially start out the new year with one of the greatest songs of all time. And because I love you so much, I give it to you times two. First, the original, the classical, the unsurpassable, the one and only Sam Cooke. This song ended up being released just after his death. It is really tragic (and astounding) to this of how young Sam Cooke was when he died (33). He could have done so much more, I mean we are talking about a guy who was essentially a comtemporary of Lou Rawls who is still around to this day. Imagine Sam Cooke still being around today. We would have better music. The same could be said for Otis Redding as well. He has been holdin it down here for the last few days, finishing 2005 strong for us, and he is gonna help us bring it in as well with his amazing live cover of this song. It has a slightly different energy, but man it is fuckin bad (meaning good). And his band is just fucking TUFF. Otis idolized Sam and he covered a lot of his songs and was really inspired by him in general. This song says so much through its words, and itsmusic, and of course, the voice of Sam Cooke. Just listen to how all of these elements come together to create such a grand picture of pain, struggle, and finally hope. This is the quintessential American song to me. As cynical as I am, this song brings me to a place that is not really reachable by that kind of cynicism, like it's beyond it - and I feel like the little spark inside of me that makes me alive gets shined up again and sparkles like new. I hope this song can make your spark sparkle too.

12/31/2005 - New Year's Resolution

2005-12-31T16:07:00.000-06:00

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)

2005-12-30T15:50:00.000-06:00

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

2005-12-29T01:40:00.000-06:00

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

2005-12-28T22:11:00.000-06:00

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)

2005-12-27T16:00:00.000-06:00

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

2005-12-26T02:50:00.000-06:00

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

2005-12-25T13:49:00.000-06:00

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)

2005-12-24T15:15:00.000-06:00

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

2005-12-23T15:00:00.000-06:00

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

2005-12-22T11:03:00.000-06:00

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

2005-12-21T16:29:00.000-06:00

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)

2005-12-20T14:24:00.000-06:00

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.