23 December 2009 (Wednesday)
Drinking coffee and listening to Medeski, Martin & Wood "Radiolarians II".
Ceu, Vagarosa.
Drinking coffee and listening to Medeski, Martin & Wood "Radiolarians II".
Ceu, Vagarosa.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
20 December 2009 (Sunday)
The main activity of the day was checking out the absolutely stunning site "Amazing Tapes From Africa" -- what a treasure trove of music!!
Update: From going through the Amazing Tapes From Africa site I stumbled on "Voodoo Funk", which tells the stories of this guy travelling Africa getting records and has amazing mixtapes he has put together.
Update: From going through the Amazing Tapes From Africa site I stumbled on "Voodoo Funk", which tells the stories of this guy travelling Africa getting records and has amazing mixtapes he has put together.
While going through that site I put on The Apples In Stereo "#1 Hits Explosion". Perfectly formed pop music. I don't know why I never heard them before a couple of years ago, but they are great. That said, the music is kind of too perfect for long exposure -- like eating candy: it tastes great at the beginning, but once all that sugar hits your system you are compelled to stop eating, even though you like it.
Mayer Hawthorne "A Strange Arragement". I have no idea why I picked that album up from the library -- must have read a good review of it. Turns out it's one of the worst albums I have heard in a long time! It's like someone analyzed all the elements of Motown (especially Smokey Robinson) that were great and tried to copy it, but in the course of copying all traces of soul were stripped.
Back to power-pop: Sloan "Never Hear The End Of It". Another band/album I took a chance on a few weeks ago, but another of those pleasant surprise records!
.
19 December 2009 (Saturday)
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien "B-Boy Handbook, The Best of The Elektra Years" - Skipped his recent concert in Seattle but have been going back and checking out what Del's been up to the past few years.
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien "B-Boy Handbook, The Best of The Elektra Years" - Skipped his recent concert in Seattle but have been going back and checking out what Del's been up to the past few years.
Niyaz "Nine Heavens" - checked this out from the library because it's on the Six Degrees label. Pretty cool, if a bit overdramatic at times.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
15 December 2009 (Tuesday)
Baaba Maal + Mansour Seck "Djam Leelii (The Adventurers)".
Millie Jackson "Between The Sheets"
Rainbow "On Stage"
Baaba Maal + Mansour Seck "Djam Leelii (The Adventurers)".
Millie Jackson "Between The Sheets"
Rainbow "On Stage"
14 December 2009 (Monday)
Otis Taylor "Pentatonic Love Songs"
Various Nigerian music vids/music on Youtube as recommended by ChiChi.
Algebra Blesset "Algebra Blesset" - I saw the Kedar Massenberg connection (he got Erykah Badu started), but this is no Erykah. Only played four songs before switching to...
Sonic Youth "The Eternal"
The Coral "Magic And Medicine"
Stevie Nicks "Crystal Visions, Best Of"
Update: Following up Jeff's question about what the various Nigerian music videos I was watching/listening to was, here the links:
Tuface "True Love"
Nigeria - Lagbaja - "Konko Below" (skip past chanting at beginning for a deep groove)
Lagbaja - "Never Far Away"
D'banj Igwe - "Tribute to Abia State"
D' Banj Mo Hits All Stars - "Pere"
Kween - "Come With Me"
Jebele
Dbanj wande coal mohit allstars - "Close to you"
Thursday, December 10, 2009
10 December 2009 (Thursday)
A couple of weeks ago I tried Lizz Wright's first album, Salt, on a whim. I loved it! So I've been going back and checking out her other, more recent, albums. Starting the day off with her latest, The Orchard.
-- Looking at the liner notes of the album I see most of the songs were written with one of my other favorite singers, Toshi Reagon! And Chocolate Genius, a name I haven't seen in years, sings background vocals on one of my favorite songs on the record, "Speak Your Heart". Cool!
-- Despite all the great collaborators and talent on this record, I wish the songs had more fire in them; they just kind of hang there without going anywhere.
Going reverse chronologically in the Lizz Wright discography: "Dreaming Wide Awake". And as I look at the liner notes more closely, I see she was already collaborating with Toshi and Chocolate Genius back on this record.
-- But this record doesn't move me. Too laid back.
Back to her first record, Salt. I remember totally digging this one the first time through. Let's see how it sounds next to her other stuff.
A couple of weeks ago I tried Lizz Wright's first album, Salt, on a whim. I loved it! So I've been going back and checking out her other, more recent, albums. Starting the day off with her latest, The Orchard.
-- Looking at the liner notes of the album I see most of the songs were written with one of my other favorite singers, Toshi Reagon! And Chocolate Genius, a name I haven't seen in years, sings background vocals on one of my favorite songs on the record, "Speak Your Heart". Cool!
-- Despite all the great collaborators and talent on this record, I wish the songs had more fire in them; they just kind of hang there without going anywhere.
Going reverse chronologically in the Lizz Wright discography: "Dreaming Wide Awake". And as I look at the liner notes more closely, I see she was already collaborating with Toshi and Chocolate Genius back on this record.
-- But this record doesn't move me. Too laid back.
Back to her first record, Salt. I remember totally digging this one the first time through. Let's see how it sounds next to her other stuff.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
8 December 2009 (Tuesday)
Frigidly cold day in Seattle, and in the house this morning. But clear blue skies and bright sunshine compensate.
As I read my emails and news to start the day am listening to John Coltrane "Live In Seattle." I'm not a big Coltrane fan, but the fact that he recorded live in Seattle intrigued me. As I listen am trying to imagine what the scene was like that evening down in Pioneer Square back in 1965.
Annie Lennox "Songs Of Mass Destruction". Great singer, though sometimes a bit overdramatic. Just checking out what she's up to these days.
Black Sabbath "Live at Hammersmith 1982".
Medeski, Martin & Wood "Radiolarians II". "Junkyard" has that MM&W groove I dig!
Frigidly cold day in Seattle, and in the house this morning. But clear blue skies and bright sunshine compensate.
As I read my emails and news to start the day am listening to John Coltrane "Live In Seattle." I'm not a big Coltrane fan, but the fact that he recorded live in Seattle intrigued me. As I listen am trying to imagine what the scene was like that evening down in Pioneer Square back in 1965.
Annie Lennox "Songs Of Mass Destruction". Great singer, though sometimes a bit overdramatic. Just checking out what she's up to these days.
Black Sabbath "Live at Hammersmith 1982".
Medeski, Martin & Wood "Radiolarians II". "Junkyard" has that MM&W groove I dig!
Monday, December 07, 2009
7 December 2009 (Monday)
Started the day with Brandi Carlile's new album "Give Up The Ghost". I'm not a Brandi fan (she's from Seattle), but I recognize that her style is very appealing. 2010 will be a big year for her!
Moved on to Santigold "Santogold". I noticed her as a contributor on the N.A.S.A. album that I discoverd last week and liked so much so decided to give her whole album a spin. Eh, not really my thing. I can see MIA fans digging it, though.
Sloan "A-sides win; singles 1992 - 2005". Having been pleasantly surprised last week upon hearing their latest album, am checking out their back catalog.
-- verdict: eh, sounds like typical 90's indie rock. Now I remember why I neverr got into them back in the day. That said, I did like the last few songs, which indicates how they progressed to something I like more.
Now it's on to the new Kiss record, "Sonic Boom". I haven't heard a post-1982 Kiss record all the way through. My expectations are low. But it's worth a spin. And I'm curious to see how they've re-recorded their old classics (and will try to figure out *why* they felt the need to do so). Maybe later I'll watch the live DVD that comes with the album.
-- update: The album is middle of the road. Not terrible, but totally superfluous: all the necessary Kiss songs have been recorded. As for *why* they have re-recorded the klassics, Lenny tells me it to control their publishing and licencing. Makes sense. Those guys are wily!
On to Deltron 3030 since I skipped the Del Tha Funkee Homosapien concert this weekend.
Moved on to Santigold "Santogold". I noticed her as a contributor on the N.A.S.A. album that I discoverd last week and liked so much so decided to give her whole album a spin. Eh, not really my thing. I can see MIA fans digging it, though.
Sloan "A-sides win; singles 1992 - 2005". Having been pleasantly surprised last week upon hearing their latest album, am checking out their back catalog.
-- verdict: eh, sounds like typical 90's indie rock. Now I remember why I neverr got into them back in the day. That said, I did like the last few songs, which indicates how they progressed to something I like more.
Now it's on to the new Kiss record, "Sonic Boom". I haven't heard a post-1982 Kiss record all the way through. My expectations are low. But it's worth a spin. And I'm curious to see how they've re-recorded their old classics (and will try to figure out *why* they felt the need to do so). Maybe later I'll watch the live DVD that comes with the album.
-- update: The album is middle of the road. Not terrible, but totally superfluous: all the necessary Kiss songs have been recorded. As for *why* they have re-recorded the klassics, Lenny tells me it to control their publishing and licencing. Makes sense. Those guys are wily!
On to Deltron 3030 since I skipped the Del Tha Funkee Homosapien concert this weekend.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
6 December 2009 (Sunday)
Starting the day with Ceu "Vagarosa". So chilled out as to be bland; once is enough to listen to that album.
Moving on to the new Tinariwen "Imidiwan: Companions". One of my favorite bands (playing in Seattle on 23 February 2010!!) and this is their brand new album. This is my first time hearing it -- am psyched!
-- verdict: Great! This album seems to put special emphasis on the vocals. Another fine addition to the Tinariwen canon.
Lizz Wright "Dreaming Wide Awake". Just recently discovered Lizz Wright. I totally dig her first albu, "Salt". But this one feels a bit flat. Need to go back and listen to her most recent record, "The Orchard".
Revisiting David Bowie "Live" (at the Tower Philadelphia 1974). Such a great setlist, but he croons the life out of the songs. Moonage Daydream and Suffragette City have zero urgency. Good to listen through once, but this was a low point for Bowie between other high points in his career, as far as I am concerned.
Anjulie "Anjulie". I must have read a good review of this album that convinced me to check it out. Not at all my thing.
Moving on to the new Tinariwen "Imidiwan: Companions". One of my favorite bands (playing in Seattle on 23 February 2010!!) and this is their brand new album. This is my first time hearing it -- am psyched!
-- verdict: Great! This album seems to put special emphasis on the vocals. Another fine addition to the Tinariwen canon.
Lizz Wright "Dreaming Wide Awake". Just recently discovered Lizz Wright. I totally dig her first albu, "Salt". But this one feels a bit flat. Need to go back and listen to her most recent record, "The Orchard".
Revisiting David Bowie "Live" (at the Tower Philadelphia 1974). Such a great setlist, but he croons the life out of the songs. Moonage Daydream and Suffragette City have zero urgency. Good to listen through once, but this was a low point for Bowie between other high points in his career, as far as I am concerned.
Anjulie "Anjulie". I must have read a good review of this album that convinced me to check it out. Not at all my thing.
Friday, December 04, 2009
4 December 2009 (Friday)
Cold, foggy morning.
Started day listening to disc 2 of the expanded version of "Girlfriend" by Matthew Sweet (see yesterday's note). I'm totally done with that album now.
Put on Joseph Arthur "Come To Where I'm From". I can't remember if I became aware of JA through a Mojo album review or if I just picked one of his albums off the library shelf out of curiosity. In either case, this was the first album of his I listened to and I became very intrigued by him and ended up checking out another five of his albums from the library to hear his stuff. I like him! Of the ones I've heard I like "Come To Where I'm From" best, followed by Temporary People. But I like all of it for the pathos and artistry.
Ok, enough tortured artists for now.
Revisiting The Last Shadow Puppets "Age Of The Understatement" since I've been listening to that similar-sounding The Coral record lately.
Checking out Cut Copy "In Ghost Colours". I'm not much for synth-pop, so we'll see how this goes...
-- verdict: eh, whatever. Ok to have in the background. But if it's just about background music, there's better stuff for me. I did like song #9 "Heart's On Fire" though.
"Twilight As Played By The Twilight Singers". So good to hear Shawn Smith singing!
Van Halen's opening set for Black Sabbath in London 1978.
Put on Joseph Arthur "Come To Where I'm From". I can't remember if I became aware of JA through a Mojo album review or if I just picked one of his albums off the library shelf out of curiosity. In either case, this was the first album of his I listened to and I became very intrigued by him and ended up checking out another five of his albums from the library to hear his stuff. I like him! Of the ones I've heard I like "Come To Where I'm From" best, followed by Temporary People. But I like all of it for the pathos and artistry.
Ok, enough tortured artists for now.
Revisiting The Last Shadow Puppets "Age Of The Understatement" since I've been listening to that similar-sounding The Coral record lately.
Checking out Cut Copy "In Ghost Colours". I'm not much for synth-pop, so we'll see how this goes...
-- verdict: eh, whatever. Ok to have in the background. But if it's just about background music, there's better stuff for me. I did like song #9 "Heart's On Fire" though.
"Twilight As Played By The Twilight Singers". So good to hear Shawn Smith singing!
Van Halen's opening set for Black Sabbath in London 1978.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
3 December 2009 (Thursday)
Started the day with the song "Soul To Soul" by Ike & Tina Turner.
Put on Miles Davis "Get Up With It" as I was puttering about and getting ready to head out. I dig this album!
Finally downloaded the two legendary The God Machine albums, "Scenes From The Second Storey" and "One Last Laugh In A Place Of Dying". Through the years I have heard that The God Machine albums were lost masterpieces (I even saw the singer's current band Sophia in Krefeld, Germany a few years ago) but had never actually heard them. I wonder how I missed them when they came out in the mid-90's? Anyway, today I finally heard them both. Very cool! If I had heard them when they came out I would have totally loved the records. As it is, it just reminds me of being in my mid-20's.
Angel Witch - Angel Witch (25th Anniversary edition). Ah, a guitar lover's classic!
Angel Witch led to Iron Maiden "Killers". I'm stuck in a NWOBHM rut.
Just back from the library.
Given the recent listen-through of Chet Atkins and Les Paul, I am giving Chet Atkins Picks On The Beatles a spin. I'm sure he's playing heartfelt and all, but once through is enough for me for a lifetime.
Matthew Sweet "Girlfriend (expanded edition)". I never got into Mr. Sweet, but giving this supposedly "classic" album a spin. Ok, I understand why the ladies swoon for Sweet, and I get that he's pouring his heart out here, but it doesn't move me.
Started the day with the song "Soul To Soul" by Ike & Tina Turner.
Put on Miles Davis "Get Up With It" as I was puttering about and getting ready to head out. I dig this album!
Finally downloaded the two legendary The God Machine albums, "Scenes From The Second Storey" and "One Last Laugh In A Place Of Dying". Through the years I have heard that The God Machine albums were lost masterpieces (I even saw the singer's current band Sophia in Krefeld, Germany a few years ago) but had never actually heard them. I wonder how I missed them when they came out in the mid-90's? Anyway, today I finally heard them both. Very cool! If I had heard them when they came out I would have totally loved the records. As it is, it just reminds me of being in my mid-20's.
Angel Witch - Angel Witch (25th Anniversary edition). Ah, a guitar lover's classic!
Angel Witch led to Iron Maiden "Killers". I'm stuck in a NWOBHM rut.
Just back from the library.
Given the recent listen-through of Chet Atkins and Les Paul, I am giving Chet Atkins Picks On The Beatles a spin. I'm sure he's playing heartfelt and all, but once through is enough for me for a lifetime.
Matthew Sweet "Girlfriend (expanded edition)". I never got into Mr. Sweet, but giving this supposedly "classic" album a spin. Ok, I understand why the ladies swoon for Sweet, and I get that he's pouring his heart out here, but it doesn't move me.
2 December 2009 (Wednesday)
Cibelle - "Cibelle". I like the Six Degrees record label so gave this a listen. In one ear out the other.
Drive-By Truckers - "The Fine Print". As usual, a couple very good songs. But once through is enough.
Drive-By Truckers - "The Fine Print". As usual, a couple very good songs. But once through is enough.
Soulsavers - "It's Not How Far You Fall, It's The Way You Land" Felt like hearing some Lanegan! The brooding music doesn't fit this sunny, cold, crisp day, but good to hear that Lanegan baritone...
Dave Matthews - "Best Of What's Around". Made it through the first disc (studio), but got bored with the second, live, disc. It's going right back to the library.
Dave Matthews - "Best Of What's Around". Made it through the first disc (studio), but got bored with the second, live, disc. It's going right back to the library.
1 December 2009 (Tuesday)
Chet Atkins & Les Paul "Chester & Lester"
Lizz Wright - "Salt". Hadn't heard of Lizz before but must have read a good review (or just saw the album in the library?) and decided to check it out -- excellent soul!
The Black Crowes "Before The Frost". Have never liked this band, even from the start. Guess I never will. Album is ok but nothing more. One listen is all I need, then return it to the library.
The Coral - "The Invisible Invasion". Reminds me of "The Last Shadow Puppets" and, ergo, the new Arctic Monkeys album "Humbug". Are those guys all drinking in the same pubs in England? I like the 60's vibe.
N.A.S.A. "Spirit Of The Apollo". I'd never heard of this album, just saw it in the library. Excellent stuff! I love unexpectedly coming across something like this!
Evening:
Lizz Wright - "Salt". Hadn't heard of Lizz before but must have read a good review (or just saw the album in the library?) and decided to check it out -- excellent soul!
The Black Crowes "Before The Frost". Have never liked this band, even from the start. Guess I never will. Album is ok but nothing more. One listen is all I need, then return it to the library.
The Coral - "The Invisible Invasion". Reminds me of "The Last Shadow Puppets" and, ergo, the new Arctic Monkeys album "Humbug". Are those guys all drinking in the same pubs in England? I like the 60's vibe.
N.A.S.A. "Spirit Of The Apollo". I'd never heard of this album, just saw it in the library. Excellent stuff! I love unexpectedly coming across something like this!
Evening:
Watched "Soul To Soul" documentary about American soul bands playing concerts in Ghana in 1971. Gotta love the Ike & Tina stage show and totally got hooked on their song "Soul To Soul".
Watched Smashing Pumpkins "If All Goes Wrong" documentary. Whatever...
30 November 2009 (Monday)
Started the day with Johnny Cash "The Legend" box set.
Picked up the pace around noon with Putumayo "Gypsy Groove".
Picked up the pace around noon with Putumayo "Gypsy Groove".
29 November 2009 (Sunday)
Rush "Chronicles". I forgot how good these songs are! Great to hear a couple hours of Rush!
25 November 2009 (Wednesday)
Started day with Groupe Inerane "Guitars of Agadez" -- wild! Not exactly relaxing morning music, but invigorating.
Otis Taylor - "Truth Is Not Fiction"
Balkan Beat Box - "Nu Med". I've been on a "balkan music" kick of late after seeing Brass Menazeri in San Francisco in October. Balkan concerts are great fun!
Rough Guide To Afrobeat Revolution.
24 November 2009 (Tuesday)
Started the day with Aqualung "Words & Music". I'm re-visiting this as I've heard it before and remember coming away underwhelmed. His soaring music and aching vocals work brilliantly on a quartet of earlier songs, but this records sounds to me like second rate versions of earlier highlights. All the songs are going in one ear and out the other.
A compilation of music from african films. (stopped before finished)
Drive-By Truckers "Brighter Than Creations Dark" (stopped before finished)
Femi Kuti "Shoki Shoki" Funky!
Gigi "Gold & Wax" Sultry and groovy
Started the day with Aqualung "Words & Music". I'm re-visiting this as I've heard it before and remember coming away underwhelmed. His soaring music and aching vocals work brilliantly on a quartet of earlier songs, but this records sounds to me like second rate versions of earlier highlights. All the songs are going in one ear and out the other.
A compilation of music from african films. (stopped before finished)
Drive-By Truckers "Brighter Than Creations Dark" (stopped before finished)
Femi Kuti "Shoki Shoki" Funky!
Gigi "Gold & Wax" Sultry and groovy
23 November 2009 (Monday)
Cowboy Junkies "Long Journey Home". I remember people at Peaches Records loving this band back in the late 80's, but I've never been much for the alt-country scene. Played the DVD program because it's longer than the cd. Let it run in the background (i.e. didn't really watch the video). I like it when they play swampy, dirty guitar best. Good background music. But I have to admit, Margo's singing doesn't engage me.
Miles Davis "Big Fun"; I became fascinated with Davis's "On The Corner" album about a year ago for its funkiness and have begun listening to his other albums from that period. Not easy listening, but interesting.
22 November 2009 (Sunday)
Sunday morning: bought tickets for Tinariwen at the Triple Door on 23 February and can't wait for that concert!
Sunday afternoon: Spent day with my old high school buddy Bjorn talking geekily about music. He's big into the Rolling Stones and I had downloaded some bootlegs for him. He turned me on to Rocket From The Tombs. And the song "Fingerprint File" by The Rolling Stones, which I had never heard.
Sunday evening: Otis Taylor night! I recently "discovered" Otis Taylor. I can't remember how; by reading an album review in Mojo? In any case, have gone through his back catalog via the library. I dig his hypnotic riffs and how he is not strictly traditional blues.
Sunday afternoon: Spent day with my old high school buddy Bjorn talking geekily about music. He's big into the Rolling Stones and I had downloaded some bootlegs for him. He turned me on to Rocket From The Tombs. And the song "Fingerprint File" by The Rolling Stones, which I had never heard.
Sunday evening: Otis Taylor night! I recently "discovered" Otis Taylor. I can't remember how; by reading an album review in Mojo? In any case, have gone through his back catalog via the library. I dig his hypnotic riffs and how he is not strictly traditional blues.
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