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Thursday, May 31

ahhh... TUNES! (bless you)

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Shankar Mahadevan brings us In the Voice of India Today.
Shankar Mahadevan, born in Mumbai India, brings songs not sung in Hindi but rather in more obscure southern languages like Tamil, Malayalam, & Telugu. While Shankar is trained in both northern and southern styles, he also works with computers. Inside In the Voice of India Today, you’ll hear folk, classical, jazz, & pop tunes with a touch of computer influence. comments / tracks of interest
Disk 1:
#1: popular in India for good reason
#6: dramatic conversation about Lord Shiva between an atheist & a devotee.
#8: Punjabi duet
Disk 2:
#2: industrial sound in beginning, then merges with tablas

Spanish Harlem Orchestra sings, United We Swing.
Headed by Pianist, Oscar Hernandez , the 13 member band, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, presents New York City salsa. 9 tracks are originals, which use rhythms from el Barrio, Boogaloo, Latin Soul, and Salsa. Sounds to keep Salsa Dura alive, and your body dancing! It’s an aural party.
comments / tracks of interest
every track is raw salsa, and appropriate for air play. My favorites are #’s 7 & 13.

Jef Stott made an album and it's called, SoukSonik
SoukSonik is Jef’s first completed project as a solo artist, “deftly navigating the realms of the global remix” working primarily with artists from the Middle East living in diaspora. He has written for that video game called Sims, and has composed for several modern dance and theater productions. Currently residing in San Francisco, Jef dabbles in experimental and freeform sounds. On this album, instrumental form.
comments / tracks of interest
#2: oud remix w/ tables & deep overtone singing, engaging rhythm
#3: swelling sound montage

you'll find these three albums in the genre director's selection section for international.
and remember, the world is yours!

posted by a stranger @ 6:45:00 PM   1 comments

1 Comments:

At Wed Apr 02, 04:54:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Obscure Southern Languages? Dude, you sound like the frog in the well who thinks that his well is bigger than the ocean. Read some history and about languages and before writing, choose your words.

 

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afternoon music mix playlist for May 30, 2007

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Listeners,
not sure this was the best mix I have put together. I certainly wasn't happy about all the selections. Still, I hope it gave some variety.

Label * Band/Artist * Disc/Album * "song"


Paste Magazine Dinosaur Jr. "Been There All The Time"
Derekwebb.com Derek Webb The Ringing Bell "I Wanna Marry You All Over Again"
Atlantic J. Geils Band Favorites 1970 "Homework"
Audio 8 Feist The Reminder "Sealion"
Juba DanceOrange"angela jeanette"
****
Almost Gold Peter, Bjorn and John Writer's Block"Young Folks"
Barland Ryan AdamsEasy Tiger"Everybody Knows"
Mercury Laura LoveOctoroon 1997"I Am Wondering"
Merge The RosebudsNight of the Furies"Get Up and Get Out"
****

Lucy Stone Songs Paula Cole Tom Courage"14"
Luaka BopJim White Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus 2005 "Still Waters"
Nonesuch WilcoBlue Sky Blue"Please be Patient with Me"
Merge The ClienteleGod Save The Clientele"I Hope I KNow You"
****

Asthmatic Kitty Shapes and SizesSplit Lips"Head Movin"
Fat Possum The Firey Furnaces Bitter Tea 2006"I'm Waiting to Know You"
Train Wreck Carrie RodriquezSeven Angels on a Bicycle 2006 "t/c"
Thrill Jockey The Sea and CakeEverybody"exact to Me"
****

4 AD The Mountain Goats The Sunset Tree 2005 "love love love"
face west Gina Villalobos Miles Away "Somewhere To Lay Down"
Saddle Creek Bright Eyes Cassadaga "Make a Plan to Love Me"
****

Blue Note Joe Lovano and Hank Jones Kids Live @ Dizzy's Club Coca Cola "Budo"
Universal Abbey Lincoln Abbey Sings Abbey "the Music is The Magic"
Head's Up The Bad Plus Prog "1980 World Champion"
****

International Various Artists (Glykeria) Bellydancing Cafe "Min Permenis Pin" (greece)
Subpop The Shins Wincing the Night Away "Girl Sailor"
Nonesuch Various Artists (Prince) A Tribute to Joni Mitchell "A Case of You"

posted by grey matters @ 8:02:00 AM   0 comments

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Tuesday, May 29

Cathi's Reviews -- 5-29-07

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Bell, Carey & Lurrie – “Gettin’ Up” – Live (Delmark) A-

A compilation disc of two of Carey Bell’s last performances with guitarist-son-wizard Lurrie in Chicago clubs – added to a third “livingroom” session with just he and Carey putting down soulful acoustic tunes. It’s a tour de force and the livingroom cuts demonstrate how Lurrie’s guitar prowess and Carey’s harp and vocals form the central nervous system of any group. Carey is getting wobbly here both on vocals and harp, but the disc is of special significance for fans who will miss Carey and his rich legacy...and who love Lurrie (who lost his lady to cancer just this year as well as his dad-Carey).

Lockwood, Robert Jr. – “Steady Rollin’ Man” (Delmark) A-

This is a 1970 recording of Robert Jr. with the famous ACES (Dave and Louis Myers & Fred Below). It was also the first session with Lockwood as front man (prior to this he was a famous side-man). Guitarwork is really good. Backup is a little strange and unruly for the Aces (mix-wise), but Below lays down killer drums and it all comes out in the wash. Nice historical CD...some great tunes too.

Thackery, Jimmy – “Solid Ice” (Telarc) B+

Thackery decided to get off the endless road and do some writing and mustering up whatever muse remained. The result is this interesting album with five instrumentals. I claim them as best here because his voice is definitely getting creaky on the others, but that guitar just never gets old! #5 in particular is a mellow jazz that is a real change up in style. Some straight-up rock on this disc and shades of blue. Nice to hear Jimmy fool around. Guitar unsurpassed although a lot of rock.

Vinson, Eddie “Cleanhead” – “Kidney Stew is Fine” (Delmark) A

A swinging sax/vocal disc of the famous Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson—sax player for T-Bone Walker (who also plays here with famed pianist Jay McShann). A powerhouse of a collection. Recorded in March of 1969 it captures all three at their peak and every tune is classy. Ah—what happened to blues dynamics! Bonus—great saxophone and “shouter” vocals from Vinson throughout. Go for it.

Wright, Marva – “After the Levees Broke” (AIM) B

After losing everything but the clothes on her back when the levees broke in New Orleans’ Katrina flood, Marva Wright and several NO musicians got together to make a CD to bring attention to the continuing struggles there. She was emotional throughout and could not write anything (says the experience gave her a block), but bass player and others came up with one or two heartbreakers. Other tunes are interesting covers of old time country and pop tunes. Interesting combo from the “Queen of New Orleans Blues Singers.”

posted by Cathi N @ 2:02:00 PM   0 comments

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Friday, May 25

one more

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The Skatalites let loose, On the Right Track; and we've captured it here at WFHB.
: Fusing boogie-woogie blues, jazz, mento, calypso, and African rhythms, the Skatalites perform “the first truly Jamaican music, ska.” Officially formed in 1964, soon after Jamaica became an independent nation from Britain, the Skatalites became known as, “the father of rock steady, the grandfather of reggae.” On the Right Track features full horns, hard bop, and rhythm. You just might consider it Jamaican jazz for its improv styles.

comments / tracks of interest:

Choose one, choose all…but my favorites are # 4 and the tracks who house the random shout of, “ska…” (#’s 2 &13).

ta ta for now.

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here comes the music reviews

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Tito Paris

Acustico

Review: “Tito Paris, male icon of Cape Verdean music, is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, producer, and performer here on Acustico. To set standards and pioneer Luso-African musical traditions, he produced Cesaria Evora’s first album and has introduced influences from Angola, N. of Portugal, Mozambique, and the Samba of Brazil. Evidence of this is reflected on Acustico, a live recording of Tito and his band at Aula Magna in Lisbon plus 3 new studio recordings. All of the songs were written by important composers from Cape Verde in the 60’s, as they were setting the standards for the Cape Verdean music we hear today.” (Paraphrased from Joe Almeida from 4 quarters). This music is relax man, or woman. Good for feeling through the smoldering heat of another Bloomington summer.

comments / tracks of interest:

#3: begins slow, gets snappy

#10: most upbeat of his live stuff

#11: summer educing vibe

#13: samba jive




Cubanismo

Greetings from Havana

international

A

Review: After playing at the largest outdoor festival in Australia, the owner of AIM records, Peter Noble and musician Jesus Alemany began a discussion which led to the production of this album, a showcase of classic Cuban styles. A celebration of Cuban culture and life: music, romance, love, religion, history, humor, food, and DANCE! Sadly, because of the political standoff between the U.S. and Cuba, Cubanismo hasn’t been able to add to their 600 U.S. tours for almost 4 years. So until we have a political awakening, this c.d. will have to fill your void of live Cuban entertainment.

comments / tracks of interest:

#’s of tracks on back of album do not follow titles on cd. I made changes where I could, but not all tracks are accounted for.

#’s 2 and 6 stand out to me, but all are ready for a listen and a dance.

#8 is a romantic ballad, ranchera style.



Date:

5-25-07

Label: Rough Guide

artist:

V/A

title:

Bellydance Cafe

file under:

international

grade:

A

Review: Raqs sharki (translating to ‘oriental dance’ as the Arabic term for bellydance) tells many stories of it’s origin through romantic legends of temple and court dancers. But ras sharki is performed at family gatherings, village squares, and Cairo nightclubs by both men and women. From Morocco, through the Mediterranean, to Afghanistan…to Bloomington, Indiana! J Musically, you’ll hear the sensuousness of dance in the complex compositions featured here at the Bellydance Café.

comments / tracks of interest:

#4: instrumental

#5: a hip-shaker

#6: Egyptian tablas

#8: alluring female vocals

#12: feature of an Egyptial pop sensation

#13: droning windophones

#17: more Egyptian tablas

posted by a stranger @ 3:53:00 PM   0 comments

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Wednesday, May 23

RECENT WFHB ADDS

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Here is a digest of WFHB's recent adds...

5.2.07

DATE: 5.2.07
ARTIST: The Clientele
TITLE: God Save The Clientele (Merge)
GENRE: ROCK/ALT
GRADE: A+
REVIEW: On their third full-length, The Clientele are setting free their
inner Monkees with a lovely blend of Big Star twisted powerpop, Byrdsian
country achin', and flashes of The Beatles at their most joyful and
upbeat. The ghosts, half-light, and uncertainties remain, but included in
this music is a newfound optimism. With the addition of piano and violin,
the band paints from a broader palette, adding splashes of pedal steel and
slide guitar to their already lush songs. Their most accomplished and
triumphant record. Recorded in Nashville with Mark Nevers (Lambchop,
Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Calexico, Silver Jews).
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12
REVIEWER: Merge Records promo copy

DATE: 5.2.07
ARTIST: The Greyboy Allstars
TITLE: What Happened to Television (Sci Fidelity)
GENRE: SOUL/FUNK/R&B
GRADE: A
REVIEW: DJ Greyboy formed the band the Greyboy Allstars with Karl Denson
in 1993 during the height of Acid Jazz as an extension of his residency
spinning discs at a bar in San Diego. The bands style of music was
influenced by the rare jazz groves that DJ Greyboy was using in his sets.
Uninterested in extensive touring, DJ Greyboys involvement in the group is
to act as a creative leader and filter to the bands music. The Greyboy
Allstars new album on SCI Fidelity What Happened to Television? is the
bands second album. The first album West Coast Boogaloo came out in 1995.
The Greyboy Allstars decided to re-form after a successful reunion show
last year. The result is a purple wall-to-wall shag of funk and jazz
grooves. All of the instruments are old school funk jazz and even the
recording was done live to tape with tape splicing for edits. Overall the
record is fun and sunny which is exactly the mood the band set out to
capture. Every track is the sound of a band stretching its legs in a style
they love. Of note are the vocals they include lots of James Brown or
Bootsy Collins style shouts and phrasing. A couple of the songs feature
the band members on vocals. Two of the songs have Inara George, daughter
of Lowell George on them. If youre a fan of Acid Jazz, old school R&B or
Jazz Funk, this is the record for you. The band says that they are already
working on the next albums I think this is great news. They are kicking a
tour off in May and will be touring through the summer. If youre lucky
enough to have them in your town you should go out and shake the boogaloo.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11
REVIEWER: playbsides.com

DATE: 5.2.07
ARTIST:Patti Smith
TITLE: Twelve (Columbia)
GENRE: ROCK/MAINSTREAM
GRADE: B+
REVIEW:She's been called the high preistess of punk, but Patti Smith is
really a hippie. You can tell by the choice of covers here. This release
has been getting some fairly negative reviews, which make sense
considering how much of her recent output has rocked. The sound here is
all fairly mellow, with some songs working and others triggering a WTF?
Try Are You Experienced?, Within You Without You and Smells Like Teen
Spirit. You might want to avoid Everybody Wants To Rule The World, White
Rabbit and Midnight Rider.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 3, 5, 10
REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

DATE: 5.2.07
ARTIST: Crooked Still
TITLE: Hop High (Signature)
GENRE: BLUEGRASS
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Crooked Still isn't reinventing anything on its debut album, which
is full of traditional country songs like "Darling Corey," "Shady Grove,"
and "Flora" (aka "The Lily of the West"), and some familiar copyrighted
ones, such as Robert Johnson's "Last Fair Deal Gone Down" and Albert E.
Brumley's "Rank Stranger." To the extent there is anything unusual about
the quartet's approach, it lies in the instrumentation, which consists of
banjo, cello, and double bass, backing Aoife O'Donovan's singing. That's
not the most typical lineup for a string band, and it allows space for the
three instrumentalists to solo extensively. Still, the group is more about
execution than innovation. The players, augmented on a couple of tracks
each by fiddle and percussion, mesh well into a band sound, and O'Donovan
has a breathy voice reminiscent of Shawn Colvin and Alison Krauss.
Together, they give the material a spirited reading that affirms its
time-tested quality. So, the members of Crooked Still succeed in being
both traditionalists and stylists on their debut album, a significant
accomplishment for a young outfit.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11
REVIEWER: allmusic.com

DATE: 5.02.07
ARTIST:John Platania
TITLE: Blues, Waltzes and Badland Borders (Train Wreck)
GENRE:COUNTRY/ROOTS/AMERICANA
GRADE: A
REVIEW: John Platania -- who played on Van Morrison's classic hits
"Moondance" and "Domino" -- is one of the unsung guitar heroes of the
classic rock era. Rather than discharge hails of gunfire la Jeff Beck and
his ilk, Platania plays a nuanced, lyrical style that brims with feeling
and splendor. Blues, Waltzes and Badland Borders is Platania's first solo
album, a mostly instrumental affair produced by singer/songwriter great
Chip Taylor. As its title suggests, the album is an eclectic affair that
works a nice cross-section of Texas roots styles with lan and passion. The
backing band includes frequent Taylor collaborator Carrie Rodriguez
(fiddle), and there are separate guest-vocal spots by Alejandro Escovedo
and Lucinda Williams, who makes a memorable appearance on the album finale
"In Memory of Zapata."
FCC:9
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11
REVIEWER: creative loafing sarasota

DATE:5.02.07
ARTIST:Elizabeth Cook
TITLE: Balls
GENRE: COUNTRY
GRADE: A+
REVIEW:
Cook has been recording and performing for a decade, releasing a
major-label effort that went nowhere and independent records that received
critical acclaim. Balls represents a chance to simply make her kind of
music. Produced by Rodney Crowell, Balls uses a crack band that includes
drummer Harry Stinson and guitarists Kenny Vaughan, Richard Bennett and
Tim Carroll (Cooks husband). From the deadpan opener, Times Are Tough in
Rock n Roll, to the gentle cover of Lou Reed and John Cales Sunday
Morning, Crowell puts Cooks slightly sardonic and unreadable vocals into
settings that honor old-time conventions, yet are more than passing
strange for a 2007 country record. Times Are Tough in Rock n Roll chugs
along like an early-80s new wave tune, complete with Jews harp and a
funny, laconic guitar signature. All my feelings, all my fears / Were
confirmed by Britney Spears, Cook sings, and the song sets the tone for a
record that combines hick cool with something more calculated. Cook sounds
smart, and very country.
LOCAL NOTE: Cook's husband and guitarist Tim Carrol was a member of the
last version of Bloomington's punk band The Gizmos.
FCC: 3
RECOMMENDED TRACKS:1, 4, 5, 7, 9
REVIEWER: nashville scene

also added:
The Sea and Cake Everybody Thrill Jockey
Elliott Smith New Moon Kill Rock Stars
Slavic Soul Party Teknochek Collision Barbes
Apostle of Hustle National Anthem of Nowhere Arts & Crafts

5.8.07

DATE:5.8.07
ARTIST:Richard Thompson
TITLE:Sweet Warrior (Shout Factory)
GENRE: FOLK/SS
GRADE: A
REVIEW: RT's new studio album strikes me as average for him, which would
be fantastic for anyone else. I say average because there is no big new
concept here, nor is there a sonic template imposed by a producer. It's
just straight-up great RT with clever songs and snappy solos. Includes
his usual stellar musical sidekicks like Danny Thompson and Judith Owen.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 5 (antiwar song - Dad is slang for Bahgdad), 6, 7,
10, 12, 14
REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

DATE: 5.8.07
ARTIST:Charlotte Gainsbourg
TITLE: 5:55 (Because/Vice)
GENRE: ELECTRONIC/POP
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Music by Air, lyrics by Jarvis Cocker and Neil Hannon,
knob-twiddling by Nigel Godrich. It's easy to believe 5:55 a vanity
project. It's the second album in 20 years for Gainsbourg, multitalented
progeny of Serge and Jane Birkin, the first being 1986's Charlotte for
Ever, an album penned by her father. So there's no small amount of
grooming here, but it's obvious from the hypnotic title track that there's
nothing wrong with keeping it in the family, as Gainsbourg suggests
everything with repetitive whispers of "and again." Air's heir's quite
apparent, pushing moody strings and sexified sleepwalking through the
ambient "AF607105," where she floats above Cocker's detached lyrics, and
the French-sung "Tel Que Tu Es," another breathy, lusty ode. The manic,
Tori-esque piano of "Everything I Cannot See" pulls her out of the ether,
but the chill-out room still suits her best. She sounds forever Gainsbourg
not a bad thing in this case.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS:1, 2, 5, 10, 12
REVIEWER: austin chronicle

DATE: 5.8.07
ARTIST: All Smiles
TITLE: Ten Readings of a Warning (Dangerbird)
GENRE: ROCK/ALT
GRADE: A-
REVIEW:On his first solo affair (although everyone from Sleater-Kinney's
Janet Weiss to Modest Mouse's Joe Plummer sit behind the drum kit), Jim
Fairchild isn't afraid to let go of the Grandaddy electro-alt-country
thing once and for all and buckles down with loose, nuanced
singer/songwriter fare. Ten Readings of a Warning juggles everything from
Fairchild's breezy acoustic guitar work to a low-fi low end that gives
this album a kick where so many of its contemporaries deliver nothing but
pseudo-idyllic, wishy-washy guitar numbers. Recorded to eight-track in
Fairchild's home, Ten Readings of a Warning is anything but the
over-polished indie-pop ear candy commonplace in the singer/songwriter
world. "Moth in a Cloud of Smoke" sets a piano melody unfurling on top of
a wall of guitars shaken to their core by warm, fuzzy distortion. The
low-budget production gives "Sprinting Hyphens" a stark, shadowy ambiance
that gives a run-of-the-mill acoustic-guitar number a bit of character.
"Killing Sheep" is even more barebones, as guitar and piano seem lost in
vast, empty soundscapes. Fairchild doesn't have to worry about a
post-Grandaddy freefall. He's got everything under control as he
establishes himself more than capable of moving in a new direction with
All Smiles.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS:1, 3, 5, 6, 10 REVIEWER: www.aversion.com

DATE: 5.7.07
ARTIST:Keren Ann
TITLE: Keren Ann (Metro Blue)
GENRE: FOLK/SS
GRADE: A
REVIEW:Keren Ann's last entirely English-language album, 2003's Not Going
Anywhere, housed the singer-songwriter's wallflower vocals and plaintive
lyrics among regal brass, bluesy guitars, and angelic choirs, creating a
fertile sonic palette that rendered her voice as importantor unimportant,
as the case may beas every other musical sound. Things aren't too far
removed from that template on her new self-titled releaseher voice never
rises above a soft whisper. Keren Ann, who hails from Israel by way of
Paris and New York, still has a knack for lovely melodies (like the
ascending piano line of the ethereal "Liberty") and exciting genre hybrids
("Where No Endings End" blends strings and piano with flutes and spaghetti
western guitar).
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
REVIEWER: slant magazine

DATE: 5.7.07
ARTIST:James Blood Ulmer
TITLE: Bad Blood In The City (Hyena)
GENRE: BLUES
GRADE: A++
REVIEW: The particular impetus to record this album was Ulmers reaction to
Hurricane Katrina and the Bush administrations response to it. Ulmer wrote
a bunch of songs while watching events in New Orleans unfold on CNN,
previewed them soon after, and now they form the backbone of Bad Blood In
The City. The opener, Survivors of the Hurricane, sets the scene
succinctly and ties together what follows. The playing is taut and
together - evidence of their time spent in the studio and on the road -
with producer Vernon Reids guitar particularly potent. The funereal march
of Katrina in which Ulmer personalizes the disaster, features one of
Ulmers more over-the-top vocal performances. His voice shakes and quivers
with emotion as he recounts the events, closing with repetitions of the
terse phrase, Talk to the President, venomously spat out. In contrast,
Lets Talk About Jesus is far more joyous and upbeat; if the title and
lyrics werent sufficient, Irene Datchers sanctified backing vocals and
Leon Gruenbaums organ leave no doubt about its origins. There Is Power In
The Blues is short, punchy and lives up to its title, while Old Slave
Master is largely a showcase for the bands instrumental skills. Charlie
Burnhams fiddle unusual in an electric band and Ulmers own
extraordinarily brutal guitar steal the track. In addition to these five
original compositions, the band gives barnstorming renditions of six blues
classics, all of which fit the overall mood and narrative of the album. On
Junior Kimbroughs Sad Days, Lonely Nights, the wailing harmonica of David
Barnes plays a repeated riff, relentlessly driving the song forward.
Meanwhile, on Willie Dixons Dead Presidents and Howlin Wolfs Commit A
Crime, one is transported back to Chicago and Chess by the gruff power of
Ulmers vocals more than once reminiscent of Wolf himself.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11
REVIEWER: dusted reviews

DATE: 5.7.07
ARTIST:Balkan Beat Box
TITLE: Nu Med (J Dub)
GENRE: INTL/WORLD FUSION/ELECTRONIC
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Blending electronic music with hard-edged folk music from the
Balkans, North Africa, and the Middle East, the exciting and
internationally acclaimed collective Balkan Beat Box is out to prove that
all the world is indeed a stage -- and that we are all gypsies. A band of
New Yorkers, Israelis, Africans and Bulgarians, led by ex-Gogol Bordello
member Ori Kaplan and Firewater/Big Lazy's Tamir Muskat, BBB brings
together folk traditions with electronic beats, video projections, and a
rotating cast of vocalists including the Victoria Hannah, Tomer Yosef,
Buglarian Chicks, Jeremiah Lockwood, and gnawa player Hassan Ben Jaffar.
BBB's new record, Nu Med is a musical vision of what the Mediterranean
would sound like if borders were removed, as BBB makes connections that
politics often keep separate. Jewish, Gypsy, Arabic, and American are
united by hip hop beats and dancehall toasts. BBB's musical hitch-hiking
continues as they mix things up with dub and electronics, juxtaposed with
ancient Moroccan and Mediterranean melodies. The band's uncategorizable
sound gives equal weight to soulful acoustic timbres and digital rhythms
creating a uniquely organic sound with electronic elements. With their
fusion of Middle Eastern melodies and Balkan brass-band stomp with
hip-hop, reggae, and electro beats, this internationally acclaimed
collective is out to prove that the entire world is, indeed, their stage,
and that we are all Gypsies.
(and anyone who has seen them at lotus festival knew that already!)
FCC: 2 (bullshit)
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 4, 5, 7, 8, 12
REVIEWER: oops, lost the link...

DATE: 5.7.07
ARTIST: Various Artists
TITLE:A Tribute to Joni Mitchell (Nonesuch)
GENRE: FOLK/SS
GRADE: A+
REVIEW: The astounding calibre of contributors to A Tribute to Joni
Mitchell is obviously a testament to the artists broad influence, and the
liberties taken with her songs are as interesting as the renditions that
remain faithful. The voices gathered together here are arguably each as
idiosyncratic as Mitchells and, with the exception of Emmylou Harriss
haunting take on The Magdalene Laundries (which Mitchell released on 1994s
Turbulent Indigo), they focus exclusively on her groundbreaking work from
the 70s. Mitchells most critically acclaimed album is still Blue, which is
represented three times. Prince cant help but make A Case of You that much
more sultry, while Sarah McLachlan reminds listeners of her powerful voice
with an almost a cappella version of the title track. Another trio of
songs from 1975s The Hissing of Summer Lawns includes a brooding, yet
adventurous Elvis Costello on Edith and the Kingpin and finds Bjrk pouring
her heart into a sparse rendition of The Boho Dance. As expected, Sufjan
Stevens creates a bubbly orchestra for Free Man in Paris and Annie Lennoxs
voice gracefully guides the quirky instrumentation of Ladies of the
Canyon. Mitchells exploration of jazz and avant-garde sounds (not to
mention world music, as represented by Caetano Velosos authentic
Dreamland) within pop was unprecedented and, after a second look, her sway
over the multi-generational assembly here cannot be overstated.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS-all are worth airing. The album seems to have an a-side
and b-side...
(A)RADICAL REWORKINGS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
(B)STRAIGHT UP VERSIONS: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
REVIEWER:www.exclaim.ca

DATE:5.7.07
ARTIST:Mavis Staples
TITLE:We'll Never Turn Back (Anti)
GENRE:BLUES/GOSPEL/R&B/SOUL
GRADE: A++++++++++ (album of the year?)
REVIEW: Since many politically outspoken artists have chosen to remain
silent while America self-destructs, Mavis Staples has been enlisted by
Anti to issue a wake-up call in the form of a message song cycle, echoing
her socially conscious Staple Singers recordings of the civil rights era
like Long Walk To DC and Why? (Am I Treated So Bad). Of course, it's 40
years later and there was a risk that a return to the form might've come
off like a quaint, hand-holding kumbaya singalong. There's no such problem
with We'll Never Turn Back. Producer Ry Cooder keeps it all sounding dark
and dangerous, while Staples avoids cheap slogans and hollow platitudes to
soulfully deliver the straight goods on growing up under Jim Crow in
Mississippi and the horrors of post-Katrina New Orleans while questioning
why people are dying in a rich man's war. Her great success is making
these protest songs personal, and she does it in a most profoundly moving
way. This is powerful stuff.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: all of 'em! Ry Cooder's presence is very strong
throughout.
REVIEWER: www.nowtoronto.com

DATE: 5.7.07
ARTIST:Secretary Bird
TITLE: Secretary Bird
GENRE: ROCK/ALT
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Secretary Bird thrive on indie-rocks two favorite emotions:
romantic devotion and shuddering self-doubt. Itinerant L.A. guitarist Mike
Semple, whose CV includes Friends of Dean Martinez and the ambient-twang
score to Richard Linklaters Fast Food Nation, writes shy-eyed,
thin-skinned rockers from the viewpoint of an exceedingly nice guy
ruminating on bygone nanoseconds of summer bliss shared with girls who
barely remember dating him. His drowsy singing and distinctly Californian
taste in sad, sweeping sounds (equally informed by Neil Youngs Tonights
the Night and Glenn Campbells Galveston) perfectly mirror his
slow-dissolve images of late-night cab rides and aimless drives, somewhere
girls and an imaginary you whos probably a lot nicer to Mike than the real
one. The same charming vagueness that makes him suspect material for a
long-term relationship makes him an excellently depressive indie-rock
antihero.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 (killer instrumental)
REVIEWER:...somewhere on the internet

also addeed:
Mellowmen Tommorrow's Sound Today Rainbow Quartz

5.14.07

DATE: 5.14.07
ARTIST:Wilco
TITLE:Sky Blue Sky (Nonesuch)
GENRE: rock/alt
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Well, Pitchfork turned their noses up at this one, calling it
dad-rock. Ohhhkay. It is the most straight-forward Wilco record in many
moons, reflecting the post-rehab comfort zone Jeff Tweedy finds himself in
these days. Most of the songs are on the mellow side, save for the twin
guitar solo excursions where they get their inner Allman Brothers vibe on.
A subtle affair, my guess is these songs will grow on the listener a
little slower than previous Wilco, but will still get under the skin more
than most music out there these days.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12
REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

DATE: 5.14.07
ARTIST:Amy LaVere
TITLE:Anchors & Anvils (Archer)
GENRE:folk/roots/singer-songwriter
GRADE: A
REVIEW: We played her last album quite a bit and since then, besides
making music, she has appeared in two films Walk the Line and Black Snake
Moan. Her instrument (double bass) and voice (whispy with soul) provide a
nice contrast at the core of the band, with some great Memphis area
players (like Jimbo Mathus) contributing. Produced by Jim Dickinson.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10
REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

DATE: 5.14.07
ARTIST:Beaver Nelson
TITLE:Exciting Opportunity (Freedom)
GENRE:FOLK/SS
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Despite being declared years ago as the next big thing outta
Austin, Beaver Nelson has been plugging away below most music fans' radar,
putting out great little records every few years. And doing what all
scrappy musicians in Austin do make money painting houses. Apparently he
had a huge job, exterior and interior, where he was isolated for days on
end, painting. Whenever the muse struck him, he took breaks for
songwriting. The result is Exciting Opportunity, full of the great hooky
insightful songs he has a knack for penning. Old sidekicks Jud Newcomb and
Stephen Bruton add great instrumental action.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9
REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

DATE: 5.14.07
ARTIST:Cowboy Junkies
TITLE:At the End of Paths Taken (Zoe)
GENRE:ROCK/MAINSTREAM
GRADE: A-
REVIEW: Michael Timmins, chief songwriter and producer/arranger of the
Cowboy Junkies, has always written "relationship" songs, though not in the
general sense of the word. On At the End of Paths Taken, he brings his
notion of relationship to its bravest and most unflinching examination
yet: the family. Timmins has written a set of songs that reflect the
complex, frustrating, edifying, and conflict-ridden web of relationships
that constitute the family, from nuclear to extended to global. He is a
parent, and a son with aging parents. As if embodying the often embattled
and contradictory nature of family itself, he also places a production
focus on amplifying his acoustic guitar, which underscores each song as
its center. As a result, the band, particularly Margo, follows him down
the muddy rabbit hole and extend itself as well. In other words, this is
not a typical -- and there is such a thing as a typical -- Cowboy Junkies
recording. The difficult tension is in unpeeling the way human foibles
such as greed, lust, conflict, power and anger influence and impact the
family, and is reflected here with a poetic grace and gritty realism
wrapped inside expressionistic musical portraits and a series of melodies
and lyric lines that shift meaning as the album continues. The emotion
Margo infuses these lyrics with and the tautness of the musical
performances are anything but lithe or lazy. They're hungry.
FCC: 11 F-Bomb ALERT!
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10
REVIEWER: www.allmusicguide.com

DATE: 5.14.07
ARTIST:Ryan Shaw
TITLE: This Is Ryan Shaw (Columbia)
GENRE: soul/funk/r&b
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Those who stumble upon "This Is Ryan Shaw" will assume they've
heard it before-and that's a good thing. Shaw's debut so authentically
captures the spirit, sound and euphoric joy of vintage soul music that
songs like the testimonial "I Am You Man" and the jumpy, Booker T. & the
MG's-worthy "Lookin for a Love" feel excitingly familiar, as if they've
been nestled among Eddie Floyd and William Bell 45s for years. Recalling
'70s, pre-cheese Stevie Wonder, the Georgia native establishes himself as
a massive talent with a huge voice, straight out of the gate. "This Is
Ryan Shaw" resuscitates soul in an electrifying way. Indeed, while fusing
the mannered style of Motown with the sexy, sweaty grit of Stax, Shaw
displays a complete command of the medium.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS:
REVIEWER: www.billboard.com

DATE: 5.14.07
ARTIST: Cliff Eberhardt
TITLE: The High Above and the Down Below (Red House)
GENRE:FOLK/SS
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Master singer-songwriter Cliff Eberhardt returns with the
strongest collection of songs in his career on his first new release in
five years. This is the comeback CD fans have been waiting for since the
debilitating car accident which sidelined him in 2002. The recording
features an updated sound that highlights Eberhardt's pop and jazz
influences without divorcing his loyal acoustic and folk fanbase,
delivering 12 original new tunes backed by a tight combo that allows his
powerful voice and strong guitar playing to shine in a way they never have
before. The title track, like the whole album, is about living in the
moment. Recorded at Wild Sound in Minneapolis, the CD has an organic feel
that veteran producer and Red House executive Eric Peltoniemi was striving
for. Keeping Cliff's singing and playing uncluttered by overdubs and
harmony vocals, Peltoniemi handpicked some of the Twin Cities' finest
musicians for backing - keyboardist Rich Dworsky (Al Jarreau, A Prairie
Home Companion) bassist Gordy Johnson (Maynard Ferguson, Chuck Mangione)
and drummer J.T. Bates (Michel Portal). The group had such immediate
chemistry that the tracks were laid down quickly, many in just one take.
The result is the album that Eberhardt has always wanted to make. From the
melancholy notes of "The Right Words," to the sweet optimism of "After The
Rain Falls," the record is a timeless collection of songs that speak to
everyone, cementing Eberhardt's position as one of today's finest
singer-songwriters.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS:
REVIEWER: red house promo

DATE: 5.14.07
ARTIST:John Prine & Mac Wiseman
TITLE: Standard Songs for Average People (Oh Boy)
GENRE:COUNTRY
GRADE: A
REVIEW: If anyone's going to tackle songs like "Blue-Eyed Elaine" and
"Saginaw, Michigan" these days, it makes perfect sense that it would be a
collaboration between singer/songwriter John Prine and bluegrass master
tenor Mac Wiseman. Together, these legendary artists make the standards
great again. John Prine is one of the most well-respected
singer/songwriters in contemporary Americana, but this time around, he
decided to hand the reigns over to the classics. Among the stand-out songs
on this record are "Pistol-Packin' Mama," "Just the Other Side of
Nowhere," and "Old Cape Cod." Wiseman, meanwhile, strays a bit from his
legendary tenor to sing songs like "Saginaw, Michigan" more toward the
middle of his range, which is entertainment in itself. For a man whose
voice is worth its weight in gold, singing lounge tunes like "Old Cape
Cod" is a bit of a departure, but it comes across very nicely, and Wiseman
brings a certain authenticity to the record.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 12
REVIEWER: www.about.com

DATE: 5.14.07
ARTIST:Robbie Fulks
TITLE: Revenge! (Yep Roc)
GENRE: country/alt
GRADE: A-
REVIEW: Only Robbie Fulks can turn a run-of-the-mill live album into a
piece of performance art. Only he can insult himself, his band, his fans,
and his label, as he does with this two-disc live set Revenge, and get
away with it. And as it turns out, only Robbie Fulks can release a live
record that not only captures his commanding, self-effacing stage presence
but also provides a clear insight into his mind, a sort of Being Robbie
Fulks experience on record. Here, Robbie Fulks not only reinvents the live
album concept, but also adds another piece to his already stellar catalog.
Revenge starts out as a traditional live album. Pulling from his usual
live repertoire, with songs like You Shouldnt Have, The Buck Stops Here,
and Lets Kill Saturday Night to close, Disc One captures Fulks usual
enthusiasm and energy on stage. Aside from Were on the Road, nothing
really stands out on Disc One, as it pretty much follows the traditional
Robbie Fulks show. Disc Two is considerably better. From the opening
introduction, which turns into a seminar in acoustic picking, right on to
the end, Fulks takes the live album concept to a completely new level. Not
only are most of the songs new--Fulks calls live albums a fuckin ripoff
halfway through the disc--they are performed in an intimate, personal
setting. Even though you know theres several hundred people in the
audience, Fulks breaks the live album code by talking at length with the
crowd, it almost feels like hes singing directly to the listener. Of the
new tunes, Thats a Good Enough Reason, On a Real Good Day, and The
Bluebirds are Singing For Me stand out, but none as much as I Like Being
Left Alone, a hilarious take on turning middle aged.
FCC: cd1: 10 cd2: 6
RECOMMENDED TRACKS:
CD1: 1, 3, 11
CD2: 2, 3, 7, 8, 9

REVIEWER: www.nudeasthenews.com

also added:
Bebel Gilberto Momento Six Degrees
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Baby 81 RCA

5.21.07

DATE:5.21.07
ARTIST: Sea Wolf
TITLE: Get To The River Before It Gets Too Low (Dangerbird)
GENRE: ROCK/ALT
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Before It Runs Too Low EP
Sea Wolf is the vehicle for Alex Church's songs. Born in the small gold
rush town of Columbia, CA, his musical memories were shaped by ad hoc
bluegrass outfits playing for tourists on sidewalks of his hometown,
coupled with Beatles and Willie Nelson records on his mom's turntable. The
sound he sought and achieved on this record is a combination of delicate,
arching melodies and foggy, elegiac narratives. Over the spare
instrumentation, his voice can be weary or buoyant, but it's always
capable of leaving an indelible impression. "Lushly orchestrated indie
rock" - LA Times. (Dangerbird Records)
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
REVIEWER: milesofmusic.com

DATE: 5.21.07
ARTIST:Sarah Borges
TITLE: Diamonds In The Dark (Sugar Hill)
GENRE:COUNTRY/ALT
GRADE: A
REVIEW: It's not by happenstance that "Come Back to Me," a fairly candid
cover from X's Under the Big Black Sun, is on Sarah Borges's second album,
nor that the feisty country-singing Bostonian would find inspiration from
a 25-year-old punk album. Actually, despite a host of twangy guitars and
songs about love, longing, and retribution, Borges admits to having a
greater fondness for Exene Cervenka's caterwauling--and '80s and '90s
indie rock--than any vocal tutorial from Loretta Lynn. Pulsating tracks
such as "Lonely Town" and "Diablito," and the poppy "Stop and Think It
Over," tugged from the mold of the Go-Go's' Beauty and the Beat, are in
debt to those influences without overshadowing what's left of the record:
a rummage through the roots of American music. Borges lays down the
honky-tonk ("False Eyelashes"), dishes out the blues ("Open Up Your Back
Door"), and two-steps her way through an admission of commitment,
inquiring "How many ways can I say that I love you?" ("The Day We Met").
Twelve songs. No filler. And a gifted artist on the rise. --Scott Holter
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12
REVIEWER: amazon.com

DATE:5.21.07
ARTIST:The Nightwatchman
TITLE: One Man Revolution (Epic)
GENRE: FOLK/SS
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello goes
acoustic for activist album. Musically, this is a different side of
Morello. Hearing the unique guitarist move to the opposite side of the
familiar spectrum is a surprise on first listen. The music is simple but
straightforward -- the focus is on the words. He's been performing as The
Nightwatchman since 2003, so it's about time he finally got his message
recorded. The album looks at the world with eyes of change. He gives the
listener plenty to ponder, whether it's "Colin Powell's lies" during
"House Gone Up in Flames" or the claim "Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the
apostle Paul were black" in "Flesh Shapes the Day." He's got a hint of Bob
Dylan, a spark of Johnny Cash and a smattering of Woody Guthrie. He's not
breaking musical ground, but that's not the mission.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1, 3, 4, 6, 10
FCC 2 & 9 (BOTH SAY SHIT)
REVIEWER:charlotte.creativeloafing.com

DATE:5.21.07
ARTIST: Mark Olson
TITLE:The Salvation Blues (Hacktone)
GENRE:FOLK/SS
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Marc Olson was the co-founder of The Jayhawks, which he quit when
he married Victoria Williams and began doing music with her in the
Creekdippers. Well, about two years ago marc and Vic divorced and this is
his post-all that release. His expressions of depression and pain is not
really overt, but instead couched in some beautiful and poetic songs
tinged with sadness. Produced by Ben Vaughn, the disc has a consistant
folk/rock/alt-country sound that isn't too boisterous nor too mellow. It's
just right.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9
REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

DATE: 5.21.07
ARTIST:Renee Stahl
TITLE: Hopeful Romantic (Big Helium)
GENRE:FOLK/SS
GRADE: A-
REVIEW:Singer/songwriter Renee Stahl doesn't fit neatly in any particular
subgenre. Sharing some characteristics with everyone from Patty Griffin
and Dar Williams to Sarah McLachlan and Beth Orton, Stahl creates an
appealing, cozy style of AAA folk-pop that's conducive to lazy afternoons
in suburban coffeehouses but not so vapid that it isn't suitable for any
other locations. Ranging from simple, largely acoustic and folk-based
tunes like "You Didn't Know" to lusher songs like the Aimee Mann-like
ballad "Isn't It Easy" and the sweetly poppy, radio-friendly first single
"Music 101," Hopeful Romantic is a mild but appealing set. The biggest
surprise is "Adore," an electronic ballad presented in two versions, both
of which recall Everything But the Girl's mid-'90s dip into downtempo club
music. It's testament to Stahl's vocal skill that neither version sounds
like either a sell-out attempt or a bid for credibility in a genre outside
her own, but the song does rather stick out in these mellow surroundings.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 2, 3, 7, 8, 12
REVIEWER:~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide

also added:
Ocha la Rocha Ocha Lives Newstreet
The Mannish Boys Big Plans Delta Groove
Yacht I Believe In You Marriage
The Mothers Township Sessions Rasa
Mocean Worker Cinco De Mowo Mowo! Inc 5.2.07

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Afternoon Music Mix Playlist May 16,2007

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Devoted listeners,
My apologies for this being a week late posting. Life happens.

The Clientelle God Save The Clientelle "Isn't Life Strange"
Wilco Sky Blue Sky "Either Way"
Feist My Moon, My Man "t/c"
Greyboy Allstars What Happened to Television? "How Glad I Am"
Arcade Fire Neon Bible "t/c"
*****
Ocha La Rocha Ocha Lives "Twenty-Six Days"
Joe Cocker Mad Dogs and Englishmen "The Letter"
Neko Case and her Boyfriends Furnace Room Lullabies "Porch Light"
Greyboy Allstars What Happend to Television? "Give the Drummer Some More"
El-p I'll Sleep When You Die "No Kings"
****
Bebel Gilberto To Momento "Close To You"
Beirut Lon Gisland "Elephant Gun"
Wilco Blue Sky Blue"Impossible Germany"
Edith Frost CMJ Compilation 1999 "Are You Sure?"
*****
Joshua Redman Back East "India"
Koko TaylorOld School"Piece of Man"
Leon RussellFace in the Crowd 1999 "Love is a Battlefield"
*****
The Shins Wincing the Night Away"Split Needles"
Regina Spektor Begin To Hope"Better"
JamesThe Best of..."Sometimes"
The BeatlesThe White Album 1968"Happiness is a Warm Gun"
Starseeds CMJ Compilation 1999 "Parallel Life"

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Sunday, May 20

RPM - New in the studio 5/20/07

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Thanks to everyone who has been playing the new RPM selections in the studio, that really helps bring more new music into the station!!

Also, I would like to mention that the burned CDs in the booth are legit copies, distributed by a group called Terrorbird (www.terrorbird.com for more info).

Having said that, here are a few newbies in the studio for you this week. Thanks again!

-mark

***Weekly Pick Additions***

Electron Love Theory - Colors of the Galaxy - Electron Records
Grade: B+
Genre: Electronic/Alt
Review: Hypnotic synth-based pop songs with a hint of darkness. Electron Love Theory is the music of Seattle-based songwriter/producer Jeff Leisawitz. With help from drummer Moses Hershbein and several studio divas led by Gaetana Gravelese. Colors of the Galaxy combines dark electronic textures, soaring female vocals, and lush melodies. Comparisons to Portishead, Dido, Morcheeba, Zero 7, Massive Attack, etc.
LISTEN! 6, 1, 2


Yacht - I Believe in You Your Magic is Real - Marriage
Genre: Electronic/Experimental/Pop
Grade: B
Review:For Jona Bechtolt, genre distinctions are a drag. His third album -- the affirmingly titled I Believe in You. Your Magic Is Real. -- is an epic for the attention-deficit set, sucking radio-ready hip-hop, glitchy laptop production, '80s synth pop and grunge into a black hole called Yacht. It's a fiercely inclusive approach to making music, in which nearly every style charts in Bechtolt's vision: the sonic equivalent of a shrugging "It's all good."
Listen! 10, 8, 4, 2


Sia - Colour The Small One - Astralwerks
Grade: B
Genre:
Review: Sia Furler is best known for her vocal work on Zero 7's hit album Simple Things. Here she attempts to escape her classification as a "sultry diva". Colour the Small One rebuffs critical expectation, retreating into acoustic guitars, carousel strings and plenty of drum loops. Sia focuses inward developing as a true heartfelt lyricist, and leaving the diva image in the dust.
LISTEN! 3, 12, 4, 11, 15, 16


***Pond Additions***

Ulrich Schnauss - Quicksand Memory EP - Domino
Grade: C-
Genre: Electronic/AltRock
Review: Dense electronic layers and drowning vocals. Includes two new tracks and two remixes by Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins.
LISTEN! 1


JHelix - No Lies - JHelix
Grade: C
Genre: Electronic/Industrial
Review: Popular mainstream darkwave sounds incorporating elements of trance, industrial, goth, rock, alternative, and dance. Too poppy for my taste, but a well produced album for fans of this genre.
LISTEN! 4, 6, 7
FCC: #3 Language


Ono - Open Your Box - Astralwerks
Grade: A-
Genre: Electronic/Dance
Review: Remixes of classic Yoko Ono tracks
LISTEN! 8, 6, 14, 3


Alias - Collected Remixes - Anticon
Grade: B-
Genre: Electronic/Ambient
Review: Alias (Brendon Whitney) pulls from a broad array of artists on his Collected Remixes album. The remixes all come out a bit uniform, however, a washing of ambient sounds and low-key beats. A nice slow album for late nights or early mornings, but nothing that will spark your day.
LISTEN! 1, 2, 7, 9, 11
FCC! #10


 Ror-Shak - Deep - Koch Records
Grade: B
Genre: Electronic
Review: Ror-Shak (DB and DJ Stakka) have their roots heavily planted in the jungle and drum and bass scenes. Here they fuse together various elements of downtempo, triphop, and ambient electronics backed by their excellent jungle rhythms. Featuring smooth female guest vocalists Julee Cruise, Wendy Starland, and Lisa Shaw.
Listen! 1, 4, 8


V/A - Elaste Vol. 1 - Compost
Genre: Electronic/Dance/Italo
Grade: B-
Review: DJ Mooner compiles a throwback mix of Italo disco, synth pop, electro disco and disco flavors. First half of the album has some gems of the 70's and 80's that feel fresh even though they are more than 20 years old.
Listen! 3, 1, 6

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Friday, May 18

a variety of sounds

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looking like, but not to be confused with Polvo...I'd like to introduce you to
POLBO
Another cd of “rock in espanol,” but these tunes aren’t as familiar as Los Straight Jackets. “First spotted in 1998, the band Polbo came together when five students from the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao began combining their love of '60s icons like the Doors and the Beatles and with the '90s sounds of Weezer and Nirvana.” (all music guide) This album employs sentiments, harmonies, and instrumentation similar to Weezer’s Pinkerton.
comments / tracks of interest:
#11: short but sweet
#10: med-tempo
#2: poppy
 #6: another song titled, Alison.


Putumayo Presents...
Animal Playground :
Animals create legends, and Putumayo has collected some musical stories from many lands, in many languages. Here, you’ll hear stories about snakes, bears, eagles, farm animals and more…much, much more; by familiar musicians like, The Be Good Tanyas and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry. I think that this is quite a wholesome album, of which I just can’t seem to listen to enough!
Tracks of interest:
#1: acoustic guitar, harmonica, vocals
#2: “no more monkeys jumping on the bed” from Trinidad
#3: Italian version of “old McDonald”
#5: Be Good Tanyas…”the littlest birds sing the prettiest songs”
#7: Brazilian
**#8: SUPER CUTE KIDS!!
#9: scrumptious salad from the Netherlands
#10: an insightful warning to avoid stepping upon snakes
**#11: an endearing message from parent to child
#12: do you like dinosaurs?
#13: do you like the Lion King?


Formula Redux releases their album, Mundo Ciego on the Universal label.
Spanish Electro-pop a.k.a. Formula Redux’s founding father Brian Eusse began this endeavor as a solo project in 1999. The band finds inspiration in electronic music of the 80’s and contemporary synth bands from Europe, so the sound somewhat resembles that of Depeche Mode. Using a 16 channel digital recorder, Formula Redux spends most of their time touring the Miami nightclub circuits and is to tour the states. All of the tracks have the same sterile dramatic club sound that makes listening to the entire album difficult. May be welcomed as a mix into beat party.
1-10 Spanish
11-14 English versions
15 &16 are radio re-mixes

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Sunday, May 13

CD Reviews -- Cathi 5-13-07

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Foley, Sue, Deborah Coleman & Roxanne Potvin – “Time Bomb” (Ruf) B

Three blues-rock ladies that can really play guitar. Cut one IDs their chop-credentials to good effect, and the rest of the CD is divided up to feature each star and a closing tune together. Sue Foley sticks to her blues rock focus with less effect I think than the others. Deborah Coleman’s cuts are always rhythmic with a funky tinge, and newcomer Roxanne Potkin easily has the most supple voice which she puts to great use here on # 5 – a smoother approach than the rest of the tunes. Nice comparison study of three lady blues warriors, though the whole things doesn’t really stick together that well as a CD

Hole, Dave – “Rough Diamond” (Blind Pig) B+

If you like your rock kinda bluesy, Dave’s your guy. He makes no apology about a straight-ahead rockin’ approach to blues. Lots of sustain, slide guitar up the wazoo, and stomp it up for a good time stuff. You gotta love it. Definitely chop-ridden, this disc features some George Thorogood-type dance material (“White Trash Girl”) and an interesting version of the standard “Since I Met You Baby” – with a rock tinge. Nice party music in the blues line.

Holmstrom, Rick – “Late in the Night” (M.C. Records) B

I never know what to expect from Holms. He’s quirky. While a SPECTACULAR blue-swing guitarist, he has come out with such an odd assortment of styles on his solo discs, it puzzles me. This one is no different, except on this he features fledgling singing efforts (only 4 instrumentals). Not a bad voice really…one maturity will deepen. He keeps the music down to a trio to give plenty of room to every player – to good effect, but I think the all original format (and his quirky taste in same) takes away from the disc’s potential. Maybe it’s me. See what you think.

Kane, Candye – “Guitar’d & Feathered” (Ruf) A-

Raucous blues-rock shouter, Candye Kane delivers on this disc—bristling with killer musicians: Jr. Wells, Dave Alvin, Sue Foley, Kid Ramos, Ana Popovic, Bob Brozeman, Bill Stuve, Popa Chubby…with Bob Margolin producing. Wow. A dearth of her usually FCC banned material (heh), and everything from acoustic blues to no-holds barred rock. Best I’ve heard from her. She’s got the punch to deliver in all these formats. It’s kind of a relief to hear her lose her ex-stripper/naughty-girl approach.

Loomis, Hamilton – “Ain’t Just Temporary” (Blind Pig) B+

Loomis has one of the most interesting voices I’ve heard in awhile…many vocals (and some of his originals) are heavily reminiscent of Stevie Wonder—great beats and infused with funk and rhythm. He also is a killer rockish-blues guitar player. It’s a more even mix on this disc than his last one..and this one features Bo Diddley, who is now a Loomis fan. Loomis pulls out all the stops when he does a solo – watch for tube screamers, wah-wah pedals and triplets that sting. It’s fun though – a little Winter-Wonder treatment with Loomis on top.

Mannish Boys – “Big Plans” (Delta Groove) A-

Bring the money and they will come. So it is with the So. Calif. blues stalwarts as they arrive in droves to Delta Groove records. Some great blues musicians are getting air out there, and the Mannish Boys is a group put together of regular posse members. This time award winning Richard Innes (drums) drives the talents of Finis Tasby and Johnny Dyer on vocals—two old timers with the gritty blues sound; Kid Ramos and Kirk Fletcher on guitars (both independently acknowledged blues stars; Paris Slim (Goldwasser)—a new electric blues player from Europe; with guests out of blues Who’s Who: Jody Williams, Bobby Jones, Rick Holmstrom, Mitch Kashmar, Larry Taylor, Jeff Turmes, etc.
I think I’d run out of superlatives if I tried. So I’ll just say try everything!

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Tuesday, May 8

hot from the press

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Bebel Gilberto

Momento

Review: May she be the notorious girl from Ipanema? Many of the tracks embrace a familiar “lounging” atmosphere that her father developed through his bossa nova tunes. You know the common cliché, fruit doesn’t fall far from its tree…however, in this album (her 3rd release) Bebel’s music uses various rhythmical instruments to, “experiment with sound while getting away from studio perfection.” For the amount of instruments used on some of the songs (particularly #9), they maintain simple sounds. Gentle grooves.

comments / tracks of interest:

#2: features Brazilian Girls

#6: Cacada (written by her uncle)

#7: Cole Porter cover

#8: med-tempo salsa rhythm

#9: whispering Brazilian scats

just in time for mother's day! The Mothers: township sessions

Review: First and foremost here, is the Philani Nutrition Project which is a community based non-profit in the squatter communities of Cape Town, S. Africa. The project works to protect children and give them nutrition & health care. The “Philani Mothers” formed a choir & recorded their songs to spread their message within the community. English producer, Peter Raeburn summoned various artists; Kid Lo9co, Zero 7, and Layo & Bushwacko (to name 3), to mix the mother’s voices and messages with electronic production. The result is compelling because of the duality between raw (mostly) female acapella vocals with electronic beats, thoroughly mixed for a memorable flavor (esp. #9).

comments / tracks of interest:

#5: gradual integration

#6: med-tempo rap

#8: reggae rhythm

*#10: sweet, soulful, synthesized, slow splendor

Dino Saluzzi & Anja Lechner

Ojos Negros

Review: He plays the bandoneon, she plays violoncello. Together they play tango pieces, “as if they were playing Mozart.” Though they may not label the sound tango, the music’s inspiration comes from the streets of Buenos Aires and shares rubato phrases. This is not a cd for the impatient, for it’s a slow pulse. The sound is disciplined and emotional, sharp. Good for classical spot.

comments / tracks of interest:

your choice this time, I’m being impatient

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Friday, May 4

just one for today

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but it's a good one.
Wax Poetic; Brasil
In 1977, a Turkish-Sweed named Ilhan Ersahin arranged a, “trip-hop outfit,” called Wax Poetic. Rather than “trip-hop,” I’d explain Brasil to sound more like electro-samba poetry. These tracks are all rather chill with the exception of #’s 2, 8, and 11. Listening to this album, you will be (if you aren’t already) enamored with the Portuguese language.
comments / tracks of interest:
#1: ethereal feel, male vocals for love
#2: hard-core Brazilian rap
#3: sweet female vocals
#4: samba
#5: beep beats with other soft sounds
#8: English & Portuguese, “get crazy”
*#9: another English & Portuguese song, notable rhythm tonalities
#11: upbeat, more rap

posted by a stranger @ 4:48:00 PM   0 comments

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Thursday, May 3

Afternoon Music Mix Wednesday, May 2 3-5pm

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Here was my mix. Feel free to leave comments. Thanks!

Artist Album/year song

Air Moon Safari (1998) "Sexy Boy"
The Sea and Cake Everybody (2007) "Crossing Lines"
Pache Massive All Good Things (2007) "Don't Let Go"
Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise Time To Discover(2000) "Baby"
****
Bright Eyes Cassadaga (2007) "Make a Plan to Love Me"
Rosie Thomas Say Hello (2007) "Kite Song"
Andrew Bird Armchair Apocrypha (2007) "Imitosis"
Emmy Lou Harris Wrecking Ball (1995) "All My Tears"
****
The Hold Steady Boys and Girls in America (2006) "Massive Nights"
The Moaners Blackwing Yalobusha (2007) "I think I Love You"
The Greyboy Allstars What Happened to Television? (2007) "V-Neck Sweater"
The Cure Cure Show (1993) "Friday I'm In Love"
Arcade Fire Neon Bible (2007) "Ocean of Noise"
****

Neville Brothers Yellow Moon (1989) "t/c"
Hambone Lightening in My Hands (2007) "Spanish Hula in G"
Nouvelle Vague (2006) "I'll Melt with You"
Elliot Smith New Moon (207) " Big Decision"
Amy LaVere Anchors and Anvils (2007) "Killing Him"
****

Modest Mouse We Were Dead (2007) "Before the Ship Even Sank"
Summer Hymns Backward Masks (2006) "Way You Walk"
*****

Low Drums and Guns (2007) "Always Fade"
Early Day Miners Secretly Canadian 100th Anniversary (2007) "The Escape"
Ry Cooder My Name is Buddy (2007) "t/c"
Rivulets You Are My Home (2007) "Win or Lose"
Lloyd Cole& The Commotions The Hits 1984-1989 "Perfect Skin"
*****

Barry White "Playing Your Game"
Kaki King Legs to Make Us Stronger (2004) "Frame"

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Tuesday, May 1

RPM: New in the booth 5/1/07

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You'll find the following great albums in the RPM picks this week. Give 'em a spin!

Mocean Worker (Motion Worker) - Cinco de Mowo - Mowo Inc!
Genre: Electronic/Jazz
Grade: A
Review: From www.jazzchill.blogspot.com: Adam Dorn a.k.a. Mocean Worker (pronounced Motion Worker) has assembled the quintessential feel-good summer record of 2007. In what has become the incomparable Mocean Worker sound, Dorn mixes and matches the best of modern beat-making with live musicians like trumpeters Herb Alpert and Steven Bernstein, bassist Marcus Miller, alto saxophonist Cochemea Gastelum and vocalists Morley and Alana Da Fonseca.
Listen! 7, 8, 4; instrumentals 5, 6, 9, 10


Tarwater - Spider Smile - Morr Music
Genre: Electronic/Indie
Grade: B+
Review: Press release: For 'Spider Smile,' electro duo Tarwater (Bernd Jestram and Ronald Lippok) have found astonishing and decidedly more pop friendly songs...With roots in East-Berlin's sub culture and the avant-garde...the recording studio is still their favorite instrument, a number of analogue instruments are also in the mix, creating dark-dub backdrops for some songs, echoing melancholy remnants of shadowy melodies.
Listen! 2, 7, 8, 9, 10


Various Artists - Backspin - Six Degrees
Genre: Electronic/World
Grade: A-
Review: A 10th anniversary project from Six Degrees Records. Featuring electronica/world genre remixes of classic songs by The Police, Herbie Hancock, The Cure, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, and more.
Listen! 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7

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