This is an odd choice. Actually, it's not even so much about the video as it is the song itself. I really don't find the kaliedescopic effects all that weird or surprising for Erykah. The really bizarre part, for me, is that it's featuring Lil Wayne!??? What the HELL is/was she thinking!? Now, he doesn't completely ruin the song but let's just say that I'm glad his verse is at the end. I'd go as far as saying that the dude isn't the worst person I've heard but I'm just not a fan and I still think Lil Wayne is a fucking idiot!! All in all though, I'm feeling this song and looking forward to the new album.
This came up today while my iTunes was on shuffle. I did this mix to be given out at a party I did back in 2004. This was recorded at about 10am on a Wednesday in one session with just a stack of some of my favorite records from the '80s. The theme of the party and the mix was to highlight some of the '80s joints that get overlooked when people talk about "80s music" and to put in context with some of the more familiar classics. Enjoy!
I've been overwhelmed by a tidal wave of music recently. Here are 4 of my favorite songs from the past week. Unfortunately all this new music has been digital :( someday when I'm really ballin' I'll buy these on vinyl. That's about $1200+ worth of wax right there IF you can actually find copies for sale. I know the Magnum LP has been reissued and songs off the Copa 7 LP appear on compilations. Good luck on finding clean copies of the Ofege albums..they had 4 albums between 1974-78 and they're all exxxxxpensive!
Everybody Feels The Same by Ofege from "The Last Of The Origins" LP EMI Nigeria 1974
Natural Juices by Magnum from "Fully Loaded" LP Phoenix 1974
Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know this is a little late but I wanted it to be proper and not just a sentence or 2 and 1 song. Nothing against those that did that but as a blog with a main focus on music I think this post deserved more attention.
For most of us soul music fans, aficianados and DJs the last few weeks has been somewhat emotional to say the least. I just wanted to take a couple minutes to reflect. I'll start by saying that I wasn't an obsessed fan like some people are but that I appreciate good music for what it is no matter who it's by. I can say that Michael did have a considerable influence on me as a young kid and of course as a DJ. When I was 6 years old I remember trying to recreate the video for 'Bad' with my friends and play that album back to back on my friends' boombox that was literally about the size of us.
As a DJ of course Michael got PLENTY of play. I think most DJs would agree that the MJ requests did get a bit ridiculous at times and you wished you could go a few gigs without playing anything by MJ. But at the same time you loved making all the ladies happy and also loved playing the forgotten MJ & Jackson 5 songs or just playing their classics in different ways. Don't lie..you know you've played New Edition's 'Candy Girl' just before or after 'I Want You Back'. The point is that there was no escaping the genius of Michael Jackson, he was THAT good! Most of you DJs reading this have probably worn out at least 2 copies each of Off The Wall and Thriller. The constant stream of excellent remixes also kept him at the forefront for many DJs and admittedly, I usually only played remixes of certain songs more than the originals. The 4 Hero remix of ♪"Get It Together", the Todd Terje remix of ♪"I Can't Help It" and the Sean Smith vs. Karu remix of ♪"The Mirrors" are a few of my favorites.
There is no denying that Michael Jackson was a weird guy and struggled with a lot of inner conflict and pain. Yet through all of his personal pain he always gave back to the world. Essentially, he sacrificed his life to giving enjoyment to others through music. No matter what he did, he always gave a lot too the world and was genuinely a good person. Perhaps to his disadvantage he was not too good at explaining himself in interviews. True, he shouldn't need to explain himself but when in the spotlight he was very different off stage. Unfortunately the American tabloids and 'news' media helped to crush his main stream popularity here in the US which caused him to spend a lot of time in other parts of the world.
From the first allegation in 1993, the child molestation charges damaged him severely and I think hurt him immensely. I never believed it. As weird as he was, he was no child molester. Michael Jackson is a man that devoted millions of dollars and thousands of hours of personal time to do good things for children and especially children who had special needs. Children meant the world to him and he truly just wanted to help kids to be kids and prolong a period of innocence. He was often critical of the media for corrupting children too young and honestly just wanted to do for others what he was not able to have as a youth. Every sunday at his Neverland ranch was a free day for children, often from hospitals and charities, to come there and just be kids and feel loved. No individual has personally donated more and been involved with more charities than Michael Jackson. (most famous people are not donating personal money) The American media usually neglected to speak of all the good things the man did around the world...good news isn't really 'news' in America anymore. I can't imagine how hurt I'd be knowing that I only did good in the world and to then be villified. Behind the plastic surgeries, drug addiction and stardom was a good human suffering inside.
The man was a musical GENIUS..absolute prodigy. Most brilliant minded people experience some suffering so maybe it's no surprise that Michael Jackson was a bit 'out there'. It's well known that, similar to Motzart, he heard entire songs in his head before they were recorded and would tape record himself beatboxing, humming and describing every nuance. Even more amazing was his humility and respect for people he worked with and is also known as being one of the best people in music to work with.
Selfishly, most of us would like to have seen MJ live a full life. At the same time people can find solace knowing that he is not suffering. Michael Jackson dedicated his existence to the world through music and humanitarian efforts and we can all learn from his examples, both the good ones and the bad ones. On that note, here's some of the hundreds of great examples of his musical genius.
A great forum of people sharing stories about Michael Jackson > HERE <
Here's a good clip of MJ showing his process of how he starts a song and his writing/anti-writing process...dude was an ILL beatboxer! check it out > HERE <
?uestlove's 132 Michael Jackson memories is good too. Check it out HERE.
Artie Wayne, life long friend of Michael Jackson and all around everything man (seriously, Artie Wayne has done more than you ever will) has posted some good stories and even a lost song he did with Michael.
Just want to post a couple goodies real quick. First up is a killer version of the Eagles' classic "I Can't Tell You Why" by none other than Chromeo!!?? Next is one of my favorite songs by the late great Sun Ra. After going to see King Britt & crew do their amazing "Saturn Never Sleeps" performance which is an amazing tribute to Sun Ra as part of the exhibition at the ICA, I've been going back and listening to a lot of Sun Ra. King consistently pushes the boundaries and is a brilliant producer. OK!...I was only going to post 2 tracks but now I feel I've got to post something from King Britt. I should just do a feature on him. The man has been a very prolific producer/remixer under various monikers for over 15 years spanning all genres and remains one of the most in-demand DJs around the world. Anyway, here’s one of my favorite tracks off his ‘80s inspired Sylk 130 album “Re-Members Only”.
I didn't even know there was a video for this until just now. If I ever saw it as a young'n I don't remember and probably didn't even like it back then. This has become one of my favorite songs by Stevie though...too bad the sound quality sucks here because the mix and mastering on this is phenomenal.
Ok...I'd feel bad if you couldn't actually hear the song so I took the time to add this for you.
I've been listening to my iTunes a lot of shuffle lately to try to rediscover stuff in my own collection. I've got a pretty large and very diverse collection so it's pretty fun. Here's a few of the 'new' rediscoveries. That Dimenzio post from a couple weeks ago is also technically part of this.
First up is by avant garde '80s funk rockers The Flying Lizards. This group is amazing! They also do a cover of 'Money' by Don Covay which is one of my favorite 7"s to play in the most random places & times. Some of you hip-hop heads will recognize this song even if you've never actually heard it.
The Flying Lizards "Her Story"
Next is a song I never really paid attention to by one of the greatest groups of all time to come out of the African funk & afro-beat movement. They but out a few really good albums that are very expensive when found in good condition...actually even in poor, nearly unplayable, condition these albums still aren't cheap. This is from their compilation on Strut records and is long out-of-print.
Blo "Preacher Man"
Here's a track from a serious jazz group with a silly name on Gilles Peterson's label, Brownswood. They also have the creepiest album cover in this post so let's give it up for Soil & "PIMP" Sessions.
This song produced by Domu with Pete Simpson on vocals is just beautiful. Excellent composition, lyrics and harmony. The latin swing combined with the cadence of the vocals work well together to carry the song without losing your attention. The house remixes are worth checking out too.
Domu presents Pete Simpson "Won't Give Up (album version)"
WHOA!!! GET THIS ALBUM! The new Sa-Ra album coming out June 9th is crazy....definitely one of the best albums that will come out this year. What is it with Ubiquity records and constantly putting out quality music!? Keep it up! And if you haven't got it already, pick up that Abundance album while you're at it (listen here).
I've been feeling this song for a minute now. It's a video for Stone Throw Records artist, Mayer Hawthorne I still need to get the record though :/ This video is dope and I'm especially feeling how the actual record is the object of attention and desire here. It's subliminally telling me/you that the music is more important than the video and we need to love it and buy the cool heart-shaped vinyl- which is a throwback to Bobby Caldwell's 1978 classic, "What You Won't Do For Love", that was also pressed on clear red vinyl and cut into a heart shape.
Nope! Not the version you're thinking of by Michael McDonald (of the Doobie Brothers). This is from a wedding reception for Alex and Sarah, who know a thing or two about music....they got Antibalas with Blinky Griptite to play at their wedding!!!
I can't even front on this song. This is certainly one of the best pop songs from the '80s and undeniably a great song for the ages. Plus, the man can play the bones! Other songs that remind me of this song and vice versa are Every Kind Of People by Robert Palmer (which I posted back in December) and End Of Innocence by Don Henly. The lyrics speak for themselves in all of these...jus' lissen.
Another classic by the original funky soulstress, Nina Simone. Last time I posted a new video for the classic Feelin' Good and now is this epic live recording of one of my personal favorites "Ain't Got No...I've Got Life". Man, I wish I had this version on vinyl...I just have the studio version on 45, which is still dope. Her outfit and hair here reminds me of the cartoon character in several Miles Davis gatefold covers such as 'On the Corner' and 'Big Fun'. You'll want to watch this again so, bookmark it (or just bookmark my custom search).
If you didn't get it, you NEED the James Pants album in your life!! I'm a sucker for mid-eighties boogie/disco and for smooth r&b and tough electro. This album's got it all and then some. He's also an interesting DJ...if you get the chance to hear one of his mixes, pay attention.
Chances are you've heard at least something either produced or remixed by Quantic at some point in the last 8 years even if you have no idea who he is. This is because the man behind Quantic, WIll Holland, is nothing short of a musical prodigy in the modern sense of the word. He is one of the most prolific people in modern music and covers a wide range of styles from raw funk, house, trip-hop, broken beat, reggae, hip-hop, latin, jazz and afro beat. Since 2001 he has released over 20 albums and singles, has done dozens of remixes and still finds time to DJ and even did a rare funk compilation a few years back. To put it bluntly, he is nothing short of amazing and has been a major force in the underground music scene since releasing his first album 'The 5th Exotic' on Tru Thoughts.
I got a remix of "Crying Blood" about 6 months ago but didn't really search what else she had out. I was sleeping!!! Now, I'm not crazy about her music but it's different and works in a pop sound kinda way. I'm really feeling her videos though and it definitely helps that she's HOT...seriously beautiful...damn! Anyway, here's a new video which is just in time for Valentine's Day. Enjoy!
Check her out on myspace and watch more videos & listen to more HERE
Big up to Wajeed, Bling 47, Platinum Pied Pipers, etc... for making some of the best music so far in the 21st century. The first release back in '05 was without a doubt one of the top 5 albums that year. Now, after much anticipation, the new album by Platium Pied Pipers (Wajeed, Saadiq and guests) dropped their Abundance album on January 20th. A couple of the songs are on this free download mixtape. Also, some DOPE remixes of older stuff. YOU NEED THIS! Go buy the album too!
Over the last few weeks I've added a MASSIVE amount of new music to my fairly large digital collection (over 10gb to the existing 35k songs) As I have time I'll be sharing some of these new gems with you and continue to share a little of my existing collection. I just imported some deep funk/soul stuff and one of the first songs I clicked on was this monster disco gem taken from Keb Darge's Legendary Deep Funk volume 2. It's funny because I've actually had the 7Samurai edit of this for about 6 months and only played it a few times and forgot about it until now. The original is where it's at though:
This next tune is a new song that addresses the similar issues but after we've been 'modernized' for more than 30 years since the release of the previous song. This whole album by Beck is definitely worth the money. Maybe one of the best albums of 2008?
I heard about this months ago but just saw the vid. Sersiously, is there any crowd they can't rock for!!?? They must've had a blast doing this performance for the kids show Yo Gabba Gabba...I need to get this for my nephews!.
Here's some songs that came to mind when Barack Obama got elected and I posted his speech from Chicago here. I was just reading about him in the Person Of the Year issue of Time and it reminded me to post these songs. It's always amazing to me how some songs with political or social messages can always remain current and relevant. This post could really go on and on and on....there is sooooo much good music to choose from for this. Keep in mind that this is just a handful of hundreds of songs I could put here. Enjoy!
This is one of my favorite songs by great Curtis Mayfield. His genius is felt in the way the arrangement and feeling of the music complements the lyrics perfectly. One of the best songs ever made in my opinion which is why it's at the top of this list. Curtis Mayfield "Move On Up"
I don't know any other material from Steve Parks but I'm sure it's good based on this tune. This is been in heavy rotation in my collection for years now and I'd like to share it with more people. Steve Parks "Movin' In The Right Direction"
Another one of my favorite songs of all-time. This never goes out of style and has been remixed and remade several times in recent years. Still, the original is always my favorite and blends well with the Movin' In The Right Direction (mentioned above). Cymande "Brothers On The Slide"
This is some obscure soul/disco track by Heem The Music Monsters from the mid '70s. Thanks to Jazzman Records for re-issuing this gem. Heem The Music Monsters "Wake Up People"
I've been playing this track a lot since I bought it. One of my favorite 12"s in the past 5 years by far. I own the original 12" also but this just seems to work better. This re-edit by Samuri 7 keeps all the important pieces of the original in-tact and just puts a little modern twist on it to make it more workable on a 21st century dance floor. This track KILLED when I played at Back 2 Basics a few months back. As Norman Jay might say "epic"! haha.. Willie Hutch "Brothers Gonna Work It Out (Samuri 7 rework)"
This is a track from the "one of the best albums I'm glad I bought but don't get to play enough" category. (yes, that's a real category for real DJs/collectors..heads know the deal..) It's produced by Blaze..do I really need to say anymore. But DAAAAM! This cut really hits a nerve with me and even without some live band, this still has more soul than a lot of new 'afro-soul' groups coming out. This is an old formula for Blaze though...their "25 Years Hence" album in the early '90s was also amazing. (I still need that on vinyl..*hint*) Blaze presents: James Toney Jr. Project "Revolution Poem"
Next is another modern banger from the Ubiquity label. So, you know it's flavour. This was one of the standout tracks from the HVW8 Presents: compilation. Unfortunately the compilation as a whole was lack-luster but there were some really solid tracks that made it worth buying. This is one of them. This was also on John Arnold's "Style & Pattern" album. Vocals by Paul Randolph, who seems to be everywhere! John Arnold f/ Paul Randolph "Rise Up"
This next track is kind of an underground classic now. Only a few years old, it's become a staple in many DJs sets. Nice remake of a classic Billy Paul tune. At the right moment, this can still work the crowd in even a full room of people that don't even know who Steve Spacek or J Dilla are! That's how dope Dilla is/was...R.I.P. Steve Spacek "Let The Dollar Circulate"
Ok, and finally a tune that everybody in America above the age of 4 has probably heard at least a few times in their life. There's just something about this song that never get's old. It's catchy and not too rock, not too soul but is well written with a positive message. There's something to be said for songs that are played in supermarkets and clubs 3 decades later. Essential for all humans to own this song..some people could really benefit from really listening to the lyrics. I think this song really hits home with people that work their asses off to barely survive in this country. Robert Palmer "Every Kind Of People"
I can't believe I'm a couple months late on getting this. Usually I'm pretty on top of new releases as important as this but as I've said before...school's a muhfuka! That's still not a good excuse for missing this release... Ahhhh...where to start!! Well, how about with the immediately apparent presence of mostly live instruments...not what I was expecting from Jazzanova but not surprised either. (remember the Sonar Kollektiv Orchestra album from earlier this year?) As producers of quality music, Jazzanova rarely let me down but there's not much they've done that really blows me away or gives me chills. Oh, and keep in mind, these dudes are from Berlin! It seems like a lot of the best soul & funk music is coming from Europe (or at least gets more support there). I have to wonder though...what happened to their sense of album art??!!! Seriously..it's some of the worst album art I've ever seen in my life and I'm being as nice as I can with that statement! hahahaha.. SUPPORT GOOD MUSIC, BUY THE ALBUM.
I'm feeling this song...and I'm really feeling Alicia Keys here. Seriously, she's sitting on my lap as I write this. Neither of us know why there's no clips from Quantum of Solace or even more 007 references but her and I agree it was very tastefully done.
I live in a cave that makes time stand still. This explains why I don't catch on to some things until after everybody else. Case in point, the "Who's Gonna Save My Soul?" video by Gnarls Barkley. I've liked this song since I first heard it but the video is really powerful. I'm soooo glad I don't feel like the dude in this video. (been there, done that, never again) Ugh....I could go on and on about what's wrong with women and how they fuck with our minds (and their own) but I will refrain. Watch the video-
I have A LOT of records. Waaaay too much for any normal person. But, for a vinyl obsessed music addict like myself, there is no such thing as too much when talking about music. I know some of you understand but for those of you who don't: it is us that keep music alive and have allowed for some music to finally be heard by the world. Think of us as librarians doing a public service for the good of humanity.
Having a lot of music also means that, unless you stop acquiring more, you always have a lot to reacquainted with. Sometimes we get so busy with other things that we don't have time to listen to new things we buy or only get to listen once every couple of years. So, from time to time, it's good to go back and check out some of the things you've forgotten about or just wanted to hear again. After a year of living in my current house I've finally started to resort my collection since it got all messed up during moving and settling in. While going through this process I'm rediscovering a lot of things I forgot I had or have just never listened to. So, I figured it would be a good starting point for a new series of posts. There will be some obscure & rare things here as well as some familiar records I just haven't listened to in a while and don't have mp3 for yet.
This will be an all vinyl series and will not include recent digs- only stuff that's been sitting on my shelves for at least a few months.
ENJOY!
Exile One - Fism (1976 Barclay)
Ole Ole
He Never Knows
Move Mama Move
Terry Callier - 12" single (Talkin' Loud)
Love Theme From Spartacus (4 Hero main mix)
Jessica Lauren - Siren Song (1994 Soul Jazz)
Serengeti
Shaft's Big Score! (MGM)
Move On In
Black Heat - self-titled (1972 Atlantic)
The Jungle
Hot Butter - More Hot Butter (1973 Musicor)
Space Walk
Sunbear - self-titled (1977 Soul Train)
Mood I "L.O.V.E. Love"
Mood II "Love At First Sight"
Gene Harris - Hot Lips (1982 J.A.M.)
Hot Lips
Swamp Dogg - 12" single (1979 Atomic Art)
Come On And Dance With Me (snippet)
Phil Upchurch and Tennyson Stephens - self-titled (1975 Kudu)
Don't I Know You?
Open Door - Limited Edition Remix EP (2001 Sole)
Get Into You
Fallin
Lights
New Sector Movements - The Sun 12" single (2001 Virgin)
The Sun (Kenny Dope main remix)
(NO! I will not be posting this much music in a single post anymore. Just wanted to give a solid intro.)
