The Youngers - Heritage

“I’m a railroad man, I wake up at 3 AM. I run the engine IO all the way to Charleston. I save whenever I can, put half my money toward a pension plan, but there ain’t no hope for the working man.” Perfect folk song for our times, with a beautiful folk performance for our times. I’m one of those who was against the bail-out of the rich because Lord knows they had their off-shore accounts long before their greed made a mess of the system. Shoulda let them all go bankrupt and let the middle class come back. Guess it’ll never happen, but that makes The Youngers song all the more powerful, “How ‘bout some relief for the railroad man…the steel mill man…the farming man…the truck driving man?” Or as the song finishes, we are reminded exactly about what our country never has really stood for, “How ‘bout some relief for the working man?” Ever since I was a young pup the rich have got richer, while the people that make the country happen have gotten poorer. Seems to be the way of the world, and the older I get the more I realize that’s been the plan all along. I’ve been a public school teacher long enough to know all the political talk about paying teachers a living wage will never come true – I even heard a school board member say in public, “they’re all women anyway”. You know times are bad when they can openly say such discriminatory things and get away with it. Sure, they all think that way, we’ve always known it; but there used to be laws against open discrimination. No more, at least not in Texas. Shoutout for Right All The Wrongs (“the past is a memory that’s slowly starting to blur.”) The Youngers

Mama’s Cookin’ – Run Up Quick

Pull those old records off the shelf – remember the labels that gave you a huge clue as to what you would hear when you watched the label dance round and round – “Atlantic, Buddha, Stax, and Hi – Let the needle kiss the record, let it open wide.” Put together a band that can emulate an era while sounding fully placed in the new century and you have Mama’s Cookin’. Sweet, savory blues full of joyful dance and hard time contemplation. A party record in a MarvinGaye sorta way – with social consciousness raised while dancing. Shoutouts for What I Am (“I’m colder than cold when it comes to the blues”), Black Reign (“let’s learn from the apst and wake up y’all”) and Aquarius Skies (“My grandmother told me one time she sat so still that she saw the divine.”). Mama’s Cookin’

The Devastators - Surrender

The interplay between the vocalist and the saxophone payer makes Surrender stand out in this fine reggae-flavored treat. The story is about a couple working their way toward the culmination of a fine party evening, the narrator desiring something that is “not just a midnight fling”. He pulls this off with a beautiful falsetto pledging to “surrender” his love. Fun story is made even more fun by the wonderful musicians keeping the dance moving sexily through the night air. The Devastators

Arizona - Ghost

A fun song to pull out to keep on repeat out among the leaves of the bushes on the way toward your front door on halloween. “I am a ghost in your house, and you’re the only soul I’ve seen. To me living life’s an ancient dream. And I can’t sleep.” The music wonderfully matches both the tone and spirit of the lyric. Lots of fun, and very much worth seeking out. Shoutouts for You Were Right (“Would you like to hear a story that will make you smile?”) and Swimming Hole (“I thought I had it all along, but now I know I was wrong”). Arizona

Bruce Springsteen - Jersey Devil

Just enjoy =:-) Download

October 31, 2008

I think my brain has returned to my body. I will be testing this theory today. I've spent the last few days listening to Classical Heaven and feel good and ready to re-enter the world of rock and roll hootchie coo!

Lead Singer Needed

The Chipmunks are looking for a new lead singer and you can win a chance to be a part of the band (and receive an Xbox with the Rock Band bundle). Their new album “UNDENIABLE” will be available November 4th. See below for a streaming link to “Shake Your Groove Thing” feat. Drew Steely.

Streaming Link for “Shake Your Groove Thing” feat. Drew Steely

Become part of The Chipmunks – Click to fill Alvin’s Paws

Retail Link

It happens to the best of them: Journey. Judas Priest. Van Halen. And now, The Chipmunks need their Sammy Hagar. After 50 years with the same line-up, Alvin has left the band. One of America's most beloved and biggest-selling artists will be holding tryouts for a new lead vocalist—and the job's available to anyone who visits www.chipmunkaudition.com.

The band parted ways with longtime frontman Alvin following the smash success of the 2007 movie Alvin and The Chipmunks and its accompanying Top 10 soundtrack, which is nearing platinum sales. It seems Alvin is leaving the band high and dry right before the November release of The Chipmunks latest album, UNDENIABLE.

“The last time I yelled ALVIN!, he was nowhere to be found,” says longtime Chipmunks songwriter/producer David Seville. “I mean, he usually makes me do it three times. After that we work it out. But no. Then I saw that item on Perez Hilton about him and Miley Cyrus dining out at Geisha House with Timbaland and Justin Timberlake,” Seville continues. “I've been in this business since 1958. I know a guy who's looking to make a solo record when I see one.” Alvin could not be reached for comment. “Theodore and I have seen this sort of thing before,” says brother and band mate Simon. “Success is going to his little furry head.” “Dude thinks he's a movie star,” adds Theodore.

But with a new album, UNDENIABLE, hitting the stores November 4th, The Chipmunks can't wait for their egocentric former leader to regain his senses. And while the band considered filling Alvin's paws with Steve Perry—“Don't Stop Believin'” is one of the new record's highlights—they ultimately felt an unknown would bring new energy.

Visitors to www.chipmunkaudition.com will be able to upload a video to the band's YouTube channel. Any song will be accepted and costumes, props and other creative ideas are also welcome. The site will also feature all the latest Chipmunks news.

“I've said it before – I've been lucky to work with just one interpretive vocalist as great as Alvin,” says Seville. “It's gonna be a thrill to search the whole world for another. Now I know how Max Martin felt, getting to work with Britney Spears and Kelly Clarkson.”

Working with a brand new singer will be one last huge change for a band that has already reinvented itself over the course of more than 40 albums, whether it's Christmas, country-western, punk or hip-hop. Like its predecessors, UNDENIABLE showcases a band that's mastered every style, from the funky title track and remix of “We're The Chipmunks” (the theme song from the popular cartoon series) to a moving version of Bob Marley's “Three Little Birds.” There's also a new holiday hit in “Ho Ho Ho,” an epic take on Bon Jovi's “Livin' On a Prayer” and an inspired version of Led Zeppelin's “Rock and Roll.” Rising pop star Drew Seeley (High School Musical soundtracks, Another Cinderella Story) is also featured on a duet of the classic disco hit “Shake Your Groove Thing.”

“With all the hubbub of the movie, it has been a long time since we rocked n’ rolled,” says Simon. “The Chipmunks have always been about the music, man. We want somebody who feels the same way. I'm excited to see all the YouTube videos.” “Me too,” adds Theodore. “But don't you think “Theodore and The Chipmunks” has a nice ring to it?”

ALVIIIIIIIN!!!

Meditating

10 days ago my dad died. It was not unexpected, but came quick because we were not allowed to visit him the last year of his life. I tried and am still trying my best not to be angry and/or bitter about that. The thing that kept us close through all the years was music, so I am sure I will continue this blog. But I am meditating on my activities and analyzing what I am needing to do to spend more time with those I love. It may include a major move in the next few years. Depends on whether or not the housing market comes back down to the arena in which a normal human being with a regular job can afford a house or not. Many things to consider and mediate on. I know I have a few late review that I promised last week, but I'm sure you folks will understand. Music is important to me. My parents instilled the belief of music as a path toward enlightenment and understanding of life. Most of the time.

My funniest memory is in 1962, we were living in Germany. My dad came back from Hamburg and told me about some "screaming mee-mees" he called the Beatles. He musta been in his late 20's at the time. A few years later when I was playing some records, he loved them and asked who they were. He was very surprised they were the Beatles. He loved jazz & pop & music from other countries - especially Germany & Spain. My mom loved country & western & folk. We had many types of music playing in the house, and when we moved to a new place my dad immersed us in their music because he knew, innately, that music is the key to culture.

We lived in many places. The last place any of us ever expected to end up was Texas. But here we are. My mom and dad are buried together here in Texas. Life takes some strange turns, but continues to move forward. I'll return soon with tales of new music I am enjoying. Christmas albums are pouring in & I'll try to write about some of 'em soon so you can have your house filled with new music all season.

Thanks for reading the ramblings of a soul still sorting his mind out.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights (CD)

Come on pull those old records off the shelf. “Let me testify, let me rectify!” As I predicted there’s no way I can stop the dance this evening. Sharon called in and said she’s willing to reprise her 33 minute set for my ears & of course I say “yes, just let me refresh my drink.” At least she allows her band 30 seconds to warm before grabbing my butt back to the dance floor to be arethafranklined and ettajamesed with pleasure the rest of the night. It’s going to take a lotta willpower not to pull down the other 2 CDs sitting up on the shelf by the Dap-Kings. Ouch, I just love the way Sharon breathes oooh-wee into my ear with the funky band dreaming the night away. I need to warn you that you will have a craving for those after hearing Sharon whispering her soul into your ears for 30 minutes. You have not heard true freedom until you've heard this band sing This Land is Your Land. But I need a shower. Feeling great, however knowing it’ll take a few days to recuperate. The children at school are just going to have to put up with me walking on clouds all day tomorrow. “No sorrow will surround me!” And, praise high. The last tune is a slow dance. Cool down. “Answer me, sweet Jesus. I have so much to say, but all I can do is moan.” Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Raphael Saadiq - The Way I See It (CD)

It’s humpday, and when there’s a party album available for humpday I’m going to just shutout the whole album. Soul, motown, dreamer, dancer, lover, it’s all here in a 42 minute set of pure party.

The dance starts with Sure Hope You Mean It, which marvingayes me back to a wonderful spirit. The bass opens a sensuous smokey flavor on the next cut, 100 Yard Dash, “light me a smoke so I can sing some jazz.” Temptations start the smiling of Keep Marchin' – which is cutely programmed right fter the 100 Yard Dash of Love. Should give you a hint that you will be sweating a lot every time you decide to listen to this album because there’s no way you can hear this sitting down.

I won’t walk you through each cut – it simply needs to be heard to be believed. Well programmed, with some slow dances snuck in for old folks who need a few moments to catch their breath. Raphael puts on a great show, but you might be further enticed to listen in when you find out that there are guest appearances by Joss Stone & Stevie Wonder (both sounding amazing here). Which is okay, but trust me – with the great band that keeps the grooves going, no guest stars are needed to feel the joy. They’re just slight sprinkles of sweetness on a fantastic eight course soul-filled meal. Raphael Saadiq

Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves – Roll With You (CD)

After a cursory 10 minute break to get fresh drinks, the next band gets up on the stand and presents another 40 minutes of party dancing. These guys pull the ears toward the bandstand with some great horn interplay, but the beat never stops and my feet stay happy. I am getting so energized that I don’t even think I’ll need to sleep tonight – the vibes will carry me wide awake all day tomorrow. Fantastic bluesy soul with many many flavors to keep the night young . Otisredding flavors abound, with dreams from marvin and pure unadulterated Eli Paperboy Reed. Songs – ah, forget it, buy the whole CD – there’s nothing here you won’t want to dance to. If pushed, I’d say The Satisfier really keeps my slyandthefamilystone hunger happy. But, why push? The dance is beautiful. Because as soon as Take My Love With You starts I have a brand new favorite all over again. After hearing the last song on the CD you’re guaranteed to hit the record shelves and put another dance record in. If you have his other, ore blues-flavored album, you’ll love this just as much. If you don’t, trust that you’ll want it soon after buying this one. Eli Paperboy Reed & The True Loves

I'm From Barcelona - Paper Planes

Oh man, I love this. Voyeurism at its best. The narrator lives in an apartment house and is talking about his neighbors. He feels like he is “surrounded by strangers” My favorite is the “old man in his underpants who plays his clarinet every night.” He keeps appearing, even as others are discussed. We eavesdrop on folks making love, folks watching re-runs on TV, cats outside, and more. In the meantime the narrator is making paper planes to clear his head.

The first shoutout for Headphones, which sounds like it’s about a child willing to go anywhere, as long as he can wear his headphones. I know adults like this, too. I’m guilty. “Now I’m gone with my head in a cloud, and the songs they’re just dancing around, around, around.”

The other shoutout is for Mingus, which may or may not have anything to do with the jazzman, but has a great dance beat and talks about how you gain possessions, which you’re allowed to keep because “you have a job you hate, you get home too late.” Then the memories of friends talking in high school, “do you remember what we used to say? Oh my god! I’ll end up just like you!” The fear of growing up is hard for 18 year olds, for 28 year olds, for 38 year olds, for 48 year olds. I shalln’t go further; but methinks it’s true all the way to the end. At least for boys. Thanks! I'm From Barcelona

I'm From Barcelona on Eartaste

Reeve Oliver - I Want Burns

“Sitting in her bedroom and she’s listening with headphones to a song that I once sang.” This starts off with a guitar and voice, so it’s a slow wake-up, but some 30 seconds in the drummer wants “to start a riot in the streets” and he succeeds at waking me up bouncing all over the room looking for my heart that came pouring out in a fever pitch in shock after such a relaxing weekend. I love it! Blood rushing, heart pounding, wake me up & find the week with loud rock and roll. “For the sun to rise, it must get dark.” Well, the darkness is over! Let’s head to work. “Oh-oh–o-o-o-oh!” Shoutout for Wings (“This world is out to get you, and you’re bound to fall and break apart”), and Madachu (“You can spend your days watching sunligt in the shade!”) Reeve Oliver

Autumn – Rain Down

Introspective production and vocals. “I keep a notebook for some unknown reason. Maybe someday someone will read. It’s written in silence, but I’m sick of silence. It’s not quiet like it used to be.” The narrator sings of longing for a mother and a sister who have both become ‘angels,’ and seem to remind her of a merciful spirit she cannot touch at this point in her life. Wonderful song to spend a Sunday evening with, thinking. Shoutout for Sunny (“She says love is boring. It’s the same old story, when there’s no morning anymore. It runs straight to night, lying with the liars.”) Autumn

Putumayo Kids Presents: African Dreamland

One of the perks of writing a blog is that readers take care of you. I received a box that asked to remain anonymous, so it shall. However, the contents scream for recognition. Inside were 18 disks called Putumayo Kids Present, which I listened to all day yesterday with great pleasure. The note inside the box goes “I notice you teach children, and that you love Putumayo recordings. I notice you have never put the two together, so I assume you are ignorant of the enclosed.” Turned out to be true on many levels – I am ignorant of oh, so many things. I was also very ignorant of the Putumayo Kids series. I can blame their publicity department, but truth is I have been a Putumayo addict for a long long time. In the US it’s one of the few places we have to find out what music is popular around the world.

To the Kids Presents. There are 18 CDs here, ranging the gamut of Reggae, Brazil, Asia, Celtic, France, etc etc. In other words, the kids series closely resembles the “adult” series. American audiences will be familiar with Arlo Guthrie, Carlos Santana, Miriam Makeba, Judy Mowatt, Rufus Thomas, Michele Shocked, Trout Fishing In America, Leon Redbone, Rita Marley, Rosie Flores, Eric Bibb, Flaco Jimenez, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Desmond Dekker, Taj Mahal and Toots and the Maytals. The New Orleans Playground is filled with great hits, and could have been released for an adult crowd with pleasure. Which points out the fun of this series. Adults can listen with pleasure while children explore the sounds of the world in a calm setting in the dreamland series; and a totally fun setting in the playground series.

Most of the songs started off on an album made for an adult, but the astute ears at Putumayo know which songs can sooth and energize a child. What I’m saying is that the Kids Presents label is simply a marketing tool to get moms and dads to buy some great music for their kids. At the same time, I bet the parents become addicted and start buying the “adult” versions for themselves. Whatever works. I am impressed, as usual, with Putumayo, and encourage all grandparents to buy a full set for the youngsters in their lives – if only so you’ll have something interesting to listen to when you visit! Finding the series is fairly easy – simply do an Amazon search on “Putumayo Kids Presents”.

Putumayo Kids Presents

Putumayo on Eartaste

New Policy

Due to the recent upsurge in the number of albums arriving each day, I am being forced to change my policy of listening to every single album all the way through. My new policy will be to listen to the first four cuts. If I hear something that sparks my interest there, I will continue to listen to the rest of the album. If not, that'll be that. I'm a little sad because often I found a cool cut 3/4's into an album, and many times the very last official cut was a good one. I may choose to listen to some of the last cut of albums - we'll see how it goes. But there is simply not enough time in every day to listen to every single cut on every single album. Rest assured that any cut listed here I will have listened to the complete CD. - Rich

Kaiser Chiefs - Never Miss A Beat

Sure, you can tell that the title sounds like it was written expressly for my Monday wake-up blog. Maybe it was, but I doubt it. Fun song, tho, and I woulda chose it even if they called it something else. Like “Wake me up with a fun song with a beat this week!” Okay, that’s a bit if a stretch, I know. Fast beat that pulls me up to my feet, even though it’s kinda speaking a little bit against my trade. “(Q)What did you learn today? (A)I learned nuthin’!” What teacher wants to hear their student say, “It’s cool to know nuthin!” No sweat, all great teachers know that feeling. Truth be known, we were all students at one point . Fun song, with two vocalists flirting back and forth, one asking questions, the other responding with wise-cracks. And as hilarious as all this is, it’s nothing compare to the great 8 bar guitar bridge that pulls my heart through the stars and back in with some interesting fretting spurring my imagination. Simple things, like “that was cool, how’d he do that?” Shoutout for Good Days Bad Days. Kaiser Chiefs

Opportunity for Musicians

Dear musicians! If some of you are willing to start a band or if some of you have established band and need new original songs to perform, this chance is for you! As you know, I’m a songwriter and piano/keyboard player. Winner of 14 Billboard Song Contest, 2006 Great American Song Contest and 11 Unisong International Contest. I need drums/percussion, bass, rhythm guitar and female singer. We’ll perform at festivals, gigs and tours! Drop me online! I’d be happy to hear from you! Love, Nataliya

http://www.myspace.com/nataliyamedvedovskaya

Creaky Boards - The Songs I Didn't Write

“When you have gone to bed, I am alone inside my head. I turn on the stereo, the one only I can know.” An introduction that I can relate to. The music is fascinating, a variety of sounds, not a standard rock and roll presentation, although the spirit and strength of this record is derived from the best in rock tradition. The bass player is often alone here in the beginning, with a visit of what sounds like an xylophone. When the whole group joins in I am transported back to a favorite time in my life, when music was played from the radio that makes me get up, dance, cry, get involved mentally and physically. Everyone from Tommy James to Brian Wilson is channeled here, but we move beyond into the dreams of 2008 and the need for hope. The music of this album relays that hope. I love that Brooklyn is a place of joy that has the sound of California, bringing both coasts into a complete nation of loving the moment for what it is. Shoutouts for Now I'm In The City, Brooklyn, and A Low Level Of Trust. Creaky Boards

Carrie Rodriguez – Mask Of Moses

An intriguing entreaty. The narrator is pleading with the person she is talking with to take of the mask that we wear in public and dig down into the depths of who we are and be willing to expose our humanity. Love it. In public we tend to be Old Testament, hanging onto traditions and religious trappings, even while professing to believe in Jesus whose main claim to fame is being willing to stand up to the religious zealots and expose their shallowness. He is, after all, the one we profess that we want to emulate, yet we become not like him willing to sacrifice ourselves to save the world, but we become like the zealots willing to do anything to save the trappings of power and false fronts. Cool song, one that has obviously set me to thinking more deeply about myself and my place here in this world. Shoutout for Absence. Carrie Rodriguez

Al Stewart - (A Child's View Of) The Eisenhower Years

Al is always fun, and this one has the added plus of hitting home. I was born in the Eisenhower years, and Al has the uncanny ability to bring those memories up to the forefront – recalling the cars my dad drove, the primitive TV we watched, etc. Nicely done. The Ear Of The Night starts off as a beautiful instrumental, but part way through this hilarious line joins the party: “you put your tongue in the ear of the night.” Once you get by the humor, the song has a serious message in line with the concept of the album. I’m also shouting out Elvis At The Wheel because it reminds me of what we’ve lost as a society the past 10 years. “There’s an independent bookstore, the last one that remains. All the others you might look for have been eaten by the chains.” I guess it’s simply time for those of us with good memories of all the mom & pop stores that were a joy to visit to just leave the earth and find our peace in eternity. I’m reasonably sure there’s no Starbucks or canned cake icing in heaven. The arrangements sound just like Al Stewart, with tasty guitar work and memorable background flavorings. Al Stewart

Nicola Conte - Like Leaves In The Wind

The music, of course, is superb. Jazz for a Sunday afternoon filled with joy. What I really like the most on this offering is the surreal lyrics, the type of love dreams I read in Pablo Neruda, with the natural world explaining emotions that are inexpressible in logical terms. Macedonia takes off into this realm without lyrics, but is just as meaningful. The use of various vocalists helps to make this cd especially scrumptious. More shoutouts for Rituals, Paper Clouds and I See All Shades Of You. Nicola Conte

Presuntos Implicados - La Fiesta

A nice, quiet afternoon party. With wine coolers & pleasant conversation. Presuntos Implicados

Randy Crawford & Joe Sample – Today I Sing The Blues

Totally convincing & complete taste. Piano, bass & percussion for dessert. Shoutout for This Bitter Earth. Randy Crawford & Joe Sample

John Mellencamp – Longest Days

Seems like once upon a time ago
I was where I was supposed to be
My vision was true and my heart was too
There was no end to what I could dream
I walked like a hero into the setting sun
Everyone called out my name
Death to me was just a mystery
I was too busy raising up Cain

But nothing lasts forever
Your best efforts don't always pay
Sometimes you get sick
And don't get better
That's when life is short
Even in its longest days

So you pretend not to notice
That everything has changed
The way that you look
And the friends you once had
So you keep on acting the same
But deep down in your soul
You know you, you got no flame
And who knows then which way to go
Life is short even in its longest days

All I got here
Is a rear view mirror
Reflections of where I've been

Let’s just say I’m speechless. The writing is so intense, so personal, so real that I can add nothing to the conversation except everyone should hear this. Shoutouts for Troubled Land (“One man's eyes are full of sorrow, the other man's belly full of unbearable pain”), John Cockers (“Well I'm a little isolated, I live most days in my head”), Ride Back Home (“Now it's starting to get to me, all of this inhumanity”), and For The Children (“I hope you can be a child of life with big dreams for everyone”). John Mellencamp

Nils Lofgrin – Flying On The Ground

Sometimes I get so used to a voice and a technique that I cannot even imagine another person singing a tune that I’ve heard 1000 times with pleasure. This album shows the shallowness of such thinking. It’s a surprise that I’ll speak of a meditative album like this on my Friday night party. This week I simply feel mellow, and whatever you may hear about this, it’s definitely mellow. All of these songs by Neil Young are well-known and played often on “classic” rock stations, but Nils offers them up with tenderness. The songs from different eras laid out with the same musical palette makes for an interesting set. Makes my ears hope that Nils will someday cover an album of his own compositions in a similar acoustic setting. Shoutouts for World On A String, Don’t Cry No Tears, On The Way Home & Harvest Moon. Nils Lofgren

The Pretenders - Boots Of Chinese Plastic

The “Oh-oh’s” in the background come right out of Klystron of the 1980’s. Of course, the Pretenders owned the 80’s. I thought about it, and have to agree if 1980’s retro is performed by a 1980’s band, then why the heck not? “By the way, you look fantastic in your boots of Chinese Plastic.” The Pretenders make no offer to change the world this evening, but they still sound great. Shoutouts for the slower tune, Nothing Maker; the mid-tempo album 50’s flavored title tune Break The Concrete (“don’t tell me it’s progress cause that was just a lie.”). Nostalgia builder. The Pretenders

Night Watchman - The King Of Hell

“The act has changed, the play is the same” Take it as political or spiritual, or just plain commentary on life. Cool song poem with a good guitar beat. “I was surprised to learn the devil is not the king of hell.” So, who is? Ah, if I told you that I’d be telling secrets. Maybe it’s our selves. Or maybe not. Listen and decide. There’s nothing wrong with this performance, but I’d sure love to hear Johnny Cash singing this song. “I’m gonna find out what the screaming’s about on the other side of that door.” Shoutouts for The Lights Are On In Spidertown (“Stand back, stormtroopers attack on a bright May day”) and The Iron Wheel (“you push and pull against it, but you’ll ride it till it’s through”). Night Watchman

Night Watchman on Eartaste

Greg Merritt - Dream Through a Leaf

The acoustic guitar sets me up right away. I know I’m going to be listening to something that is not quite mainstream, because the time signature is not your average folk singer heart on your sleeve easy beat. Less than two full measures in when the drummer joins in on the upbeat is when I know I’m in for some true excitement. The song title clued me in that the lyrics might not be standard fare either. Turns out it doesn’t matter because my ears are so pleased with the tempos that I get carried away on the wind by the melody and find it very difficult to focus on the story line. Especially about ½ way through when a violin takes a solo that makes me fall on my face in love. The solo is made even more potent by its short appearance. Like it’s there, then it isn’t. The dream spoken of by the narrator is fully here, complete with a jam ending between the players that fills me with grandiose thoughts of being able to fly way further than I’ve ever reached before. Tasty. I apologize for not giving you a clue as to the story. Simply know that the title is well chosen and I have been able to dream through a leaf and beyond by listening to this cut. Greg Merritt

FileFactory.com

Lowdown Brass Band - Lowdown

“Get up everybody, clap your hands and stomp your feet – it’s time to get funky!” I kid you not, these guys woke me up with a tuba keeping the main beat/rhythm for the first good portion of the song. There’s no way to be lazy when somebody is working this hard to be happy. Fun fun way to start the week – thanks! Foot tapping or body swaying, doesn’t matter which – the week is started with a smile. Shoutout for Move Everybody, Everybody Get Up! High energy brass, with a hilarious drummer who knows how to keep my feet in high spirits, and several reed players who are able to keep the brass on their toes while the rest of us digest this meal with deep pleasure. Lowdown Brass Band

Heavy Water Experiments - Neverlove

Distorted guitars warp my time zone back 40 years. Delicious. The narrator is talking about all the feelings he keeps bottled up inside, which is okay because he layers these feelings with the guitars, bass and drums returning us to a simpler day when we were allowed to educate and be educated without government or corporate interference. Heavy Water Experiment allows me to fantasize what life would be like if psychedelic had won over reality. Shoutout for the very cool wildly colorful instrumental flavorings of Octavian. I am in heaven. Heavy Water Experiments

FileFactory.com

Nawal El Zoghbi - Leh Meshtalek

Strings fade into a percussion dance that welcomes me to a melody that is pulling my ears to the dance floor with my hands in the air and m body twirling as it can only do in dreams. Nawal sings with an emotional longing that is slow and sensuous. Nawal El Zoghbi

Paul Mark & The Van Dorens - Lotta Things to Say

Southeast Texas/Louisiana flavors flirt with my ears as Paul begins his narrative. “Now when I was a schoolboy I was a talkin’ fool, the teacher snapped her ruler and she kept me after school.” Easy to relate. The song grows up to what it was like to tell the boss what was on his mind, which, well as you know will land you on the street. And how about running the yakety yak when you meet a woman? All the stories are here, all with humor and a good dance beat. Fun! “I speak my mind and my mind’s always running away.” And what happens when you meet your match? I gotta lot to say, and the main thing is you have to hear the punch lines for yourself! “Honey hush.” Shoutouts for the bluesy atmosphere of “I’m Still High” and the exciting instrumental treatmeright rhythms of Ruff House. Paul Mark & The Van Dorens

Plain White T’s – That Girl

Right after the drum roll entrance we hear “Do do do!” Amen! “Ba ba ba!” Bubblegum with a vengeance to start off our Friday night at the beach party! “Oh-oh-oh!” Just try to stop your toes from tapping. “La-la-la!” No, don’t – if you do you’ll probably get sick. “Yeah!” Oh, don’t worry, there’s real words too. Mostly about a common thing that happens at Friday night beach parties. “I met a girl and it was easy to see that she was falling hard for me.” It’s a call to get up and dance! “By the time the night was ready to end, she grabbed a hold of both my hands!” We’re not going to change the whole world with this song, but no song ever does. The lives of these two young dancers may change forever, tho, and I hope it’s for the better. Should be, with the help of this great upbeat song to start their rock and roll relationship. Shoutouts for Big Bad World & the humor of Serious Mistake. Plain White T’s

Plain White T's on Eartaste

Plain White T’s - Sunlight

“When the storm won’t end on your raging sea, when you’ve all but given up, flow back to me.” A love song with great harmony. Slow, romantic, and special. Each generation needs a song like this to call their own. What’s special about this one is it can capture many generations in its simplicity. Shoutoutfor 1, 2, 3, 4 (“there’s only 1 thing 2 do, 3 words 4 you”). Plain White T’s

Eric Bibb – Get Onboard (album)

“I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on freedom.” A Wednesday night humpday dance prayer-meetin’ with tons of acoustic manners! I am struggling to find the ‘definitive’ cut – this entire album grooves every soulful ounce of my being. The bluesy guest appearance of Ruthie Foster on Conversations is a sultry and hot “picnic by the river”. And anyone who has read me for more than a week knows that I’m going to love any song that reminds us the “God’s Kingdom is in us all.” Hallelujah! “Not just a chosen few, but every one that’s true.” Amen, and another hallelujah for that. “Lookin’ in the mirror, I’m asking am I the change I want to see? You know the world is just a picture of what’s inside of you and me.” This album has everything a soul needs for refreshment – some superb guitar playing, understated percussion, powerful gospel voices, a variety of flavors, and a total spirit-filled experience. “We’re marching on to the promised land. Step by step we’re walking toward freedom.” I have a decent catalog of a dozen Eric Bibb albums, and while I have no problem recommending each and every one as a unique and powerful experience, this new one is sincerely special and worth digging out. “I live for the Spirit I Am.” There’s an extra CD with just Eric and his guitar that has my favorite song about Katrina simply called Water. I’ve heard literally 100 songs about that hurricane, and this is one of the very few that reaches deep into my soul and relives the experience in an honest, non-political manner. The 2nd CD ends with a beautiful instrumental version of I Shall Not Be Moved. Of course, as you can tell, that’s a bit funny because this album has moved me deeply, indeed. Eric Bibb

Ruthie Foster - Heal Yourself b/w Beaver Creek Blues

“You wanna make real music, not just part time, but really use it. But you don't want nobody else to hear it 'cause you think somebody's gonna steal it. You better think 'bout healin' yourself, child” A valuable song about faith, really. What We’re hearing here is that you have to have faith in yourself and others if you want to accomplish anything. Preaching? Maybe a little. But with the good-time soul music sending the message, I can use the preaching. We all need a bit of preaching when we feel like we have to hide our creativity from the world. Besides, if you think that’s preaching, you need to hear the next verse. “You were born in the back seat of America, and you pride yourself in sharing her. Taught to work to please and pray on your knees, you pay for your cheap grace with your nominal fees. Oh, you try to change the news with you TV remote, you got the freedom to choose, but you choose not to vote.” Ouch! And amen. Every song on this album takers a different musical direction, which my ears love. Beaver Creek Blues starts off down on Beaver Creek, and then the drummer joins in with the croaking toads, and when the guitar joins in the action starts rockin’ this day to new heights. “Well, a cup of black coffee’s gonna start my day – I won’t make it any other way.” Great fun! Shoutouts for People Grinnin' In Your Face (“bear this in mind, a good friend is hard to find.”), Up Above My Head (“there’s music in the air”), & Mama Said (“fall on your knees before you fall in the wrong direction”). You will not regret purchasing this entire album, Ruthie’s fifth, and you know how much a fifth can fill your soul with happiness. There’s plenty of soul to be found in these grooves, that’s for sure. Ruthie Foster

If you're new to the soulful voice of Ruthie Foster, then I also recommend Runaway Soul and Stages. If you find the first two albums for sale anywhere, please let me know where you found them.

A second personal note. You can usually find used CDs in ebay for just about any artist. Check out Ruthie Foster on ebay. When I looked, not only could I not find used copies of her first two albums, but I didn't notice any used copies of her newer albums. I think I can tell you why, too. Once people have her album on their turntable, they will never give it up. Not even one used copy on ebay tonight. That tells me a lot - that many people agree with my assessment of this being a great album.

Lindsey Buckingham - Great Day

The electronic beat, a bit faster than a heartbeat, is a fun method of pulling me up out of bed to dance. I figured out I’ve been writing reviews for 40 years this month, and I’m kind of amazed that artists can still continue to inspire me with a new way of describing a wonderful day in my life. It’s even cooler when it’s an artist I’ve written about most of those 40 years. When you expect them to be old and tired and discover they’re not, well life is great, what else can I say? The beat pulls us up, but he rhythm guitar work here is extra fancy and fun to listen to, and I am thrilled that there’s 2 guitar solos. Short, sweet solos, but still rockin’. Fit it all into a 3 minute record that will teaches "more than I ever learned in school." Lindsey Buckingham

Joan Baez – God Is God

“Every day that passes I’m sure about a little bit less.” Ain’t that the truth. This pretty tune is performed wonderfully by a master of acoustic. The song doesn’t supply answers, but does offer security. “I believe in God, and God ain’t me.” Amen to that. Even folks like me who believe fully that the Kingdom of God is within, do not believe the folly that we ourselves are God. The security lies in the truth that “God is God.” There’s things we understand, much we don’t. There are questions here without answers, because the answers are ones we must make ourselves. How we answer them determines our relationships and actions. Does God truly believe in the individual? I’ve discovered that my answer is yes, but most folks I know believe that God believes only in institutions, not individuals (thus the establishment of religion). Who is right? We’ll know at some point, but not ours to fathom now. As sure as I am that I am right about God desiring a relationship with each person, I know that most other people are just as powerfully sure that religion is the way to know God. And that is how this song approaches the understanding of life. We might not ‘see’ the answers, but we trust that there are people who have seen, who do see. “And once in a while they pass the secret along to you and me.” I love songs that allow us to contemplate, “maybe this is why I’m here on Earth, and maybe not,” and do not supply answers. We need time to have open-ended discussion with ourselves, and we so seldom take it. It’s great that there is music to remind us of that journey. Joan Baez

Rodriguez - Sugar Man

There is a whole story behind this album that you can read at Wikipedia. All I know is I put this album on the same way I do with every album – without reading the stuff. My ear just loves music. I was immediately impressed – the first song on the album is Sugar Man, and I started thinking back to Tommy James and The Shondells, etc because of some of the psychedelic studio tricks and I was convinced I would write this one up positively. Come to find out this guy is super-well known & somewhat of a mystery, and on top of all that the track was recorded somewhere between 1969 and 1970. Almost 40 years ago.

I never heard it before, so for all I knew it was a new release. It sounds like a new release, which is amazing when that is contemplated. The song does have drug references (coke and maryjane), which leads me to believe I did not hear this song growing up because the record company (purportedly Buddha) did not want the intense scrutiny of the feds. Anyone remember Spiro Agnew & his push to make White Rabbit and other songs of our generation “Illegal” to play over the radio? I remember that vividly. To think that that man would have been president if it were not discovered he was a crook before Nixon was. Crazy life. Anyway, the album is great fun, a must-have for any collection whether it was recorded in 1969 or 2008. There are hints that this version of the album has been re-recorded. It could be, the sound is that good. In the long run, it doesn’t matter. Here is the US it might as well be a new release. Shoutouts for Only Good For Conversation and Inner City Blues. Rodriguez

Niyaz - Beni Beni

Putumayo has spoiled me to listen for world music in Friday evenings, to escape the political life of the daily educational grind where we are no longer allowed to educate, but are focused on teaching state mandated formats. The peace in the world we envisioned as children will never happen with state mandates, but such is life. So, I seek out music created that expresses other emotions, artists that have peace in their souls and are willing to emote it to my soul. The new Niyaz album fits this need beautifully. I float above the Mediterranean with the sounds that fill my ears and lift my heart. Beni Beni could mean just about anything, but my mind takes me to beneficial, good, love, peace. I can hear these dances performed at the wedding in Cana when Jesus turned water into wine, and I can hear the music at the wedding feast of the lamb. The music allows me to dance in ever widening circles filled with the knowledge that the kingdom of God is within. Shoutouts for Tamana and Song Of Exile. Beautiful. Niyaz

Ellen Bukstel - Is It Hot In Here Or Is It Me

Any song that makes me laugh always makes it here to Eartaste, that’s a given. Two songs on one album that make me laugh is a rarity, but that happens here. Spitting my tea through my nose hurts a heck of a lot, but gives the song extra points, as if it needed it. Ellen has the gift of leaving my nose sore for several days and not regretting it. The ability to take the subject of menopause and create a folk song out of it is one thing, but this goes a step beyond and leaves us laughing on the floor.

“There is designer estrogen the doctors could prescribe,
But the recent tests are showing that the rats did not survive”

The shoutouts include the hilarious Gimme Gimme about motherhood and the truth of raising kids in a materialistic society. Hysterical fun. “I had two more kids while I was using birth control. Must’ve been the diaphragm that had a large pinhole. Now I have three children and they’re good company, whining and complaining now in three part harmony!” The other two shoutouts are included below in video format. Somebody’s Child is poignant and reaches deep into the heart of our nation. They Lost My Vote prepares us for another election where our votes really won’t make much difference.

Our school buildings are 50 years old, and have classrooms that were built way before the age of technology. No one thought that electricity would be needed in the classroom. Bids to do the $100,000 job have reached the regions of $5 million from the cheapest bidder. Why? Because it’s “government” money and the contractors look at it as money without true meaning. Everyone seems to forget that this money eventually comes out of the pockets of our grandchildren. No one cares. I don’t see either party caring – there’s none of them talking about money for the infrastructure of education, just the tests. And more tests. Why? Because a few very rich people are making easy profits off of printing a test for 30 cents and selling it for $60.00. Point is, we all want to vote for honest government, but no one is running on that platform, and anyone who has an honest vote simply finds out its lost.

As Ellen says in the song – we can land a roving camera on mars and get video back, but they can’t make an honest voting machine. “I lost my faith in the government when they changed the rules without my consent.” Ellen has a variety of flavors, as you'll see by sampling the two videos. A fine collection. Ellen Bukstel


They Lost My Vote:

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Somebody's Child

Linda Geleris - If I Only Had a Minute

“Who will run the universe and keep it all in order if I push myself away now from this list of things to do?” I love the humanity of the lyrics and the voice that is performing the humanity. How many people will find excuses not to touch the reality of the life around them because of the “list”? Ha! No sense in lying. You’re the one reading this, and I’m just as guilty as you are. It is so easy to let our relationships slide into the background as we complete these lists which seem so important today. The performance is gentle with us, not preaching, not chiding, simply stating truths we really don’t want to face. With a touch of humor, too. “The dial on the wash machine says ‘normal’ and it makes me laugh. I have to clean my conscience but clean clothes will have to do.” The story continues, real life happens, and it magnifies, with candor, that the demands we place on ourselves are truly trivial in the grand scheme of things. A song to share with loved ones, that’s for sure. Linda Geleris

Mark Geary - See-Saw (Houpacka)

“Your words, they don’t call, they imply.” This pleasant album with the acoustic background and tender vocalist does not go out of its way to explain what the narrator wants us to come away thinking. The tone is introspective, and since there are no stories this allows the listener to drift away into their own stories. I won’t tell you mine, I know you’ll have plenty of your own. As the song says, there’s things implied here, but the implications will be different for each listener. Not easy to pull off, but Mark has done a good job. “I’m sure there’s a lot you don’t show.” So true. Shoutouts for Atrophy (“I’m here inside, I’m wrapped too tight”) & Cold Little Fire (“All I desired was your embrace”). Mark Geary

3OH!3 - Dont Trust Me

“Tell your boyfriend, if he says he's got beef, that I'm a vegetarian, and I ain't fugin' scared of him.” From time to time someone challenges me. This is a song that really bothers all my sensibilities. The way the narrator demeans women, the way he decides to incur the wrath of folks who are deaf and blind, the way he simply takes on the world like a nasty little 12 year old barf-bag. That’s when I started to see the humor – when I realized the narrator is simply taking on the persona of one of the middle class white wannabees – and succeeding at that while making music that is just plain fun to hear. I’m sold, go ahead, challenge my old sensitive self. “Shush, girl! Shut your lips! Do the Helen Keller and talk with your hips! I said shush, girl!” LOL! Great fun. The shoutout is much more serious, I'm Not Your Boyfriend Baby. The persona taken on here is one of a masochist who has no problem hurting little children. Lots of pain released in this song, and its very existence will call for some discussions around dinner tables that need to be had. Some very angry discussions, I hope. This is the nature of good writing, it has the ability to dig deep. Even as I dance. 3OH!3

Glen Campbell - Jesus

This song comes off so naturally it makes me wonder why Lou’s song wasn’t performed by Glen 40 years ago when it was first released. Would have re-written history for everyone. Be that as it may, it is a fine performance of the classic Velvets tune, and worth digging out and listening to it many times. Beautiful for those of us who feel that what Jesus taught is quite different than the preachers claim. Glen, thanks for bringing a bit thought to my Sunday. Glen Campbell

Blackmore's Night - Prince Waldecks Galliard

A guitar plays in the background as a feast is laid out for the king of eartaste. I ask the song be put on repeat as the meal continues for another 30 minutes. Filling and satisfying, I am in the midst of a movie about King Richard and King John. Blackmore's Night

The Old 97’s - No Baby I

“Here’s a toast to no good Friday. I was bound to do it my way, wrong. Strum it on a telecaster, sing it like a train disaster song.” The beat lends itself to a dance. The narrator is a true jerk. He doesn’t even try to have a sense of humor, just sings about his pure callousness. Hey, we all know people like this. The song is only 3 ½ minutes long, but here’s what I get from the story. This guy’s at a funeral with a girl, he gets really nervous about being around death, and has a gig to get to anyway. So he sneaks out, gets on stage and writes this tune about how he didn’t want to hurt her, but he couldn’t handle the tears. There’s no attempt to paint this guy in a good light, which makes the song fun to listen to. Shoutouts for I Will Remain (“I wonder why I'm so all alone while I'm so close to you”), and Color Of A Lonely Heart (Is Blue). The Old 97’s

Blind Pilot - One Red Thread

“Oh man, of man, you can do what you want.” Think about it. A band has a hard enough time touring in good times. I remember traveling 200 miles to play in front of 6 people. Sometimes there were more people in the band than in the audience. It’s not easy. Now, fast forward 30 years to gas prices at $4 a gallon. What to do? Ah! Bikes! I’m not kidding, these guys may be nuts, but they’re also good musicians. “I had the itch to fly and I flew.” Check out their blog.

You have to accept the fact they’re not touring on bicycles with 50,000 watts of sound system, so if you guessed these guys are an acoustic act, you guessed good. I’m not dancing with sweat pouring off my body, but I am am dancing through the humidty with nice guitar work, subtle percussion and beautiful harmonies. Shoutout for Two Towns From Me (“let me want that mystery.”) Blind Pilot

Treva Blomquist - I Could Get Used To This

“If I had a penny for every kiss” the narrator sings after an acoustic guitar vamps and a fiddle quicky introduces us to an elegant acoustic setting for a dinner under the stars. “Hold me while dancing on the rooftop in the mist.” Start thinking this over and I could see how any human being could join in this vision of reality and sing along with the main theme, “I could get used to this.” A wonderful dream relationship with kissing and dancing for the main course – what more could one ask for. A nice slow Thursday night dance, very flavorful for this eartaster. Treva Blomquist

Nushu – Spill b/w Alexander Zabriel

This hump day dance gets started with a pogo-like opening – try not to spill your margaritas! This is joyful pop, and it’s fun to look at what causes all the joy. I hear so many songs where the boy loses the girl and he gets the blues. Well, in this song, the girl loses the boy and she is ecstatic. Such is the difference in viewpoints, lol! The two singers harmonize wonderfully on “cross my heart and hope to be free of you and misery.” The chorus is adamantly smiling as the singers chant “Leave me alone!” Fun dance rhythms, garage-sounding guitar work, exciting drums, steady beating bass. “Noisy sounds that fill my head play to every word you said. Quit spilling on me! You’re dragging me down!” The shout-out flipside is a fascinating southern California flavored caribbean beat keeps the party hopping up and down with smiles wider than the humongous margarita glasses at this party. “Hearing music somewhere around possessed me body going up and down. I couldn’t stop me feet - drove me wild with each beat.” The main protagonist in this story could either be Alexander or a cheetah, and it’s very possible both are the same. You decide. I enjoy the mystery and the magic of the happy rhythms, despite the complaint of the narrator, “Me feet were finally aching and me back felt out of place. This dancing is like a devil with a tail I’ve got to chase!” Lol!!! Thanks for the bubblegum punkpop! Nushu

Darrell Scott - Urge for Going

It’s fascinating to hear a song you know very well in a brand new context. Not quite a new song, but a definite new experience. Darrell takes this beautiful song and makes totally it his own. It helps that he has a great band backing him with many bluegrass flavors. When Joni sings her song it feels like poetry. When Darrel sings his version it feels like life itself. “Now the warriors of winter they gave a cold triumphant shout. And all that stays is dying, all that lives is getting out. See the geese in chevron flight flapping and a-racing on before the snow. They've got the urge for going, and they've got the wings so they can go.” Shoutout for a beautiful version of Guy Clark’s That Old Time Feelin', which “rocks and spits and cries like and old lover rememberin' the girl with the clear blue eyes.” Darrell Scott

Guitar Red - Box Car No 9

Better than any alarm clock, Box Car No 9 is a fine wake-up song. This album tastes like a story. It feels like a record company owner was walking down the street and heard a guy singing and playing his guitar on the corner. Not having any gigs lined up for the day, he asks the street musician to come into the studio and play. Old street musician says, no way – you’re planning on ruining my music. The record company owner promises he won’t touch a thing, plus he’d buy a bottle of whiskey after the gig. After a few more back and forths, the skeptical street musician agrees to it. The record company owner, true to his word, records the musician warts and all. Something was honest here. Too honest for people to ever listen to. But, it was vital and had to be done. None of this is true. That’s simply what it feels like to me.

Kinda like 100 years ago when I heard George Thorogood singing One Bourbon One Scotch and One Beer. The old song that I had enjoyed so many times before sounded fresh, new, and like it was written on the spot in the studio. It still sounds that way to me. God acting. Guitar Red may also be a great actor, but it doesn’t matter because he exudes honesty the same way George did in his day. Some of his is carried out on the final track, whereon a “hidden track” Guitar Red says "This is what I need, the freedom to express myself. Creativity to be who I am." And it sounds real. Warts and all. I’m sold on the act that calls itself Guitar Red, and I bet if you take the opportunity to seek out his purity and fresh approach at slapping me silly with the direct approach of “me and my guitar will sing you all the truth.”

Life is so great. I’m glad that Guitar Red is now a part of my world. This Monday wake-up has made a promise of sincerity with a great week to come. Shoutouts for Three Legged Dog Blues and Lightnin' In A Bottle. Guitar Red

Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Arabia

If you've ever been to a restaurant and ended up ordering several of the appetizers instead of dinner, and came away satisfied & full, then you have experienced the sensations this album provokes. Putumayo has released a great Sunday afternoon CD. I often review the Putumayo disks on Fridays because of the party atmosphere, and this one could also be shared at a party – an afternoon party that allows some moments for reflection. For example, Les Orientales presents Alger, Alger with a good tango beat with some flamenco thrown in to stop and pay attention to (“Algiers has a beauty that makes us insane”). As usual, the world music in Putumayo is a focus on one culture who has willingly accepted the sounds of other cultures into their pop music. Fine collection of many flavors, including jazz, accordions, and many more to have your palette enthralled for a full hour. This eartaster is completely satisfied. Shoutouts for the performances of Jamal Porto (“sing for everlasting happiness”), Rasha ("Does my love recall the past we shared?”), Charbel Rouhana and Hani Siblini, and an old favorite, Souad Massi (“that’s life – bitter and sweet”). Many albums here that will be sought out for my collection due to the appetizers offered here. Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Arabia

Putumayo on Eartaste

Learn about folk music from North Africa

Mark Stary & The Whiskey Roses - No Excuse

Today was a holiday here in the US, known as labor day. So, it called for an extra night of partying, which of course leads to excuses. Honesty in music always attracts me, as does energy, and this song has both. “Sorry I got so drunk last night, what was I thinking? Didn’t mean to wake you up while you were sleeping. Some ruffians were at the bar I couldn’t say “no” to. Believe me, baby, you know me, I’ve got no excuse.” Fun presentation. I do have one question, a minor point. If the narrator drank as much as he said he did, where’s he get all this energy? I want some of whatever he’s got! “There was Merle on the jukebox, whiskey on the shelf. Pool for a quarter and an old friend drinking by himself.” Yee-haw! You know how impolite it is to let a friend drink by himself! This song does double-duty. It works fine as a Monday morning wake-me up, and also works great as an excuse to play for the wife when you have no real excuse. Mark Stary & The Whiskey Roses