Bat For Lashes – Moon And Moon b/w Daniel
The Airborne Toxic Event - Wishing Well
Mando Diao - Dance With Somebody
Eoghan Quigg - 28,000 Friends
Gomez – Natural Reaction b/w Other Plans
Among the Oak & Ash - Bigmouth Strikes Again b/w Shady Grove
The Rumble Strips - Dem Girls
Eva & The Heartmaker - Charming Sexy b/w Please!
Chris Volpe - Salvations Round The Bend b/w Colorado Girl & Tallgrass
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Spring Cleaning 2
Jennifer O'Connor - Christmas Party
Emily Mover – Shake Sugaree b/w Ordinary Day
Case of the Mondays - Jesus Stole My Girlfriend
Dreamdate – Have I Told You? b/w Tour Song
Jason Ricci And New Blood - Ptryptophan Pterodactyl
Cowboy Junkies - Cutting Board Blues b/w He Will Call You Baby & Rake
Ya Elah - Each of Us
Slaid Cleeves - Beautiful Thing
Lily Allen - Never Gonna Happen b/w F*You & Who'd Have Known
Bat For Lashes – Glass b/w Sleep Alone
Emily Mover – Shake Sugaree b/w Ordinary Day
Case of the Mondays - Jesus Stole My Girlfriend
Dreamdate – Have I Told You? b/w Tour Song
Jason Ricci And New Blood - Ptryptophan Pterodactyl
Cowboy Junkies - Cutting Board Blues b/w He Will Call You Baby & Rake
Ya Elah - Each of Us
Slaid Cleeves - Beautiful Thing
Lily Allen - Never Gonna Happen b/w F*You & Who'd Have Known
Bat For Lashes – Glass b/w Sleep Alone
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Willie Nile – House Of A Thousand Guitars (CD)
Now That The War is Over slows us down to think a little bit about what live has done for all the people who have been forced to be involved in things they weren’t prepared for. I believe, in fact, that there’s no way to ever prepare for reality. Willie doesn’t play cutesy with the lyrics, he just tells it like it is, and shares the stories of people we all are or know. This gets my vote for song of the decade.
Give Me Tomorrow reviews the past images that Willie has experienced. It helps that they are images we have all seen. He inflects this dance with hope, asking prayerfully, “Give me tomorrow, right now!”. This prayer is followed by Magdalena, a rock and roll love song with lots of great guitar playing: “We danced on the roof, we ate on the floor, and when it was over I begged her for more!”
Willie Nile
An Oldie but Goodie:
There'll be a body count
we're gonna watch it rise.
The folks at CNN
they won't believe their eyes.
We'll do the dead man's twist
this is our last chance
down at the Doomsday Dance
-Willie Nile
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Spring Cleaning 1
The Lightning Seeds – The Story Goes b/w I Still Feel the Same & Ghosts
Yeasayer - 2080
Noah Lifschey - Face in the Moon
White Rabbits - Right Where They Left
Devon Sproule - Ain't That The Way
Tamika Nicole - So Much More
Lynne Hanson - Middle Of The Bed
Morton Valence - Ordinary Pleasures
Headwater – Death Of Me
Buddy And Julie Miller - The Selfishness Of Man
Yeasayer - 2080
Noah Lifschey - Face in the Moon
White Rabbits - Right Where They Left
Devon Sproule - Ain't That The Way
Tamika Nicole - So Much More
Lynne Hanson - Middle Of The Bed
Morton Valence - Ordinary Pleasures
Headwater – Death Of Me
Buddy And Julie Miller - The Selfishness Of Man
Monday, May 25, 2009
Buckwheat Zydeco - Throw Me Something, Mister
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sony Jazz Legacy Editions – 50th Anniversary
My father was into jazz. These albums have an integral part of my memories and are welcome back into my life in one way, the fact that the recording are 50 years old are not making me feel younger, but such is life.
1959 was a banner year. Kind Of Blue brought jazz to the masses, Time Out took a year to warm up the ears of listeners, but laid out a pattern for jazz to reach top 40 radio as well as open up time signature changes that would make its way into pop, rock and folk with some great results. Mingus was one whose music stayed solidly in the jazz field but influenced every field of music. Better Git It In Your Soul & Slop both had a huge influence on 60’s soul music. Sketches of Spain has its own terrain and influence over lives and loves. All of these are classic collections that belong in every music library.
Which brings us to a new point. I have all this music, still on LP, and on CD, often with alternate takes included as bonuses. So I’ll pick out what is new on these collections, and harbor one small wish. My wish is that these collections had their booklets enlarged, and presented as huge as lps in gift editions for old folks that end up using magnifying glasses along with their reading glasses just to read the liner notes. They are all apparently re-mixed from the original tapes, and that in itself makes for a new listening experience for collectors.
Dave Brubeck’s collection has a previously unreleased bonus CD of the Quartet recorded live at Newport in 61, 63 & 64 – The sound is decent & the performances excellent. The stretches on Tine Out at Newport alone are worth the price of entry into this collector’s edition. Also included is a DVD with an interview of Dave talking about his quartet and the roots of Time Out. There’s also a film of the master at the piano with four different view choices. You can simply watch him play. If you have interest in technique, you can watch the left hand OR the right hand. Once you have those mastered, there’s an overhead version of both hands playing. This would be a great gift all on its own for any budding musician. Having the bonus of 2 CDs of music is simply icing on the cake.
Dave Brubeck – Time Out 50th Anniversary Edition
Sketches of Spain includes Song Of Our Country, recorded at the same sessions, but that’s appeared on other releases. The prize on this collection that creates value is a 17 minute version of Concierto de Aranjuez recorded live at Carnegie Hall.
Miles Davis – Sketches Of Spain 50th Anniversary Edition
What sets this Legacy edition apart is the inclusion of Mingus Dynasty, which was also recorded in 1959. Mingus Ah Um includes the unedited versions of tunes made “to fit” on the LP. They have been restored to include complete solos, which is a treat in itself. There are also 3 tunes recorded at the session, as well as 3 alternative takes. The Minus Dynasty includes Strollin’ recorded at the same session date with Honey Gordon singing Mingus’ melody, many years before Joni Mitchell took on the same task.
Charles Mingues – Mingus Ah Um & Mingus Dynasty 50th Anniversary Edition
The treat on Kind Of Blue can be counted as two things. The remastering is superb. As is a 17 minute live version of So What. For those interested in small treats, there are false starts for several tunes. Kinda makes you feel a part of the process. There's also an alternate take of Flamenco Sketches which adds just enough jalapeño to the collection to make this a must have.
Miles Davis – Kind Of Blue 50th Anniversary Edition
1959 was a banner year. Kind Of Blue brought jazz to the masses, Time Out took a year to warm up the ears of listeners, but laid out a pattern for jazz to reach top 40 radio as well as open up time signature changes that would make its way into pop, rock and folk with some great results. Mingus was one whose music stayed solidly in the jazz field but influenced every field of music. Better Git It In Your Soul & Slop both had a huge influence on 60’s soul music. Sketches of Spain has its own terrain and influence over lives and loves. All of these are classic collections that belong in every music library.
Which brings us to a new point. I have all this music, still on LP, and on CD, often with alternate takes included as bonuses. So I’ll pick out what is new on these collections, and harbor one small wish. My wish is that these collections had their booklets enlarged, and presented as huge as lps in gift editions for old folks that end up using magnifying glasses along with their reading glasses just to read the liner notes. They are all apparently re-mixed from the original tapes, and that in itself makes for a new listening experience for collectors.
Dave Brubeck – Time Out 50th Anniversary Edition
Miles Davis – Sketches Of Spain 50th Anniversary Edition
Charles Mingues – Mingus Ah Um & Mingus Dynasty 50th Anniversary Edition
Miles Davis – Kind Of Blue 50th Anniversary Edition
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Tall Tall Trees - Considerable Speck
Friday, May 22, 2009
Iggy Pop – Nice To Be Dead b/w King Of The Dogs
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Mike Kotulka – Selfish Avenue
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Seldon Plan – Lost And Found And Lost
The Seldon Plan on Eartaste
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Beach Boys – Summer Love Songs
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Thromboes - She's Like A British Car
You Belong To Me is the shoutout tune. The lyrics lead one to wonder about the narrator of this misogynist misanthrope who seems to at once be a histrionik caveman - persistent yet occasionally questioning himself (especially when she takes off on the jerk). Interesting psychological lyrics that have you thinking until the vocalist stops for breath. Then the guitars take on the break for a second until the drums explode – the garage roof just flew off in the tornado caused by the drummer's antics. Great work! Listen to both songs below, then click on their name & become their friend on myspace: The Thromboes Then click here to buy the CD: The Thromboes - She's Like A British Car (CDBaby).
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sweet Summer Sunday Afternoon Jazz
Allen Toussaint – Just A Closer Walk With Thee b/w West End Blues & Bright Mississippi
Matt Flinner Trio - Stomp Hat b/w Atomic City
Jesse Harris – The Fool b/w Gimmer
Nina Fletcher - Never Get Enough b/w Relief
Shirley Johnson - You Just Using Me
Willem Maker - Saints Weep Wine
Allen Toussaint – Daydream b/w Solitude
Matt Flinner Trio - Stomp Hat b/w Atomic City
Jesse Harris – The Fool b/w Gimmer
Nina Fletcher - Never Get Enough b/w Relief
Shirley Johnson - You Just Using Me
Willem Maker - Saints Weep Wine
Allen Toussaint – Daydream b/w Solitude
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Summer Sabbath Serenades
Wilco - I’ll Fight b/w Sunny Feeling & Everlasting
Small Jackets - Lonely Man
Tall Tall Trees - Considerable Speck b/w Hats & Spaceman
Maria Pia De Vito – Mind The Gap b/w If Six Were Nine & Eccesso
Ruby Throat - Naked Ruby b/w Consuela’s Newt
Jesse Winchester - O What a Thrill b/w Wear Me Out & Stand By Me & I Turn To My Guitar
Tall Tall Trees - I Got You b/w Heart Says Go & The Opposite Song
Many thanks to Ariane for introducing me to the fun, eclectic music of Mike Savino and his Tall Tall Trees band. Connect with the band through the widget or MySpace (above) to discover when the CD will appear.



Small Jackets - Lonely Man
Tall Tall Trees - Considerable Speck b/w Hats & Spaceman
Maria Pia De Vito – Mind The Gap b/w If Six Were Nine & Eccesso
Ruby Throat - Naked Ruby b/w Consuela’s Newt
Jesse Winchester - O What a Thrill b/w Wear Me Out & Stand By Me & I Turn To My Guitar
Tall Tall Trees - I Got You b/w Heart Says Go & The Opposite Song
Many thanks to Ariane for introducing me to the fun, eclectic music of Mike Savino and his Tall Tall Trees band. Connect with the band through the widget or MySpace (above) to discover when the CD will appear.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Summer Singles for a Friday Fiesta
Rosi Golan – Shine b/w Hazy & C’est Amour
Oi Va Voi – Magic Carpet
Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse – Little Girl b/w The Man Who Played God
Manic Street Preachers - Jackie Collins Existential Question Time b/w She Bathed Herself In A Bath Of Bleach & Williams Last Words
Wilco - You Never Know b/w You and I & I’ll Fight & Sunny Feeling
Iron & Wine - Serpent Charmer b/w Arms Of A Thief & The Trapeze Swinger
Jill Sobule - Palm Springs b/w Sweetheart & While You Were Sleeping
Oi Va Voi – Magic Carpet
Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse – Little Girl b/w The Man Who Played God
Manic Street Preachers - Jackie Collins Existential Question Time b/w She Bathed Herself In A Bath Of Bleach & Williams Last Words
Wilco - You Never Know b/w You and I & I’ll Fight & Sunny Feeling
Iron & Wine - Serpent Charmer b/w Arms Of A Thief & The Trapeze Swinger
Jill Sobule - Palm Springs b/w Sweetheart & While You Were Sleeping
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Susan Cattaneo - Wrecking Ball
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Ring Of Truth - There But For The Grace
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Cavashawn - Secret Satisfaction
Monday, May 11, 2009
Seven Smart Monday Singles
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Brian Hebert - Run for Your Life Jig
Ancient Future – El Zaffa
Mariah Parker - Waterwheel
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
Tribute:
Friday, May 08, 2009
Playing For Change World Ensemble – Chanda Mama
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Iris Leu - The Red Bird
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Beaucoup Blue - Oh America
Beaucoup Blue
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
White Roses - Green Gone Red
Monday, May 04, 2009
Nico Vega - Million Years
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Yusuf Islam - Be What You Must
A special shoutout for Roadsinger (“where do you go when hearts are closed? when a friend becomes a stranger nobody wants to know?”). The lyrical poetry leads to an answer that reflects my entire live. Where do I go when “lies are told, and the light of truth is blown out and the night is cold?”? I go “to a song” to keep me warm. Yusuf Islam
Saturday, May 02, 2009
The Oxygen Ponies - Finger Trigger
The slow dirge Tryna Get To Heaven “through the cellar door, but everything I do, it’s all been done before” turns into a party ½ way through with a reminder “what’s the point of fighting wars you cannot win?” At the end, the beautiful dirge returns momentarily to remind us this is a fully composed story with a musical purpose, not simply a pathway into a private journey. Well done. Villains is another beautiful tune, and is totally up-to-date when it talks about the folks “in the white house” who “hate your family.” It truly doesn’t matter who is in the white house, if your family is in Afghanistan or a small town in Ohio, or anywhere else that rich people do not control the inevitable, you are indeed hated. Just listen with open ears. The point of this composition is that we should not be prepared for the government to help the poor and needy, that indeed, “we have a long drive home.” Tasty bass guitar picking enhances the flavors of the other guitars.
“I don’t care what you say ‘cause you don’t listen anyway. Everyone around me is on trial, so smile.” The calliope has last a few belts but is running anyway in the tender dreams of Smile. “Don’t you tell me I’m acting like a child when I smile.” A Bottle Marked The Enemy is a brutally honest look at American Christianity. The Oxygen Ponies supply more of an experience than a party; but then every great experience is a party and I have felt totally fulfilled when listening through this CD, and anyone who puts up with my daily meanderings will have the fortitude to listen to these folks and make them a part of their daily consciousness with joy. It’s difficult looking ahead to November already, but I feel really secure in picking this CD as one of the most important releases of 2009. The Oxygen Ponies
The Oxygen Ponies on Eartaste
Added 5/11/09:
The Oxygen Ponies on Amplified Magazine
Friday, May 01, 2009
Putumayo Presents Italia
Putumayo Presents Italia
Putumayo On Eartaste
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