Melissa Etheridge - Glorious

A love song about family and friends for the season. “Love is glorious.” Warmly and beautifully performed. Shoutouts for Blue Christmas, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), Ring The Bells & It’s Christmas Time. Melissa Etheridge

Enya - O Come O Come Emmanuel

A prayer we all say, some of us every single day of the year. Enya

Sarah Brightman - Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring

Not often heard by a solo singer, this is a treat. Sarah Brightman

Aretha Franklin - Angels We Have Heard on High

A marvel. It’s difficult to believe this is only Aretha’s second Christmas album. The gem one would expect, with a sexy and soulful shoutout for Christmas Ain't Christmas (Without the One You Love), and a special loving snicker for the hilarious performance of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas. Thanks Aretha! Feel free to make us a new season’s greetings every year. Aretha

Sixpence None The Richer - The Last Christmas

“I feel your heart beating inside my own skin and I think of Mary in Bethlehem, that night in a stable our Saviour was born.” A tender and beautiful song sung by a mother to her unborn child. This touched a world-weary man like myself, so you gotta know this is a special tune worth seeking out. The title comes from the fact that each Christmas from now Christmas will be spent with this loved child. Very cool take on the season. Shoutouts for Angels We Have Heard On High & Riu Riu Chiu. Sixpence None The Richer

Loreena McKennitt - A Midwinter Night's Dream (CD)

A central part of our celebrations for 12 years, Loreena has finally added 8 songs to her Christmas ep from 1995, making this joyous year complete with the righteous flavors she evokes seemingly with such ease. It’s great to revisit the songs from the earlier ep alongside the new ones. Thanks for all your seeds of love, and may they be planted in the heart of each person that hears your careful, powerful and dare I suggest hypnotic work. All God’s sailors love a dance. Loreena McKennitt

Lucinda Williams – Real Love

“Standing up behind an electric guitar - it’s a real love.” It always thrills me when someone I know and love comes out with something that helps me know and love them better. Music is the real love we all come home to. What’s even better is when the album sounds even better than ones I already love. That’s rare, but Lucinda has pulled it off with this new CD. Every emotional state is explored and shared, but of course I’m going to shout out the party tunes for Saturday night. Party down with Tears of Joy, and the special loving rocker she calls Honey Bee. The party continues smiling down on me with the sensitive Heaven Blues, the hilarious Jailhouse Tears, and the dance-floor shouter It’s A Long Way To The Top. Great fun. Lucinda Williams

Blow Monkeys – The World Can Wait

When old friends come back completely in tune with the hour, yet sounding oddly familiar, I can’t help but be grateful that it’s possible to age gracefully and hope I am reflecting this image in their eyes. The world can wait while we catch up on the intervals and marvel at all the dreams we had that are being fulfilled in front of our eyes. We can pick up our guitars and play rhythms we learned the past few years, and still fall into some grooves that are oddly familiar. Tasty times. It’s nice to know, as one shoutout says, We Can Win. Other shoutouts include I Don’t Mind, The Bullet Train, Frontline, I Dream Of You, and Traveling Soul. Blow Monkeys

Ingrid Michaelson - Be OK

“Just give me back my pieces.” Bubblegum that pleases many sense, and tastes extremely happy. Freeing oneself from some of the anxieties of the past. I’m ready. The world is ready. Let’s go! Let’s Be OK! If you’re on the side that is filled with fear by your favorite media stars, then Ingrid has a great shoutout tune for you on this album – Keep Breathing! For the rest of us I love this little shoutout ditty for Bush: Oh What A Day (“now that you’re gone I can roll on to something good!”).
And, if you can take yet another Thursday night happy, there is a lovesong shoutout about buying everybody a sweater, You And I. Smile. Be OK. Ingrid Michaelson

Joshua Radin – Brand New Day

“Some kind of magic happens late at night when the moon smiles down at me and baths me in its light.” A song that feels good. I feel good. I’m intrigued at how the singer is able to whisper and yet hit different notes – almost like singing. But happy. And the musicians sound like they’re ready for something good to happen, too. Fits the post-election aura perfectly. Let’s ride with this feeling for as long as we can. Thanks Josh! Joshua Radin

Dar Williams - Alleluia

This spirit of praise for all that is good with the world fits well in my meal tonight. The flavor spices up everything I feel, and I can enjoy the wild vocal swing of Dar as she manages to pull an alleluia out into 23 syllables. Lots of fun to fill up a fun week of exciting dreams for the future. The cover of her album emphasizes that the seeds we have planted shall grow into a flower of beauty if we careful nourish and nurture the next few months. Dar Williams

Pink – Bad Influence

“Alright sir, sure I'll have another one it's early. Three olives, shake it up, I like it dirty. Tequila for my friend it makes her flirty, trust me.” LOL!! Ah, lighten up, it’s hump day – having a fun party song to go with your drink is great, especially when you can dance along. “Lordy, Lordy, Lordy! I can't help it, I like to party, it's genetic! It's electrifying, wind me up and watch me go.” Be ready for a good time when the laser hits the disc! But also be ready to think about why this escape is necessary, because Pink is willing to take us there. Shoutouts for Ave Mary A (“Motorcycle's in the parking lot revving their engines and it just won’t stop - matches the noise screaming in my head”), Crystal Ball (“Sometimes you think everything is wrapped inside a diamond ring. Love just needs a witness and a little forgiveness and a halo of patience and a less sporadic pace and I'm learning to be brave in my beautiful mistakes”), Funhouse (“I'd rather live out on the street than in this haunted memory”), and the obligatory country song Mean (“When the spark has gone and the candles are out, when the song is done and there's no more sound, whispers turn to yellin' and I'm thinkin', ‘how did we get so mean?’” Pink

Brad Paisley - What A Friend We Have In Jesus (Election Night)

I'm a political junkie, and interested in how close the election is turning out to be (popular votes). So, I'm listening to the radio instead of music tonight.

I will report that when they get really boring I've been listening to a really cool new album - Play by Brad Paisley. I'm very happy with the guitar playing on this album - I'm inspired to pick up my guitar! Will be writing about it more for sure soon, but tonight I'll shoutout track 15, the very beautiful solo acoustic piece What A Friend We Have In Jesus.

BB King – One Kind Favor (CD)

A delight all the way through. BB is allowed to play his guitar, and sing to his heart’s content. And he’s sounding great. I’m thrilled! Classic tunes done BB style – an instant classic – a perfect gift for those you know who “have everything”. This is an album to play when you have the blues, because there’s no way you can keep feeling blue when BB plays them. I’m not going to shout out one tune because there’s not a clunker on the album. Or, I can say that in a more positive way – every tune here is a shoutout! There are many varieties of blues flavors presented here, and the back-up band glorifies each one. BB King

Susan Tedeschi - Back To The River (CD)

Every song touches me on this album. Talking About opens with a guitar riff that leads right into a riffing voice – “I tell you somebody knows what you’re talking about!” Lol! How often I need to hear that – someone somewhere will understand me. 700 Houses is a beautiful tale about a town destroyed, “silence all around me deafening the air – not a sign of anyone, I just have to stare”. I especially love the line, “where have all my saints gone, will they come marching in?” As the song continues we are reminded of the storms of life – “another storm to overcome” – both physical and spiritually. And the album continues, with a personal flavor that pulls the listener in as a full participant in each story. Great bluesy guitars and a powerful voice make for a perfect eartaste combination. Susan Tedeschi

Vargas Blues Band - Ya Ya Ya Looking For My Baby

If there is such a thing, this is a happy blues song, filled with flavors from all the world, but deeply rooted in the blues. I love the organ player adding his flourishes, the steady drums, and the wow me guitar work. Its fun having fun with the blues. Shoutout for Blues Para Lucia, a tune with a much slower pace, but again with flavors of the world beautifully accenting the blues base. The spanish-guitar styled blues is especially tasty – perfect for dessert. Vargas Blues Band

Trampled Under Foot - May I Be Excused

A slow, soul reaching vocal that pours directly into my heart. I love the way the band pulls the end of each line of vocal into a higher plane. “You’re just another battle I ain’t ever gonna win.” Fantastic performance. Shoutout for the more up-beat band flavors of another down-hearted blues, My Fault To Stay (“When you hit me, I was surprised. But the pain wiped the tears right from my eyes”). Trampled Under Foot

Blindside Blues Band - Bluesion

An instrumental explosion of a great playing in unison – every instrument adding to the flailing electric guitar. A perfect companion to the 13 minute Jam that follows. It’s not often anymore we’re treated to a 5 or 6 minute drum solo on record. Refreshing! Blindside Blues Band

Ani DeFranco – Alla This

“I won't let you make a tool of me, I will keep my mind and body free.” An independent soul. Ani, of course, is the epitome of this, starting her own record company way back before anyone came up with the term “indie”. “I will not be your bankroll,” she’s still willing to say. I agree with her sentiments 100%, and have found that through the years not many people agree. Most people are simply willing to be fed what’s given them, because it’s simply too much work to be a free thinker. Thinking requires thought. “I won't forfeit my creativity to a world that's all laid out for me.”

We are not born into this world craving the deaths of people ½ way across the world, we are slowly transformed into believing that someone with power knows more than us what is going on. The last 8 years should have shown us that this is simply not true. The WMD were never found. I was sucked into the army at an early point of my life, but found I couldn’t bring myself to kill people just because someone said to, so while I was facing court-martial a pastor came to me that explained the concept of conscientious objection. That fit me, and I have never figured out why that doesn’t fit everyone.

The point of this tirade is another line in this song that I agree with 100% - always have, always will: “I can't support the troops, cause every last one of them is being duped.” The simple truth is – if you support the troops, you support the false dreams of the government. The troops do not have to kill people ½ way across the world. They are choosing to. The troops each have a mind of their own, and they are choosing to use it to blindly follow lies.

Shoutouts for love songs that belie Ani’s reputation as “an angry one”, Smiling Underneath (“I don’t mind the twinge when I walk on that knee that I hurt”), Way Tight (“it's just that kind of evening that cracks open like a half shaken beer”), and Star Matter (“love sets fire to your schedule and then calls an end to time”). Ani DiFranco

Dido – Quiet Times

“It’s hard enough to see the world as it is and hold on to my faith without these quiet times.” The story is about someone who has lost a loved one and needs time to breath and focus. After meditating on this and thinking of a need for quiet time, she decides “gonna have to run away, I’m sure that I belong some other place.” Excellent portrayal of emotions – scattered, confused desires (be still and quiet or run away), a song that will help others know they are not alone. This will be one of those songs that will last far beyond its creation because of its ability to speak for those who are unable to form words for what’s going on deep inside. “I miss you, I want you, but I can’t have you even when you’re here.” Dido

Heather Nova - Looking For The Light

“I’m looking for the Spirit in life, I’m looking for the beautiful.” A fragile voice, alone with a guitar, is perfect for words like these. “I’ve heard the words of Jesus, but I can’t find mine.” The sound of the recording has me picturing a lone singer on a cliff with a cave behind her singing to her neighbors below, exposing her soul to the entire village as the sun goes down. “I’m looking for the light to drive these doubts away.” Fine performance. Shoutout for Ride (“I need a stranger to tell me I’m beautiful”). Heather Nova

The Cure – Only You

“I love what you do to my head.” It’s fascinating how many new bands are able to recreate the early 80’s. It’s even more fun when someone who was there can take us back on a cloud of love. “I love what you do to my heart – it’s the best, oh yeah.” Shoutouts for Reasons Why, Freakshow & It’s Over. The Cure

Loquat - Harder Hit

This song begins like a visit over the high deserts of Africa, gathering spirits from every edge of the world, but quickly joins a solid ground until the chorus. At that point we are transported high above the arctic with voices freezing into each other in the atmosphere. Very cool trick – I really like this experience. It’s like we’re being given the opportunity to fly along the magnetic forces of the earth. I can see how that could get old if these tricks were used throughout the album, but Loquat was wise enough to only use this mind-blowing trick on Harder Hit. Shoutouts for the more down-to earth production of Who Can Even Remember and In My Sleep. Loquat

TV on the Radio - Dear Science (CD)

It’s always a pleasure to find a perfect album by a pop group. What makes a perfect album? Each song has a life of its own, yet adds to the magic around it. Each song here could be a hit single, yet doesn’t need to be because it adds tonality and flourishes to the songs that introduce and follow. Anyone who spends a day or two around here will know I very seldom shoutout an entire album, but TV on the Radio has produced an album on which not one song stands out heads above the others. They are all integral and create a single unit of space that is kept tight so that no one section goes on too long, nor is anything too short. Intelligently written, and well-produced with arrangements that enhance the entertainment value. This will be one of those rare records that will stay close to your CD player for several years. TV on the Radio

Guns & Roses – Chinese Democracy

A varied album with flavors firmly rooted in the 70’s. Everything from Elton John, Journey to the SexPistols can be sampled here, with a generous helping of Zepplin. The star of the show is the guitar playing, for sure, which is gracefully featured throughout the CD. Extreme licks with purpose all add to the ambience of the record keeping the rock rocking & the ears begging for more. Lyrically this represents juvenilia, but that’s okay, the musicianship more than covers the reason one will be listening to this album in the years to come. The title tune is sweet listening. Shoutouts for Better, There Was A Time, and The Blues. Guns & Roses

Putumayo Presents - Women of Jazz (CD)

Stating with a singer from New Jersey, we travel all over the world stopping in Paris, Russia and many more jazz hot-spots to enjoy a relaxing hour of excellent jazz that creates a sensual desire for a glass of wine and some candlelight. We meet some 20 year olds just starting their career, and wonderful dreamers 20 plus years into their careers. Melody Gardot, Madeleine Peyroux, Cassandra Wilson, Sophie Milman, Hope Waits, Kate Paradise, Jennifer Hartswick, Stacey Kent, Della Griffin and Etta Jones share the artists palette of dreams. Many flavors of jazz are sampled, from New Orleans to New York, Kansas City, and the West Coast. A varied and loving hour of music. Women of Jazz

Putumayo On Eartaste

Paul McCartney - Highway

“Running through the nighttime baby, looking like a wreck.” Excellent hi-energy, with some real tasty bass playing pulling us all out to the dance floor hoping sir knight will hit the highway again with a band able to recreate this energy on stage. Much different than earlier Fireman albums, but that’s okay because I believe each album should have its own distinct flavor. This one definitely does, with a full course dessert planned for all party travelers. Shoutouts for a slower dance Light From Your Lighthouse and the mood piece Is This Love? Paul McCartney

Alex Arrowsmith - Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Special note from Alex:

Hey Rich, long time no type! Just wanted to alert you to a new video of a new song that you might like: "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom."

It should be on my next album, Public Domain Rainbow, coming out...sometime. It's mostly finished, it's just a matter of getting the funds to do a bigger release than I've done yet.

Hope you enjoy! Best, Alex

Coulda saved two hours of my life if I had listened to the song instead of watching the two hour movie. The song is great fun either way.



Reviews of Alex Arrowsmith on Eartaste

FileFactory.com

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