Thursday, December 24, 2009

Everyone Waits For Tom


Well Xmas is now about 3 minutes old on the East Coast, so here's a little tribute to Mr. Tom Waits to well, I guess it doesn't fit too well into a stocking. Special thanks for the inspiration to put this together go to the website carnivalsaloon.blogspot.com.



Whistlin' Past The Graveyard Screamin' Jay Hawkins
Jersey Girl Holly Cole
Innocent When You Dream Great Lake Swimmers
Looks Like I'm Up Shit Creek Again Nora O'Connor
Bronx Lullaby Vamosbabe & Pascal Fricke
Temptation Diana Krall
You Can't Unring a Bell These Immortal Souls
Going Out West Gomez
I Don't Want To Grow Up Petra Haden and Bill Frisell
Foreign Affairs Eleni Mandell
New Coat Of Paint Lee Rocker
Broken Bicycles Botanica
Green Grass Cibelle
Pony Sara Watkins
Walking Spanish The Silver Hearts
Blind Love Sarah Borges & Broken Singles
Come On Up To The House Sarah Jarosz

Thursday, December 17, 2009

I Think I Hear Some Echo

Okay, it's 80s music again this week. But I bet it's been a while since you listened to Echo and the Bunnymen and probably haven't heard any of their newer stuff. In that spirit, I give you 18 tracks from the pride of Liverpool including a few cuts from their 2009 release The Fountain.


Silver
Think I Need It Too
Happy Death Men
All That Jazz
Heaven Up Here
Scissors In The Sand
All I Want
Ripeness
History Chimes
Bring On The Dancing Horses
Drivetime
My Kingdom
Stormy Weather
Sideways Eight
Way Out And Up We Go
A Promise
Gods Will Be Gods
Villiers Terrace

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Unconsolably Cat, Cline, and Cohen

Now I didn't just choose to put together Cat Power, Patsy Cline and Leonard Cohen in a mixtape because of their alliterative last names, but, well, it didn't hurt. :) So here's a couple of comps featuring those late night bards designed to keep you company in the winter nights ahead.

You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want to Do It) Patsy Cline
Master Song Leonard Cohen
Song To Bobby Cat Power
Lord, Help The Poor & Needy Cat Power
Morning Glory Leonard Cohen
Your Kinda Love Patsy Cline
Half Of You Cat Power
Came So Far for Beauty Leonard Cohen
Why Can't He Be You Patsy Cline
Leavin' On Your Mind Patsy Cline
It Ain't Fair Cat Power
Winter Lady Leonard Cohen
If I Could See the World (Through the Eyes of a Child) Patsy Cline
Paths Of Victory Cat Power
Tower of Song Leonard Cohen

Disc Two

(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction Cat Power
Does Your Heart Beat for Me? Patsy Cline
Then You'll Know Patsy Cline
Story Of Isaac Leonard Cohen
He Was A Friend Of Mine Cat Power
Tacoma Trailer Leonard Cohen
If I Could Only Stay Asleep Patsy Cline
The Greatest (Solo Version) Cat Power
Who By Fire Leonard Cohen
One of Us Cannot Be Wrong Leonard Cohen
Baby Doll Cat Power
Strange Patsy Cline
I Can't Forget Leonard Cohen
Silver Stallion Cat Power
The Wayward Wind Patsy Cline

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Pretty and High: A Roches Collection


I've never been very good at predicting what people will like and I'm especially bad at predicting which bands are due for a revival. That said, I do think those lovable quasi-folkies The Roches are about due for a comeback. Granted, they could be a tad precious occasionally....but their great harmonies, wry and inventive songwriting, not to mention Robert Fripp's guitar on their early works will always endear them to me. So here's a compilation to start the Roches revival train on its way. :)


We
Down The Dream
Face Down at Folk City
My Sick Mind
Losing True
Steady with the Maestro
Pretty and High
I Love My Mom
Louis
Come Softly to Me
I Fell in Love
The Train
Mr. Sellack
The Scorpion Lament
Older Girls
This Feminine Position
The Married Men
The Angry Angry Man
Hammond Song
Keep on Doing What You Do/Jerks on the Loose

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

On the Right Side of Christmas

Is it just me or does there seem to be a lot more Christmas albums than there used to be? And if so, why is that? (Not that I'm complaining, mind you.) Anyway, enough with the questions without a real answer - here's an Xmas music compilation for everybody.


Cool Yule Louis Armstrong
To Heck With Ole Santa Claus Loretta Lynn
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) Darlene Love
The Christmas Song The Raveonettes
I'd Like You For Christmas Julie London
World of Love Binky Griptite & the Dee-Kay's
Merry Christmas Baby James Brown
Christmas Lullaby Shane MacGowan & The Popes
Dashing Through the Snow Duke Ellington
Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas The Staple Singers
Christmas Tree On Fire Holly Golightly
What Will Santa Claus Say (When He Finds Everybody Swinging) Louis Prima
Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) Elvis Presley
Spotlight on Christmas Rufus Wainwright
Christmas Is Lou Rawls
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Ella Fitzgerald
Santa Will Find You Mindy Smith
Dark Christmas Dex Romweber Duo
We Wish You A Merry Christmas Kim Weston
Thanks For Christmas The Three Wise Men (aka XTC)
Just Like Christmas Low
All I Want For Christmas Is You Carla Thomas
Lonely Christmas Call George Jones
Make It Home Juliana Hatfield

Friday, November 20, 2009

Another Trip Back to Alternative Country

Well, you didn't think I would just make two 90s alt-country compilations, did ya? I mean, there was a LOT of good alt-country music in the 90s. So I give you Volume 3 (late night driving music) and Volume 4 (Texas artists).


Dreaming Cowboy Sally Timms
I'm So Lonesome Without You Hazeldine
Safe Within Your Arms Greg Garing
Heart, I Wish You Were Here Robbie Fulks
Holy Ghost Scud MountainBoys
Broke Down One Fell Swoop
All God's Children Simon Bonney
Halfway To Madness Tarnation
The Best I Can Do Dirtball
Withered and Died Caitlin Cary
The Man Of Somebody's Dream Chris Gaffney
Two Seconds The Volebeats
Halogen D. Braxton Harris
Thief Blood Oranges
Leaving Angel Dean & The Zephyrs
If I Were You Tom Leach
Cheater's World Amy Allison
Burning Memories Katy Moffatt
Sudden Stop Kelly Hogan & The Pine Valley Cosmonauts
Cry Mike Ireland And Holler

Download Volume 4

Clay Pigeons Blaze Foley
Horseshoe Lounge Slaid Cleaves
Wild Things Gurf Morlix
Forget Thinkin' Beaver Nelson
Cowboy Ramsey Don Walser
White Corn Casper Rawls
Shadows Where The Magic Was James Hand
Tucumcari, Here I Come Dale Watson
Bandera Highway Ray Campi & Rosie Flores
West Texas Heaven Kimmie Rhodes
$100 Bill Jon Dee Graham
Polkadots And Moonbeams The Hot Club Of Cowtown
The Lay of the Land Lisa Mednick
Rear View Mirror Bobby Earl Smith
Heaven Bound Damon Bramblett
All Right I'll Sign The Papers Justin Trevino
Blue Tatoo Marti Brom
Spit and Tears The Damnations TX
One by One Michael Fracasso
Loose Diamond David Halley & Rich & Katy Brotherton

Thursday, November 12, 2009

A Trip Back to Alternative Country

I realize the 2010s are almost upon us and at some point I may make a best of 2009 compilation, but tonight's post is devoted to alternative country from the 1990s - specifically, the alt-country artists and bands from the 90s that didn't receive the attention of Wilco, Whiskeytown, Old 97s, etc.


Long Time A Comin' Bap Kennedy
The Calm Comes After Kate Jacobs
A Little Bluer Than That Irene Kelley
On The Streets Rico Bell
Monterey Paul Burch & the WPA Ballclub
Blue Stranger Paul Kelly & the Messengers
Love Is Not Blind Lonesome Bob
Lie, Memory, Lie Dallas Wayne
Pictures Of China Tandy
Cycle Of Days The Schramms
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For Dale Ann Bradley
Weight Of The World Christy McWilson
Big Time Broken Heart Terry Anderson
Jealous of the River Pat Haney
Songs Bottles Are Broken To Forever Goldrush
Link Of Chain Chris Smither
Try It Again Royann Calvin
Hands Off Courtney & Western
Highway Junkie Chris Knight
Can't Let Go Randy Weeks


Disc Two

County Fair Phil Alvin
Red, Red Wine And Cheatin' Songs Marty Stuart
Red Headed Woman Deke Dickerson & The Eccofonics
It's a Mystery to Me Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys
Kansas City Kitty Dave Stuckey & The Rhythm Gang
Oh Lonesome Me Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel
Wake Up Screaming Jim Lauderdale
Must've Been High Supersuckers
George's Bad Day Biller & Wakefield
Big Black Cadillac Sonny Burgess
Fool on a Stool Bill Kirchen
King of the Blues Dick Curless
Gastonia The Starroom Boys
Bustin' Up Jim Campilongo and the 10 Gallon Cats
She's A Nail In My Heart Jeff Bright & The Sunshine Boys
Lester Leaps In Ray Condo & His Ricochets
Blue Moon Blue Neil Mooney
Little M Flat Duo Jets
I Don't Do Floors Jann Browne
Your Old Used To Be Souvenirs

Thursday, November 5, 2009

More Kirsty Kronikles

Since Kirsty Maccoll put out so much good stuff that wasn't on her formal releases (I mean, how could I make a Kirsty comp without There's a Guy Works Down the Cornershop or her covers of Train in Vain, Walk Right Back, etc) , here's Volume III of The Kirsty Kronikles. Oh Kirsty, we really miss you.


A New England
Train in Vain
Teenager In Love
Miss Otis Regrets/Just One Of Those Things [feat. The Pogues]
King Kong
They Don't Know
Sail Away [Ghostland & Kirsty]
Other People's Hearts
There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis
Closer To God
Hard To Believe
Terry
The Butcher Boy
Walk Right Back
Manhattan Moon

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Kirsty Kronikles


In addition to her impeccable pop sensibilities and eclectic tastes, Kirsty Maccoll was a great singer, a witty and incisive lyricist, and despite her stage fright, a terrific live act (I saw her at Tramps in New York City in 1995). And from all accounts I've read, she was a caring and charming person. She was killed in a tragic boating accident in Mexico almost 9 years ago at the age of 41 only a few months before her last (and maybe best) album Tropical Brainstorm was released. Had she lived, she would have turned 50 this month. So to honor, the late great Ms. Maccoll, here's 30 songs not found on any of her major formal releases (Kite, Electric Landlady, Titanic Days, or Tropical Brainstorm) all of which you should get if you don't have them already (especially Kite and Tropical Brainstorm).


Keep Your Hands Off My Baby
Darling, Let's Have Another Baby
Irish Cousin
Perfect Day [feat. Evan Dando]
The Real Ripper
Mexican Sofa
Turn My Motor On
Queen Of The High Teas
Please Help Me, I'm Falling
Don't Run Away from Me Now
See That Girl
Quietly Alone
London Bridge Is Falling Down
Caroline
As Long As You Hold Me

Disc Two

El Paso
Patrick
Clubland
All The Tears That I Cried
Libertango
Dear John
Fairytale Of New York
He Thinks I Still Care
I Want Out
Sun On The Water
Please Go to Sleep
I Am Afraid
You Caught Me Out
He's on the Beach
Still Life

Thursday, October 22, 2009

The Sweet Sounds of Muscle Shoals: Vol. 4 - "More Power to Ya!"

Well, I finally my grubby little mitts on a copy of the 4th volume of The Sweet Sounds of Muscle Shoals!!!! It's a vinyl copy which means the songs are slightly different than the cd version. Also, since I'm still burning my vinyl to a cd recorder connected to my stereo, there's a few little noise on some of the tracks.
Now I gotta say I don't think Volume 4 is quite good as the previous three, but there's still a lot of good stuff - my faves are Bill Brandon's "All I Need is You" and Tony Borders "Gentle on My Mind".

(Btw, as someone informed me in the comments section when I posted the previous three volumes, there is a Volume 5, but that one seems really rare.)


More Power to Ya Don Varner
Heaven Help Me (I'm Falling In Love With You) June Edwards
Please Don't Break My Heart (Like You Did Jerry's) Tony Borders
All I Need Is You Bill Brandon
It's A Man's World Buddy Causey
Gentle On My Mind Tony Borders
The Sweetest Story Don Varner
It Sure Was Fun Eddie Bradford
I Met Her In Church Tony Borders
A Mighty Long Way Eddie Bradford
What The World Needs Now Bill Brandon
Headman Tony Borders
My Man (My Sweet Man) June Edwards
Home For The Summer Don Varner
Don't Let Go Tony Borders
To Make My Life Beautiful Bill Brandon

Thursday, October 15, 2009

This Way to the Velvet Underground


It'd be nice if I had something bold and insightful to say about the Velvet Underground, but it's not like kegs of ink haven't already been spilled on the subject. However, since there really isn't a comprehensive best of collection for the band, here ya go..... And like last week's post, you can download both discs as one download.


Disc One

White Light, White Heat
I'm Waiting for the Man
Foggy Notion
I Found A Reason
Stephanie Says
What Goes On
Venus in Furs
Sunday Morning
Some Kinda Love
Temptation Inside Your Heart
Oh! Sweet Nuthin'
The Black Angel's Death Song

Disc Two

I Can't Stand It
Run Run Run
There She Goes Again
The Gift
That's the Story of My Life
One of These Days
Femme Fatale
Andy's Chest
Beginning to See the Light
Pale Blue Eyes
I'll Be Your Mirror
Who Loves The Sun

Thursday, October 8, 2009

At the No Hope Bar with Bobby and Holly

Ever since I heard Holly Golightly sing Further On Up the Road, I thought I should put her and Bobby "Blue" Bland together on a mixtape (and yes I know Bobby didn't write the song, but well, he does make it his.) So here's a couple of short mixtapes (combined into one download) for you.


Side One

Stormy Monday Bobby "Blue" Bland
Further On Up The Road Holly Golightly
Won't Go Out Holly Golightly
I Take It On Home Bobby "Blue" Bland
Tell Me Now So I Know Holly Golightly
That Did It Bobby "Blue" Bland
Wherever You Were Holly Golightly
Cry, Cry, Cry Bobby "Blue" Bland
You Ought To Be Ashamed Bobby Blue Bland
Your Love Is Mine Holly Golightly
I've Been Wrong So Long Bobby "Blue" Bland
Here Beside You Holly Golightly
Blind Man Bobby "Blue" Bland
Slowly But Surely Holly Golightly

Side Two

Run Cold Holly Golightly
I Woke Up Screaming Bobby "Blue" Bland
An Eye for an Empty Heart Holly Golightly
That Did It (Single Version) Bobby "Blue" Bland
Cold Day in Hell Bobby "Blue" Bland
If I Could Just Be Loved by You Holly Golightly
I'll Take Care Of You Bobby "Blue" Bland
There's An End Holly Golightly
Ain't Nothing You Can Do Bobby "Blue" Bland
Serial Girlfriend Holly Golightly
Here Beside You Holly Golightly
I'm On My Way Bobby Blue Bland
No Hope Bar Holly Golightly
Two Steps From The Blues Bobby "Blue" Bland

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Still Causing a Commotion

Well, it's time for another guest contribution to the blog. The copy is on its way, but in the meantime, here's my friend Julian's mixtape of Lloyd Cole's solo (mostly) work after he parted ways with the Commotions.


Morning Is Broken
So You'd Like To Save The World
Woman in a Bar
Another Lover
Antidepressant
Pay For It
No More Love Songs
She's a Girl and I'm a Man
Downtown
Unhappy Song
Alright People
A Long Way Down
People Ain't No Good
Brazil
Happy For You
Margo's Waltz
I Hate To See You Baby Doing That Stuff
Fool You Are (Demo)

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Funny How the Circle is a Wheel

Back in the late 90s when I was doing my alt-country radio show, I acquired a tape of someone else's radio show (I kinda forget exactly how). Anyway, it became a mainstay in the box of cassettes I kept in my car. Due to the 60s-70s country vibe of many of the songs, I especially found myself listening to it anytime I found myself driving around on back roads on fall afternoons. So since the cassette got kinda worn out, I thought I'd take some of my faves from the tape and add some like-minded songs.


I'll Be Around Bobby Bare Jr.
Pack Up Your Sorrows Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison
I Turned a Corner Paul Burch & the WPA Ballclub
I Take A Lot Of Pride In What I Am Merle Haggard
Mountain Girl Blue Mountain
Me And Paul Willie Nelson
Warmth & Beauty Thad Cockrell
Where Have All The Average People Gone Roger Miller
We Go Together Tammy Wynette & George Jones
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues Emmylou Harris
It's Alright Bobby Bare
Take Me Home, Country Roads Lynn Anderson
1970 #1 Song Cadillac Terry Radigan
Two Angels The Jayhawks
Full Circle Song Gene Clark
Sneaky Snake Tom T. Hall
Jennifer Johnson and Me Robert Earl Keen, Jr.
Forever and Ever, Amen Randy Travis
No Depression Uncle Tupelo
Blanket on the Ground Billie Jo Spears

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Well Fancy That: The Terry Hall Collection

I was just a bit too young to go see The Specials, but I'm proud to say that I altered my drivers permit so I could see what turned out to be (I think) the final show of Fun Boy Three at the Ritz in New York in 1983. Though I don't remember too much about the show and I think I went primarily because of their connection to The Specials. I didn't really keep up with Terry Hall's 90s and 00s output, but I've always loved Waiting and the first Colourfield album (and ep) and never sound dated (at least to these ears.) So here's a couple mixtapes featuring The Fun Boy Three and Colourfield as well as some of Terry's later work.


Disc One

Murder She Said The Fun Boy Three
The More I See (The Less I Believe) The Fun Boy Three
Castles In The Air The Colourfield
Grief Disguised As Joy Terry Hall
Sanctuary The Fun Boy Three
The Colourfield The Colourfield
Alone The Fun Boy Three
Ballad of a Landlord (Acoustic) Terry Hall
Fishbones and Scaredy Cats Terry, Blair & Anouchka
Badlands Colourfield
Frosty Morning The Colourfield
T'aint What You Do (It's The Way That You Do It) The Fun Boy Three
Forever J Terry Hall
Things We Do The Fun Boy Three
Hammond Song Colourfield

Disc Two

I Can't Get Enough Of You Baby Colourfield
Going Home The Fun Boy Three
We're Having All The Fun The Fun Boy Three
Tip Of My Tongue Vegas
Pushing Up Daisies The Colourfield
Way On Down The Fun Boy Three
Music to Watch Girls By Terry Hall
Problem Is Dub Pistols (featuring Terry Hall)
Miss Texas 1967 Colourfield
Yours Sincerely The Colourfield
Summertime (Extended 12'' Mix) Fun Boy Three
This Guy's In Love With You Terry Hall
The Lunatics Have Taken Over The Asylum The Fun Boy
Three Armchair Theater The Colourfield
Well Fancy That! The Fun Boy Three

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Emmy and Nancy

Commuting to work by train as I do, I seem to gravitate to the twangy stuff for my morning ride in the fall. So here's a mixtape featuring Emmylou Harris and Nanci Griffith - with an emphasis on their albums from the 80s. (Oh, and if you hear a few crackles - well, some of the mp3s were burned from vinyl and I'm too lazy to do all that high-falutin' digital editing.)


Ooh Las Vegas Emmylou Harris
I Wish It Would Rain Nanci Griffith
It's Only Rock & Roll Emmylou Harris
In My Dreams Emmylou Harris
If I Were The Woman You Wanted Nanci Griffith
You're Supposed To Be Feeling Good Emmylou Harris
Spin On A Red Brick Floor Nanci Griffith
Feelin' Single - Seein' Double Emmylou Harris
Mary & Omie Nanci Griffith
Ashes By Now Emmylou Harris
Love Wore a Halo (Back Before the War) Nanci Griffith
I Would Change My Life Nanci Griffith
Mystery Train Emmylou Harris
Ballad Of Robin Winter-Smith Nanci Griffith
Amarillo Emmylou Harris
One of These Days Nanci Griffith
Love Is A Hard Waltz Nanci Griffith
Sin City Emmylou Harris
White Line Emmylou Harris
Sweet Dreams Will Come Nanci Griffith

Thursday, September 3, 2009

I'm Committed to Elvis

I'm pretty sure I got my first Elvis Costello record back in 1982 - I think it was Armed Forces. I can't say I haven't been a bit disappointed, or sometimes just felt a little blah, with some of the releases over the last 20 years. Still the guy is prolific. And some of the latter day Elvis albums really do hold up to his earlier work. So tonight I give you an Elvis career retrospective - proceeding chronologically, there's one cut from each of his albums (including compilations like Taking Liberties and Out of Our Idiot).

Download Disc One

I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself
Less Than Zero
The Beat
Oliver's Army
Posession
Clowntime Is Over
Too Far Gone
From A Whisper To A Scream
Shabby Doll
Everyday I Write The Book
Room With No Number
Tokyo Storm Warning
Brilliant Mistake
The Flirting Kind
Pads, Paws and Claws


Georgie And Her Rival
I Almost Had A Weakness
Smack 'im!
13 Steps Lead Down
Payday
Weird Nightmare
Shallow Grave
God Give Me Strength
Dust
I'm In The Mood Again
Bedlam
That's How You Got Killed Before
Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further?
Go Away
My All Time Doll

Thursday, August 27, 2009

All the Bad Cats in the Bad Hats: The Sounds of Blaxploitation


I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of 70s blaxploitation films, but I’ve been a fan of the music from those movies ever since I heard the soundtrack to Superfly (still my favorite soundtrack album, fwiw). So here’s 17 cuts from different blaxploitation films – admittedly, some of the movies aren't quite blaxploitation flicks, at least in the narrowest sense of the genre, but all of the songs are from movie soundtracks. (Btw, the comments section for each mp3 notes the movie the song came from.)


Down And Out In New York City James Brown
Make A Resolution The Impressions
Getting It On Leroy Hutson
Love Doctor Millie Jackson
Blowin' Your Mind Smith & Co.
Harlem By Day (Instr.) Galt MacDermot
Coffy Is the Color Roy Ayers
Sweetback's Theme Earth Wind & Fire
T Plays It Cool Marvin Gaye
Give Me Your Love (Love Song) Curtis Mayfield
They Call Me Mister Tibbs Quincy Jones
What The World Knows [Vocal by The Hues Corporation) Gene Page
One Gun Salute Donald Byrd
Are You Man Enough? The Four Tops
I Choose You Willie Hutch
Blue Crib Isaac Hayes
Across 110th Street Bobby Womack & Peace

Thursday, August 20, 2009

America is Waiting for Byrne and Eno


Okay, I know David Byrne toured this summer performing "the songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno". But I promise - scout's honor(*) - that I actually came up with the idea of putting together a mixtape featuring stuff from Eno's three albums with the Talking Heads, their collaboration album, Byrne's Catherine Wheel, and Eno's mid 70s solo stuff even before Everything That Happens Will Happen Today came out last year. I just didn't get around to actually making the comps til recently. So, believe me or not, here are a couple of Byrne and Eno mixtapes.


Disc One

America Is Waiting Brian Eno & David Byrne
Air Talking Heads
Heaven Talking Heads
Eggs In A Briar Patch David Byrne
Mea Culpa Brian Eno & David Byrne
Double Groove (Unfinished Outtake) Talking Heads
Strange Overtones David Byrne & Brian Eno
Two Soldiers David Byrne
Through Hollow Lands Brian Eno
Two Against Three Brian Eno & David Byrne
Defiant Brian Eno & David Byrne
The Good Thing Talking Heads
I Feel My Stuff David Byrne & Brian Eno
Adé David Byrne
Listening Wind Talking Heads


Disc Two

I Zimbra Talking Heads
His Wife Refused David Byrne
Pitch To Voltage Brian Eno & David Byrne
Mountain Of Needles Brian Eno & David Byrne
The Big Ship Brian Eno
My Big Nurse David Byrne & Brian Eno
I'm Not In Love Talking Heads
Number 8 Mix Brian Eno & David Byrne
Combat David Byrne
Right Start (Unfinished Outtake) Talking Heads
Light Bath David Byrne
Moonlight In Glory Brian Eno & David Byrne
Stay Hungry Talking Heads
Words With The Shaman Brian Eno & David Byrne
The River David Byrne & Brian Eno

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Blame It On The Bossa Nova


In the movie “Next Stop Wonderland” (which has a great soundtrack, btw), a Brazilian man tells the main character (played by Hope Davis) that there is “a little of Brazil in you” – “See, you are sad and happy. You don't smile but you are content. You are sad and happy at the same time. In Brazil we have a term for that - it's 'Saudade'. It's like ... melancholic, nostalgic; it's very Bossanova.” I always kinda liked that idea, even if I have no clue whether it’s accurate (and I really don’t want to find out. :) Anyway, just in time to enjoy one last summer caipirinha (or two or three), here’s a compilation of Brazilian music.


O Telefone Tocou Novamente Jorge Ben
Use Your Head Money Mark
The Carimbæo Nação Zumbi
Pais Tropical Gal Costa
Que Negra e Essa Trio Mocoto
Numbers Smoke City
Mama Africa Chico Cesar
O Pato (The Duck) Coleman Hawkins
Once I Loved Shirley Horn
Baião Atemporal Gilberto Gil & Caetano Veloso
Sunshine Barato The Mosquitos
This Is Not A Tango The Juju Orchestra
Caçada Chico Buarque
Samba Sem Nenhum Problema Marcio Local
Una Mujer Seu Jorge
Bicho Do Mato Walter Wanderly
Claustrofobia Martinho Da Silva
Água De Beber Antônio Carlos Jobim

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Me and Maria McKee


Ah, remember the 1980s when people thought rootsy bands could take over the world. Well, at least sell a bunch of records. I still remember how much hype Lone Justice got, in part because of their great live shows. Their two albums didn't quite live up to the hype, though (imho) Maria McKee's first two solo albums certainly did. They still didn't sell too many copies, but at least the Dixie Chicks made her some money by covering "Am I The Only One". So here's a comp of McKee's early solo work and her days with Lone Justice. (And yes, I know the title of the comp is kinda lame, but oh well. :)


East of Eden
Drugstore Cowboy
Show Me Heaven
Precious Time
I've Forgotten What it Was in You (That Put The Need in Me)
Sweet, Sweet Baby (I'm Falling)
This World Is Not My Home
Can't Pull the Wool Down Over the Little Lamb's Eyes
Soap, Soup, and Salvation
Why Wasn't I More Grateful (When Life Was Sweet)
Panic Beach
Only Once
After The Flood
I Found Love
My Girlhood Among the Outlaws
Rattlesnake Mama
You Are the Light
To Miss Someone
Am I the Only One (Who's Ever Felt This Way?)
Shelter
Has He Got a Friend For Me?

Thursday, July 30, 2009

I Was a 90s Indie Goddess

Last week the NY Times published a piece about overly nostalgic 20somethings - with an emphasis on their undying love for Harry Potter. The author also cited as proof the success of Britney Spears last tour, as well as the recent reunions of Blink 182, Limp Bizkit, and Creed. Maybe it's just me, but it seems that nostalgic 20somethings have been around for quite a while. More importantly- couldn't the author have found someone nostalgic for 90s indie rock???

So, in that spirit, I give to you "I Was a 90s Indie Goddess- Volumes 1 and 2" featuring Liz Phair, Juliana Hatfield, Belly, Kristin Hersh, The Breeders, and Mazzy Star. And feel free to engage in as much (or as little) nostalgia as you please.


Supermodel The Juliana HatfieldThree
X-Ray Man Liz Phair
Slow Dog Belly
Angel Belly
Ride It On Mazzy Star
Cannonball The Breeders
No Outlet Juliana Hatfield
Super-Connected Belly
Glory Liz Phair
Velvet Days Kristin Hersh
Seal My Fate Belly
Nirvana Juliana Hatfield
Whip-Smart Liz Phair
Cinco de Mayo Liz Phair
Spin The Bottle The Juliana Hatfield Three
Divine Hammer The Breeders


6'1" Liz Phair
My Sister The Juliana Hatfield Three
This Is The Sound The Juliana Hatfield Three
Sad Dress Belly
Cuckoo Kristin Hersh
Supernova Liz Phair
Get Off Your Knees Juliana Hatfield
Flipside The Breeders
A Dame With A Rod The Juliana Hatfield Three
Unreflected Mazzy Star
Dusted Belly
Now They'll Sleep Belly
Fuck and Run Liz Phair
I See You Juliana Hatfield
S.O.S. The Breeders
Feed the Tree Belly

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Still Tripping On The Sadies

Like most fans of The Sadies (and like most fans of indie bands), I wonder why they haven't become popular. But I'm even more puzzled by something else. Given their surf/country/spaghetti western sound - why hasn't Quentin Tarantino cast them in one of his movies as the house bar band? And has he even put their music in one of his films??? (I don't think he has, but I'm not sure.) At any rate, here's a nice (I think) 20 track sampler of the scintillating sounds of The Sadies.


Pass the Chutney
The Corktown
1000 Cities Falling (Part 1)
Red Cloth
A#1
A Simple Aspiration
What's Left Behind
The Curdled Journey
Tell Her Lies & Feed Her Candy
Walking Boss
The Beach Land
16 Mile Creek Breakdown
Oak Ridges
Wolf Tones
The Pyramid
The Hide Out
Empty the Chamber
Talkin' Down
Northumberland West
Dying Is Easy

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Up on the Lowedown

So what's the most impressive aspect of Nick Lowe's career - the songs, the consistent track record, his late career "Brentsford Trilogy" albums (The Impossible Bird, Dig My Mood, and The Convincer), or his work as a producer (Elvis Costello, The Pretenders, The Damned, Graham Parker, Carlene Carter, etc)? While you ponder the question, here's a couple of Nick Lowe mixtapes to enjoy.


(You're My) Wildest Dream
Stick It Where The Sun Don't Shine
7 Nights To Rock
Love Like a Glove
Tanque-Rae
Queen of Sheba
Long Limbed Girl
One's Too Many (And A Hundred Ain't Enough)
You Stabbed Me In The Front
Rocket Coast
You'll Never Get Me Up in One of Those
Born Fighter
Cracking Up
Raging Eyes
Awesome


We Want Action
Shting-Shtang
Big Hair
American Squirm
The Rose Of England
Lonely Just Like Me
Tonight
Half A Boy & Half A Man
The Club
Heart Of The City
Breakaway
My Heart Hurts
Zulu Kiss
Cruel To Be Kind
Bobo Ska Diddle Daddle

Thursday, July 2, 2009

A Wave of Old School Reggae


Reggae seems to have acquired a bad name in recent years (cue scene from Ghost World). Now, I never got much into dub, but I still have a fondness for old school reggae – especially those great falsetto voices. So, uh, here’s a reggae compilation.


Sweet Sensation The Melodians
Open Up The Gate The Congos
Undying Love Ernest Wilson
Young Lover The Heptones
Sitting And Watching Dennis Brown
Wonderful Tonight Kotch
Quit Trying Bunny Wailer
On Verra Ca Toure Kunda
Ba Ba Boom The Jamaicans
Puff She Puff Black Uhuru
I Love to Truck Eddy Grant
Mix Up, Mix Up Bob Marley & The Wailers
Gave You My Love Delroy Wilson
I Wish it Would Rain Jimmy Riley
Pure Ranking Horace Andy
Dry Up Your Tears Bruce Ruffin
54-46 That's My Number Toots And The Maytals
The Israelites Desmond Dekker

Thursday, June 25, 2009

A Fistful of Fulks


Back in the fall of 1996, I got Robbie Fulks’ very first cd (Country Love Songs) at the radio station. I think there had been a bunch of mediocre releases that summer because I remember looking at the case and insert and figgerin’ this was probably some derivative alt-country cd. But being the dutiful dj, I brought it home and listened. I was immediately impressed by the first song – a cover of Tim Carroll’s “Every Kind of Music But Country” – and about halfway through the next song “Rock Bottom, Pop 1”, I knew I had seriously underestimated the man. 13 years later, I’m still a big fan of Robbie and still puzzled that none of his songs have ever been hits for some big country or rock performer. (To any country producers or singers reading this blog and looking for a hit, I’d go with “Lie, Memory, Lie” – it’s on Dallas Wayne’s album “Big Thinking” that Robbie produced). He’s also one of the best live acts around and since I’m going to see Monday at the Mercury Lounge in NYC, I thought I’d put together an odds and sods collection for the occasion.
In Bristol Town One Bright Day
Tupelo County Jail
Cigarette State
Bloodshot's Turning 5
Tears At The Grand Ol' Opry
Fountains of Wayne Hotline
I'm Just A Girl
The Call Of The Wreckin' Ball
Cry, Cry, Cry
I Like Being Left Alone
Browns Ferry Blues
When I See an Elephant Fly
King Of The Blues
That's Heaven To Me
Wedding Of The Bugs
Goodbye Virginia
Let's Kill Saturday Night

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Greetings from L.A.

This week, I decided to put together a little homage to some LA based performers - Eleni Mandell, Aimee Mann, Stan Ridgway, and Tom Waits. Yeah, I'm an East Coast boy, but like, whatever.....


Closer To Him: Eleni Mandell
Looking for Nothing: Aimee Mann
As I Went Out One Morning: Stan Ridgway
Snaketrain: Stan Ridgway
Hold On: Tom Waits
Man in the Paper Hat: Eleni Mandell
Straight To The Top (Rhumba): Tom Waits
Gone the Distance: Stan Ridgway
Little Tornado: Aimee Mann
Beautiful: Aimee Mann
Tristeza: Eleni Mandell
On A Foggy Night: Tom Waits
In Shades: Tom Waits
One: Aimee Mann
Maybe, Yes: Eleni Mandell
A Mission In Life: Stan Ridgway

Disc Two

Foreign Affair: Tom Waits
Nightmare Song: Eleni Mandell
He Thinks He's In Love: Eleni Mandell
The Moth: Aimee Mann
End Of The Line: Stan Ridgway
Mr. Siegal: Tom Waits
I'm Thru With Love: Eleni Mandell
Picture In A Frame: Tom Waits
Medicine Wheel: Aimee Mann
Man of Stone: Stan Ridgway
Calling Out To Carol: Stan Ridgway
Lord I've Been Changed: Tom Waits
Silverlake Babies: Eleni Mandell
Video: Aimee Mann
Whistle For Louise: Stan Ridgway
Wise Up: Aimee Mann

Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Splendid Stylings of Syd Straw


It was the summer of 1993. I was living in Albany and I had just worked a Sunday double shift waiting tables. It wasn't the best of jobs (though I must confess that working the Sunday buffet shift was pretty easy) so when I found out Syd Straw was playing at QE2 that night, I was happy to go get to see some live music. I think I also had to stay late at work, but the concert must have started late because I got there about halfway through Vic Chesnutt's set. It was probably about midnight, then, by the time Syd came on. I wasn't really that a big fan at the time, but she converted me that night. The stuff from her 1989 album Surprise was great and she did killer covers of Wreckless Eric's Whole Wide World and Robyn Hitchcock's She Doesnt' Exist Anymore. Plus, she must have played til like 3 am - I admit to leaving at around 2:30 because I was exhausted (and I probably had to do another double shift the next day)
So here's a 'lil Syd compilation for you - and this time, I remembered to put the information about the albums the songs came from in the comments for each mp3.

The Toughest Girl In The World
The T.B. Is Whipping Me
Heart of Darkness
I've Been The One
Blue Shadows on the Trail
(I'm Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear
CBGB's
Love, And The Lack Of It
Chasing Vapor Trails (His Turn to Cry)
Buenos Aires
Almost As Blue
For Shame of Doing Wrong
Almost Magic
The Train That Takes You Away...
Think Too Hard
Harper Valley P.T.A.
What Am I Worth
Love is a Friend of Mine
The Unanswered Question?
Never Before and Never Again

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Wanna Do My Thing

Well, I was going to talk about discovering African music back in the early 80s via Peter Gabriel and Talking Heads, but.....nah. Anyway, here's a couple of compilations of African music I put together. I forgot to put the info about the albums the cuts came from, but that's why there's allmusic, right? :) (Note: I know the Daktaris aren't from Africa - but I thought it was a funny little music stunt.)


Adena Ike King Sunny Ade
Megaton Vecchio
Dancing Time Funkees
Iumumba Miriam Makeba
Just A Moment George Danquah
Home Sweet Home Orlando Julius
Daktari Walk Daktaris
Okwukwe Na Nchekwube Celestine Ukwu & His Philosophers National
Gbagada Gbagada Gbogodo Gbogod Fela Kuti & Africa 70
Allah Wakbarr Ofo The Black Company
Ererimbot Ayafung Oko Rex Williams
Qhude Manikiniki / Fair Fight Umahlathini Nabo
Minuit eleki Lezi Franco

Wanna Do My Thing Matata
Afro-Disco Beat Tony Allen
When Am I Going To Reach There? Metche Dershe
Sini Lindile / We Are Waiting For You Nganeziyamfisa No Khamba Lomvaleliso
N'daya paradis Tabu Ley Rochereau
Umbaqanga Music Juluka
Kita Kita Gaspar Lawal
Weya Manu Dibango
Boulmamine Orchestra Baobab
Talking Drum Africa Messengers/Ginger Johnson
Minsato Le, Mi Dayihome Orchestra Poly
Fatoumata Bembeya Jazz National
By Your Side (Cottonbelly's Folly) Sade

Thursday, May 28, 2009

The Secret Life of Neko Case

I still remember getting Neko Case's very first album "The Virginian" back in 1997 and being completely wowed. She hasn't disappointed since (though if I REALLY wanted to nitpick, I'd say her last album isn't quite as strong as its predecessors) and her live shows are always great. Plus, she finds time to sing (and sometimes tour) with The New Pornographers and has also appeared on numerous collections and other people's albums. So in that spirit, I give you The Secret Life of Neko - 32 songs you won't find on her formal releases. I didn't include stuff where's she only singing background, though there's a couple of tracks where she only takes 1-2 verses. Special thanks in this pursuit go to the ultra comprehensive discography at http://helge.kinks.de/neko/neko_discography.pdf
Lastly, I should mention that information on the original album the songs came can be found in the comments section for each mp3.


If I'm Gonna Sink, I Might As Well Go to the Bottom
The Laws Have Changed
Jason Fleming
Rolling Stone
Long Black Veil
East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)
Stay A Little Longer
These Are The Fables
Star Bodies
Mean Mean Man
Brown-Eyed Handsome Man
She's Leaving Town
Still Around
Failsafe
Getting It Made
Yon Ferrets Return

The Secret Life of Neko - Side B

Challengers
Buckets of Rain
Home
Your Control
All For Swinging You Around
How Does That Grab You, Darlin'?
The World Is Waiting For A Sunrise
River Of No Return
My '63
Howling at Midnight
Rated X
Taught to Look Away
Cowhand
Behind The House
The Bones Of An Idol
Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Songs for the Front Porch

Before there was alternative country.... well, there was a lot of good "alternative country" that just wasn't called alternative country. :) Three of my favorite alt-country albums back in the early 1990s were Robert Earl Keen's No Kinda Dancer (originally came out in 1984, but then reissued in 1989), Junior Brown's "12 Shades of Brown", and Walter Hyatt's "King Tears". I don't know why I put those three together on a mixtape back in 1990, but I think they still sound good together. While No Kinda Dancer isn't Keen's best (his singing got a lot better for No Kinda Dancer), there's still a bunch of strong songs and I think 12 Shades of Brown and King Tears are, respectively, Brown and Hyatt's best work. In particular, King Tears is one of the truly underappreciated gems of the 1990s.


My Baby Don't Dance To Nothin' But Earnest Tubb Junior Brown
Swervin' In My Lane Robert Earl Keen
Ruby Walter Hyatt
Willie Robert Earl Keen
Moan All Night Long Junior Brown
Outside Looking Out Walter Hyatt
Que Reste-T-Il de Nos Amours? Walter Hyatt
Broke Down South Of Dallas Junior Brown
Freeborn Man Junior Brown
Situé Walter Hyatt
No Kinda Dancer Robert Earl Keen
Coconut Island Junior Brown
Aloha Walter Hyatt
Song For Kathy Robert Earl Keen


Tell Me Baby Walter Hyatt
The Front Porch Song Robert Earl Keen
This Time, Lucille Walter Hyatt
What's Left Just Won't Go Right Junior Brown
Too Many Nights In A Roadhouse Junior Brown
Young Lovers Waltz Robert Earl Keen
Blind Love Blues Walter Hyatt
A Way To Survive Junior Brown
In November Walter Hyatt
Rolling By Robert Earl Keen
Death Of Tail Fitzsimmons Robert Earl Keen
Baby Let The Bad Times Be Junior Brown
King Tears Walter Hyatt
Hillbilly Hula Gal Junior Brown

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Sucking in the 70s

I don't really believe in the concept of guilty pleasures - life's too short for those kind of worries. On the other hand......well, I'll just use the defense that the music you listened to as a10-15 year old is the stuff you'll like the rest of your life. In that spirit, I give you my 70s mixtape. Indulge!!!



Mama Told Me (Not To Come) Three Dog Night
Kung Fu Fighting Carl Douglas
Stuck In The Middle With You Stealers Wheel
Before The Next Teardrop Falls Freddy Fender
Fooled Around And Fell In Love Elvin Bishop
Come And Get Your Love Redbone
Jackie Blue The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Lonely Boy Andrew Gold
At Seventeen Janis Ian
Haitian Divorce Steely Dan
Driver's Seat Sniff 'n' Tears
Here Comes The Sun Richie Havens
Angie The Rolling Stones
I Can Help Billy Swan
Alone Again (Naturally) Gilbert O'Sullivan
Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again The Fortunes
Magnet And Steel Walter Egan
You Sexy Thing Hot Chocolate
Seasons In The Sun Terry Jacks
I'm Not In Love 10cc

Friday, May 8, 2009

Introducing the Golden Smog

For those of you too young to remember, there was a band called Asia in the early 1980s made up of musicians from YES, ELP, King Crimson (and one of the guys from the Buggles). Their first album had a bunch of hits. Well, I think they were top 20 hits - I just know I heard them a lot on rock radio at the time. I also recall that deejays frequently referred to them as a supergroup which must have impressed me in some way because I still remember the term. Anyway, I was reflecting on the term a couple of weeks back and decided to waste some more precious time by looking at the entry for it on Wikipedia. Of course they had an overly comprehensive list of supergroups. Except they left out those lovably scruffy Midwestern boys of Golden Smog. So here's a compilation to make up for the oversight. (In case folks don't know - the name Golden Smog was taken from one of my all time favorite Flintstones episodes. Hence, the picture on the right.)


Walk Where He Walked
Son (We've Kept the Room Just For You)
5/22/2002
Another Fine Day
Making Waves
Pecan Pie
You Make It Easy
Until You Came Along
Lost Love
Can't Even Tie Your Own Shoes
Listen Joe
Backstreet Girl
Redheaded Stepchild
Corvette
All The Same To Me
Think About Yourself
Without A Struggle
V
Easy to Be Hard
Jennifer Save Me

Friday, May 1, 2009

California Dreaming

Actually, even though it's kind of rainy and cloudy in the n'east, I can't say I'm really California dreaming these days. But I'll always have an enduring fondness for the the great California pop music of The Bangles and The Mamas and Papas, especially in the spring and summer - must be the harmonies. So here's a couple of mixtapes for those hazy late afternoons in the summer. (Oh, I should warn folks - some of the songs are from vinyl rips. So there's a few crackles and pops - just like the old days.)


Hero Takes A Fall The Bangles
I Can't Wait The Mamas and the Papas
Straight Shooter The Mamas & The Papas
Mary Street The Bangles
Twelve-Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming to the Canyon) The Mamas and the Papas
James The Bangles
September Gurls The Bangles
Words of Love The Mamas and the Papas
In Your Room The Bangles
Go Where You Wanna Go The Mamas & The Papas
Live The Bangles
Angels Don't Fall in Love The Bangles
I Saw Her Again The Mamas and the Papas
How Is The Air Up There? The Bangles
Even If I Could The Mamas and the Papas
Got A Feelin' The Mamas & The Papas
Where Were You When I Needed You The Bangles
Creeque Alley The Mamas and the Papas


Dedicated to the One I Love The Mamas and the Papas
Return Post The Bangles
Somebody Groovy The Mamas & The Papas
For the Love of Ivy The Mamas and the Papas
More Than Meets The Eye The Bangles
Dream a Little Dream of Me The Mamas and the Papas
The Real World The Bangles
Call on Me The Bangles
Trip, Stumble, and Fall The Mamas and the Papas
He's Got A Secret The Bangles
My Heart Stood Still The Mamas and the Papas
California Dreamin' The Mamas & The Papas
Dover Beach The Bangles
Want You The Bangles
I Call Your Name The Mamas & The Papas
If She Knew What She Wants The Bangles
Do You Wanna Dance The Mamas & The Papas
Going Down To Liverpool The Bangles

Friday, April 24, 2009

Rare Soul!!! The Sweet Sounds of Muscle Shoals




Taking a break from my mixtapes, I thought I'd post up some long out of print soul this week. In 1996, the Overture label put out a 4 volume collection of really great 1960s Southern soul from the Quinvy and South Camp labels featuring less well known performers like Don Varner, Bill Brandon, Eddie Bradford, Brenda Varner, and even Percy Sledge Jr. (though his one contribution is just kind of a novelty track). I picked up volumes 1 and 2 at a record store a long while back and then I think I got volume 3 in an ebay auction. Unfortunately, the fourth one has eluded me. Since it might be a long time coming before I can find it, here are volumes 1-3. (My personal fave song - Bill Brandon's "Self Preservation" on Volume 2)




1. Tear Stained Face - Don Varner
2. Push Mr Pride Aside - Eddie Bradford
3. Mojo Mama - Don Varner
4. Hand Shaking - Jimmy Braswell
5. Little Bit of Love - Eddie Bradford
6. When It's Over - Don Varner
7. You Made Your Bed - Eddie Bradford
8. Sugar Makes Everything Sweeter - Percy Sledge Jr.
9. Meet Me in Church - Don Varner
10. Home For the Summer - Jimmy Braswell
11. Don't Give up on Me - Brenda Varner
12. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight - Bill Brandon
13. Down in Texas - Don Varner
14. Let Me Be a Woman - Brenda Varner


1. Polly Wally Doodle - Tony Borders
2. Promise to Myself - Tony Borders
3. Can You Handle It - Eddie Bradford
4. Full Grown Lovin' Man - Bill Brandon
5. What Kind of Spell - Tony Borders
6. You Left the Water Running - Don Varner
7. Mix and Mingle - Tony Borders
8. One Minute Woman - Bill Brandon
9. Power of Love - Don Varner
10. Self Preservation - Bill Brandon
11. A Nice Place to Visit - Tony Borders
12. Little by Little - Bill Brandon
13. One Woman Man - Don Varner
14. She Knows What to Do For Me - Bill Brandon


1. You Better Believe It - Tony Borders
2. I Think I'd Do It - Z.Z. Hill
3. Since I Fell For You - Bill Brandon
4. High on the Hog - Tony Borders
5. He Kept on Talking - Don Varner
6. Faithful and True - Z.Z. Hill
7. Corn Bread Woman - Tony Borders
8. You've Lost That Lovin Feeling - Bill Brandon
9. When You Get What You Want - Bill Brandon
10. Cheaters Never Win - Tony Borders
11. Until It's Time For Me to Go - Tony Borders
12. Lonely Weekend - Tony Borders
13. Strangest Feeling - Bill Brandon
14. I'm Still in Love With You - Don Varner