soul sides

soul sides http://soul-sides.com/ Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST en-us http://backend.userland.com/rss soulsides@keithganey.com (Keith Ganey) Rocket 51 Blogger Atom 0.3 -> RSS 2.0 (Podcast) LEFT FIELD FUNK: ANANDA SHANKAR + MANTECA http://soul-sides.com/2008/07/left-field-funk-ananda-shankar.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-74896744057600046 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://o-dub.com/images/sspr.jpg> <img height=200 src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/4824135700.jpg><img height=200 src=http://www.dustygroove.com/images/products/s/shanka_anan_anandasha_101b.jpg> Ananda Shankar: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/calcutta.mp3" target="_blank">Streets of Calcutta</a> + <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/drums.mp3" target="_blank">Dancing Drums</a> From <a href="http://www.dustygroove.com/item.php?id=kskxrx9czx&ref=browse.php&refQ=kwfilter%3Dananda%2Bshankar%26amp%3Bincl_oos%3D1%26amp%3Bincl_cs%3D1" target="_blank">Ananda Shankar and His Music</a> (EMI India, 1975) Manteca: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/afro-funky.mp3" target="_blank">Afro-Funky</a> + <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/gozando.mp3" target="_blank">Gozando Tropical</a> From <a href="http://www.dustygroove.com/item.php?id=hb8mwtx92b&ref=browse.php&refQ=kwfilter%3Dmanteca%2Britmo%26amp%3Bincl_oos%3D1%26amp%3Bincl_cs%3D1" target="_blank">Ritmo + Sabor</a> (GRC/Sound Triangle, 197?) The thing about funk's entry in pop music in the late 1960s and forward was how artists would find ways to work in its rhythmic signature when you least expected it. (See <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO-QzY0pBOk" target="_blank">this</a> for a great example). Hearing the Ananda Shankar for the first time just blew my mind, probably because I assume Ananda's sound would be more like his uncle Ravi's but clearly, Ananda was on some experimental, world fusion tip by blending his training in classical Indian music with some Moog and a killer trap set drummer. Both of these cuts above are well-comped at this point but they still don't fail to impress. Sitar funk for real. Manteca is the nickname for master bongosero Lazaro Pla, a Cuban legend who used to play with Ernesto Lecuona and the Cuban Boys. His Ritmo + Sabor is one of the holy grail Latin funk LPs given its ridiculously funky percussion. It's an interesting album for Manteca since he didn't record out of Cuba much as a solo artist yet this album has been pressed up three times: GRC (Miami), Sound Triangle (Colombia) and Desca(?). And despite that, you'll still end up forking over a few Franklins, unless you're my man Adam M. who managed to cop one for $3 from Amoeba in Berkeley (that story still kills me). "Afro-Funky" is the outstanding cut here: the interplay between the basslines (which some opine might have been Cachao) and the percussion section is ridiculously funky not to mention pure rhythm - notice, there's no melodic composition in the song at all. "Gozando Tropical" is more in a conventional Cuban dance style with its piano montuno riff but even here, the hard timbales (alas, uncredited) still put percussion first...sometimes I feel like the song is mis-engineered and should have cooled down the timbales a bit but then I shrug and figure if the drummer wants to get some, who am I to deny? This has been out of print on CD for a while but luckily, they're about to <a href="http://www.dustygroove.com/item.php?id=hb8mwtx92b&ref=browse.php&refQ=kwfilter%3Dmanteca%2Britmo%26amp%3Bincl_oos%3D1%26amp%3Bincl_cs%3D1" target="_blank">bring it back later this month</a>. NEW SOUL SIDES VENTURE: SIDE DISHES http://soul-sides.com/2008/07/new-soul-sides-venture-side-dishes.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-4216170552750369298 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img width=300 src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/Koreanfood2.jpg> I've started a new weekly column with Vibe.com called <a href="http://blogs.vibe.com/oliverwang/" target="_blank">Side Dishes</a>. It's basically a "Song of the Week"-style column meshed with Soul Sides-style content. Even though the first post crosses over with some of stuff I wrote about the other week, in general, I'll try to keep the two distinct. Sides Dishes will also be more focused on music that's still in print (either as reissues, anthologies, etc.). Cruise on over and add Side Dishes to your subscription list; I think Soul Sides fans will enjoy it. <hr> Also...new <a href="http://soulsummer.blogspot.com/2008/06/summer-songs-08-roberto-gyemant.html" target="_blank">summer songs post</a> from Roberto Gyemant. Four great selections by one of Latin music's sharpest new chroniclers and taste-makers. <img width=200 src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/colombiaFront.jpg> WEST AFRICA OVERLOAD http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/west-africa-overload.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-4226977378892859771 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/soulcrates2.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/west_africa_overload/scream.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="scream.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/west_africa_overload/rockspecial.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="rockspecial.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/west_africa_overload/discospecial.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="discospecial.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/west_africa_overload/nigeria70.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="nigeria70.jpg" /> Gabo Brown & Orchestre Poly-Rythmo : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/It'sAVanity.mp3">It's A Vanity</a> taken from the compilation <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/African-Scream-Contest-Psychedelic-Sounds/dp/B00142Q7WI">African Scream Contest</a> on Analog Africa (2008) Action 13 : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/MoreBread.mp3" target="blank">More Bread To The People</a> taken from the compilation <a href="http://entertainment.circuitcity.com/Music/Album.aspx?prodid=SOWY11.2&si=ccity-prod&store=Music" target="blank">Nigeria Rock Special</a> on Soundway (2008) Asiko Rock Group : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/LagosCity.mp3" target="blank">Lagos City</a> taken from the compilation <a href="http://entertainment.circuitcity.com/Music/Album.aspx?prodid=SOWY10.2&si=ccity-prod&store=Music" target="blank">Nigeria Disco Funk Special</a> on Soundway (2008) Sir Shina Peters and His International Stars : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/Yabis.mp3" target="blank">Yabis</a> taken from the compilation <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nigeria-70-Lagos-Various-Artists/dp/B00151HZLA" target="blank">Nigeria 70: Lagos Jump</a> on Strut (2008) With the recent onslaught of African music compilations coming out, I found myself wondering if the genre of afrobeat, after 40 years of relative obscurity, had finally become mainstream? There was the anomaly of Manu Dibango's 1972 hit "Soul Makossa" which actually made it big abroad (to the extreme of being re-worked years later in Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Starting Something"), but for the most part, even the biggest names in African music were completely unknown to most audiences off the continent. Fela Kuti was certainly low on the radar in his time, but today, I feel like his name (and certainly the genre of "Afrobeat" as a whole) actually bears some weight in popular consciousness. I suppose recognition 30 years too late is better than none at all. I know that I, for one, am not complaining about the vast, continent-wide vinyl archeology dig that seems to be taking place. <a href="http://analogafrica.blogspot.com/">Analog Africa</a> have found a particularly overlooked niche within the world of Afrobeat - Togo & Benin. Holy hotness is this shit ever raw! Out of all the comps, this one's probably my favorite. Aside from Poly-Rythmo and The Black Santiagos, I was unfamiliar with all the names on this collection. Nothing on here sounds like it was recorded after 1972- and ALL of it draws heavily from the power James Brown's early 70's material (which is about as good as it gets for me). With the recent <a href="http://www.soundwayrecords.com/releases.cfm">Soundway</a> comps coming out back to back, it's honestly a little difficult to discern clear distinctions in sound from one to the next, but again, when the material is this solid, I'm not putting up an argument. Both Action 13 and Asiko Rock Group are new discoveries for me- and mindmelters to boot. The drums on "Lagos City" are just about the hardest thing I've heard since <a href="http://entertainment.circuitcity.com/Music/Album.aspx?prodid=NAG75031.2&si=ccity-prod&store=Music">maybe this</a>. Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.strut-records.com/">Strut</a> records continues their resurgence on the scene with this second West African installment - the first Nigeria 70 initiated my ears to these beats back in 2001 or so. This one focusses more on the traditional highlife and juju side of things, but there's some heavy funk cuts on here as well. One little thing that irks me about the Nigeria 70 records though: both this one and the original comp feature artists on the cover that aren't even represented on the tracklisting! I mean, they're cool photos and all, but I'm sure that there's some good pics out there of the artists that are actually a part of the collection (the first one had Prince Nico Mbarga on the cover and this one is Oliver De Coque- I know cause I have the LPs- neither of whom make a musical appearance anywhere here). Still worth it for for the music though. DEEP COVERS 2: MAS PROFUNDO! (THE SOFT LAUNCH) http://soul-sides.com/2008/01/deep-covers-2-mas-profundo.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-4023643227176694128 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img height=300 src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/dc2.jpg> It's finally here! I'm proud to announce the (soft) launch of <a href="http://o-dub.com/tapes/dc2/" target="_blank">Deep Covers 2: Mas Profundo</a>, now available as a <a href="http://eastbaydigital.com/1-2-3-music-store/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=67&osCsid=ed7250eaa252b98ab9740321136d751f" target="_blank">digital download</a> from the good folks at East Bay Digital. It's 320 LAME encoded (good enough for all but you hardcore audiophiles). Physical CDs are in motion - I'm hoping to have them manufactured rather than duplicated but we'll have to see. I'll have a formal launch for those at an upcoming Boogaloo[L.A.] gig and then make them available for order by mail. Meanwhile, you can <a href="http://o-dub.com/tapes/dc2/artwork.zip" target="_blank">download full-res, front and back artwork</a>. Description: Deep Covers 2: Mas Profundo follows up on two previous covers-related projects: <a href="http://o-dub.com/tapes/deep/" target="_blank">Deep Covers</a> and <a href="http://www.dustygroove.com/item.php?id=84j2fyr44c&ref=browse.php&refQ=kwfilter%3Dsoul%2Bsides%2B2%26amp%3Bincl_oos%3D1%26amp%3Bincl_cs%3D1" target="_blank">Soul Sides Vol. 2: The Covers</a>. This time though, I take it international, with 20 songs, all recorded overseas. I tried to balance things by region (otherwise, hell, I could have done an entire CD of reggae covers) but still kept the vibe oriented around soul and funk covers. It's really astounding what one can find out there - this merely scratches the surface! Overall, I was pleased with how this mix turned out, both in terms of song selection as well as sequencing. There will definitely be a DC3 somewhere down the road but for now, enjoy this in all its global glory. Tracklisting: (by song title, original artist and country of cover)<ul><a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/dc2/01%20Intro%20+%20The%20Message.mp3" target="_blank">1. How Deep? Intro/The Message (Cymande, El Salvador)</a> 2. Rainmaker (Sweden, Nilsson) 3. Use Me (Poland, Bill Withers) 4. Breakthrough (Nigeria, Atomic Rooster) <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/dc2/05%20Slipping%20Into%20Darkness.mp3" target="_blank">5. Slipping Into Darkness (Sweden, WAR)</a> 6. Tanga Goo Bonk (Philippines, Niteliters) 7. Iâ€™m Gonna Love You Just a Little More (Jamaica, Barry White) 8. Be My Baby (Jamaica, The Ronettes) 9. Pick Up The Pieces (Brazil, Average White Band) <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/dc2/10%20Wicky%20Wacky.mp3" target="_blank">10. Wicky Wacky (Colombia, The Fatback Band)</a> 11. Different Strokes (Argentina, Syl Johnson) 12. Buzzsaw/In Gadda Da Vida (Malaysia, The Turtles/Iron Butterfly) 13. Found a Child (Peru, Ballinjack) 14. Cardova (Trinidad, The Meters) <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/dc2/15%20Never%20Can%20Say%20Goodbye.mp3" target="_blank">15. Never Can Say Goodbye (France, Jackson 5)</a> 16. Groovy Situation (Jamaica, Gene Chandler) 17. Cold Sweat (Brazil, James Brown) 18. Angel of the Morning (Mexico, Evie Sands) <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/dc2/19%20I%20Who%20Have%20Nothing.mp3" target="_blank">19. I Who Have Nothing (Panama, Ben E. King)</a> 20. Sweet Caroline (Guyana, Neil Diamond) Bonus: 21. Signed, Sealed, Delivered 22. Hit Or Miss 23. September Song</ul>As a special bonus..., here's two songs that did not make the cut: The Marvels: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/rocksteady.mp3" target="_blank">Rocksteady</a> From 7" (Pama, 196?) Hint: A different song by the same artist appears on DC2. Originally, I was going to put this on the mix but much as I think the Marvels do an excellent job with Aretha Franklin's funky single, I found myself increasingly gravitating to the B-side instead (which is what made the mix). That said, it was a close race between the two sides and their cover of "Rocksteady" is definitely one of my favorite Aretha covers out there. Manito: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/manito.mp3" target="_blank">Gang's Back Again</a> From O Incrivel (RCA, 1970) This is one of those Brazilian albums that gets some heads all ga-ga and for good reason: cut for cut, for U.S. funk fans, it's a surprisingly rich album with not one, not two but at least three solid funk covers, including one of "Tuck's Theme" (that was a surprise) plus this slick version of Kool and the Gang's "Gang's Back Again." To be honest, I'm still not completely sure how nothing from the Manito album made the DC2 cut...it may be one of those cases where I've had this album so long, the tracks didn't quite seem as fresh but hell, there's always DC3. AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/and-now-word-from-our-sponsor.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-7265737289861270087 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/edwong.jpg> Ed Wong at Sandbox Automatic is a huge reason why Soul Sides exists: back in the day, I need a place to park my websites and he graciously offered me his server and extra bandwidth and from that, Soul Sides was able to become a reality. So I am very, very grateful to Ed for that largesse and I recently sat down with him for a chat about the state of hip-hop retail, the death of vinyl (or perhaps not) and the fact that he's about to auction off a <a href="http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmerceremQQfrppZ50QQfsopZ32QQfsooZ2QQrdZ0" target="_blank">ton of deadstock rap records.</a> All in all, they'll be 1000 put up on eBay (you can see the <a href="http://www.sandboxautomatic.com/" target="_blank">lists here</a>). There could be some nice gems in the mix - Ed's blessed me over the years, including tracking down stuff like <a href="http://popsike.com/php/detaildata.php?itemnr=4720685733" target="_blank">this</a> and <a href="http://popsike.com/php/detaildata.php?itemnr=4798322137" target="_blank">this</a>. At the very least, those still needing to finish off their Rawkus collection will no doubt find the records you need. Hint: if I were you, I'd be looking at <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/DE-LA-SOUL-IS-DEAD-2LP-pr-PC-B-A_W0QQitemZ110264044344QQihZ001QQcategoryZ306QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">this</a>, <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/LORD-FINESSE-RETURN-OF-THE-FUNKY-MAN-LP-PC-pr-A-A_W0QQitemZ110264071832QQihZ001QQcategoryZ306QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">this</a> and <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/JURASSIC-5-EP-PC-B-A-RUMBLE-PICKININNY-CUT-CHEMIST_W0QQitemZ110264271156QQihZ001QQcategoryZ306QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">this</a>, for starters. They don't mention this but I'm pretty sure that last one (the Jurassic 5 EP) is the version with the full version of "Concrete Schoolyard" that includes Akil's verse (it had to be chopped from the Interscope version of the EP b/c of sample clearance). Rare, bro. Here's my informal podcast with Ed where we talk about the threat to vinyl, the challenges in hip-hop retail and how the rap industry only has itself to blame for poor sales (he doesn't blame Souljah Boy though). <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" width="335" height="28" id="divplaylist"><param name="movie" value="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=4817615-586" /><embed src="http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=4817615-586" width="335" height="28" name="divplaylist" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></object> TO QUOTE THE ABSTRACT: GET INVOLVED http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/to-quote-abstract-get-involved.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-7923566572738634025 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img height=250 src="http://www.dustygroove.com/images/products/g/gilscotther_freewill~_102b.jpg"> Gil Scott-Heron: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/billygreen.mp3" target="_blank">Billy Green Is Dead</a> From <a href="http://www.dustygroove.com/item.php?id=xdhhp724fd&ref=browse.php&refQ=kwfilter%3Dgil%2Bscott-heron%26amp%3Bincl_oos%3D1%26amp%3Bincl_cs%3D1" target="_blank">Free Will</a> (RCA, 1972) So for all intents and purposes, the general election is set. As I was driving in the car last week listening to some GSH on the Cupertino Classic, this song really spoke to me. Thirty-six years after its release, it sounds as if it was recited on the street corner just last week and resonates just as much. Sounding like a conversation in your local coffee shop, Gil mimics two friends jabbering about the morning paperâ€™s headlines and last nightâ€™s television shows. With central themes that revolve around apathy and frustration, the tone turns to urgency as the subject hits close to home. Thirty-six years ago, The Righteous One spoke for the common man. Do you know a Billy Green? Or could he be you? As O-Dub and I were chatting the other night, we talked about voters coming out in record numbers so far this election year. The next few months are sure to be full of grandstanding, name calling, Gallup polls, public opinion, overanalytic media, Blue states, Red states, and so on. With America being one of the most overweight nations today, political sugar is one additive we donâ€™t need to digest as well. Billy Green Is Dead (1972) The economyâ€™s in an uproar The whole damn countryâ€™s in the red Taxi fares are going up You say, â€œBilly Green is dead?â€ The government canâ€™t decide on bussinâ€™ Or at least thatâ€™s what they said Yeah, I heard you when you told me You said, â€œBilly Green was deadâ€ But let me tell you bout these hotpants That this big legged sister wore When I partied with the alphas What, Billy took an overdose? Well now junkies will be junkies But did you see Gunsmoke last night? Man, they had themselves a shootout And folks was dyinâ€™ left and right. At the end when Matt was cornered I had damn near give up hope What you - why you keep on interrupting me? You say, my son is taking dope? Call the law and call the doctor! What you mean I shouldnâ€™t scream? My only son is taking dope Should I sit here like Iâ€™m pleased? Is that familiar anybody? Check out whatâ€™s inside your head Because it never seems to matter When itâ€™s Billy Green whoâ€™s dead GREG TATE'S SUMMER SONG http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/greg-tate-summer-song.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-5934509384197701131 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/summersongs.jpg> <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/kom.jpg> The great Greg Tate takes it back to '89 for his <a href="http://soulsummer.blogspot.com/2008/06/summer-songs-08-greg-tate.html" target="_blank">summer song post</a>. CAN'T KEEP UP WITH THE MUSIC! http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/cant-keep-up-with-music.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-3267352766165047396 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/soulcrates2.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/cant_keep_up_with_the_music/fantasma.jpg" width="188" height="169" alt="fantasma.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/cant_keep_up_with_the_music/chicha.jpg" width="188" height="167" alt="chicha.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/cant_keep_up_with_the_music/ververmx.jpg" width="188" height="168" alt="ververmx.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/cant_keep_up_with_the_music/sujinho.jpg" width="188" height="169" alt="sujinho.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/cant_keep_up_with_the_music/seun.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="seun.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/cant_keep_up_with_the_music/mrr-adm.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="mrr-adm.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/cant_keep_up_with_the_music/malcouns.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="malcouns.jpg" /> Grupo Fantasma : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/SeTeMira.mp3" target="blank">Se Te Mira</a> taken from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sonidos-Gold-Grupo-Fantasma/dp/B0018TLRUO" target="blank">Sonidos Gold</a> on Aire Sol (2008) Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/FireDance.mp3" target="blank">Fire Dance</a> taken from <a href="http://www.tower.com/details/details.cfm?wapi=112140692" target="blank">their self-titled album</a> on Disorient (2008) Potato & Totico : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/DiloComoYo.mp3" target="blank">Dilo Como Yo (Antibalas Remix)</a> taken from the album <a href="http://www.tower.com/details/details.cfm?wapi=112065452" target="blank">Verve Remixed</a> on Verve (2008) MRR-ADM : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/B1Untitled.mp3" target="blank">B1 Untitled</a> taken from their <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/MRR-ADM-Untitled-10-EP-on-RED-VINYL-Malcolm-Catto_W0QQitemZ130225762545QQcmdZViewItem" target="blank">Untitled 10" EP</a> released without a label (2008) Karl Hector & The Malcouns : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/ToureSamar.mp3" target="blank">Toure Samar</a> taken from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sahara-Swing-Karl-Hector/dp/B0019A2FFS" target="blank">Sahara Swing</a> on Stones Throw (2008) Jackson Conti : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/SaoPauloNights.mp3" target="blank">Sao Paulo Nights</a> taken from the album <a href="http://entertainment.circuitcity.com/Music/Album.aspx?prodid=MOCF3.2&si=ccity-prod&store=Music" target="blank">Sujinho</a> on Mochilla (2008) Chicha Libre : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/SonidoAmazonico.mp3" target="blank">Sonido Amazonico</a> taken from the album <a href="http://entertainment.circuitcity.com/Music/Album.aspx?prodid=BBES17.2&si=ccity-prod&store=Music" target="blank">Sonido Amazonico!</a> on Barbes (2008) Damn I was missing this place! After moving I was without internet for a full two and a half weeks (which felt like a solid month to a web-junky like myself) and I've been itching to put together a post. I have tons of new records and a beautiful new studio/music library to listen in, but no time! This is so far from the summers of yesteryear when the solstice meant "school's out" followed by three months of blissful skateboard meanderings and rope swings that launched into cool lakes. But I can't complain too much since my busy-ness is pretty much all music related. Even now, I know I can't write enough to do this music justice, but I wanted to at least begin to get back on track. So hear this little offering of recent releases that have been filling my ears the past few weeks. I promise to post more very soon and get back to a regular schedule now that I'm reconnected. One sentence about each song/record: This <a href="http://www.grupofantasma.com/">Grupo Fantasma</a> record keeps the funky salsa & cumbia kicking with guests like Maceo Parker and Larry Harlow (who plays keys on "Se Te Mira")- raw, organic, live sounding production makes you feel like the band actually squeezed inside your speakers somehow. Fela's youngest son, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/seunkuti">Seun Kuti</a>, brings his dad's band (minus Tony Allen) back into the spotlight with a record of high energy, uptempo afrobeat that sounds like three Fela albums from the early 70's rolled into one- catch the live show if you can. Staying on the afrobeat tip, NY's own <a href="http://www.antibalas.com/">Antibalas</a> deliver this solid remix of a rootsy latin classic- check out <a href="http://www.myspace.com/chicomann">Chico Mann's</a> electro re-work of the same song which will hopefully be released soon! <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/MRR-ADM/Untitled+Album">MRR-ADM</a> is pretty mysterious to me, but I know it features Malcolm Catto on drums and that it was featured already on <a href="http://kikinbakk.blogspot.com/2008/03/mystery-beats.html">another blog that I like</a>. <a href="http://www.stonesthrow.com/news/karlhector/">Karl Hector & The Malcouns</a> is the latest work from my favorite crew of funk revivalists Poets Of Rhythm (at least some of the members are involved)- new ethio-afro-funk-soul for fans of Budos Band and the like which has also already been given shine from <a href="http://loadedtothegills.blogspot.com/">another blog I like</a>. <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=342599087">Jackson Conti</a> is the collab between the prolific blunted-beat maestro Madlib and legendary Brazilian drummer Mamao (of Azymuth glory)- smooth head nod niceness. And finally, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/chichalibre">Chicha Libre</a> pay homage to the psychedelic cumbia scene of late 60's Peru with a record that simmers like a bug on a cactus under mid-day desert sun. Be back soon! RETRO SOUL SUMMER? http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/retro-soul-summer.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-7619094293898675746 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/summersongs.jpg> <img height=250 title="imitated, not duplicated" src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/64a2124128a0a4bb8f779010L.jpg> Solange Knowles: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/solange.mp3" target="_blank">I Decided</a> From Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (Geffen, upcoming 2008) Estelle feat. Kardinal Offishall: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/estelle.mp3" target="_blank">Magnificent</a> From <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00142Q7H8/103-0118090-0448674?ie=UTF8&tag=sousid-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00142Q7H8" target="_blank">Shine</a> (Atlantic, 2008) Little Jackie: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/onelove.mp3" target="_blank">One Love</a> + <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/28butts.mp3" target="_blank">28 Butts</a> From The Stoop (S-Curve, upcoming 2008) Bonus: Tammi Terrell: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/goodman.mp3" target="_blank">What a Good Man He Is</a> From <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000008LHN/103-0118090-0448674?ie=UTF8&tag=sousid-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000008LHN" target="_blank">Irresistible</a> (Motown, 1969) Question: exactly how many "next Amy Winehouses" can there really be? So far, in the last year we've heard about: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF84pIhP5UM" target="_blank">Leona Lewis</a> (more like the new Mariah), <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=KE2orthS3TQ" target="_blank">Duffy</a> (voice so thin, you could shave with it), <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=uBmwdlBFs1s" target="_blank">Adele</a> (Tracy Chapman meets Madeline Peryoux), <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=ElY5Gr845Fw" target="_blank">Gabrielle Cilmi</a> (didn't both <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=V3STMf_DWmw" target="_blank">Nicole Willis</a> and <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=hQXddDLvQx0" target="_blank">Amy</a> both do this same video already?), even <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngd45o-M_M4&feature=related" target="_blank">Lykke Li</a> (doesn't belong in the same conversation), et. al. It has been a curious phenom that in the wake of last year's epic Sharon Jones + Winehouse one-two punch, everyone is rushing to jock the bandwagon, and especially with Amy, there's a desire to find another personality who could loom as large (good luck! You'll need more than a bee-hive to fill Amy's coif). From my point of view though, the upside to all this is that 2008 is shaping up to be a summer chockfull of retro-soul-esque production. I mean, sure, a lot of it is derivatives of derivatives - is there such a thing as neo-retro-soul? Hmmm...) but frankly, I'd rather listen to a bad clone of a clone of Motown/Stax than some of the <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=U9Ch5LTJhS0" target="_blank">new music</a> that's the alternative. Case in point, three more recent artists on the retro tip, all of whom I've found perfectly enjoyable even if two of them seem to be riding the bandwagon. I've installed a "Wine-O-Meter" to measure similarity (not quality). <a href="http://www.solangemusic.com/" target="_blank">Solange</a>, aka that other Knowles sister, decided to go to the source and hire Mark Ronson to produce her new single, "I Decided." I admit - I was initially really skeptical about the song but it's grown for me. Here's my main beef: that little, jaunty, handclap track is very Motown-ish but it's an intro: after a bar or two, the real beat drops in and in this case, that's all there is. It's like the song is all build-up but never delivers a gorgeous melodic hammer that you'd expect. That said, once you accept that, it's a catchy tune. Snap along! Wine-O-Meter: 7 <a href="http://www.myspace.com/estelleonline" target="_blank">Estelle's</a> Shine is one of my more favorite albums of 2008 and a strong, second showing for this British artist. I actually don't think she's very much like Winehouse; her vibe is more like a throwback to the late '90s if anything else. There's that R&B-meets-classic-hip-hop flair on songs like "Wait a Minute" (shades of "Kick In the Door") and "So Much Out the Way" (Beatminerz steez) plus the ragga flavor on "Magnificent." I just really like how that whole song flows, especially with the heavy ska/dub influence and Estelle's silken vocals. Sweet stuff but hey, she should have gotten Special Ed on here instead of Kardinal. That would have been offishall. Wine-O-Meter: 3 As for <a href="http://www.myspace.com/littlejackiemusic" target="_blank">Little Jackie</a>...ok, now THIS is definitely on some post-Winehouse tip, not just musically (Adam Pallin does a pretty good flip on Ronson's style) but also in terms of the attitude and spark in the songwriting. Here's the confusing thing: Little Jackie is not the singer; it's the group name. The vocalist is Imani Coppola, who some of you might remember from "<a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=KjxysRLpSc4" target="_blank">Legend of a Cowgirl</a>" from about ten years back. Vocally, she's also more contemporary than throwback but as noted, the kind of wit and cutting-ness in the songwriting will likely remind folks of Winehouse...even though, if you think about, her career goes back at least half a decade earlier. True as that may be, it's really hard to listen to something like "28 Butts" (which I'm pretty sure uses <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=J4P0PLu6wvo" target="_blank">this song</a>) on part of the rhythm section) or "One Love" and not make the comparison. The latter is straight up '60s girl pop (and I'm feeling it!). Their album drops later this summer: I highly recommend it. Wine-O-Meter: 9 This all said though, you still gotta ask: why go retro when you can still listen to the originals? The bonus track is by the late Tammi Terrell, from (tragically) her only solo album, Irresistible. This song is so soulful, so funky, so ridiculously good for something that's nearly 40 years old. It's artists like Terrell who set the bar - now let's see who can pass it. P.S. Peep when Terrell drops: "let this girl tear the world up" - loving it! TWO NEW SUMMER SONGS POSTS http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/two-new-summer-songs-posts.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-8997852109620675396 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/summersongs.jpg> <img height=200 src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/james-summer.jpg><img height=200 src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/fumis-shrimp-truck.jpg> Two new posts just went up, one by <a href="http://soulsummer.blogspot.com/2008/06/summer-songs-08-james-cavicchia.html" target="_blank">James Carvicchia</a>, one by <a href="http://soulsummer.blogspot.com/2008/06/summer-songs-08-christine-balance.html" target="_blank">Christine Balance</a>. And oh yeah: <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/losgatos/ci_9647928" target="_blank">summer officially starts today</a>. Stay cool out here. WATTS 103RD WINNER http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/watts-103rd-winner.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-1104635523048689488 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/103st1.jpg> Ok, the Watts 103rd St. Giveway is officially over. We had six people (impressive!) with all correct answers (see below) and I randomly selected one of them: Andrew King. Congrats! For those playing at home, here were the correct answers: 1) The Watts Band/Wright Sounds provided live musical backing for Bill Cosby in 1967, but at that point Cosby's musical career had already been in progress for two years. What band backed him on his very first musical release in 1965? (Helpful hint: the release in question is NOT Cosby's Silver Throat LP.) Eddie Cano Quartet 2) Warner Bros-era versions of both sides of Charles Wright's rare pre-Watts Band solo 45 on Philips are included on these reissues. Can you name the songs? "Borrowed Time" + "Keep Saying" 3) At what intersection did the Haunted House once stand? Hollywood and Vine 4) What Los Angeles radio personality was responsible (in part) for the first Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band single? (Name the single too). Magnificent Montague/"Spreadin' Honey" 5) What studio did Bill Cosby and Fred Smith discover the original Watts Band at? Nashville West 6) The Wright Sounds collected one member from the O'Jays and one of Joe Tex's band - name those two members. Melvin Dunlap and Gabriel Fleming (respectively) 7) What '70s pop star (of a famous duo) played with the Wright Sounds in its early years? Daryl Dragon aka "Captain" of Captain and Tenille 8) UPDATED: What 1960s Buffalo band did several of the Wright Sounds' members play rhythm section for? Dyke and the Blazers 9) What does the last Watts Band album share in common with albums by Blue Mitchell, Gene Harris, and Freddy Robinson? Arranger Monk Higgins 10) Name three other artists who have covered "Express Yourself." (NWA does not count). There were multiple ways this could have been answered. The most popular included: S.O.U.L., Idris Muhammed, and Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. Note: no one could come up with a pic of the LP version of A Lil' Encouragement. Perhaps it really doesn't exist. THIS WEEK AT BOOGALOO[L.A.] http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/untitled-1.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-1694711923820738912 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/boogaloo-la-small.jpg> <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/el-gran-combo-boogaloos-front.jpg> It's DJ O-Dub, joined by <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=312477701" target="_blank">Rani D</a> who throws the monthly <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2325055714_ca1f09cb66_o.jpg" target="_blank">Mothership party</a> at the Grand Star. Last time Rani shot through, it was a blast; one of the best nights we've had in ages. Let's do it again! LAST DAY FOR THE WATTS 103RD GIVEAWAY http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/last-day-for-watts-103rd-giveaway.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-884939934768746745 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img width=500 src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/Picture1-1.png> I'll give folks until the end of tomorrow - basically, after the Lakers beat the Celtics in Game 6 - to get in their answers/guesses for the <a href="http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/charles-wright-watts-103rd-street.html" target="_blank">Watts giveaway</a>. Here's a special bonus for ya'll; some helpful hints to answer question #10: "Express Yourself"<ul><a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/ey1.mp3" target="_blank">Cover 1</a> <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/ey2.mp3" target="_blank">Cover 2</a> <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/ey3.mp3" target="_blank">Cover 3</a></ul> THE IMPRESSIONS: FOOL FOR THEM http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/impressions-fool-for-them.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-2369271903591461989 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://o-dub.com/images/sspr.jpg> <img src=http://www.dustygroove.com/images/products/i/impressions_thisismyc_101b.jpg> The Impressions: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/fool.mp3" target="_blank">Fool For You</a> + <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/lovingnothing.mp3" target="_blank">I'm Loving Nothing</a> From <a href="http://www.dustygroove.com/item.php?id=pwpdwft3ny&ref=browse.php&refQ=kwfilter%3Dthis%2Bis%2Bmy%2Bcountry%26amp%3Bincl_oos%3D1%26amp%3Bincl_cs%3D1" target="_blank">This Is My Country</a> (Curtom, 1968) I know I just wrote about this album in my <a href="http://soulsummer.blogspot.com/2008/06/summer-songs-08-launch.html" target="_blank">summer songs post</a> but seriously, this LP is easily the best thing I've heard in months. I just cannot get enough of it and am marveling at its overall consistency and sheer sublimeness at times. I feel sheepish that it took me this long to get around to listening the Impressions' solo albums but if they're anywhere near this good, I'll be copping the catalog soon. I've been trying to figure out, in my own head, just what makes the sound of this album so incredible to me and so far, the best I can come up with is: everything. The vocals, the melodies, the rhythm section, the sense of drama, the sense of delicate lightness, the lilt in Mayfield's voice, the hooks that haunt you; take your pick. I haven't been this enamored by a soul album since...I don't know...discovering Eddie Kendrick's People...Hold On (and that's one of my all-time favorites). Bottomline: if you can't feel these, especially "I'm Loving Nothing," well, there's just no hope for you. ;) CHICAGO BOOGALOO http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/chicago-boogaloo.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-597692439788397711 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img height=250 src=http://www.dustygroove.com/images/products/z/zzchitownboogaloo~~~~_101b.jpg> Lewise Bethune: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/chitown.mp3" target="_blank">Chitown Boogaloo</a> A.C. Reed: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/boogalootramp.mp3" target="_blank">Boogaloo Tramp</a> From <a href="http://www.dustygroove.com/item.php?id=qvfmdfvzhm&ref=browse.php&refQ=kwfilter%3Dchitown%26amp%3Bincl_oos%3D1%26amp%3Bincl_cs%3D1" target="_blank">Chitown Boogaloo</a> (Goldmine Soul Supply, 2006) For all the time I've spent researching Latin boogaloo, I realized I wasn't focusing enough on the original boogaloo craze - the one born out of <a href="http://funky16corners.tripod.com/3_jerryo_2.htm" target="_blank">Tom and Jerrio's "Boo-Ga-Loo"</a> in 1965, spreading quickly throughout the R&B world and lasting for the next few years. From what I can tell, the R&B boogaloo trend didn't have the same kind of focused intensity as Latin boogaloo but it does seem to have shared some parallels, especially in being focused around the Chicago/Detroit corridor. My research is all preliminary but I am glad to have come across the Chitown Boogaloo comp which offers a tantalizing glimpse into a collection of tracks from that Midwest boogaloo craze. Suffice to say, more research is needed but you gotta start somewhere. The Lewise Bethune was very interesting, not the least of which was because it's basically Don Gardner's "My Baby Likes to Boogaloo" with new vocals thrown on top (but clearly nodding to Gardner's original). It doesn't outdo Gardner's but this is a pretty fun cut regardless and I think it's interesting how Bethune's version actually lifts the "ooh" "aah" from Tom and Jerrio's original "Boo-Ga-Loo" single that sparked this whole movement. The A.C. Reed is another 7" I've owned for years but only recently came back to in the midst of my boogaloo curiosities: this one actually mashes up two different fads - the boogaloo and "Tramp," the bluesy/funky classic by Lowell Fulsom. I like how terse and focused the rhythm section is here - the song sheds a lot of heat but keeps things close in and tight. If anyone out there has more knowledge of the R&B boogaloo movement, holler. I need to get to reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0252062590/sr=8-2/qid=1213427752/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1213427752&sr=8-2&seller=" target="_blank">this</a>, no doubt. THE CHARLES WRIGHT & WATTS 103RD STREET RHYTHM BAND GIVEAWAY http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/charles-wright-watts-103rd-street.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-2698599432534757493 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v515/djprestige/Flea%20Market%20Funk%20Blog/cw103rd3.jpg> In case you missed the previous Watts Week posts: <a href="http://soul-sides.com/2008/04/watts-103rd-week-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> <a href="http://soul-sides.com/2008/04/watts-103rd-week-pt-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a> <a href="http://soul-sides.com/2008/04/watts-103rd-week-pt-3.html" target="_blank">Part 3</a> <a href="http://soul-sides.com/2008/05/watts-103rd-week-pt-4.html" target="_blank">Part 4</a> As promised, I have a complete set of Wright/Watts CDs to give away. That includes all six Warner UK reissues of the original Watts albums (plus Wright's solo project on WB) PLUS the two Rhino Handmade compilations that I wrote liner notes for: <a href="http://rhinohandmade.com/covers243/7771.jpg" target="_blank">Haunted House</a> and <a href="http://rhinohandmade.com/covers243/7770.jpg" target="_blank">Puckey Puckey</a>. Ten discs total. As I said before, this is for true fans and the questions are created accordingly. Thanks to Andy Zax who came up with three of these. To win the entire set, you have two options:<ul>The (Not So) Easy Way: send in a jpeg of yourself with a vinyl copy of <a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/charleswright.jpg" target="_blank">Charles Wright's solo album, A Lil' Encouragement</a> on ABC. If you can do this, you win automatically. The Other Way: Answer all of the following correctly. The winner will be selected at random out of those with correct answers. Don't step up if you can't tackle all of these. 1) The Watts Band/Wright Sounds provided live musical backing for Bill Cosby in 1967, but at that point Cosby's musical career had already been in progress for two years. What band backed him on his very first musical release in 1965? (Helpful hint: the release in question is NOT Cosby's Silver Throat LP.) 2) Warner Bros-era versions of both sides of Charles Wright's rare pre-Watts Band solo 45 on Philips are included on these reissues. Can you name the songs? 3) At what intersection did the Haunted House once stand? 4) What Los Angeles radio personality was responsible (in part) for the first Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band single? (Name the single too). 5) What studio did Bill Cosby and Fred Smith discover the original Watts Band at? 6) The Wright Sounds collected one member from the O'Jays and one of Joe Tex's band - name those two members. 7) What '70s pop star (of a famous duo) played with the Wright Sounds in its early years? 8) UPDATED: What 1960s Buffalo band did several of the Wright Sounds' members play rhythm section for? 9) What does the last Watts Band album share in common with albums by Blue Mitchell, Gene Harris, and Freddy Robinson? 10) Name three other artists who have covered "Express Yourself." (NWA does not count). Whichever way you choose, email your responses to: soulsides AT gmail.com (and put "Watts contest" in the subject line). *A note on shipping: U.S./Canadian winners get free shipping; anyone overseas has to cover shipping. Sorry but this on my dime and I can't cover int'l postage. </ul>Good luck! I'll give folks a week to get answers in and select a winner after that. SUMMER SONGS 08: MURPHY'S LAW http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/summer-songs-08-murphy-law.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-4077096847120619720 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://soul-sides.com/uploaded_images/SummerSunflower1-742749.jpg> The next installment in the summer songs series is by DJ Murphy's Law. <a href="http://soulsummer.blogspot.com/2008/06/summer-songs-08-murphy-law.html" target="_blank">Read it!</a> SUMMER SONGS 2008: LAUNCH! http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/summer-songs-2008-launch.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-8581504757674812846 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <a href="http://soulsummer.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img width=500 src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/ss-summer.jpg></a> <a href="http://soulsummer.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Soul Sides' Summer Songs Series has moved</a> to its own exclusive site. I've ported over all of the past posts but for all the new, upcoming posts, I'll make a quick post here and point folks over. GRIP THE GRAIN http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/grip-grain.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-2932113479101186333 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://grainedit.com/wp-content/themes/tarski_mod/headers/grainbanner.jpg> I'm totally derelict for forgetting to post about this but my man Dave aka Moodswing9 started up a rather amazing design-centric blog called <a href="http://grainedit.com/" target="_blank">Grain Edit</a>. It is to found design ephemera what Soul Sides is to records. Except that his site looks better. And has more consistent content. And has much more eye candy. And damnit, he's even got <a href="http://grainedit.com/2008/03/18/mike-the-2600-king-exclusive-dj-mix/" target="_blank">music</a>! For real, that Mike 2600 mix has some nice joints thrown in. But in the meantime, here's some of that eye candy: <img src=http://grainedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/evening_tweed_destroyers_rubies.jpg> <img src=http://grainedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/otto-treumann-poster.jpg> <img src=http://grainedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/cuban-film-posters.jpg> <img src=http://grainedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/israel-stamps-modern.jpg> HOUSEKEEPING http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/housekeeping.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-1299258862449903392 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img height=250 src=http://o-dub.com/photos/ella/2.07/DSC_4321.JPG> 1) <a href="http://soul-sides.com/labels/summer%20songs.html" target="_blank">Summer Songs</a> will launch within a week. Either myself or Greg Tate will kick off the proceedings. 2) Le Blogtheque just released a very cool concept mixtape called "<a href="http://www.blogotheque.net/Across-the-continents" target="_blank">Cadavre Exquis: Across the Continents</a>". The "exquisite corpse" is an artistic process where a sequence of people take turns adding onto an existing work - in this case, songs. It's a simple but creatively powerful idea and one that I'd love to put in effect at some point. <a href="http://soul-sides.com/2008/06/housekeeping.html">CONTINUE READING...</a> 3) Sasha Frere-Jones writes about everyone's favorite audio aid to hate: <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/musical/2008/06/09/080609crmu_music_frerejones?printable=true" target="_blank">Auto-Tuning</a>. I especially like what Sasha says here:<ul>"there is nothing natural about recorded music. Whether the engineer merely tweaks a few bum notes or makes a singer tootle like Robby the Robot, recorded music is still a composite of sounds that may or may not have happened in real time. An effect is always achieved, and not necessarily the one intended. Arenâ€™t some of the most entertaining and fruitful sounds in popâ€"distortion, whammy bars, scratchingâ€"the result of glorious abuse of the tools? At this late date, itâ€™s hard to see how the invisible use of tools could imply an inauthentic product, as if a layer of manipulation were standing between the audience and an unsullied object. In reality, the unsullied object is the Sasquatch of music. Even a purely live recording is a distortion and paraphrasing of an acoustic event."</ul>Also, <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/2008/06/09/080609on_audio_frerejones" target="_blank">Sasha undergoes the Auto-Tune process himself</a> in a humorous and enlightening podcast segment on the magazine's website. 4) Todd Inoue put me up on this <a href="http://men.style.com/gq/features/full?id=content_6818&pageNum=1" target="_blank">article in GQ about Arnel Pineda</a>, the Filipino-born singer who used to sing in a Journey cover-band and now LEADS Journey. Incredible story. (Here's another interview, done on the <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=89_2UivtEhs" target="_blank">CBS Morning Show</a>. And here's Journey, with Pineda, rockin' <a href=http://www.youtube.com/v/5RJGZgRfBhQ&hl=en">"Lights"</a>). 5) There have been several important passings of late. As I've often noted, we're entering into an era where many of musical giants will be dying, seemingly daily. R.I.P to: <img height=300 src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/mcgriff.jpg> Jimmy McGriff <img height=300 src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/bo_diddley.jpg> Bo Diddley You all shall be missed. DISHING ON DARONDO http://soul-sides.com/2008/05/dishing-on-dardondo.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-8439833516213305717 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img width=300 src=http://swindlemagazine.com/images/daranado3.jpg> The Darondo show last night in Costa Mesa was...ok. At first, I was really impressed so many people would turn out for a Darondo show but then I realized this was part of the <a href="http://abstract-workshop.com/" target="_blank">Abstract Workshop's 10th anniversary</a> party and that's probably why the crowd was so deep (and young). <a href="http://soul-sides.com/2008/05/dishing-on-dardondo.html">CONTINUE READING...</a> There has been a divided camp around whether the Nino Moschella band, who backs Darondo at these shows, works with the singer's sound or not and I'm afraid I have to fall on the side that says, "no." That's no diss on Moschella's group (who opened for Darondo last night) - I enjoy their variation on a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F2C8P8/103-0118090-0448674?ie=UTF8&tag=sousid-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000F2C8P8" target="_blank">post-Sly/Stevie, squiggly fonk/soul</a> aesthetic and he seems like a genuinely nice and talented guy but I just didn't think their sound fit with Darondo's music. It's one thing if they're trying to update his sound with new songs but it's more jarring to hear that aesthetic applied to "Didn't I" or "Let My People Go." I'm not saying you gotta keep the man locked in a time capsule but had he sat with a guitar - and nothing else - and played "Didn't I", that would have been considerably better than hearing a <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/didnt-live-08.mp3" target="_blank">more cluttered sound</a> that lacks the simple beauty of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CEGXM8/103-0118090-0448674?ie=UTF8&tag=sousid-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000CEGXM8" target="_blank">original</a>. You know, <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/didnt-live.mp3" target="_blank">like this</a> (recorded live by Justin Torres, 2005). Darondo himself was great - as a performer, especially one who had been out the game so long - he seemed to have a command of the stage and his performance and still kept it raw, especially with a bit about how to "treat your woman right" involving <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/cherrysauce.mp3" target="_blank">cherry sauce and some whipped cream</a>. <img src=http://www.soulstrut.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ohmyer1.gif> Some pix: This first image is from a t-shirt worn by Nino's keyboardist. I was on the fence about whether it was clever or crass. To go back to the "Frisco" debate...in this case, I was thought the use of Frisco was "meh." <img height=300 src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/IMG_1246.jpg> <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/IMG_1248.jpg> Nino Moschella <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/IMG_1254-1-1.jpg> Darondo <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/IMG_1268.jpg> Darondo <hr>Also don't forget this earlier post: my good friend from the Yay, Justin Torres, is interviewed here by Studio 360, talking about the career and music of Darondo. Great interview, peep: <object width="350" height="36"><param name="movie" value="http://studio360.org/flashplayer/mp3player.swf?config=http://studio360.org/flashplayer/config_share.xml&file=http://studio360.org/stream/xspf/98764"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://studio360.org/flashplayer/mp3player.swf?config=http://studio360.org/flashplayer/config_share.xml&file=http://studio360.org/stream/xspf/98764" id="STUDIO360_Mp3_Player_98764" name="STUDIO360_Mp3_Player_98764" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" wmode="transparent" height="36" width="350"></embed></object> WHISPERS IN MY EAR http://soul-sides.com/2008/05/whispers-needle-in-haystack-seems-like.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-6468654950181097403 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/soulcrates2.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/whispers_in_my_ear/whispers1.jpg" width="148" height="149" alt="whispers1.jpg" /> <img src="http://bywayof.net/captains_crate/whispers_in_my_ear/whispers2.jpg" width="149" height="149" alt="whispers2.jpg" /> The Whispers : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/NeedleInAHaystack.mp3" target="blank">Needle In A Haystack</a> & <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/SeemsLikeIGottaDoWrong.mp3" target="blank">Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong</a> taken from the album "Planets Of Life" on Janus (1973) (originally released on Soul Clock records in 1971) The Whispers : <a href="http://www.bywayof.net/audio/mp3/Captains_Crate/MyIllusions.mp3" target="blank">My Illusions</a> taken from the album "Life And Breath" on Janus (1972) Between having to get my computer fixed and moving (way too many CRATES!!!), I've been seriously neglecting blog duties. Once things get settled down I'm going to go crazy with all the new music I've been acquiring lately, but first, a little quickie of sweet soul. Let's give it up to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Whispers" target="blank">Scott twins (Scotty and Walter)</a> and crew who share the softer side of Watts while still keeping the message clear- and for sprouting some of the <a href="http://www.powerhouseradio.com/images/whispers-large.jpg" target="blank">strongest facial hair in the game</a>. While I have no shortage of love for their later hits like "And The Beat Goes On", it's this early material that seems a little more appropriate for their band name. "Needle In A Haystack" is the easy crowd pleaser, with its punchy hook and driving movements that undoubtedly send dancefloors in Northern England ablaze. However, my favorite cut off this first album is the inquisitive melancholy monster "Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong". More in spirit than sound, the song brings Syl Johnson's "Is It Because I'm Black" to mind. Penned by master songstress <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=103327369" target="blank">Sugar Pie DeSanto</a>, "My Illusions", has me curling up into a ball like a little scared kitten with every listen. Is that an oboe in the intro that makes me feel like ghosts are in the room? GETTING DEEP http://soul-sides.com/2008/05/getting-deep.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-8995133080058405113 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/dc2.jpg> I'm prepping my first new mixtape in god-knows-how-long (at least a few years): Deep Covers 2: MÃ¡s Profundo. It's all covers, all from artists outside the U.S. It will be fun - probably around 20 tracks, most of them songs I've never posted on the site. What I'm trying to gauge is whether people would rather download the finished mix or purchase it as a CD. The download option is less expensive ($9 vs. $12/CD) and arguably more convenient, but I also know that old school cats (like myself) prefer something you can hold and look at. In both cases, I'll make artwork and liner notes info available on the site for download in case you want to print your own materials. Log in your preference in the poll below, thanks! <iframe frameborder='0' src='http://polls.zoho.com/external/spankyillson/how-do-you-prefer-your-soul-delivered' width='260' height='210'></iframe> DEVIL WITH A BLUE(S) DRESS ON http://soul-sides.com/2008/05/devil-with-blues-dress-on.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-5312772478905983414 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41DTEC5TBHL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" /> Etta James: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/holdonme.mp3" target="_blank">Something's Got A Hold On Me</a> + <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/babywhat.mp3" target="_blank">Baby What You Want Me To Do</a> From <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Etta-James-Rocks-House/dp/B000002O9D/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211868750&sr=8-1">Rocks The House</a> (Argo, 1964) Jimmy Reed: <a href="http://o-dub.com/sounds/soulsides/jimmy-babywhat.mp3" target="_blank">Baby What You Want Me To Do</a> From 7â€ (VJ, 1960). Also on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QZZ4F0/ref=dm_sp_alb?ie=UTF8&qid=1211868796&sr=8-5">The Very Best Of</a> If sound could create fire, then this is the album to have handy during a cold night's camping trip. Part blues, part soul and all in your face, Etta James tapped another dimension in late September 1963 in Nashville. Chess producer/A&R man Ralph Bass, frustrated with trying to reach the soul summit with Etta in the studio, wanted to tap into her fiery side and decided to record a live album at the legendary New Era Club. What he got was unadulterated and unfiltered feeling. <a href="http://soul-sides.com/2008/05/devil-with-blues-dress-on.html">CONTINUE READING...</a> Much like a James Brown live show, the MC announced it was Star Time. After a short intro, Etta growls, â€œOhhhhhh sometimes I get a feeling, yeah!!!â€ and launches into her 1962 hit, â€œSomething's Got A Hold On Me.â€ Two-and-a-half wrenching minutes later, the jam begins. With vocals that knock you on your ass, it's the band's duty to keep the groove movin' and get you on your feet. To hear her talk in between songs makes you do a double take as her speaking voice is thin and almost aw-shucks quiet. During song, she morphs into a beast in command of its territory. The crowd is obviously in a zone with Etta as evidenced by their frantic whoopin', hollerin', and whistling. Call and response is the theme of the night as virtually each and every song has the audience singing along with her. The only 45 to be released from this set (Argo 5459) was the Jimmy Reed cover â€œBaby What You Want Me To Doâ€ with the flipside being Ray Charles' â€œWhat'd I Say.â€ Guitarist David Walker leads the band into a slow blues burner on the Reed cover while Marion Wright keeps it true on the low end on bass. To hear what a matchstick she was, just listen to the original Jimmy Reed version. No artist was too big to cover during this two-night extravaganza as she flipped B.B. King, Chess labelmate Muddy Waters, Barrett Strong, and even Brother Ray. While only three songs on this set weren't covers (per the CD â€" the original LP was only eight cuts deep), she made every song her own - just check out the scatting in â€œWoke Up This Morning.â€ If you want to get a glimpse of what it would have been like to see Etta tow the line of the devil's blues and raising the Holy Spirit, then pick up Bear Family's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beat-Legendary-Soul-Shows-1966/dp/B0009R1T3G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1211942030&sr=1-1">The !!!! Beat, Vol. 1</a> on DVD. Episode #2 features her performing â€œSomething's Got A Hold On Meâ€ while Episode #3 shows her singing with numerous others on Ray Charles â€œWhat'd I Say.â€ If all you need are a few audible embers to light your fire, Rock The House can certainly do the trick. THIS WEEK AT BOOGALOO[L.A.] (5/29) http://soul-sides.com/2008/05/this-week-at-boogaloola-522.html tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432660.post-1271256850947691176 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:59:59 PST <img src=http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z163/soul-sides-com/boogaloo-la-small.jpg> <strike>For this Thursday, it's DJ O-Dub, and Murphy's Law joined by special guest, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/djbcause" target="_blank">DJ B-Cause</a>, one of the finest DJs from the Bay Area, ever.</strike>Alas, B.Cause ran into travel problems and won't be able to join Murphy's Law and myself tonight. That said, the Boogaloo shall, er, boogie on! Boogaloo[L.A.] Thursdays, 10pm - 2am The Short Stop (Echo Park) 1455 Sunset Blvd. Always Free. 21+ <a href="http://boogaloola.com" target="_blank">boogaloola.com</a>