Get Murked

project funway.

2008-04-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

New thing alert:

http://getmurked.muxtape.com/

...we'll see how this comes along.

(Suggestions welcome, I want to make this flow smoothly, so don't be saying "Hows about some Daft Punk?" when it's 80's electro time...not cool/acceptable.)

xoxoxoxo

surely it's the half.

2008-03-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

Note: This was supposed to be up like six days ago, but my computer + blogger are not on the same wavelength right now. Bummer.

OK, so one and a half jams today! Frighteningly different ones at that.

Clipse & The Re-Up Gang + Wire.

From 1977's classic Pink Flag we have "Field Day." At 28 seconds, it does not really even qualify as a half-jam, more like an extended chorus or something. Regardless, it's a brilliant song that you will want to replay about four times in a row. Almost two minutes if you add it up.

Wire - Field Day

Next up we have the main course. Off of the third installment in their We Got It 4 Cheap mixtape series, I present The Re-Up Gang going hard over a classic Swizz Beatz production, "Scenario 2000."

They call it "Scenario 2008" for reasons that should be quite obvious.

The entire mixtape can be obtained here. I don't think that I can physically or metaphorically recommend anything as much as I do this. Pretty much my favorite dudes ever at this moment in time.

"Underhand pitch like little league in Japan."

Clipse & The Re-Up Gang - Scenario 2008

alertification,

2008-02-22T23:52:00.000-08:00

I've been a bastard to this damned blog.

Excuse me.

While not writing, I have been working, playing and just generally trying to make things happen (albeit very slowly and deliberately.)

In the mean time, listen to this Felt song. They played it at Smiths night last Sunday and I got hyped.

Google Image Search result for the word 'euphoria' - it's called "Gals Experiencing euphoria!"

Felling hyped shouldn't really apply to this one, but it sort of made perfect sense within that context and well...I don't know really, just a great love song about letting someone in I suppose.

Felt - Sunlight Bathed The Golden Glow

movement starter.

2008-02-03T03:24:00.000-08:00

In terms of new things, this is easily the standout of the year so far. Insanely danceable and accompanied by a beautiful melody & vocal take, this track is a stunner.

The only other thing that is on its level, also happens to be on the same label. DFA are already having a fantastic year, and I don't really see them slowing down. Ed Banger is pretty much deaded, coincidentally.

I only know a few things about Hercules & Love Affair and today's selection "Blind:"

-Antony (from Antony & The Johnsons) is behind the vocal on "Blind"

-Antony will provide five (or four?) more vocals for the upcoming debut album by H & LA

-Hercules & Love Affair is only one dude, but there are two people in the picture below. Huh??
...yeah, that's pretty much it.

Hercules & Love Affair ft. Antony - Blind (Hercules' Club Mix)

montage.

2008-01-29T21:03:00.001-08:00

When you have a grand idea, it is probably best that you jot it down and from there, fill out the ideas and such with insightful and carefully though out observations.

I did not do that with the aforementioned post on the nature of love and their domineering role within the canon of pop songs. Instead, I thought of a long-winded theory whilst on the train, and just a promptly forgot it. Boo hoo.

So, instead of giving you a new jam to fawn over, I'll (not) compensate by Year-Ending a you with a list of a few films that I enjoyed this year.

(Full disclosure: I have not seen The Diving Bell & the Butterfly, The Savages, Walk hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Lars & The Real Girl, Ratatouille, Persepolis or the second half of I'm Not There. They might have appeared on my list, or not. Who knows?)

(You should know what to do with the links.)

Released in 2007:

1. There Will Be Blood

based on Upton Sinclair's novel Oil!
written & directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

This is without question, one of the best film I'll ever have the privilege of being alive for. Everybody is sucking Javier Bardem off for No Country, but I think that the one-two combination of Daniel Day-Lewis' Daniel Plainview and Paul Dano's Eli Sunday are easily amongst the most frightening characters ever presented on celluloid. They embody greed, malice, rage, avarice and most of all, the pure, unadulterated hate for human beings. Misanthropy is not even strong enough of a word for what Plainview has in his cold black heart.

Paul Thomas Anderson has made a masterpiece in the truest sense of the word. There are themes in this work that are very clear, but not super-overtly and never cheaply mined for an audience's sympathy. Look no further than the actions and words of the characters. The consequences are dire and yet make complete sense.

2. Superbad

written by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldbeg
directed by Greg Mottola

I was on the train the other day and heard a guy and girl talk about this movie. The girl said something to effect of, "I liked it OK, but it was such a boy movie. I mean, it was alright and everything but, it was so boy funny."

Fuck that girl. This is everyone funny. I believe that her real problem is that she's never had a best friend. No, not a really good friend or even a "BFF," but a true blue absolute best friend. If you have ever had one of those, then you should be crying a little at the end of this film. The whole thing is essentially about the realization that the crutch that is a best friend is suddenly being pulled out from under you for the crutch that is a girlfriend and how that sort of fucks you up for a while. Think about it, if you have a girl or boyfriend, how do much do you talk to your best friends? And when you don't...? Exactly.

3. Zodiac

written by James Vanderbilt, based on the book by Robert Graysmith
directed by David Fincher

I can't really tell you exactly why I liked this film as much as I did. I mean, I don't really love cop movies more than the next guy, or crime investigation films either for that matter. I think that anybody could have played Jake Gyllenhaal's role and the joint is like thirty minutes longer than it really should be.

Oh, I forgot, it's because David Fincher took what was essentially a crime film about a famous murderer (who we, coincidentally, know for a fact hasn't even been caught in 30+ years) not boring, but fascinating. The period detail, use of music and the fact that the cast is stellar are also why this one works so well.

4. No Country For Old Men

adapted from the novel by Cormac McCarthy
written for the screen & directed by The Cohen Brothers

This is the most thrillingest thriller of the year that (unless you've read the book,) you don't know the ending to. Also, the sound design is marvelous. The direction is filled with tension enough as is, but the aural side is what really gets it to its true edge-of-your-seat heights.

Additionally, Josh Brolin really is the highlight for me here. He perfectly plays a guy who really shouldn't be as smart as he is and in doing so, creates someone that you can really root for.

Blame Cormac McCarthy for then ending if you didn't like it. I personally didn't mind not seeing exactly what happened. All the shooting in the first two thirds terrified me. Having a few less crackling gunshots in my ears was fine by me.

5. Control

adapted from Deborah Cutis' autobiography "Touching From A Distance"
written for the screen Matt Greenhalgh
directed by Anton Corbijn

This is how you make a biopic. Beautifully shot, expertly executed live performances, and a truly compelling lead performance, with spot on work by all supporting actors.

6. The Darjeeling Limited

written by Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola & Jason Schwartzman
directed by Wes Anderson

This is Wes being Wes. That is absolutely fine by me. Although it felt more compact than anything else he's done, there is a lot to chew on in this funny, sad and ultimately touching film.

Think about the tiger and then get back to me.

7. Knocked Up

written & directed by Judd Apatow

This film is hilarious because of everybody but Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl. Not that they are bad by any means, it's just that the roommates, Paul Rudd, the little girls, the bouncer and most importantly Leslie Mann are just that much funnier. The relationship stuff is pretty well executed too. Almost too truly for a Hollywood film.

8. Michael Clayton

written & directed by Tony Gilroy

Ever since Dogville I've been sort of obsessed by films that end in a satisfying manner. There Will Be Blood and Michael Clayton are this years dual winners of the Lars Von Trier Prize for Incredible Endings.

The performances in this film are all great, but the writer/director Tony Gilroy is the real show-off in this one, dispaying his apt sense of mood and suspense, he has created a phenomenal directorial debut. And once again, that ending showdown between George Clooney and Tilda Swinton's characters is one for the ages.

9. Eastern Promises

written by Steven Knight
directed by David Cronenberg

Viggo is incredible and all, but almost no love is being shown for the scene/film stealer Vincent Cassel.
His work here is great. The character that he shapes is despicable, yet you feel pity for him. He is a misogynist male chauvinist with obvious homosexual tendencies and a charmingly deplorable human being.

The twist in the last third is actually surprising and well done. Cronenberg doing fine work here. I think that he should do another one with Viggo and this character, interesting things could come of that.

10. Before The Devil Knows You're Dead

written by Kelly Masterson
directed by Sidney Lumet

This is another fine crime/heist film. Another one that gets it right. I agree with my friend Bob about the out-of-sequence bit being a bit lame, but nonetheless, the acting and script really helped me see past the gimmick.

Phillip Seymour-Hoffman and Albert Finney doing exceptional work here. They both seem to be in pain or discomfort the entire time, which I find interesting to no end.

The Rest (2007):

-Juno

Yes, I know exactly what is wrong with this film, (the extreme abundance of quirk and "hip" references, the oh so precious music, the glibness of just about every single adult character, Michael Cera being in it for only like 5 minutes, etc.) yet somehow I can honestly say that I sort of liked it. Enough to put it on this list. Not the other one though. Should this be nominated for Academy Awards against There Will Be Blood or No Country For Old Men? No way? But Atonement shouldn't be either, so whatever. At least I cared enough about Juno being with Michael Cera's character enough to be glad at the end. Keira Knightly and whats-his-face? Oh fuck off.

-The King Of Kong: A Fistful Of Quarters

Best frivolous documentary of the year, hands down.

-Sicko

Best serious documentary of the year. I fully support our troops and all, and I want them all to came home and I fell truly awful for the ones who have been slain or wounded.

That said, I will probably never step foot in Iraq, I know that it's all Bush's fault that they were sent there and the plight of the Iraqi people is nowhere near important to me (and millions of others) as not having to pay for health care. Michael Moore made a bipartisan film that shows how we are all fucked. That counts for something.

-Blades Of Glory

Hi-la-ri-ous. Everything out of Will Ferrell's mouth is gold in this one. Pure gold. Also, the chase between he and Will Arnett is genius.

Best old stuff/not released in 2007:

-Holy Mountain

Holy shit. Fucking incredible.

-Morvern Callar

Marvelous in every way. Best music usage ever? Top 3 easily.

-Paranoid Park

Go see it when it comes out. Gus is on a roll.

on love songs.

2008-01-26T23:53:00.000-08:00

I was on the train tonight and the song "Touch Too Much" by Hot Chip was on repeat in my mind.

I haven't been posting very much lately. Not for a lack of good music, no. To the contrary, the thing is, I've been listening to a wide array of music new and old. Various genres. The main things that I keep coming back to though are Panda Bear's Person Pitch, Clipse & The Re-Up Gang's We Got It 4 Cheap Volumes 1 & 2, and even more than anything else, (since probably The Strokes' Is This It all the way back in 2001) Hot Chip's new masterpiece (yes Masterpiece) Made In The Dark.

What is it about this, their third album, that is so great? I have a notion that it has to do with the amount of love that is spread throughout.

See, what the guys in Hot Chip have done on this latest album is mostly talk about the bittersweet time when, upon the verge of an inevitable break up, one looks back on a relationship and sees every incident that had led to the demise.

They do this over and over. Only a few of the songs sort of celebrate love. And even those tend to skew towards melancholy ("In The Privacy Of Our Love," "Ready For The Floor.")

By the way, did I mention that the ratio of slow songs to dance-able ones is something like 1:5?

Yes, they made a sad love song album that won't let you stop dancing for most of it's run time. What the fuck?!

You must buy this when it comes out in a couple of weeks (February 5, to be exact.)

Before I post a long-winded essay on pop music and the subject of love (one equals the other is the whole gist...) her is the jam to convince you to support Made In The Dark. A song about the two opposing sides of love and how they resemble a (childish) pastime: wrestling.

Hot Chip - Wrestlers

chorus.

2008-01-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

Hello pals. Back with another sporadic jam. This comes from someone not entirely unlike Valerie Dore.
An Italo/scary synth-pop casualty, Nancy Nova was the odd, pitch-shifted voice behind today's banger "The Force."

This song is a concoction primarily made up of:

1. A creepy voice at the very beginning saying "Chorus..."
2. ...followed by a Greek chorus! Chanting along spookilly (sic?,) no less.
3. A super killer bass line
4. All over the place synth & computerized organs
5. One of my cheesy weaknesses, an over-pitched main vocal.

What these things lead to is a jam to end all forgotten Italo/synth jams, here, in it's full seven and a half minute glory...

Nancy Nova - The Force (Original Mix)

triumphant return.

2008-01-13T00:11:00.000-08:00

Back like cooked crack with new jams. We start off 2008 with a track off of an album that truly surprised me. I Picked up Mazarati's debut album in Kim's for something like $7.00. The same day, I had picked up a couple of Wings lps, some ELO, Test-Icicles only album (on vinyl no less) and a Squeeze singles compilation (more on that in another post.) Needless to say I thought that the Mazarati album would probably have one or two solid jams with a bunch of band faux-Prince filler. Not the case at all, actually.

Best album of the lot. From front to back all golden nuggets. The first track on the lp is what I offer today. This one is the extended mix, about four minutes longer and double the amount of pure sex appeal.

It is also handy to keep in mind that they looked like this:

Not gay at all.

Mazarati - Players Ball

year -end excuse.

2007-12-25T02:02:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you have to work and get money and try to find gear & records and go to bars that you couldn't go to before you can write.

Count me in.

Soon, when the inspirado hits.

Happy holidays, etc.

revenge.

2007-12-15T13:58:00.000-08:00

The following sounds as if Bobby Nunn had just heard Dirty Mind while in the presence of Prince himself. At the beginning of the party, he was super confident about his ability to pull just about any woman that he desired. They were all there for his taking, willing to do anything he'd like. That skinny motherfucker with the high voice wasn't going to stop him at all. He was obviously gay, right. He had to be. With the blouse on and high heels. He added up to about 5'4" and maybe 116. Soaking wet. With weights on his ankles.

But then he goes and hands the dj a copy of his new album. The one with him in a bikini and tights on the cover. "This nigga must think he's cute or something. Ha!

"I've heard his last one, the one with him on the back riding a white horse. That shit was good but nothing spectacular. I mean, "I Wanna Be Your Lover" was pretty funky but...I don't know about this guy."

At that moment, the dj starts in on Side B. "Uptown" is on. Oh shit.

"Hey! where'd he get that groove from? And that synth line? What's he been doing, practicing?"

Bobby then eyes a beautiful Latin looking girl at the end of the bar. Prince is being fawned over by a couple of white girls in short leopard-print skirts over in the back lounge. Bobby sees his chance to chat up the exotic young thing and then parade by Prince as he makes his way to his limo with his newly-won lady prize.

He orders a drink, a gin & tonic.

By the time he looks over to where the girl is, he sees that a short black girl with curly honey colored hair has taken her place. "Where can she be?" he thinks to himself.

He spies the corners of the club, and the ladies room door for a few moments.

Then he sees her. Well-not her face exactly, but her calves.

Calves and heels. The calves are strong, the heels bright red. Fishnets tie them together.

He can only see the calves and heels because her back is facing him and he can't bear to look up any further at first. When he finally decides to, all he can think to do immediately is look away. But it's too late.

In that split-second, he saw it all. Her face, buried in that skinny motherfucker's lap. Her hands caressing his chest hairs through the open buttons of that god damned white blouse. His steely look of pleasure. All it took was one look.

Bobby went home with the short black girl. He actually ended up marrying her. She wasn't a fan of that skinny motherfucker with the high voice, and he found that reassuring.

The next morning, he had some breakfast while the blond was sleeping. Quietly, on a small synth with a headphone jack, he started composing this song.

"I'll show him" he repeated to himself. "I'll show them both."

Bobby Nunn - Sexy Sassy

again with him.

2007-12-13T06:14:00.000-08:00

How 2007 is buying McCartney II from The Thing a few weeks ago and claiming one of the closing tracks to be one of the finer jams of the year?

Ok, so the year is not 1982, but you what? It's hard picking out new things that are good. I feel like all of the other blogs have done that to death already. So from the awesome McCartney II...a fucking jam. Moody Macca, if you will.

Stoops!

Paul McCartney - Dark Room

past blasting.

2007-12-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

It's easier if I just put these two together.

Both super rad, from Athens, Georgia & Los Angeles respectively. When guys start bands that are sort of super-influenced by very specific musical periods and the jams don't come out like lame carbon copies...that's the best.

Nuggets bands and 90's alt-rock in general should be proud. As should all of their mothers.

Sleazeballs, obviously.

Black Lips - Dirty Hands

No seriously, get down with these fuckers. They're dope.

No Age - Everybody's Down

listerine burns.

2007-12-09T03:58:00.000-08:00

Kate Nash is so hot.

Hot Chip are the shit.

The original version of this song is only ok.

They come together and make it better.

Also, Kate Nash, a complete dish.

I think she might be really tall though (boo!)

I'm not even so sure that this one is one of my favorites of this year, but it sure seems to have been played a lot so...

If Joss Stone wasn't really into bad fashion choices...and was gorgeous...and talented

X

Gettin' squeaky/gettin' clean...

Kate Nash - Mouthwash (Hot Chip Remix)

swallow.

2007-12-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

This is another one from 2006 that got mad burn on my iTunes. The thing about this one is that I completely forgot about it after hearing it a few times at the end of last year...

Then next thing I know, I just kept repeating "she swallowed the dead wife pills..." all the goddamned time. Hello this jam on repeat.

"Dead Wife Pills" sort of starts out as a Wreckless Eric-style punk number but then transforms into a beautiful mess of guitar reverb and that short expression that just I couldn't get out of my head a while ago. The whole thing lasts 3:10, but seems longer. In this case, this is actually a good thing.

They're from London, which kind semi-explains the Wreckless Eric start. But not the photo.

Magic carpet ride to...a wig store?

Dead Kids - The Dead Wife Pills
.

et fin.

2007-12-03T07:53:00.000-08:00

As the year rapidly approaches it's end, I think that I'll try to amass some the (very few) things that I liked that happened to have come out this year.
Because I listen to so much old stuff, the new things that keep my attention are usually pretty bad ass. FACT.

Anywhoo, I'll be doing this over a number of days, seeing as how I have to search through iTunes and sort the 2007 shit out. Some of these might not be from 2007 though (ha!) I'm making exception for 2006 things that I reall came to love this year, like the song below.

This is one of my favorite melodies ever. Anybody who has heard me ramble for hours on end about jams knows that I don't care much for what is being said the first 100 times I hear something that I like (sometimes later come to love,) it's usually the melody that kills me. No exception for Grizzly Bear's "Knife."

This shit is one of the most gorgeous things done since the millennium has begun, hands down.

"Oh yeah and we've chilled with Clipse. Take that!"

The part about back-stabbing (quite literally) was all but lost on me until I heard semi-shitty covers by CSS and Born Ruffians (they have their own awesome 2006/2007 songs, but none for these posts.)

The thing about covering this song is-you absolutely have to do the four-part harmonies!

No four-part harmonies, no go.

So, without any further ado, my favorite song to hum, probably ever.

Grizzly Bear - Knife

resting...

2007-11-27T20:18:00.001-08:00

Forgive me, but please don't forget me. I'll be back soon enough.

xoxo,

Brian

dream wife.

2007-11-19T22:15:00.000-08:00

I.

Lance made me play this about ten times this past weekend. It's sometimes strange the songs that people get immediately attached to. The first time that I played this for Jake, he became semi-obsessed with it. I think that the same holds true for Bob.

II.

I've tried to make Get Murked a place where pretty much only women that I find appealing get shine. Kate Bush is the godhead of this theory. I would truly love to have had a significant relationship with her in any year between 1977 through 1986. Why, you might ask?:

III.

IV.

V.

I found this lp for $2 on beautiful gray marbled vinyl this past weekend. Yay for me.

Kate Bush - Hounds Of Love

Kate Bush - Cloudbusting

the quick and the dead.

2007-11-16T16:20:00.000-08:00

This band had (has?) short songs.

They got the short-end of the stick in return.

Hopefully they can regroup triumphantly.

Two, because they're short.

This album cost me about $15 when I bought it. That equals up to around a dollar a minute.

The Natural History - Watch This House

The Natural History - Dance Steps

*.M4a's let me know if you need a .mp3.

in a spin.

2007-11-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

Court let out early today. Yay!

I don't have to be convinced about Kurtis Mantronik's genius, that is obvious. But house still hasn't grabbed me by the proverbial horns and made me a full-on believer yet. Electro, electronic, Italo, Eurobeat, freestyle, even IDM have had their moments in my lair of jams (don't ask.) But house...not so much.

Actually, too much. You could always start at the beginning, but...Jesus, that sure is a a lot to rake through and...ah, whatever. Someday.

Until then, one of Mantronik's later-period epics.

This song just makes me feel really good. It's about a very specific kind of love, the head-over-heels type. The gist of the song is that this girl sees a guy, instantly falls madly in love with him and her subsequent questioning of his ability to know (before she did) that she would want to touch him.

She wants to tell him how she's been "walking on clouds" and "spellbound" about him. Pretty vain on the part of both parties if you ask me, but I digress...

Cool electronic cover art.

Kurtis Mantronik - How Did You Know?

no no no.

2007-11-13T13:26:00.000-08:00

I've got jury duty, give me a couple of days.

Dig through the archives if you already haven't. There's gold in there.

Sorry.

under pressure.

2007-11-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

So, for the most part, I really try to get in a substantial number of songs that I feel everybody will enjoy. Whether they be older, newer, rock, pop, etc...

Every once in a while though, a song or an artist will come along that I truly have no business liking, but totally do anyway. Some of the latest ones include: Soulja Boy, Hurricane Chris, Hell Rell, Fall Out Boy (ha, got me!), My Chemical Romance and Aly & AJ. Huh???

The thing about it is-you shouldn't really be ashamed of these minor indulgences, you should embrace them. Defend them. Nurture them.

You have to figure that if you hear that Nickelback song enough times, you'll realize that it really is catchy. 50 Cent may be a despicable human being, but you shouldn't really hold that against Tony Yayo (honestly though, just for that one song.)

Fergie Ferg is still ugly, but those two bump! (Ok, full disclosure, three.) And the Plain White-T's? That's just a really sweet song...that might have caused me to tear up a tiny little bit once I finally listened to it.

Anyways, besides throwing my music blogging "career" into the figurative fire, what's the point here?

That Pretty Ricky are more than just the inspiration for the funniest/gayest shit ever on Youtube

CLICK THAT SHIT!! TRUST ME!!

They also have jams that any woman with a vagina and even an ounce of self-doubt can appreciate.
They're all midgets who want to put it in you. And they're brothers. They're dad happens to be thier manager. He lets them/encourages them to go on stage like this:

or...
Other than that creepiness, they honestly have two really dope songs that have gotten me much play recently. (False.)

Yes they are absurd, yes they teeter on the verge of bad taste, but honestly, what doesn't these days? (Ahem!)

Pretty Ricky - Peer Pressure

Pretty Ricky - On The Hotline

fly guy funk.

2007-11-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

Of course, everybody with VH1 classic or any sense of music video knows Robert Palmer for this,

or perhaps this:

but more than anything, R. Palm was a great interpreter of songs. More than any of his original material that I've encountered, his covers of The Beatles' "Not A Second Time", Cherelle's "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On" and The System's "You Are In My System" are some of the best examples of a singer taking a song and really allowing themselves the opportunity to make the composition their own. The Beatles number gets a sort of blue-eyed soul interpretation and Cherelle's already great song gets a white boy plastic funk groove.

Palmer seems to have realized that his voice was well suited to do the contemporary R & B numbers and he capitalized on it. As far as I'm concerned they are his shining moments.

RIP

Robert Palmer - Not A Second Time (The Beatles)

Robert Palmer - I Didn't Mean To Turn You On (Cherelle)

showdown at sundown.

2007-11-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

The first one is used in the beginning of this:

The second one is from a mix that Teddy sent me. He felt that jerry used an inferior Cass song in his Bag of Suck part.

Regardless, I think that he (Cass or Jerry, really) is probably one of the most underrated dudes out there right now.

*See below.

Cass McCombs - Sacred Heart

Cass McCombs - What Isn't Nature

.

Bonus: Sonic Youth - Superstar (The Carpenters)

*While I would normally post a photo of the artist or album art, Cass seems to have the same photo used everytime anybody writes something about him. So instead I used a picture taken by the multi-talented Jerry Hsu. That one happens to be one of my all-time favorites.

serotonin flowing.

2007-11-07T01:24:00.000-08:00

Since the age of about 8 or so, my musical taste chart has looked something like this:

8-13 - Strictly hip-hop or hip-hop flavored r & b.
13-15 - Hip-hop, 70's classics, and really shitty rock/nu-metal (i.e. Limp Bizkit, Korn, Stone Temple Pilots) with occasional great semi-modern rock (Nirvana, The Doors, Pink Floyd.) All kept secret from my hooligan rap friends.
16-18 - With the introduction of regular computer access comes indie rock and underground hip-hop. I also had started college once I hit 17, this allowed me to regularly buy cd's for the first time in my life. Before that, record buying was relegated to birthdays, Christmas, Mom giving me a couple of bucks at tax-return time or the once every six months spoil of falling into a few dollars. My hip-hop hooligan friends were gracious enough to trade me Jay-Z albums for shirts or a cool knife.
18-20 - Disco, Italo-disco, new wave, post-punk, psych, freestyle, classic rock & a few select hip-hop artists. At this point I'm sick of indie rock (for the most part) and rap has gone to shit (mostly.) I hardly ever by cd's (all vinyl pretty much) and I haven't bought anything released within the past year. I'm mot sure if that means that I've become a bitter curmudgeon or what, but I do know that I've been jamming on these old records pretty hard lately and I don't really see anything wrong with that at all.

So, what does all of that have to do with anything? Not much at all really, just thought I'd share.
From the treasure troves of my mind/hard drive, I'll be sharing some of my favorite songs from these periods. This one is from when I was wearing corduroys and going down to Union Square by myself on Friday nights while I was flunking out of my second semester of college.

I was curious about these guys (Liars) and ordered everything they had done from Amazon. They didn't write this one, Oneida did, but it is probably one of the best things that they've ever done. (Besides their second album, which I still stand behind. Fuck the haters.)

I really love their early, evil album covers.

Liars - Rose & Licorice*

*An .m4a file, if anybody needs an mp3 instead, let me know.

breakfast in sunny southend

2007-11-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

I always sort of imagined my other site to be playing this on a continuous loop. The general basis of it was in line with this song's subject matter, really.

Picture yourself when you're getting old,
Sat by the fireside a-pondering on
Picture book, pictures of your mama, taken by your papa a long time ago.
Picture book, of people with each other, to prove they love each other a long ago.

It's a really sweet sentiment that most modern photography (???) seems to strive for, but is ultimately bogged down by irony, corporate sponsorship, self-centered photographers who seem to have lost (or perhaps never even had) a sense of self or what exactly their work should be focusing on.

Let it be known, there is ultimately nothing inherently wrong about taking photos of drugs, good looking people at parties or all around vapidness, per se. There is something wrong in doing so without a true perspective and/or a sense of humor about it that has at least some basis in reality (i.e. humor that goes past irony, or simple absurdity.) Trying to be compelling or say something of note-even it is about something as purely silly as New York or Los Angeles Red Bull and cocaine parties-is not a crime.

Things like this prove that.

Sorry for the rant, but once I get on a roll...

The Kinks - Picture Book

sit and softly croon.

2007-11-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

This one will be broken into two parts: the one where I check Wikipedia for facts, and the one in which I recall all that I know about Thin Lizzy (with "help" from what I remember from their Behind the Music episode. That I saw when I was 14.)

Random Behind the Music memories:

-Lead singer named Phil.

-Also known as the "Black Irishman"

-He died young.

-"The Boys Are Back In Town" was based in reality/booze. (???)

Facts from Wikipedia:

-Phil's last name was Lynott

-They were influenced by Bob Seger and Van Morrisson

-"Lynott is one of the few black men to achieve significant success in hard rock" (???)

Anyways, I came across this song whilst trying to download "The Boys Are Back In Town." This one is way better...and the title is super creepy.

It could be about either a shotgun wedding or an incestous relationship/pregnancy. (Ew.)

Thin Lizzy - Little Girl In Bloom (Peel Session)

call back.

2007-11-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

I can not tell you how many times I have listened to this song. To which you reply, "Yes you can, just check your iTunes play count, stupid."

Then I say, "I would get angry because you called me stupid, but the truth is, I sort of am, I've had to fix iTunes a bunch of times and reload all of my shit. Because of these occasional bouts of ineptitude, my current highest play count is currently at 4 (an eight-way tie between Al B. Sure!, Swizz Beatz, Todd Rundgren and others.)"

Quite literal.

Now, although I may not the biggest Genesis fan, I will cop to being a semi-frequent Phil Collins booster. This (as well as his production and drumming on Frida's "I Know There's Something Going On") is one of his shining moments. Pop songwriting at it's peak.

Additionally, who doesn't love blue-eyed soul horn stabs?

Genesis - No Reply At All

good enough for louie.

2007-10-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

From one of my favorite skater's best parts:

...an incredible song that even your mom will jam to.

Scarf control.

Rod Stewart - Young Turks

Full Disclosure:
The past few (as well as upcoming) posts are an attempt to share some of my all time favorite songs. This is being done in complete sincerity and with 100% love & admiration. The fact that I even have to put this at the bottom is simply a testament to my lazy writing as of late. Ha!

more to life than books.

2007-10-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

My favorite Smiths song.

Self-explanatory.

The Smiths - Handsome Devil (Peel Session)

.

simply taking and not giving.

2007-10-26T18:24:00.000-07:00

This is about as indignant as the boys got...

I decree today that life
Is simply taking and not giving
England is mine - it owes me a living
But ask me why, and I'll spit in your eye

Yet also tender...

Under the iron bridge we kissed
And although I ended up with sore lips
It just wasn't like the old days anymore
No, it wasn't like those days

This is without a doubt one of my favorite Smiths songs. The mix of sour and sweet, if you will, is exactly what made them so special. Johnny Marr's blissful music in contrast to Morrissey's bittersweetly reminiscent words...pure magic.

The Smiths - Still Ill

.

true to you.

2007-10-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

I have managed to not write anything about The Smiths or Morrissey on this here site. I honestly have no clue as to why. No good excuses...nothing.

Shame!

Lads at ease.

In case you weren't aware, The Smiths are my all-time favorite band, and a Mr. Steven Patrick Morrissey is my choice for greatest songwriter in the English language.

I am far from the only person who believes this, for the Smiths/Morrissey freaks are many. So, because I have neglected my duties as Smiths and Moz fan, today we shall get into part one of a three part Smiths series!

For these three, I'll stick to The Smiths, but I'm fairly certain that this will be an ongoing series, so please do not mistake this as anywhere near all-encompassing. The Smiths/Morrissey combined catalog is getting deeper every year but I'll just be putting up a few personal favorites. There are many.

.

First up, a gorgeous song about patience.

"I know a place where we can go
Where we are not known"

The Smiths - These Things Take Time

influence.

2007-10-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

A quick question.

If this:

was influenced by this:

Does that mean that this:

was influenced by this?:

Just asking...

idolize, hypnotize.

2007-10-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

This three-cd set was sent to me by the fine folks over at Gigantic music. I got it early because of the type of jams that I usually post. Upon hearing it, I was only further convinced about the true genius of Ike Turner.

Now don't get me wrong, beating women is a truly horrible thing, (almost as bad as beating up animals) but Ike really was a virtuoso and an innovator. This all seems to unfortunately get lost in the haze of drug/woman abuse and Tina's subsequent rise in the 80's. (Another thing, those 80's Tina songs fucking suck.)

Marital bliss.

The best example of Ike + Tina truly coming together in song and voice is "Idolize You." It is also a type of complimentary song to "Quicksand" in a strange way.

Ike & Tina Turner - Idolize You

rubber neck giraffe.

2007-10-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

For some reason (the piano maybe?) this song always reminds me of an Elton John record. Southern Gothic Elton John.

Leon Russell is one of the most talented dudes around. He played on so many records, by so many artists, it nearly impossible to track all of his guest appearances and songwriting credits down.

The Rolling Stones, Donny Hathaway, Herb Alpert, Barbara Streisand (!?!?), they've all had his help. Crazy prolific, and apparently utterly incomprehensible when not singing (deep Oklahoma accent) he wrote this one for his 1972 album Carney. It is one of my favorite bouncy southern rock-type bangers.

Seriously, this cover is terrifying.

Leon Russell - Tight Rope

some girls.

2007-10-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Listen to this one again. With fresh ears, and then try to tell me that it's not a banger. (Especially the bridge)

You know that it is.*

"Why wouldn't I need a fur in the desert?"

R.I.P. ODB!

"That nigga J.C. crazy! A fur in the desert?!"

J.C. Chasez ft. ODB - Some Girls Dance With Women

*For real, fuck irony, I hate that shit, this song knocks.

dinner for one.

2007-10-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

Easiest post ever recipe:
______________________

1 - Prince song

1 - Picture of the album
from which the song came

1 - Humorous comment in
italics below aforementioned
picture

Mix.
(Serves all.)
_______________________

"Really Prince, like that?"

"Yes, sans shirt."

Prince - Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?

pulling me closer.

2007-10-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

Martha and the Vandellas were the second most successful girl-group on the Motown label. The first being these harlots.

The thing about it is, I don't believe that I like any one Supremes song more than I do Martha and the girls' rendition of "Quicksand."

A perfect song in every sense, much like the 1960's girl group equivalent of this.

Martha and the Vandellas - Quicksand

makes me feel old.

2007-10-17T09:41:00.000-07:00

You know that I don't usually post newer stuff, but honestly...this is one of my fucking jams.

Ted knows, I've been riding for Chromeo. Since before She's In Control, these dudes are the truth. The reason I even know about The Deele is because I saw Dave1 and P-Thugg (two 'g's so necessary!) big them up while citing influences. And "Rocket 2 U?" that was on one of their dope old school electro mixes. Like anything worth it's salt, they are a gift that keeps on giving.

Style icons, as well.

Their newest album has been out for a little bit now and it is great. They usually get love on other blogs and stuff, but not enough for my taste. Fancy Footwork is insane, from the title track to "Tenderoni" to "Opening Up" that shit bangs. Hard.

I really could only recommend a small child's handful of things released post-2000 more than this.

But...this one is my absolute favorite:

Chromeo - Bonafied Lovin' (Tough Guys)

Full Disclosure:
1. First time I ever put up a buy link. That recommended.
2. Chromeo were all over MTV last week between commercials. I've been meaning
to write about them for a while now, can't say that didn't remind me.
3. They just released the video for this song, (see here) another reminder.
4. I'll get back to old stuff next.
5. This post is also a shout out to Jordan in Washington. Just because.

effect mode.

2007-10-16T04:24:00.000-07:00

On the other end of the spectrum, we have one of the best "Fuck you!" jams ever.

This shit comes from the one, the only, the incomparable...

For the ladies.

Al B. Sure! (!!!)

This guy was dope. Unibrow and all. On the strength! An early adapter to the new jack swing sound, Al B. was all kinds of awesome. Check the "Rock to the rhythm of the funky beat" break, a true gem.

"What, do you think you're dope on a rope, nope!"

Al B. Sure! - Off On Your Own (Girl)

day and night.

2007-10-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

In 1986, (the album was released in 1987, but I presume that it was written in '86) Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Antonio "L.A." Reid wrote what I consider to be one the best love songs ever sung by human beings. This also just so happened to be my year of birth. Coincidence? I like to think not.

The Deele were the group that contained Babyface & L.A. (this is before they went on to start Laface records. Which means before TLC, OutKast, millions of dollars, a split between the once great friends and Eddie Murphy eventually making Babyface's wife his own. Ouch.)

Waaaay before this.

Great lyrics, true sentiment, flawless melodies, it's all there. Honestly, If I ever get married, (ha!) this will play as I stumble onto my wife's foot for our first dance.

Additionally: If I ever DJ a wedding (looking right at you: Jake, Elena, Ben, Teddy, etc.) you must dance to this at some point in the evening as your mothers and fathers weep.

The Deele - Two Occasions

deluxe edition.

2007-10-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

While I continue to wallow in the dreck and mire that is my life, my dear friend and confidant Teddy is flourishing in our neighbor to the north.

He is currently successful at the following:

-Wearing high-tops
-Being mad blonde

"Teal pants? Yes, please!"

-Canada's most famous "non-homosexual" homosexual
-Doing remix jams:

Teddy - Khusara Khusara

Teddy - The Locomotion

she's got the smoke in her eyes.

2007-10-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

I found a copy of this:

...at the rad thrift store across the street from my pal's crib. I also managed to snag this and this.

Speaking In Tongues contains one of my absolute favorite Talking Heads jams ever in the form of "Girlfriend Is Better" An awesome song*, (the live version on Stop Making Sense rules a bit harder, but whatever) but I'm afraid that I don't really know about how much better life is with a significant other.

Now, the actual verse lyrics to the song do not make any discernible sense as far as I can tell, but the chorus does seem to imply that the girlfriend in question is

"...moving up going right through my heart"

I'm pretty sure that he means that in a good way, but honestly, who the hell knows?

(*Teddy introduced me to this jam through a mix that he sent me. Eerily enough, he just sent me some remixes that he's completed. Expect them up next.)

.

Talking Heads - Girlfriend Is Better

pirahnas, paraiahs. (III)

2007-10-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

"Two for one, right 70's Lindsey?"

"Yeah, sure."

"And you, 80's Lindsey?"

"Yes."

(Long blank stare at the fish tank containing rare piranhas. Wipes his nose, then scratches, catches us all staring at him with confused faces)

"Sorry about that, uh, yes"

"Um... ok."

-

Lindsey Buckingham - Slow Dancing

Fleetwood Mac - Big love

insanity plea. (II)

2007-10-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

As a solo artist, Lindsey was/is the shit. Seeing as how he and Christie McVie always pen my favorite Fleetwood Mac jams, this should have been inevitable. Go Insane was released in 1984, a great year for music regardless of if he were to have released something or not, but made that much better because he did.

Ex. #2:

Isn't that supposed to be window of time?

Lindsey Buckingham - Go Insane (Extended Mix)
.

cocaine on the counsel. (I)

2007-10-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

In case you weren't aware, Lindsey Buckingham is one of my favorite dudes ever. Ex. #1:

Done by Woody @ the21gunsalute.blogspot.com

Circa Tusk era Mac, the Bucks was on mad coke. This also goes for Stevie as well as pre and post-Tusk era Buckingham.

The shit must have been great because only a goddamned coked up egomaniac would have a double lp with four slip sleeves. Just for the hell of it.

I just got Tusk on vinyl, so here goes a jam.

Fleetwood Mac - The Ledge

attention whore.

2007-10-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

Prince is the illest. Enough said.

Who needs a crucifix in the shower?

Should say: "Poster that Brian did not realize was in his vinyl copy. He thought that he had overpaid for it, but once he saw that this (above) was included and huge, he proceeded to go apeshit and tease his sister about because, no, she could not have it."

Prince - Jack U Off

a ruined life.

2007-10-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

It's official: I'm obsessed with buying records. I've spent pretty much all of my dough on vinyl.

Ugh. Temp agency, here I come!

A real find/longtime want that I probably paid too much for.

(By the way, this one is one of my favorite records ever made.)

"You're so upset because you can't watch All My Children"

The Jets - Rocket 2 U

floosie funk.

2007-09-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

This one goes out to all the whores.

Girls that look like that are usually easy. It's genetic.

Ivana Spagna - Easy Lady

harmoniums in sync.

2007-09-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

"Do you realize that the monetary
value of this promotion and the
prize is potentially worth more
than the purchases?"

Shelley Duvall & Harry Nilsson - He Needs Me

Et fin.

syncopation.

2007-09-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

"Oh, someday I know
Someone will look into my eyes
And say hello
You're my very special one"

The Velvet Underground - After Hours

scott woods' solid gold.

2007-09-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

"Stop dancing.
Stop it, all right?"

King Crimson - Moonchild

baumer!

2007-09-24T05:45:00.000-07:00

"During the scene with Margot and Ritchie. In the tent."

The Rolling Stones - She Smiled Sweetly

elf work.

2007-09-22T01:54:00.000-07:00

Marc Bolan, the magical elf. Afraid (yet fascinated by) of cars, the inventor (but not really) of glam rock, and a man who appreciated congos to a extent that cannot be truly expressed.

Tyrannosaurus Rex were one of the best bands to come out of England ever. Like, The Smiths, Zombies, Kinks, Rolling Stones, Who, Roxy Music (w/Eno) good.

T. Rex were rad too, but the congos weren't all there all the time, so points must be taken away. They end up in the Beatles, New Order, Animals, Faces, Buzzcocks, Clash, Roxy Music (w/o Eno) category. Second tier, but also great.

Find a little wood?

So here I present two, because they're short:

Tyrannosaurus Rex - She Was Born To Be My Unicorn

Tyrannosaurus Rex - The Travelling Tragition

Bonus: T. Rex!
T. Rex - Cosmic Dancer

caution area.

2007-09-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest songs ever made. Hands down.

(Thanks Teddy!)

Gary Low - You Are A Danger (Extended Version)

perfect strangers.

2007-09-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

When playing Gary Low's "I Want You" or "You Are A Danger," I will be sure to mix in this next gem. Because they sound that much alike.

In sharing this jam, I also continue in the Get Murked tradition of only posting hot & sexy female artists (that Cheri song not withstanding, of course.)

Even they attest to their "fastness." So hot.

The Flirts - Helpless

it's electric!

2007-08-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

We now interrupt this Italo-Disco* thing for a post to rock out (in a classic rock sort of way) to one of the baddest motherfucking groups in all of the land. Circa 1970-something or so:

Electric Light Orchestra!

Best dressed band: 1978

Trust me kiddies, this is some of the best shit on earth, like Snapple 8000 or something. Listen to these back-to-back-to-back for full effect. Also, when jamming, I dare you to not ejaculate all over your dungarees. (Impossible)

Electric Light Orchestra - It's A Livin' Thing

Electric Light Orchestra - Turn to Stone

Electric Light Orchestra - Shine A Little Love

*More Italo for the next post. A gem. Oo-ee-oo!

fila fresh to death,

2007-08-23T01:58:00.000-07:00

Brian Ice & Raff.

Both of these songs were featured on that Talking to the Night mix by Teddy from a while back. The Brian Ice as the titular jam, but sans the rapping.

"Self Control" is such a sick jam. The one used by Ted was done by Laura Branigan, (i.e. the one I hear in stores and have no qualms about singing along to - yeah!) Raff blesses us with the version down bottom, (the original no less!) raps and all.

Highlights include, "Off and with the running of the night!" and "don't stop, don't stop/are you jealous?" respectively.

So sick, that I offer you two for one:

Slick motherfuckers indeed

Brian Ice - Talking To The Night

&

Raff - Self Control (12" Mix)

evening talk.

2007-08-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

Full discolsure: computer issues, long time no see, sorry.

Valerie Dore looked like how my friend Asia does now, except that while Ms. Dore was (probably) a fashion icon, (perhaps in some tiny Italian village) Asia is (more often than not) frowned upon for what has been previously described (I'll just paraphrase here, no need to get into specifics) "Cyndi Lauper and Axl Rose's lovechild with Down Syndrome" sense of style.

All just a matter of taste I suppose.

Until Asia can knock out a jam like the one below, it remains:

Valerie Dore: 1 | Asia: 0

Valerie Dore - The Night

okey dokey.

2007-08-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

Pino D'Angio. What a guy. If you like Twista, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony or pre-Reasonable Doubt era Jay-Z, as well as that Gary Low number that I posted, then you're in luck.

He was the best of both worlds in 1980. Like Sugar Hill Gang produced by Cerrone. Except that rappers weren't particularly fast in '80 and Cerrone wasn't really fucking with italo. With these two factors coming into play, (but not with each other) our ingeniously bold pal Pino decided to meld the two together and bang out some certified classics.

The best way to describe his formula would be:

Talking Fast eventually leads to Rapping Fast
+
Disco eventually finds its way to Italy
=
Jams to the effect of Ma Quale Idea

...or the following limber-tongued (pause!) Italo classic:

Pino D'Angio - Okey Okey

italians do it stranger.

2007-07-29T19:09:00.001-07:00

Series premiere! The next few posts are going to be about some of my favorite Italo-Disco jams. No better way to start off than with some good old-fashioned ESL antics from 1983. Gary Low (née Luis Romero) was a Spanish singer who got suckered into putting out disco records in the early 1980's. The fact that he could barely speak English never seemed to bother anybody who was producing and putting out his records. I guess that it shouldn't be that big of a deal as far as we're concerned either.

Because Gary Low, regardless of his diction, had heat rocks!

In this italo series, this is also the first of two Gary Low sessions.

If you feel that you just have to know more about this beautiful enigma, look to the following:

La Colegiala

Forever, Tonight and All My Life

The glare that sent a dozen hearts afire.

And here, without further ado, is a classic:

Gary Low - I Want You

got it all together.

2007-07-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

I do not own this record. If anybody wants to buy it for me, please, feel free.

Bo played me this because it is the only disco single that he owns. I have a crate full, yet few are comparable to this number. Cheri were a two piece lady group from Montreal. They were produced by one of the member's brother, Freddie Jones.

According to Bo, this was a mild radio hit in 1982, and just so happened to be playing when a co-worker at the parking lot in which he was employed at the time, told him that John Belushi had died. I'm pretty sure that the sentimental value is the only reason why he owns it.

We know that he didn't buy it for the cover shot.

Regardless of looks though, this really is a pretty great song.

In honor of Samurai Futaba:

Cheri - Murphy's Law (12" Mix)

oiling the machine.

2007-07-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

This is a breezy monster jam. So much so that Debarge bit it pretty hard for their also epic joint "Rhythm of the Night" (Side note: I own that shit on vinyl. The Last Dragon soundtrack like whoa!)

This one comes from our boy Teddy's Talking To The Night mix. Like I did with that Avalanches mix, I'll probably throw up a few more individual stand-outs from that crucial mix later on at some point.

(I'd love that Warp 9 song if you have an mp3 Theodore.)

Anyways, the shit that shredded for me in this song is the lyric:

"All I can manage to push from my lips Is a stream of absurdities Every word I intended to speak Wind up locked in the circuitry"

Love & technology sentiments always seem to get to me.

The Pointer Sisters - Automatic

not related to funk flex.

2007-07-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

I could go through these Heights bangers for days. In fact, it is only now that I realize that I have. In all actuality, it's been months now. Jeez. Well, here is another hot fire single. This cheeky little bugger comes to us all the way from 1983 by way of a Ms. Barbara Norris. This (along with another album which came in an all black jacket) was completely untitled. Two records with white labels with small factory numbering. White dust jacket. No info what so ever. I decided to play it last, but couldn't contain my curiosity...and all to find out that the mysterious record was something that I'd had digitally for months. Ha.

But then I was like, "Oh shit, I've got not one, but two test pressings of a rad jam, sick!"

My best record photo yet.

So without further ado, a really good disco number that I have two of:

Barbara Norris - Heavy Hitter

playing the games you do.

2007-07-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

The original post title was "Saturday Night's All Right For Writing."

Ugh.

Anyways, jammers. This one is by Status IV. It came out on a little record label based out of Queens somewhere in between 1980-1982. This is yet another one of the gems from the Washington Heights record expo.

Status IV - You Ain't Really Down

permanent reminder.

2007-07-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

Another banger from the Washington Heights vinyl expedition.

This one is in beautiful condition and was a pain in the ass to find digitally.
(The only reason I'm even giving this one away is because I doubt that anybody will be able to track down the disco-edit b-side version. Ha!)

Apparently this was a semi-hit, which I totally understand. The regular version is a sort of dark tale about those sketchy characters that you'd find in a 1970's b-movie bar scene.

My type of dudes.

Side note: Denise McCann was hot. Just saying.

Denise McCann - Tattoo Man

value village.

2007-06-25T20:51:00.001-07:00

My friend Bo lives in Washington Heights. Which would not be so weird if he wasn't a middle aged, white, Frank Zappa freak who's originally from Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Anyways, by chance, the very first night that I go and hang out in his weirdo crib (a few posts unto itself) he happens to tell me about the guy across the hall who is selling his record collection. At the time, I was way better off financially than I am now, (cool jobs, anybody??? Let me know.) so I was pretty much game. At about one in the morning, after quite a few pints of Pabst, Raul (the record dude) told us to drop and take a look at his goods.

We got in and he told me the general lay of the land, records-wise. "Disco singles and stuff are in that box if you're interested, I'm just trying to get rid of stuff, you know. I'm moving and I don't want to have to carry this shit anymore."

Raul was moving three stories above where we were standing. On the second floor.

I move to the aforementioned disco crate and lo and behold. Bangers. Salsoul. Atco/Atlantic. West End Records. Denroy Morgan, Donna Summer, Moment Of Truth, Vicki Sue Robinson, etc, etc.

Score!

I knew that I had to have the whole crate. Then I looked around some more and found a few choice rock and pop albums, Thriller, Can't Slow Down, Don't Say No, etc.

"How much for eveything in the box plus these twenty or so albums?" (Around 50-65 records easily.)

"$40"

"I've got $35 in pocket..but if you need $40-"

"Sold."

So for $35 (plus $10 for a cab) I went home with a crate and a cool vintage suitcase (free!) full of bangers.

I have a bunch of them in digital format, but there are a few that I'll have to rip from vinyl. The following is not one of them.

A sick jam from 1982 , Peter Brown slays this one all around. And in the process gives us a bit of a drug warning.

Peter Brown - Baby Gets High

2007-06-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

Jacking another Beach Boys jam from that old Avalanches mix. This one is the starting point. So sick in a semi-cheesy, 70's yacht rock kind of way.

Of of this album:

1978's M.I.U. Album

The Beach Boys - Match Point Of Our Love

in every home.

2007-06-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

Roxy Music were incredible. Especially the first two albums (Roxy Music & For Your Pleasure) with Brian Eno.

After that they got less moody and sort of suave (Stranded & Country Life) By the time they released their last four albums, (Siren, Manifesto, Flesh and Blood & Avalon) they were pretty much the smoothest dudes ever, models, champagne, white Ferrari's lined with the pelts of polar bears, etc.

Bryan Ferry is who I'm basing my entire style on once I get to be about 28 or so. Strictly tailored blazers, shirts & ties, tastefully tapered jeans and dope loafers.

Anyways, I'll be sharing some Eno-era Roxy Music, a truly haunting gem...about a blow up doll.

"I blew up your body/but you blew my mind!"

Roxy Music - In Every Dream Home A Heartache

we don't die, we multiply.

2007-06-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

"Diamonds bulge like Robin Harris' eyes/I Bebe's Kids my neck"

I'm just saying.

Fabolous ft. Pusha T - Joke's On You

locals only.

2007-05-27T01:39:00.000-07:00

Commending those who stayed in their respective hoods. (Well, maybe except Pharcyde. But Hollywood is pretty close to South Central, so whatever.)

There might be some better examples, if so, let me know.

Memphis Bleek - Got My Mind Right

Juvenile - Ha

TI - You Don't Know Me

Cam'ron - Let Me Know

Xzibit - What U See Is What U Get

Hot Boyz - We On Fire

Black Moon - I Got U Opin

Pharcyde - Drop

when guests are boring.

2007-05-26T01:31:00.000-07:00

As heard on an Avalanches mix from a few years ago. This one sort of shows a bit of that Manson Family influence that had crept in, at least I think so.

It was on the 1976 album 15 Big Ones.

Also, if anybody has that jam "Matchpoint Of Our Love" off of the aforementioned Avalanches mix, please holler at me, por favor. (wearelouder at msn dot com)

So here goes some psychotic, Rupert Pupkin-style jamming from those kooky Californians:

The Beach Boys - Johnny Carson

pigeon-toed ladies on fordham road.

2007-05-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

Quintessential summer jam. With references to "Holla Holla" and "section 8 bitches."

These dudes killed it.

I saw them on Fordham Road once. I think it was a little while after Marlon Brando (one of their members, not the actor) had died. They were (sort of sadly) handing out mixtapes and cd singles (in 98 degree weather). They all had matching shirts on and were schilling their new single in front of the Jimmy Jazz that burned down a few moths ago.

Sporty Thievz curse?

You figure it out.

Sporty Thievz - No Pigeons

Bonus!:

in regards to a former fabolous sport.

2007-05-19T02:47:00.001-07:00

A couple of realizations/observations that came to me while watching Fabolous, Diddy, and Jagged Edge's contribution to the Barber Shop soundtrack:

-Fab, what the fuck happened? You used to have these types of things on smash! Up until that horrendous showing on Omarion's "Ice Box" remix, I would hear any enjoyable new mid-to high tempo r & b joint (male or female) and think, "If Fab was on that shit, it'd be a monster." Now, I just hope that Kanye, Kellz or Weezy (or if I'm super lucky, Andre 3000) drops by and handles the obligitory r & b cameo duties.

-I still want to be in a worthwhile and long-lasting relationship with the blonde spanish girl with the Knicks throwback on. (Those rollerskates!)

-I still want to be in a worthwhile and long-lasting relationship with Fab's Jordan 7's. Real talk.

-Bandana over fitted never really caught on, eh? I still wonder why.

-DJ Clue has never been cool. A legendary mixtape figure? Yes. A cool guy? Nope. Not remotely.
(For any further evidence, rent Backstage. If you haven't seen it, shame on you anyways. Pre-peak era Hov, DMX in his prime and Amil spottings. As well as Iceberg sweaters before Lot 29 came and tried to slay the game with "Human Crack" Santana. "A!")

-The Vancouver Grizzles jersey that dude from Jagged Edge is worth like, $46 right now. (Always opt for the Aqua!)

-Another thing, where the fuck is Jagged Edge! (That track with Nivea was pure fire.)

-Wait, where the fuck is Nivea? Still sprung off of Weezy? Damn.

-Why would that little tv in the sand be playing Barber Shop? Besides that fact that it could probably only pick up like three local stations, with mad static, why would channel 4 or whatever be playing Barber Shop. That movie is terrible.

-DIDDY IS GREEDY. HE NEEDS ALL THE GIRLS.

-The blue and yellow Rams jerseys were so dope.

-"...word to Big Poppa/I gotcha"

-In case anybody didn't know, Diddy is probably my favorite person ever. I can easily understand how K. West wants to be like him. So do I. I have since I was about 10 or 11. There is nothing sad about that at all.

-But with that said, I know that Biggie was dead and all (and still is), but that painting (airbrush?) looks like one of the ones that you would pick up in front of the movie theater in the Bronx. Go to the theater on 161st and I'm pretty that there are ones with T.I. and Beyonce on them.

-Official throwback count now (2:36 in) stands at 476.

-Stephon! Post-chain snatching. Ugh. Pre-$15 kicks. Honestly, I'd rather get my chain robbed at the stop light than wear those.

-"Cucumber stones." Next. Level. Shit.

-Hey Fab, put your ears in your weird bandana/du-rag hybris please. Thanks.

-Oh! Tom (Cruise) and Penelope (Cruz) reference! Cyeah! (Vanilla Sky was as bad as Barber Shop 2.)

-LOON! (I know people who still want waves like his.)

-There she goes again. With a cute, 60's girl group flip in her hair. Marry me.

-Somehow, I've never tasted Hypnotiq. How is that possible?

-The statement about Fab's Jordan 7's (the white & turquoise ones) holds true for the black & purple ones.

bobby.

2007-05-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

Seger that is.

Killer jams from way back when. "Turn The Page," "Night Moves," "Against The Wind," "We've Got Tonight."

The boy's got hits like Tony Gwyn.

So for your listening pleasure (and trust me, a true pleasure it is) I present to you the epic Bob Seger System masterpiece 2 + 2=?

Just try and not break your neck, ok?

The Bob Seger System - 2 + 2=?

ugh.

2007-05-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

It's way too hot tonight.

Oppressive heat.

Like Baby's Gang hot.

Italo-disco. Get familiar!

Baby's Gang - Happy Song.

dj kicks.

2007-05-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Stoked face in full effect yet?

It should be. Here goes a mix that I made the other day. It's got a bunch of disco records on it. Pretty much nothing else. The mixing is pretty bad, but considering that it's all digital (but not Ableton) I guess that it's passable.

The Midnight Starr jam is an edit that I did last minute. So there.

Enjoy!

11 Tears 4 Fears:
________________

1. Midnight Starr - Midas Touch (Get Murked Bass Edit)

2. Carmen - Throw Down

3. Baby's Gang - Challenger

4. Knight Action - Single Girl

5. Celi Bee & The Buzzy Bunch - Superman

6. Giorgio Moroder - I Wanna Funk With You Tonight

7. Shalamar - Right In The Socket

8. Ayx - Fantasy Rock

9. Celestial Choir - Stand On The Word (Larry Levan Remix)

10. Camomilla - Queen Of The Night

11. Debra Dejean - Time Of The Season

Total run time > 52:43

u-god throwing white roses.

2007-04-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of the Aaliyah tribute video ("I Miss U") is when U-God (of the world famous Wu-Tang Clan, my #2 rap group of all time) throws a white rose at the camera. Dead center at the lens. It not only looks cool, but it also symbolizes, um, well ... nothing in particular, but still. It looks fly as shit.

So basically, RIP Aaliyah. She died on my mom's birthday. (Creepers! "Mom don't say Aaliyah five times in am mirror on your birthday/the day of her demise!")

So here, before steroids and having JT on speed dial, Timbo lays an ill beat and pro-status ad-libs/half-assed raps.

Aaliyah ft. Timbaland - Hot Like Fire (Remix) (1997)

Bonus video!

just move, sugar.

2007-04-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

I had written a disjointed narrative about how this song was a ploy by Sylvester to pump up his greatness for a coked-up disco audience and how Larry Levan had a hand in spreading the gospel of Sly, and narcissists, etc, blah blah blah ...

Whatever. Just try not to dance when this comes on. I dare you.

You can't! You have no willpower. And good sense.

Sylvester - Someone Like You (Larry Levan Remix)

round II.

2007-04-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

In 1973 (remember, beef was a lot slower back in the day) Paul retorted with "Let Me Roll It"

Apparently "Jet" (also off of Band On The Run) was a John swipe as well.

Get em' Paulie!

Wings - Let Me Roll It

losing ends.

2007-04-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

I'm really beginning to appreciate Paul McCartney as a songwriter and performer...

Bu then again, every once in a while, something will come along and sort of slay him.

Like Mr. Lennon melting his face with words/guitars/strings (?!?!)

I mean, "Temporary Secretary" is sick and all, but damn.

A friend of mine suggested this song to me upon hearing me rave a bit about how rad McCartney could be. He said, "Well, John didn't feel that way, listen to "How Do Sleep?" off of Imagine"

It was only after hearing it that I realized that it was truly one of the first diss songs.

You see, John & Paul had been going at each other subliminally for a few years during the last years of the Beatles' existence (i.e. Abby Road to Let It Be era) and well after they'd broken up the biggest band of all time.

Paul had two beetles fucking on the back of his 1971 solo effort Ram. He was extending a 'fuck you' to old Johnny Boy. While the original cover for Imagine had Lennon holding a pair of pigs ears. He was taking at a shot at the Ram cover where Paul was hold a ram by its horns.

The illest shot at Macca comes when John sings:

"Those freaks was right when they said you was dead
The one mistake you made was in your head"

Let's see The Game get at 50 that masterfully.

John Lennon - How Do You Sleep?

all day.

2007-04-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

Some free form word association in regards to Arthur Russell's work:

genius

disco

cello

beautiful

overlooked

necessary

Arthur Russell - See My Brother, He's Jumping Out (Let's Go Swimming #1)

tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk.

2007-03-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

Jesus H. Christ, that high hat. Those drums.

Morris Day & The Time - 777-9311

another jam monster.

2007-03-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

An Italo-disco monster.

Masterfully sped up just enough. "Enough for what?" you might say.

Well, play it at a fiesta and you'll figure it out soon enough, naysayer.

Funky Family - Funky Is On (Get Murked BPM Edit) (1984)

non-tribute.

2007-03-16T01:31:00.000-07:00

I know a lady named Carmen. She's from Canada. I'm mildly sure that she once told me that she aspires to become a doctor and (Carmen, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong here) change the face of modern medicine and alternative healing methods.

Or maybe not.

One of my aunts is named Carmen as well. She is way rad and cooks very well. (Perhaps not as well as her sister, Migdahlia. [We just call her Mickey] But since her name is not Carmen, we'll just leave her out of this one. Sort of.)

Both named Carmen, neither the singer of this track. (Once again, corrections if necessary, please.)

My new favorite party jam of the Spring.

Carmen - Time To Move (1986)

revisiting old bros.

2007-03-14T00:41:00.000-07:00

So if you (or anybody for that fact) were to ask me what my favorite song of last year was, I would say "_______ ________" by The xxxxxxxs.

And I'd be lying.

I've only recently come to the realization that it is this song. By the Chromatics. An amalgamation of a bunch of things that I hold dear to me, (post-punk gloom, disco drum & bass shuffle, and great female vocals) all together. And not in some horrid mash-up form. But dark and shimmering beauty.

Sort of like a slow dance at a party where the disco ball has been covered in with one of Stevie Nicks gypsy scarves.

Chromatics - In The City

red wine airwaves.

2007-03-11T23:42:00.000-07:00

Holy shit, these guys great. Thirty focused, gnarly minutes.
Sort of scary. In the best way possible.

I freaked out so bad that my one of my kicks came off.

The lead dude came out with a bunch of black baloons, lampooned people for being more into taking pictures than getting rad, and threw a bottle of wine into the (sold out, i.e., packed) crowd.

Fuck yeah.

The Horrors - Count In Fives

machine gun funk.

2007-03-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

by Ted Stenson:

This is kind of funk but with a chill out vibe. Sort of a cross of MC Hammer and some Flashdance shit.

Stone - Time

sensuality lite.

2007-03-06T12:41:00.000-08:00

I went out with a girl last week, but instead of just posting another depressing Bonnie 'Prince' Billy song, (namely "Death To Everyone") I've decided to go with the antithesis of those dreaded five hours or however long it was (too long.)

A Kiss cover. Done by girls. More importantly, a certified jam.

Queen of Japan - I Was Made For Loving You

crushed purple velvet slip.

2007-03-02T22:41:00.000-08:00

by Ted Stenson:

On the obscure Prince tip here is one of the alleged hundred tracks Prince recorded for Purple Rain. Legend holds that the Puple One gave one hundred songs to the record label and said "pick ten". Each song was encased in it's own crushed purple velvet slip sleeve upon which read the title of the song in pure spun gold crafted by serpentine maidens living in a lake just east of Minnesota. This gold lettering was said to have a hypnotizing effect on whoever read it and the record executives were duly cast deep under it's spell. They began making love to one another whereupon an electrical storm was triggered in the sky causing a bolt of lightning to hit the Warner Brothers building. Only Prince survived and vowing never to release this all too potent torrent of music banished all but the ten least volatile tracks to his Paisley Park vault. These ten songs would become the Purple Rain album and would gain Prince international fame. While excavating the rubble of the building however a single purple slip sleeve was uncovered, the gold lettering luckily having been burned off. This song was released as a booleg and aptly titled "Electric Intercourse".

Prince - Electric Intercourse

no acoustic solo?

2007-03-02T05:44:00.000-08:00

All this purple. It's blinding.

My new favorite Prince song.

Not even two minutes long. (I think his Super Bowl "Purple Rain" solo was longer. And definitely more phallic.)

Beautiful.

If anybody (looking straight at the homies from Canada) has a better quality version ... please.

Prince - I Miss U

jump song, calgary.

2007-02-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

Straight from the gutters of Alberta:
by Ted Stenson

If I grew up in the 80's in Singapore and knew what was good for me I think I would have been a huge Van Halen fan. I guess they are doing a new tour with Diamond Dave. I just hope they come to Calgary and that the tickets are reasonably priced. Also "Jump" will make you better at basketball, just ask any of the people I fucking blazed in high school.

Van Halen - Jump

love song, japan.

2007-02-27T02:19:00.000-08:00

That time you got kissed.

Brush - To Reiko

mike vs. doug e. fresh.

2007-02-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

First:
(Please try to ignore Oprah's lameness.)

Then:

Michael Jackson - Who Is It

I need an accapella/beatbox version of this. Immediately.

dripping off.

2007-02-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

Ted sent me this song a little while back. I had only heard a snippet before that, and as far as I knew, nobody had a full, clear copy. So, thanks Ted.

This shit is the official "The 90's Are Back!" jam.

So not mad at that. I actually was around for the 1990's.

My crew was very prosperous, the Yankees were gathering championship rings and The Nutty Professor was my favorite movie.

I probably would have hated Juiceboxxx though, it was all about Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life and It's Dark and Hell Is Hot. No room for ironic white boy raps. Oh how the times have changed.

Juiceboxxx & Dre Skull - Sweat

theme song status.

2007-02-22T00:11:00.000-08:00

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Another Day Full of Dread

Will Oldham has gone by the names Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Palace, Palace Brothers, Palace Brothers, Palace Music and Palace Songs.

When in a group with Matt Sweeney, they went by Superwolf.

When filling out his 1040 forms, Oldham is said to use the name Carlos Luis Jimenez.

That last part was a lie. Will Oldham is one of the best song writers living today. Not a lie.
(Johhny Cash would agree, if he wasn't dead. He performed Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's "I See a Darkness")

short cuts.

2007-02-21T02:47:00.000-08:00

The original "Non-Murked" edit of this song runs at 8:23.
Imagine all of the shit that you will get done having saved like, four and a half minutes of what is essentially nothing/buzz/faintly distant clatter.

Artistically compromised for your pleasure:

Tones on Tail - Rain (Get Murked edit)
1984

You are all so very welcome.

the first of the gang to die.

2007-02-21T01:07:00.000-08:00

Hello children. This is the new spot.

Songs only.

Mostly stuff that you were all too lazy* to find out about.

Old things. New things. Borrowed and blue things. I figure that I'll sometimes write a lot. Sometimes just a photo and a song. Sometimes silence and a song. Because sometimes they're just better that way.

For now I'll be using Yousendit.

The B-52's - Give Me Back My Man

This is the inaugural jam. Enjoy seven minutes of fish and candy.

*By lazy, I of course mean that you (unlike myself) actually have a life to live.