New Digs | May 2013

Bell Biv Devoe - Poison (MCA, 1990) 12"

A seminal song in the development of a young music lover (and lady lover). This song pretty much taught me how I was supposed to interact with women. A bit puzzling that the radio edit isn't included, instead an extended mix, the extended instrumental and a surprisingly enjoyable "R&B Mix" in which the main vocal track has been removed and the backing vocals brought to the front. It's a captivating beat heavy version of the song and prominently features one of the song's most under appreciated lyrics, a Sidebottom favorite, "Never trust a big butt and a smile".  

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The Gramacks - Wooy Midebar (Scramble, 1977)

One of those covers that sends my funk imagination into overdrive. In reality, I have found a highly enjoyable upbeat fusion of calypso, reggae and funk.

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The Wailers - Burnin' (Island, 1973)

I have never been a big follower of Bob Marley or his many disciples, but as I broaden my search for new sounds and start to dip my toes into the waters of reggae this seemed like an important record that could provide a good base.

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Ruby Jones- S/T (Curtom, 1971)

Ruby takes command of your record player on this one. Imagine Janis Joplin, meets Curtis Mayfield, meets Buddy Miles. Loud horn-filled soul-rock burners.

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Kraftwerk - Radio-Activity (Capitol, 1975)

Experiments in early minimal electronic music. This is not "everyday" music for me, however it is interesting to see the building blocks of electronica on full display.

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Ann Peebles - If This Is Heaven (Hi, 1977)

Big time fan of Ann Peebles' brand of raw and intense soul. There is a tinge of disco in some tracks, but for the most part the famous Willie Mitchell sound remains untarnished.

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Bohannon - Summertime Groove (Mercury, 1978)

I'm not sure if I'm sold on Bohannon's unique take on soul and disco, but it may also be just the type of restrained deliberate dance music that takes a few listens to fully appreciate.

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James Brown - Bodyheat (Polydor, 1976)

Me personally, I don't ask questions when I find one of the lesser renowned JB albums missing from my collection. A long way from his peak of groundbreaking funk and soul, James still brings the heat to get you out your seat!

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Larry Coryell - Spaces (Vanguard, 1970)

Another artist that I continue to fill any gaps I that have in his catalogue. The title track and opener starts things off strong, but the rest falls into a pretty intense noodle-fest. 

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Bobby Hutcherson - San Francisco (Blue Note, 1970)

I've been turning over rocks trying to find this one for a few years. Took a trip to San Francisco to finally secure it.

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New Digs | Mid May 2013 (Part II)

I'm starting to upgrade rap albums I've had on cd for years just to have them on vinyl. I'm still applying a filter to recall whether the records are any good, but end up purchasing based more off nostalgia more than anything else. It's getting harder to find used copies on vinyl of the releases that came out during my high school era, as nearly everyone was by-passing vinyl for cd's at that time. Here's some of a more recent haul...

Xzibit - 40 Dayz & 40 Nightz (Loud, 1998) 2Lp

On the real, this was a personal favorite of mine BITD. I missed out on Xzibit's debut Lp, so this was my introduction to his West Coast stylings. The video for "What You See Is What You Get Now," still holds strong as a great video.

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Makaveli - Don Killuminati | The 7 Day Theory (Death Row, 1996) 2Lp

I have a love/hate relationship with Tupac. While I've never been crazy about his output, I cannot deny him as an undeniably charismatic figure that transended hip hop to become something bigger than big and realer than real. Howver, I still love me some "Hail Mary"...

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Afrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force - Renegades of Funk (Tommy Boy, 1983) 12"

The cover alone was worth the 5 bucks. Classic material.

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The Impressions - Greatest Hits (ABC, 1965)

I've been slow to bring home Impressions records. Whenever I see them out, condition is usually an issue, or they are priced a bit rich for my taste. This Greatest Hits Lp is in great condition and should get the ball rolling for me...

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Big L - The Big Picture (Rawkus, 2000) 2Lp

Not as good as his debut, but it's hard to wonder what would have happpened if...

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Nile Rodgers - B Movie Matinee (Warner Bros, 1985)

I've passed on this Lp over the years, but felt the need to finally splurge since Nile Rodgers may experience a resurgence in popularity the wake of his contrubution to  Daft Punk's latest record. B Movie Matinee is a fun, funky, slap bassed 80's boogiw record that's prime for coke dens and .

70's Falsetto Jam | Barrabas - "Mellow Blow"

The Barrabas song "Mellow Blow" from their 1975 album Heart of The City is a killer! I debated whether to include this as part of my Falsetto Jam Series as the vocals act more as an embellishment overtop the lush, mostly instrumental disco vamp. Songs that feature such a heavy dose of saxophone are usually too cheesy for my tastes, but when it works, the sound is magical. I'm sure to keep my ears peeled for more of this lush mid-tempo disco sound.   

New Digs | Early May 2013

Here are some of the digs I came up on while stopping at a few of local spots a couple weeks back. Of the lot, I've been listening to the US 69 and the Ever-Green Blues Lp's the most. Still trying to find the time to fully take in both the Terry Knight and The Loading Zone Lp's which look especially promising.

The Frost - Rock and Roll Music (Vanguard, 1969)

US 69 - Yesterday's Folks (Buddah, 1969)

Lothar and The Hand People - Presenting Lothar and The Hand People (Capitol, 1968)

The Ever-Green Blues - 7 Do Eleven (Mercury, 1968)

Ambergris - S/T (Paramount, 1970)

The Loading Zone - S/T (RCA, 1968)

Ohio Knox - S/T (Reprise, 1971)

Terry Knight and The Pack - S/T (Lucky Eleven, 1966)

Dip Dip Dive | May 10th

It's on once again! Time for you and yours to catch wreck on the dance floor to the sounds of Dip Dip Dive and imbibe yourself with refreshing drinks poured by the fine folks at The Stand. With Spring in the air, I know you don't wanna miss out on a chance to catch the fever. See you there! Awwww get it, get it!