New Digs | Record Store Day 2013

I got up early to hit up the neighborhood spot on Record Store Day in hopes I could secure some of the sought after gems that were scheduled to hit the bins. I hadn't really done the research to know what was coming out, but as in years past, I was sure something would be released that I could get into. I was pretty disappointed when the line to even get in the door was wrapped around the block. Waiting in line is not my forte, and I decided to crash the spot later in the day when all the nerds had already fled home to upload their haul on ebay. Around 3pm I tried again, and was able to walk right in, without a line! The highlight of my trip (other than the records) was when I spotted a 3-4 year old girl in complete awe of a copy of The Misfits' Legacy of Brutality on vinyl. She couldn't take her eyes off the cover... I hope her parents bought it for her!

The next day, I thought I'd swing over to another local spot to see if they had some of what I may have missed out on the day before. I was able to find a couple additional pieces that were released especially for the occasion. I copped a bunch of other non-RSD releases on both trips, and will share them as well in the upcoming weeks.

The xx - Jamie xx Edits (Young Turks, 2013)

Still haven't cracked the seal on this, but anxious to hear how Jamie xx reworks a couple of the standout cuts from their last full-length.

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Tame Impala - Tame Impala Ep (Modular, 2013)

I've been jamming to my mp3's of this for a minute, so it's nice to finally score a tangible copy to pass on to my grandchildren. I'll be doing a more robust post on this Ep in the next coming days... stay tuned!

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The Roots - Things Fall Apart (MCA, 2013 Re-issue)

One of my personal favorite albums finally gets the vinyl re-treatment with this special 2Lp pressing.

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Cut Copy - Bright Like Neon Love (Modular, 2013)

This is another personal favorite from the last few years. I can honestly say that I probably would have normally held back on pulling the trigger and making this purchase, but I was genuinely caught up in the hype of the day and felt like I needed to support my independent shop in a big way!

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Frank Ocean - Nostalgia,ULTRA. (FrankUltra, 2013)

What?!?!?! I had no idea this even existed, but after rocking those mp3's for so long, I couldn't resist scooping up this official enough looking bootleg.

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CSC Funk Band - Funkincence (Electric Cowbell, 2013)

My one RSD gamble. I knew nothing about this band, but like their incense interpolation on the cover. The music is pretty funky and I feel somewhat 'special' to land one since only 250 copies were pressed! Woo-hoo!

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TR-909 Double Flexidisc Record/ Book (Get On Down, 2013) <--- not pictured

This is a cool promotional sampler for the upcoming book Beatbox: A Drum Machine Obsession. I'll be doing an additional post profiling this sweet piece in the future as well.

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Stay tuned and happy digging!

New Digs | Mid April 2013

The majority of these records came from Toledo, Ohio from when I was up there a couple weeks ago visiting friends and family. The whole lot is pretty strong, with the exception of the New Order bootleg... which is mostly terrible. The music is fine, and I'm sure the playing is fine as well, it's just that the pressing is terribly muffled and quiet, rendering the sound of their crisp synthesizers pointless. Too bad! I paid a little more than I'd care to admit, especially for not being able to demo the record in the shop. Note to self, keep my portable, and a pair of headphones in the car!

Speed Limit 35 - S/T (RD Records, 2004)

Mandala - Soul Crusade (Atlantic, 1968)

Chicken Shack - 100 Ton Chicken (Blue Horizon, 1969)

New Order - Paris Samedi Dix-sept Avril 1982 (Bootleg, 1982)

Eire Apparent - Sun Rise (Buddah, 1969)

The Nite-Liters - Instrumental Directions (RCA, 1972)

Dip Dip Dive | April 12th Recap

Usually with these posts I highlight some of the songs that I played at Dip Dip Dive that ALSO have visually strong or interesting music videos. Since a lot of the music I play out doesn't have an official music video, some really good music never makes the cut. This month, I'm making an exception to my own self-imposed rule by sharing whatever white label YouTube video exists in hopes of capturing a broader spectrum of what gets played out.

Overall, the night was a blast! We've had nights that were more packed, but when some of my good friends surprise me by showing up and I get a chance to make new friends, I usually have more fun. There was a decent sized (and well-styled) party that was there early and held down the dance floor from start 'til finish... as an added bonus they actually made some good requests!

There was only one real hater in the house that couldn't seem find himself in the music I was playing, even though I played exactly what he asked for (Jay-Z)... Sometimes it backfires when you try to be nice!

When the night was over, and I finished tearing down, I even found a rhymesayer (MC Los?) that was game to kick an impromptu 20 minute freestyle cipher session outside The Stand for all the drunk folks spilling out of the bars. I recorded a portion on my phone, but still have to go back and check the quality. Hopefully it sounds as good as I remember ;)

Here's a smattering of selections that filled the floor and I hope to catch you next month on Friday, May 10th! 

Dip Dip Dive | Selected Playlist 04.12.13

Tuxedo - "So Good"

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U-Tern - "You Don't Know Me"

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Moon Boots - "Got Somebody"

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Jackson 5 - "The Love You Save"

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Mary Jane Hooper - "I've Got What You Need"

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Marvin Gaye - "Ain't That Peculiar" (Oddisee Remix)

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Deee-Lite - "Groove Is In The Heart"

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The Miracles Club - "U&Me"

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Yacht - "Second Summer"

Dip Dip Dive | April 12th

It's on once again! Dip Dip Dive returns for the month of April and promises to deliver another memorable night of dance, drink and delight. With Marty Spitfly on the 1's and 2's and the best bar staff in the city slanging refreshing dranks, all that's missing is you and yours cutting it up on the dance floor and curbside patio. This is the place to see and be seen. See you there!

New Digs | Early April 2013

The Impressions – We're a Winner (ABC, 1968)

The Impressions and Curtis Mayfield records occupy a sizable chunk within my collection, and this record represents the last of their major releases that I needed. The title track is an absolute classic, confirmed by Prince, who has been seen covering the song lately in his encores.

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Johnny Pacheco – Pacheco y Su Charanga (Alegre, 1961)

Great early latin vibes. Johnny went on to form Fania, one of the most dominating latin-american record labels throughout the 70's.

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Ramsey Lewis Trio – Another Voyage (Cadet, 1969)

Ramsey Lewis records are pleasant… in the best way possible. They're not challenging, or overtly sweet, they don't demand your undivided attention, and most of them have no particular message. Still, they make you happier and your life better, so they've got that going for them. 

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The Marvelettes – Sophisticated Soul (Tamala, 1968)

One of the lesser renowned groups on Motown's roster of female powerhouses, but in 1968 Motown was still putting out nothing but quality.

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James Brown – Black Ceasar OST (Polydor, 1973)

Long in search of this one, a collection essential. Chickity-check the sample for one of my early most favorite hip-hop beats, "They Want EFX".

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Betty Davis – S/T (Just Sunshine, 1973)

Funk had few female representatives in it's heyday, but that didn't stop Betty Davis. She had the voice, skills and most importantly the attitude to command an influence over the entire genre.

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Pookah – S/T (United Artists, 1969)

Strong rock record with heavy influences of jazz and fusion.

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Merry Clayton – Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow (ODE, 1975)

For the discos and roller rinks. Merry keeps you grooving on this one.

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Syl Johnson – Uptown Shakedown ( Hi/Incolve, 1979)

I'm late the game, this is my first Syl record and it leaves me wanting more. A little corny in places, his vocal performance carries it through. 

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The Gospelaires – Two Sides of… (Peacock, 1973)

In general this group of well-dressed gentlemen hold close to their namesake, but there are a few soulful jams included. The devil is in the details.

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Alphonse Mouzon – Virtue (MPS, 1976)

An unusual German import from this jazz fusion legend. A solid line-up, the playing is on point for it's entirety. 

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The Music Asylum – Commit Thyself (United Artists, 1970)

Some prog rockbottom fodder. Great mix of weird, hard and unpredictable. (pause)

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Quincy Jones – Mellow Madness (A&M, 1975)

A magician in the studio. Quincy always knew what he wanted to say and exactly how he wanted it to sound. 

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Lee Morgan – The Sidewinder (Blue Note, 1963)

I've been hitting the Blue Notes pretty hard lately. So much amazing material, this is just another example.

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Otis Clay – I Can't Take It (Hi, 1977)

Some later work by Willie Mitchell and the Hi team. Willie never really messed with his sound too much, which means we still get that incredible lush Memphis sound even through the late seventies.