Added to iPod

February 10, 2010 | Filed Under Music | Leave a Comment

“Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow…”

It’s lovely outside. I’m not in the desert, the yard is redecorated with snow and the puppy LOVES rolling around in it. Pretty happy, right now.

So – music. It’s been a while. I haven’t been idle, but most of the add-ons are either my new Songlines compilations (beautifully sequenced as always) or some discs I forgot to upload – like the Pogues “If I Should Fall From Grace…” and Radiohead’s “Kid A” (which I only mildly like anyway). But let’s see what I can scrape together…

Massive Attack – “Heligoland” Brand new dark, smokey grooves from one of my favorite trip hop bands. Get it.
Afro Celt Sound System – “Sound Magic” and “Release” These discs are from 1996 and 1998 respectively. Why not meld African, celtic and Indian beats and rhythms? A perfect mix of sounds and worlds.
Ozric Tentacles – “Pungent Effulgent” You heard me. This is a 1989 record by a British psychedelic/prog rock band who have released 28 albums since 1984 and never been on a major label. That’s DIY. Never sluggish or noodly. Excellent musicianship. And guess who brought this one into the house? Kerry! Got stuck to one of her Springsteen CDs…
Carl Craig – “More Songs About Food & Revolutionary Art” I had no Carl Craig and the title was cool. One of his seminal pieces from 1997.
Azam Ali – “Portals Of Grace” I have been reading about many wonderful artists in the Songlines magazine. One was of an Iranian band called Niyaz, of which Ms. Ali is the lead vocalist. This is her most recent solo disc and it’s just beautiful stuff – very spiritual and moving. Reminiscent of the canticles of Hildegard von Bingen… if you have that record. I do.
Firewater – “The Golden Hour” I have been reading about Todd A. (aka Firewater) for some time but this is the first piece I have picked up. He traveled throughout the Middle East and Asia and tells stories of his journey in a style that’s sort of a cross between Nick Cave and Tom Waits only more youthful and a band that likes to rock ‘n roll. Pretend you’re drunk in a bar in Istanbul…
Sons & Daughters – “This Gift” Hard, fast, fun rock songs by this Scottish band. Two guys and two girls. This stuff must sound great in a club.

Finally – remember the Artists Against Apartheid? “I ain’t gonna play Sun City”? Steve Van Zant pulled together an all-star lineup back in 1985 to protest apartheid in South Africa. The single was great but there was some really cool stuff on the album/EP that came out. Well finally it is available in digital format on iTunes… or at least it was. I downloaded it and now it’s gone. Hmmm…

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