Head 'Em Up

This one's for the freaks: a lavish 5 cd box full of bluegrass treasure, brought to you by Richard Weize, a guy who used to work for the acclaimed Bear Family reissue label. They contain all the songs legendary bluegrass maestro Bill Monroe recorded for the Decca label between 1950 and '51, including numerous outtakes. Flowers are blooming indeed.
Bill Monroe - The First Whippoorwill (take 7)
Bill Monroe - Rawhide (take 6)

Just Like Jack The Ripper

An intriguing, trippy take on a stone cold Dead classic. Settle down easy, why don't you.
Dead Rider - Ramble On Rose

Played The Part

Probably my fave ever Lou Reed cover. What's yours, my amigos da musica?
Cowboy Junkies - Sweet Jane

For All Time

Just got the sad news that Glen Campbell has passed away. The legendary country singer, who started his musical career as a session player with the famous Wrecking Crew, made his best work with songwriter and producer Jimmy Webb. He was 81. Miss him.
Glen Campbell - Wichita Lineman
Glen Campbell - Where's The Playground, Susie

Smiled Down On Me

Gone the clouds, as this is the reissue of the year as far as I'm concerned. Trust me on this: you really need this 1972 Britfolk masterpiece by Lal & Mike Waterson in your lives. Featuring Richard Thompson, Martin Carthy, Maddy Prior and Dave Mattacks amongst others, Bright Phoebus was rather misunderstood by the tradfolk mafia when it came out and soon faded into obscurity, but slowly but surely turned into a holy grail of sorts over the years. Now it's finally here in remastered glory on Domino records, coupled with a fine fine bonus disc with demos from '71. Don't miss out.
Lal & Mike Waterson - Bright Phoebus
Lal & Mike Waterson -  One Of These Days ('71 demo)

On My Side

Neil's immortal Down By The River like you never heard it before. This is some seriously funky psychedelic stuff, brothers and sisters... Find it on a new compilation packed with goodies called Function Underground: The Black and Brown American Rock Sound 1969-1974.
Purple Snow - Down By The River

Better Watch Out

The Boys Next Door, precursors to the mighty Birthday Party, take on a Gene Vincent rockabilly gem. Instant mayhem of course. Like to hear the original, too? Thought so.
Boys Next Door - Cat Man
Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps - Cat Man

Punjab Calling

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan will always be the brightest star of the devotional music of the sufis called qawwali. Fascinating to say the least. "Ali is the one who gives dignity to those who do not have anyone to protect their dignity..."
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Ali Maula Ali Maula Ali Dam Dam

Get It

It's summer six pack time again, my amigos da musica, so get it together y'all. Fab art as always by Tinca. Right down here...
Reverend Gary Davis - Let Us Get Together
The Staple Singers - We've Got To Get Ourselves Together
Tinga Stewart - Why Can't We Live Together
Bright Engelberts & The B.E. Movement - Get Together
The Up - Together
Ron Wood - Act Together

I Like It

Because you all need the blues according to Jessie Mae in your lives. Trust me, my amigos da musica.
Jessie Mae Hemphill - Feelin' Good

From On High

Halfway in What A Long Strange Trip It's Been, Dennis McNally's absorbing and very extensive Grateful Dead biography, so high time to celebrate for a bit. Here's the Dead working in mysterious ways during an intense acoustic set at Harpur College back in 1970. Glorious gospel. Hey now!
Grateful Dead - Cold Jordan (live '70)