Right On

Somewhat belatedly got the sad news that Cedric 'Im' Brooks, renowned Jamaican sax player and flautist, passed away earlier this month. He was 70 years old. Brooks played on numerous albums by Count Ossie & the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, Light Of Saba, and the Skatalites, but I specifically urge you to track down his irie '77 instrumental solo album Im Flash Forward.
Cedric 'Im' Brooks - Right On Rasta

ArteSano

Check out what I bought when in Catalunya recently. ArteSano is the latest offering from Miguel Poveda, the singer from Badalona who's widely regarded as one of the truest voices in flamenco today. Take it away, maestro.
Miguel Poveda - El Alfarero
Miguel Poveda - Hondo Y Sin Soga

Time Flies

Exactly twenty five years ago today, Chet Baker fell to his death from an Amsterdam hotel room.
Chet Baker - I Remember You

Drown Those Sorrows

"They say that whiskey ain't the best way, but then I ain't too smart..." Back with a bang alright. Amongst other things, I happened to visit many a barroom in the Ciudad Condal, so here goes with a thirst-inducing four pack. ¡Salut, amics!
Steve Young - Broken Hearted People (Take Me To A Barroom)
Gillian Welch - Barroom Girls

Ramblin Red Bailey - 8 Weeks In A Barroom

Hank Snow - The Face On The Barroom Floor

Real Action

And fun galore. "You go to Satan, little darlin'..." Gonna ride that hobo train, all the way to hell. Well, just flying out to my beloved Barcelona actually, but you get the point. Adios, back in a week or so.
Rube Waddell - Go To Satan

You To Me Were True

This in rememberance of Crawdaddy magazine founder and rock critic par excellence Paul Williams, who passed away recently. If you're talking books on His Bobness, Williams' three Performing Artist tomes are definitely among the cream of the crop. The following tracks stem from one of his fave shows, the excellent Dortmund 1987 with the Heartbreakers. Temples in flames alright.
Bob Dylan - Shelter From The Storm (live Dortmund '87)
Bob Dylan - I'll Remember You (live Dortmund '87)
Bob Dylan - The Ballad of Frankie Lee And Judas Priest (live Dortmund '87)

Hey Joe

Does this little tune from 1962 ring a little bell? Good. Move over Jimi, and let Niela take over. This is the one and only original, you dig. Niela's boyfriend Billy Roberts 'borrowed' and rewrote it and the rest, as they say, is history.
Niela Miller - Baby Don't Go To Town

On My Mind

"I've been sitting here so long, just remembering that you're gone..." Just got word that the great George Jones has left us. He was one of the finest country singers ever. Rest in peace, Mr. Possum.
George Jones - You're Still On My Mind
George Jones - Just One More

Chasin' The Bird

"The midnight cry of a blood red bird brought this sleeplessness on..." Presenting part two of a feathered six pack. Bird is the word. Collage once again by the mighty Tinca. Buy some of her exquisite art why don't you.

Smog - Blood Red Bird

The Holy Modal Rounders - Bird Song
The Anomoanon - Bird Child
Fun Things - When The Birdmen Fly

The Upsetters - Bird In Hand

Ornette Coleman - Bird Food

Of A Feather

"There's a high flying bird way up in the sky, and I wonder if she looks down as she flies on by..." Presenting part one of a folky, chirping six pack. Artwork by the one and only Tinca. Stick together, y'all.
Judy Henske - High Flying Bird
Kieran White - Hummingbirds
Leonda - Zono My Bird
Mellow Candle - Messenger Birds
Michael Hurley - The Early Bird Always Gets The Worm
Carol Kleyn - Blackbird

Nobody Knows

Just got word that Scott Miller, boss man in Game Theory and the Loud Family, passed away. He had that jingly jangly powerpop sound down pat. Need proof? Meet Sheila.
Game Theory - The Real Sheila