Who Do You Love?

Spotlights on two emerging voices from the ole US of A. On Trouble Anyway, Rosali Middleman from Philly proves herself a soulful singer with a slighty retro touch. Sounds good! Jess Williamson, who hails from Texas but recently upped and left for the city of angels, gives us a remarkably mature collection of poignant love songs with the aptly titled Cosmic Wink. Sounds even better!
Rosali - If I Was Your Heart
Jess Williamson - Thunder Song

Moyo Working

The Moyo boys temporarily left their native Tokyo for Lisbon to record with Portugese jazz musician Bruno Pernadas in the production chair. A wise decision I guess, as the resulting Masana Temples is another mighty, dreamy trip they can be proud of. The odd heavy rock riff notwithstanding, everything meanders pleasantly along here in a right kosmische, and indeed sometimes even slightly jazzy stylee. Makes me look forward even more to their upcoming Euro tour, which includes a date in my fair city.
Kikagaku Moyo - Dripping Sun

Only One Way

Love and wealth? You got it. Never would have thought there was anything left in the vaults by my fave country brother team, so a hearty hallelujah sure is in order here. Ira and Charlie ride again with a double disc set of songwriting demos recorded in the early to mid-fifties and all is well with the world.
The Louvin Brothers - You'll Meet Him In The Clouds

Shot Again

I never was that much enamoured of Belly to be honest, but this Tanya Donelly beauty often pops up into my head all of a sudden. Like it did this fair morning. Just can't leave that dog alone I guess.
Belly - Slow Dog

Take Me In

"Coming home 'cross Kentucky hills to see you again..." A welcome reisssue of a minor 1970 classic for all you country and/or folk rock enthusiasts out there. The sunsoaked and mellow sounds of guitarist John Parker Compton and violinist Robin Batteau make a fine fine soundtrack for an old fashioned Indian summer.
Compton & Batteau - Homesick Kid

I Am Free

Yet another irie present from the Soul Jazz label: Studio One Freedom Sounds: Studio One In The 1960s comes chock-a-block with reggae and ska from the vaults of Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd's mighty Studio One label. Get ready indeed, my brethren, you won't regret it. Exhibit A: a fine fine tune by the somewhat forgotten Jackie Opel, who feels free like the birds in the trees.
Jackie Opel - I Am What I Am

I Swear

Sparse, atmospheric, and slighty sinister: British multi-instrumentalist Duke Garwood knows exactly what suits the mighty voice of Mr. Lanegan, probably because he's also a member of the former Screaming Trees singer's touring band. With Animals is an inspired collection of bleak, autumnal songs I just can't get enough of at the moment.
Mark Lanegan & Duke Garwood - My Shadow Life

Very Gøød Indeed

Lovingly restored from tapes found in a London dumpster: a 1963 Monk gig in Copenhagen’s Old Fellow Palæet. With more than a little help from trusted sidekicks Charlie Rouse (sax), John Ore (bass) and Frankie Dunlop (drums), this is pure Monk genius at work.
Thelonious Monk - I'm Getting Sentimental Over You

Weeping And Crying

Mourning in the morning... Just got the sad news that Otis Rush has left us. The legendary blues guitarist, key architect of Chicago's West Side Sound, was 84. Miss him.
Otis Rush - Groaning The Blues
Otis Rush - Tore Up

Crazy And Mixed Up

Time to rejoice, as the tireless enthusiasts running the Numero Group emporium deliver the goods again. Basement Beehive, a delicious two-disc compilation of obscure girl groups from the swinging sixties, overflows with danceable minidramas to make you laugh or cry.
Paulette & The Cupids - Teenage Dropout

Colors Have Faded

Ronnie Lane gets wistful. Which is always a good thing.
Pete Townshend & Ronnie Lane - Annie