Hello Sailor

"A lot of things happen out on the open sea..." The seventies-in-the-nineties sleaze of the mighty Trux always goes down a treat. Thank you indeed.
Royal Trux - Map Of The City

Run And Catch It

If you're even remotely interested in the blues, do head over to the New York Times to read an exemplary story called The Ballad Of Geeshie And Elvie, written by the esteemed John Jeremiah Sullivan of Pulphead fame. Hot on the trail of two phantom blues singers, he makes some truly amazing discoveries. Best read in ages hands down.
Elvie Thomas & Geeshie Wiley - Over To My House

Had To Go

"Your memory that's enough for me..." Just heard that Jesse Winchester, fine fine singer and songwriter, passed away yesterday. Miss him.
Jesse Winchester - Yankee Lady
Jesse Winchester - North Star

Never Get Weary

"Chant it out and tell them..." Presenting a natty six pack inna strictly roots stylee. Like it dread? The time is now.
Devon Russell - Roots Natty
Michael Black & Ranking Joe - Natty Contractor/Drunken Master
Big Youth - Natty Dread She Want
Culture - Natty Never Get Weary
Trinity - Natty Dread A No Bandooloo
Revolutionaries - Natty A General Version

Hoodoo Recipe

What's for dinner today, you ask? Chitlin Con Carne, that's what. Main ingredient: a very spicy harmonica. Supertasty!
Junior Wells' Chicago Blues Band - Chitlin Con Carne

Honk Honk

"I tell you little girl..." Here's the man called Childish, scaring the kids and then some. Great fun.
Thee Headcoats - No Such Animal

It's Easier

The War On Drugs will soon be huge I guess. And here's hoping they'll be wise enough to avoid the Arctic Monkeys/Coldplay//U2 stadium rock bombast trap. Hell, as they say, is just around the corner. In the meantime, I really like that krautrock sound on Red Eyes.
The War On Drugs - Red Eyes

Someone I Used To Know

In the early nineties, I was very much enamoured by the Mono Men and their mighty nouveau garage label Estrus. Limited edition topless album covers a specialty. And their blistering take on Remind Me still stands as one of the finest Outsiders covers around.
Mono Men - Remind Me

Out Of My Back Door

This here tune is brand new and way retro. Funky too, in an understated J.J. Cale kinda way, if you know what I mean. Turn it up and move around.
Natural Child - Out In The Country

Why I Hang Around

Finally took the time to buy Steve Gunn's Time Off, and boy am I glad I did. Hypnotizing stuff. You need this, too.
Steve Gunn - Street Keeper

Trying To Hide

Feelies fans of the world unite? Well, why not. If you share my soft spot for Haledon's finest, do head over to the excellent Doom & Gloom From The Tomb blog pronto. There, you'll find a mighty fine collection of live covers 1977-2009 waiting for you. For a taste, here's their take on one of my fave Wire ditties.
The Feelies - Outdoor Miner (live)