In Bloom

The apple tree, that is. Always a joy to behold. Meanwhile, here's Bird, with a little help from Miles Davis, Duke Jordan, Tommy Potter, and Max Roach.

Charlie Parker Quintet - Scrapple From The Apple

Principles Of Biology

Tokyo meets New York City. Starring CL Smooth on the mic, taking care of the evolutionary flow.

DJ Krush - Only The Strong Survive

Made A Wreck Out Of Me

Don and Phil go back to their roots and take on the singing brakeman's immortal Blue Yodel number one, complete with wild wahwah guitar. The way they go back into traditional mode until that guitar kicks in again works a treat.

Everly Brothers -  T For Texas

Down For A While

Dylan's setlists are a pretty static affair these days, but here's a rare live debut from one of his recent Tokyo gigs. And a bloody good one it is, too. "My sword's in my hand and I'm next in command, in this version of death called life..."

Bob Dylan - Huck's Tune ( Live Tokyo '14)

Another recent rarity? Why not. Here's a one off cover of a Gordon Lightfoot tune, recorded live in Edmonton back in 2012. Song fits him like a glove. "It's a wicked wind and it chills me to the bone, and if you don't believe me come and gaze upon the shadow at your door..."

Bob Dylan - Shadows (Live Edmonton '12)

Shine On

People shelling out for that incredible outtakes collection called Orphans on cd never got to hear this one. Exclusive vinyl bonus track, baby, and what a characteristic beauty. "They told me everything was sacred, nothing is profane, and money is something that you throw off of the back of a train..."

Tom Waits - Diamond In Your Mind

Takes A Little Rain To See

Freakbeat? You betcha! "The sounds of love are in my head..." Glorious tune.

The Factory - Try A Little Sunshine

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