It's Time

"If we hang up our boxing gloves, sit down and try a little love..." Even when psychedelic black power soul ruled the roost, the Chi-Lites remained smooth-talking brothers at heart.

The Chi-lites - Love Uprising

Muy Puro

This marriage made in flamenco heaven, recorded in the early nineties, finally appeared on cd late last year. Hardcore from Jerez: never goes out of style.

Antonio Agujetas & Moraíto Chico - Seguirilla
Antonio Agujetas & Moraíto Chico - Soleá

Curveball

Shaky gamelan-like drones complete with flute from the Bajas, mumbled fortune cookie mantras from our bonnie lad, all recorded in one daylong jam session. Sounds interesting? I thought so, too, initially, but fell sound asleep both times I tried to play Epic Jammers And Fortunate Little Ditties all the way through. File under art wank.

Bitchin Bajas & Bonnie Prince Billy - May Life Throw You A Pleasant Curve

Top Of The Hill

The Dead Tongues are the project of Ryan Gustafson, who hails from Durham, North Carolina, just like the kindred spirits in Hiss Golden Messenger. A stark but heartwarming album in the Americana vein called Montana is out now, filled with banjos, fiddles, and - above all - strong songs. And what's more: the Dead Tongues will be coming over to Europe this April to support the mighty Phil Cook. Guess I'll have to buy myself a ticket.

The Dead Tongues - Graveyard Fields

Blow My Stack

Wanna sample a batch of cool Tom Waits live rarities? Head over to the Cover Me blog pronto, I'd say. My current fave? A decidedly spooky take on an ole Hank classic.

Tom Waits - Ramblin' Man (live Cleveland '06)

Just Passing Through

Just got the sad news that self-proclaimed renegade picker Steve Young has passed away a few days ago. Left me cold. The underrated outlaw's Seven Bridges Road album ('72) is obligatory listening for any honest rock and country lover. Miss him.

Steve Young - Montgomery In The Rain
Steve Young - One Car Funeral Procession

Up In The Air

More instrumental splendour, in rumba form this time. Presenting virtuoso guitarist Vicente Amigo, with the tasteful title track to his early nineties debut De Mi Corazón Al Aire. Straight from the heart.

Vicente Amigo - De Mi Corazón Al Aire

Change In The Weather

Introspective jazzrock, composed by Czech bassplayer Miroslav Vitous. So real one can almost see the ripples at first dawn.

Weather Report - Morning Lake

Top Of The Stairs

Most casual listeners would probably go for Rod the Mod, with ole Woody an obvious pick for your average Stones fan. My fave Face will always be their bass player though, the one and only Ronnie Lane. Talk about underrated songwriters... "I heard your footsteps at the front door, and that old familiar love song..."

The Faces - Debris

To The Bone

Just got the sad news that Andrew Loomis, drummer for Portland's legendary garagerock trio Dead Moon, has passed away. Can't picture him anywhere but centre stage between Fred and Toody really, merrily bashing away at his kit, on which a flickering candle wrung into a bottle of Black Jack always threatened to blow out. Miss him.

Dead Moon - I Hate The Blues

Have Mercy

Back with the blues, so here goes with a prime example of the electric variety. Razorsharp and electrifying, this one comes courtesy of the one and only George 'Buddy' Guy. Do it again!

Buddy Guy - One Room Country Shack