To Them Hills And Gone

A heartbreaking trio of covers, performed live by the mighty duo of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Enjoy, my amigos da musica.

Gillian Welch & David Rawlings - Snowing On Raton (live Berkeley '96)
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings - I'll Go On Downtown (live Berkeley '96)
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings - Albequerque (live Hickory '97)

Concept Of I

Neville O'Riley Livingston, better known as Bunny Wailer, is the only surviving member of the original Wailers, a dubious honor indeed. Not as well known by the public at large compared to Marley and Tosh, he's a reggae legend just the same. Cue a new collection of superb old singles released on his own Solomonic label, with songs that prove every inch as good as the material that ended up on his much lauded debut Blackheart Man, and that's saying something. There's a second volume out, too, but I haven't heard that one yet alas. Soon come.

Bunny Wailer - Amagideon

Togo To Go

A new compilation on the Hot Casa label, chock-a-bloc with steaming seventies afro soul from Togo? That's a no-brainer of course. Consider yourselves warned.

Aimé Orchis Mathey - Tralala Vo Dou

Upon My Knees

Thanks to the good people over at nyctaper, you can now enjoy a solid recent show by Hiss Golden Messenger, who are currently on tour promoting their wonderful Heart Like A Levee album. Special treat: a rather obscure Faces cover. Dig in.

Hiss Golden Messenger - Flags And Banners (live)
The Faces - Flags And Banners

Feelin' Alright

Caught Ryley Walker yesterday night at the intimate Sidecar club here in Barcelona and very good it was, too. Hypnotizing tunes galore, upright bass a special treat. Young Mr. Walker isn't done touring Europe just yet, so I'd strongly suggest to go see him if he's somewhere in your area. Well worth it.

Ryley Walker - Summer Dress

Take Pity

"Yes on me, it's poor me, you must have pity on poor me..." Or: it's six pack time again, my amics del pobre, and strictly in a blues stylee at that. Come in please, heaven awaits.

Charley Patton - Poor Me
Floyd Council - Poor And Ain't Got A Dime
Smith & Harper - Poor Girl
Big Joe Williams - Providence Help The Poor People
The Cousins & Virginia DeMoss - Poor Mourner
John Fahey - Poor Boy

Bye Leon, Bye Mose

Obituary time again alas, as two fine American musicians no longer walk among us. A couple days ago, I was informed that Leon Russell had died. The flamboyant southern swamp rocker was 74. And I just got the sad news that the incomparable Mose Allison has passed away as well. The influential jazz/blues pianist and singer died yesterday at 89. Miss 'em both.

Leon Russell - Of Thee I Sing
Leon Russell - Out In The Woods

Mose Allison - New Parchman

Mose Allison - Look Here

Mind And Skin

Healing time again, as the original losing loser - and Dinosaur Jr and Sebadoh stalwart of course - is back in solo mode after quite a long hiatus with a short ep on the Joyful Noise label. Nothing new under the sun really, but the songs are strong and that's what counts in the end. Hey hey...

Lou Barlow - Anniversary Song

So Long, Ladies' Man

Just got the sad news that Leonard Cohen has passed away at 82. The Canadian singer/songwriter and poet was one of the true greats. I still remember the wonderful night I saw him perform here in Barcelona back in 2009 as if it were yesterday. Sweet as apples dipped in honey. Miss him.

Leonard Cohen - Memories

Turn Around

This merry little tune from 1977, written by Band bass player Rick Danko with Louisiana cult hero Bobby Charles, echoes my current sentiments exactly. Or to quote the famous Catalan politician Josep Tarradellas: ja sóc aquí!

Rick Danko - What A Town

Diamond I Have Found

When he comes around, the Tulsa wizard always makes my day.

J.J. Cale - Wish I Had Not Said That

Muy Gitano

Taking a trip to the attractive Andalucian city of Lebrija to enjoy that fine gypsy singer Curro Malena por fandangos. On guitar we find the masterful Moraíto as the connection from nearby Jerez de la Frontera. ¡Ay!

Curro Malena - Fandangos