For A Spell

"Spin it again, ride it out so you can tell..." Finally off on my holidays today, my amigos da musica. Normal business will be resumed after a week or two of sun, sea, and piracy. ¡Hasta luego!

Calexico - Writer's Minor Holiday

What I Am

Punk rock in raw power mode never goes out of style, especially in Australia. The Saints, Radio Birdman and countless others paved the way down under, and here come new kids Civic from Geelong, whose New Vietnam mini album really rips. Search & destroy folks.

Civic - New Vietnam

Light Come Shining

"I saw the light that a gambler don't see, when I saw the light it was shining on me..." Presenting an illuminating six pack for your listening pleasure. Glowing artwork as usual by Tinca. Seen the light yet?

Bull City Red - I Saw The Light
The Uglies - I See The Light
The Shy Guys - Black Lightning Light
Judah Eskender Tafari - Jah Light
Ned Oldham - The One Light
Goat - The Light Within

Been Crying

Just got the sad news that Aretha Louise Franklin has passed away today. The Queen of Soul, without a doubt one of the greatest singers ever, was 76. Miss her.

Aretha Franklin - Drowning In My Own Tears

For The Siren

Listen closely and it's quite easy to picture a huge, blood-red sun sinking down slowly. Master picker Daniel Bachman's new album, called The Morning Star, is out now via the venerable Three Lobed label.

Daniel Bachman - Song For The Setting Sun III

Hang Out In The Sun

Warm and ramshackle pop from a promising fuzz trio. Picture a big apple version of Teenage Fanclub or even the Mary Chain and you're already halfway there. Curious? Dig in.

Beechwood - Boy Before

Time Will Show You How

Hey now, only a small step from the master to some of his acolytes. The four guys from New Jersey who make up Garcia Peoples may wear their hearts on their sleeves, but these young Dead worshipers still manage to sound modern somehow on what's a lovely debut for sure. Follow them into a dark star, why don't you.

Garcia Peoples - World's Illusion

Smoke On You

The Jerry Garcia Band tackles a deep cut from the Dylan songbook at Berkeley's Keystone back in '75. Funky but clean, if you know what I mean...

Jerry Garcia Band - Tough Mama

Kosmische Inspiration

In Future Days, an excellent book on the krautrock phenomenon by David Stubbs, the author makes the point that the song Doldrums by obscure Boston band Cul De Sac ('95) is possibly the 'strongest, most stratospheric example of krautrock as a launchpad for wholly new adventures'. I see where he comes from.

Cul De Sac - Doldrums

On Earth & Worldwide

Presenting a peaceful six pack. Or is it? "And he blew them all to kingdom come, upon the road to peace..." Hard to find artwork by Tinca. What's so funny indeed, my amigos da musica?

Coleman Family - Peace On Earth

Almeda Riddle - Worldwide Peace

Ornette Coleman - Peace

Jack Logan - Peace O'Mind

Brinsley Schwarz - (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding
Tom Waits - Road To Peace

Take A Triple

East coast jazzcat Hal McKusick seems all but forgotten these days. Which is unfair to say the least, as this trio of fine fine tracks from three of his best albums shows with verve. Dig in and dig.

Hal McKusick Quartet - Minor Matters
Hal McKusick Quintet - Pon-Su
Hal McKusick Quintet - Something New