It's been a fruitful year indeed for the lovely couple of Gillian and David. For this is their fourth album of 2020, and the third installment of Lost Songs. And as with the previous two, the quality is top notch to say the least, with Gillian's always moving vocals a little more jazzy than usual. For an accompanying read, check out this fine feature in the New York Times.
This here's a new double disc compilation of obscure indie bands from the so-called jangle underground in eighties America. Twenty eight heavenly tracks to strum & thrum along with, my amigos da musica... You know you want to, and you won't regret it.
The Pressure Sounds label has been a trademark of roots reggae quality for decades now, and their releases can be snapped up blindly. Which is where their new When Jah Shall Come compilation comes in, focusing on obscure Bunny Lee productions, some dubbed to the max by the great King Tubby. The lovely Life Of My Own by the mysterious Raver is only one treasure out of many here, so don't miss out, my brethren.
A quiet start of the week with the delicate and dreamy flamenco guitar of Daniel López Vicente, better known as Dani de Morón. Dude is one of the new masters of the genre for sure. The first track is from his recent Creer Para Ver, the second one is a couple years older and features the great Antonio Reyes on passionate vocals. ¡Agua!
Dani de Morón - Ojos Verdes
Dani de Morón con Antonio Reyes - Fandangos Y Bulerías Por Soleá
Fine article in yesterday's Guardian, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Washington DC's legendary Dischord label. Cheers guys: still hardcore after all these years. Got me digging out this year's self-titled Coriky album again, and found that the stripped-down - and sometimes even funky - trio sound of Ian MacKaye, Joseph Lally and Amy Farina provides plenty enjoyment for old Fugazi adepts like myself.
Some MacKaye stuff from the good ole days, too? Go!
Teen Idles - Get Up And Go
Minor Threat - Betray
Fugazi - Margin Walker
Mark Lanegan - I'm Not The Loving Kind
Sally Timms - Half Past France
Recorded back in 1959, shelved for some reason or other, but now finally available in all its bopping glory: Just Coolin' by master drummer Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers, featuring greats as Hank Mobley and Lee Morgan. No doubt about it, every self-respecting jazz cat needs this.
Rescued from obscurity by Riding Easy Records, the label that brings us the wonderful Brown Acid series, here's Ice from Indianapolis with their sole lost 1970 album Ice Age. Nice find, guys, and keep on digging please.
Stop press: I guess they do, 'cause a brand new Brown Acid trip has just landed as well. Volume 11 already, and did I mention this label actually takes the trouble to track down the obscure artists on these compilations and pays them royalties, too? Way cool. So dig in and dig and dance to the decidedly funky Debb Johnson.
Following up on the fine and folky original of Reno Nevada by Richard and Mimi Fariña I posted recently, here's a rocking take by Louisville's Oxfords, recorded back in the early seventies. Tasty indeed.
What if I forgot my guitar? What if I there were no piano? Doesn't matter none, as Peter Hammill never fails to deliver on either instrument. Driven indeed, and 'guided by some outside force' a distinct possibility. Two intense examples from 2010 below.
Peter Hammill - Stranger Still (live)
Peter Hammill - Driven (live)
Got a bag of pills for you today, my amigos da musica. Solid Americana by John Prine protégé Arlo McKinley, from his recent Die Midwestern album.
