Wayne Shorter - Speak No Evil

Hey everyone...I'm back. Just flew home from Thailand the other day and now I'm back at home where my internet is fast enough to update this blog again. For my first post in a long time, I've decided to upload an album that is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

Wayne Shorter is a world renowned sax player and jazz legend. He, like most of the best jazz players, has created a hugely diverse body of work that features some of his most highly respected peers. He is arguably best known for his work with three groups: Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in the 50's, one of Miles Davis' quintets in the 60's, and fusion giants Weather Report in the 70's. While he was working with Miles' quintet, he was also busy cutting his own solo album entitled Speak No Evil. The lineup for these sessions featured Shorter on tenor sax, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet and Elvin Jones on drums. Together they put together the 50 rock solid minutes of Speak No Evil. It is considered to be one of Shorter's finest albums, and for good reason.

Wayne Shorter - Speak No Evil, 1965

http://www.mediafire.com/?jmnxymmz2zy

RIP Jerry Garcia (1942-1995)

With today being the anniversary of Jerry's death, I have decided to upload my favorite version of my favorite Grateful Dead song, Brokedown Palace, along with a poem that was written for (and delivered at) Jerry's funeral. Even if you aren't a fan of the Dead, I would suggest that you take a moment out of your day to read and listen to the offerings that I wanted to share.

Grateful Dead - "Brokedown Palace" (5/18/77 Fox Theater, Atlanta, GA) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?62adrhfwiko1md4

An Elegy for Jerry (written by Robert Hunter, lyricist for the Grateful Dead)

Jerry, my friend,
you've done it again,
even in your silence
the familiar pressure
comes to bear, demanding
I pull words from the air
with only this morning
and part of the afternoon
to compose an ode worthy
of one so particular
about every turn of phrase,
demanding it hit home
in a thousand ways
before making it his own,
and this I can't do alone.
Now that the singer is gone,
where shall I go for the song?

Without your melody and tase
to lend an attitude of grace
a lyric is an orphan thing,
a hive with neither honey's taste
nor power to truly sting.

What choice have I but to dare and
call your muse who thought to rest
out of the thin blue air
that out of the field of shared time,
a line or two might chance to shine --

As ever when we called,
in hope if not in words,
the muse descends.

How should she desert us now?
Scars of battle on her brow,
bedraggled feathers on her wings,
and yet she sings, she sings!

May she bear thee to thy rest,
the ancient bower of flowers
beyond the solitude of days,
the tyranny of hours--
the wreath of shining laurel lie
upon your shaggy head
bestowing power to play the lyre
to legions of the dead

If some part of that music
is heard in deepest dream,
or on some breeze of Summer
a snatch of golden theme,
we'll know you live inside us
with love that never parts
our good old Jack O'Diamonds
become the King of Hearts.

I feel your silent laughter
at sentiments so bold
that dare to step across the line
to tell what must be told,
so I'll just say I love you,
which I never said before
and let it go at that old friend
the rest you may ignore.

Neil Young - "After the Gold Rush"

In my opinion, "After the Gold Rush" is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. It doesn't get much better than this.

Neil Young - "After the Gold Rush" (1970) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?893oiw5cn3e9lgb

Gladys Knight and the Pips - "Giving Up"

The classic 1964 track from the "Empress of Soul".

Gladys Knight and the Pips - "Giving Up" (1964) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?9jazi6k4h13g8jg

The Velvet Underground - "Loaded" (1970)

Here is a copy of my favorite Velvet Underground album.

The Velvet Underground "Loaded (1970)" -

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=cfde42e04372bc6510dd00e4e8fc1f36c5eb0f23b7bb8409abedc5817af8ca29a423bb87dafddd24f308754d705e5e50

RIP Brent Mydland (1952-1990)

Today is the 20th anniversary of the death of Brent Mydland, keyboardist for the Grateful Dead. During his time with the Dead, he was known for his soulful voice and deep, organic tones and fills. Brent died on July 26th, 1990, three days after the final show of the Dead's 1990 Summer Tour. For the encore of the tour closing show, the Dead played a spot-on cover of the Band's "The Weight". Their version featured different members of the group singing their own verse throughout the course of the song. Brent's verse reads: "Picked up my bags, and went lookin' for a place to hide / when I saw Carmen and the Devil walkin' side by side / I said 'hey Carmen, come on let's go downtown' / she said, 'I gotta go, but my friend can stick around'."

He died three days later.

The Grateful Dead "The Weight" (Live - 7/23/90 World Music Theater, Tinley Park, IL) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNvlLRRodYs

Amon Tobin - 4 Deck Mix

This mix has been described as a "holy grail of DJing", and I couldn't agree more. I was lucky enough to witness one of Amon's live sets in 2007, and it is hands down the best set of electronic music that I have ever heard. The link that I'm posting is to a somewhat-newly released live mix from Amon that he and his camp were nice enough to release for free in high-quality format. The mix itself is an hour and fifteen minutes of uncompromisingly perfect song selection and flow. Prepare yourself.

Amon Tobin "4 Deck Mix" (2009) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?xnywcllflmj

Alice in Chains - Selected tracks from "Dirt"

This album is fucking incredible. One of Layne Staley's last masterpieces before his death (which is described here):

"When police kicked in the door to Layne Staley's University District apartment on April 20, there, on a couch, lit by a flickering TV, next to several spray-paint cans on the floor, not far from a small stash of cocaine, near two crack pipes on the coffee table, reposed the remains of the rock musician." The article also stated that the 6'1" Staley weighed just 86 pounds when his body was discovered. The autopsy report later concluded that Staley had died after injecting a mixture of heroin and cocaine known as a "speedball".

Needless to say, this shit is intense. However, its intensity needs to be respected and channeled in appropriate ways. Enjoy the music and give thanks to the souls that were involved in its production.

Alice in Chains "Them Bones" (Dirt, 1992) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?nw2znttlztx

Alice in Chains "Rain When I Die" (Dirt, 1992) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?jtnn5mmwkdi

Alice in Chains "Rooster" (Dirt, 1992) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?t3mmctdmnin

Alice in Chains "Down in a Hole" (Dirt, 1992) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?ttzmo4gynfj

Outkast - "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik"

Just realized I haven't posted any hip hop yet...what the hell is wrong with me. To make up for it, I wanna offer you guys one of my favorite hip hop tracks of all time. Here is the title track from Outkast off their 1994 debut album release.

Outkast "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" (Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, 1994) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?ynhnteiojit

Phish - "The Divided Sky"

I guess it's about time for me to post some Phish. Here's a great version of my favorite song of all time.

Phish "The Divided Sky" (10/27/94 Charlottesville, VA) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?rqw024tz2hj

Booka Shade - 5/29/10 Red Rocks

Here's a set from the globally renowned German electronic group Booka Shade. This performance took place at Red Rocks only a couple days ago. Booka was playing the setbreak for the Disco Biscuits during the event "Bisco Inferno'". Although it is highly debated by Biscuit fans, I often find that their opening / setbreak acts are more appealing then their own "headlining" performances. However, I must admit that over the past Camp Bisco's I've attended, I've wandered towards the main stage during a few Biscuits sets and been blown away by their playing. Regardless, this post is about Booka Shade not tDB, so without further ado I want to post a .zip mp3 link to the show.

Booka Shade - 5/29/10 Red Rocks (audience recording) -

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AFV885Z5

More Ween

Further illustrating their versatility. I posted some other Ween tracks a few days ago in case you missed them or are just tuning in. They're all fantastic so check 'em out and build your respect for this band.

Ween "It's Gonna Be A Long Night" (Quebec, 2003) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?zwkow3gzemb

Ween "Voodoo Lady" (Live at Stubbs, 2000) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?z5jlx5i3wbz

Ween "What Deaner Was Talking About" (Chocolate and Cheese, 1994) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?mwnzqj5mytm

Two Remixes from DFA

James Murphy's (frontman of LCD Soundsystem) "DFA Records" is one of the most highly respected labels in electronic music today. Here are two remixes from their camp.

Gorillaz "DARE" (DFA remix) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?yzrnqymci2i

The Chemical Brothers "The Boxer" (DFA remix) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?hnwintgmgi5

A little late night nu-disco/funk

Just wanted to post some really solid electronic music for you guys to enjoy. Nothing too "in your face", just some tight shit that really develops a nice groove. This is the type of thing that I'm interested in DJing in my own sets, so if you like it let me know and I'll upload some of my mixes for people to check out.

Lindstrom feat. Christabelle "Lovesick" -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzqiCNSRcD0

http://www.mediafire.com/?lw2lmgzz2gk

6th Borough Project "McLovin" -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdjqnB9Ns6c

http://rs132.rapidshare.com/files/309147740/VA-If_This_Is_House_I_Want_My_Money_Back-2009-USF.rar (one of the tracks in this compilation)

Chromeo's New Sound

In the months leading up to this summer, electro-pop-funk band Chromeo has been (finally) changing up their sound a little bit. I've really enjoyed the stuff on their first album but after seeing their live show a few times, and realizing it never really changes, I'm glad to hear that they're trying something new.

For this tour / possible album release (not sure exactly what is happening), Chromeo has joined forces with Daryl Hall (of Hall & Oates fame). The two youtube videos that I'm posting offer new versions of both the Hall and Oates classic "No Can Do" and Chromeo's "Tenderoni".

Daryl Hall & Chromeo "Tenderoni" (music starts at 2:22) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaI0LWcYvnU&feature=related

Daryl Hall & Chromeo "No Can Do" (music starts at 3:50) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXXvUa5Tzco&feature=related

Good Morning! Featuring: Old And In the Way

Perfect music for Sunday morning. Old And In the Way is a bluegrass group featuring Jerry Garcia (banjo), Vassar Clements (fiddle), David Grisman (mandolin), John Kahn (acoustic bass), and Peter Rowan (guitar).

Old And In the Way "Catfish John" (That High Lonesome Sound, 1996) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?ywmwgdwxyzd

Old And In the Way "Hard Hearted" (That High Lonesome Sound, 1996) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?azdqjjzblia

Jimi Hendrix - "Machine Gun" live

Arguably the greatest guitar player in history rips a smokin' version of his classic anti-war tune. The man commands tremendous respect and does whatever the fuck he wants with his guitar. He's a pioneer that hasn't yet been bested.

Jimi Hendrix "Machine Gun" (Live) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZANxW4iFnk

The Roots of Metal

I'm not gonna pretend that I know a lot about this genre because I don't, but recently I've had a growing respect for it. From what I've gathered, Bad Brains and Exodus are considered to be some pretty solid oldschool metal. I like it and I hope you do too.

Bad Brains "I Against I" (I Against I, 1986) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjITD9LnwRY

Exodus "And Then There Were None" (Bonded By Blood, 1985) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a-Sh9Ik-lI

Sun Ra - Jazz In Silhouette

A nice introduction to the genius of Sun Ra. This album was recorded in Chicago and released in May of 1959. Brilliant jazz from the Arkestra in the time before they ventured into the realm of complete psychedelia.

Sun Ra and his Arkestra "Jazz in Silhouette, 1959" -

http://www.mediafire.com/?oiznzzq02nn

Stevie Wonder - "I Was Made to Love Her"

This one doesn't need any description. One of my favorite Stevie tracks.

Stevie Wonder "I Was Made to Love Her" (I Was Made to Love Her, 1967) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKzpaa9GIaM

http://www.mediafire.com/?kmrrkmonnug

Ladies and Gentlemen...Ween

Ween is my fucking jam...so get used to seeing them on this "blog" (I hate that word...is there a different term I could use to describe this site?). This band is talented, hilarious, and completely insane. I must admit that some of their stuff takes a little while to understand, but they really are a band that grows on you. One of the things that I really like about them is that they cannot be defined by genre. Over the course of this...blog...I will post evidence to support this claim.

Today, I'll start off with some of their more accessible material. The first clip is from a TV show filmed in 1993. Dean Ween (guitar) had this to say about the performance:

"This is one of my favorite tv clips of us. 'Pure guava' was still a new record and we had just written this song. I think this is one of our last performances as a duo. This was filmed early in the morning and we were very stoned."

Ween "Freedom of '76" (Live on the Jane Pratt Show, 1993) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzYykIA1xVg&feature=related

The second clip I want to post is of Ween playing their tune "Bananas and Blow" at a 2007 show in New York. The lyrics tell the story of a lovesick man who finds himself stuck on the beach with nothing but copious amounts of bananas and cocaine.

Ween "Bananas and Blow" (12/1/2007 Terminal 5, New York City) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY2cvXw2BnE

The last Ween track that I'm gonna post today is just a completely ridiculous studio outtake of a song called "Boys Club". Its just a fun tune that doesn't make much sense but for some reason never gets old.

Ween "Boys Club" (Shinola, 2005) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0lKVFcTZoA

Here are the youtube links for now, I will get some mp3 downloads up soon.

Return to Forever - "The Romantic Warrior"

Here's an afternoon treat from the world's ultimate "supergroup". I was lucky enough to attend a show with the original lineup (Chick Corea - keys, Al Di Meola - guitar, Stanley Clarke - bass, and Lenny White - drums) at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in 2008.

In some cases, supergroups aren't such a good thing...there's too much talent and not enough cohesion. Return to Forever, however, defied this predisposition. These guys could groove like no one else while still managing to retain their technicality. Loose but not sloppy, focused but experimental. Genius.

Return to Forever "The Romantic Warrior" (Live at the Old Grey Whistle Test 1976) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lObVilGPjHc

Return to Forever "The Romantic Warrior" (Romantic Warrior, 1976) -

http://www.mediafire.com/?neotln3emlt

Caribou - Swim

So far, I've gotta say that Caribou's Swim is my favorite album of the year. Caribou is the alter-ego of Dan Snaith, a Canadian electronic musician and producer. Math guy by day (he received his PhD in mathematics from London's Imperial College), Snaith has spent his nights creating his own brand of electronic music.

His mix of authentic analog instruments, intelligently used studio effects, and consistently relevant vocals has worked to produce rave reviews from both loyal fans and first time listeners. Critics have also been impressed by the release; Resident Advisor's Derek Miller gave the album 4 stars and described it as "A mesmeric aural delight, as perplexing as it is instantly engaging."

I've decided to post the youtube link to Swim's opening track "Odessa", as well as the mediafire link to a zipped file of the entire album.

Caribou "Odessa" (Swim, 2010) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq_tDOFU5tY

Caribou - Swim, 2010

http://www.mediafire.com/?ewomyinnljr

Can - "Oh Yeah"

Can is a group that I don't know much about, but I've really enjoyed the stuff that I've heard. They are a German "experimental rock" band that formed in 1968. I first discovered Can when listening to a podcast from Gilles Peterson's radio program on BBC Radio 1. I consider Gilles to be a guy with great musical taste, and I highly recommend his program to anyone who finds the music that I post in this blog to be interesting. Here is a link to his BBC homepage:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006wq8d

The track that I have selected from Can is entitled "Oh Yeah" and can be found on their 1971 release Tago Mago. Except for the drum beat (which remains consistent throughout), the track changes direction at the 3:14 mark. Give it a listen and see what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49PvnYCKZkM

http://www.mediafire.com/?mjcjyzkewiz

Talking Heads - Live in Rome 1980

Required viewing for any Talking Heads fan. Live video from their 1980 Rome show which includes Adrian Belew (King Crimson) absolutely ripping shit up on guitar. I love the fact that the stage setup is very stripped down and leaves the focus to rest solely on the music. The lineup for the show is as follows: David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison, Steve Scales, Bernie Worrell, Dolette MacDonald, Buster Jones and Adrian Belew.

The three tracks that I have selected fully exhibit the Heads' distinct style and attitude. If you like these clips make sure to check out the rest of the show which is available on youtube and for download from other sites.

Talking Heads "Crosseyed & Painless" (Live in Rome, 1980) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g8lFmsCXhg&feature=related

Talking Heads "Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)" (Live in Rome, 1980) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVIKF03KkVM&feature=related

Talking Heads "The Great Curve" (Live in Rome, 1980) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RlZ4-ZbRog&feature=related

Two tracks from Gil Scott-Heron

Gil Scott-Heron is known by many as "the Godfather of Rap". He was born in Chicago in 1949 but has spent most of his life living and recording in New York City. Both a poet and a musician, Scott-Heron has influenced generations of artists and social activists alike. LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy recently dedicated the group's set at the 2010 Coachella festival to Scott-Heron. Murphy, like many other artists, claims that Gil is one of LCD's greatest influences.

Earlier this year, Scott-Heron has released a new album, entitled I'm New Here. I wanted to post a couple tracks from Gil, one from the 1971 album Pieces of a Man, and another from I'm New Here. Make sure you listen to both of them...you'll be amazed at how different they are.

Gil Scott-Heron "Home Is Where the Hatred Is" (Pieces of a Man, 1971) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOUMvjw9RlA&feature=related

http://www.mediafire.com/?k23tyzmnjmo

Gil Scott-Heron "Me and the Devil" (I'm New Here, 2010) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEbdi-_FJVo

http://www.mediafire.com/?fy3dmuxozoo

Hello

Hi guys. I finally decided to make my own music blog. I named it after one of my favorite songs (Radiohead's "Reckoner"), because it exemplifies the type of music that I'm interested in sharing with everyone. I'm not necessarily saying that all the tracks I post will sound like Reckoner, because they definitely won't, but they will be music that I feel is from the soul.

I will do my best to post at least one track per day. I will also try to include both a streaming youtube link, as well as an mp3 download.

For the first post: Radiohead's "Reckoner":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSvhtIbyucQ&feature=related

http://www.mediafire.com/?wgxm5zgmndk

In this particular case, the youtube link is a video of Reckoner being played at a 2008 live show in Tokyo. I encourage you to not only watch that video, but to download the mp3 from the mediafire link as well. The mp3 is the studio version of Reckoner off of the album In Rainbows.

Thanks for checking this site out and I hope you enjoy the music!