Listen, Now!

[anthonyjp87]

Another rare treat perfect for a Saturday afternoon.

[tunehounds]

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Althea & Donna, “The West” (1978) Still waiting for the post-colonial teenybop moment to arrive.

[anthonyjp87]

These are some aggressive lyrics from some silly looking teenagers! 

[tunehounds]

The Emerson Quartet plays Contrapunctus IX from Bach’s The Art of the Fugue

I intended to put up the Portland String Quartet’s version, which is great and romantic and incredibly well-mixed (I would listen to nothing but chamber music if all chamber music was recorded like this):

Contrapunctus IX by The Portland String Quartet on Grooveshark

But looking for a nonexistent Youtube version of it, I found this performance by the Emerson Quartet, who takes a more shall we say apocalyptic approach to the material. The connection between Bach and metal has been made before, but I threw up some serious devil horns at this one. The sudden major chord at the end, which is always surprising, has a falling-on-your-sword-in-the-scorched-ruins quality here. Good job Emerson Quartet.

[anthonyjp87]

OMG! Tunehounds needs a week dedicated to String Quartets! 

[anthonyjp87]

We need a crash course on Barbara Fucking Dane! 

She started an Activist Record Label and kills it with Earl Hines. She traveled to Cuba collecting music, protested with Pete Seeger and was called a 'Gasser' by Louis Armstrong. 

oh, and made a record with Lightning Hopkins. 

I know a record sleuth like yourself will be able to find more gem's from this woman!

[tunehounds]

The Staples Singers, “Masters of War” (1964)

As our president explains why it is that we need to go to war for another three years.

From the outstanding compilation How Many Roads: Black America Sings Bob Dylan

[anthonyjp87]

The thumping (drumming? Strumming the Bass?) that rolls through this track adds just enough soul shaking terror. Desert Storm Pt. III, Third time's the charm?

[tunehounds]

Blacks and Blues by Bobbi Humphrey

Bobbi Humphrey, “Blacks and Blues” (1973)

Does this song suck?

It’s tagged as ‘smooth jazz’ on Grooveshark, and I get that: the goofy choir, the slick drum sounds, the guiro. Oh Lord, the guiro. You could totally hear…

[tunehounds]

I really like this stuff. It’s hard for a flute player to carry a band—higher timber elements have always seemed better for a feature/solo piece rather rather than the backbone of a band. BUT—when it works it’s really great. Check out Nicole Mitchell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPQFq9oMz98 This song is totally killing it—and Nicole is a great band leader too.

[anthonyjp87]

Also, to talk more on the original idea--and this is kind of the conclusion we came to when we were listening to Dave Holland's Fusion band--If the music is sincere and played with a high caliber performance it's really hard to hate it, even if the style is completely out in left field.  I found myself listening to the whole Bobbi Humphrey's album in my headphones while working, and after getting over the knee jerk reaction to smooth jazz that is normally justified, I really enjoyed the album. I also think that the drummer on this album is totally carrying it--a good groove is a good groove regardless of the jazz flute solo on top. 

[gravityily]

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[cokemachineglow]

Flying Lotus :: “Never Catch Me (f/ Kendrick Lamar)” You’re Dead (2014)

[tunehounds]

Exciting to hear these two working together—Kendrick seems to have pulled out a flow more suitable to FlyLo’s productions; I’d love to hear more like this. Dig that guitar solo (?) in the middle.

[anthonyjp87]

Ya that guitar is nuts! I don't think I've really ever been able to appreciate what FlyLo is making. Is it just some jazz chords over chilled out hip hop groves, or is he making worthwhile music? 

[anthonyjp87]

Songs are really just interesting things to do with the air.

Tom Waits