Mix Tapes Revisited
Its been a long time my friends. Good to be back and in The Groove! It seems to be time to pop back in and post something. Thought I’d start on the subject of mix tapes (that’s right, i said mixed tapes). You know what i mean; although these days mix cd’s are more the outfit of choice . I guess you could give an Ipod playlist to someone but it really doesnt have that same type of homegrown, grassroots, earthy feel to it. The act of giving or recieving a hard copy compact disc or tape in your hand, one that has actually been intensely thought about, (not just a random assortment of click and select songs A through F) is one of my favorite pasttimes. Giving one is truly an art form.
I just gave a mix cd to a friend of mine and i have to say, the time i spent mixing, preparing, searching, and digging deep into my collection for the right songs was a truly invigorating process.
Music, to me has always been a revitalizer of sorts. Whenever I need a change or just rejuvenation, I can always search out some new or old songs or albums to ignite my interest and stimulate my imagination. And creating a mix tape, CD, whatever, always seems to compell one to revisit some great old gems.
So I urge everyone to take a look back through your cd’s, tapes, records, music files, whatever you have and dive in. there are some great old, new, revisited albums out there. Dust off the one that you haven’t played in years. You might even find some old mix tapes. Its amazing that a single song, album, band, even a few short notes can send you to a different time or place all together. Consider this post your time machine. You can call me Doc Brown.
“They found me. I don’t know how but they found me…….Who do you think? The Libyans! Run for it Marty!”
They’re Back
I gotta say, I’m impressed. The good old boys from Vermont just completed thier monstrous 3 night reunion in Hampton, Va. The event , 3 sold out shows left many fans more than elated. After proclaiming “We’re done” in 2004 after a farewell festival in Coventry, VT for 65,000, they were back. And back with a vengance. We all knew they would be. I think its great that now they are looking for a 2 phase to thier career as the pioneering jam band with Trey even proclaiming backstage that “they are trying to create a formula to keep playing for a long time.” They also have studio time booked to begin working on a new album.
In addition, for the Allman’s 40th anniversary run at the Beacon last night, Page and Trey appeared to lend their musical sound to the classics Southbound, I Know You Rider, and Elizabeth Reed.
So here’s a little taste of what went down this past weekend, and probably a taste of whats to come on this tour. Light one up, sit back, and enjoy. They are definitely back.
Check it:
2001
Moma Dance
Who’s the 5 best rappers in the World?
Dylan (pronounced Die-lan), Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, and Dylan
Ya’ll are lucky to be getting a double dose of the Groove this week. There was a certain Bob Dylan theme surrounding the day that definately had me doing some intense research.
Early in the day I heard a great cover of “I Was Young When I Left Home”, which didn’t even make it onto any Dylan albums; it probably would have been on his first. Interesting to mention that out of 13 tracks on his first album, “Bob Dylan”, only 2 were written by the great poet himself. Regardless, the cover of that great tune can be found on a brand new album called “Dark Was the Night”, produced by The National’s Aaron and Bryce Dessner, just released. The original can be found on Martin Scorcese’s soundrack to the documentary, “No Direction Home”.
That got me searching for some old school Dylan. A little bit of Highway 61 Revisited ensued. Later I heard another great Dylan cover done by Phish. Always one to nail a great cover, during a live performance in Washington, circa 1994, the band ripped into a killer, rockin’ “Fixin to Die”.
So continuing with the theme of the day, here is one of my favorite Dylan tracks. Widely considered as being the origins of rap, its definately a rhyme-flowing, rollicking, energetic, playful track…From Bringing All Back Home, this track is awesome! check it
Download: Subterranean Homesick Blues
Furr
Think a conglomeration of the eclectic nature of early Beck, lo-fi, indie sound of Pavement, rock genius and country twang of Neil Young and Bob Dylan, and the pop sound of the Beatles rolled into one. Portland, Oregon’s Blitzen Trapper puts out its second album in fine fashion. This is a solid release. Raucous, gritty, organic, raw sound that manifests that rock is still alive and well. If you haven’t heard it yet, you will; and if you already are hooked as I am, keep on rockin’.
check this track out:
Luckiest Man
There is a time and place for every song. You are the one with the chocolate on your tongue when you’re drinking from the chalice of truly good music. The Wood Brothers’ “ways not to lose” is a hopeful album with a backbone rooted in folk. The pen drops close to the heart for Oliver and Chris Wood. It runs through a a myriad of chill jams and tight grooves. Definitely check it out if you want a departure of the hassels of every day things.