Shady Groove

Most notably remembered for being the flamboyant drummer in Hendrix’s Band of Gypsys, Buddy Miles died two weeks ago. I thought it fit to give a tribute. In addition to being 1/3 of the shortlived Gypsys, George “Buddy” Miles had also played with the likes of Wilson Pickett, Mike Bloomfield, John McLaughlin, George Clinton, Carlos Santana, and Bootsy Collins. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, his response was this:

“The baddest of the bad. People say I’m the baddest drummer. If that’s true, thank you world.”

I think that says it all. Here’s one of his very best. “Them Changes” is now part of Clapton’s set on tour as a tribute. It is rumored that Buddy heard Clapton playing it through his cell phone the day before he died. Whether true or not, thats pretty damn cool.

The Band of Gypsys (live 1970): Changes

King Curtis (also live 1970): Them Changes

The crazy, scotchguard huffing, blue blazing, kids are at it again. Although they’re not kids anymore, they are still ‘painting the town brown’ as they say. And as the jazz/jam style single “Your Party” keeps on getting radio play (at least on Sirius), Gene and Dean Ween still refuse to be grouped into any genre whatsoever. They return on this, thier latest release “La Cucaracha”, with an album that spans almost every type of music the band has ever been a part of. In classic Ween style, it mixes equal parts rock, reggae, bluegrass, mexi-folk, techno, jazz, jam, and slow jam into an album that you can listen to front to back. It’s definately one of those albums that will keep growing on you. Pick it up if you get a chance.

check it:
download: learnin’ to love

download: my own bare hands
(explicit lyrics)

download: your party

Sorry about the lack of posts.

Pavement. The ground that we walk on. A fitting name for a band that dominated the indie rock scene of the early 90’s and, shall I say “paved” the way for many indie bands today. They were a fiery ball of energy and feedback. Their creative, powerful sound, accompanied by frontman Steven Malkmus’ playfully witty lyrics, defined the lo-fi, noise pop genre. Here’s a couple of ditty’s from a band whose songs never seem to get old.

One of my favorite songs of all time.
download: Range Life

another great one from Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
download: Unfair

check out this live cut from the Palace in Hollywood circa 1994
download: Summer Babe

Keeping on the Jewish kick, I freakin love the Beastie Boys. We’re talkin about three jewish white guys from NYC who took the rap world by storm in the mid 80’s. First criticized by critics and hip hop musicians for being cultural pirates of sorts (especially because of thier beginnings as a punk band in 1981), the Beastie’s forged their own way and created a new post-punk, funky, psychadelic, pop, hip-hop sound that influenced a generation. Liscence to Ill was a surprising hit that paved the way for what I believe to be their best album, Paul’s Boutique. And although this LP did not recieve the accolades as its predecesor (in addition to it being a completely different sound), it did produce the ecclectic, freewheeling style that they are now known for. Check Your Head, Ill Communication, and Hello Nasty followed and were equally awesome and influential. They also released a jazzy, funky, exploratory instumental album in there called The In Sound From Way Out which I thought was great.

This leads me to thier new release, The Mix Up, which to be honest, I’m surprised hasn’t gotten more attention. Also an instrumental album, it showcases the BBoys musical skills, as they flow through numerous catchy grooves, and endless jazz and funk fused rhythms. There’s even a touch of reggae thrown in there. Great music to just chill, or be putzing around the house to. check it.

download: B For My Name

download: Off the Grid

download: The Cousin of Death

Couldn’t post some Beastie’s with out one of the classics. Here’s one of my favorites off of Paul’s Boutique:

download: Car Thief