This is an online music fan zine. Please support music and musicians by going to shows, purchasing CDs, buying a damn T-shirt!
All mp3s are posted here with permission from the artists/labels/PR folks, and for a very brief time. If you have any issues with content on this zine please email me; atartytart@gmail.com I'm addicted to my Iphone, darlins'... I'll get back to you.
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It’s baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah so the theme for the Contrast Podcast is laughter, and well… we can’t have just any old laugh, now can we? It’s got to be a deep, down, good old duuuuurrrrrtttty laugh! I knew I had one or two of those in my library. It took me a few hours to drag it out of my memory, but it was definitely in my collection of FUNK music. Nobody does that kind of thing like funk singers, ya know?!? This little selection is a “novelty” song from 1968, by Andre Williams and the Natural Bridge Bunch and it’s found on the compilation What It Is! Funky Soul And Rare Grooves 1967-1977 (2006)
Andre Williams is legend. At 74 he’s reincarnated himself a few times over and still might do it again. His story is full of ups and downs, working with superstars like Stevie Wonder (with whom he co-wrote “Thank You For Loving Me”) Ike Turner, and George Clinton, yet also struggling many years with addictions and the ensuing poverty that goes with it. He’s still performing. Chicago, he’ll be (oops, was!) at Schubas on May 29!
Not familiar with the Contrast Podcast? I’ve not done one in a while! Anyone can do it…it’s a community effort, lookie over here for how-to. It’s a blast and you’ll meet some really cool people, come have a listen, xoxo
There are so many good blogs out there, and it’s easy to get focused on what I want to write or what I feel you want to hear, that I sometimes don’t get around to reading my friends nearly as often as I wish I did. So, it’s high time I highlighted one that is really outstanding. You really should go peek over at Sunset Over Slawit where Rol has reviewed Chuck Klosterman’s book, CK IV: A Decade Of Curious People And Dangerous Ideas. I breezed through Rol’s post happily, reminded of his previous review of Fargo Rock City and how it made me want to put that book on my xmas list. But this one seemed to be a little less interesting, more generally “men’s writing,” and then whamo! Rol hit me with this quote:
Here’s the first step to happiness: don’t get pissed off that people who aren’t you happen to think Paris Hilton is interesting and deserves to be on TV every other day; the fame surrounding Paris Hilton is not a reflection on your life (unless you want it to be). Don’t get pissed off because the Yeah Yeah Yeahs aren’t on the radio enough; you can buy the goddamn record and play ‘Maps’ all goddamn day (if that’s what you want)…
Basically, don’t get pissed off over the fact that the way you feel about culture isn’t some kind of universal consensus. Because if you do, you will end up feeling betrayed. And it will be your own fault.
Now doesn’t that just fucking sum up what I have been rambling on about for awhile? I love it when somebody just encapsulates the point of the argument so succinctly. Tolerance, darlings… It’s what’s for breakfast. xoxo
“(Don”t Worry) If There’s A Hell Below We’re All Going To Go” Curtis Mayfield …..Curtis!, 1970… and I add the date there to qualify the words (namely the “n” word, among others) he uses in this song, please do remember the time and meaning they held then as opposed to now.
“Taste” Animal Collective…. BBC Maida Vale Studio, I’m pretty sure I got this track over here, at The Road 2 Nowhere which is a rather nice music blog and has an explaination for the whole song.
The holidays were rough, eh? I got through it with a little help from my blogger friends. I got through it knowing that my blog readers were enjoying my goofy xmas music and that my blogger friends were mocking me for it, lol! It’s been a while since I’ve taken the time to thank those special people who I read and who inspire me, and everyone seems to be in the list- making mood these days, so now’s the time!
The following writers inspire, they provoke, they prod and poke and make my gut ache from laughing at times. They answer my questions, they have sparked tears to my eyes. Their music and their words have taken me away to far off places and also snapped me back to reality with a capital “R.” I love these folks whom I’ve never even met. Here’s my top ten, in alphabetical order.
Aikin from Licorice Pizza …..Aikin has an amazing sense of what’s good on MySpace for rock/punk/garage band new music and shares his cool collection of Led Zeppelin, Pearl Jam, and Rolling Stones boots. He’s also a really cool guy who encouraged me on my very first post.
Andrew from Armagideon Time …..What went from a music blog/comic book blog to a comic book/social commentary blog (well it always had a fair amount of social commentary, really) has become one of my favorite, twisted little corners of the internet. I thought I’d really mourn the loss of music, but I just can’t stop reading him. He still streams some really cool tracks
Colin from And Before The First Kiss ….Heartfelt, gorgeous writing and beautiful, twee/indie songs can be found from this blogger. To read Colin is to love Colin. He remains just mysterious enough to be maddeningly appealing.
DavyH from The Ghost of Electricity …..a kindred soul, if you only knew, his blog has an amazing Friday night disco feature that can’t be missed. He’s been a constant supporter and a reliable muse and I just adore him, I can’t help it.
Ed from 17 Seconds ….. Despite the awfulness that Ed’s been through this year with his blog troubles he’s kept chuggin’ away and providing great tunes and stories on new music and old. He’s been an example to us all this year.
FiL from pogo a go-go ….. Oh so very witty, oh so very fun to read. His writing is awesome, his music is varied and uber cool. And I suspect he’s Vancouver’s coolest dad ever. FiL’s entertained and cheered me on almost from the start and I’m oh so grateful.
Highlander from Cactus Mouth Informer … If you care at all about the affairs of this world, read this blog. Comrade Highlander provides UK-flavored, biting critique of politics and social issues as well as some damn good music from the Left persuasion (read socialist punk/kraut/post-punk genres). He also features this really weird series of “Zig-Zag” magazine scans from the 80s which are thoroughly fascinating, war poetry and did I mention the rare music?
JC from The Vinyl Villian … JC is not only perhaps the kindest man on the internet, he writes a pretty cool blog too. Slowly transferring his vinyl collection to mp3 format, JC shares with us lots of 90s Scottish music as well as new stuff and LOADS of Morrissey (which is how I found him in the first place). He’s answered so many questions of mine, sent me off down paths I’d never have found without him, and generally made me a better blogger – I copied him as much as I could! If you want to learn how to blog, read The Vinyl Villain, folks.
Matthew from Song, by Toad…. New music galore is found on Matthew’s blog. Aside from being the main reason for how I started blogging in the first place (long story for another time), Song, by Toad, is really my blog-home-away-from-home. He’s done what very few bloggers have done, he’s created a community of friends who comment regularly over there and who critique and support his blog in a rather unique manner. Well Matthew’s a rather unique guy, so I guess that’s to be expected! He’s been more than generous with his time, helping me figure out how to handle issues that have come up here and sharing music on his blog that has truly inspired many of us. (Including my #1 album pick for 2008 – Meursault’s Pissing On Bonfires/Kissing With Tongues.)
Rol from Sunset Over Slawit ….. Rol’s a writer, a comic book writer, a music blogger, and a great all around blogger. Some days I disagree with him, most days I don’t. He’s a pop-culture blogger extraordinaire! Movies, books, music; Rol will give you his thoughts on it all and they’re thoughts that you want to hear, believe me you. Rol’s dry wit has given me so many chuckles in my comment section here as well and I’m lucky to have such a great and talented guy read my blog.
Now, in the past month I’ve found some new and inspiring blogs of note, made some new friends and in July, on my blogaversary, I predict I’ll have a great new list for ya which will include a few fellow women music bloggers! (yes we exist!) All the blogs on my blogroll are blogs that I read, I don’t list blogs that I don’t read regularly.
If you’re a music blogger get yourself over to the forum pages at elbo.ws and hook up with us on the issues of the day, you’ll make some good friends there, I swear it.
And thanks to you, my dear readers. You encourage me every day by leaving comments that let me know you’re out there, making this worthwhile. You don’t have to be so kind ya know. If you disagree, sound in! I’m just floored to know anyone even reads this at all, to be honest. So, thanks xoxoxo
Sunshine Of Your Love mp3 Ella Fitzgerald Sunshine of Your Love 1969 LP (from the great blog Funky16 Corners)
And just because I’m like this… here’s one of the things I would do if I could meet all my favorite bloggers
Bootsy Collins has made perhaps one of the funkiest xmas albums of all time. As a member of James Brown’s original J.B.’s, George Clinton’s Parliment-Funkadelic as well as hitting the charts on his own, Collins lays claim to one of the most prestigious positions in the world of funk music. His custom-made guitar, shaped like a star, the infamous “Space Bass” also serves him well on his many, many collaborative ventures with artists ranging from Snoop Dogg, Deee-Lite, and Fatboy Slim to Hank Williams Jr (in a Cincinnati Bengals football promotion).
Christmas is 4 Ever is fun, funky and not your typical holiday collection of songs. It’s full of dance tunes and references to Bootsy’s prolific past in the music biz. Interspersed in the songs are “phonecalls” to and from “Bootsy Claus” (I kid you not) from his family and friends, wishing holiday greetings. If you’re looking for a change of pace from all that Bing Crosby and Mormon Tabernacle Choir, pull this one out and funk up your weekend!
Merry Christmas baby, you sure did treat me right, after last night
Merry Christmas baby, you sure did treat me nice, I had such a good time
Gave me a diamond ring for Christmas, Now I’m living in paradise
I’m about ready to come down your chimney.
Well i’m feeling mighty fine, I got good music on my radio
Shit, I’m feelin’ mighty fine, got good music on my radio, and a whole lot more
Well I Like to kiss you, While you’re standing, right on your lips, beneath the mistletoe
Merry Christmas pretty baby, you sure been good to me
I haven’t had a drink this morning
But I’m all lit up like a Christmas tree
Well as my co-blogger Puppet Show last posted his confessions I guess with some behind the scenes arm twisting (oh kidding!) I’ll oblige and do the same. It’s true, when we were just becoming friends, I asked the Pup what his secret sins were in terms of music? What did he like to listen to that his friends would tease him for or that people generally wouldn’t expect a guy like him to be into? I love knowing other people’s secrets! It’s interesting to know what the secrets are and also to think about what they’re willing to really tell you. So here we go (and in the interest of keeping this “short”) MY Top 5 musical skeleton confessions and why.
5. Tell Me Something Good mp3, Rufus: Rufus, 1973. Now once you get to know me, and especially if you realize my weirdo intra generational existence you’ll understand this, but at first glance it seems odd. I’m 44, so technically I came of age in the late 70s, early 80s and was a bit young for the real age of funk music. But all my siblings were much older than me, and my brother was a huge influence on me, so Funk hit me hard. In my mind the best, most get-down-and-dance Funk is the early 70s, epitomized here by Rufus’ Tell Me Something Good, with the wonderful Chaka Kahn on vocals and written by Stevie Wonder.
4. Billy Bragg: The Peel Sessions, 1988(?). Ok, cultural whiplash, sorry! I’m obsessed with this man. It’s almost shameful but I take comfort in the fact that I agree with most of his politics and his roots are in some fine punk music. So while he may have mellowed in our collective middle age, Bragg is still a great musician and an amazing lyricist. And no, he’s never claimed to be a first rate vocalist so that just blows all my claims to what makes a great song, oh well! The Short Answer is so bittersweet, I love the story it tells and I love the way this version presents it so simply. Also kudos to the best opening line in any song ever! “Between Marx and Marzipan in the dictionary there was Mary…”
3.Light The Skies (Retrobyte’s Classic Electrobounce Mix) mp3, Armin Van Buuren, A State Of Trance 2007 [CD1]: I was totally shocked at myself when I discovered trance music! Being an old flapper who gave up the club scene ages ago, I somehow missed all this. A friend gave me a mp3 track last year and said, what do you think of this? It was love at first listen. After hearing a lot more trance music (about 5G more!) Light The Skies is still my favorite track. (yeah, the first 20 secs or so are silent/quiet, sorry for that!)
2. Green Grass and High Tides mp3, The Outlaws: The Outlaws, 1975. Biography might help here (oh god, I’m hoping!), I spent the second half of my youth in the South, the deep South of the U.S.A., and well, we were barely removed from being hillbillies before that. So, whatever you want to call this song, be it Southern Rock, Country-Rock, or just Rock (which if you live in the South is what we called it), this is the quintessential song. Dual lead guitars, one on each stereo channel, and beautiful vocal harmonies make this a classic track of Americana. I remember hearing it on the radio a few times a day for years, they probably still play it down there. I can’t help but hear this as “normal” music though I think it might sound weird to you indie fans out there.
1. The Sky is Crying mp3, Steveie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble: The Sky Is Crying, 1990. How can I live in Chicago and not be a blues fan? I actually came to this city long ago, from the South and the transition was made so much easier because of the Blues. There’s nothing like standing on the corner, waiting for a bus, in the cold and rainy early Sunday morning with Stevie Ray wailing out The Sky is Crying. Nothing like it.
It’s all good stuff that I listen to, it’s just not the kind of music that you might expect Although as this blog takes shape, I’m beginning to realize that even I don’t know what to expect on these pages!
Well, er, ….. welcome to my co-host here on this here blog, LOL. Puppet Show has graciously accepted an invitation to help out and hoist the sails over here. He’s got loads of great tunes and a wealth of musical knowledge which almost makes up for his unbearable personality so I hope you enjoy (put up) with him as much as I do!
And yeah, I have no idea what his picture means either. Hopefully he’s got some explanation and a few songs for us. In the meantime I’ll leave you with this musical image, it’s the best I can do with this pic in my sights! And dear reader(s) I do feel for you!
Chaka Khan from: The Rolling Stone Women in Rock Collection, Disk 2: I Feel For You mp3 buy it
I love music of all sorts and this blog will soon show, if it hasn’t already, how wide my taste ranges. I think my number one pet peeve in music blogs today is how narrow minded they are. Do you music bloggers really only listen to the music you blog about? Or perhaps you only blog about a specific genre in order to create a theme to your output? Maybe it’s a function of age, I certainly listen to much more variety now than I did in my late 20s and early 30s. I have a lot more patience for music and for new forms of music.
But, one thing has always stuck with me, and for that I blame my formative years, as they were firmly footed in the late 70s, funk’s heyday. I just have a natural affinity for funk music, I can’t help it.
What follows might be a mysterious incarnation of funk music to you, but not to me. Listen carefully, it’s in there. And enjoy this little lounge act of 1991.
A Martini Built for 2 mp3My Life With The Thrill Kill KultSexplosion!
Although as this blog takes shape, I’m beginning to realize that even I don’t know what to expect on these pages!
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