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Teen Sheikhs

Alas, another great band that unfortunately couldn't withstand the test of time. The UK-based Teen Sheikhs were only active during 2009 and have since split up to form multiple off-shoots. This track, Germs, is a low-fi, even paced, punk rock jam filled with angst and emotion. It reminds me of an early 90's punk demo. Aah....back at the B.E. Henry building.......

Germs by TBCG

Charlie Feathers

I heard this song, That Certain Female by Charlie Feathers, on a compilation a while back and immediately knew where I'd heard it before: Kill Bil Vol 1, the scene where the sheriff is pulling up to the crime scene at Two Pines (check below for a clip of that scene). Now I didn't make the connection right away, but, the selection of this song for that scene was perfect. Seemingly innocent, although lyrics like, "I promise to make it worth your while if you mark her out" and "Baby I need you, how much you'll never know" have an eerie resonance that hint at a murderous rage lurking just below the surface. RZA, the producer/orchestrator of the Kill Bill soundtrack, may have inadvertently or purposefully altered the tonality of this song. How much we'll never know....

That Certain Female by whoawhoayeahyeah

The Ponys

No, that's not a typo. Today's track, Get Black, off The Pony's 2005 release Celebration Castle, is a very fun, upbeat track and perfect for the summer. I recently rediscovered this track on an old mix. Until now I hadn't given it my full attention. Right place right time I guess. Anys, I hope this gets you thinking about some of your all-time favorite summer jams. Curious to know what they are - comment below :)


Get Black by whoawhoayeahyeah

Celly Cel

This song's good anytime. Going on a date? Yeap. Going to a party? Yeap. Going to your favorite restaraunt for dinner? Yeap. Watching the Lakers beat the Celtics? Yeap.

This track It's Goin' Down is off Celly Cel's 1995 album Killa Kali. This song is a classic example of mid 90's Bay Area rap. This is about as good as it gets for Celly Cel. But there are a lot of other great tracks out there that fit this mold. I would highly recommend starting with RBL Posse, E-40 and Dru Down.

It's Going Down by whoawhoayeahyeah

How To Dress Well

Hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. For my first blog of the week it's How To Dress Well's Ready for the World. I wasn't too sure about this track when I first heard it. Now I can't get enough of it. It's a pieced together, utterly original, melodic and crazy Pro Tools experiment gone right. We just put this on the latest TBCG podcast along with some other tunes you might dig. Click here to check it out.

ready for the world by howtodresswell

Soreng Sani

Alas, cover week comes to a tearful close. No one won the contest. So, without further adieu I present to you the Asian Iron Man! Sabbath rules!!

Iron Man by whoawhoayeahyeah

PJ Pooterhoots

Weird name, weird album art, I know. Today's terrific and terrible cover song: PJ Pooterhoots's cover of Hall and Oates' "I Can't Go for That." Released in 2005, it features the vocal stylings of Japanese singer Kanoko from Cinnamon. The great thing about this song is that if you either hated or loved the Hall & Oates original - you'll love this one regardless! Gets me dancing every time. Pour yourself a drink, turn it up and dance in your socks!

Can't Go For That by whoawhoayeahyeah

Tortoise & Bonnie 'Prince' Billy

Cover week continues! Here's another favorite of mine. Tortoise & Bonnie 'Prince' Billy released an album together titled The Brave and The Bold in 2005 featuring today's selection. This is their version of Elton John's "Daniel."

Post your favorite cover song and if I like it I might feature it on my blog on Friday!

Daniel by whoawhoayeahyeah

Aretha Franklin

Alriiiight, another cover! I think I might make this week "cover week". If you have any great covers that you think are blog worthy please post a comment below with your suggestion.

Today, Lady Soul's cover of The Band's The Weight. Not much to say. Just click and enjoy.......

The Weight by whoawhoayeahyeah

The Black Keys

The Black Keys came out with their sixth release, Brothers, last week. It's, as expected, another great album from this Akron, Ohio based duo. Now, if for some strange reason, you have never heard of this band or given them a serious listen to, you're better late than never. To put it simple, The Black Keys have this perfectly rough-hewn, gritty sound spiked with just the right amount of soul. They are a great band to see live. This cover of the Captain Beefheart song "I'm Glad", although un-released, is something I've recently been put on to and is just as enjoyable as any original work of theirs. I thought I would share it with you.

I'm Glad by whoawhoayeahyeah

T.O.B.E.

T.O.B.E., otherwise known as The Overton Berry Ensemble. I first heard this song, Superstar by T.O.B.E., during Satva Leung's session in Toy Machine's Welcome to Hell video (yeap, VHS). Look below for a clip from the video. Inevitably I sat through all of the credits to find out who the song was by. From then on I've had this obsession with this group. I bought the Feelin' Good compilation released by Ubiquity (another obsession, and they stay putting out amazing music) which at that time was the only way you could find it. I think that video (and the internet) had a lot to do with the band's "resurgence". Now you can order the vinyl straight from the man himself.

Superstar by whoawhoayeahyeah

D.R. Hooker

Here's a rare psychedelic, folk one for you. This song, Forge Your Own Chains, is off D.R. Hooker's 1972 album The Truth. Not much is known about D.R. Hooker. However, if you do ever come across the original album at a flea market BUY IT. It's currently valued anywhere between $700.00 and $1500.00 in good condition. Click here for a scan of the original album insert complete with lyrics.

Forge Your Own Chains by whoawhoayeahyeah

Unkle

Just released today! The new Unkle album, Where Did the Night Fall. I'm loving this track,Natural Selection, which features the Black Angels, who is another blog-worthy band. I have been a fan of Unkle since their first release in 1998. Unfortunately, none of their work since then has really caught my attention......except for now. Highly recommended.





Natural Selection by whoawhoayeahyeah

Nomo

Aaah...Nomo. The resurgence of Afro Beat has spawned a lot of notable bands. One thing I like about Nomo is that right off the bat they did not prescribe to the notion that Afro Beat had to be about large entourages of painted singers, dancers, drummers, brass sections etc. They created a small, intimate young group of highly talented and creative individuals that took the basics of Afro Beat and then added modern instrumentation and recording elements. This track, Nu Tones, off the album of the same name (different spelling, New Tones), is instant energy: tone is set with rapid rhythm and underlined with a melodic horn refrain, layered over a wonderful finger piano loop. Needless to say, I. dig. it.

Nu Tones by whoawhoayeahyeah

Son Lux

Here's another Anticon artist you should check out: Son Lux. Of particular note is today's track Weapons V. Released February of this year it's very cinematic. I would recommend turning up your speakers.............now.

WEAPONS V by whoawhoayeahyeah

The Flaming Groovies

Okay, maybe not the best band name ever, it says nothing about their music. The Flaming Groovies were a San Francisco rock band from the 60's whose sound helped spawn the the punk rock era. It's very garage and un-polished (do you see this is a trend for me?). Hope you like it!

Dog Meat by whoawhoayeahyeah

Aaron Neville

We watched Pirate Radio last night and this song came on. Which immediately prompted a soul party. We started busting out all our funk/soul LP's and 45's and decided we would make a mix, our own custom soul mix of songs WE want to hear. That will come shortly. However, for now play the below as a taste of what's to come. Makes me feel like a kid again. Oh, and as far as the movie went, I wouldn't recommend it.

Tell It Like It Is by whoawhoayeahyeah

Slum Village

Perfect song for today!! Get Dis Money is off Slum Village's 2000 album Fantastic, Vol. 2. Slum Village is a Detroit Motor City legend comprised of Baatin, T3 and, of course, Jay Dee aka J. Dilla. This is one hip-hop album you should definitely have in your collection if you don't already; right up there with Tribe Called Quest Midnight Marauders, De la Soul Stakes is High and Pharcyde Labcabincalifornia.

Get Dis Money by whoawhoayeahyeah

Clutchy Hopkins

Who is Clutchy Hopkins? That is the question circling many an internet chat room and message board. All I know is that he is a California multi instrumentalist that has recently begun releasing albums, the latest of which was put out by Ubiquity (a great label, highly recommend browsing their catalog). Reportedly he plays all of the instruments (and in this track there's some I can't even name). The beats are hip-hop-esque with layers of quirky, fun instrumentation that's composed exceptionally well. There's a lot of really great tracks on this album, but this is just one of them.

2 07 by whoawhoayeahyeah

Slim Harpo

This weekend was the San Diego Record Show in Hillcrest. We paid early bird rates to pick through mostly beat up classic rock and over priced punk. Gladly, I stumbled across the vendor with the most 45s who also eagerly kept playing me these amazing 45s which in turn I happily took off his hands. One that I did not buy (a little out of my price league) is today's jam, I've Got Love If You Want It by Slim Harpo. Slim Harpo is one of those great blues musicians from the late 50's/60's that paved the way for later more popular musicians like The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd who were all heavily influenced by earlier blues musicians. And you'll see why by clicking play below.....

02 I've Got Love If You Want It by whoawhoayeahyeah

Four Tet

Four Tet aka mood music. Great to put on while driving, hanging out with friends, cooking, cleaning, designing...whatever it is you do. This is great background music. Very melodic, well composed and uptempo. This track, She Just Likes to Fight, is off Four Tet's newest album, There is Love in You.

As Serious as Your Life by whoawhoayeahyeah

New joint from Stones Throw

Great brand new gem from the Stones Throw label, by Whitefield Bros, Edan and Mr. Lif remixed by Oh No. The track, The Gift, is quintessential, head-noddin', get-hype, hip-hop. The production is on point. Honestly the first hip-hop track I've heard in a while that's kept my interest. AND it's available for free download (check the soundcloud player below).

The Gift (Oh No Ethio Remix) MSTR by whoawhoayeahyeah

The Mall

One of the best band names to google. It's hilarious what search results you get, especially in images. Anywhot. The Mall was a grrreat band from SF. Unfortunately, no more. As most good bands usually are. It's not quite punk, not quite rock, somewhere in between: very pared down instrumentation, lo-fi, and mostly screaming. Today's song, Advantage Out off Emergency at the Everyday, is one of their more subdued tracks. I wish I would have caught this band live............

Advantage Out by whoawhoayeahyeah

Oblivians

Here's a toe-tapping special for you. Do the Milkshake is off the Oblivians' second full-length album Popular Favorites released in 1996. Formed in Memphis in 1993 the Oblivians' sound was unique at best: low-fi, garagey, slowed down punk. This happens to be my personal favorite off this album, but that doesn't mean there aren't some tuff contenders in the line-up. Enjoy!

Do the Milkshake by whoawhoayeahyeah

Obscure Latin/Funk

This is a GREAT jam from a latin/funk band from the Bronx. This album was released in 1969 on Salsa Records. This track, Girl from the Mountain, has a great sound even on my tiny computer speakers which are playing a compressed mp3. Good luck finding this on vinyl....shit, can't even get it on iTunes.

The Girl From The Mountain by whoawhoayeahyeah

T. Rex - Cadillac

Want to be in a good mood? Click play below. This is off T.Rex's 1972 album The Slider. I might have to put this one on the jukebox at The Daley Double Saloon next time I'm there......

Cadillac by whoawhoayeahyeah

Dead Meadow

Dead Meadow is a very interesting, very creative band that have been pushing the neo-psyche label boundary since 1998. That Old Temple is a song off their brand new album Three Kings which released March 23rd of this year. The album is a CD/DVD release: the CD is the soundtrack to the short film they created. The sound is all garage-y psyche: special effects on the vocals and the distortion on the guitar produce this sound of being recorded in a large empty warehouse and the vocals, stretched out and thin, make the lyrics barely audible. This is one band that is on the move and definitely one to watch. Peep the rad video for the song below!

Dead Meadow "That Old Temple" from Artificial Army on Vimeo.

Happy tunes

I love Pandora. Every now and then a great jam that you never heard before will pop up, like Webb Pierce's I Ain't Never. Webb Pierce was one of America's successful honky tonk artists of the 1950s. If you like the 50's vibe you'll like this song.......

I Ain't Never (Single) by whoawhoayeahyeah

This is a ridiculously good song off of Jay Dee's (aka J Dilla's) 2007 EP. Perfect for a Friday to get you pumped up. If you like Tribe Called Quest, Pharcyde, De la Soul and Slum Village then you like Jay Dee. He produced a large portion of what these guys put out over the years.

In the Streets by whoawhoayeahyeah

Young Marble Giants

This one starts off slow - so hang in there. Searching for Mr. Right off of Young Marble Giants 1980 album is very minimalist, delicately composed but still manages to hit all the right chords. Short, sweet and straight to the point this song is clever, passionate and endearing. I was lucky enough to find the original pressing of this album at an "un-disclosed" location here in So-Cal. (Yes, we record collectors play our sources close to the vest). Anys, as always, I hope you enjoy this one! Cheers!

Searching For Mr Right by whoawhoayeahyeah

Good bye March!

"You and me melt away...forever.....holding hands....." That's the main vocal loop in all big, spaced-out electronic Gross Magik off Tobacco's 2008 album Fucked Up Friends. The project of sometimes front man for Black Moth Super Rainbow, Tom Fec, Tobacco was picked up by the independent record label: Anticon. Now, it's interesting to note that Anticon was formed, and the catalogue exclusively existed of, independent hip-hop artists, Alias, Dose One, Jel, Odd Nosdam, Pedestrian, Why? and Sole. This was back in 1998 when indie hip-hop was just starting to get a lot of attention. The reason this is so interesting is because, now their catalogue has been diversified to include a lot more experimental/electronic music from other artists, and which I might also add is leading to a very impressive roster. I could talk about this for hours. Anywhot...I think it leads one to hypothesize on the decline of interest in indie hip-hop which is very unfortunate. Back to Tobbaco, he is putting out a new album, Maniac Meat, that features Beck of all people. It's similar to Fucked Up Friends and will be out in May 2010. For now, click the link below and enjoy!

Gross Magik by whoawhoayeahyeah

Spaced out

You know that scene in High Fidelity when John Cusack's character puts on The Beta Band in the store and everyone starts nodding their heads in approval and asking who it is? It was kind of like that this weekend at Thirsty Moon Records in Hillcrest, only instead of The Beta Band it was Spacemen 3 and instead of a store full of people it was just me and Carlos. Spacemen 3 is an English band that was active in the late eighties and early nineties. Today's jam I Love You is off the band's last (and only un-re-released album) Recurring. It's heroin-rock esque soft repetitive whispering vocals over light distortion with an upfront steady moving bass line. I hate to make comparisons but I wouldn't doubt that these guys liked to listen to a lot of .....you know...that one guy from that one band where Andy Warhol designed one of their album covers.....yeah that's it. I picked up one of their albums re-released, The Perfect Prescription, but I have to give BIG thanks to the folks at Thirsty Moon for burning me a copy of Recurring. Thanks Thirsty Moon!!

I Love You by whoawhoayeahyeah

You may not know about The Skeletons, they are a New York-based band that found home with independent Ann Arbor based Ghostly International. I was hooked after hearing Git off their 2005 album of the same name. Living in Ann Arbor at the time I was fortunate enough to catch one of their performances at a Ghostly International party. Sound wasn't so great, but I'm glad I was there nonetheless. Anywho, Fit Black Man appeared as a single on Ghostly's 2006 Idol Tryouts Two. It's typical Skeletons: under matured etherial vocals over a crazy mix of electronic and dance rhythms. I highly recommend giving it a listen to.

Fit Black Man by whoawhoayeahyeah

I'm not usually one for all girl bands. There's always something too whiny or something that screams/stinks of a lack of real life experience. However, with this next group, it's something raw this time. Warpaint is an LA-based all-girl quartet whose 2009 album Exquisite Corpse has made fast moving head way amongst indie fans, myself included. The chosen track off this album is Krimson: indie, unpolished, make-your-heart-bleed-while-you're-dancing groove.

Krimson by whoawhoayeahyeah

It's Ba Ba Boom Time!!!

The prize-winning song of the Jamaican's in 1967 makes today's jam. Not much to say about this one. Just listen to it. Ba. Ba. Boom!

Ba Ba Boom by whoawhoayeahyeah

Keep it Heavy

I don't even remember how I stumbled across this next gem. The song, Keep it Heavy, is off Creme Soda's 1975 album Tricky Zingers. It's all good folk, psych rock. Got a great melody and best of all repeats the name of this blog over and over again. Unfortunately, this is a rare one, they never released another album. So, check it out below and let me know what you think.

Keep It Heavy by whoawhoayeahyeah

Rockabilly Legend or......?

I was all astonishment when I discovered that this next artist is only a few years older than I. Listening to the album and not knowing when it was released you'd swear that he was long dead in the grave. Nope, not Arsen Roulette one of the hottest Rockabilly acts out there right now. Today's track Honky Tonk Alone off his 2006 release Let's Get On With It embodies the sound, recording style and musicianship of rockabilly and country western artists like Gene Maltais, Ed Bruce, Joe Clay and Charlie Feathers. Click the track below, close your eyes and be transported back to 1955 on a dirt road somewhere in rural America cruising in your Ford F100.

Honky Tonk Alone by whoawhoayeahyeah

Sneak Peak: Caribou

Today's song Odessa is off Caribou's upcoming album Swim due out April 20th. If you haven't heard of Caribou before he is a one-man Canadian Electronic/Indie/Dance artist. This song is tender and pulsating and the arrangement brilliantly manages to incorporate a variety of different sounds and samples so as never to get boring. I've played this song for a few different people, all with varying musical tastes, and have received unanimous positive feedback. I hope you like it too. For a free download you can click here and sign up for his e-mail list. Also, check here to see if he'll be in your neck of the woods soon. I'll be at the Casbah on May 20th!

Caribou - Odessa from Merge Records on Vimeo.

Sixtoo

Thanks to those who checked in yesterday. This is day two. Today I have a bit of an oldie but a goodie. There'll be a lot of that more to come on this blog. I could have picked this artist based on the fact that we share the same surname alone. However, it's really more about the music. There's no room on this blog for Billy Squier (sorry Mass). Anys, Sixtoo has put out some incredibly good music in the past ten years. Today's song, Storm Clouds & Silver Linings, is off his 2004 album Chewing On Glass & Other Miracle Cures AND best of all it features the lead singer of Can, Kenji "Damo" Suzuki. Why this song? Why now? It's as simple as coming up on my iPhone. Just one of those songs where you go, "damn, this sheit is good!" It's a little dark, a little serious with a little crazy screaming in the lyrics that play more of the background than the fore. If you like incredible loops and great drums check this out. Check back tomorrow to see what Monday brings.......

16 Storm Clouds & Silver Linings by whoawhoayeahyeah

First day of spring!

It's the first day of spring, it's my first post, what am I feeling today? This sheit right here: Atlas Sound, Walkabout from their latest album Logos. So aptly named it makes you want to do just that: walkabout. The song features the vocalist from Animal Collective, Noah Lennox. The Baltimore-based band Animal Collective's 2009 album Merriweather Post Pavilion (which as a Baltimore native has recently informed me is the name of a popular local venue) was named Mojo Music Magazine's 2009 Album Of The Year. And rightly so, but I digress. This song blissfully makes me feel like a kid all over again (peep the video below). Another notable song from this album is Criminals. A slower jam but also very good, albeit creepiest album cover of 2009. Anyway, I intend to keep posting at least a song a day so check back and check often! Cheers!

03 Walkabout (With Noah Lennox) by whoawhoayeahyeah