"If music be the food of love; play on."
William Shakespeare
My personal playlists. An ongoing collection of music that gets me going and chills me out...Music that moves me...
Here is my Ipod top 50 for 2007:
1) Without God - The Word
2) Orange Sky - Alexi Murdoch
3) A Day at the Races - Jurrasic 5
4) Los Angeles - Ill Lit
5) Mama's Room - Under the Influence of Giants
6) Berlin - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
7) Cobrastyle - Teddy Bears
8) Can't Ride Like Me- Papoose
9) Throw it on me - Timbaland
10) Better People - Xavier Rudd
11) I'm Gettin Ready - Patty Griffin
12) Jesus Walks - Kanye West
13) Level - The Racontuers
14) So This is Love - Van Halen
14) Shuffle Your Feet - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
15) Lady Don't Tek No - Latryx
16) Sea to Sea - Matisyahu
17) Rehab - Amy Winehouse
18) Awe - Citizen Cope
19) Bloodhounds on My Trail - The Black Angels
20) Run The Numbers - El-P
21) Home - Marc Broussard
22) Icky Thump - The White Stripes
23) Gravity - John Mayer
24) Peter Piper - Run DMC
25) Mr Me Too - Clipse
26) Free Stress Test - Professor Murder
27) Spiral Staircase - Kings of Leon
28) I'll Fly Away - The Word
29) Workin Day and Night - Michael Jackson
30) Future Sound - Jurassic 5
31) Crazy Bitch - Buckcherry
32) Idlewilde Blue - Outkast
33) Liberation Front - Thievery Corporation
34) Let's Kill Ourselves - The Pony's
35) Give it what you can - The Meters
36) The W.A.N.D. - The Flaming Lips
37) T.B. Sheets - Van Morrison
38) Que Pasa feat. Deuce Eclipse - J Boogie's Dubtronic Science
39) Mean Streets - Van Halen
40) Can You Rock it like This - Run DMC
41) Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin
42) 320 - Project Jenny, Project Jan
43) Public Enemy #1 - Public Enemy
44) Zombie - Fela Kuti
45) Love and Peace or Else - U2
46) Deep South - Layo & Bushwacka
47) Get Buck in here - DJ Felli Fel
48) Don't Sweat the technique - Eric B & rakim
49) Lazy Eye - Silversun Pickups
50) September / The Joker - Fatboy Slim & Wind & Fire Earth
My FIRST LA playlist...Ladies and gentlemen...introducing:
SILVER LAKE SUCATASH
Los Angeles I'm Yours - Decemberists
Berlin - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Icky Thump - The White Stripes
Zombie - Fela Kuti
The W.A.N.D. - The Flaming Lips
Better People - Xavier Rudd
Future Sound - Jurassic 5
The Perfect Crime #2 - Decemberists
Smokin That Shit - MF Doom
Shape of Things to Come - Audioslave
If I Could - Blue Merle
The Future Calls the Dawn - Felix Da Housecat
Firewater - Dark Machines
Damn it Feels Good to be a Gangster - Geto Boys
You Got Another Thing Comin - Judas Priest
Black Thumbnail - Kings Of leon
Lady Don't Tek No -Latyrx
Super Massive Black Hole - Muse
Let's Kill Ourselves - The Pony's
Can't Ride Like Me - Papoose
Weapon of Choice - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Free Stress Test - Professor Murder
Tasmanian Pain Coaster - EL-P
At The Helm - Heiroglyphics
Que Pasa feat. Deuce Eclipse - J Boogie's Dubtronic Science
Walken - Wilco
Ghetto Rock - Mos Def
Throw it on me - Timbaland featuring The Hives
Show Me (w/De La Soul) - Mint Royal
Wolf Like Me - TV on the Radio
Drivin Me Wild - Common
Who taught You to Live like that - Sloan
COOL FRONT 2006 (The official name for my top playlist in the Fall of 2006)
1>> Crazy Bitch - BUCKCHERRY
This song will JACK YOU UP!!! I was hooked the first time I heard it. In September I would be backstage before my final entrance, headphones on...just ROCKIN OUT to CRAZY BITCH...I came back on stage every time like I was on FIRE.
2>> Daydreamin (Featuring Jill Scott) - LUPE FIASCO
Great track! The music bed comes from a song that was released by some indie-pop band a few years ago...and I loved that song...but throw Jill Scott in there and Lupe Fiasco with some fine rhyme skills and I'm all over it.
3>>E=MC2 (Featuring Common) - Jay Dee aka J Dilla
From J Dilla's album THE SHINING.
4>>Brand New - RHYMEFEST (Featuring Kanye West)
Aside from the fact that everything Kanye touches is PHAT, this is a kick ass track by a brand new Jack.
5>> Chaiyya Chaiyya - Sukhwinder Singh & Sapana Awasthi
Ask Spike Lee. He'll tell you all about it. This is the song that opens INSIDE MAN. Its funky in that catchy Bollywood way. Go ahead...ask Spike!
6>> Bloodhounds On My Trail - THE BLACK ANGELS
Awesome new band out of Austin Texas. Shades of The Doors with a contemporary edge.
7>> Someday Baby - BOB DYLAN
HELL YEAH Bobby D!! Love that bluesy country groove thing you got goin on.
8>> Red Hot - JURASSIC 5
New jam from new J5 album FEEDBACK. LOVE that J5. Who else can kick it Old Skool like that? Who else can REINVENT Old Skool like they do?
9>> Down by the Riverside - DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND
Greasy, spicey, tasty New Orleans Big Band that blows Gospel, Funk....whatever it takes...this jam takes you on quite a ride....right down Bourbon Street....
10>> I wish I was a Punk Rocker - SANDI THOM
I don't know WHO she is, or where she came from but this song is intriguing....not trapped by genre, which liberates the experience...its kind of catchy too.
SUMMER 2006
1) World Wide Suicide - Pearl Jam
Eddie Vedder has lightened up! Pearl Jam is back with a song that pops, hooks and rocks.
2) Level - The Raconteurs
Okay, Cuh-mon...The Raconteurs are The White Stripes with no chicks. I still the dig the sound though. Nice heavy bass, sticky, sweet guitars. Steady as she goes.
3) The El - Rhett Miller
Rhett Miller is a member of The Old 97's. His sound is sort of a bubble gum variety of Alternative Country. The EL has got rhythm and energy...and its catchy...I'm a sucker for that shit.
4) Good Morning - Cage
Awesome underground hip-hop. Heavy, intense...definitely get you going in the morning..I'll tell you that.
5) How We Operate - Gomez
I found this song on EMUSIC and really connected to it. I used it on my character soundtrack when I was working on LIGHT&LOVE (Fringe festival) this Summer. Then all of the sudden its started popping up on GREY'S ANATOMY and TV promos all over the place.
6) Gone Daddy Gone - Gnarls Barkley
A fun song from Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse....got a little 80's kick to it.
7) A Day at the Races - Jurassic Five
HELL YEAH...Strong Old Skool flow from the leaders of the NEW Old Skool movement. If you like Old Skool hip hop, check out Jurassic Five...F%$&*NG Awesome.
8) Use Me - Bill Withers
This song, which is an old 70's super soul jam, got a lot of play in some car commercial this Summer and got me hooked.
9) Future Love Paradise - Seal
Loved it back when it was released...I revisited...still moves me.
10) My Favorite Mutiny - The Coup
More underground Hip Hop. I HATE that mainstream CRAP. Underground hip hop has heart.
11) Soul Sauce (Guacha Guaro) - Cal Tjader
This is just a fun cocktail party, Bossa Nostra, funky, brazilian style lounge track. Slip on your bell-bottom polyesters, you black turtleneck and enjoy.
12) Black Horse and the Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall
A little mix of rock, blues, folk, country (Mix Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morrisette and Neko Case) Great song, great album. She keeps it up, she'll be a huge star.
13) I've Been Everywhere - Johnny Cash
Yep, its the song that they used in those Travelocity commercials and now they've made a mockery of in the follow up ads. They changed all the words...actors singing it...I hate it.
14) Smiley Faces - Gnarles Barkley
This one has yet to get any recognition. Its my favorite on the island. Gnarles Barkley does MOTOWN.
15) To Get Lost - Carey Ott
Cute song...fun...catchy...I've never heard of Carey Ott. Who is this guy? Girl
16) M%&thaF%#cka - XZibit
STILL can't get enough of this SONG. I first heard it on the DOMINO soundtrack. You can still find me marching up and down the streets on New York chanting "M%$THA F%$&CKA!!!"
17) Shuffle Your Feet - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Recently discovered this band and I really dig them. Hard to categorize....Southern Rock mixed with Punk?
18) I am Somebody - Jurassic Five
More kick-ass old-skool flavor
19) Pay Back Africa - Antibalas
This track is a MONSTER...if you dig the Afro-Beat...try to wrestle this beast...I dare you.
20) God's Work - Murs
Shall I mention again...Underground Hip-Hop...its the only real hip hop out there.
March/April 2006
1>>> Muthafucka by Xzibit
I heard this song while suffering through the movie"Domino" with Mickey Rourke and Kiera Knightley and it made the whole experience totally worth it. The soundtrack was hard to find...because it doesnt exist, but I persisted and now I walk down the street with my headphones on chanting "MUTHFUCKA!" The song is addicting. Try it...you'll like it.
2>>>Yes Baby Yes (Sally Said) by MO HORIZONS
A sweet, sexy song, very much on the chill side of life.
3>>>World Wide Suicide by PEARL JAM
New track by Pearl Jam...I saw them perform on SNL and loved it. Pearl Jam is BACK!
4>>>Smiley Faces by GNARLES BARKLEY
Gnarles Barkley is a band set up by Cee-Lo (One of my favorites) and DJ Danger Mouse. The album is very experimental, very fitting if you're familiar with the work either artist. "Smiley Faces" is one of the more "Poppy" sounds ...it's really catchy ...could be the "Hey Ya" of 2006.
5>>>Out by UGRESS
This song has this grand presence that makes you feel like you just defended the planet Earth by fighting off maniacle alien spaceships and now you're having a parade to celebrate.
6>>> Easy on Yourself by DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS
Are they Country? Are they Rock? I dont really care ...they're awesome. The band rocks hard but you can tell they're straight outta the trailer park ..how about that?
7>>>Standing by PATTY GRIFFIN
I just happened across a few songs of hers and found this one that truly moves me. Its this slow, soothing, gospel chant that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
8>>>Brother John/Iko Iko by THE NEVILLE BROTHERS
New Orleans ...Jazz Fest... Hurrican Katrina ...Reggie Bush ..rebuilding a magic place ...a tragic story but ripe for the comeback of the year.
9>>>Late in the Evening by PAUL SIMON
Such a great song ...I used to listen to this song over and over when I was a kid. I've been re-visiting quite a bit lately ..seeking nostalgia? Seeking a refreshed perspective?
10>>>No Surprise by THEORY OF A DEAD MAN
I'm not sure how this song came to me, but its good stuff. It's very STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, NICKLEBACK. Its catchy too, very radio friendly. I dont listen to radio anymore so I dont know if its ever been played.
February 2006
1>> Pay Back Africa by ANTIBALAS AFROBEAT ORCHESTRA
OH...MY...GOD...I love this song. It starts out with this atmospheric reggae guitar strum from outer space and it the its drops a bomb on ya. Its MONSTROUS...like a million angry Africans.
2>> Powers by BLACKALICIOUS
Blackalicious is a great underground Hip Hop band but this song is about Blackalicious taking a shot at a quirky rock and roll song. Very catchy and fun.
3>>Lions Teeth by THE MOUNTAIN GOATS
I don't know what it is about The Mountain Goats..they are almost too "College radio" for me..but a few of their songs are really well done and just have a certain...something (?). Lions Teeth have this intensity that is very alluring.
4>> It's the Nightime by JOSH ROUSE
From the NASHVILLE album...A nice, nice song...it has a smooth, 70's sound with a slight country influence...like something Paul McCartney and the Wings would have played.
5>> Bittersweet Memory by BLUE MERLE
Summertime...alone in a wide open field...high grass swaying in the wind...under a weeping willow tree...this song will take you there...fabulous folk sound.
6>>Break it on Down by FLII STYLES and TENASHUS
HOLD UP WAITAMINUTE!!! This is that song from the documentary film RIZE by Dave LaChapelle...the film about the street dancers Krumping and Clowning out in LA. I can't get enough of this song. I hear it and I start throwing my body all over the place...I'm KRUMPIN...NO...I'm CLOWNIN...No wait...I'm KRUMPIN..whatever I'm doin..I'm hurtin myself.
7>> Crunk Music by the DIPLOMATS
The Diplomats are considered underground even though the crew is run by Cam'RON, one of New York's grittiest. Crunk Music is the LAST song on the DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY 2 album. Its gotta good strong sound, heads bob around, raise yer glass, sends you on home with a swift kick in the ass (That's no Diplomats freestyle there...thats me...SUCKAZ!!).
8>> Smoke & Mirrors by RJD2
emuisc describes RJD2 like this: "RJD2's music is a collage of cut-and-paste hip-hop that combines disparate elements to make for soulful, moody portraits of the world." I'd say RJD2 spends as much time as an electronica artist as a hip-hop artist, and you're never quite sure what side you're on. I'd say RJD2 likes to party on both sides of the tracks. I'd even go so far as to say he likes to party right ON the damn tracks, not the least bit concerned that some freight engine's gonna come along, in the dark of night, and roll right over his multi-genre, cut-and-paste, Jungle-Fever buttocks!
9>>Home by Marc Broussard
I KNOW IT. I'm STILL FEELIN it! This song, by Marc Broussard, is this thick and chunky mix of blues, country, gospel and just a dollop of hip-hop...just a dollop. If I could make music, this is exactly the music I would make. Now I sit down and pound on my djembe at home when I hear it.
10>> Little Girl by THE STEVE MILLER BAND
It's this simple song from way back in the SMB early days. I've always loved it, especially when urges the congregation to sing "I LOVE YOU." Recently, it inspired me to jot down a few ideas for a short film.
JANUARY 2006
1> Home by Marc Broussard
I happened to catch this video on VH1 one day. It was one fo those RARE moments when VH1 is actually playing music instead of the TOP 25 FREAKIEST ROCK N ROLL MOMENTS. Anyway, this song, by Marc Broussrad, who I've never heard of, kicked my ass. I was sort of standing there in my apartment...totally stunned. HOME is this thick and chunky mix of blues, country, gospel and a tiny taste of hip hop. If I could make music, this is exactly the music I would make. Now it's on my ipod and I listen to it 3 or 4 times a pop.
2> Man of God by NEIL DIAMOND
That's right I said it! NEIL...DIAMOND, The man is back and he's back with authority...and a little...well, maybe alot of help from RICK RUBIN, who lends his edgy take on Soul, Gospel, Country, Rhythm & Blues. RICK RUBIN seems to be in the business lately of breathing life into old-timers careers. The album is 12 SONGS and most of them are pretty damn good.
3> Delirious Love by NEIL DIAMOND
You heard what I said!!
4> I've Been Everywhere by JOHNNY CASH
I started following Rick Rubin's path over the past few years and came across alot of work that he did with JOHNNY CASH before he passed. Suddenly, I'm all about RICK RUBIN. This song, from the album UNCHAINED, is actually used in some commercial...I think for travelocity? maybe? Maybe for Nissan Pathfinder? Can't remember...not really important.
5> Hurt by JOHNNY CASH
Another RICK RUBIN job from the album AMERICAN IV.
6> God's Work by MURS
I'm STILL listening to this one quite a bit. GOD keeps finding a way into my playlists these days. I wonder what that's all about. Anyway, not mainstream by any stretch, MURS gives good shit.
7> Los Angeles, I'm Yours by THE DECEMBERISTS.
Another song I tend to re-visit...alot. THE DECEMBERISTS have gritty folk sound that I really dig. Somedays this song makes me want to move to LA, some days it urges me to stay in New York.
8> Alone by BLUES TRAVELER
Vintage BLUES TRAVELER...a masterpiece...the song that made me fall in love with the band...So beautifully painful...Imagine the VERY LARGE John Popper of days past, chomping on his harp, spilling his soul on the crowd. Whew...gives me goose bumps.
9> Chango by OZOMATLI
You're never quite sure what you're gonna get with OZOMATLI...but this has this hard latin thing going on...like Mexican horns and precussion...and a little hiphop flavor..sound slike the keystone cops are in a bullfight.
10> Come Back Baby by RAY CHARLES
Just some good ole CROONIN from one of the best.
September 2005
1> Gold Digger by KANYE WEST (W/Jamie Foxx)
How could you not like this song? Its like the catchiest, hookiest song ever.
2> Galvanize by THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS
These guys have been sleeping for some time, but recently they've released some cool stuff.
3> I Just Want to Celebrate by RARE EARTH
Funky Old School jam that is used in the Gatorade commercial where the Ironman competitor buckles and collapses before crossing the finish line...its also used in the series finale of SIX FEET UNDER.
4> Fix You by COLDPLAY
Coldplay is just brilliant. It's as simple as that.
5> Pickin it up by HOT HOT HEAT
From the ELEVATOR album.This song has a fun indie, brit pop sound.
6> Jet Sounds by NICOLA CONTE
This is that song from the JOE BOXER commercials that have the dude dancing around in his underware. Its another fun, catchy track. I've been all about the fun, catchy stuff lately.
7> Doesn't Remind Me by AUDIOSLAVE
Again with the AUDIOSLAVE! What can I say? This is one is much lighter than the bands usually jagged edge...and yes...it's catchy.
8> Here's a Quarter (Call someone who cares) by TRAVIS TRITT
9> Peregrino by ZUCO 103
From the album TALES OF HIGH FEVER which was released a couple of years ago. ZUCO 103 is some sort of Brazillian influenced band with a Welsh guy...maybe he's Belgian..anyway...They have a different sound, but its really cool. Its kind of a loungy, house thing.
10> Gadget Funk by HERBALISER
You can probably guess from the title what this song is all about. Its a really good electronic jam that sounds like it would come from George Clintonif he made electronic or techno music.
August 2005
1> Beverly Hills by WEEZER
I'm usually not one to gravitate towards radio-happy pop songs, but I like WEEZER and this song is catchy and fun. Plus, who listens to radio anyway?
2> Show Me How To Live by AUDIOSLAVE
Chris Cornell is awesome. He makes every song great no matter what the current name of his band is (Soungarden, Temple of the Dog). This track has a nice hard riff and cool lyrics.
3> God's Work by MURS
A cool hip hop track from the album THE END OF THE BEGINNING. Not mainstream by any stretch, MURS is a rapper who has been a part of the underground scene for ten years. His rhymes are ripe so put THAT in your pipe.
4> Juice (Know the Ledge) by ERIC B & RAKIM
I've been revisiting a lot of 90's hip hop lately and the entire JUICE soundtrack (Omar Epps, Tupac Shakur) is a great collection of solid 90's hiphop. Aside from the title track, its got great songs from Naughty by Nature, Cypress Hill, Too Short and Big Daddy Kane.
5> Battle Without Honor by TOMOYASU HOTEI
This is from the KILL BILL VOL 1 soundtrack as well as like a dozen commercials. It's that kick-ass song that plays when Lucy Lui is walking down the hall in slo-mo with her posse, right before she cuts some guys head off.
6> Everyday Sunshine by FISHBONE
This song is from the album THE REALITY OF MY SURROUNDINGS. I like it because it starts off as this SKA type of jam and then picks up the pace, morphing into a full-house gospel choir throwdown. You can't help but scream AMEN over and over again...does the body good.
7> The Flesh Failures (Let The Sunshine In) from the HAIR SOUNDTRACK
YES, this is a showtune, and one of my favorite songs of all time.
8> Troubled Times by LEFTOVER SALMON
LEFTOVER SALMON is Country Music's best kept secret. Maybe that's because they are primarily a jam band that tours with the likes of PHISH and WIDESPREAD PANIC. But when they do country, they do it right. This song is from the NASHVILLE SESSIONS album where they collaborate with a handful of country music legends.
9> Pump it by BLACK EYED PEAS
BLACK EYED PEAS are hot. Mainstream or not. This songs got a kick to it. My clock will almost tick to it.
10> Do It (Til You're Satisfied) by BT EXPRESS
Good old fashioned Funk. I LOVE it.
JUNE/JULY 2005
1> All I Want to do is Rock by TRAVIS
From the GOOD FEELING album, which came out back in 1998. Its the first TRAVIS song I ever heard and I became in instant fan. The song's got a lot of heart.
2> Reach Out To Me by MARK RAE
Kind of a hip-hop/rock hybrid with gospel-influenced vocals by a singer named Veba.
3> Everybody Loves a Carnival by FAT BOY SLIM
From an ESSENTIAL SELECTION album released in 2000. This track is one of those larger than life songs that makes you feel like marching in a one-man parade, pouring beer over your own head and trying to tip over a car.
4> Water by THE ROOTS
Another geat song from this album of 2002. A good hip-hop track is all about the beat and this beat is sweet.
5> Release Yo' Delf by METHOD MAN (Prodigy Mix)
This song is HUGE. It's a remixed track from an MTV AMP2 compilation released a few years ago. It's BIG, SCARY and FUNKY as hell. It makes me feel like I'm leading an army into battle. A BIG, SCARY, FUNKY army.
6> Golden Brown by THE STRANGLERS
A song from the SNATCH soundtrack (Guy Ritchie, Brad Pitt). A very "mood" filled song with a pop side. It's so good it catches you off guard.
7> Hot Tamale Baby by BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO
Aaaah yes, you gotta love that Zydeco!
8> Promised land by JOHNNIE ALLAN AND THE KRAZY KATS
Another old Cajun jam.Thank ya Ma'am.
9> Dig in by LENNY KRAVITZ
I like this song. It makes me walk fast. I get where I'm going alot faster on this song.
10> Medieval Times (Great Pretender) by CEE LO
This track is dark, prophetic and inspirational. Cee Lo has a lot of meaningful messages in his lyrics.
May 2005
1>Bluey by FAT FREDDY'S DROP
A sexy, slithering soul track from FAT FREDDY'S DROP, New Zealand's deep and dubby NEO-soul sound.
2>New York City(DJ Strobe Brooklyn Vibe remix) by PETER MALICK (Feat. Norah Jones)
Another contemporary soul track (With more to follow) with a nice, slow house vibe to it. Norah Jones is of course, Norah Jones.
3> Genevieve by GREYBOY
Also known as DJ Greyboy, this song is an updated version from the classic soul group CYMANDE. I think they came out with ONE record in the early 70's. Get it if you can. It's rare and it'll take you for a ride.
4> 3 Play it Cool by CRAZY PENIS
I've been really into the NEO-soul and jazz-fusion scene lately. This song is from a compilation CD called MIDNIGHT SOUL. Its another re-working of a classic.
5> Don't You Worry by UNFORSCENE
Yet another beautiful soul jam. UNFORSCENE is from the UK.
6> Woo Hoo by THE 5,6,7,8'S
This is that crazy song you hear during the TV commercials that show video of people doing stupid things like chopping down a tree that falls and crushes their car. It's also from the Kill Bill Volume 1 soundtrack. It's a fun song, makes me laugh and sing "Woo Hoo, Woo Hoo Hoo" all the day through.
7> Sunshine by JOSH ROUSE
A poppy, happy, catchy little ditty.
8> Deep Red Bells by NEKO CASE
I still occasionally get a hankering for a hunk of hee-haw, but its got to be some happenin hee-haw. NEKO CASE is a female country singer, but she is a really cool, alternative country artist who dabbles in other genre's and pops up on college radio playlists all the time.
9> Say Hello 2 Heaven by TEMPLE OF THE DOG
You remember TEMPLE OF THE DOG? Don't you? They were like a semi-supergroup in the late 90's, with the lead singer from Soungarden (Now AUDIOSLAVE), and Eddie Vedder from PEAR JAM and a few others. They came ouit with ONE album, which was a KICK ASS album, by the way. "Say Hello 2 Heaven" is the first track on the CD and its GREAT. Never got any airplay though.
10> Should've Known Better by NICKEL CREEK
Another alternative country track that I totally dig. I like to call it "Country Grunge." If DJ Spooky were to cut a country song, it would sound like this.
April 2005
1. Transit by Arena
From Paul Oakenfold’s IBIZA CD, Disc 1. A menacing, hard hitting techno jam that is great for a workout, conjuring up your inner warrior, or doing your taxes.
2. I’ve Got a Woman by Ray Charles
Ok, now that I’ve actually SEEN the film (Amazing), I can’t seem to get this song out of my head.
3. N.E.S.T.A. by Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
Antibalas has a very cool “World” beat fusion thing going on. When I listen to them I feel like I’m at a BBQ in Kenya somewhere or something like that.
4. Pain Killer by Turin Brakes
A smooth, funky, folk-y indie track that goes with just about anything.
5. One Tree Hill by U2
One of my favorite all-time U2 songs, It’s totally underrated, a total sleeper and it never gets any play, live or on the radio. Regardless I love it. It’s just one of those songs that sings to me.
6. Reels: Spanner in the Works by the Rogues
This might seem totally random, but this is a song from a Celtic/Scottish bagpipe band I saw perform in Houston a while back and believe it or not, they ROCK, in their own Celtic, Scottish way.
7. In the Waiting Line by Zero 7
Zero 7 consistently puts out super smooth R&B/soul/electronica/lounge tracks. This song is from the GARDEN STATE soundtrack as well as the ULTRA-CHILLED 2 compilation.
8. Denia by Manu Chao
It’s in Spanish, so I have no idea what they are singing. In fact I have no idea who they are. My friend Bill put this on a CD for me and I just plain dig it. Some of Manu Chao’s other songs are WAY out there, but this one has a cool acoustic groove to it.
9. Love and Greed by Blues Traveler
From the album SAVE HIS SOUL, my favorite Traveler LP. It’s John Popper done right: big, fat and blowing that harmonica like there’s no tomorrow.
10. Living in the U.S.A. by the Steve Miller Band
Another high energy, harmonica driven song for the road, It’s also sort of a sleeper and one of Steve Millers best.
March 2005
1. Baby Don't You Cry by Ray Charles
Love Ray Charles, and I'm not some "Jump-on-the-bandwagon" fan. I've been diggin on Ray for a long time.
2. The Lotion by Greenskeepers
A new cool, indie-rock sound with an electronic influence? I guess? Its a cool song with a dash of humor and a SILENCE OF THE LAMBS reference thrown in there.
3. The Seed (2.0) by The Roots
I like a lot of stuff by The Roots, and this one kick ass, but this song is also used in the Off-Broadway show PIECES-OF-ASS and its been stuck in my head ever since I saw the show (For the THIRD time).
4. The Horror by RJD2
Another new favorite band. Sometimes it's HipHop, sometimes its Electronica, sometimes a little bit, or A LOT, of both. This song was used in a skiing/snowboarding video so whenever I hear it I imagine shredding some mammoth mountain, knee deep in powder, then tumbling end over end all the way to the bottom.
5.Call Him By His Name by Robert Randolph and the Family Band
A contemporary spin on good, old fashioned, sticky sweet blues guitar. Makes you say MMMMM HMMMMM!
6. Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime by Beck
From the soundtrack to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Its a heartfelt, slow song that makes you put your arm around "That special someone," and wink...or smirk...or something.
7. Dreams (Kanye West remix) by The Game
The Game is the new bad boy of hip hop. Kanye West is the new good boy. I dont know what the hell that means.
8. All These Things That I've Done by The Killers
All the popular, radio friendly stuff that I've heard lately from The Killers doesn't do much for me. This one does.
9. Spiral Staircase by Kings of
Leon
KICKS MAJOR ASS. I love to put this song on and speed walk through the streets of
Manhattan . I get to where I need to go in half the time. This is serious stuff. AND, by the way, I AM NOT digging the new Kings of
Leon album, partly because its lacking that hard AC/DC meets Travis Tritt thing, and partly because the new CD has some STUPID, PAIN IN THE ASS anti-sharing/recording software on it and it makes my computer freeze up (Assholes).
10.
Deep South by Layo and Bushwacka
Its fun, its funky, its lounge-y but you can dance to it. Nice work.
February 2005
1. Shadow of the Sun by Audioslave.
From the COLLATERAL Soundtrack, its a really cool, haunting track with a nice edge to it.
2. Here We Go, by Grits.
I discovered these guys as part of the soundtrack to a skiing/snowboarding video. I downloaded a few songs, only to discover that, not only do they kick ass, but they are a CHRISTIAN rap group. Who would've thought?
3. Closet Freak, by Cee-Lo.
Imagine a hot bowl of gumbo with dirty rice, sausage, James Brown, Prince and Outkast and you'll be smakck dab on the lap of Cee-Lo Green.
4. Wade in the Water, by the Blind Boys of Alabama.
a slightly contemporary version of the gospel classic. We uswsed to sing this tune in chorus when I was in Jr High. I love these guys too. Love their story.
5. Sweetest Goodbye, by Maroon 5.
Like most people, I've had more than my fill of Maroon 5, but this song is from the LOVE ACTUALLY soundtrack. It hasnt been beaten to death, and it has nice, Jamiroquai feel to it.
6. Oooh Aah, by Grits (featurning Toby Mac, whoever that is)
Again, Grits are my latest, favorite Hip Hop joint.
7. Au Reve, by Cassius.
This song is used for a Mercedes Benz commercial. The one where you see a bunch of snaphots of different people sort of posing with their Benzos. I aint got no Benzo, but I really like this song.
8. Love and Peace or Else, by U2.
Great new album from U2. I am a lifelong fan.
9. Playing Games with my Soul, by Hobex.
From the compilation CD: The Sweet Sounds of Bonoroo. Never heard of these guys before. Good stuff.
10.Los Angeles, I'm Yours, by The Decemberists.
Another recent discoverey while cruising the Indie music scene. They have gritty folk sound that I really dig. Somedays this song makes me want to move to LA, some days it urges me to stay in New York.
