5 years ago, when preparing for the release of our first album, I was convinced that building the biggest website possible was the perfect idea. I could convince Felicia to blog regularly and the boards would be filled with more than just spam.
Last weekend, I decided to do something about the reality of the situation and design a more practical page than the Xanadoo that I originally envisioned. Post our dates, a few samples, post the necessary stuff for the press, and let MySpace handle the rest.
We’re going to spend the next few months in the studio working on an entire new set of material to pull out for the summer.
I love discovering overlooked music from back in the day; particularly those that have been used in samples. Below is a mix of all sorts of stuff form the 60’s and 70’s: soul, jazz, mood, Orleans, ska; some of which as been sampled more than just a couple times. I have no real reason to share outside of the hope that someone might share back. If you’ve got an interesting song, please let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear it…
Trinkas - Remember Me:
The intro to this song was used in Jurassic 5’s “Quality Control” in an interlude, but the rest of the song is even better.
Serge Gainsbourg - La Horse:
Harpsichord detective funk, with a touch of banjo. He’s more than just a father of a hot girl who can’t write her own material.
Bob James - Take Me To The Mardi Gras:
Sampled over 40 times, most notably in Run DMC’s “Peter Piper“. Miles Davis even sampled it in the song “Work It”.
Soul Brothers - Free Soul:
Recently caught this one through Lily Allen’s “Smile“. Her producers have good taste…
Toots & the Maytals - Pressure Drop:
I can’t believe these guys are still playing. Their version of Radiohead’s “Let Down” is every bit as good as the original.
Hugh Masekela - Grazin’ in the Grass:
Just played last Sunday in Seattle. Sold 4 million in ‘68 as a jazz instrumental.
Gunther Kallmann Choir - Daydream:
This song is showing up a lot these days with Lupe Fiasco and Jill Scott.
Professor Longhair - Big Chief:
Another Lily Allen sample from the song “Knock ‘Em Out“. Their use of this one is more blatant than some of their others.
Jean Jacques Perrey - E.V.A.:
Mostly this guy does quirky show-tunes with crazy bing-bong noises, but this was his hit. Grabbed by Tribe, Dr. Octagon, Gang Starr, etc.
Collie Stuff - Chosen Few:
Covered a few years later by Kool & the Gang and re-branded as “Funky Stuff“.
Vincent Geminiani - Ophis Le Serpentaire:
Heavy French soundtrack mood music.
Bobby Hebb - Sunny:
One of my favorite songs. Not necessarily obscure, as BMI calls it the 25th best song of the last century, but I rarely run into someone who knows it.
I’m a sucker for “Best of” lists, particularly if they come from my friends (hint, hint). Here’s mine:
Books
Exit Wounds by Rutu Modan
Big time comic releases seem to be more sporadic these days in comparison to a couple of years ago, but this one fits the bill. Israelis with identity issues makes for good reading.
I Am America by Steven Colbert
Obvious one for me. I’m a sucker for anything that he does, as evidenced by viewing all 337 episodes of the Colbert Report (as of this writing).
Into Hot Air by Chris Elliott
It’s not as good as his last, but it’s still quite good. A cast of Chris Elliott, Kristen Dunst, Michael Moore, Martin Sheen, Tony Danza, and more set out to climb Everest.
Armchair Apocrypha by Andrew Bird
I probably spent more time with this album than any other this year. Even better than his near perfect And the Mysterious Production of Eggs.
Please Clap Your Hands by the Bird & the Bee
It’s just an EP with 5 songs, but each is pop perfect. The production is great.
Alright, Still by Lily Allen
My guilty pleasure. This is probably the popiest album that I’ve ever fallen for. I very much doubt a sophmore album that matches this.
Pretty much anything that comes out of Quannum, I go ga-ga for. They just added a few new members to their artists stable; and one of them just realeased a new album, General Electrics. The music is reminicent of a lot of the stuff coming out of Quannum, but slightly more eclectic. The vocals seem to take their que from the haunting harmonies of labelmates, the Poets of Rhythm. Take a listen…
I saw Canned Hamm for the first time about 5 years ago. My friends and I went to see Neil Hamburger and were unsuspecting victims of his opening act. We had no idea who they were or what they were about; we just knew we were waiting for Neil. Canned Hamm came on stage and pressed play on the CD Player. My friends and I were stunned. For the entire set, our jaws were on the floor. I had face cramps for the rest of the night. They came out with a CD later that year, and 5 years later I can’t listen to it without thinking of that night and their performance. To my surprise, they just came out with a new look and a new album, Erotic Thriller. I’m awaiting it through the mail, but I got a sneak peak of it on the web. They’re good songs, but I don’t have a visual reference tied to them yet to make them great. I HAVE to go see them soon.Here are 3 songs off of Erotic Thriller:
Holy Smokes! I’ve been a fan of Andrew Bird for a few years now and have become a bigger fan with each release he’s come out with. His last full album just came out about 2 months ago and I think it’s his best yet; and now he’s on tour to promote it. I’ve never been able to make it to a show when he’s come, but I caught him last night at the Tractor Tavern and was blown away. He’ll start a song off with a little picking on his violin. Loop it on his Line 6 petal. Layer a little padding and melody over it. Then grab the guitar and sing n’ play over that. Maybe whistle a little line while playing a melody in unison on his glockenspiel. His drummer might be playing one handed while controlling a sample on the laptop or playing something on his MIDI controller. What really stood out was his whistling. You can’t tell through his records just how good he is at it. But see for yourself (Real Player). That performance gives you an idea…
5 years ago, when preparing for the release of our first album, I was convinced that building the biggest website possible was the perfect idea. I could convince Felicia to blog regularly and the boards would be filled with more than just spam.
Pretty much anything that comes out of 
