Twelve by Twelve

Mission and Valencia Mix

2010-03-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

El Gallo Blanco Presenta: Reggae, Cumbia, Boogaloo, Mambo, and Remixes. A typical night from Sockpuppet Soundsystem's fourth Friday of the month residency at The Argus located on Mission at Valencia in the Deep Mission.

Mission and Valencia Mix by Pinched Nerve

El Gran Combo

2010-01-25T11:24:00.001-08:00

El Gran Combo have a billion albums. I've come across a few of them from the late 70's and early 80's that were straight forward salsa. This is probably the earliest album of theirs that's I've owned. "Latin Power" has quite a few soul covers. I like soul covers. This is probably my favorite. I also like the fact that somebody wrote "Mom" on the cover model.

El Gran Combo - "Build Me Up Buttercup" from Latin Power

Tito Rodriguez

2010-01-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

I don't anything about Tito Rodriguez. I found this record at the swap meet. If you look closely at the picture, you'll notice somebody put horns on Tito's head. I like this song a whole lot though.

Tito Rodriguez - "Ahi No" from Reliquia De Tito Rodriguez

9th Floor Radio

2010-01-25T08:15:00.000-08:00

Subscribe to my show, The Swap Meet, on 9th Floor Radio.

http://feeds.feedburner.com/9thFloorRadio-TheSwapMeet

Japanese Wrestling Record

2009-08-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

I found this along with a bunch of Japanese noise, hardcore, and metal records at the local thrift store.
Side A:

Side B:

El Poder De La Cumbia

2009-07-16T10:42:00.001-07:00

I have been visiting the Honduran Electronics shop on 17th and Mission to buy cumbia CDs. I decided to make a mix of my favorites. I changed my DJ name to El Gallo Blanco for this one. Like it matters.

A Couple of Links...

2009-06-12T10:54:00.001-07:00

Toy Selectah has a free album available for download. Toy Selectah is responsible for Celso Pina's Cumbia Sobre El Rio. He was also the producer for Control Machete. He's been playing Bersa Discos shows here in SF and will apparently have an album coming out on Diplo's Mad Decent Records. Check out this album of remixes he has out. It's called The Mex-More album. Mexican/Baltimore. Get it?
Toy Selectah - The Mex-More LP

XBXRX Have a new album out. It's available by donation. They are basically my favorite band in SF right now. Their live shows are completely berzerker. And, their drummer, Weasel Walter is a machine. You may know him as the guy who fronted The Flying Luttenbachers
XBXRX - Un Usper

Dennis Brown "Joseph's Coat of Many Colours"

2009-06-12T10:25:00.001-07:00

I don't find good reggae very often, so I was pretty excited to come across this Dennis Brown album. First of is "Man Next Door", which I'm embarrassed to say I first heard The Slits cover. It's originally a Paragons track and I believe John Holt originally wrote it. Secondly I'm sharing "Together Brothers" which has Brown taking on the Real Rock Rhythm. And finally I'm sharing "Home Sweet Home" which opens with a great break that I'm surprised nobody has sampled yet.

"Man Next Door" by Dennis Brown from "Joseph's Coat of Many Colours"

"Together Brothers" by Dennis Brown from "Joseph's Coat of Many Colours"

"Home Sweet Home" by Dennis Brown from "Joseph's Coat of Many Colours"

Sockpuppet Soundsystem @ The Argus Friday Night

2009-05-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

My DJ partner, Jaybee, and I will be spinning records at the Argus Lounge, here in SF, Friday night. Drop on by, mention the blog, and I'll buy you a drink.

Los Diablos - Ya Te Encontre

2009-05-14T19:39:00.001-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. I've been busy listening to this song.

Zappa Covered and Sampled

2009-01-31T12:29:00.001-08:00

Long time no post.
Two covers of Zappa.
Two Zappa songs that were covered.
One Zappa song that was sampled by Madlib.

Woody Herman - America Drinks and Goes Home from Thundering Herd

Jean Luc Ponty - King Kong from Jean Luc Ponty Plays the Music of Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa - America Drinks and Goes Home from Absolutely Free

Frank Zappa - King Kong from Uncle Meat

Frank Zappa - Sleeping in a Jar from Uncle Meat

ZZK

2008-10-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of this "neo-cumbia". Every one of these mixes has been in constant rotation in my car. Download it now while it's still free. In fact, I believe turntablelab was selling one of these mixes as a download.

ZZK Records

Reuben Wilson - On Broadway

2008-08-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

Here's some Reuben Wilson for you. I read somewhere this record had a big influence upon the Acid Jazz movement of the 90s. Good funky organ work. I found this in a collection at one of the local thrift stores. Most of the records had radio call letters marked on the covers. It seemed like some radio station just dumped all of their old records at the thrift store. There must have been about 300 records laying around in boxes. Usually, there's half of that, so I was pretty excited when I got there. I ended up being late to an appointment I had later that day.

On Broadway by Reuben Wilson from On Broadway

Baby I Love You by Reuben Wilson from On Broadway

Ain't That Peculiar by Reuben Wilson from On Broadway

Ronnie's Bonnie by Reuben Wilson from On Broadway

Poinciana by Reuben Wilson from On Broadway

Prophet "Right on Time"

2008-07-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I went thrift store shopping with some friends. They were interested in clothes, and I was looking for records. At our fourth stop I came across this record. First, I noticed the cover. A black man wearing a robe and knee high boots is not something to pass up. With the name "Prophet" and what looks like a book on the front I was a little worried that I was looking at a crappy gospel record, so I flipped it to the back -- italicized typed text on white background signaled cheapness to me. The label, Treasure Records, with its address in SF caused me to conclude that this was some sort of private press record. But, what sealed the deal for me was the Co-Producer credit. Julius Funk. How could I pass on a record that was co-produced by Julius Funk?

My friends and I stopped over at another friend's house and had some cocktails. We listened to the records I bought that day. Everyone loved the cover, but they were not particularly feeling the drum machine and synthesizer funk of Prophet. I tried to explain to them my "digger sensibilities" and reasoning for picking up the record, but everyone seemed to start drinking their martinis and looking away in embarrassment. I didn't mind the falsetto vocals and synthesized swooshes. My only complain is that some of the songs start to sound the same. So I decided to do some nerdy record research when I got home and found out that Peanut Butter Wolf is a fan of Prophet. And, I found a copy sold for $120 last year. So, take a listen to two of the tracks from the album or download the entire thing as a .zip file and tell us what you think.

Right On Time by Prophet from Right on Time

Strong & Mighty by Prophet from Right on Time

Download 66.87MB .zip File

The Golden Palominos

2008-07-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

I picked this up the other day at the swap meet. I didn't know too much about the Golden Palominos. In fact, I originally thought they were some sort of Euro-pop band for some reason. Then I heard a track of theirs featuring Johnny Rotten on good old Pirate Cat Radio. I decided they couldn't be half bad. Then, while at the swap meet I came across this record and learned that John Zorn the avant guard saxophonist and producer of the first Mr. Bungle album was on there in addition to Arto Lindsay and Bill Laswell. Surprisingly, neither of those guys fronted the band. The band in fact, was led by a percussionist named Anton Fier. I've been digging this first track for the last couple of weeks. It's got this great Liquid Liquid post punk funk type of feel. The sound of someone spitting at the beginning also reminds me of The Butthole Surfers. But what's really important is that the drums are just so damn hard. The rest of the album gets a bit noisy, but I dig that stuff. My partner on the other hand doesn't like me to play the album while she is working on the computer. So, stop your work, and listen to some Golden Palominos.

Clean Plate by The Golden Palominos from The Golden Palominos

Hot Seat by The Golden Palominos from The Golden Palominos

New Mix Today and Live on the Internets Tomorrow

2008-06-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

I'm on 9th Floor Radio tomorrow from 3-5pm. Listen live or download the show. I also just finished working on a mix of Dub, Cumbia, Hip Hop, and Latin Rock stuff called Crema Fresca. It's posted below.

RIP Bo Diddley

2008-06-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Back To School by Bo Diddley from 7"

Oh Baby by Bo Diddley from 7"

Lowell Folsom - Why Don't We Do It In The Road

2008-05-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

My apologies for not posting regularly. I'm looking for a job. If you've got a job for me, please send me an email. Now that I've addressed possible employers I will tell you a story about my drug use.

When I was younger my best friend M*** bought a joint from his older brother E***. He also borrowed his other older brother's copy of the Beatles' White Album. We got totally high, turned the lights off, and listened to Revolution #9. It was probably only my second time smoking the herbage. I've been a fan of the White Album ever since.

I recently picked up a copy of Lowell Fulsom's cover of another song from the Beatles' White Album: Why Don't We Do It In The Road. I really like covers that make people scratch their head in confusion. I've gotten a chance to play this tune out a few times and I've had more than one person come up to me and ask what the song is. The song is familiar to everyone because it's a frickin' Beatles cover, but it's got this low down blues thing going. And, I love how he's extended the lyrics to include cars and houses.

I hope you like it.

Why Don't We Do It In The Road by Lowell Fulsom from A Heavy Bag

Dance Caravan Blue Souvenir Album

2008-04-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

I recently returned to the Goodwill closest to me after completely writing it off. It contained too many Barbara Streisand records and not enough records that were capable of providing me with joy. Being unemployed tends to make me board, while searching for records records makes me un-bored. After, exhausting my usual spots, I decided I'd take a chance upon the Goodwill closest to me that I had forsaken. Once I started browsing through the vinyl it became clear to me that our separation had been a good thing for our relationship. It may have been the attitude that I brought, or it could have been the Goodwill's will to please, but I came across a record that has provided me with joy. Not your regular old time type of joy, but the type of joy I get when I pick up a record, put it on the turntable, and do a double check with the album cover. Sure, the record is called "The Dancing Machine", but I figured it'd be full of ballroom type music with maybe a track or two of easy listening funkiness. On the contrary my friends. "The Dancing Machine" has provided me with tight snare drums, Curtis Mayfield type falsetto vocals, congas, congas, congas, AND a Kool and the Gang cover.

Boogie Down by Dance Caravan Blue All Star Faculty from The Dancing Machine

Can't Sit Down by Dance Caravan Blue All Star Faculty from The Dancing Machine

New Orleans by Dance Caravan Blue All Star Faculty from The Dancing Machine

I Got The Music In Me by Dance Caravan Blue All Star Faculty from The Dancing Machine

Hollywood Swinger by Dance Caravan Blue All Star Faculty from The Dancing Machine

Three Versions of Pais Tropical

2008-03-06T09:27:00.001-08:00

I first came across Jorge Ben's "Pais Tropical" on Sergio Mendes and Brazil 77's album "Pais Tropical". It's pretty amazing to me to think that Jorge Ben wrote both "Pais Tropical" and "Mas Que Nada", probably the two most recorded Brazilian songs ever. Mendes also covered "Mas Que Nada". In fact, he covered it a second time along with Will.i.am. of Black Eyed Peas. I believe it was used in a Nike commercial. Enough said about that.

So, the other day, while going through my records, I realized that I had multiple versions of this song, and thought it would be neat to post them all together. I try to only post original vinyl pressings so I won't be sharing the original Jorge Ben version or the amazing Gal Costa version which are easily available on CD or MP3 and I suggest you pick up. The OG vinyl is just too pricey for me.

Today I will be sharing with you the original Sergio Mendes version I mentioned earlier. Like most of Mendes' work it's quite smoothed out, but I think it actually works well here. I especially like the little guitar licks. I'm also sharing an interesting version that was apparently recorded in Israel and released by Varig Brazilian Airlines on CBS records in Tel Aviv. From what I can figure out from the English liner notes, the album is full of songs from a television broadcast called "Pais Tropical - Songs from Brazil." Those of you with a good ear should be able to tell the accent isn't quite Brazilian Portuguese.
Finally, I'm sharing a third version I found on an album by a vocal group called Los Castro. I picked this one up in Mexico City right across the street from the Bellas Artes. Out of the three, this one is probably the most smoothed out due to the strings, but I dig all of the little changes and the jazz influence. So, if you in any way enjoy these songs, you should go pick up some Jorge Ben

Pais Tropical by Sergio Mendes and Brasil '77 from Pais Tropical
Pais Tropical by The Group from Pais Tropical - Songs From Brazil
Pais Tropical by Los Castro from y Despues del Amor le prometi...otra vez volver...

RIP Buddy Miles

2008-03-04T16:04:00.000-08:00

Buddy Miles got me into collecting records. I think I first became aware of Buddy Miles when I picked up a copy of "Expressway to Your Skull" at the Ashby flea market in Berkeley. I got the record based on Jimi Hendrix's liner notes, and was pretty blown away when I first dropped the needle on the wax. My next Buddy Miles record had to be his live album with Santana. At that time, Jimi Hendrix's drummer and Carlos Santana live in a Hawaiian volcano was my shit. To me, that was the power of vinyl. That wasn't a record you'd come across when browsing CDs. Back in 1994 I didn't even know if Buddy Miles was alive. Meanwhile, I scooped up every Buddy Miles record I came across. Eventually, while going to SFSU, I taught myself HTML by putting together a Buddy Miles website complete with a flame boarder and lots of blinking text. I even contacted his manager and tried to make it official.

I got a chance to see Buddy around '98 at the Maritime Hall here in San Francisco. I think the show was during the week and there weren't too many people, but everyone in attendance was a fan. I was a little surprised to see how big he was and how hard it seemed for him to walk. At one point, I remember some guy handing Buddy a big nug of bud. Buddy picked it out of his hand, put it in his shirt pocket, and said, "Thank You."

In remembrance of Buddy, I'm sharing two tracks that I picked up solely because of him. First is John Mclaughlin's "Marbles" and "Sirens" from the only John Mclaughlin album I own. Carlos and Buddy covered those tracks in that Hawaiian volcano. Secondly, I'm sharing a track from Funkadelic's album "Hardcore Jollies". Buddy plays drums on "Coming Round The Mountain." This is the only track I'm aware of that Buddy did with George Clinton and crew. I could only imagine what that recording session was like.

RIP
Marbles/Sirens by John Mclaughlin from Devotion
Coming Round the Mountain by Funkadelic from Hardcore Jollies

Cal Tjader

2008-02-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

Cal Tjader is one of those artists who's records I always pick up. He played and performed from the 50's all the way up to the 80's and worked with such heavy hitters as Donald Byrd, Chic Corea, Poncho Sanchez, and Eddie Palmieri. His biggest hit was "Soul Sauce" which was actually a song composed by Dizzy Gillespie that Tjader had been fooling around with since the 50's until the 60's when his reinterpretation became a hit. It was first called "Guachi Guara" then it became "Wachi Wara" and finally it ended up as "Soul Sauce." Personally, I like the earlier version especially when those congas come in. No matter what, if you pick up a Cal Tjader you'll be assured some great Latin rhythms, drums, and vibes. Not bad for a Swedish dude from San Mateo. So, today I share with you a few of my favorite tracks from my collection of Cal Tjader records.

RIP Buddy Miles. Expect a dedication post soon.

Guachi Guara by Cal Tjader from Tjader Plays Mambo
Soul Bird by Cal Tjader from Soul Bird: Whiffenpoof
Cuchy Frito Man by Cal Tjader from Soul Burst
Manuel Deeghit by Cal Tjader from Puttin' It Together

Peruvian Disco

2008-02-12T12:59:00.000-08:00

Sorry for taking a whole month off. It's not like I've got a job, or am busy or anything. I picked up this record by Santiago Silva y Hnos. at the Goodwill two weeks ago. How could I have passed on a record with a huge Arp sythesizer on it? When I put the needle on the record I was pretty surprised. In fact, I actually stopped the turntable and double checked that I had the record that went with the cover.

The first song I'm sharing with you is actually a medley of three American disco songs: Kool and the Gang's "Celebration", The Reddings' "Remote Control", and "The Sound of the City" from the Village People's film "Thank God It's Friday." I can't get enough of that old school electronic drum sound. Clearly they couldn't either.

The second song I'm sharing is called "Margarita" and I can't get enough this either. I've forced everyone who's walked into my apartment to listen to this song at full volume. That nasty synth line and those disco drums are mind blowing to me. With at least five completely different parts to the song it kind of reminds me of the best of Bollywood. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.
Disco Medley by Santiago Silva y Hnos. from ...la cosa es con Santiago
Margarita by Santiago Silva y Hnos. from ...la cosa es con Santiago

Las Aventuras de Enrique y Ana

2007-12-30T19:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and all that jazz. I bring to you another record from my trip to Mexico. There is something about children's records that make them hard for me to pass up. Maybe it's the memories that they bring back of my sister and me fooling around with our Fisher Price "My First Record Player" and my mom's old 45's. Maybe it's the little bit of hope that I'll find some amazing break ripe to be looped. I think there's something "raw" to be found in children's records. Kid's seem to like weird things. And, adults who make weird things for kids are often pretty weird themselves. So, I suppose it's the weirdness that attracts me.

While traveling through Mexico I was carrying a bag full of records I was unable to listen to until I returned home. Alone in my hotel room I'd carefully examine the covers, planning which record I'd play first when I got home. The record I was most excited about was actually another children's record. Odisea Burbujas by lounge legend Esquivel which I'd first heard of on WFMU's Beware of the Blog. You can find the entire album out there in blog land. Then, while digging in Morelia, I came across another children's record with a wacked out cover called "Las Aventuras de Enrique y Ana". I have yet to see the entire film which is available on youtube, but that sure looks like an alien on the front.

Please ignore the racism of Super Disco Chino. Yes, Ana is pulling Enrique's eyes back so that he looks like a "Chino." And, I guess, Chinese people sound like chipmunks, but it is these absurdities that draw me to the song. This along with the wacked out Devo-esque music and plate spinning. I suppose it makes some sort of sense. Disco Chino can mean Chinese Records or Chinese Discs as in plates.

Caca Culo Pedo Pis brings us a song by Los Punkitos. I believe the correct translation of this would be Poop, Butt, Fart, Pee. More New Wave than punk, check out how sexy that lead singer gets when she takes off her jacket. What is she? Five years old. The dudes in the audience are definitely digging it. Unfortunately my record has a censored version of the song called Caca Cucu Pepe Pipi, but that Blondie New Wave filtered through another culture sound is still there.

And finally, we'll end it with some calisthenics from Baile Olimpico. I know the song is a rip off of another children's song but I can't place it. The lyrics are just naming off a bunch of Olympic Games while the kids act them out. It's quite fun. You should try it yourself.

Apparently, Enrique y Ana had their own television show in Spain. Youtube user arqmauh has all sorts of clips from the show including the entire movie that my soundtrack came from. Enjoy.

Super Disco Chino by Enrique y Ana from Las Aventuras de Enrique y Ana
Caca Cucu Pepe Pipi by Enrique y Ana from Las Aventuras de Enrique y Ana
Baile Olimpico by Enrique y Ana from Las Aventuras de Enrique y Ana

Back from Mexico

2007-11-29T10:00:00.001-08:00

So, I'm back from Mexico and I've finally gotten around to posting something. While in Mexico, I actually picked up quite a few records. You can hear most of them on my little radio show on 9thfloorradio.com where you can also subscribe to the RSS feed.

With my return from Mexico, I've recently become obsessed with cumbias. I usually shy away from cumbia albums, especially, anything from the mid-80s and on which tend to sound like the demo button on old keyboards. But, two things have recently opened my mind to the way of the cumbia. First off, I found this mix of cumbias rebajadas on WFMU's Beware of the Blog by Sonido Martinez. Cumbia Rebajadas are basically cumbias slowed way down a la DJ Screw although three decades earlier. It's amazing how the drums and bass just come to the front by simply slowing down a record. Keep your ears open for what sounds like a cover of Rod Stewart's "Do You Think I'm Sexy?"

The second thing to fuel my infatuation with cumbias is this great compilation called The Roots of Chicha: Psychedelic Cumbias from Peru. Most of the songs on this comp are relatively slower than most cumbia and are clearly influenced by rock music employing the use of electric guitars, wah wah, and electric organs. At times, some of the songs even come off as sounding like some sort of South American version of ska or reggae.

So to celebrate the cumbia, I am going to share with you a few that I have in my collection. First off, from a record I bought while in Mexico is "La Cumbia de Los Pajaritos" by Los Aragon from a coollection of their exitos. I picked it up in Morelia while browsing through some used records in a book shop. The shopkeeper asked me if I wanted to see more records. Of course I said yes so he ended up taking me across the street where he opened up a garage full of records. My mouth dropped and I almost did a little dance. There was nothing too mind blowing, but I sure had a good time going through those records. Although this track is not included on the Psychedelic Cumbias comp and Los Aragon probably aren't from Peru, their song sounds exactly like the stuff on the comp.

Secondly, I'm including a track called "Si Tu Me Quisieras" by Yin Carrizo from Panama. I recently rediscovered this song after being inspired by the Cumbias Rebajadas mix and listening to all of the cumbias I have in my collection. This one's very traditional and includes the accordion like many of the tracks on Sonido Martinez's mix.

And, finally I'm leaving you with another record that was taken from the garage in Morelia. Consider it my Christmas present to you. All I'll say is that I will no longer be listening to the version of Jingle Bells sung by barking dogs.
La Cumbia de Los Pajaritos by Los Aragon from Cumbias de Exito
Si Tu Me Quisieras by Yin Carrizo from El Inmenso Yin
Disco Navideno by Los Sonor's from 12"

Big Up Your Punanny Dancehall Hip Hop Mix

2007-10-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

The other day, while getting my tires rotated, I headed over to a thrift shop and stumbled upon a dancehall collection. That, in addition to my recent addiction to browsing Ernie B's Reggae soundclips inspired me to put together a little dancehall/hip hop mix complete with horn blasts and gun shots.

You should also tune in to 9th Floor Radio this Friday from 3-5 where I'll be hosting my show "The Swap Meet".

I'll be in Mexico for the month of November, so this will probably be my last post for a bit. Anyone with Mexico City or Guadalajara connections please feel free to hook me up.

Big Up Your Punanny Dancehall Hip Hop Mix Mixed by K-Mac

Novelty Records Part Two: Pee Wee Herman

2007-10-19T12:22:00.001-07:00

I've been threatening to do a post on the Pee Wee rap for a while now, and since I haven't gotten any comments on my gospel post I will now subject you to the wonderful world of the Pee Wee Rap. I believe it all started with Joeski Love's "Pee Wee's Dance" which clearly must have become popular because plenty of other people decided to make different records based on the same subject and beat.

MC Boob decided to take the Pee Wee Dance and add to it the Fila dance. Man, I miss those days when Fila's were the shit. I like how he decides to make a clear separation between his song and Joeski's by saying, "Get stupid, y'all", instead of "Get busy y'all." It's those small differences that count. I suppose MC Boob must have had some success with his Fila Dance record because he decided to do another one using the same beat, but flipping the lyrics into a dis about somebody's mother. The similarities between this one and Joeski's original aren't as clear, but trust me, this is made to mix right into Pee Wee's dance. Besides, he says "Get stupid, y'all," again.

My favorite version of the Pee Wee Dance is "The Pee Wee Rock" by Darrin Grant. Darrin separates himself from the rest of the Pee Wee records by stating "What's the deal y'all." Genius. Now, I'm just guessing, but I bet that Newcleus' "Jam on It" must have been pretty big at the time. In a stroke of merchandising genius, Darrin took the Pee Wee idea, mixed it with the chipmunk voice of "Jam on It" and gave us the beauty of "(Do The) Pee Wee Herman Rock (Space Voice Version)."

Pee Wee's Dance by Joeski Love

Do the Fila and the Pee Wee Dance by MC Boob

Yo Mutha by MC Boob

(Do The) Pee Wee Herman Rock (Space Voice Version) by Darrin Grant

Gospel Records

2007-10-01T14:35:00.001-07:00

So, I suppose I'll spare y'all my four different versions of the Pee Wee dance until next week. This week I'd like to share with you some gospel records I found the other day at the flea market. Gospel seems to be a hard genre to dig for. Often the looks are completely deceiving. For instance, Andre Crouch sure looks funky, but funky he is not.

So, the other day I showed up to the flea market late in the afternoon not expecting much to be left. I had basically taken a look at all of the stalls that were still left and was on my way out when I noticed a stack of records on a table. As I flipped through I noticed they were gospel and almost stopped right there. But as I looked closer I noticed the members of the band listed their astrological signs. Astrological signs are clearly funky, so I looked a bit closer.
There were quite a few records, but most of them were beat (not in good shape)so I only ended up taking four. I'm sharing with you tracks from three of those four records. The fourth record has been deemed "not funky enough."

Of all the tracks I listened to the afternoon I returned from the flea market The Keynotes' "We Need Prayer" from the album "Wide River" hit me the hardest. It is just the sweetest soul that starts of with a groove that reminds me of Booker T. and the MGs and then turns into an Impressions song with the lead singer going into falsetto. Also from "Wide River" is "Heart of Mine" which completely blew my mind right from the start with its fuzzed out guitar. Fuzzed out guitar on a gospel record!

Along with the Gospel Keystones album I picked up three records from the Sensational Williams Brothers. A quick search on Amazon.com seems to confirm that these guys are still recording. From the album "Taking Gospel Higher" I'm sharing the track "I'm Waiting" and it's instrumental version. I love how the instrumental version basically becomes disco. From the Williams Brothers' "Spreading a Message" I'm sharing "Thank You Master" and "Jesus Understands It." Nice cowbell work on "Jesus Understands It." I wouldn't be surprised if the Williams Brothers were listening to a bunch of Graham Central Station at the time of this album.

And finally, I'll leave you with the track "I've Got a Home" from the Williams Brothers album "I've Got a Home". The brothers decided to add a horn section to this song which gives it a sort of P-funk flavor. I know there's a whole lot more gospel out there that is funkier than this, but I haven't come across it at the flea market yet. Actually, I do have a copy of Voices of East Harlem but it's not very pretty to look at especially when it's on the turntable and you can get a good look at it's warp.
We Need Prayer by The Gospel Keynotes from Wide River
Heart of Mine by The Gospel Keynotes from Wide River
I'm Waiting by The Sensational Williams Brothers from Taking Gospel Higher
I'm Waiting (instrumental) by The Sensational Williams Brothers from Taking Gospel Higher
Thank You Master by The Sensational Williams Brothers from Spreading a Message
Jesus Understands It by The Sensational Williams Brothers from Spreading a Message
I've Got a Home by The Sensational Williams Brothers from I've Got a Home

Novelty Rap Records

2007-09-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

The other day, while at the swap meet, I came across a bunch of novelty rap records. I'm not sure if "novelty rap" is the best term, but that's what I'm going to use to describe these records that took 80's pop culture and put it to a beat. As a kid growing up in the 80's, I totally remember the catch phrases for most of these records, but I'm not sure which came first, the music or the phrase.

First up, I'm sharing some Miami bass with Gigolo Tony's "Smurf Rock." I'm not sure which came first, the Beastie Boy's line "I got to the party and did the Smurf," or "Smurf Rock." Is there a song about how to do the smurf? I was kind of hoping that's what this was going to be when I picked it up? The amazing thing is how much ground this track covers. He goes from Old MacDonald, to the Smurfs, to Debbie Deb, then to Fat Albert. And what's up with that line about hitting a girl in the head with a rotten banana? I won't even mention the cowbell.

Secondly, I'm sharing Spyder D's "Buckwheat's Rap". I'm including both the X-rated version and the radio version. Clearly, Spyder-D was influenced by Eddie Murphy's Buckwheat character on SNL. Notice the references to Michael Jackson's hair catching on fire and Pee Wee Herman who'll I'll be dedicating my next post to. Personally, I like the X-rated version better although I could do without the "fag" comment. It's shorter and I get a kick out of Buckwheat cussing.

Smurf Rock by Gigolo Tony
Buckwheat's Beat (X-Rated Version) by Spyder-D
Buckwheat's Beat (Radio) by Spyder-D

Los Angeles Negros

2007-09-11T13:27:00.001-07:00

I apologize for not posting more frequently. I haven't been working lately so my posting should be more frequent, but I often find myself busy with nothing. Today, I do not find myself too busy to share with you a track from Los Angeles Negros. Los Angeles Negros are pretty well known amongst record collectors and producers mainly for their "moody loops". You can always count on a Los Angeles Negros album to include some great dark guitar on top of a nice slow rhythm section. Diplo used one of their tracks on his AEIOU vol. 2 mix. Today, I'm sharing the track "El Rey y Yo" (The King and I). I don't think it has anything to do with the Yul Brenner vehicle that my grandparents are so familiar with. I may be wrong though because I haven't really seen the movie. From what I can figure out with my elementary Spanish, the song is about a king who isn't happy because he has a bunch of money but no love. But, hey, the lyrics of this song are not what everyone is after. It's that tremendous head nodding break at the beginning that captures most people's attention. It's been sampled a few times, but that's not really important to me. I'm more interested in the strength of the vocalist. Listen to him belt out that chorus with those drums chugging right along as the guitar just kind of accents everything. Enjoy.

El Rey y Yo by Los Angeles Negros from Y Volveré

La Sonora Santanera

2007-08-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

How could a sane person pass on a record that featured 11 mostly shirtless men on horse back? Not me. Yet, I do not value this record only for its superb cover. Many of the tracks on this record have inspired me to turn my speakers up, open up the windows, and dance, hoping that the rest of the neighborhood would join in. I would have to say my favorite song, or at least the one song that drove me to listen to it at least six times in a row when I first came across it, is "Te Equivocaste" which I believe means "You made a mistake." I think what really blows me away with this song are the changes and those horns. Those horns make me put my hand in a fist and pull inward like a quarterback that has successfully completed a touchdown pass. And, I don't even watch sports! I won't even try to explain what I do when they go into the "Ay mi vida" part. The other track I'm sharing is called "Como Tu Ninguna" or "Nobody Like You" which starts off with those horns going off right away until the group comes in singing about how they have known women, "perro como tu ninguna." I really love how the percussion is up front in most of their tracks. You can basically pick out every instrument from the individual hits on the bongos to the rhythm on the cowbells. I could only imagine what the dance floor looked like when these guys took to the stage back in the day.

Te Equivocaste by La Sonora Santanera from Sonora Santanera y Sus Once Compositores

Como Tu Ninguna by La Sonora Santanera from Sonora Santanera y Sus Once Compositores

Edu Lobo Camaleao

2007-07-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'm surprised no one commented on the Sly Stone concert review. Oh well, what can you do? I guess I'll just post some Brazilian music I found the other day. It's not often that I come upon records made in Brazil while I'm out "digging". Man, I feel like a dork when I say "digging". Well, I came across this Edu Lobo record a while back and I've been wanting to post it for a while, but just haven't had the chance. It's from 1978 so it's a little smoothed out in that CTI type of way. Regardless, this is a very sweet record. I don't know too much about Edu, besides the fact that he only has one record that was made in the U.S. and was produced by none other than Sergio Mendes. Dusty Groove seems to associate the term "Baroque Bossa Nova" with him. I don't know if this is "baroque". I do wish my record had come with some liner notes because I'm interested in who was playing in his band at the time. Otherwise check out the three tracks I'm sharing with you today. "Memories" opens up with a great little break. Camaleao is a flute led jazz instrumental with some great bongo work. Finally, I included a track called "Sanha Na Mandinga" which is about moving to San Francisco and I believe sounds the most "Brazilian" out of the three. I hope you enjoy them.

Memorias by Edu Lobo from Camaleao
Camaleao by Edu Lobo from Camaleao
Sanha Na Mandinga by Edu Lobo from Camaleao

Sly Stone live in San Jose

2007-07-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

I saw Sly Stone perform the other night with the Family Stone. Sly hasn't really performed in quite a long time besides his crazy appearance at the Grammys where his mohawk seemed to upstage everything. His interview in Vanity Fair sure seemed positive. Sly sounded like he was ready for a comeback. His sister had booked dates in Europe in addition to the one in San Jose. He mentioned that he had plenty of material. The author even said Sly looked healthy and strong.

So, after a few hours of music by three of the original members of El Chicano, Jorge Santana, the Salas brothers, and the Average White Band I was ready for some Sly Stone. I was ready for the dude pictured standing on top of a motorcycle in the Vanity Fair magazine. My partner, Sandy, wasn't even convinced he would show up. I, on the other hand, had faith. "He's got all sorts of dates in Europe booked already," I told her. "He's got to show or he'll get dropped from those dates," I reasoned.

The band came on. No Sly. They launched into a sort of jazz jam. The ex-hippie in front of me explained to her daughter, "This is Jazz. This isn't what Sly and the Family Stone sounded like!" The band launched into "Hot Fun in the Summertime" and the hippies were happy, but I wanted to see Sly. Apparently, I wasn't the only one thinking this because one of the main singers, Sly's sister, said, "Don't worry, he's coming!" They went on to three more songs. Then, in the middle of "Sing a Simple Song" this hunched over beast stumbled on to the stage. Was this person in a gigantic white hoody with his face covered, Sly? It could have been E.T. The crowd seemed to be in shock and seemed to go silent for a few seconds. He sat down at the keyboard center stage and seemed to mumble in the mic. No words were recognizable. He seemed to pound the keyboard a little bit. No recognizable harmony. The band seemed to quiet down and let the man do his work, but worried glances seemed to cross between band members. He seemed to be moving, but I couldn't hear what he was doing. The song was over. Sly stood up, clutched a microphone with both of his hands and started to walk around the stage like Frankenstein. I noticed he had a rhinestone neck brace on. He began to sing "If You Want Me To Stay". That was his voice! Then, feedback. He couldn't get through the song without his mic feeding back. Then, "I Wanna Take You Higher". More of the same. Strained voice, feedback, and confusion. He actually raised his hands for a bit and then walked off the stage. That was it for Sly. Maybe 15 minutes. People started walking away as the band continued to perform.

Sly does not seem to be in shape for a comeback. The man has been through a lot and I'm afraid he's done some damage to himself. I used to think that he didn't want to perform anymore. Now I'm worried he can't perform any more. Check out For the Record: A Oral History of Sly and the Family Stone for some serious stories about Sly during his heyday. Lots of drugs, guns and even dogs. Maybe I'm expecting too much from the man,but how can you not be surprised when someone who has written so many outstanding songs all of sudden not be able to perform a 15 minute show? One thing is for sure, no matter what Sly's condition is, he has made some bad ass music. Today, I've tried to include a few lesser known tracks by Sly including some later work which I believe is still top notch. First is "Rock Dirge" from the album "Sly Stone Recorded in San Francisco: 1964-67" on the Sculpture label. I'm not exactly sure what the story is with this album, but I believe it's a collection of his early singles. What I love about "Rock Dirge" is that it's just organ and drums. Nothing else. Second is a track from one of Sly's last albums called "Back on the Right Track" recorded in 1979. You may recognize the track "Remember Who You Are" from a Tribe Called Quest sample. And finally our last track is a collaboration between Sly Stone and George Clinton from the album "The Electric Spanking of War Babies" from 1980. The track "Funk Gets Stronger (Killer Millimeter Longer Version)" credits Sly with production, rhythm guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, and drums. Cynthia Robinson and Pat Rizzo who both performed in San Jose and are members of the original Family Stone are also credited. So there you go. Listen to some Sly Stone.

Rock Dirge by Sylvester Stewart from Sly Stone Recorded in San Francisco: 1964-67
Remember Who You Are by Sly and the Family Stone from Back on the Right Track
Funk Gets Stronger (Killer Millimeter Longer Version) by Funkadelic from The Electric Spanking of War Babies

Abracadabra "Oye Maje"

2007-07-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to this song almost every day since I found it. Maybe I'm unconsciously trying to recreate the high I got when I first dropped the needle on this rock song after skipping through eight string filled latin ballads. "That's what I'm looking for," I thought. Yet, I'm not sure why I'm looking for it in the first place. It's definitely not to share with you. Don't get me wrong. I love you all out there, but I'm not buying records for you. It's for me. This song is for me. And now it's for you. Maybe I'm feeling some sort of ownership. I've gotten this same feeling about songs that are completely new to me, but very well known by others. So, it's not the idea that I discovered a song and now own it. Maybe it's because I like bad ass songs sung in Spanish with a vocalist that's not afraid to scream. Maybe it's because this song kind of reminds me of Os Mutantes. Maybe it's because this song sounds like some sort of lost Beatles track from "Let it Be". Well, I hope your jaw drops just a little bit like mine did when I first heard this song.

Oye Maje by Abracadabra

A Night at the Attic

2007-06-10T11:25:00.001-07:00

Fellow Sockpuppet Soundsystem brother Jaybee and I play The Attic @ 24th and Mission here in San Francisco the second Wednesday of every month. It's basically straight up hip hop with as much weird stuff as I can throw in. A while back ago they were being threatened with noise complaints and were unable to have "live" djs so I put together a little mix for our night. Here it 'tis. We'll be there this Wednesday if you feel like dropping by. I double dare you to come up to the decks and say, "Your blog sucks!" I may even buy you a drink.

A Night @ The Attic mixed by K-mac

Richard "Groove" Holmes

2007-05-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

Richard "Groove" Holmes has got to have one of the best names. When I was just first started looking for records I always kept my eyes open for a "Groove" Holmes record. I'm not sure where I heard or read his name, but I was convinced I needed a Groove Holmes record. I came across a couple of them and sadly they never held up to his name. Like lots of organ players Holmes's work tends to swing more than be funky. But, "New Groove" does not disappoint with the funkiness. Maybe, that is what the "New Groove" refers too. So check out the opening bass line and Bernard Purdie drum beat on "Red Groove" and tell me it is not Funky. Those congas could be funky all by themselves. Then take a good listen to the soulfulness on the vocal track "No Trouble on the Mountain." Too bad the liner notes don't list a vocalist because that dude can get down. I don't think it's Groove Holmes. It definitely does not sound like he looks.

Red Onion by Richard "Groove" Holmes from New Groove
No Trouble on the Mountain by Richard "Groove" Holmes from New Groove

Two More by Vernon Garrett

2007-05-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Last time I posted about Vernon Garrett I promised I'd post some more of his music. I'd never heard of Vernon Garrett until I picked up that first 45 I posted. Then within a week I came across another 45 of his. It's weird how records kind of come up in spells. You'll be searching for a record for years and then eventually come across like three copies in one week. Them record Gods sure like playing with the minds of us mortals.

Little Black Woman by Vernon Garrett on Kapp Records
Long Lonely Nights by Vernon Garrett on Kapp Records

Aquarius

2007-04-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to get a cold and it's raining so it's time for a song about the sun! Yeah, I haven't posted in a while. I suppose one of the requirements of having a blog is posting regularly. Well, tough luck, folks. You'll get your free music when I damn well please. So there. Oh, did anyone check out the comments for the Fiebre Amarilla post? Someone related to the band, somehow, in some way, posted a link to Super Ensalada #2! You should check it out. And, why hasn't anyone made any comments lately? What's up with that? My music not good enough for you? Well here's a 45 I picked up a the swap meet. It said, "boogaloo", and listed a song by Gal MacDermot. Pretty much a no-brainer.

Aquarius by La Sonora Moderna de Rene De La Rosa

The Ghetto Girlz "My Man's Playing Tricks on Me"

2007-03-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

What are the Ghetto Girlz doing now? I wonder if they are still having problems with their men. Clearly they were having problems with their men back when they recorded this. You know things are bad when you "start smelling dick" in your sleep. All I know, is that if I was with one of the Ghetto Girlz, I'd have treated her right. Whenever she'd mention "her nipples" getting "hard" I'd offer her my jacket and cuddle with her. I'd do whatever she asked so that the thought of "smoking" my "ass" never crossed her mind. I wouldn't play ANY tricks on her.

My Man's Playing Tricks on Me by The Ghetto Girlz

Barbara Lynn "I'm a Good Woman"

2007-03-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

I've practically been listening to this song every day for the last month. It just kills me for some reason. Starting right from the beginning when Barbara says, "Hey!" this record drips with soul. And listen to that snare drum. It's like the tightest snare drum in the world! Apparantly Barbara had her own all-female backing band there for awhile. I could only imagine. Although there is no footage of her all-female band I highly suggest you check some footage of her on youtube. Sorry about the clicks at the beginning.

I'm a Good Woman by Barbara Lynn

Fiebre Amarilla y sus Amigos

2007-03-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

About two weeks ago I was in Southern California visiting Joshua Tree National Park and seeing friends in Los Angeles. I always try to find time to do some record shopping while I'm down there, but I never find anything too special. This time I decided to try the swap meets. Since I was there mid-week I found myself at the Alpine Village Swap Meet in beautiful Torrance, California (pictured above). The place looked and smelled like the Oakland Coliseum swap meet which has been pretty generous to me, so I was pretty excited while walking through the spaces. Fiebre Amarilla y sus Amigos' "Super Ensalada" ended up being my favorite out of seven sealed Latin records I picked up there. Like lots of Latin records this one has one huge medley of songs on each side. I took three nice sections out of the record to share today. What amazes me about this record is it's diversity. This record goes from operatic marches to ska/calypso jams to "Blues Brothers" early rock and roll, to bossa nova, to fuzzed out surf rock, and then back to traditional Latin cumbias.

Side one opens up with a weird wedding march sung by a woman in an opera type falsetto and then goes on to cover the theme from "The Bridge Over the River Kwai". I made the executive decision to not include that for you. What I did include was a sort of "Blues Brothers"/"Big Chill" medley of early rock and roll that starts of with "Blue Moon" then goes into a kind of low rider instrumental with reverbed out surf rock guitar before launching into a short ska set that includes Byron Lee's "Jamaica Ska" complete with Spanish lyrics and "Shame and Scandal in the Family". The band then switches it up with a slower love song and ends with a quick little surf rock guitar jam before they switch it up yet again into more traditional Latin music which I left out.

The second selection also comes from the first side and captures the band as they start into another rock medley with "Rock Around the Clock", "Tutti Fruti", "What I'd Say" and "Long Tall Sally." Unfortunately, none of the songs are sung in Spanish, but you've got to love the vocal inflictions used on "What I'd Say". The band then heads into low rider oldies territory. These could possibly be actual songs from the 50's or 60's but I'm not familiar with them. Check the little drum break before "Estuve Enamorado". This selection ends with my favorite track: a cover of Them's Gloria. Unfortunately they split the track in half between the first and second side of the album.

The third selection opens up where the second selection ended. For some reason, I love this track. First of all, I'm a sucker for covers in alternate languages, but this guy's voice sounds so great through the reverb they used. After "Gloria" they head into an unremarkable version of "Hang on Sloopy", but they come back with a loungey bossa nova number called "El Pato". Watch out for that keyboard solo! I then end the selection with two more songs that should give you an idea of what the rest of the album sounds like.

I hope someone out there gets as much of a kick out of this album as I do.

Super Ensalada #1 by Fiebre Amarilla y sus Amigos
Super Ensalada #2 by Fiebre Amarilla y sus Amigos
Super Ensalada #3 by Fiebre Amarilla y sus Amigos

Stones Throw White Label

2007-02-25T17:23:00.000-08:00

I bought this record at a Peanut Butter Wolf, Cut Chemist, and Madlib show at the Justice League in SF a few years ago. I just recently sold it on the Ebay to somebody in France. I recorded it before I sent it off so I wouldn't feel the loss quite so much. I guess only 300 copies were pressed and sold at shows or given away as promos. I'm not sure if any of these tracks were officially released so I am taking it upon myself to make sure this music gets to more than the 300 people who own the record. I do it for the people.
Side A:
Phone Ring Track by Charizma from Stones Throw White Label
Red Light Green Light by Charizma from Stones Throw White Label
Fraudulent by Homeless Derelix from Stones Throw White Label
The Letter F by Funkaho from Stones Throw White Label
Side B:
The Message by Jaylib (Madlib and Jay Dee) from Stones Throw White Label
LAX to JFK by Madlib from Stones Throw White Label
Green Power (Original Version) by Quasimoto from Stones Throw White Label
The Chicken by The Breakestra from Stones Throw White Label

What does a $103 northern soul 45 sound like?

2007-02-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

My ear hurts. I love Q-tips, but I had to stop using them because I got an ear infection. I swim for exercise and that doesn't help with my ear problems. I took a month long break from the Q-tips until two days ago. God, it felt good. While digging around in my ear I managed to block my ear up with wax. So I've been pulling and tugging at my ear for the last two days in an attempt to unplug my ear. Now, like I said, my ear hurts.

Oh, I sold this 45 on ebay the other day for $103 and told all of my friends about it. They all asked, "What was it?"

'Cause You're Mine by The Vibrations on Epic
I Took an Overdose by The Vibrations on Epic

Dyke and the Blazers "Runaway People"

2007-02-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

I want to make this a quick post. Here's another 45 I came across recently. Dyke and the Blazers are mostly known for their hit "Funky Broadway" which Wilson Picket covered. A quick little search for Dyke and the Blazers taught me that Dyke was shot and killed in an Arizona bar back in 1971. The case against the man responsible for shooting Dyke was eventually dismissed due to evidence of self defence. Apparantly the band on this track is the core of the Watts 103rd St. band. I'm a sucka for songs that name check California.

Runaway People by Dyke and the Blazers on Original Sound

Vernon Garrett

2007-01-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

I didn't know anything about Vernon Garrett when I picked up this 45 at the swap meet a few months ago. All I saw was the title "We People of the Ghetto" and decided it was worth the dollar to give it a listen. Luckily, that dollar blessed me with a nice pice of gritty funk. This is basically what I'm hoping to pick up everytime I buy an unkown piece of wax. How did they make the drums sound so crisp? And that drum beat would basically be a punk beat if it wasn't on the one (correct me if I'm wrong; I could use the comments). And, then there's that fuzz bass that comes through during the chorus which clearly shows us "..people of the ghetto have got feelin." Unlike so many funk 45s out there this one has got a flip that is just as good, maybe better than the A side. "You Blew My Mind" opens up with those drums again followed by the horns before the whole song lays right into the groove with nice little accents thrown in there on the highhat and snare. I love the way the drummer kind of gets loose during the sax solo. Apparantly, Vernon has an entire LP of this stuff out there, but I'm sure it's pretty hard to find. His 45s can't be too hard to come by because I came across another one of his singles the next week while visiting a friend in Sacramento. So, if y'all are good boys and girls and leave some comments I'll post up some more work from Vernon.

We People in the Ghetto by Vernon Garrett on Kapp Records

You Blew My Mind by Vernon Garrett on Kapp Records

Melvin Van Peebles

2007-01-02T18:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, James Brown is dead - 'nuff said.

I found this copy of Melvin Van Peebles's "What the **** You Mean I Can't Sing?" during my little trip through downtown Fresno that I mentioned a while ago. I think this album could best be described as the evil stepbrother to Bill Cosby's "Hooray for the Salvation Army". Like Cosby, Melvin really can't sing but attempts to. Unlike Cosby, Melvin throws down some serious commentary on American culture. Much has been said about Melvin and I'm not going to even attempt to give any background on the guy. Although I'd read about his films and seen "New Jack City", which starred is son Mario, I didn't really start getting into Melvin after hearing Quasimoto's album "The Unseen" which sampled heavily from his albums. I'm also including a few songs from Melvin's album "Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death" which you 'll most surely recognize if you're familiar with "The Unseen".

A Birth by Melvin Van Peebles from What the **** You Mean I Can't Sing?
Come On Write Me by Melvin Van Peebles from What the **** You Mean I Can't Sing?
Come On Feet by Melvin Van Peebles from Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death
Put a Curse by Melvin Van Peebles from Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death

Leroy Price and the Exotic's

2006-12-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

I picked this record up in Sacramento about a month ago at a friend of a friend's garage sale. I ended up with a few 45s, but this one stands out the most for a few reasons. I've got a big expensive book that I bought a while ago called the Funky and Groovy Music Records Lexicon. It's a great book for record collecting dorks like myself. It lists all sorts of records that are considered "funky" along with their label info, release dates, pictures, and a reference to their rarity/value. I use the book mostly to ogle at the pictures of rare 45s. Sometimes, when I find a record I'm not familiar with, I'll look it up in the Book. Usually my records, if they even show up in the book, are listed as an A or B in the scale of rarity which ranges from A for common all of the way to H for super rare. Well, Leroy Price and the Exotic's "Exotic's Thing" is listed as an F. That means, according to the Book, this is the rarest record I own. Behold the rareness my friends! So what does this mean? Not much really. Besides the book, I can't really find any info about the record. The record doesn't turn up in Ebay completed listings and there is no mention of it in Popsike. There is a mention of it on a playlist at Deepfunk.org so it's clearly FUNKY! I mean listen to that break down between the drums and the bass. There's also a reference to the record by "the Aussie Keb Darge" John Idem here. When I listen to this record I can't hear the rareness, but I can picture Leroy Price up on stage moving around, shaking it and shouting in front of a top notch horn section accenting everything he has to say, while a rhythm section smokes right along and the guitarist steps on his wah wah when they make a change.

Exotic's Thing 45 on Image Records

A Bailar La Cumbia- El Ritmo de Moda

2006-12-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

I picked this record up in a thrift store called "St. Paul's"during my Fresno trip. I hardly ever pass up on cumbia records. I really like the stuff and you can't beat the energy cumbia comes with, although I can't listen to hours upon hours of it because it starts to sound the same. I was DJing a party a couple of weeks ago and I dropped a cumbia remix from a white label by Los Hermanos Latinos. I should post that up some time because I don't think it's available anymore. Anyway, some dude came up to me and was so excited that I was spinning cumbia. He was like, "I'm Columbian! You're spinning cumbia!!!" I almost thanked him and his people for providing cumbia for the world, but decided that sounded dumb, so I said, "Cool!"

Cumbia de la Media Noche A Bailar La Cumbia - El Ritmo de Moda
Cumbia del Sol A Bailar La Cumbia - El Ritmo de Moda

The Johnny Almond Music Machine

2006-11-27T19:18:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in forever. I could go on and on about how much of a chore this all seems to be sometimes. Everything seems to be a chore fore me lately. So, between buying records, doing the dishes, and working I haven't been very motivated to write anything. I know, I know, save it for the shrink, where are the mp3s?

During this holiday weekend I traveled to good old Fresno, California where I visited my family, ate more food than I should have, watched cable t.v., and refused to do anything active at all. I did however find time to do some record shopping in downtown Fresno thrift stores after visiting a unbelievably cheap Basque restaurant and walking amongst Chicano murals, African-American biker gang club houses, and homeless tent cities.

Today, San Francisco presented me with a grey rainy day that has allowed me to spend the whole time inside my apartment ripping records and taking photos of album covers. All I will need to do in the future is write a little paragraph in order to create a new post for my blog. That way, it won't be four months between posts. This is all theory though so don't get your hopes up.

So, the first record I will share from my downtown Fresno excursion is The Johnny Almond Music Machine's "Patent Pending". This was the only worthwhile record out of about 200 Christian records that were displayed on a wall in the corner of a Salvation Army right next to the 41. I've never heard of The Johnny Almond Music Machine and almost passed on it thinking that it was a religious children's record. The cover looks kind of like a kid's record to me, and I'm pretty sure I've picked up a crappy kid's record called "The Music Machine". It wasn't until I looked at the back of the album that I realized it was probably worth picking up. The second track on the album is a cover of Yusef Lateef's "Before Dawn" and Roland Kirk's influence is mentioned a few times in the liner notes in addition to a song recorded in tribute to him.I didn't have a record player with me, or where I was staying in Fresno, so I had to wait until I returned to San Francisco to listen to my records. I was pretty happy when I finally got a chance to listen to it.

Ensingle by The Johnny Almond Music Machine from Patent Pending
Before Dawn by The Johnny Almond Music Machine from Patent Pending
Solar Level by The Johnny Almond Music Machine from Patent Pending
To R.K. by The Johnny Almond Music Machine from Patent Pending
Tales of Junior by The Johnny Almond Music Machine from Patent Pending

Willie Bobo

2006-09-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today I'm bringing you three tracks from two different albums by Willie Bobo. Willie is one of those artist whose albums I pick up whenever I find them for a reasonable price. I have about 6 different Willie Bobo albums and enjoy every one of them. His records aren't considered rare and they turn up often so don't pay too much for them. Most people are familiar with his songs "Fried Neck Bones and Some Home Fries" and "Evil Ways" which were both covered by Santana. Actually, Willie doesn't have writing credits for "Evil Ways" so there may be an even more original version that I've never heard of.

According to my exhaustive research which included reading the back of my six album covers, Willie started off playing percussion for Herbie Mann, Mongo Santamaria, Cal Tjader, and Dizzie Gillespie before going off on his own. The first track I'm sharing with you today, "Sham Time", is a nice quick latin burner from the album "A New Dimension" which includes Chuck Rainey on bass who always seems to be popping up on funky albums. Also from "A New Dimension" is "Psychedelic Blues" which doesn't quite seem psychedelic to me, but does have some great percussion going on as is usual with Willie's work. Finally, we've got "Soul Cookin'" from the album "Spanish Blues Band." This one has vocals, but they only consist of Willie yelling out types of soul food and a chorus of women shouting "Soul Cookin!" behind him. I think he may have been trying to capitalize on the soul food theme that he was so succesful with on "Fried Neck Bones..."

Sham time by Willie Bobo from A New Dimension
Psychedelic Blues by Willie Bobo from A New Dimension
Soul Cookin' by Willie Bobo from Spanish Blues Band

Willie and the Bumblebees

2006-08-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Alright, I feel a little guilty about turning my mp3 blog into a lame travel blog, so I'm going to make it up to you right now. Right before I took off from Guatemala I headed over to Amoeba Records here in San Francisco. I kind of have a love hate relationship with that place. I go there all the time and I'm always buying records. Since I buy so many records at places like swap meets and such I end up with a lot of crap. Well, not really crap, but stuff I don't want and don't have the room for in my shitty one bedroom apartment. Often, while browsing through the records of Amoeba I encounter these same crappy records at fairly high prices. Prices definitely higher than the measely one or two bucks I spend at the swaps. Every few months my stack of crap records becomes so big that I decide to take it down to Amoeba. At Amoeba I wait in line until the record nerd motions to me and my records. He sorts my crap records into various piles while I try not to worry about his judgement of my musical taste. Then, I'm offered a rediculously low price for my records. I know, I know they're my crap records. What am I complaining about It's just that after selling my records to them I feel like I've been reamed.

So, the last time I was at Amoeba, right before I left for my trip, things finally evened out. I was browsing through the stacks of new records and came across something I thought I'd seen before. The record was called Willie and the Bumblebees and had a picture of some goofy looking guys with even goofier sunglasses. Unlike most of the records in the pile, there wasn't a nice plastic protective jacket over the album. Also unlike the rest of the records in the stacks, this record was priced at $1.99. Why did I know this record? I knew I must had seen it on Soulstrut.com or something, but that can be tricky because people post about crappy records almost just as much as they post about good records. Well, I bought the record and headed home to do some record nerd research on the internet.

What did I learn? Willie and the Bumblebees is a private press record from Minnesota that routinely fetches 40 bucks on Ebay. There hasn't been a reissue or boot, so I made a good 38 dollars from Amoeba that day. Ha ha record nerds working at Amoeba!

So, to celebrate my victory over the record buyers at Amoeba I bring to you what I think are the three strongest tracks from Willie and the Bumblebee's Honey from the Bee. I hope you enjoy them.

Honey from the Bee by Willie and the Bumblebees from Honey from the Bee
Dipstick by Willie and the Bumblebees from Honey from the Bee
Sahara by Willie and the Bumblebees from Honey from the Bee

Back from Hiatus

2006-08-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

Damn. I haven't posted in three months. I know everyone out there was totally worried about me and disappointed that I wasn't posting up free music. Thanks for the ONE comment asking why I hadn't posted.

So, why haven't I posted? Well, I'm a teacher and the end of the school year is one big strees out. So, I tried to focus on finishing the school year. Then, once school was out I jumped on a plane and spent six weeks in Guatemala and Belize. Now, I'm sure you are all excited to hear the rare latin heatrocks I collected during my travels but there is one problem. There is no vinyl in Central America. At least during my entire six weeks I didn't see one round piece of vinyl anywhere. I tried too; trust me. I used my weak Spanish to inquire at every record shop I encountered and was basically laughed at each time. It's all about the compact disc in Central America and I could go on to explain why, but I'm sure you could all figure it out.

Don't worry my friends. My trip was not entirely devoid of music. Every bus ride was a look into the music of Guatemala. If you look to the left of the rear view mirror in the picture to the right you'll notice a bird's nest of wire and a nice radio amongst it all. Truthfully, there wasn't that much music that excited me. In fact, after being on a few busses that simply played static at loud volumes, I became convinced that most of the people on the busses weren't paying attention.

There was one song that caught my attention. It seemed to be on the radio every time I was on a bus that was not playing static. Each time it came up I worked up the courage to ask someone who the artist was. I was usually told it was reggaeton, like I was some sort of alien for not knowing that. I then replied by explaining that I knew it was reggaeton, but wanted to know who was playing the song. Again, reggaeton was the answer.

Eventually with the help of a fellow traveler and a bootleg CD salesman on the side of the street, the mystery was solved. Yeah, this song may be old news to many of you. In fact, I related this story to my partner when I returned. I played her the song, but she wasn't too impressed because she'd been watching the video all summer on the Spanish channel here in California.

Sorry, no mp3 for you this time. Just a youtube video link. Don't worry. It won't be another three months until my next post.

Atrevete-te by Calle Trece

Byron Lee and the Dragonaires

2006-04-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have no idea why I'm posting more reggae. I feel like I lost all reggae credibility when I posted Wayne Jarrett's version of Billie Jean. No one liked it. I'm always complaining about not receiving comments. No problems with that post. Three people found the time to tell me the song basically sucked. Well, here we go again. This time I've got three songs from Byron Lee and the Dragonaires' album "Reggay Fever". Byron Lee has been recording music for a long time and still continues to release albums, but they are mostly Soca. I haven't heard any of his new stuff, but I've read that it sucks. But, hey, maybe I'll like it, right? Byron Lee started off playing ska and I remember reading in Lloyd Bradley's This is Reggae Music that Byron Lee actually traveled to the US for some sort of World's Fair type thing. At the time, reggae and ska were only really being listened to in JA, so Byron Lee was chosen to kind of expose the world to reggae. It didn't go well, and many people felt the failure was due to the fact that most of the musicians on the tour were white and that Byron Lee was disconnected from the real reggae that was going down in places like Trenchtown. Byron, I belive is part Black, Chinese and White. And, he often gigged for rich white folks at resorts which wouldn't even allow dreads inside. Well, read the book if any of that sounds interesting to you. Besides, I may have messed up those stories too, because my memory ain't so great sometimes. Now, about the music. I've got two covers. First, is a cover of Wing's "Live and Let Die". Second is the b-boy classic "Apache" which unfortunately does not include breaks. Thirdly, I'm including a track called "Mojo Reggae" which is kind of a fast paced rock steady instrumental. I don't believe this album has been reissued, but Turntable Lab currently has sealed original copies of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires' "Reggae Splashdown" which includes some nice covers of "Express Yourself" and George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord" which was recently featured at Soul Sides
Live and Let Die by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires from Reggay Fever
Apache by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires from Reggay Fever
Mojo Reggae by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires from Reggay Fever

Mambajahambo!

2006-04-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

Another quick post to put the word out on an incredible mix one of my Sockpuppet brethren has created. You've got to check it out. Basically, O-nice has created a mixtape that puts you into a packed club at 1 in the morning. Sprinkled with my man's own remixes, this mix will make you shake your ass while asking, "What song is that?" and "Those vocals are from what?" So, go download the mp3, and leave some comments here to let the man know what you think. P.S. He's looking for gigs in Chicago.

Umbrellas up!

Mambajahambo by O-Nice

Yusef Lateef's Suite 16

2006-04-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to make sure y'all are getting your mp3s. More Yusef Lateef, this time from his album "Suite 16". The two tracks I'm including are "Buddy and Lou" and "Nocturne." They are a bit mellower than the last two from Lateef's "Detroit", but they still have strong rhythm sections.

I also wanted to say thanks to all of the folks still putting comments on the Bollywood posts, especially the fellow who posted anonymously and said he'd be able to hook me up with some RD Burman albums straight from India. Now, if you'll just leave your email addy, I'll be stoked.

Buddy and Lou by Yusef Lateef from Suite 16
Nocturne by Yusef Lateef from Suite 16

Yusef Lateef's Detroit

2006-03-31T16:47:00.000-08:00

Pick up every Yusef Lateef record you can find. And, as long as I'm giving you orders, leave some comments! Man, since I stopped posting Bollywood, this place has become a ghost town. Well, I've got two tracks from Yusef Lateef's Detroit for you. First is a track called "Bishop School." It's the opening track of the album and comes out punching! Just listen to that rhythm section! Obviously you can't go wrong when you've got such heavy hitters as Ray Baretto on conga, "Tootie" Heath on percussion, AND Bernard Purdie on drums! Then, you've got Yusef going off on the scat vocals towards the end.

The second track is called "Eastern Market" and once again has a powerful rhythm punctuated by Pretty Purdie's licks. Yusef lays down some beautiful flute on top of it all before he starts spreading the word of the produce for sale at the market. Embarrassingly, I first heard this song on MF Doom's "Who You Think I Am?" which I've also included. But, it wasn't like I went out searching for Doom's sample for the track. It was one of those pleasant surprises when you put on an old jazz record and realize, "Hey, that's where that came from..." Oh, and leave some comments.

Bishop School by Yusef Lateef from Yusef Lateef's Detroit
Eastern Market by Yusef Lateef from Yusef Lateef's Detroit
Who You Think I Am? by MF Doom from Doomsday

Billie Jean in a Rasta Style

2006-03-21T19:47:00.000-08:00

I really like this record. Reggae Disco Twelves are just beautiful. Check out that jacket! Now, the first time I heard a reggae version of Billie Jean was from Shinehead. Great track, but so slow people look funny when they dance to it. Then, last summer, while visiting friends in Santa Barbara I popped into a record store I had scoped out in the yellow pages. After browsing a little bit and not finding anything of interest I headed out the door, but was stopped when I noticed a stack of reggae records on the floor. I stooped down, flipped through a couple of Third World records, and was stopped by the bright green of this jacket. I read "Dist. By: Randy's Records", "Billy Jean", "M. Jackson", and "Wayne Jarrett" and decided right there I was leaving with the record. Until picking up this record I had no idea there was another reggae version of "Billie Jean" besides Shinehead's. There may be hundreds, I don't know. Truth is, this version doesn't make people trip over themselves when they dance to it because it's too slow. So take a listen to both sides and don't ignore the B side which brings us the instrumental version called "Summer Jeans" since they throw in a little lick from the "Porgy and Bess's" "Summertime".

Billie Jean by Wayne Jarrett from 12"

Summer Jeans by I Life Band from 12"

Herb Albert meets Public Enemy

2006-03-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

Mash ups or blends or whatever you want to call them haven't disappeared yet. They are definitely still with us. I don't mind them. In fact I'm a sucka for things like Rapture Riders. Before Dangermouse and his Grey album, I heard the following track on college radio over five years ago. I was blown away by it. Public Enemy's "By the Time I Get to Arizona" over Herb Albert's "Whipped Cream". It was basically the first time I heard a mash up. The group, Evolution Control Committee are responsible for this. I believe they have some loose affiliation with the group Negativeland who became semifamous when they were sued by U2 for naming an album U2 and sampling heavily from them. Well, Evolution Control Committee have had their run ins with the law also, their motto is "Copyright Violation for the Nation." So check out their website here and don't forget to check out the sounds section where you'll find some great stuff including "Rocked by Rape" and a reinterpretation of the song "Axel F" only using samples of Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" called "Fock it".

By the Time I Get to Arizona (Whipped Cream Mix) by Public Enemy Remixed by Evolution Control Committee

Sockpuppet Soundsystem Show this Friday and a Mix

2006-03-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

I'm going to shill a show I'm a part of that's going down this Friday in San Francisco. Fellow Sockpuppet Jaybee will be spinning along with guest DJ Sonny Ray from East Village Radio. I'll spin a few records (no Bollywood I promise) and some dude named Pinched Nerve will be performing with his cheap ass keyboards. Props to fellow Sockpuppet Matt Manley aka Dig This for the outstanding flyer.

Here's a little mix of soul and funk 45's I put together a few months ago.

45 mix by K-mac

West Coast Gangsta

2006-03-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

No more Bollywood! I can't really think of a theme or anything to get started on so I'll throw up two tracks by Above the Law. I found this twelve inch at the flea market at Laney College in Oakland a few weeks ago. Murder Rap is the from the A side and features that Quincy Jones synth that was used by Quentin Tarrentino all over Kill Bill. The B side, Another Execution, is a nice slow track that features a wha wha sample. I'm a sucker for wha wha. Two great examples of early Dr. Dre production that aren't quite as well known as NWA or the DOC.

Murder Rap by Above the Law from Livin Like Hustlers
Another Execution by Above the Law from Livin Like Hustlers

Apna Desh

2006-02-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Spent last week in Rome. Unfortunately I didn't find any Italian library records and I don't have any Italian music to post. So, that means more Bollywood. I'm ending my little Bollywood thread with an entire album by R.D. Burman. This record was in that very first stash of Bollywood records I picked up in Berkeley. Apparantly this one is pretty well known and seems to sell for fair prices alhtough my copy has a hole that's too big so I won't be doing any skratching with it. It's not necessarily funky, but has got some great freaky/mod moments especially on "Rona Kabhi Nahin" and "Aaja O Mere Raja". I'm also going to include a few tracks from the Bollywood remix project "Bombay the Hardway" that started me on this whole kick. And, you should also check out this clip from a Bollywood film that I found on WFMU's Beware of the Blog

1.Kajra Laga Ke
2.Lelo Lelo Babu Peelo Narial Pani
3.Suno Champa
4.Rona Kabhi Nahin
5.Aaja O Mere Raja
6.Duniya Men

Satchidananda by Kalyanji, Anandji from Bombay the Hard Way
Theme from Don by Kalyanji, Anandji from Bombay the Hard Way

More Bollywood!!!

2006-02-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

My last post was kind of long so I'll try to keep this one short. Today, I bring to you two tracks from two albums by the same artist, Bappi Lahiri. The first track is "Superstar" from the movie "Film Hi Film" which is pictured to the side and below. Once again we've got this weird disco style with chugging guitar work, real drums, and synths. This song makes me dance in my living room. I also tend to sing along with the "Hey! Hey!" part and punctuate it by putting my fist in the air. Hoping for the same reaction from others, I've played this song out at a few parties, but the only response I've seen so far is bewilderment.

The next song, "Jeet", is taken from the album "Josh". I picked this one up sealed on my second visit to my spot in Berkeley. I actually saw it the first time I was there, but passed on it because the front cover makes it look like a stand up comedy album. After searching on the internets, I saw that the album had some sort of demand so I picked it up. For some reason, this track reminds me of Mr. Bungle. I guess it could be for a couple of reasons including the sudden changes, the multiple influences, the keyboard sounds, the guitar, and the plain old wackiness of that synth line followed by the disco strings and breakdown. You must listen to this song all the way through, because it seems to stop, then comes roaring back as a sort of dance reprise with a chorus yelling "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey...." Geez, I hope someone is enjoying this stuff besides me.

Superstar by Bappi Lahiri from Film Hi Film
Jeet by Bappi Lahiri from Josh

Bollywood!

2006-02-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

I suppose my first real contact with Bollywood music was through the remix project Bombay the Hard Way by Dan the Automator and Josh Davis (DJ S****w). I started searching for records by the duo Kalyanji and Anandji who were featured in that album. Besides comps, I could only find their music on Ebay for hefty prices. Then, one day, while in Berkeley, I decided to walk into one of the Indian import shops on University and asked if they had any records. Once it was clear that I meant the big round vinyl thing, the nice Indian gentleman walked me towards a dusty old box of Bollywood records. For 6 bucks each I picked up 8 records that still smell like curry. None of the albums were completely mindblowing and I'm pretty sure the steady diet of Bollywood music for weeks straight drove my significant other berzerker.

My search for Bollywood records went to another level when I started to call Indian import stores throughout the Bay Area. Most of the calls started with me struggling to explain what I was searching for and ending with laughter once it was clear I wanted records. My phone calls eventually led me back to Berkeley where I found a store selling sealed Bollywood records for eleven bucks each. I started to have delusions of quitting my day job and selling sealed Bollywood albums to record nerds, producers, and djs for astronomical prices.
After a little bit of research using Ebay's completed items and Popsike.com I headed back to the store to find out that the store owner had seen the same requests multiple times from record stores in Chicago and New York. My plans to quit working for the man had been thwarted, but I still came up with a few nice Bollywood records.

So, today I bring to you three tracks from the movie Haadsaa an Incident composed by the same two guys, Kalyanji and Anandji featured in Bombay the Hard Way. The front and back of the cover are the top two images of my post. This is by far my favorite of all of my Bollywood records.
Not often do you find three fairly good tracks on one Bollywood record. Most of the albums that I've kept are usually one trackers. Lots of sound effects and moogs on this one. The highlight of this album for me is the disco song about YOGA. There's something about programmed synth lines and real drums that I really like.

I'm also including one track from a movie called Jaago. I do not know the name of the track because all text is in Hindi (I believe that's the right term; correct me if I'm wrong). I picked this one up because it had a dude holding some sort of ax on the front cover. This one starts of with some great moog and goes into nice funky guitar punctuated by horns. Like most Bollywood music it switches all over the place thorughout the song.

Bombay Sheher by Kalyanji Anandji from Haadsaa an Incident
Disco Cammata by Kalyanji Anandji from Haadsaa an Incident
Y.O.G.A. by Kalyanji Anandji from Haadsaa an Incident
Bollywood Music by Jaigovind from Jaago

Amid Ranchera

2006-02-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

The following tracks are all taken from Latin records that are full of cowboy hat wearing ranchera tunes. First off, is a track called "Frijole con Puerco" or as they shout out at the beginning, "Pork and Beans." I picked this record up at the same Goodwill I mentioned in my previous posts. With the name "Los Socios Del Ritmos" and a Perez Prado cover I had to pick it up and was totally blown away when this song came up. Once again the keyboards kick ass, but the horns and guitar almost give the song a reggae feel.

Next is a track taken from the album pictured above. I've noticed that a lot of these records will have one huge track with a medley of songs. So, after two or three fast paced polka type tunes punctuated by "gritas" Orquesta Casino decided to throw in a wicked fast cover of War's "Cisco Kid". I left a little bit of the next song so you can hear the transition.

Thirdly, is a track by Little Joe and the Latinaires from Texas. I believe Little Joe is a legend in TexMex music and even plays today. I totally picked this record up on the strength of the album cover. Once again, amid plenty of very latin type tunes we are given a nice version of the Shocking Blue's "Venus". Interestingly, they cite the writing credits as "unknown". I suppose they did that for copyright reasons. Wait, are the Shocking Blue even the writers of the track?

My final track is a 45 that I found on top of a garbage can on Bryant and 24th street here in San Francisco. There were a bunch of Latin tunes and some oldies records but this is the only thing I ended up keeping. The 45 looked like it had never been played. The song is called "Abuelita Rock" and is credited to the group Andalucia. I have no information on them except for they rock and sound like a bunch of kids.

Frijol Con Puerco by Los Socios Del Ritmo from Chilito piquin Vamos A Platicar
Cisco Kid by Orquesta Casino from Sabor!
Venus by Little Joe and the Latinaires from Mas Arriba
Abuelita Rock by Andalucia from 45 single

Orquesta Hermanos Flores "La Bala"

2006-01-24T16:47:00.000-08:00

So, I found this album at the Goodwill I mentioned in my last post. Orquesta Hermanos Flores are from El Salvador and have a great sound. For me, it is all about the keyboards with this album that just cause me to smile and lean back every time they jump out of the mix. I'm going to take a cue from The Record Brother and post an entire album this time. The big highlights in the album are the covers. Although they're not Joe Cocker, Orquesta Hermanos Flores stay pretty true to Dave Mason's "Feelin Alright" except for the translation which becomes "Estoy En Onda." Their second cover, according to the liner notes is Jesse James's "The Mule" which is entitled "La Mula." I've read elsewhere on the internets that "The Mule" was written by Jesse Green. Either way, I haven't heard the original, but would definitely be interested in checking it out because this version is a burner! This track is so fast and break laden that I can easily picture the b-boys in El Salvador losing their shit over it. The rest of the tracks paint a picture of a El Salvadorean party circa 1967. They switch from Ranchera type jams like "El Estudiante" and "Que Ojos" to keyboard driven mod freakouts like "Jovenes Amantes" and "Solo Amor." I hope you enjoy.

1.La Turista
2.Jovenes Amantes
3.El Estudiante
4.La Bala
5.Que Ojos
6.Solo Amor
7.Estoy En Onda
8.Alfombra Magica
9.Viejo Cerros
10.La Mula

Pete Rodriguez on Alegre

2006-01-23T19:11:00.000-08:00

Here are a few tracks from Pete Rodriguez's "Latin Soul Man" on Alegre records, Tico's competition. Pretty good boogaloo. There was about a month when these amazing Latin LPs kept popping up at this one Goodwill I frequent. It was amazing (Obviously! I've said it twice). Unfortunately, it hasn't happened again in a while, but that doesn't stop me from going there hoping to come up again.

"Me"? by Pete Rodriguez from Latin Soul Man
Juana by Pete Rodriguez from Latin Soul Man
Maloja by Pete Rodriguez from Latin Soul Man

Eddie Palmieri and Tico

2006-01-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

Hello folks! The title of my post said Charlie Palmieri for almost a week when I didn't even mention the dude! And, no one said a thing! Is anyone reading this?
So, continuing with the Tico records thing I'll post a couple of tracks from Eddie Palmieri. First is a track from the album "Justicia" called "Everything is Everything". Definitely a soul influenced track and I really enjoy his little rap about justice in the middle. I've got to apologize for the noise on this album. It's pretty beat. I have such a hard time buying albums that I know are relatively good, rare, or interesting, but are in bad shape. I should just do a post of good albums in VG- and below condition. I'm sure you'd all love to download a bunch of mp3s ripped from scratched up records. Anyway the other track is taken from a live album called "Eddie's Concerto". This one was recorded in 1976. Amazingly he stays away from the disco sound that so many Latin artists started to cop in the mid 70's. Sorry, no Harlem River Drive for y'all. I haven't come across it just yet. Feel free to send me a copy as a way of saying "Thanks for all the mp3s!"

Everything is Everything by Eddie Palmieri from Justicia
Tema de Apollo by Eddie Palmieri from Eddie's Concerto

Joe Cuba Tico Records

2006-01-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

I think I'm going to make a few posts about my Latin record collection. One of the first Latin artists I started to collect was Joe Cuba. I'd heard his song "El Pito" and was totally blown away by the energy. The song just keeps going and going. He's got that same energy going with "Bang, Bang" too, especially when it fades out and comes back in (I always forget about that stupid fade when I'm spinning the record out). Both of these tracks are good examples of boogaloo, in fact "Bang, Bang" has the honor of being the most popular boogaloo track ever. Both of these tracks are fairly easy to come by and are fairly affordable, especially when compared to albums on Fania. There are some great records on Tico and I try to pick them up whenever I come across them. You can read more about the record label here and see some great album covers for Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and Ray Barreto to just name a few.

I'm also posting a third track by Joe Cuba which is taken from his self-titled album on Embajador records. It's much earlier than the two boogaloo tracks and has much more of a cha cha cha/mambo feel to it, but you can sense the R&B/soul tinges that are creeping their way into his music.

El Pito by The Joe Cuba Sextet from Estamos Haciendo Algo Bien!
Bang Bang by The Joe Cuba Sextet from Bang! Bang! Push! Push!
Bochinosa by Joe Cuba from Joe Cuba on Embajador Records

The Doors of Perception

2006-01-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

I just picked these two records up and figured I could talk about them because they are very loosely related. The first record is a double set of an interview done with Aldous Huxley. He covers all sorts of topics including religion, philosophy, other authors, the supernautral and of course drugs which I included here. Huxley wrote a book about his experience with ~~LSD~~ mescaline called the "The Doors of Perception." This book is what supposedly influenced Jim Morrison and the Gang to call themselves "The Doors." Their hit "Light My Fire" has been covered by all sorts of folks as can be seen here.Along with the Aldous Huxley recording, I picked up a copy of "Just a Melody" by Young-Holt Unlimited which includes a version of the Doors' classic. Young-Holt Unlimited are one of those groups that I always pick up if I find them for a decent price. They're probably best known for their track "Soulfult Strut" which I believe has been on a bunch of commercials. I'm also including the track "Young and Holtful" because I found myself dancing to it today. I'm pretty sure they were trying to cash in on the success of "Soulful Strut" with this one because it's definitely got the same sound but different feeling thing going on. It may just sound that way to me because it's been in comercials too. Why the hell am I posting mp3s of songs from commercials on the internet?

Aldous Huxley on Drugs from Aldous Huxley Speaking Personally
Light My Fire by Young Holt Unlimited from Just a Melody
Young and Holtful by Young Holt Unlimited from Just a Melody

This is the Future

2006-01-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years. I woke up with my head hurting, but I've been drinking mimosas all day and that seems to have helped. New Years is a time when everybody kind of looks forward to the new year so I figured I'd share these two tracks that concern the future (back in 1973 and 1978 respectively) First track is a cover of the 2001: A Space Oddesey theme which is actually "Thus Spoke Zarasthustra" which was composed by Johann Strauss. Lots of people have heard the Deodato version that was featured in the Peter Sellers film "Being There." I believe that version was the record label CTI's biggest seller and actually made it on the charts. Well, this version is taken from an album of covers from movie soundtracks by the Cecil Holmes Soulful Sounds. Nice break in the middle of this one.

Next is a disco-fied version of the "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" taken from an unofficial soundtrack of the film on the Pickwick label. I love this track and album mostly because it was one of the first records I ever owned. I remember my mom buying the album for me from a Thriftys drugstore back in day. I even used to know how to play the theme on the piano. Besides you can't beat science fiction disco.

I have an idea for a New Years resolution for all of you out there. Leave some comments!
2001 by The Cecil Holmes Soulful Sounds from The Black Motion Picture Experience

Theme from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind from Music from Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Xmas in New Orleans

2005-12-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

I spent last Christmas in New Orleans. The picture above was taken on Christmas Day. It was the first time in ten years that it had snowed in New Orleans. People were standing out in the street with smiles on their faces while kids threw snowballs and made little snowmen. We spent ten days there eating great food and watching outstanding music every day. Merry Christmas.

Here are two songs by Dr. John taken from a self titled album on Springboard. I couldn't find too much info about the album, but I'm pretty sure it's one of those greatest hits kind of albums you find on weird labels. "Xmas in New Orleans" should be pretty self explanatory. "Zuzu Man" has Dr. John talking his voodoo talk, but he sort of sounds like Santa Clause to me when he wishes everyone peace and happiness.

Xmas in New Orleans by Dr. John
Zuzu Man by Dr. John

Banana Daiquiris and Christmas

2005-12-19T19:51:00.000-08:00

Daiquiri is one weird word. It sure doesn't look like it's spelled correctly to me. Now, you're probably asking yourself, "What the hell do banana daiquiris have to do with Christmas?" Good question. You'd have to ask Prince about that one; he's the one who wrote the lyrics to "Another Lonely Christmas." This guitar driven ballad which is found on the b-side of "I Would Die 4 U" also finds Prince talking about swimming naked in pools and "doing it" with the lights on.

Our second Christmas themed song is "Christmas Rappin'" from 1979. This was Kurtis Blow's first single and one of the earliest rap songs ever recorded. The popularity of this record earned Kurtis a contract with Mercury. He doesn't really seem to talk about Christmas too much after the first minute.

Another Lonely Christmas by Prince from I Would Die 4 U Extended Version 12"
Christmas Rappin' by Kurtis Blow from 12" Single

The Family Vibes

2005-12-13T17:25:00.000-08:00

Ike Turner's original back up band was called The Kings of Rhythm. In 1971 Ike Turner produced and released an album called "Ike Turner Present's The Family Vibes 'Strange Fruit.'" The liner notes within the gatefold cover declare "Ike and Tina Turner's Band Formerly Known as the 'Kings of Rhythm' has changed it's name to "The Family Vibes". From that album we have a song called "Heap-A-Hole-Lot" that features some crazy ass effects on either a guitar or keyboard--I can't figure it out. It gets nice and noisy and that's what I like about it. The Family Vibes have another album called "Confined to Soul" which gives us the track "La Vamp" which is a cover of a Oliver Sain tune. Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out the name of the actual tune being covered. All in all, the Family Vibes have got two pretty good albums full of bluesy instrumentals with a few vocals thrown in. Not quite as mind blowing as "A Black Man's Soul", but good stuff indeed.

Quick shout out to Killing Floor Blues for hooking me up with a link and some traffic.

Heap-A-Hole-Lot by The Family Vibes from Strange Fruit
La Vamp by The Family Vibes from Confined to Soul

Funky Blues

2005-12-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

Back in July I went to Chicago to visit a friend, buy records, and eat red hots. That trip started my quest for funky blues music. There were a few things that started this kick. First of all, I saw Kid Koala spin an awesome set that had some great blues tunes. Then, my friend Matt and I went to a little record sale in some guys basement in Wrigleyville. I picked up this Etta James Cover of "I Got You Babe". I remember once I dropped the needle from some guy's portable onto the record everyone's ears kind of perked up. While trying to avoid knocking my head on the low beams in the basement I was told to ALWAYS pick up Etta James records that are on Cadet. Not bad advice. I also pick up Etta James records when they're on Chess which is why I have the track "All the Way Down Slow" from her 1973 self titled album.

I've also included a track by Little Sonny from his album "New King of the Blues Harmonica." I picked this record up hoping for funky blues and got it. It's on the Enterprise label which is part of Stax records. Isaac Hayes's records are usually on Enterprise. Well, the entire album has got that Memphis feel to it. I also suspect that the backing band on this album is the Bar-Kays, but I can't confirm this because I'm too lazy to do all of the research.

Finally, big ups to Soul Shower for putting up a link to my blog and sending some traffic over here. You suckas just need to start posting some comments and I'll be able to sleep at night.

I Got You Babe by Etta James from Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions
All the Way Down by Etta James from Etta James

Eli's Pork Chop by Little Sonny from The New King of the Blues Harmonica

Kraftwerk Toto and Africa

2005-11-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

When I first put this record on my turntable my mouth dropped. It's basically the feeling I'm looking for when looking for records. I don't get that feeling often, but I suppose that's what drives me to search for records. I can't quite figure out what exactly gives me that feeling. I think it's the feeling of surprise. This wasn't a record I had high hopes for. I basically liked the cover it came in and had never seen the label before. I know hardly anything about early Disco or Italian Disco so I decided to give it a shot hoping the record would sound "Africa(n)" like it's title. Who'd guess that a Disco Mix of Toto's Africa would have this pseudo electro/funk drum break at the beginning. And then of course there's the vocoder. Who'd have thought that there was a connection between Kraftwerk and Toto? Not me, and I guess that's why I enjoy coming home drunk, playing this record loudly and dancing to it.

Africa (Dub Mix) by Key of Dreams

Tighten Up Redux

2005-11-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

I believe these are the first 45s I've posted about. And, yeah, I know the picture I chose isn't even a 45. Well, I can't take a good picture of a 45 for the life of me. And the above picture was the only record I could find of either the TNT band or the TSU Tornadoes. So, forget about all of this picutre business and let's focus on the music. You've heard Archie Bells "Tighten Up" right? Well these two songs are way influenced by it. In fact, the first tune, "Getting the Corners" is by the backing band heard on "Tighten Up". The TSU Tornadoes were also from Texas just like Archie Bell. TSU stands for Texas Southern University where they were all students. "Getting the Corners" is a fast jam with plenty of grunts and horn breakdowns just like the song they cut for Archie.

Second is "The Meditation" by the TNT band. This 45 was released on the Cotique label. It's basically a cover of "Tighten Up" with a nice groovy boogaloo bass and different lyrics by Tito Ramos. Enjoy, and if you have any tips on taking pictures of 45s please leave a comment.

Getting the Corners by The TSU Tornadoes

The Meditation by The TNT Band from The Meditation

Random Hip Hop Finds

2005-11-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a couple of random hip hop 12"s I've picked up recently. Nothing special or rare. First is King Tee's "Got it Bad Y'all" which features the Alkaholics. Very West Coast. I love the sound of the snare on this track. The twelve also features the "Funky Piano Mix" which is basically an instrumental with a keyboard solo over it. I actually wanted to post that, but it's got a skip right in the middle of it! Second up is "CP Boogie" by the MCs of Rap on Rap Records from Miami. Distribution was done by Luke Skywalker records, but this is not a booty record. I wanted to post this because it's an interesting blend of reggae and hip hop back in 80s. Almost a predecessor of reggaeton I think... Actually, I don't know anything about reggaeton, maybe someone out there does?

Got it Bad Y'all by King Tee Featuring the Alkaholics from Tha Triflin' Album . . .
CP Boogie by the MCs of Rap

Miami Bass

2005-10-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

I picked up some Miami Bass Booty records the other day at a swap meet and I feel like changing things up a little. Both records are on the Vision Records label out of Miami Florida. First up is M.C. Cool Rock and M.C. Chaszy Chess's "Boot the Booty". Some nice scratches by Miami legend DJ Magic Mike on this one. If you listen carefully you'll notice the synth line from Tony Butler and Debbie Deb's "When I Hear Music" which I found in the same crate. Second is "Do Your Duty" by Beatmaster Clay D and the Get Funky Crew which obviously came right after "Boot the Booty" because they refer to it in the begining. Sorry about the condition of "Do Your Duty". Insert your own joke regarding dirty booty.

Boot the Booty by MC Cool Rock and MC Chaszy Chess
Do Your Duty by Beatmaster Clay D & the Get Funky Crew

WattStax

2005-10-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

In 1972 the Bar-Kays released "Do You See What I See?" and performed at the WattStax music festival in the L.A. Coliseum. There was a movie and album released documenting the concert. If you have never seen it you must. It is simply amazing. Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Eddie Floyd, Albert King, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Richard Pryor were all a part of it. The film is remarkable not only for the music, but for the interviews of the people living in Watts and their insight about their own neighborhood.

The Bar-Kays performed three songs at the festival. My favorite part of "Son of Shaft" besides the wah wah guitar workout is the dialogue before they begin their set. You can hear the band talking to the sound guys, plus the intro to the song is priceless. Most of it has been sampled like crazy so it should sound familiar.

"Do You See What I See" is simply a beautiful example of political funk from 1972. Enjoy.

Son of Shaft by The Bar-Kays from WattStax
Do You See What I See? by The Bar-Kays from Do You See What I See?

Bar-kays cont.

2005-10-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try for two posts this week so I'll be short. The Mar-keys were another band on the Stax/Volt label just like the Bar-kays. The Mar-keys were the very first studio band for the label and included Donald Dunn and Steve Cropper who were both part of Booker T. and the MGs. From what I can figure out the Mar-keys line-up changed fairly often. Isaac Hayes was part of the group for the album "The Great Memphis Sound." In fact, if anyone has a copy--hook a brother up! Wait, what am I thinking;I'm talking to like two people.

Well, the last Mar-keys album "The Memphis Experience" was basically the Bar-kays. I read somewhere most of album consisted of songs that didn't make it on the Bar-kays' albums. So here are two tracks from the album for you to enjoy. And finally, big ups to Tom Havers for leaving comments.

Angel Dust by The Mar-keys from The Memphis Experience
Creeper's Funktrations by The Mar-keys from The Memphis Experience

The Bar-Kays

2005-10-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

Hello imaginary people! I'm going to talk about the Bar-Kays. They are bad ass. First, they were the back up band for Otis Redding in addition to being the house band for the Stax music label. Yeah, I know Booker T. and the MGs basically did the same thing and are also bad ass, but that's for some future post. Well, all but two of the Bar-Kays were killed in the same plane crash that killed Otis Redding. So instead of giving up on everything after their bandmates all perished in a plane crash, guess what the surviving members did? They kept the band going with new members and continued as the house band for Stax playing on albums like Isaac Hayes's "Hot Buttered Soul". When I first started collecting records I became convinced that I had found the funkiest music ever after picking up the Bar-Kays' "Black Rock". Check out the wah wah guitar madness of "Six O'clock News Report" and the psyche funk of their cover of Sly Stone's "Dance to the Music".

Six O'clock News Report by The Bar-Kays from Black Rock
Dance to the Music by The Bar-Kays from Black Rock

Tommy Butler

2005-10-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Before I talk about the record I just want to say I have no idea what is going on with the fonts on this blog. I can't for the life of me make my newest entry look like the last. I've spent too much time picking apart html without any results. I give up.

And another thing. Please leave some comments. Why the hell am I spending time on a blog that no one reads. Yep, there sure are a lot of blogs out there aren't there? Why would anyone read mine? I'm talking to myself aren't I?

This record just came in the mail. I bought a nice sealed copy of this after reading about it on a message board. Private press record from L.A. Very soulful and quite funky sometimes. A few songs actually seem to have some country influence on them. Nice record. I wouldn't be surprised if there are still some sealed copies up on Ebay.

Enjoy the mp3s imaginary people.

Can't Do Without You by Tommy Butler from Tommy Butler
Seven Days Seven Nights by Tommy Butler from Tommy Butler

Three by Mel

2005-09-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to talk too much on this one. Mel Brown is a blues artist that always has nice funky moments on his albums. His first album was Chicken Fat. Before that he played guitar on Bill Cosby's "Silver Throat" album. Yes, the cover of "Mel Brown's Fifth" is burned. I didn't do it.

Chicken Fat by Mel Brown from Chicken Fat
Need Love by Mel Brown from Big Foot Country Gal
Good Stuff by Mel Brown from A Fifth of Mel Brown

Gal Costa India

2005-09-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

This record just came in the mail from Brazil. It takes a while for records to be shipped from Brazil. I started to get all nervous about being ripped off, but it eventually showed up. This LP is from 1973 just a few years after the Tropicalia movement and just before things got disco-y. Gal, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Tom Ze, Os Mutantes were all making incredible music at that time. The movement also included art, poetry and film. I tried to read Caetano's book about the subject but it was way too academic for me. There was a lot of theory behind the whole movement according to Caetano who along with Gilberto Gil was actually jailed and eventually exiled from Brazil for a while. This Brazilian website is a great place to learn about the Tropicalia movement also.

Presente Cotidiano by Gal Costa from India

Relance by Gal Costa from India

2005-09-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

Men With Breasts
Today I did some research on Throbbing Gristle. I read on a music forum that one of the former members, Genesis P-Orridge got breast implants to match his wive's. I became curious and headed over to Wikipedia to find out what the deal was. Not only did I find out that he really did get breast implants, but I learned that he was involved in some pretty controversial type dadaist, fluxist, art in London, hung out with William S. Burroughs, and was accused of being part of a Satanic cult. I also read that one of the most informative pieces written about Throbbing Gristle was done by Re/Search magazine. I then realized that I actually have a copy of that magazine! About three years ago I had picked up the magazine from a pile of junk because it had a picture of William S. Burroughs on it. So, I decided to take a listen to the only Throbbing Gristle album I own, Throbbing Gristle's Greatest Hits: Entertainment Through Pain. A few of the songs have some really cool early drum machine and synth sounds going on. A few of the songs are a bit scary which isn't too surprising because they were known to include imagery from concentration camps and other disturbing sort of things in their live shows. Read more about Throbbing Gristle and Genesis P-Orridge by clicking on the links. And, here is a picture of Genesis with his breasts (not work friendly and a little disturbing).

20 Jazz Funk Greats by Throbbing Gristle from Throbbing Gristle's Greatest Hits

Adrenalin by Throbbing Gristle from Throbbing Gristle's Greatest Hits

What is Punk Rock?

2005-09-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

I didn't really start to appreciate punk rock until I was in my late 20's. One of my favorite bands of all times that is classified as punk rock is the Minutemen. My enthusiasm increased ten fold after watching "We Jam Econo" I love the fact that these three didn't even know how to tune their instruments when they first started. Although, they were part of the punk rock scene in L.A. and were on SST records they definitely didn't sound like a typical "punk rock" band which prompted many punks to spit on them during their performances. Their last tour was opening for R.E.M. and I bet they would have probably blown up after that, but unfortunately, D. Boon, the lead singer was tragically killed in a car accident. It's a bit fitting that I'm starting of my blog with a band who's influences included jazz, funk, rock, pop and of course punk. First is a cover of a CCR tune that was obviously recorded live and even though it isn't their song it shows the political convictions the band had. Embarrassingly I've never even heard the original version. The second tune is "Little Man with a Gun in his Hand." which really shows the power they could pull off as a trio. Both of these tunes come from Double Nickels on the Dime which is an amazing double album with over 40 songs.

Don't Look Now by The Minutemen from Double Nickels on the Dime

Little Man with a Gun in his Hand by The Minutemen from Double Nickels on the Dime