We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Cypress Hill!
Enjoy the Tiny Desk concert from NPR studios by Cypress Hill. Full info on the session below:
Bobby Carter | July 20, 2023 The first thing I noticed as Cypress Hill strolled into NPR headquarters was Sen Dog cradling his signature bucket hat. I asked him if my assumptions were correct; it was indeed the original hat seen in all the videos from the early '90s. Before I could process that confirmation, B Real asked me, "Yo, is your greenroom a greenroom?" We got everything we expected and more from Cypress Hill at the Tiny Desk. While the term "pioneer" is used loosely in pop culture today, few terms describe Cypress Hill's impact over the past three decades more adequately. They are the first Latino hip-hop group to achieve platinum and multi-platinum status. B Real, Sen and producer DJ Muggs crafted a sound in the '90s that stretched beyond regional boundaries. It was dark, psychedelic and at times directly addressed mental health before the topic was commonplace. Many dismissed the group as "stoner rappers," yet the members were fervent advocates for the legalization of weed long before it came to fruition. Touring members Eric Bobo and DJ Lord joined the duo along with Money Mark from Beastie Boys fame. The band summoned a horn section to fill out this rare minimalist approach to five, funky Cypress Hill things. Between each song, B Real took his time to shed some historic light on the group's journey thus far.
SET LIST "When the S*** Goes Down" "Hand On the Pump" "How I Could Just Kill a Man" "(Rap) Superstar" "Insane in the Brain"
MUSICIANS B-Real: vocals Sen Dog: vocals Eric Bobo: drums DJ Lord: DJ Money Mark: keys Sam Koff: trumpet Reggie Pace: trombone John Hulley: trombone
TINY DESK TEAM Producer: Bobby Carter Director/Editor: Maia Stern Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin Creative Director: Bob Boilen Videographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Sofia Seidel Audio Assistant: Hannah Gluvna Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer Photographer: Elizabeth Gillis Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Hazel Cills VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...TH1RT3EN!
Today we go for a shorter NPR Tiny Desk concert from hip hop/rock outfit TH1RT3EN who RtBEreviewed a few years back.
Pro shot, pro sound, full set list and more below. Enjoy:
The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.
Abby O'Neill | January 18, 2021
TH1RT3EN, an irreverent and inflammatory new trio conceived by hip-hop star and lyrical savage Pharoahe Monch, has been in the works for five years. Co-conspirators include Daru Jones, a monster on the drums best known for his work with Jack White, and guitar mercenary Marcus Machado. Both the moniker and supergroup were born out of a frustration with the veneer of American society that underestimates the darkness of white supremacy.
"I knew 5 years ago where we headed," Monch shared over the phone. "Sure, we've always done socially and politically aware music, but I'm tired of this "love will win" nonsense. Love may be the most powerful vibrating force, but consciousness is spreading and it's impossible not to be more aware of the evil that has kept the world in complete darkness. TH1RT3EN is the musical personification of me and my comrades at combat."
Shot in a padded "panic" room, this Tiny Desk (home) concert reflects the rage felt by this three-man battalion of rhythm and verbal artillery, shattering genre boundaries in the process. While TH1RT3EN recorded this set in August 2020, as evidenced by Monch's interlude, this four-song set still channels the discontent outside our windows today.
SET LIST
"The Magician"
"Cult 45"
"Scarecrow"
"Fight"
MUSICIANS
Pharoahe Monch: vocals
Marcus Machado: guitar
Daru Jones: drums
CREDITS
Video: Get a Grip Productions, Arianna Thibodeau, Rashad Frett, Josh Therriault
Audio: King of Chill
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Abby O'Neill
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Kara Frame, Morgan Noelle Smith
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
With live music on lock down (like everything else currently in New York City) live streams and old concerts have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. While this current state of pandemic separation is in order we will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and you can always check out or weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past. Please support the artists any which way you can.
Today we highlight: Tiny Desk/NPRglobalFEST - Night 1 of 4
NPR is delivering globalFEST over the next four nights starting at 8pm. Lots of good acts in the mix and it will be hosted by Angelique Kiddo:
With live music on lock down (like everything else currently in New York City) live streams and old concerts have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. While this current state of pandemic separation is in order we will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and you can always check out or weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past. Please support the artists any which way you can.
Today we highlight: Jason Marsalis
Playing down in New Orleans at Snug Harbor later this evening is Jason Marsalis:
To get in the mood for tonight's show here is the Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet:
With live music on lock down (like everything else currently in New York City) live streams and old concerts have become essential for live music junkies like RtBE. While this current state of pandemic separation is in order we will highlight various shows/streams/virtual events for your viewing and listening pleasure and you can always check out or weekly Full Show Friday series for concerts from the past. Please support the artists any which way you can.
Today we highlight: Shows from9:30 Club
The famous Washington D.C. venue, the 9:30 Club has partnered with NPR and put a ton of shows online for viewing/listening during these trying times and lots of RtBE Personal Favorites including Sleater-Kinney, Sonic Youth, The Raconteurs and The Soul Rebels have made the cut.
Check out this amazing list of shows, and thanks to Matt for the heads up. To get fired up here is some live Explosions in the Sky:
We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Lizzo!
Every April (and the first Friday in May) we have a special showcase for bands who are playing this years Jazzfest in NOLA. Today we will focus on Lizzo who will be playing tomorrow, Saturday May 2nd.
Unfortunately due to the outbreak of Covid19, Jazzfest has been rescheduled for October (no official date as of yet). Hopefully all of the scheduled acts are healthy and will be performing then, but since we crafted these posts before the outbreak, RtBE will still post them this month and will regroup/revisit things in the fall when (hopefully) things return to semi-normal.
One of the fastest rising stars in music is set to play a show tomorrow at the Fairgrounds as Lizzo and her crew take over opposite geezers like Dead & Co. The ability to see two varied artists like these are just one reason this festival is the best in the world.
We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Vince Staples!
This week we return to 2016 with a set from Vince Staples who had established himself on the scene. Back in 2014 when Mr. Staples was an up and coming rapper who was just starting to gain national attention in the hip hop community and beyond RtBEreviewed his first EP Hell Can Wait. Our favorite tune from that is the second one performed here, "'65 Hunnid".
We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...
Kamasi Washington!
It's Jazzy January again here at RtBE, so get ready to kick off 2018 with some different styled shows every Friday. For this series we skew into new (or more recent) jazz lands. Keeping it current proves there is amazing live jazz still being performed no matter what Ken Burns says.
This week we are going with one of the men who brought jazz back into the cool zone as Kamasi Washington performs The Epic live in downtown LA in 2015. While there is no doubt Kamasi has brought the spotlight back around for "in the know" music fans back towards Jazz, RtBE's personal taste leans more towards his contemporary who we showcased last week. Washington is damn good though and for fans of adventurous music who are hesitant to jump into jazz this is great place to try it out.
This is Jazz Night in America on NPR so you get an introduction and some amazing background. Needless to say, Pro Shot, Pro Sound, with setlist and players below. Enjoy:
Jazz Night In America features Kamasi Washington and the music of The Epic at its release party, and in its full glory. From the Regent Theater in Downtown L.A., Washington presents his new album with his working band, a choir, a string section and plenty of special guests.
SETLIST 5:45 - "Askim" 27:25 - "Change of the Guard" 47:00 - "Leroy and Lanisha" 1:02:01 - "Henrietta Our Hero" 1:15:10 - "Re Run" 1:44:00 - "The Message"
MUSICIANS Kamasi Washington, Tony Austin, Ronald Bruner, Stephen Bruner, Brandon Coleman, Cameron Graves, Miles Mosley, Ryan Porter, Patrice Quinn, Battlecat, Munyungo Jackson, The Gaslamp Killer, Terrace Martin, Leon Mobley, Ras G, Dwight Trible, Rickey Washington, Dontae Winslow, Miguel Atwood:Ferguson, Paul Cartwright, Yvette Devereauz, Atryom Manukyan, Ginger Murphy, Tylana Renga, Molly Rogers, Jim Simone, Andrea Witt, Nia Andrews, Trenyce Cobbins, Thalma de Freitas, Taylor Graves, Charles Jones, Dawn Norsleet, Steven Wayne, Mashica Winslow
The world of rock and roll lost a true legend today as it is being report Fats Domino died earlier in his home state of Louisiana. He was 89.
If you want to read a full obituary check out NPR where we got that great pic above.
Some thoughts on his passing, much like when Chuck Berry died, there is little to be sad about from a distance as Fats has lived a long life and his amazing songs will never leave us. We listen to two of his albums often, Fats Domino Jukebox and his comeback Fats Is Back.
The list of hits are long, but if you grab those two albums you will never tire of his easy rolling sound that helped create rock and roll. While it is sad he is no longer with us there will be multiple tributes in the months to come (we are expecting a big one at Jazzfest this year) and hopefully a new generation will hear his wonderful voice and vibrant piano.
So raise a glass to the Fat man and enjoy his tunes today.
We search the murky back waters of youtube to find full concerts and post them to the site weekly, come back every seven days to help us celebrate Full Show Friday's. These shows are of varying quality and may not be here for long so enjoy them while you can...As always, please support the artist every which way, but especially by seeing them live (if they are still playing)...This week...Sleater-Kinney!
This is turning out to be a good month of Full Show Friday's as we have a pro-shot, pro-sound Sleater-Kinney show from 2015 this week on tap. We loved their come back album and rated it high in our best of the year for 2015. While we weren't super pumped on the live album from the tour, this live video is killer. Thanks to NPR for posting it and capturing a great night of music from the classic band.
The young MC Marco Pave has expertly crafted a gripping debut album that is immersed in the past present and future of his hometown of Memphis, TN. Even the title speaks to the state of affairs as Pave has mentioned leaving "Graceland" without any vowels, "because the Grace is broken".
This is a full on concept album from teh bright new voice that grapples with the current cultural climate (including but not limited to: religion, protesting, struggling families, racism) as various impactful interludes remind you where exactly you are, 2017 Memphis, a complicated place and time. Pave is breathlessly confident whether he is dealing with killings, the police or social injustice and on "One Hunnid" he comes out blazing.
He increases the speed and direction with "Let Me Go" an album standout that manages to mix a sobering story about being treated as insignificant, a gospel church choir and his fiercest rapping on the album successfully. There is a lot going on on all of these tracks and immersing in the full album flow is needed for optimal enjoyment.
"Hood Obit" wonders about the lasting impact and what people will say and guest MC Dutchess steals the track about her working to raise to children. The song also contains a flaw in the album, while he brings in help for choruses (notably Zandria F Robinson) his singing and R&B tendencies need work.
What doesn't need any help is the design and production of the disk; even though it is 17 tracks long, it is never stagnant. Sons flow in and out with the quickness, built around, riffs, huge backing vocals and slapping beats. The production is top notch, incorporating the blues and rock history of the towns past with its hip hop present. "Gun Barrel" pumps hard, "Sacrfice" paints a scene around haunting keys, "Stupid Dhuum" slows down the pace to a crawl, "Neck Off" amps the tough guy swagger, while "Hold Us Down" is anthemic with its rebellious power.
The albums interludes are sequenced reminiscent of A Tribe Called QuestsMidnight Marauders but are much more vital to the overall album in the way Solange used them to add depth to Seat At The Table. It is the combo of these real world tales that are woven into musically fresh sounds with lyrical dexterity, all addressing massive issues that elevates Welcome To Grc Land and will push Pave directly onto the national scene.
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Support the artist, buy the album, stream it for a limited time on NPR, peep some video below:
The American legend Willie Nelson has released his 1,794th album, God's Problem Child. Unlike a lot of his latest releases this record features seven new songs written by Willie and his songwriting partner/producer Buddy Cannon. The end result is an easy going album that is the best the red headed stranger has produced in years.
The disk opens with a unique cover as Willie sings his song writing partner's mother Lyndel Rhodes original song "Little House On The Hill". Willie and crew put a smile on her face (and ours) with their mid tempo moving before the piano ballad of of "Old Timer" penned by Donnie Fritz and Lenny LeBlanc. These torch tunes fit Willie's affecting vocals perfectly, ringing utterly true.
The first new Nelson/Cannon tune arrives with the bluesy "True Love" containing excellent midnight lounge style female backing vocals and it is quickly followed by Willie's take on the recent presidential election "Delete and Fast Forward", a well produced Americana take that basically states, meet the new boss...you know the rest.
The first single is a Latino influenced slow burner titled "A Woman's Love" and it is the sexiest the 84 year old has been in ages as his breathy vocals front a smoke filled cantina at dusk. That song along with the swampy steam of the title track are album highlights, the latter features guest vocals from Jamey Johnson, one of Leon Russell's final vocal tracks along with the fantastic sounding Tony Joe White; oh yeah the picking ain't half bad either.
The majority of the new compositions are solid from top to bottom. Wilson can turn a phrase like few others, whether its "Lady Luck" cowboy/poker wisdom or "Your Memory Has A Mind of It's Own" the singer eases into the vocal and owns it. Almost even more impressive, on all of the new originals there is also space for Nelson's underrated acoustic guitar playing that has jazzy flashes and off kilter strums that work wonderfully.
Not all the selections are perfect, "Butterfly" feels a bit too theatrical for this collection and could have been saved for another release while "It Get's Easier's" is a pleasant tune but feels a touch redundant in this collection of songs that deal with the passage of time.
However, the closing ode to his good friend Merle Haggard "He Won't Ever Be Gone" (written by Gary Nicholson) is heartfelt but perhaps a better snapshot of this disk is the rollicking while winking quickie "Still Not Dead". It cooks along with piano, harmonica and a sense of humor that encompasses his late career and premature internet rumors of his demise. He certainly isn't dead, and you better thank whatever higher power there is that he is also still on top of his game.
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Support the American legend, buy the album, stream it for a limited time at NPR and peep some video below:
The eighth studio album from the Jay Farrar led Sun Volt is a short burst of their Americana laced rock sound as Notes of Blue stands firm lean and true.
Farrar's lead vocals are terse and while there are flashes of Neil Young in delivery and songwriting the band has incorporated lots of sounds, but sticks to the main avenues of american popular music of the last eighty plus years. The opener "Promise of the World" and "Cairo and Southerners" are the most laid back tracks on the disk as a gloomy pedal steel sets the tone on the early song and a sense of resignation infuses the latter with acoustic picking and sparse piano.
"Back Against The Wall" is an ode to persistence and can be reflective of the current cultural political scene, of the bands career or of life in general as fuzzy guitars ring out. That blaring energy seeps into the next track "Static" that is aptly titled as gritty guitars buzz and white noise rage penetrates the speakers. "Lost Souls" also kicks up the rocking feel with slapping snares and strutting riffs to start before exploding into a full sonic gale to close.
The blues take center stage on a number of tracks as well, but these aren't your back porch summer time blues, there is an apocalyptic current running through all the tracks. "Cherokee St." has a swampy back woods aggression as the pace quickens, "The Storm" focuses on picking and sliding while "Midnight" plunges into the chaos and depths of the soul. Closer "Threads and Steel" could be about the devil himself as the twanging blues smolders ending the disk on a creepy note.
The track "Sinking Down" seems to combine all of what Sun Volt does well on this album as the tempo shifts between rocking and reflective over blues tinged lyrics and a sense of futility but one with a keen sense of melody and rhythm.
Combining country rambles, bluesy riffs and rock stomps the band shines confidently on Notes of Blue. While there is no standout individual offering, the overall sound of the disk will be welcoming to long time fans of the group and newcomers alike.
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Support the band, buy the album, stream for a limited time over at NPR and peep some video below:
The most interesting thing about the Pixies last album, Indie Cindy was how the classic band released it in stages. When the full disk finally reached a mass audience it was a mixed bag, and safe to say, a let down to most fans. While not as awful as some would be lead to believe, it was not up to the standards of the bands pristine back catalog. With the departure of Kim Deal and the general aging of the group they seemed to have left their best efforts back in the late 80's early 90's. Then out comes, Head Carrier and it simply is an album that demands to be noticed.
While the band has clearly gone back to their strong formula, main song writer Black Francis seems to be inspired again and inspiration comes from the strangest places as Saint Denis of Paris has two songs about him on the album including the opening title track. Feedback and clean upbeat riffs engage in a tug of war as the song roles out. Not a shocking track, but the energy kicks up mightily for "Classic Masher" within 30 seconds all the positive Pixie attributes shine; powerful drums from David Lovering, shining leads from Joey Santiago, a swaggering Francis and gorgeous female backing vocals from new bassist Paz Lenchantin.
Lenchantin's vocals are everywhere and perhaps even prettier than Deal's (blapshemy perhaps, but perhaps also the truth) as the duet of "Bel Espirt" is a joy when she goes toe to toe with Francis, before taking over the lead for "All I Think About Now". This is the most interesting track here, written for Deal (by both Francis and Lenchantin) it contains an almost identical riff to "Where Is My Mind?", recalling the bands strongest work could be seen as a weak attempt at capturing their past but in context the track works with a mix restraint, defiance and a wishful future. The retro looking lyrics can clearly be only about this band, but they rise above as the track progresses and Lenchantin sings even more confidently while the group tightens into a roaring pack of wolves. She will always be compared to Deal, but here Paz has made her strong claim within the group.
The aggression (lacking for most of Indie Cindy) gets a jolt via the scalding "Baal's Back" which finds Francis in throat ripping form and "Um Chagga Lagga" is a blast of fun energy as it rambles, cooks and motors, threatening to careen off the tracks. His softness and lyrical twists show up for the bright and wistful "Might As Well Be Gone" while their patented angular-pop touch comes out for "Tenement Song" again with Paz's great vocal support. Whatever else may be behind the scenes it is clear that Francis writes and the whole band, produces better songs when a strong female presence is in the fold.
Ending with "Plaster of Paris" and "All The Saints" Denis oddly returns to the scene but they are not the strongest track, the truth is whatever inspired the band (and especially Francis) to get back to quick quirky pop/punk is the real holy spirit as one of the best bands seems to be back in form.
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This one shocked us at RtBE. We had pretty much written the Pixies off post Kim Deal, but that was premature, this sounds really good. Support the band, buy the album, you can stream it at NPR for a limited time, and peep some video below:
NPR has posted the first single from Phish's upcoming new studio album Big Boat. The track is called "Breath and Burning", check it out.
Who is that metal head on the right?
Ok, a studio album from Phish holds very little appeal these days to RtBE as the band is long into their career and fans can't even decided on one classic studio album the band has produced. They are truly just fodder for live shows and opportunities for the band to gather and record which is a fun, creative, bonding, inspiring process for them.
The horns on this track surprised us though, there is a bit of a Jimmy Buffet feel to the beginning and a shiny pop ending, but that horn break is cool as hell. What are your thoughts on the track? Thoughts on Phish studio albums? Feel free to post in the comments.
Below is the Tracklist, lengths of songs and their writers from Jambase. looks like everyone is involved and like always the songs will run long.
Big Boat Tracklist
Friends – 3:43 (Fishman)
Breath And Burning – 4:20 (Anastasio)
Home – 6:27 (McConnell)
Blaze On – 4:20 (Anastasio/Marshall)
Tide Turns – 4:21 (Anastasio)
Things People Do – 1:55 (McConnell)
Waking Up Dead – 4:15 (Gordon/Murawski)
Running Out Of Time – 3:32 (Anastasio/Marshall)
No Men In No Man’s Land – 5:00 (Anastasio/Marshall)
NPR First Listen has done another service with the pre-release stream of Teenage Fanclub's newest album, Here.
We will have a full review up next week, but why take our word for it? Go and listen to it for yourself. It will not be there forever so give it a shot while you can. Here is a quick story how we got introduced to the band.
Back in the early 90's we loved metal and hip hop but rarely did anyone do it well together (Public Enemy and Anthrax are the only ones who come to mind) then came both Rage Against The Machine and the Judgement Night Soundtrack. We have talked about Rage before, but not Judgement Night. For us it was a Holy Shit! moment, we knew all of the bands except for a few (Fatal and Therapy? and the Booyah Tribe hadn't entered our realm) and owned at least one tape or CD from 16 of the 22 featured artists. These were some of our favorites and while not all the songs were zingers (we are still disappointed by the lackluster Sonic YouthCypress Hill pairing) the combos hit the mark more than they missed.
Our favorite song from the whole bunch to this day remains Teenage Fanclub and De La Soul's fantastic "Fallin'" which took from Tom Petty and made a new product that was laid back cool. On an album of hard aggression this track stood out and still roll's to a hip aloof vibe. They were clearly enjoying themselves and it shows.
OK now it is 2016 and great to see Teenage Fanclub still putting out good albums.
One of the worlds unique voices, Aaron Neville, is back with his newest album titled Apache.
You can pre order the album, but currently the excellent folks over at NPR First Listen are giving everyone the treat of being able to stream the full album for free (limited time only).
Our review will be coming up next week but with inserts from Daptone horns and Eric Krasno we are glad to see Neville incorporating some Brooklyn Retro Soul into his sound. If there are any issues with the embedded stream you can go to directly to First Listen.
The four piece from Northeast England, County Durham specifically, called Martha self describe as vegan, straight edge, and anarchist covering all the modern day punk rock conscientious check boxes. While that is crucial for its vision (and fan identification) what is even more important is that they have delivered a full album of amazingly catchy pop punk with their newest release Blisters In The Pit Of My Heart that once heard will stick with you for a long time.
From the opening notes of "Christine" the group puts the three chord action to work slamming in melodic fashion with guitars and shout along lyrics deftly contributed by both male/female leads adding extra dynamics. The band are Nathan Stephens Griffin on drums, Naomi Griffin on bass, J. Cairns and Daniel Ellis on guitars and cohesively they take pop punk for a dramatic spin in the year 2016.
The upbeat dance infused joy of "Do Whatever" bleeds into the frantic and hip swinging of "Goldman's Detective Agency" that closes with a huge swell that will be crowd surfed and sung along to live. "The Awkward Ones" is another anthem for outsiders that plays with the more radio friendly sides of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" while injecting some cutting guitar work, an album highlight.
The excellent songs keep rolling out though as there isn't a dud in the bunch with "Ice Cream & Sunscreen", "Legless In Brandon" and re all proper tunes that engage the listener after one spin "Curly and Raquel". "Do Nothing" takes a long journey (double the length of any other track here), and while it isn't perfect, this shot at the grandiose suits the group before they close with the sparse strumming of "St Paul's (Westerberg Comprehensive)" name checking one of their replacement heroes while wrapping up a fantastic disk.
If pop punk is a genre you have ever loved give Martha a chance as they have added a real gem to the proceedings with Blisters In The Pit Of My Heart. ______________________________________________________________ A real cool album, thanks to NPR for showcasing it, and you can stream the whole thing from them (for a limited time) here. Also please support the band and peep some video below:
What will probably be the first of a few posthumously released albums from the Allen Toussaint camp we get American Tunes, which combines two of the greats last recording sessions. As dapper as one of his three piece suits, American Tunes regales the listener with clean standards, songs from his beloved New Orleans, and his own timeless tracks that make up the American song book.
Nonesuch Records has put out this double album which really shines a spotlight on Toussaints piano playing. There are solo recordings, trio recordings (with bassist David Piltch and drummer Jay Bellerose) and special guests dropping in. The album was recorded by Joe Henry and has a tribute, yet still laid back coolness to it. The solo take on the timeless "Mardi Gras In New Orleans" has a sense of wonder to go along with its inherit festive nature.
Mostly instrumental, the vocals come up with "Rocks In My Bed" one of three Duke Ellington numbers (along with instrumentals "Come Sunday" and Lotus Blossom") that Henry and Toussaint chose for the album. Sung expertly by Rhiannon Giddens the track bubbles alive, as does the mid album solo piano run through of "Big Chief", and ode to Toussaints main inspiration Professor Longhair through a track written by Earl King
The closing combo of an solo instrumental take on his own "Southern Nights" and the title track cover of Paul Simon ends the album on such a high note. "Southern Nights" regains some majesty and even adds some quirkiness with volumes and extras notes fluxuating to end things. "American Tune" on the other hand finds Toussaint doing his most affecting vocal work in years, never the perfect singer, it takes a beautiful pairing of a tune and recording like this to let the true majesty of his voice shine.
Longtime fans and newcomers alike will be satisfied by the clean reserved tribute by an American great to many other American greats. Toussaints legacy will live on the fantastically captured American Tunes proves he was still at the top of his game right til the end.
Bombino has been on the western music scene for some time now (RtBE caught him and his band back in 2011) and his 3rd solo album Azel finds the players collectively happier and brighter than they have been previously.
Working with Dave Longstreth from The Dirty Projectors the Tuareg musicians went to upstate New York and returned with looser more flowing work then their fuzzed up blues predecessor Nomad which was produced by Dan Auerbach. Bombino himself was more at ease with the open approach and calls this record a "Tuareggae" disc where he incorporates Caribbean rhythms with his languid playing, a new twist and trick for him.
The songs here all go long (most well past four and a half minutes) as loops and riffs swirl around like desert night breezes. The opener "Akhar Zaman (This Moment)" has a message of informing Tuareg people about losing their culture, but to these ears the playing feels liberated, upbeat and clean. "Inar (If You Know The Degree Of My Love For You)" bases itself around Bombinos acoustic fret work that scurries all over while "Tamiditine Tarhanam (My Love, I Tell You)" is a great excursion based all around the drums with the band locked in from the jump.
The intricate guitar work on tracks like "Naqqim Dagh Timshar (We Are Left In This Abandonded Place)" and "Igmayagh Dum (My Lover)" is blinding and it is easy to see where the lofty comparisons come from regarding Bombinos style. "Timtar (Memories)" plays strong with his newest Tuareggae motif as it incorporates clear reggae and female vocals from Mama "Mahassa" Walet Amoumene.
"Iyat Ninhay/Jaguar (A Great Desert I Saw)" combines all of Bombino's past and current loves as it amps up the rock riffs, while skewering the tempo and still managing to find an easy air thanks to a repetitive beat and groove; a real winner and an excellent summation of his career to this point.
While Bombinos lyrics directly address issues in his world, those not speaking the language will still enjoy this as a whole. Azel has once again raised the bar for Bombino and players whose engaging music and style will speak to everyone.
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This one almost got 4 and a half up there it is that good. We have dug Bombino ever since our friend Rob from NOLA turned us on to him, and this is probably his best work yet.
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