Melting Pot - Uncovering Bright Moments Across the Musical Spectrum -

July 15, 2009 Dig Deep

Dig Deep: Harvey Mandel – Cristo Redentor – Phillips (1968)

Harvey Mandel's 1968 Debut Cristo Redentor

Harvey Mandel – Cristo Redentor
Harvey Mandel – Light’s Out
Harvey Mandel – Wade In The Water

When I’d originally put this on facebook, I’d wanted to post Barry Goldberg’s Reunion LP from the same year, but couldn’t find any of the music from that record online (though I’ll rectify shortly). Harvey Mandel plays guitar on that record and so this record, his debut as a solo artist from 1968 seemed a fitting fill-in. This record from Mandel is one of my all-time favorite psychedelic rock records, I’ve owned it at least three or four different times, traded it with friends, even just given to someone, since first hearing it in the mid-90s.

I hesitate to even call it a “rock” record, cause the sounds are so diverse and drawn from so many sources. It’s virtually all instrumental, save some wordless singing on the title cut, and Mandel showcases every aspect of his playing, gorgeous sustains, wacked out wah-wah, super clean blues/jazz/country/rock lines, overdubs upon overdubs upon overdubs blending together in exceptionally rich and layered music. He’s helped out by good friends from the Chicago scene, including Barry Goldberg (organ), Charlie Musselwhite (harmonica on a seriously wicked “The Lark”) and a monster drummer who rarely got his due, “Fast” Eddie Hoh (he’s also featured on the Goldberg record I mentioned above). (more…)

July 15, 2009 Ephemera

Under Review: Jarvis Cocker – Further Complications – Rough Trade

Jarvis Cocker – I Never Said I Was Deep
Jarvis Cocker – Caucasian Blues

For his second proper solo release, Jarvis Cocker is clearly not playing around. This is not to say that he’s cleaned up his act at all, I simply mean that for a man that has rarely held anything back lyrically, he’s really pushed himself towards wild, reckless, abandon on Further Complications. In a similar fashion to Nick Cave’s Grinderman project, this record presents Cocker fronting an often tough, muscular and very rocking group, in nice contrast to the largely smooth and demure affair that was his first solo release. The first single “Angela” roars with garage fuzz, as do the aptly titled “Fucking Song,” the lyrically deplorable (and I mean that in the best possible way) “Caucasian Blues,” the title track, “Homewrecker,” (which musically sounds like it could have been borne out of an alternate session for the Stooges Funhouse record, minus the Asheton wall of sound, RIP) and the mostly instrumental “Pilchard” which sounds like it would make for a killer opening live show number. (FYI Jarvis comes to LA July 27th!) (more…)

July 15, 2009 Ephemera

In Heavy Rotation: Camera Obscura – My Maudlin Career – 4AD

camera obscura

Camera Obscura – The Sweetest Thing

One of my clear favorites for this year and a perfect record for this season, even though it was released in the spring. I’m not sure if we’re still calling this “twee-pop” or not, but Camera Obscura always deliver solid 60’s style pop sounds and their latest LP is a sugary sweet summery affair. Standouts include “The Sweetest Thing,” “Honey in the Sun,” “French Navy” and the title track.

They were in Los Angeles back in June and stopped by KCRW for a performance, which I highly recommend watching. In addition to the fine music and their Glaswegian accents, which are truly adorable, one of the members sole purpose on multiple songs is tambourine duty and you just have to love that…

July 14, 2009 Dig Deep

Dig Deep: Hugo Montenegro – Lady In Cement [Original Soundtrack] – 20th Century Fox (1968)

Hugo Montenegro – The Shark
Hugo Montenegro – Yale’s Pool Room
Hugo Montenegro – Again

Aside from loving music from certain eras I also have a thing for certain types of sounds, one of which are fuzzed out guitars. 1968 is a very good year for fuzzy guitars and this soundtrack features a bunch. I’ve actually owned this a couple of times, both from Groove Merchant in San Francisco. Cool Chris knows that for the most part if he plays me something that has fuzzy guitars and soulful drums I’m going to get it. (more…)

July 14, 2009 Radio

Breakdown: Best So Far of 2009

Here’s my rundown of the best releases from this first half of 2009, with a couple that I didn’t really get a chance to hear in late 2008. This show will be archived for several months on KCRW.com, at least until the end of the year round up of the complete year in music.

Here’s the list of everything I played…

Peter Bjorn & John – Nothing To Worry About – Living Thing
Boozoo Bajou – Sign – Grains
Sa-Ra Creative Partners – I Swear – Nuclear Evolution
Carlos Nino & Miguel Atwood-Ferguson – Find A Way – Suite for Ma Dukes
Andrew Bird – The Privateers – Noble Beast
Nomo – Crescent – Invisible Cities (more…)

July 14, 2009 Ephemera

In Heavy Rotation: Azaxx – Exotic Delight Bay – Tru Thoughts

Azaxx – Fiesta Tropical

Six+months after first hearing it, I am still deeply lovin’ this record. Largely up tempo sample based music with a latin flair from this Parisian DJ/Producer. Dig on “Zorbanissimo,” “Fiesta Tropical” (which samples Juaneco and is my wife’s favorite track), “Groucho,” or “The Pygmy Ballad” and you’ll fall for Azaxx too.

July 13, 2009 Ephemera

Pound For Pound: Off The Wall vs. Thriller

OfftheWallvsThriller

With MJ’s passing I know that I’ve been revisiting a lot of his music and I’m sure many of you have as well, so this seems like an apt discussion. Pound for pound, which is REALLY Michael’s greatest record???

1979’s Off The Wall, his first record with Quincy Jones and fully away from the Motown sound, or 1982’s Thriller the highest selling record of all time? I’ll be interested to hear what you think…

July 11, 2009 Ephemera

In Heavy Rotation: Real Authentic Reggae Vol. 2 – BBE

Chaka Demus & Pliers – When King Tubby Used To Play

Being that I do research on Authenticity and view it as contextual and fluid, I’m always skeptical of anything that includes the concept in the title, but this IS a solid collection compiled by British DJ David Rodigan. One of the many new and older classics on here is this track from Chaka Demus and Pliers, riding the riddim to Phyllis Dillion’s “Perfidia” one of my all time favorite tunes…

July 11, 2009 Ephemera

Under Review: Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Honest Jon’s

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Hypnotic
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – Sankofa

This is a record that I’ve literally been waiting for 2 years to be released. The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is currently based out of Chicago and now features 8 sons, (that’s right, 8 sons…and that’s out of 15 total children!), of jazz musician Phil Cohran (former Sun-Ra Arkestra member) on assorted horns, with honorary family member Chris Anderson on the skins. Their sound is a mix of soulful, stirring, spiritual jazz, funk & Hip-Hop, though I mean “Hip-Hop” here in a purely philosophical way, not the way we generally think of Hip-Hop/Rap music. They self-released a stunning 10” record back in 2007 that now routinely garners $100+ on Ebay and have been performing all over the world in the ensuing years, with Damon Albarn, Tony Allen & Mos Def. This record is the culmination of that work, released on Albarn’s Honest Jon’s record label and featuring guest work from three exceptional drummers, The Heliocentric’s Malcolm Catto, Jamiroquai’s Sola Akingbola and perhaps the greatest living drummer today, a true master, Tony Allen, former drummer for Fela in Africa 70. (more…)

July 11, 2009 Dig Deep

Dig Deep: Tim Maia – Tim Maia – Polydor (1973)

Tim Maia – Compadre
Tim Maia – Over Again
Tim Maia – Gostavo Tanto De Voce

Just in case you don’t know, Tim Maia is one of the founding fathers of the Brazilian Soul movement. His 1970s output is highly prized because of its soulfulness, in terms of his own vocalizing, always big and strong with at times a wild falsetto in the early days, and the music, which stood in stark contrast to the Tropicália produced by Caetano Veloso and others, because of it’s solitary emphasis on US styled soul and funk. This record was his fourth for Polydor, all of which simply carry his name without an album title.

I’d heard tracks from the prior releases before tracking them down, but hadn’t heard anything from this one. When I first got it I was disappointed, the sound isn’t as sharp as prior releases, it’s a bit smoother and generally more laid back. Over time however, this record has become perhaps my favorite (the 1971 album is a close second) precisely because of those reasons, the groove is oh so mellow throughout and the use of acoustic guitar on many tracks brings a new flavor to a still very expansive funky palette. (more…)

July 11, 2009 Ephemera

In Heavy Rotation: Jovenes y Sexys – “Amor Platonico”

: Venezuela’s Jovenes Y Sexys

Jóvenes y Sexys – Amor Platonico

{Update: While it doesn’t seem that Jovenes y Sexys has released a full-length record yet, they have released an EP, which you can download for free from their record label Poni Republic}

I can’t fully express how completely, obsessively enamored I am right now with this Venezuelan group. Just a perfect indie, acoustic electro pop song, found on the Rudo y Cursi soundtrack. I’m hoping to hear more from them soon.

Just so you can see how they completely transformed this song, check the original…

July 7, 2009 Ephemera

Michael Jackson Tribute on KCRW

mj1

Michael Jackson’s funeral and memorial were today in Los Angeles. Like so many other people, many of my childhood memories were connected to Michael’s music and artistry. One of the first records that I bought (or rather was bought for me, since three year olds don’t really buy records) was the soundtrack to the Wiz, featuring Michael as the Scarecrow. I can remember missing the Motown celebration (My mom was a teacher and it was a school night!) and waking up in a completely different world, where everybody was talking about and trying to imitate the moonwalk. My first concert was the Jacksons Victory reunion tour at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium in 1984. As a DJ, I’ve marveled at the sheer joy that’s unleashed on the dance floor when you drop the needle on classic J5. On the day of his passing I was fortunate to celebrate and pay tribute to Michael on KCRW, playing 2 hours of music from what I consider his “golden era” from the Steeltown, pre-motown recordings of 1967 to Thriller in 1982. Music critic/scholar Oliver Wang stopped by to share some thoughts on the legacy of Michael Jackson, but most of the focus is where I hope it will remain in the future, on the pure magic in his music.

Michael Jackson Tribute 6/25/09 Playlist:

1. The Jackson 5 – Big Boy
2. The Jackson 5 – Let Me Carry Your School Books
3. The Jackson 5 – A Fool For You
4. Michael Jackson – Ain’t No Sunshine
5. The Jackson 5 – I’ll Bet You
6. The Jackson 5 – ABC
7. The Jackson 5 – I Want You Back
8. Michael Jackson – Rockin’ Robin
9. The Jackson 5 – The Love You Save
10. The Jackson 5 – I’ll Be There (alt. mix)
11. The Jackson 5 – 2 – 4 – 6 – 8
12. The Jackson 5 – Hum Along And Dance
13. The Jackson 5 – It’s Great To Be Here (Kenny Dope Remix)
14. Michael Jackson – We’ve Got A Good Thing Going
15. The Jackson 5 – Dancing Machine (alt. mix)
16. The Jacksons – Enjoy Yourself
17. The Jacksons – Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)
18. Michael Jackson – Ease On Down The Road
19. Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
20. Michael Jackson – Off The Wall
21. Michael Jackson – I Can’t Help It
22. Michael Jackson – Rock With You
23. The Jacksons – Can You Feel It
24. Michael Jackson – Wanna Be Startin’ Something
25. Michael Jackson – For All Time

July 7, 2009July 14, 2023 About Melting Pot

Welcome to Melting Pot!

Here’s the first official post for my new audioblog, Melting Pot. In the coming months and years you’ll find notes on a variety of sounds from funk and soul to latin and psych to punk and jazz and back again.

I thought I’d start the festivities off with a song, one of my favorites that share the title of this blog. The original is a classic B-boy cut by Booker T & the MGs from 1971, something that should be in every DJs collection. The version I’m posting here was done shortly after that by Jamaican Boris Gardiner on his record Is What’s Happening, which I got on a crunchy Jamaican vinyl reissue of the original album, bought at Amoeba Hollywood some time ago.

Heres the label to Boris Gardiners Is Whats Happening featuring Melting Pot — Here’s the label to Boris Gardiner’s Is What’s Happening featuring “Melting Pot”

Boris Gardiner – Melting Pot

While this version retains much of the original’s funky feel, Gardiner does add some mean tambourine and fuzzy guitar into the rhythm, plus there’s a massive drum break towards the final third, something that always seems about to happen in the MG’s version, but never really materializes (at least not to my satisfaction, though I do love the original).

If you’re new to Gardiner’s music, there’s an excellent retrospective put out by Vampi Soul that you should definitely check out.

Onwards and Upwards,

Michael