Melting Pot - Uncovering Bright Moments Across the Musical Spectrum -

Given that 2012’s Europe was one of my favorite records of that year (with an all-timer in the end of Summer pensive pop of “Tallulah”) it’s no real surprise that the latest from this London based group fronted by Aussie Elizabeth Morris is also pleasing to my ears. While the style hasn’t changed dramatically from their previous work, it’s clear that the band is broadening their indie-pop sound and adding depth that wasn’t present earlier. It becomes clear immediately when you hear the lead track from the new album, “Heartbeat,” that despite the title, the band is not coming from the same place as before. It’s a richer sound for an already sugary sweet outfit, that retains all of the charm of the earlier recordings and thankfully losing nothing.

December 30, 2014 Radio

Breakdown: November 16th on KPFK’s Melting Pot

Finally getting caught up after a month away from KPFK and this blog. As such, it’s hard to put myself back into the mindset I had going into his show. The show begins with a short (though it is the long version of the classic “Rapper’s Delight”) tribute to Big Bank Hank of the Sugar Hill Gang, who had passed away in November. From there we have new tunes from Shintaro Sakamoto, Budos Band, Laetitia Sadier, Goapele, Andreya Triana and some older music from a band that recently got themselves back together, the Dutchess & the Duke. In the second hour there’s an extended set of tracks from the Ultimate Breaks & Beats collection, in honor of Breakbeat Lou coming to LA. Enjoy!

Melting Pot on KPFK #182: First Hour
Melting Pot on KPFK #182: Second Hour

Playlist 11-16-2014:
{opening theme} Booker T & the MGs – Melting Pot – Melting Pot (Stax)

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Sugarhill Gang – Rapper’s Delight – 12” (Sugar Hill)

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Shintaro Sakamoto – Extremely Bad Man – Let’s Dance Raw (Other)
Allo Darlin’ – Another Year – We Come From The Same Place (Slumberland)
Fern Jones – Be Thankful You’re You – The Glory Road (Numero)

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Laetitia Sadier – Echo Port – Something Shines (Drag City)
Paul Weller – Above The Clouds – Paul Weller (Go!Discs)
Goapele – Last Days – Strong As Glass (Jordan House)
Kyle Hall – Kaychunk – Hyperdub 10.4 (Hyperdub)
Tita Lima – Mundo Pequeno – Possibilidades (Village Pace)
Kulintang – Badjao Or Yakan Gong – Music From the Mountain Provinces (Numero)

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Fausto Pepetti – Love’s Theme – Ultimate Breaks & Beats Vol. 11 (Street Beat)

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The Monkees – Mary, Mary – Ultimate Breaks & Beats Vol. 1 (Street Beat)
Galactic Force Band – Space Dust – Ultimate Breaks & Beats Vol. 16 (Street Beat)
Bram Tchiakovsky – Whiskey And Wine – Ultimate Breaks & Beats Vol. 17 (Street Beat)
Wild Sugar – Bring It Here – Ultimate Breaks & Beats Vol. 8 (Street Beat)
Funkadelic – You’ll Like It Too – Ultimate Breaks & Beats Vol. 2 (Street Beat)
Fred Wesley & the JBs – Blow Your Head – Ultimate Breaks & Beats Vol. 14 (Street Beat)

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Andreya Triana – Everything You Never Had Pt. 2 – Everything You Never Had Pt. 2 EP (Counter)
Flying Lotus – Obligatory – You’re Dead (Warp)
Elisa Ambrogio – Reservoir – The Immoralist (Drag City)
Tricky – Feed Me – Maxinquaye (Island)

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Budos Band – Into The Fog – Burnt Offering (Daptone)
Townes Van Zandt – Hunger Child Blues – Country Funk Vol. 2 (Light In The Attic)
Bulbous Creation – End Of The Page – Local Customs: Cavern Sound (Numero)
The Dutchess & The Duke – Hand – Sunset / Sunrise (Hardly Art)

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{closing theme} Dungen – C. Visar Vagen – Tio Bitar (Kemado)

December 30, 2014 Dig Deep

Dig Deep: Les Baxter – The Dunwich Horror – American International (1970)

Les Baxter – Necronomicon
Les Baxter – Cult Party
Les Baxter – Devil’s Witchcraft

At some point, years ago, I was listening to the soundtrack Les Baxter put together for Hell’s Belles and musing to myself how great it would be if there was additional music from that heavy and psychedelic session. More recently, while searching for a trailer to a scary HP Lovecraft related film, I happened upon a track from this soundtrack and realized this was just about as close as I was likely to get to Hell’s Belles Part 2.

Most of the songs of this soundtrack are built around a single recurring theme, dark and foreboding, which is to be expected given that the film is about a town with some dark secrets. When hearing the drums on this record, it’s hard not to believe that Earl Palmer might have been involved here. There’s a stylistic connection to the work he had done with Axelrod, and maybe that’s why my ears think it’s Palmer, but the man lent his signature sound to so many records it’s hard to know for sure, especially without any credits or notes to speak of…however, a boy can dream can’t he?

Cheers,

Michael

December 30, 2014 Ephemera

In Heavy Rotation: V/A – Local Customs: Cavern Sound – Numero

Bulbous Creation – End Of The Page

Numero Group rarely disappoints and the latest in their “Local Customs” series is yet another winner. This third release in the series collects tracks recorded at the aptly named Cavern Sound studio, which was actually located underground at a Limestone Quarry in Independence, Missouri. While some heavy hitters recorded at “The Cave” (including James Brown), this collection focuses on a number of lesser known acts that recorded on the Cave, Rock, Cavern and Pearce record labels that were run by the assorted characters associated with the Cavern Sound. Probably my favorite (aside from the dripping Acid psych of Stone Wall) comes from Bulbous Creation and their pastorally pleasing track “End Of The Page.” I’d heard a few tracks from this band, much harder-edged, but the slow burn of this one really grabbed me. It’s not exactly representative of the sound of this collection, but it definitely represents the quality.

November 10, 2014 Mixes

Funky Sole…Numero Tres!: November 8th, 2014

Crowd getting down at LA's Funky Sole — Crowd getting down at LA’s Funky Sole

This past Saturday I returned to Funky Sole, my second appearance of the year and third time overall. Every time has been special for me. As I’ve mentioned previously, Funky Sole is the best soul and funk night I’ve ever gone to. Pretty much around the time I moved to LA they landed at their present location of the Echo and it’s the perfect venue for the perfect night. For so many of us who have had the pleasure of doing a guest DJ set, one of the things that makes it such a special night is the crowd that comes out. LA crowds don’t have the best reputation, sometimes they’re very fickle, sometimes they’re clearly there just to be seen and not really that interested in dancing. That is not the case at Funky Sole. People come out to dance and it’s always amazing just how far as a DJ you can take things and still have the dance floor packed.

On this particular Saturday night, Maestro Music Man Miles was out on tour, so it was just Clifton and me on the decks. We did get a surprise guest, Myron Glasper of Myron & E came down and essentially served as MC for the evening, leading the crowd in some chants, judging a mini-dance contest and even singing along to the Winston’s “Amen, Brother.” For my set, as usual, I tried to bring a mix of classics and deeper cuts, with a few from Cuba (Juan Pablo Torres’ “Pastel En Descarga” and Los Tainos’ “Amor Mio”), Brasil (two of my favorite Brazilian tracks, Gal Costa’s “Vou Recomecar” and Jorge Ben’s “Umbabarauma”) and all over the US, from NOLA with quite possibly my single favorite soul instrumental, Smokey Johnson’s “I Can’t Help It,” Miami’s All The People with “Cramp Your Style” and my hometown of Atlanta with the ever-present (at least when I spin soul nights) Franciene Thomas and her dynamite dance floor burner “I’ll Be There.”

After my set, me and Clifton traded songs, 2 for 2, which gave me a chance to push the boundaries (though again, the crowd ALWAYS kept the dance floor packed) with some more rocking sounds from Hell’s Belles soundtrack, Sarolta Zlatnay and Carl Sherlock Holmes. The best moment of the night for me was pretty close to the end, when I played Willie Hutch’s “I Choose You” (sampled best by UGK and Outkast for the “International Players Anthem”) and most of the couples who had stuck it out to the very end started slow dancing…If you missed it, you REALLY missed it. But at least you can hear the sounds. Below is the Guest DJ set from Saturday. Big thanks as always to Miles, Clifton and Nancy for the invite, it’s always an absolute pleasure.

Guest DJ Set At Funky Sole: 11-08-2014

Funky Sole Guest DJ Set: 11-08-2014
The Bar-Kays – Sang and Dance – 7” (Volt)
Gal Costa – Vou Recomecar – Gal Costa (1969) (Philips)
Juan Pablo Torres y Algo Nuevo – Pastel En Descarga – Super Son (Areito)
Jodi Gales – You Gotta Push – 7” (Savern)
Smokey Johnson – I Can’t Help It – 7” (NOLA)
Serge Gainsbourg – Requiem Pour Un Con – 7” (Phonodor)
Marcia Griffiths – Here I Am (Come And Take Me) – Sweet Bitter Love (Trojan)
Jorge Ben – Ponta De Lanca Africano (Umbabarauma) – Africa Brasil (Philips)
Los Tainos – Amor Mio – Los Tainos (Areito)
Dennis Coffey & the Detroit Guitar Band – Scorpio – Evolution (Sussex)
The Steve Karmen Big Band feat. Jimmy Radcliffe – Breakaway Pt. 1 – 7” (United Artists)
The Winstons – Amen, Brother – 7” (Metromedia)
Franciene Thomas – I’ll Be There – 7” (Tragar)
All The People – Cramp Your Style – 7” (Blue Candle)
Billy Garner – Brand New Girl – 7” (BGP)
The Rail Band – Mouodilo – 7” (HMV)
Lyn Collins – Mama Feelgood – Black Caesar: Original Soundtrack (Polydor)
Bill Withers – Kissing My Love – Still Bill (Sussex)
Toots & The Maytals – Time Tough – Funky Kingston (Mango)
Dave Barker – Do Your Thing – Africa’s Blood (Trojan)

November 10, 2014 Radio

Breakdown: November 9th on KPFK’s Melting Pot

Back at it again this past Sunday with another new show. Started things off with just a taste of the Guest DJ set that I spun over at Funky Sole the night before (full post and set upcoming) and from there we got some new music from Shintaro Sakamoto, Budos Band, Run The Jewels, Khun Narin Electric Phin Band, Allo Darlin, Big K.R.I.T. and Goapele plus classic material from David Axelrod, the Chico Hamilton Quintet, Unwound, James Black and a short tribute to legendary Flamenco guitarist Manitas De Plata who passed away last week. The last set of the show begins with Ana Tijoux’s “Shock” which seemed like the best possible song to play in solidarity with the ongoing protests in Mexico connected to the disappearance of 43 students from the Raúl Isidro Burgos Rural Teachers College of Ayotzinapa. There hasn’t been nearly enough press on what’s going on in Mexico (though not surprisingly KPFK and Pacifica have done what few mainstream news outlets in this country have done covering this story) and after the bodies were discovered earlier in the week, I felt compelled to play something and add my voice to the chorus saying “Ya Me Canse/I’ve Had Enough.”

Melting Pot on KPFK #181: First Hour
Melting Pot on KPFK #181: Second Hour

Playlist: 11-09-2014
{opening theme} Booker T & the MGs – Melting Pot – Melting Pot (Stax)

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Marcia Griffiths – Here I Am – Bitter Sweet Love (Trojan)
Jorge Ben – Ponta De Lanca Africano – Africa Brasil (Philips)
Los Tainos – Amor Mio – Los Tainos (Areito)
Dennis Coffer – Scorpio – Evolution (Sussex)
Steve Karmen Big Band feat. Jimmy Radcliffe – Breakaway – 7” (UA)
The Winstons – Amen Brother – 7” (Metromedia)

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Shintaro Sakamoto – Like An Obligation – Let’s Dance Raw (Other Music)
Something Unique – This Feeling Between Us – Catch Action: The Sophisticated Boogie Funk Of Sheridan House Records (Ubiquity)
James Black – (I Need) Altitude – (I Need) Altitude (Night Train)
Jungle Fire – Snake Pit – Tropicoso (Nacional)

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The Budos Band – The Sticks – Burnt Offering (Daptone)
David Axelrod – A Divine Image – Songs Of Experience (Capitol)
Unwound – Corpse Pose – No Energy (Numero)
Khun Narin Electric Phin Band – Lai Sing – Khun Narin Electric Phin Band (Innovative Leisure)

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Manitas De Plata – Jota – Flamenco Guitar (Connoisseur Society)
Sun Kil Moon – Alesund – Admiral Fell Promises (Caldo Verde)
Chico Hamilton Quintet – Lucky So And So – Ellington Suite (World Pacific)
Allo Darlin’ – Heartbeat – We Come From The Same Place (Slumberland)

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Run The Jewels – Oh My Darling Don’t Cry – Run The Jewels 2 (Mass Appeal)
Flying Lotus – Turkey Dog Coma – You’re Dead (Warp)
Goapele – Perfect – Strong As Glass (Jordan House)
Les Sins – Do Right – Michael (Car Park)
Alpha – A Perfect End – Stargazing (Nettwerk)

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Ana Tijoux – Shock – La Bala (Nacional)
Big K.R.I.T. – Saturdays = Celebration – Cadillatica (Def Jam)
Rev. TL Barrett & the Youth For Christ Choir – Like A Ship (Without A Sail) – Like A Ship (Without A Sail) (Light In The Attic)

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{closing theme} Dungen – C. Visar Vagen – Tio Bitar (Kemado)

November 7, 2014 Dig Deep

Dig Deep: Los Tainos – Los Tainos – Areito (1977)

Los Tainos – Amor Mio
Los Tainos – Conjura
Los Tainos Te Digo Que Se Acabo

It’s gonna be my honor to return to Funky Sole at the Echo this Saturday, November 8th, for a guest set spinning soul, funk and whatever else I can get away with ’round Midnight. I’m currently pulling records, thinking about what kind of sounds I want to bring out for the people and realized I hadn’t posted this album from the Cuban outfit Los Tainos. Because of the long standing embargo this country has with Cuba, you don’t run across many Cuban records out and about here in the States. I got this one in addition to several others from a dealer out of Japan. I’d first heard “Amor Mio” on the amazing Si Se Puede collection put out by Waxing Deep back in 2007. That collection was a revelation uncovering the sounds of 1960s/1970s Cuba and the wealth of amazing funky sounds coming out of the island at that time.

I don’t have a lot of info on Los Tainos, other than the Cuban musical maestro Daniel Guzman. “Amor Mio” has an almost understated style in comparison to some of the big band inspired tracks that dominate the album, but it sure is funky. When the band finally slows it down again towards the end of the record, with back to back boleros, or as their described here “Bolero Beat,” that similar subtle funk comes back. The album’s closer “Te Digo Que Se Acabo” almost feels like two different songs, starting off as nothing special, but then making an aburpt left turn in hardcore percussion driven latin-funk. Just when they get in the groove, it seems like the song is gone, but they’ve certainly left quite an impression. As far as I can tell this is the only release from the group, which really is a shame. Then again, especially for us in the States, perhaps we should be thankful to even be able to hear these funky sounds out of Cuba.

Cheers,

Michael

November 5, 2014 Ephemera

Giveaway: Spain’s Latest Release Sargent Place!

Earlier in the year Josh Haden and his group Spain released their fifth studio album, Sargent Place, overseas and this week the album received a stateside release via Dine Alone records. Though 2012’s The Soul of Spain marked the bands return after a decade long absence, in some ways Sargent Place should be considered the proper return of the band. I say this primarily because the vast majority of the songs on this album were written by the group in the run up to recording and changed form in the process of recording the album.

Spain will be playing a free show tomorrow at Amoeba Hollywood at 6pm and in connection with that we’ve been given a few copies of the new album, signed by Josh Haden, to give to readers of the blog. E-mail me at michael[at]meltingpotblog.com if you want a chacne to enter into the giveaway. I’ll be choosing winners on Friday, November 7th!

Of the many noteworthy songs on Sargent Place (including “You and I” which features the final recording of Charlie Haden, the legendary father of bass player/vocalist Josh Haden), one of the most beautiful is surely “The Fighter,” featuring strings and harmony vocals from Haden’s sister Petra.

The band has even released a rare video for this album, for the lead track, “Love At First Sight”:

November 5, 2014 Ephemera

In Heavy Rotation: The Budos Band – Burnt Offering – Daptone

Budos Band – Burnt Offering

The Budos Band has built a reputation over the years as purveyors of dark and heavy Afro-funk. Nothing in their previous three albums could have prepared fans for the heavy waves of darkness on their fourth album Burnt Offering. As the cover art indicates, the Budos boys are making clear allusions to the early 1970s “Wizard Rock” heavy psych / proto metal sounds of Black Sabbath or Dust and it certainly shows up in the sound. It’s a heavy, grittier, tougher sound, one that still has echoes of previous records, but charts a new and exciting course for the band. “Burnt Offering” sounds like a mythic example of the instrumental backing tracks of the Sabbath album we all wish David Axelrod had produced. Though the band had a signature sound and a safe place in the neo-funk upper echelons, this change in tone, theme and sound is a most welcome change indeed.

November 5, 2014 Radio

Breakdown: November 2nd on KPFK’s Melting Pot

It’s been a long time…but finally we were back on the air this Sunday. Felt a little rusty, and a bit of that shows, but overall it’s a pretty solid edition and features a number of brand new recordings that I haven’t gotten a chance to feature before, including new music Flying Lotus, Run The Jewels, Submotion Orchestra, Khun Narin Electric Band, The Bug, Allo Darlin’, Les Sins and the Budos Band. A few classics mixed in, particularly for All Souls Day/Dia De Los Muertos from Los Fabulosos Cadillacs and the 4th Coming, as well as Can, The Afrosound, Holly Golightly and more. One month seemed like three or four, it’s truly great to be back where I belong bringing you music on KPFK.

Melting Pot on KPFK #180: First Hour
Melting Pot on KPFK #180: Second Hour

Playlist: 11-2-2014
{opening theme} Booker T & the MGs – Melting Pot – Melting Pot (Stax)

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Los Fabulosos Cadillacs – Calaveras y Diablitos – Fabulosos Calavera (Sony)
Holly Golightly – Painted On – Painted On (Damaged Goods)
Larry Williams & Johnny Watson with Kaleidoscope – Nobody – Country Funk Vol. 2 (Light In The Attic)
The 4th Coming – The Dead Don’t Die Alive – 7” (Alpha)

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Flying Lotus – Coronus, The Terminator – You’re Dead (Warp)
Submotion Orchestra – Trust/Lust – Alium (Counter)
Les Sins – Toy – Michael (Car Park)
Onuma Singsri – Lam Plearn Toe Lhong Tong – Sound Of Siam Vol. 2 (Soundway)
Afro Latin Vintage Orchestra – Code Panthera – Pulsion (Ubiquity)

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KING – Hey – Recorded Live At KPFK (KPFK Archives)
The Bug feat. Liz Harris – Void – Exit (Ninja Tune)
Clarke – Beacon – Clarke (Warp)
Can – Spray – Future Days (UA)

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Khun Narin Electric Phin Band – Lam Phu Thai – Khun Narin Electric Phin Band (Innovative Leisure)
Run The Jewels feat. Boots – Early – Run The Jewels 2 (Mass Appeal)
Mark Lindsay – Lone Wolf’s Theme – Shogun Assassin (Baby Cart Productions)

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Spain – Let Your Angel – Sargent Place (Dine Alone)
Fern Jones – When A Sinner Prays – The Glory Road (Numero)
Tinariwen – Tamatant Tilay – Aman Iman (Independiente)
Batida – La Vai Maria – Dois (Soundway)
Allo Darlin’ – Romance and Adventure – We Come From The Same Place (Slumberland)

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Jungle Fire – Village Hustle – Tropicoso (Nacional)
Afrosound – Banana De Queso – The Afrosound Of Columbia Vol. 2 (Vampi Soul)
Stone Wall – Living Today – Local Customs: Cavern Sound (Numero)
Budos Band – Burnt Offering – Burnt Offering (Daptone)

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{closing theme} Dungen – C. Visar Vagen – Tio Bitar (Kemado)

October 23, 2014 Dig Deep

Dig Deep…for Matthew Africa: Rusty Bryant – Fire Eater! – Prestige (1971)

Rusty Bryant – Fire Eater

Today would have been Matthew Africa’s 43rd birthday. As has been the case since his passing in 2012, on this day I pay tribute to my friend by posting about a record that I connect with him or that connected him to me. This record in particular is special for a couple of reasons. First, it actually came from Matthew’s collection, much of which has been auctioned off on Ebay, with proceeds going to his family (including a number of records that are up right now).

The second and major reason this record is special is because of the place it holds in my history as a DJ and record collector. Rusty Bryant’s “Fire Eater,” maybe more so than any other piece of rare soul-jazz, ignited the passion I have for vinyl. If you’ve ever heard the “Fire Eater” you can understand how it might have that effect. It’s without a doubt the best song and the main reason to get this album. Now, that’s not to say that the other three tracks on the album aren’t great, they are. “Free At Last” and “The Hooker” solid slower tempo songs, and “Mister S.” is a capable up tempo soul-jazz groover…but they’re not in the same league with “Fire Eater.” Nothing I’ve heard before or since is in the same league as “Fire Eater.”

I first heard this song on a collection put out by Luv’n’Haight back in 1993 (I think I got a copy of it in 1994 or 1995) called Jazz Dance Classics, Vol. 1. This collection and this series was instrumental in getting me to move beyond CDs and cassettes and to search and dig for sounds that were no longer in print, that formed the backbone of Hip-Hop or that few people had heard before. Essentially my whole career as a DJ, at least what has distinguished me from many other DJs over the years, began with that collection. It wasn’t until a decade later, and 4 or 5 years after I already knew Matthew that I even realized that this classic collection had been compiled by Matthew Africa. One of the things that I am most thankful for is that I was able to let him know what a profound effect he’d had on me simply by doing what he did best, sharing the music that he enjoyed.

Listening to “Fire Eater” is easy to see why Matthew chose this one as the centerpiece of that collection. It’s an absolute fucking monster. There’s nothing I can say about it that improves on what Matthew said back in 1993, so I’ll just leave it to him:

“A few months ago I played a certain Rusty Bryant track on Beni B’s radio show here in Berkeley and the response was astounding –within moments the station was flooded with callers begging to know what they were listening to. One caller who couldn’t get through came all the way down to the station! Why? If you have to ask, you’ve never heard Fire Eater. What is it? A raw and rampaging slice of pure jazz funk. Rusty more than holds his own, but the track is dominated by Bill Mason’s hammering organ and Idris Muhammad’s brutal drums. Well worth the price of admission.”

In the years since I came into contact with that collection, later on tracking down the original record, I’ve played this record now on four different radio stations in three different states. Without fail someone will call up in a slightly crazed, dazed or shocked manner, asking what song this is, (generally about halfway through Bill Mason’s fiery solo on Hammond B-3). When I think back about all those times, I think about Matthew playing it at KALX for the first time and wondering what kind of effect that had on him. I’m not sure, maybe Beni knows, but I wonder if the response the “Fire Eater” got, along with other gems Matthew used to throw on, was the thing that finally convinced him to host his own show. Maybe I’ll never know, that is part of the tragedy of losing people you care for, you’re never able to answer the questions you never asked when they were here. But we do have our stories, and those of us who knew Matthew have many stories and so much music to remind us of him, for that I am eternally grateful.

Peace be with you,

Michael

October 22, 2014 Ephemera

Five for John Holt…R.I.P.

Of late I’ve been remiss in paying tribute to dearly departed musicians here on the blog, but when word of John Holt’s passing came through earlier in the week, I knew I’d be writing a bit about this man, his amazing voice and some of my favorite tracks. What I always appreciated about Holt was his smooth delivery. So cool, just effortlessly breezy, in the way the words flow. Without a doubt I’m sure Holt was a major influence on maybe my favorite singer from Jamaica, Gregory Isaacs, and his songs have been a delight to all who’ve heard them. While most people know Holt’s “The Tide Is High,” because mega pop stars Blondie covered it in the 1980s, the man cut a number of fantastic sides, originally with his group the Paragons and just by himself. These five are the ones I’ll remember him most for.

The Paragons – Wear You To The Ball

“The Tide Is High” and “On The Beach” got more acclaim, “Wear You To The Ball” is as good if not better. Maybe it’s just because of the story in the song, where the singer is taking a date to the Ball, that other people wouldn’t. As Holt croons, “Though you don’t suit those other guys, you suit me fine.” I’m a sucker for underdog/ugly duckling stories. Additionally, “Ball” has one of the most distinctive openings for a rock steady song. Just great all around.

The Paragons – I Want To Go Back

Along with all the other songs on the Paragons’ album On The Beach, I discovered this one on my first trip to the Bay Area as an adult back in 1997. I don’t know exactly how long it took, but I was convinced for years that the Beatles covered Holt and the gang, not the other way around. This version was just so good, so thoroughly soulful that it couldn’t have originated from anyone else. To this day I can’t even listen the Beatles version…for me there’s just no comparison.

John Holt – A Love I Can Feel

Another cover that I didn’t know was a cover until years later, in this case the Temptations, “I Want A Love I Can See.” Might be a little up-tempo to fully qualify as Lover’s Rock, but that sentiment and Holt’s phrasing make it just about perfect.

John Holt – Let’s Build Our Dreams

“Let’s Build Our Dreams” is without a doubt one of the most soulful reggae I’ve ever heard. Some of that comes through in the just ever so slightly slower riddim and those notes on the organ. But it’s Holt’s singing, the style and the sentiment that kills me every time. The interplay between John Holt and Slim Smith also is deeply soulful. A classic amongst classics.

John Holt – Ali Baba

One of my all-time favorites. Not a week goes by where for one reason or another either the first line, “I dreamed last night about Ali Babe, with the 40 thieves…” or “I rode through the valley with the princess by my side…” pops into my mind. My response is almost always the same, whether I’m walking down the street, sitting in my office or in my car, in the shower, wherever…I start singing it and dance a very particular reggae step. The riddim just by itself would have made this one a classic. Holt’s cooler than cool delivery makes it legendary, just like the man himself.

October 20, 2014 Ephemera

Giveaway: Allo Darlin’ At The Echo on October 23rd!!!

One of my favorite indie-pop outfits from outside of the States, Allo Darlin’, is gracing us with a rare show this Thursday over at the Echo! Featuring Aussie Elizabeth Morris on the lead vocals, guitar and electric ukulele, the band released one of my absolute favorite late Summer songs a few years ago and are just about to release (like tomorrow!) their latest record, We Come From The Same Place, once again for Oakland’s Slumberland label. If you want to see them courtesy of Melting Pot, drop me a line to michael[at]meltingpotblog.com before 5pm, Wednesday October 22nd.

Here’s the first single from their new record, “Bright Eyes,” a vocal duet, back and forth kind of song that is beyond infectious:

I’d hoped to bring the band in to record a session at KPFK, especially since they’re not likely to be around again for several years, but instead, we’ll have to make do with this session at KEXP from 2012:

I’ve posted it before, but there’s no reason not to post it again, here’s one of the greatest end of summer songs I’ve ever heard, “Tallulah,” featuring Elizabeth Morris’ lovely voice and unique accent (Australian with a little British and something else mixed together) along with a bit uke strumming along: