Posted on Ephemera

In Heavy Rotation: Janis Joplin – “To Love Somebody”

Janis Joplin – To Love Somebody

Out of all the songs about love that have been spinning around on my turntable or my hard-drive over the past weekend (many of which I played during yesterday’s edition of Melting Pot), this song from Janis Joplin has been stuck in my mind the most. “To Love Somebody” starts off the second side of what was essentially her debut solo release, I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!, which featured Janis with a more soulful group and perhaps because of that it seems this record doesn’t get the acclaim of Pearl, or the Big Brother records that Janis sang on. This one though remains my favorite, and especially this track. It’s just so massively soulful, every single element, the drums, the understated guitar, the periodic washes of organ, the bass that is up front through most of the verses and those great horns. I just love how all the elements get stripped down for the verses and then everything rushes back for the chorus and the bridge. Pure magic. On this Valentine’s Day, I hope sincerely that your love life is better than Janis Joplin’s was reported to be, and certainly better than the unrequited love she singing about in this song, but even if you’ve got it worse, I do hope you appreciate this soulful track.

Posted on Radio

Breakdown: February 13th on KPFK’s Melting Pot

First off, Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. On yesterday’s show I played a lot of “love” songs, though not all in the traditional sense. There are for sure a number of great love songs, from the likes of Charles Bradley, Johnny Hartman and Paul Butterfield, but also some cynical love songs (Yachts), anti-love songs (Mingus, Betty Davis, Harry Nilsson), some songs about falling out of love (Sebadoh) and even unrequited love (Janis Joplin), little bit of everything for everyone, covering all manner of affairs of the heart. Additionally we have some brand new music from Dum Dum Girls, Shawn Lee featuring Bardo Martinez of Chicano Batman, Vivian Girls, Johnny Polygon and the latest project from Cheky of Jovenes y Sexys, a solo project called Algodon Egipcio. Enjoy!

Melting Pot on KPFK #32: First Hour
Melting Pot on KPFK #32: Second Hour

Playlist: 2-13-2011
{opening theme} Booker T & the MGs – Melting Pot – 7” (Stax)

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Max Roach – Freedom Day – We Insist! Freedom Now Suite (Candid)
Umm Kulthum – Wa Daret El Ayam – Daret El Ayam
Arabian Knightz – Rebel – Single (Self Released)

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Charles Bradley & the Menahan Street Band – Lovin’ You Baby – No Time For Dreaming (Dunham/Daptone)
Janis Joplin – To Love Somebody – I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! (Columbia)
Charles Mingus – I X Love – Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus (Impulse!)

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La Sera – Never Come Around – Recorded Live At KPFK
Penny & the Quarters – You & Me – Eccentric Soul: The Prix Label (Numero)
The MC5 – Let Me Try – Back In The USA (Atlantic)
Versus – Jealous – Secret Swingers (Teen Beat)

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Shawn Lee feat. Bardo Martinez – La Eterna Felicidad – World Of Funk (Ubiquity)
Otis Redding & Carla Thomas – Lovey Dovey – King & Queen (Atco)
Harry Nilsson – You’re Breaking My Heart – Son Of Schmilsson (RCA)
Betty Davis – Anti-Love Song – Betty Davis (Light In The Attic)
Johnny Polygon – Get Over – Rebel Without Applause (Self-released)

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Dum Dum Girls – He Gets Me High – He Gets Me High EP (Sub Pop)
Yachts – Love You – 7” (Radarscope)
The Vivian Girls – I Heard You Say – Share The Joy (Polyvinyl)
Martina Topley Bird – Valentine – The Blue God (Independiente)
Best Coast – I Want To – Crazy For You (Mexican Summer)

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Algodon Egipcio – El Dia Previo – La Lucha Constante (Lefse)
Adam Franklin – Big Sur – Spent Bullets (Second Motion)
Sebadoh – Soul & Fire – Bubble & Scrape (Sub Pop)
Jessica Lea Mayfield – You’ve Won Me Over – With Blasphemy So Heartfelt (Polymer)
Butterfield Blues Band – I Want To Be With You – Live (Elektra)

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Johnny Hartman – What Is There To Say? – Songs From The Heart (Bethlehem)

Posted on Ephemera

Top 5’s: Five Songs for the Egyptian Revolution…

This is what Freedom looks like

Like a number of people around the world here on Feb. 11th 2011, I’ve been absolutely amazed at the events in Egypt, where the people have risen up and caused a 30 year dictator to resign making an extraordinary move towards a truly free and democratic society in the Arab world. The future is as always unwritten, but today at least there is an astonishing celebration in Egypt and in many other places in the world. The following tracks are just a few that have been in my mind over the past 18 days and especially on this one, what I truly hope is Egypt’s “Freedom Day”…

Arabian Knightz – Rebel

Arrested Development – Revolution

Phil Ochs – The Ringing of Revolution

Richie Havens – Freedom

Max Roach – Freedom Day

Posted on Dig Deep

Dig Deep: The Butterfield Blues Band – Live – Elektra (1970)

Butterfield Blues Band – Born Under A Bad Sign
Butterfield Blues Band – I Want To Be With You
Butterfield Blues Band – The Boxer
Butterfield Blues Band – So Far, So Good

Growing up I was a major fan of Paul Butterfield and the many bands he led from the mid-1960s to the early-1970s under the title of “The Butterfield Blues Band.” Besides featuring Paul’s legendary Harmonica playing, the band featuring exceptional players at all stages, including Michael Bloomfield, Elvin Bishop, Gene Dinwiddle, Philip Wilson and even a young David Sanborn. One of the many things I love about the Butterfield Blues Band records was the progression of sound, from raw and gritty Southside Chicago Electric Blues to a more horn driven deeply soulful and funky sound towards the end of the band’s tenure and perhaps best represented on this live album recorded in 1970 out of some sets performed at Los Angeles’ Troubadour.

At this point in the game, it’s almost entirely about laying a deep groove down. This much is clear in the band’s version of the Albert King classic (and what unfortunately still rings oh too true as a personal theme song) “Born Under A Bad Sign.” The funk just bubbles up slowly and slowly until those horns (A horn section incidentially so monstrously tight that they ended up being employed by Stevie Wonder on his classic album “Talking Book”…yep that’s right those horns on “Superstitious” belong to THIS horn section), blast on out. Similarly funky good times are had on “The Boxer,” a track that’s sung by bassist Rod Hicks and with some monster drum licks provided by George Davidson, as well as on “So Far, So Good,” a blisteringly upbeat number that only takes a breather for a lovely soprano sax solo from Dinwiddle before slowing bringing the groove right back to close out the LP.

In listening to this album earlier this week while prepping for my classes I realized how appropriate a post this would be since so many of the great songs on this set are “love” songs, and because it features not only one of my favorite tracks from Butterfield, but one of my favorite love songs of all time in “I Want To Be With You,” a thoroughly realistic love song about how sometimes you realize that you want to be with one person in particular only when you almost lose that person. I know that a lot of blues purists don’t dig on the later records from the Butterfield Blues Band precisely because of the soul and funk elements, but for me these records (basically all the albums after Michael Bloomfield left) remain my favorites because of how the band was able to integrate all the various elements of the members tastes together into one sweet funky batch.

Cheers,

Michael

Posted on Ephemera

In Heavy Rotation: Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra – World Of Funk – Ubiquity

Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra feat. Bardo Martinez – La Eterna Felicidad

The amazingly prolific Shawn Lee returns with another mix-mash of funky styles from all over the world with World of Funk, his 3,277th record (okay, perhaps it’s closer to 20, but dude puts out three records a year!). As with several of his recent releases, Lee brings in a number of guest players to feature on these tracks, including Natacha Atlas, Curumin, Eliot Bergman of Nomo, Michael Leonheart, Clutchy Hopkins and Cava. The track I’ll feature includes work from Bardo Martinez of LA group Chicano Batman, finally showing more of the influence of Tropicalia in a nice bit of Latin-Psych titled “La Eterna Felicidad.” Seems like a lot of this was put together during Lee’s recent stint in LA, during which he spent a little time at KPFK. World Of Funk might just be Shawn Lee’s best realized project since 2008’s Miles of Styles.

Posted on Ephemera

Pound for Pound: Queen vs. Queen for the Greatest Sports Song of All-Time

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers vote for "We Are the Champions!"

In honor of what was a tension filled and entertaining matchup between two of the truly legendary NFL franchises, (so “Super” that I didn’t do my radio show on KPFK just so I could watch former Cal Bear Aaron Rodgers and former Oakland Raider Mr. Woodson bring back the Lombardi trophy to “Titletown, U.S.A.”), I thought I’d take a time out to consider what is the greatest sports anthem of all time. Being a big sports fan for all my life, and having been to a number of games it was pretty easy to narrow down the list to just a couple of tracks that would deserve to be in the top 5, but it seemed much more intriguing to consider the two songs that were at the top of the list. Queen’s “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions” both come from the same album, 1977’s News Of The World. They follow each other on that album and are generally played together on the radio and were also almost always performed together live. But they are two very different songs, the opening of “We Will Rock You” is one of the most ubiquitous sounds you’ll hear at a sporting event, probably multiple times, whereas “Champions” is a song that really only should be played at the end of the season. However I’m not sure there’s a more satisfying feeling that being on a sporting field having won a championship and having people spontaneously begin singing “We Are The Champions”…so what do you think, pound for pound, which song is THE greatest sports song of all time!

Here’s what I think is probably THE definitive performance of them both:

Posted on Dig Deep

Dig Deep: Johnny Hammond – Gambler’s Life – Salvation (1974)

Johnny Hammond – Gambler’s Life
Johnny Hammond – Call On Me
Johnny Hammond – Star Borne

I am all kinds of busy here on Super Bowl weekend, (I actually won’t be doing the radio show this week, though I’ll be leaving you in the very capable hands of Ali Lexa), getting ready for a big game I’m actually interested to see. But, I didn’t want that to get in the way of some good music and our weekly dig deep feature here. I’ll add fully thoughts about this album early next week, but safe to say this might be my favorite Mizell Bros. production from the 1970s. Especially the sublime “Call On Me” which just seems perfect for a lazy sunday afternoon. Speaking of Sunday afternoons, instead of the usual liner notes, this LP features poetry, including this piece about Sundays. Back with more after I recover from my forthcoming Super Bowl hangover.

Cheers,

Michael

Posted on Ephemera

In Heavy Rotation: DJ Lengua – Cruzando – Club Unicornio

DJ Lengua – La Jungla

DJ Lengua is a LA based spinner, primarily with the Mas Exitos crew, who produces breakbeat heavy latin styled electronic music. His previous EP (also on Club Unicornio, the label who put out Chicano Batman’s debut on vinyl) was one of my favorite local releases a couple years back and I have nothing but respect for his sound and aesthetic. He also clearly has good taste in artists, based off of his use of the fantastic artwork on the front and back of the LP from Julio Cesar Morales.

I dare you…just try not to move and groove to “La Jungla” from his latest 12″…yep, it’s impossible to sit tight during this infectious groove.

…as an added bonus, here is  a nice interview with Lengua on Juan Data’s blog.

Posted on Radio

Be Our Guest: La Sera on KPFK’s Melting Pot

Katy Goodman of La Sera at KPFK

La Sera came into the KPFK studios this past Friday to record a performance and interview at the station, just a few days before leaving the country on tour. La Sera is the latest project from Katy Goodman of Vivian Girls and plays some seriously sweet (or is it bittersweet? or maybe sweetly bittersweet?? or perhaps bittersweetly sweet???) indie-pop.

La Sera performs live at KPFK

The band (here featuring Katy on bass & vocals and Scott Shannon on guitar) performs 4 songs in this session, including two totally brand new tracks, “I’m Alone” and “How Far We’ve Come Now”! The other two tracks, “Sleeptalking” and “Never Come Around” are featured on La Sera’s full length record which will be out in February, fittingly perhaps, just after Valentine’s Day.

Big thanks to Ruben at Hardly Art for setting things up and to Stan Misraje at KPFK for the extra time spent doing the sound and getting everything just right.

La Sera on KPFK’s Melting Pot: Recorded 01-28-2011

Posted on Radio

Breakdown: January 30th on KPFK’s Melting Pot

Fantastic show yesterday here at the end of the month, all on vinyl records, as is customary once a month on Melting Pot. Started things off with a short set in solidarity with those protesting in Egypt and other parts of the world for a better life than the one they currently have, beginning with a powerful statement from Max Roach along with the J.C. White Singers. Closed the show out with a mini-tribute to Charlie Louvin, who just passed away at 83, with his classic track “Satan Is Real” recorded with his brother Ira Louvin around 1960. The Louvin Brothers recorded some mighty fine country music during their heyday, especially country gospel, and were a major influence on Gram Parsons, who you also hear in the closing set…finally they are reunited again. In between we have an amazing guest DJ set from Music Man Miles of Breakestra (click here if you just want to hear the set by itself) and a fabulous performance from La Sera, which features Katy from Vivian Girls! (click here if you just want to hear the performance/interview) Enjoy the show, I’m just so glad all the proper stars aligned for this one and that I’m able to archive it here for you to hear (I don’t even mind the fact I cued up the Intruders “Sad Girl” at the wrong speed for a minute, I’m just thankful all the other technology worked)!

Melting Pot on KPFK #31: First Hour
Melting Pot on KPFK #31: Second Hour

Playlist: 1-30-2011

{opening theme} Boris Gardiner – Melting Pot – Is What’s Happening (Dynamic)

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Max Roach & the JC White Singers – Let Thy People Go – Lift Every Voice & Sing (Atlantic)
Eddie Palmieri – Condiciones Que Existen – Sentido (Coco)
Derek Lawrence Statement – I Am The Preacher – 7” (Bell)
The Village Soul Choir – The Cat Walk – 7” (Abbott)
24 Carat Black – 24 Carat Black Theme – Ghetto: Misfortune’s Wealth (Enterprise)

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Guest DJ Set from Music Man Miles of Breakestra:

Lionel Robinson – Steppin’ Out – 7” (Knight)
Johhny K – Screwdriver – 7” (Drive)
Ray Frazier – Gonna Get Your Love – 7” (Chess)
John Edwards – If I Don’t Use My Head – 7” (Weiss)
Los Masters – Cissy Strut – 7” (Odeon)
James Brown – Let A Man Come In & Do The Popcorn – It’s A New Day (King)
Daktaris – In The Middle – 7” (Desco)
Rwenzoris – Ewara – 7” (Editions Makossa)
Claudette Soares – Shirley Sexy – 7” (Phillips)
Ocho – Undress My Mind – Best Of Ocho (Universal Sound)

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The Corporation – India – The Corporation (Capitol)

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La Sera performance and interview recorded at the KPFK Studios

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La Sera – Dedicated To The One I Love – 7” (Hardly Art)
Barbara Greene – Young Boy – 7” (Renee)
The Intruders – Sad Girl – 7” (Gamble)
Tim Maia – E Por Voce Que Vivo – Tim Maia (Polydor)

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Dungen – Oga, Nasa, Mun – 7” (Third Man Records)
The Flying Burrito Bros. – Sin City – The Flying Burrito Bros. (A&M)
The Louvin Brothers – Satan Is Real – The Great Gospel Singing Of The Louvin Brothers (Capitol)

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{closing theme} Kenny Baker – Mississippi Waltz – Plays Bill Monroe (County)

Posted on Radio

Be Our Guest: Music Man Miles of Breakestra on KPFK’s Melting Pot

Whether as the bassist and leader of the legendary Breakestra or as one of the founding resident DJs of Funky Sole & Root Down, Music Man Miles always has something funky in store for the listener. We had the pleasure of having Miles do a guest DJ set on Melting Pot this Sunday with some of his trademark rare funky as well as some surprising cuts from Latin America and Africa.

You can catch Miles, Clifton and the rest of the Funky Sole crew also at the Echo every Saturday night (with no cover!) for the best deep funk night on the West Coast!

Guest DJ Set from Music Man Miles of Breakestra on KPFK’s Melting Pot

Selections:

Lionel Robinson – Steppin’ Out
Johhny K – Screwdriver
Ray Frazier – Gonna Get Your Love
John Edwards – If I Don’t Use My Head
Los Masters – Cissy Strut
James Brown – Let A Man Come In & Do The Popcorn
Daktaris – In The Middle
Rwenzoris – Ewara
Claudette Soares – Shirley Sexy
Ocho – Undress My Mind

Posted on Dig Deep

Dig Deep: Tuff Darts – Tuff Darts! – Sire (1978)

Tuff Darts – All For The Love Of Rock’n’Roll
Tuff Darts – Fun City
Tuff Darts – Here Comes Trouble

I first heard something from the Tuff Darts on a collection of bands that played at the legendary CBGB’s in New York when I was still on the air late at night on Album 88, way back at the beginning of my radio career. “It’s All For The Love Of Rock’n’Roll” struck me as a great punk/power pop anthem with tons of trademark post New York Dolls bravura. I hadn’t really thought about the band that much in the ensuing years, until I happened up this LP over at Records LA.

This version of “All For The Love” is a bit different, it sounds a bit more fully produced, I remember the other version having a more hollow sound and different, deeper vocals. Though the sound is a bit brighter, the song still packs a punch on this LP, as do many other tracks.

“Fun City” is a bit of an ironic title for a song where lead singer Tommy Frenzy runs down a laundry list of things he’s sick of in NYC. It’s interesting how the out of the blue lines “I’m a middle class American, I used to think I had it made, I never dreamt that I’d be second class, when i joined the big parade,” resonate more in 2011 than they did even in 1978. “Here Comes Trouble” is maybe the punkiest track on this LP, a upbeat little yarn with some punchy saxophone bits about a girl who has all the boys eating out of her hand. The Tuff Darts all but fell into obscurity until a couple years ago when they reformed, first to record a new album and later to memorialize guitarist Jeff Salen. It strikes me that a band like this would have no trouble continuing to record on indie labels in the present time, but things have certainly changed in the music industry since 1978. The sentiment and spirit on display in “All For The Love Of Rock’n’Roll” deserves to be heard and appreciated, and I hope you will in listening to these tracks from this band.

Cheers,

Michael

Posted on Ephemera

In Heavy Rotation: La Sera – Devils Hearts Grow Gold 7″ – Hardly Art

La Sera – Devils Hearts Grow Gold

Lots of buzz around this band, and rightfully so. La Sera is the latest project from Kickball Katy of the indomitable Vivian Girls. After a relatively quiet 2010, it looks like it will be a busy year for Katy and Cassie of Vivian Girls, both have separate side projects, Cassie has a solo record and we’ll get a new record from Vivian Girls. Of the bunch, the upcoming LP from La Sera is the one I’m looking most forward to, especially after this, their second single. Katy is the primary songwriter and singer for this project, which allows her to explore some bittersweet emotions and narratives paired with blissfully sweet melodies. “Devils Hearts” is a perfect example of the style of this new project. There’s something strangely unsettling about the Raymond Pettibon-esque cover for the single. These elderly people look happy, but at the same time, something just doesn’t seem quite right here. However, when it comes to the sound, everything is right with its mix of 60s styled pop and 80s/90s C86 twee.

As a bonus (and a clear sign of the whole sweet/sour vibe of the group) here’s the video for the first single “Never Come Around” shot with a definite Hershell Gordon Lewis 1970s Horror film aesthetic combined with some Evil Dead absurdity in the ending sing-a-long: