The Mix-Up

Keeping on the Jewish kick, I freakin love the Beastie Boys. We're talkin about three jewish white guys from NYC who took the rap world by storm in the mid 80's. First criticized by critics and hip hop musicians for being cultural pirates of sorts (especially because of thier beginnings as a punk band in 1981), the Beastie's forged their own way and created a new post-punk, funky, psychadelic, pop, hip-hop sound that influenced a generation. Liscence to Ill was a surprising hit that paved the way for what I believe to be their best album, Paul's Boutique. And although this LP did not recieve the accolades as its predecesor (in addition to it being a completely different sound), it did produce the ecclectic, freewheeling style that they are now known for. Check Your Head, Ill Communication, and Hello Nasty followed and were equally awesome and influential. They also released a jazzy, funky, exploratory instumental album in there called The In Sound From Way Out which I thought was great.

This leads me to thier new release, The Mix Up, which to be honest, I'm surprised hasn't gotten more attention. Also an instrumental album, it showcases the BBoys musical skills, as they flow through numerous catchy grooves, and endless jazz and funk fused rhythms. There's even a touch of reggae thrown in there. Great music to just chill, or be putzing around the house to. check it.

download: B For My Name

download: Off the Grid

download: The Cousin of Death

Couldn't post some Beastie's with out one of the classics. Here's one of my favorites off of Paul's Boutique:

download: Car Thief

Festival of Light and Dead

Happy Hanukkah!

Before all the hoopla begins for the Christmas music phenomenon, lets celebrate Hanukkah. But alas, there are not many songs for the festival of light (besides the Hanukkah Song penned by none other than Adam Sandler, but that's been played out). So intead, I thought I'd bring you a story.

I recently recieved this story from my uncle Jay and it really made me think.

"Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right".

Story: Light in the strangest of places

Very eloquent words from a master of his craft. Think about it and you will realize that it is an endlessly positive message. Perfect for the Hanukkah season. Even in the darkest time of the year, there's always a light. So in response to this, I went searching for my favorite version of Scarlet Begonias. I sieved through endless bootlegs and archival releases to inevitably fall back on this version from the Dead's infamous show at Cornell University's Barton Hall. You can just feel the energy oozing from this cut. There's no denying for me that this show is my all-time favorite, and it is also known universally as one of the Dead's best live performances. Ever. The tone, timing, and emotion are all flowing in unison on this night and the band is really 'hitting the note'. Love it. Live it. Here it is from Ithaca, NY on May 8th, 1977:

mp3: Scarlet Begonias

Plus, as my uncle Jay put it, "Just goes to show, we are everywhere. Jews and Deadheads!"

Dub Mule

Praise to the most be high. Mighty High.

The recently released Mighty High, from the likes of the longstanding legends of the jam band scene, Gov't Mule, is a solid, refreshingly cool album (herb not included). It has beed drawn straight from the vein of the Easy Star All-Stars' Dub Side of the Moon and more recent Radiodread albums. This classic, dub style, dub wise LP comes as a welcome surprise for Mule fans, who know that dubbed out, reggae infused jams are a staple of thier live shows. Mule invokes the inner Rastafari, so be sure to roll your own.

download: I'm a Ram

You've got to love the 1st track, the Al Green classic, I'm a Ram, which by the way was the original recording, taken from the High and Mighty sessions. Apparently, latenight, during the 1st take of this song, lightning struck the studio (unbeknowest to the band). Upon entering the control room they were informed that the tape machine and bass amp were damaged in the process. As a result, they could not record it again, nor could they listen to what they just recorded! Pretty crazy. They took that as some sort of sign and decided to not take any more takes.

download: Rebel With a Cause

Rebel With a Cause is a special dub mix of Mule's "Unring the Bell", featuring vocals and lyrics by reggae legend Willi Williams. This is great, especially because, Willi's 1978 smash hit single, Armagideon Time, is a Mule cover waiting to happen.

download: The Shape I'm In

They also play a rich version of the Band's The Shape I'm In. Originally recorded as their contribution to The Band tribute album Endless Highway, this was a natural addition to Mighty High. The band took a completely different approach to the song, resulting in a funky, creole style, psychedelic acid jazz boogaloo jam featuring Danny Louis on trumpet. awesome.

download: Play With Fire

The Rolling Stones' Play with Fire sounds like Lee Scratch Perry was doing the mixing, the production is stuffed with so much of his classic dub stylings. It was recorded at the Beacon Theatre during the "Dub Side of the Mule" show on 12/31/06. Michael Franti's freestyle vocals were taken from his guest appearances with Gov't Mule at Bonnaroo and Mountain Jam. Fire is the theme. They do a great job.

So sit back, relax and let the irie vibes take control.