HOPKINS, CLUTCHY Walking Sdrawkcab (Ubiquity) lp 22.00
Last list we featured a release by the mysterious Clutchy Hopkins, a hippie recluse who was the son of a Motown engineer, and who recorded these amazing instrumental jazz funk tracks sometime in the eighties or early nineties and then disappeared. Rumors have been circulating that this was actually an alias for DJ Shadow or Cut Chemist, as like Bigfoot, only a few people claim to have seen Clutchy Hopkins.
Well, Ubiquity, has released another batch of Clutchy tracks along with a dvd with clips from an unreleased documentary about this mysterious figure. Of course this does little to shed any light on whether this is fact or fiction or a little bit of both. According to the dvd, the tapes were found with a bunch of homemade and middle eastern instruments by a junk collector in Hawthorne, CA. The homemade instruments including a really cool flute wired up to a wah device, a modified electric kalimba, and a mini-electric organ were kept by the collector while the tapes were sold to a friend. Supposedly there were enough tapes to release ten albums, and they were shopped around to various places, and two full albums (including this one) were released. The rest of the tapes were allegedly stolen back and hidden by the junk collector who is now in prison somewhere in Southern California. Other testimonials come from a masked Mexican record collector who fought over the same record, a hippie lady in Venice Beach who lived with Clutchy for three months before he disappeared and a Seattle record store who has some grainy footage of someone believed to be Clutchy shopping. Meanwhile we learn from these testimonials that Clutchy was not only an amazing multi-instrumentalist, but an artist, visionary architect and spiritual philosopher as well. On paper, it sounds so absolutely far-fetched, yet most of the folks on the dvd actually seem quite genuine. So we're really confused. But like the last review, we're gonna stick with our gut and just wholeheartedly buy into this. Why, because the music is awesome for one, and this release also shines a light on another soul obscurity, Darondo, who guest vocals on a track. Whether Darondo recorded the song with Clutchy or was added in later is still a mystery, they didn't include him in the interviews. Recommended!
NB. the dvd portions of this review don't apply to the vinyl format...
MPEG Stream: "Sound Of The Ghost"
MPEG Stream: "Love Of A Woman (feat. Darondo)"
MPEG Stream: "Para Los Ninos"

HOPKINS, CLUTCHY Walking Sdrawkcab (Ubiquity) cd+dvd 16.98
Last list we featured a release by the mysterious Clutchy Hopkins, a hippie recluse who was the son of a Motown engineer, and who recorded these amazing instrumental jazz funk tracks sometime in the eighties or early nineties and then disappeared. Rumors have been circulating that this was actually an alias for DJ Shadow or Cut Chemist, as like Bigfoot, only a few people claim to have seen Clutchy Hopkins.
Well, Ubiquity, has released another batch of Clutchy tracks along with a dvd with clips from an unreleased documentary about this mysterious figure. Of course this does little to shed any light on whether this is fact or fiction or a little bit of both. According to the dvd, the tapes were found with a bunch of homemade and middle eastern instruments by a junk collector in Hawthorne, CA. The homemade instruments including a really cool flute wired up to a wah device, a modified electric kalimba, and a mini-electric organ were kept by the collector while the tapes were sold to a friend. Supposedly there were enough tapes to release ten albums, and they were shopped around to various places, and two full albums (including this one) were released. The rest of the tapes were allegedly stolen back and hidden by the junk collector who is now in prison somewhere in Southern California. Other testimonials come from a masked Mexican record collector who fought over the same record, a hippie lady in Venice Beach who lived with Clutchy for three months before he disappeared and a Seattle record store who has some grainy footage of someone believed to be Clutchy shopping. Meanwhile we learn from these testimonials that Clutchy was not only an amazing multi-instrumentalist, but an artist, visionary architect and spiritual philosopher as well. On paper, it sounds so absolutely far-fetched, yet most of the folks on the dvd actually seem quite genuine. So we're really confused. But like the last review, we're gonna stick with our gut and just wholeheartedly buy into this. Why, because the music is awesome for one, and this release also shines a light on another soul obscurity, Darondo, who guest vocals on a track. Whether Darondo recorded the song with Clutchy or was added in later is still a mystery, they didn't include him in the interviews. Recommended!
NB. the dvd portions of this review don't apply to the vinyl format...
MPEG Stream: "Sound Of The Ghost"
MPEG Stream: "Love Of A Woman (feat. Darondo)"
MPEG Stream: "Para Los Ninos"

HYPE WILLIAMS One Nation (Hippos In Tanks) lp 18.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
New mysterious lp from the equally mysterious duo, Hype Williams. Housed in a blank white 12" sleeve with a blank white label and white vinyl and no identifying information whatsoever, except for a sticker on the shrink wrap. Hell, it took us awhile to even figure out what speed it's supposed to play at and we're still not really sure. Crackly and hollowed out synth washes and bouncy but distant drum machines play in deceptively basic minimal-funk pitch-shifted arrangements that slowly wooze and morph into dreamy soul refractions. Hazy and murky like their witch-house contemporaries would be good descriptors, but it's much more of a hot muddled electro mess than spindly goth horror daydream. Dam-Funk on Nyquil, perhaps? Supposedly these songs have titles, but there is no listing, maybe if we slavishly followed the blogs, we might have a clue, but it's hard to tell where one track ends and another one starts. We don't even know which is side one or two. Hype Williams may revel in their particular brand of confounding prankishness and seem not to care if you are in on their joke or not, but if their output wasn't so curiously intriguing, we might have not given this a second thought. Truth be told, we can't stop trying to wrap our heads around it, so that's gotta be something, right?

ILAIYARAAJA Fire Star: Synth-Pop & Electro-Funk From Tamil Films 1985-1989 (Bombay Connection) cd 17.98
The Maestro strikes again! You should already know prolific South Indian film score composer Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and his "Electronic Pop Sound" from a couple Finders Keepers compilations we've highlighted: his own Solla Solla, and also the one featuring singer K.S. Chithra, with music by the Maestro. If you thought those two discs were over the top and irresistible, just get a load of this new one! (And even if you missed those, well, you probably have an idea of what we're talking about, if you've been exposed to any Bollywood/Kollywood/Lollywood craziness, as represented by other recent collections like Bollywood Bloodbath and Life Is Dance.)
Compared to those other Ilaiyaraaja's, this is similar, but with perhaps even more "video-game-iness" in the goofily orchestrated mix. It's VERY '80s electro synth sounding, and groovy too, as the subtitle promises. There's a big kitsch/cheese factor no doubt, but that's a big part of this genre's charms, really! Plus, this shit's tight, every element - electronic beats and sweet vocals and synthesized string sections and ethnic instruments and startling sound FX - in its place, everything and everybody dancing to the tunes of the Maestro. Hott stuff. 16 tracks, 65 minutes, you'll be grinning gleefully the whole time.
And you gotta love the cover, right? Icing on the cake of this swank trifold digipak, which includes a 30 page booklet with info on each of the films from which music was taken.
MPEG Stream: "Thangamana Raasa"
MPEG Stream: "Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam"
MPEG Stream: "Punnagai Mannan"

ILAIYARAAJA Fire Star: Synth-Pop & Electro-Funk From Tamil Films 1985-1989 (Bombay Connection) 2lp 28.00
Sweet! Now on lp, that great cover pic thus bigger and better on this swank gatefold sleeved vinyl version.
The Maestro strikes again! You should already know prolific South Indian film score composer Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and his "Electronic Pop Sound" from a couple Finders Keepers compilations we've highlighted: his own Solla Solla, and also the one featuring singer K.S. Chithra, with music by the Maestro. If you thought those two discs were over the top and irresistible, just get a load of this new one! (And even if you missed those, well, you probably have an idea of what we're talking about, if you've been exposed to any Bollywood/Kollywood/Lollywood craziness, as represented by other recent collections like Bollywood Bloodbath and Life Is Dance.)
Compared to those other Ilaiyaraaja's, this is similar, but with perhaps even more "video-game-iness" in the goofily orchestrated mix. It's VERY '80s electro synth sounding, and groovy too, as the subtitle promises. There's a big kitsch/cheese factor no doubt, but that's a big part of this genre's charms, really! Plus, this shit's tight, every element - electronic beats and sweet vocals and synthesized string sections and ethnic instruments and startling sound FX - in its place, everything and everybody dancing to the tunes of the Maestro. Hott stuff. 16 tracks, 65 minutes, you'll be grinning gleefully the whole time.
MPEG Stream: "Thangamana Raasa"
MPEG Stream: "Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam"
MPEG Stream: "Punnagai Mannan"

ILAIYARAAJA Ilectro (B-Music) cd 15.98
Yay, more delightful music from Ilaiyaraaja, illustrious composer for South India's Kollywood (not Bollywood, but close) film industry. Finders Keepers / B-Music has previously brought us a couple other comps full of Ilaiyaraaja's tremendously enjoyable and unusually arranged tunes, so hopefully you know all about him already and are eager for more, 'cause look out, here's another seventeen tracks of the man's colorful and creative East-West mashup music, circa the synth-pop Eighties (his prime), full of electro funk drum machine grooves, '80s future shock synthesizer (Yamaha DX7 keyboard in the house!), orchestral flourishes, and the often amorously impassioned vocalisations of a variety of famous playback singers including K.S. Chitra, aka the "Tamil Nightingale".
Ilaiyaraaja himself can lay claim to the honorific "The Maestro". He's also been called "The Crown Prince Of Tamil Pop", and it's easy to hear why from this disc of so very lively and infectious and not overly-serious music, joyful songs designed to get characters in Tamil films - and maybe you too - singing and dancing.
Apparently Ilaiyaraaja, currently 69 years of age, has written/recorded over 4,500 songs in his career (and counting), so we can probably look forward to more collections from Finders Keepers and other equally hip labels, but don't let this one slip by, it's got a lot of gems on it. Imagine if Axel F went to India...
Extensive, interesting, informative (as usual) liner notes from DJ Andy Votel are included, the disc having been compiled by Votel and Doug Shipton.
Import double vinyl version also forthcoming, by the way, we should have that in time for our next list.
MPEG Stream: "Adi Rani"
MPEG Stream: "Ponmani"
MPEG Stream: "Sangeetham"

IMO BROTHERS Ije Love / Journey of Love (Original Music) cd 13.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
If you're looking for some punchy high life to dance you butt off to, then the Imo Brothers' Eastern Nigerian recipe is for you. Though recorded in the early 80's, the authenticity is still here and the good track lengths will attest to a healthy workout!

J-ROCC J-Rocc V. J-Man (Jazzman) cd 17.98
Over the last several years Jazzman has become one of our favorite labels, reissuing some of the richest deep grooves and finest obscure soul and spiritual jazz, stuff that never got the due it deserved in its day (Nathan Davis, Lloyd Miller, regional funk burners from Florida, the Carolinas, and more!), as well as putting out new sounds from modern day spiritual funk makers like The Natural Yogurt Band.
So there's no doubt that the music in the Jazzman vaults would be a crate digger and DJ's Shangri-la. That's exactly what J-Rocc got to do on this totally smoking, flowing and immaculate mix. Digging deep into those Jazzman archives, J-Rocc has created a nonstop soulfunk jazzjam that exquisitely brings the worlds of deep soul, spiritual jazz, funk and beyond into a seamless mix that keeps the tempo up but always holds on to the underlying core and soul of the songs. You can tell how much love and respect J-Rocc has for the artists he's bringing new life to, this is not one of those cheesy and offensive Verve remix like projects. J-Rocc proves that if you do have the skill, true love and respect for sounds of the past, you can inject a new energy into them without making them some flavor of the day, all 'hip' and 'modern' and ready for a slick Volvo commercial. J-Rocc has been around the block, with roots reaching back to the '80s Hip-Hop/Boogie scene and then his seminal work in The Beat Junkies as one of the pioneers of turntableism along side folks like Cut Chemist, DJ Shadow, Z-Trip and Q-Bert.
This is one of those mixes that anyone who has DJed just has to drop their jaw in appreciation and envy as this is a master showing how it's done. And whether you're a DJ or just want a stream of amazing sounds blasting through your speakers when you want the energy to be high, and soak up sounds full of soul then it just doesn't get any better than this!
MPEG Stream: "90% Of Me Is You (Vanessa Kendrick)"
MPEG Stream: "Milk Break"
MPEG Stream: "Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter (NIna Simone)"
MPEG Stream: "Just Take Your Time (Innersouls)"

J.B.'S, THE Doing It To Death (Universal) cd 13.98

J.B.'S, THE Doing It To Death (People) lp 14.98
There is little doubt that the band behind James Brown from the late sixties to the mid seventies was just about the tightest unit around. Of course, Brown's habit of fining his players for missing beats would keep any band in check. But the band wasn't dubbed The JB's until after a legendary moment where most of Brown's band, including key figures Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, and Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis, up and quit on him. Brown, in a pinch, quickly grabbed a young Cincinnati-based backing band, The Pacemakers, which included a young Bootsy Collins before he joined Funkadelic. With a new band, a new decade and a new sound, Brown pretty much singlehandedly created funk music, and the recently defected Wesley, Parker, and Ellis quickly returned to the fold. The JB's went under many different names and line-ups, including Fred Wesley and the JB's, Maceo and The Macks, Fred Wesley and The New JB's. The Last Word, and The First Family, but the core personnel were more or less the same except for the Collins brothers who were only on the first JB's 1970 lp Food For Thought which contained the hits "Pass The Peas" and "Gimme Some More". All of their records up until 1974 are solid funk staples with hits "Doing It To Death", "Same Beat", and "If You Don't Get It Right The First Time, Back It Up and Try It Again, Party" that would be endlessly sampled in hip hop for decades to come. Good to have these on vinyl again! Funk essentials!

J.B.'S, THE Food For Thought (People) lp 14.98
There is little doubt that the band behind James Brown from the late sixties to the mid seventies was just about the tightest unit around. Of course, Brown's habit of fining his players for missing beats would keep any band in check. But the band wasn't dubbed The JB's until after a legendary moment where most of Brown's band, including key figures Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, and Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis, up and quit on him. Brown, in a pinch, quickly grabbed a young Cincinnati-based backing band, The Pacemakers, which included a young Bootsy Collins before he joined Funkadelic. With a new band, a new decade and a new sound, Brown pretty much singlehandedly created funk music, and the recently defected Wesley, Parker, and Ellis quickly returned to the fold. The JB's went under many different names and line-ups, including Fred Wesley and the JB's, Maceo and The Macks, Fred Wesley and The New JB's. The Last Word, and The First Family, but the core personnel were more or less the same except for the Collins brothers who were only on the first JB's 1970 lp Food For Thought which contained the hits "Pass The Peas" and "Gimme Some More". All of their records up until 1974 are solid funk staples with hits "Doing It To Death", "Same Beat", and "If You Don't Get It Right The First Time, Back It Up and Try It Again, Party" that would be endlessly sampled in hip hop for decades to come. Good to have these on vinyl again! Funk essentials!

J.B.'S, THE Pass The Peas: The Best Of The J.B.'s (Polydor) cd 5.00
**SALE **SALE* *SALE**
Another five dollar no-brainer here. If you like the FUNK that is. Like it says, some of the best ever tracks from James Brown's crack backing band the J.B.'s, including such classics as, well, they ALL are really, heck you've got "Doing It To Death (Part 1)", "Pass The Peas", "Breakin' Bread", "Damn Right I Am Somebody (Part 1)", "Gimme Some More", "Same Beat (Part 1)", and half a dozen more. All heavily sampled in the hiphop realm of course. If you like Public Enemy, ferinstance, you'll for sure recognize the crazy fat synth wobble of "Blow Your Head" (played by James Brown himself) and the squealing horn intro to "The Grunt (Part 1)". Not to mention numerous breakbeats. Yep, lots of funky drumming and horny horns here, all killer no filler, 'cause the best of the J.B.'s really means the best of '70s funk in general!
MPEG Stream: "Pass The Peas"
MPEG Stream: "The Grunt (Part 1)"
MPEG Stream: "Givin' Up Food For Funk (Part 1)"

JACKSON 5 ABC (Motown) lp 21.00
So sad. So Good!

JACKSON, MILLIE Feelin' Bitchy (Southbound) cd 15.98
All it takes is a look at Millie Jackson's illustrious album covers to know that she is one saucy and sassy soulstress. Recorded thirty years ago, Feelin' Bitchy is one of the better records in her long career. Feelin' Bitchy is a mix of spoken and sung vocals, biting humor and unapologetic bluntness, hints at a hip hop world to come, and tasty gritty deep soul done just right. Folks like Missy Elliott and Lil' Kim have for sure taken some cues from Miss Millie. With the recent explosion of great soul reissue compilations (Eccentric Soul, Bay Area Funk, Searching For Soul, Soul Gospel, Birmingham Sound, etc.) we hope that artists like Millie Jackson, Betty Davis, Bettye Swann and Betty Wright will continue to get the full attention and adoration they deserve.
MPEG Stream: "Lovin' Your Good Thing Away"
MPEG Stream: "You Created A Monster"

JACKSON, MILLIE It Hurts So Good (Spring Classics) cd 14.98
Besides having some of the most memorable album covers ever, Millie Jackson also made some damn fine music! While it's her saucy mouth and sassy attitude that she is usually most known for, It Hurts So Good is all about an undeniably deep hitting and fiercely delivered Southern soul that sizzles so damn good! This was her second album, recorded in 1973 and while many later albums would provide some great moments, It Hurts So Good really stands as her strongest album from start to finish. Her voice is so strong and bold and the rich instrumentation kicks oh so right. Millie shows her range from in your face and funky to smooth and sultry without losing a bit of rawness or conviction in the process. With bonus tracks worth hearing and extensive liner notes this is a must have for soul & funk lovers, and a record that really deserves more attention and praise. Highly recommended!
MPEG Stream: "Hipocrisy"
MPEG Stream: "Help Yourself"
MPEG Stream: "It Hurts So Good"

JIMMY CASTOR BUNCH, THE 16 Slabs of Funk (RCA) cd 14.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Heavy, heavy psychedelic acid funk with some Latin vibes, stuff that could have made Funkadelic proud, collected from the Jimmy Castor Bunch's earliest albums.
These 16 slabs of funk include almost all the really good songs (which is almost ALL of the songs) from the band's first 2 RCA albums ("It's Just Begun" and "Phase Two"), plus a few from their somewhat less awesome (actually quite weak) third and final RCA disc, the jazzy "Dimension III". Jimmy and the band bounced back and recorded many more funk classics after they left RCA, not letting disco get them down, and you can find those (and a few others from the earlier doo-wop phase of his career) on the "Everything Man" best of comp Rhino released a few years back, which only has a couple of the songs found here. There WAS a 2-on-1 import cd reissue of the first two of Castor's RCA LPs that we had a while ago, but we haven't been able to get it lately. I like the review I wrote of that disc a lot though, so why not quote some of it here:
"Blending fat funk guitar, '60s astrologically-obsessed psych rock, Hendrix worship (there's a weird tribute to Jimi here, a Purple Haze/Foxy Lady hybrid cover), as well as doo wop, soul and some sappy r&b...they don't make 'em like this anymore. "It's Just Begun" will send you back, way back, to the time of the "Troglodyte". The cave man theme recurs, with "Phase Two"'s "Luther The Anthropoid (Ape Man)"... Heavy acid funk stomp, silly sexual primal urge stuff to be sure, mixed with some lighter, more 'spiritually' oriented cuts. As we move into album no.2, there are definitely some really bad moments of love song cheese to interfere with your enjoyment of the BAAADDD moments of troglodyte funk, but on the whole this is deep and weird enough to be essential to the dedicated funkateer. For fans of early Kool & the Gang, Parliament, B.T. Express, that sort of thing, but the best stuff here's got a dosed and primordial edge unlike anything else excavated from the early '70s era."
This collection cuts out the worst of the "love song cheese" alluded to above (although the songs added from "Dimension III" aren't any better unfortunately) and so makes for, along with Rhino's "Everything Man" comp, a mandatory funk purchase. Not rare groove, but "everywhere groove" as it says in the liner notes.
RealAudio clip: "It's Just Begun"
RealAudio clip: "L.T.D. (Life, Truth & Death)"

JIMMY CASTOR BUNCH, THE It's Just Begun (RCA Victor) lp 12.98
Picked this album up at a garage sale as a kid, just 'cause of the crazy cover art, and have been a big fan ever since. Here it is reissued on vinyl, a definite '70s funk classic (from '72 to be precise), Jimmy's freakiest by far, stuff that could have made Funkadelic proud, both fuzzy and funky and a little Latin too. Or as we've said before about a Castor comp, "for fans of early Kool & the Gang, Parliament, B.T. Express, that sort of thing, but the best stuff here's got a dosed and primordial edge unlike anything else excavated from the early '70s era." And that "best stuff" is mostly all here on It's Just Begun. The title track is a heavy acid funk freakout, then there's the cave man classic "Troglodyte", and the trippy vibes of "L.T.D. (Life, Truth, Death)", and more... And it's all wrapped in that awesome, astrologically symbolic cover painting (featuring a slum building, in a wasteland, with not one but two giant Jimmy Castors looming over it, alongside a floating armored egg, tubes and troglodytes). There's an explanation of all the images' significance to be found on the back cover, dig it.
MPEG Stream: "It's Just Begun"
MPEG Stream: "Troglodyte (Cave Man)"

JIMMY CASTOR BUNCH, THE It's Just Begun / Phase Two (Camden Deluxe) cd 18.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Hot damn! The first two albums by this oft-overlooked classic '70s funk band, finally reissued as a 2-on-1 UK import disc. Jimmy Castor, he's the guy that sued the Beastie Boys over that "Hey LeRoy!" sample. Blending fat funk guitar, '60s astrologically-obsessed psych rock, Hendrix worship (there's a weird tribute to Jimi here, a Purple Haze/Foxy Lady hybrid cover), as well as doo wop, soul and some sappy r&b...they don't make 'em like this anymore. "It's Just Begun" will send you back, way back, to the time of the "Troglodyte". The cave man theme recurs, with "Phase Two"'s "Luther The Anthropoid (Ape Man)"... Heavy acid funk stomp, silly sexual primal urge stuff to be sure, mixed with some lighter, more 'spiritually' oriented cuts. As we move into album no.2, there are definitely some really bad moments of love song cheese to interfere with your enjoyment of the BAAADDD moments of troglodyte funk, but on the whole this is deep and weird enough to be essential to the dedicated funkateer. (Those who wish to avoid any of the lame tracks are directed to the "Everything Man" best-of Jimmy Castor compilation on Rhino, which will provide the 'hits' as well as some swell disco cuts from later in his career.) For fans of early Kool & the Gang, Parliament, B.T. Express, that sort of thing, but the best stuff here's got a dosed and primordial edge unlike anything else excavated from the early '70s era.

JOHN WILKES BOOZE Five Pillars Of Soul (Kill Rock Stars) cd 14.98
For those of you who missed out on the super limited handmade Five Pillars Of Soul cd-r's JWB released one at a time over the last couple years, you can once again thank your lucky stars, you've been saved. And those of you who did manage to get em, well, why not get this handy disc that collects all 5 cd-r's onto a real cd with even more extensive liner notes added.
While this is purportedly a tribute to soul music, the soul music seems to be mostly implied here, like 'soul' in spirit, in concept, in intention, but not in execution. Which is not a bad thing. This -is- soul music, but the way it can only be played by middle class, white, mid-western boys. All shrieking, skronking, sweaty, pounding, rocking and GROOVING. You can catch glimpses of the Make Up, the Blues Explosion, the White Stripes, New York Dolls, as well as Alice Donut (especially in the vocals). Weird and pretty wonderful. Spazzy, soulful, glammy ROCK AND ROLL. There are 5 volumes. Short and sweet (each clocking in at 10-15 minutes) and all in honor of JWB's peculiar ideas of the pillars of soul: Melvin Van Peebles, Tania Hearst (Patty Hearst with her SLA name), Albert Ayler, Marc Bolan and Yoko Ono. They also throw in some covers of the Zombies, the Fugs, and Mission Of Burma but turn them into punky soul-fuck explosions... Good stuff. Although I'm still clinging to the belief that the sixth pillar must be BRUCE WILLIS!!!
MPEG Stream: "Sweetback's Gonna Make It"
MPEG Stream: "See Through Sound"

JOHN WILKES BOOZE Five Pillars Of Soul Vol.1: Melvin Van Peebles (Affirmation) cd-r 8.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
While this is purportedly a tribute to soul music, the soul music seems to be mostly implied here, like 'soul' in spirit, in concept, in intention, but not in execution. Which is not a bad thing. This -is- soul music, but the way it can only be played by middle class, white, mid-western boys. All shrieking, skronking, sweaty, pounding, rocking and GROOVING. You can catch glimpses of the Make Up, the Blues Explosion, the White Stripes, New York Dolls, as well as Alice Donut (especially in the vocals). Weird and pretty wonderful. Spazzy, soulful, glammy ROCK AND ROLL. There are 5 volumes (we have the first four). Short and sweet (almost too short, clocking in at 10-15 minutes) and all in honor of JWB's peculiar ideas of the pillars of soul: Melvin Van Peebles, Tania Hearst (Patty Hearst with her SLA name), Albert Ayler, Marc Bolan and the as yet to be announced 5th pillar.
Nice handmade sleeves with cool/funny liner notes. They do covers of the Zombies, the Fugs, and Mission Of Burma and turn them into punky soul explosions... Good stuff, here's hoping the fifth pillar is BRUCE WILLIS!!!
RealAudio clip: "Sweetback's Gonna Make It"
RealAudio clip: "Brer Soul Is On The Street"

JOHN WILKES BOOZE Five Pillars Of Soul Vol.2: Tania Hearst (Affirmation) cd-r 8.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
While this is purportedly a tribute to soul music, the soul music seems to be mostly implied here, like 'soul' in spirit, in concept, in intention, but not in execution. Which is not a bad thing. This -is- soul music, but the way it can only be played by middle class, white, mid-western boys. All shrieking, skronking, sweaty, pounding, rocking and GROOVING. You can catch glimpses of the Make Up, the Blues Explosion, the White Stripes, New York Dolls, as well as Alice Donut (especially in the vocals). Weird and pretty wonderful. Spazzy, soulful, glammy ROCK AND ROLL. There are 5 volumes (we have the first four). Short and sweet (almost too short, clocking in at 10-15 minutes) and all in honor of JWB's peculiar ideas of the pillars of soul: Mario Van Peebles, Tania Hearst (Patty Hearst with her SLA name), Albert Ayler, Marc Bolan and the as yet to be announced 5th pillar.
Nice handmade sleeves with cool/funny liner notes. They do covers of the Zombies, the Fugs, and Mission Of Burma and turn them into punky soul explosions... Good stuff, here's hoping the fifth pillar is BRUCE WILLIS!!!
RealAudio clip: "SLA Popcorn"
RealAudio clip: "A Butcher's Tale"

JOHN WILKES BOOZE Five Pillars Of Soul Vol.3: Albert Ayler (Affirmation) cd-r 8.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
While this is purportedly a tribute to soul music, the soul music seems to be mostly implied here, like 'soul' in spirit, in concept, in intention, but not in execution. Which is not a bad thing. This -is- soul music, but the way it can only be played by middle class, white, mid-western boys. All shrieking, skronking, sweaty, pounding, rocking and GROOVING. You can catch glimpses of the Make Up, the Blues Explosion, the White Stripes, New York Dolls, as well as Alice Donut (especially in the vocals). Weird and pretty wonderful. Spazzy, soulful, glammy ROCK AND ROLL. There are 5 volumes (we have the first four). Short and sweet (almost too short, clocking in at 10-15 minutes) and all in honor of JWB's peculiar ideas of the pillars of soul: Mario Van Peebles, Tania Hearst (Patty Hearst with her SLA name), Albert Ayler, Marc Bolan and the as yet to be announced 5th pillar.
Nice handmade sleeves with cool/funny liner notes. They do covers of the Zombies, the Fugs, and Mission Of Burma and turn them into punky soul explosions... Good stuff, here's hoping the fifth pillar is BRUCE WILLIS!!!
RealAudio clip: "They Dont Like Me In This Town"
RealAudio clip: "Death Of A Jazz Musician"

JOHN WILKES BOOZE Five Pillars Of Soul Vol.4: Marc Bolan (Affirmation) cd-r 8.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
While this is purportedly a tribute to soul music, the soul music seems to be mostly implied here, like 'soul' in spirit, in concept, in intention, but not in execution. Which is not a bad thing. This -is- soul music, but the way it can only be played by middle class, white, mid-western boys. All shrieking, skronking, sweaty, pounding, rocking and GROOVING. You can catch glimpses of the Make Up, the Blues Explosion, the White Stripes, New York Dolls, as well as Alice Donut (especially in the vocals). Weird and pretty wonderful. Spazzy, soulful, glammy ROCK AND ROLL. There are 5 volumes (we have the first four). Short and sweet (almost too short, clocking in at 10-15 minutes) and all in honor of JWB's peculiar ideas of the pillars of soul: Mario Van Peebles, Tania Hearst (Patty Hearst with her SLA name), Albert Ayler, Marc Bolan and the as yet to be announced 5th pillar.
Nice handmade sleeves with cool/funny liner notes. They do covers of the Zombies, the Fugs, and Mission Of Burma and turn them into punky soul explosions... Good stuff, here's hoping the fifth pillar is BRUCE WILLIS!!!
RealAudio clip: "Academy Flight Song"
RealAudio clip: "Rock 'n' Roll Star"

JOHNSON, SYL Complete Mythology (Numero Group) 6lp+book box 69.00

JOHNSON, SYL Complete Mythology (Numero Group) 6lp+book box 69.00

JONES, GRACE Hurricane (Wall Of Sound) cd 23.00
Oh Grace, we've missed you so! The world is a much more fun, wild and thrilling place to be when you step into the spotlight. It's been almost twenty years since her last album, and this new incarnation of Grace Jones is sounding pretty great! With folks like Tricky and Brian Eno on board for production on a few tracks we were happily surprised at how this doesn't sound like too much of a forced comeback. In fact its a much better record than anything she released since the early to mid '80s. While she's never been one for total consistency, when she's on she is on fire! There are some totally slow burning and powerful tracks on Hurricane that rank right up there with some of her most classic songs. With disco revival in full swing and folks like Glass Candy/Chromatics practically aping her persona and sensual delivery it's so nice to hear from one of the most iconic, influential and enigmatic voices in the musical world of the last quarter century. While she is more often appreciated for her amazing fashion, outlandish antics and incredible body, which is like a piece of art onto itself, she has made some truly amazing music over the years as well. If you haven't explored her back catalog we think everything from '77-'82 is totally worth checking out (Nightclubbing will always be an all time favorite) and those records from the late '70s with Tom Moulton display a much more airy and full on disco sound than the dark and smoky diva we've come to know over the years. Besides having a handful of super good songs, this has to be some of our favorite album art in ages. Grace Jones in a chocolate factory mass producing chocolate faces of herself! Hurricane is not without a few misses but overall it's a really welcome return from one of the strongest forces of musical nature to ever grace this planet!
MPEG Stream: "Well Well Well"
MPEG Stream: "This Is Life"
MPEG Stream: "Corporate Cannibal"

JONES, GRACE Nightclubbing (Island) cd 11.98
Lately we've fallen deeply under the spell of one of Grace Jones' best outings. While she might be best known for her amazing fashion, body, charisma, overall presence, and her appearances in the Conan and James Bond films, it's her early music that we've been totally obsessed with lately. So while this isn't a new reissue or anything we thought we'd share our love of this classic with you all.
Recorded in 1981 in the Bahamas, Night clubbing is the ultimate snapshot of the greatness of Grace Jones. Musically it's for sure her strongest moment, with Sly & Robbie as her rhythm section the mood is so totally seductive and irresistible. There are so many hits or should-have-been hits on this album. While there have been a few different collections and best ofs, we really think that this proper album blows all of them away. From start to finish Night clubbing just sizzles so hot! It's the perfect late-night, up-to-no-good soundtrack! The title track is of course the Iggy Pop song written by Bowie that somehow Grace takes to new drugged out heights. In fact the whole album feels like the kind of drugged out, raw space disco that you can't help but give into. Sassy, sultry and so damn sexy!
MPEG Stream: "Pull Up To The Bumper"
MPEG Stream: "Use Me"
MPEG Stream: "Feel Up"

JONES, REV. JOHNNY L. HURRICANE Jesus Christ From A to Z (Parlortone) lp 16.98
We've been loving us some hell-fire Gospel tunes lately, thanks especially to Tompkins Square's Fire in My Bones triple cd threat and of course the granddaddy of all Gospel collections, Dust to Digital's Goodbye Babylon box set. So we're extra excited about this release coming from Parlortone, the vinyl arm of Dust to Digital. While this is not a Gospel Music recording per se, the figure at this center of this recording, The Rev. Johnny L. "Hurricane" Jones was a popular Gospel singer in the sixties and seventies, but he was even more well-known for his sermons, and since 1960 has recorded many of them on reel-to-reel and cassette tape. He still preaches in Atlanta to this day at the age of 73! So this record is a collection of some of his best sermons including the 13 minute title track, Jesus Christ from A-Z which he preaches in alphabetical verse. But what makes these sermons stand out is the sounds of the choir and his congregation responding with Amens, whooops, shouts, and Hallelujahs. Even if you are not religiously inclined, just the field recording quality of the sounds makes it amazingly worthwhile.

JONES, SHARON & THE DAP-KINGS 100 Days, 100 Nights (Daptone Records) cd 14.98
Amy Winehouse might have used the Dapkings as her band to gain all sorts of fame and fortune earlier this year but make no mistake, it's Sharon Jones who is still the queen of modern day soul! 100 Days, 100 Nights is her third album and it's three for three now, as it's just as solid, stunning and soulful as her previous outings. In fact this could be her best yet and that's saying a whole lot since her other two albums are big time favorites around these parts.
Her voice is as strong and sexy as ever and the songwriting remains utterly top notch. Jones has this ability to transport us back in time to the late '60s when soul records sounded so warm, raw and punchy. It's incredible how her sound stands up when compared to the all-time great soul singers. Just put this on after some Candi Staton, Aretha Franklin, or Betty Lavette and it will be oh so obvious, that Jones will absolutely be remembered as another all time queen of soul!
MPEG Stream: "Nobody's Baby"
MPEG Stream: "When The Other Foot Drops, Uncle"
MPEG Stream: "Something's Changed"

JONES, SHARON & THE DAP-KINGS I Learned The Hard Way (Daptone) cd 15.98
There is no stronger authentic soul voice in the present day then Sharon Jones. She is the real deal, a woman who's voice and presence is completely timeless, as it would have been right at home in the golden era of soul. Making her records even that much better is that her band, The Dap-Kings are by far one of the tightest, most skilled, and tasteful makers of soulful sounds around. Anyone who has seen them live knows that it almost seems like they could play the songs with their eyes closed and play every note spot on, they are just that damn talented. But you almost forget about that aspect because it's kind of impossible not to get swept up by the voice and power of Sharon Jones. Her voice takes you to another place, another era, yet it's no put on, no gimmick, no mere retro act. She is living proof that true soul can and will live on forever. I Learned The Hard Way is another wonderful achievement in an already great string of records. These songs are so damn sensual, intoxicating, smoky and groovy. Anyone of these songs could be mistaken for the best track on one of the Eccentric Soul compilations from the '60s and '70s that we all freak out about. Filled with more slow burners but there are a couple full on stompers, all filled with a fire that smolders just under the surface. So damn good and totally recommended!
MPEG Stream: "The Game Gets Old"
MPEG Stream: "I Learned The Hard Way"
MPEG Stream: "Better Things"

JONES, SHARON & THE DAP-KINGS I Learned The Hard Way (Daptone) lp 17.98
There is no stronger authentic soul voice in the present day then Sharon Jones. She is the real deal, a woman who's voice and presence is completely timeless, as it would have been right at home in the golden era of soul. Making her records even that much better is that her band, The Dap-Kings are by far one of the tightest, most skilled, and tasteful makers of soulful sounds around. Anyone who has seen them live knows that it almost seems like they could play the songs with their eyes closed and play every note spot on, they are just that damn talented. But you almost forget about that aspect because it's kind of impossible not to get swept up by the voice and power of Sharon Jones. Her voice takes you to another place, another era, yet it's no put on, no gimmick, no mere retro act. She is living proof that true soul can and will live on forever. I Learned The Hard Way is another wonderful achievement in an already great string of records. These songs are so damn sensual, intoxicating, smoky and groovy. Anyone of these songs could be mistaken for the best track on one of the Eccentric Soul compilations from the '60s and '70s that we all freak out about. Filled with more slow burners but there are a couple full on stompers, all filled with a fire that smolders just under the surface. So damn good and totally recommended!
MPEG Stream: "The Game Gets Old"
MPEG Stream: "I Learned The Hard Way"
MPEG Stream: "Better Things"

JONES, SHARON & THE DAP-KINGS Soul Time! (Daptone) cd 16.98
Hot damn! This is some serious smokin' soul. It's no longer a secret that Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings are THE go-to group for contemporary true sounding soul that does what real soul music is supposed to, make you move and feel!
They've proven it with their three great previous albums, and they've sealed the deal with what is probably one of the best live shows around, and they show no signs of slowing down. Soul Time! is a collection of tracks from various singles, a bunch of unreleased gems, including several songs that anyone who has seen them live will recognize as being show stoppers on stage like "What If We All Stopped Paying Taxes?" There's also a killer cover of the Shuggie Otis classic "Inspiration Information".
We've been blasting this like crazy and falling in love so hard all over again with the grit, chops, and soul that oozes from these songs. The Dap-Kings are without a doubt the tightest band around, and with Sharon Jones running the show with her commanding voice, this collection proves they aren't rehashing, but instead they are keeping the spirit of hard hitting soul alive and kicking. So damn good.
MPEG Stream: "Genuine Pt. 1"
MPEG Stream: "What If We All Stopped Paying Taxes?"
MPEG Stream: "When I Come Home"

JONES, SHARON & THE DAP-KINGS Soul Time! (Daptone) lp 17.98
Hot damn! This is some serious smokin' soul. It's no longer a secret that Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings are THE go-to group for contemporary true sounding soul that does what real soul music is supposed to, make you move and feel!
They've proven it with their three great previous albums, and they've sealed the deal with what is probably one of the best live shows around, and they show no signs of slowing down. Soul Time! is a collection of tracks from various singles, a bunch of unreleased gems, including several songs that anyone who has seen them live will recognize as being show stoppers on stage like "What If We All Stopped Paying Taxes?" There's also a killer cover of the Shuggie Otis classic "Inspiration Information".
We've been blasting this like crazy and falling in love so hard all over again with the grit, chops, and soul that oozes from these songs. The Dap-Kings are without a doubt the tightest band around, and with Sharon Jones running the show with her commanding voice, this collection proves they aren't rehashing, but instead they are keeping the spirit of hard hitting soul alive and kicking. So damn good.
MPEG Stream: "Genuine Pt. 1"
MPEG Stream: "What If We All Stopped Paying Taxes?"
MPEG Stream: "When I Come Home"

JONES, SHARON AND THE DAP KINGS Dap-dippin' (Daptone) cd 14.98
Daptone Records has been putting out some of the hardest, heaviest funk 45s this side of 1969 since emerging from Desco (responsible for the awesome afrobeat of the Daktaris) a couple years ago. This is the debut full length from Daptone staples Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Raised in the south on a diet of James Brown and singing in gospel choirs, Miss Jones is the real thing-- her voice overflows with "pure soul exitement," as per Daptone's mission. The Dap Kings recreation of a bygone era of funk is incredibly well executed and hits you right in the hips with infectious danceability, although the intentional anachronism is taken to pretty extreme levels. You won't find any release date on the album- and a Daptone magazine ad cheekily placed the release date in 1972. That aside, this is a great record regardless of era. "Dap-dippin'" pulls of feats such as infusing a cover of Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me Lately" with a super-sized dose of bad ass soul- nice! Definitely one juicy bit of funk.
RealAudio clip: "The Dip Dap"
RealAudio clip: "Got A Thing On My Mind"
RealAudio clip: "Make It Good To Me"

JONES, SHARON AND THE DAP-KINGS Dap-Dippin' With... (Daptone) lp 17.98
Now available on vinyl.
Daptone Records has been putting out some of the hardest, heaviest funk 45s this side of 1969 since emerging from Desco (responsible for the awesome afrobeat of the Daktaris) a couple years ago. This is the debut full length from Daptone staples Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Raised in the south on a diet of James Brown and singing in gospel choirs, Miss Jones is the real thing-- her voice overflows with "pure soul exitement," as per Daptone's mission. The Dap Kings recreation of a bygone era of funk is incredibly well executed and hits you right in the hips with infectious danceability, although the intentional anachronism is taken to pretty extreme levels. You won't find any release date on the album- and a Daptone magazine ad cheekily placed the release date in 1972. That aside, this is a great record regardless of era. "Dap-dippin'" pulls of feats such as infusing a cover of Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me Lately" with a super-sized dose of bad ass soul- nice! Definitely one juicy bit of funk.

JONES, SHARON AND THE DAP-KINGS Naturally (Daptone) cd 13.98
If you love James Brown's JB's as much as we do, you'll be smitten with Sharon Jones, her Dap-Kings and their latest full-length, Naturally. Staccato guitar lines, horns, vibes, thee tightest drumming all smathered with honey sweet n' funky soul vocals. Jones' lead vocals are like a hot, golden afternoon in the Bronx. A breeze of African rhythms opens up a song or two to a whole new realm of beauty that Soul proper wouldn't necessarily touch. It's pretty remarkable that the production suggest to nearly all first-time listeners that Naturally was recorded in 1960s Georgia. Recommended.
MPEG Stream: "How Do I Let A Good Man Down?"
MPEG Stream: "Natural Born Lover"

JONES, SHARON AND THE DAP-KINGS Naturally (Daptone) lp 17.98
Now on vinyl.
If you love James Brown's JB's as much as we do, you'll be smitten with Sharon Jones, her Dap-Kings and their latest full-length, Naturally. Staccato guitar lines, horns, vibes, thee tightest drumming all smathered with honey sweet n' funky soul vocals. Jones' lead vocals are like a hot, golden afternoon in the Bronx. A breeze of African rhythms opens up a song or two to a whole new realm of beauty that Soul proper wouldn't necessarily touch. It's pretty remarkable that the production suggest to nearly all first-time listeners that Naturally was recorded in 1960s Georgia. Recommended.
MPEG Stream: "How Do I Let A Good Man Down?"
MPEG Stream: "Natural Born Lover"

JORGE, SEU AND ALMAZ s/t (Now-Again) cd 16.98
This is the best Seu Jorge record we've heard since we were first turned on to his stripped down bossa interpretations of David Bowie songs for The Life Aquatic Soundtrack. And it's not just because all the songs featured here are covers. Backing him up this time around is a trio of Brazilian rock musicians (Almaz) who originally joined the singer to record one song for a soundtrack and the chemistry was so right that they ended up doing a full record and are currently touring together. We were never too keen on Jorge's previous records of original songs, because they carried too much of a global fusion vibe that held little of the magic of his pared-down reinterpretations. But Almaz hit the musical tone just right, keeping the grooves sleek and prominent with a tight focus on rich atmosphere with psych and dub flourishes and economic arrangements. The covers are mostly of classic and obscure Brazilian songs by Tim Maia, Jorge Ben, Noriel Vilela and Nelson Cavaquinho but Jorge also throws in English-sung covers by Michael Jackson ("Rock With You"), Kraftwerk ("The Model") and Roy Ayers ("Everybody Loves The Sunshine"). The Ayers track works best, adding a layer of sultry coolness with Jorge's rich deep voice, but keeping the rare groove of the original completely in tact. All in all, a direction we're happy to see the Brazilian singer headed towards and hope future releases are just as promising.
MPEG Stream: "Cristina"
MPEG Stream: "Everyone Loves The Sunshine"
MPEG Stream: "The Model"
MPEG Stream: "Tempo De Amor"

JORGE, SEU AND ALMAZ s/t (Now-Again) 2lp 21.00
This is the best Seu Jorge record we've heard since we were first turned on to his stripped down bossa interpretations of David Bowie songs for The Life Aquatic Soundtrack. And it's not just because all the songs featured here are covers. Backing him up this time around is a trio of Brazilian rock musicians (Almaz) who originally joined the singer to record one song for a soundtrack and the chemistry was so right that they ended up doing a full record and are currently touring together. We were never too keen on Jorge's previous records of original songs, because they carried too much of a global fusion vibe that held little of the magic of his pared-down reinterpretations. But Almaz hit the musical tone just right, keeping the grooves sleek and prominent with a tight focus on rich atmosphere with psych and dub flourishes and economic arrangements. The covers are mostly of classic and obscure Brazilian songs by Tim Maia, Jorge Ben, Noriel Vilela and Nelson Cavaquinho but Jorge also throws in English-sung covers by Michael Jackson ("Rock With You"), Kraftwerk ("The Model") and Roy Ayers ("Everybody Loves The Sunshine"). The Ayers track works best, adding a layer of sultry coolness with Jorge's rich deep voice, but keeping the rare groove of the original completely in tact. All in all, a direction we're happy to see the Brazilian singer headed towards and hope future releases are just as promising.
MPEG Stream: "Cristina"
MPEG Stream: "Everyone Loves The Sunshine"
MPEG Stream: "The Model"
MPEG Stream: "Tempo De Amor"

JR. AND HIS SOULETTES Psychodelic Sounds (Vampisoul) cd 17.98
We are suckers for the sound of kids making their own rock or funk or soul or whatever. Of course we love The Langley School Music Project, and Rock Jack, and Evil Wicked Warrior, but we especially love it when little kids write, record and play their own songs. Jr. And His Soulettes were lead by the 10 year old Harold Moore Jr. and his younger brothers and sisters who ranged in age from 6-9 years old. They played around Oklahoma in the early 70's and pressed a record that never really saw the light of day, as their uncle ruined most of them trying to shrink wrap them using a meat packing machine at the plant he worked at. Luckily someone got their hands on the recording and it's now finally available on cd! And boy is this some seriously great raw & funky r&b, deep in the garage, complete with wah-wah organ, fuzzy guitar, driving instrumentals and some undeniably charming vocals. These were some talented and soulful kids!
MPEG Stream: "Momma, Love Tequilla"
MPEG Stream: "Sweet Little One"

JULIAN, DON Savage! On The Streets Or On The Sheets He's A Savage! Super Soul Soundtrack (OST) (Southbound) cd 15.98

JULIUS, ORLANDO Super Afro Soul (Vampi Soul) 3lp 42.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

JULIUS, ORLANDO & HIS AFRO-SOUNDERS Orlando's Afro Ideas: 1969-72 (Ekosound) cd 16.98
Outside of Nigeria, most Nigerian artists from the golden era of Nigerian High Life live deep within the shadow of Fela Kuti. To be fair to Fela his output alone dwarfs all comers, and he was one of the founding fathers of the modern Nigerian sound. Orlando Julius, while not blessed with as large an oeuvre as Fela is as great an architect of the music. Julius cut his teeth playing in the early high life bands starting back in 1961. By the time Fela Kuti had returned from abroad with his head full of ideas, Orlando Julius had already started his band The Modern Aces and begun revolutionizing the stagnating music scene. It was his band that Fela looked to when he started his precursor to the Africa 70, Koola Lobitos. Now available for the first time outside of Nigeria are 9 tracks of soulful Nigerian high life recorded by Orlando Julius between 1969 and 1972. Includes historical sleeve notes by Miles Cleret.
MPEG Stream: "Home Sweet Home"
MPEG Stream: "Mura Sise"

KAIN The Blue Guerrilla (Juggernaut) lp 11.98

KARKI, BHARAT & PARTY International Music (EM Records) cd 17.98
It's on kick ass Japanese reissue label EM. It's a cd reissue of a 1978 Indian private press lp of far out and freaky Indian psychedelic funk. And it RULES! Really what else do you need to know?
One of our favorite EM releases in a while, every time we play this people flip out and need to figure out what the heck it is. And what it is, is a fantastical, dizzying collection of wild percussion, fluttery flutes, reverbed guitar jangle, chaotic drumming, heavy fuzzy bass, sexy grooves, wheezing organs, surf guitar twang, skronky horns, awesomely twisted Moogs, all wound up into totally off the hook seventies Indian party music, lots of influences from the US, from the Middle East, from Latin America, Eastern melodies wind around more traditional rock and pop, Indian folk music gets tweaked and twisted, old fashioned Indian pop gets a Joe Meek style kitchen sink makeover, guitars are distorted, processed, reverbed, melodies are playful and sunshiney one second, murky and mysterious the next, the sounds are festive and funky and so fun, definitely reminiscent of Dengue Fever's Cambodian pop, of some of the Sublime Frequencies collections, but somehow, more freaky and far out and psychedelic. We seriously can't stop listening to this. One of our favorite reissues this year so far...
MPEG Stream: "A Trip To Kathmandu"
MPEG Stream: "International Peace"
MPEG Stream: "Calcutta Calcutta"

KASHMERE STAGE BAND Texas Thunder Soul 1968-1974 (Now-Again) 2cd 21.00

KELIS Tasty (Star Trak) cd 16.98

KELLY, R. Trapped In The Closet Chapters 13-22 (Jive) dvd 21.00

KELLY, R. & JAY-Z The Best Of Both Worlds (Jive) cd 18.98
This is indeed the best of both worlds. Touted as the first ever superstar, hip hop/R+B collaboration, ok maybe, but whatever. The pont is, this shit is goooood and I am digging this record like crazy. Imagine any of the last two or three Jay-Z records (and we have all been going a little Jay-Z nuts lately) with R. Kelly singing all the choruses (when he's not busy videotaping himself having sex with 14 year old girls, ummm). Reminds us of that Fat Joe/R. Kelly track from a few lists back that is still definitely one of the year's best singles. R. Kelly's got the most amazing voice, high and crystalline, silky and gorgeous. Definitely a case of 'he could sing the phone book...' And Jay-Z, what can you say? He's got a killer voice, a wicked flow and writes some fucking funny lyrics. Definitely recommended.
RealAudio clip: "Best of Both Worlds"
RealAudio clip: "Take You Home Wtih Me A.K.A. Body"

KING KHAN AND THE SHRINES The Supreme Genius Of (Vice) cd 14.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
While it might not always seem like it, sometimes the thing we're craving for the most is some blazing, direct in your face on fire rock n' roll. The problem is that most groups who play that kind of stuff these days either come off as total burn outs or are way uninspired. So when we heard this for the first time we all smiled wide and started rocking out with wreckless abandon! It was exactly what we've been wanting to hear. King Khan has made some really good garage fueled rawk in the past with the BBQ Show, but this collection of songs with his soul soaked band The Shrines has caught our attention and interest BIG TIME. With a nine piece band including Rahn Streeter on percussion who has played for everyone from Curtis Mayfield to Stevie Wonder, the songs are filled with undeniable chops and King Khan's vocals have been giving us great flashbacks to primetime era Rocket From The Crypt and the Make-Up as well as folks like The Dirtbombs. These are songs that owe as much to the history of garage rock and Nuggets compilations as it does to the Stax sound and all sorts of scorching r&b. Feels so damn good to have some high octane tunes to blast throughout the summertime!
MPEG Stream: "I Wanna Be A Girl"
MPEG Stream: "Sweet Tooth"
MPEG Stream: "Burnin Inside"