media overload

weird musical connections in my head

the beatles - ‘i’m happy just to dance with you’

elvis costello - ‘i’m not angry’

there is a startling similarity between the opening riff of the beatles song and the chord progression of the elvis song. maybe it’s just me. 

next week: lots of sxsw trip updates. 

New listens: February 2008

Various Artists - Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal

Numero Group

 Last year, James introduced me to Numero Group, a small label run by record nerds. They have a series, Eccentric Soul, that highlights little-known soul labels - the tracks are sometimes unpolished and imperfect, but always passionate and exciting. I was in Twisted Village a few days ago, and saw a few Numero discs - I settled on this little gem and I’m pretty satisfied. Standout tracks include “Look Where He Brought Us From” by Apostles of Music (the backing choir reminds me of the women who sang on Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ Abbatoir Blues/Lyre of Orpheus) and “Those Were the Days” by LaVice & Company, a funk lament of hell’s heyday. Seriously. This album is Gospel music like you probably never imagined it, and highly recommended. 

Neptune - Gong Lake

Table of the Elements

My friends know I adore Neptune, a bizarre art-rock lab experiment from my hometown. I picked up their new LP, Gong Lake at their record release show (huge plants and garlands of red flowers adorned the stage, cake was passed around and party hats were worn - shit was bananas), and I’m probably going to wear holes in it. It’s not the same as seeing them live, covered in sweat and surrounded by violently rocking fans, but this record is a decent substitute. My favorite jams are all on side A: “Silver Pool,” “Grey Shallows” (I think this is my new theme song), and “Yellow River.” Now if only I could get around to picking up the album that includes “Equestrian Phantasy,” my weekend would be set.