The music playlist, now that’s a concept I never understood outside of the radio paradigm. Why do you want to listen to the same music over and over again? To get you out of your rut, here are a few impressions from things I listened to recently that might get you to sample something new today:
Deus – In a Bar, Under the Sea. I saw this Belgian band 9 years ago in France, but never really paid attention since then. I should have, because it’s good.
Soul Coughing – Irresistible Bliss. Don’t know why I knew them by name but never listened to them. I like it.
A Perfect Circle – Thirteenth Step. Not bad.
Mars Volta – De-Loused in the Comatorium. Excellent, and distinctive from At the Drive-In.
Clan of Xymox – The John Peel Sessions. The "cold" in Cold Wave. We’re not getting any younger, are we?
Catfish Keith – Cherry Ball. Good ole acoustic blues for the 21st century.
Afro Blue Band – Impressions. Well executed latin jazz.
Akiyoshi-Tabackin Big Band – Kogun. Samurais can jazz too.
Alphonse Mouzon – Back to Jazz. Fast fusion drumming (watch my feet).
George Benson – Absolute Benson. Benson won’t be remembered as a pop singer, but as a great jazz guitar player.
Irakere – Bailando Asi. I’m just getting into Cuban music, so excuse my late discovery of obvious classics.
Wayne Toups – Back to the Bayou. Zydecajun is fun.
Cesaria Evora – Cafe Atlantico. For some reason she’s huge in France right now, but I don’t know about how well known she is in the US. Anyway for once the French have good taste (we sure have the worst pop music in the world which I can’t hear without foaming at the mouth, but since the export level is 0, I’m not exposed to franco garbage anymore).
Onyx – Triggernometry and DMX – Champ. Disappointing 2003 releases by good 90’s rap acts. Where did the hardcore go?
Asian Dub Foundation – Facts and Fictions. Fact is, this rox.
Ben Mono – Dual. German electro, impressive for a first album.