If you've been paying attention, you'd know, this man was responsible for a major part of this blog's content.
That's all.
I'm not in a great mood. I don't have the head for a proper tribute. I've sold four records in the past week.
Coincidence? Who knows? But I'm not having it.
Anyway, Shel Fucking Talmy!
A new reggae release from Boss Capone and George Dekker, the latter being the half brother of legendary ska king, Desmond Dekker, and a legend in his own right as a member of The Pioneers, has been getting some real attention here at Casa De Neurotico. "Blackfire," released back in May, is a new, old school ska record and each track is more fun than the last. It's not just the sparkling vibe of the whole session that does it for me. It's the brilliant production, making it feel like a lost classic from the vaults. Check out these tracks and maybe you'll want to hear more.
When I woke up yesterday morning, I had no idea who Rosalie Cunningham was. A few minutes into my third cup of coffee, I received a text from my friend, "Listen to 'Two Piece Puzzle.' I'm betting it will be the best thing you listen to today."
I listened. He won.
Maybe you're familiar with Rosalie Cunningham as a member of Ipso Factor or Purson. I was not. So I went into "Two Piece Puzzle" with zero expectations. I hadn't a clue as to what kind of music she'd be playing. Now that I've listened, it's still hard to nail, other than to say, the album sounded like a fresh creation; a Frankenstein monster pieced together from every record I loved and played to death from 1970-1980.
I say that in the best possible way.
What I heard on "Two Piece Puzzle" were sounds, melodies and inspiration from Fairport Convention and Genesis. Pink Floyd, both Syd-era and later. I heard a little bit of Macca's "Ram" and "Wild Life." I heard Procol Harum and Rush. Kate Bush. I heard The Move, specifically "Shazam." And yet, at no time did I feel like this record was some second rate pastiche or sneaky rewrite. The musicianship and the arranging will keep you on your toes. This record is one helluva ride.
I hope I didn't oversell it.
Here are a few tracks. There are a half dozen more if you dig these. Next up, will be her 2024 release, "To Shoot Another Day," though I may need another round of "Two Piece Puzzle" first"
(h/t hpunch)
I am working on a Weekend Mix that was inspired by a number of recent events, including my friends' Allen Vella and Susan Shaw's radio show "All That Gumbo" that aired this past Friday. At the moment, it needs some editing, otherwise it is going to be a 2 CD set. This track by Uncle Lionel wasn't easy to let go, but I had to start somewhere. Who knows? By Friday, it might be back in the mix.
Uncle Lionel was larger than life. Whether on his way to a gig with the Treme Brass Band or on his way back home, Unc was always dressed to the nines. You can feel through the thick Crescent City air just how much he knew it, too. People would shout, "Hey Unc!" He'd nod back, smile, wave, raise his walking stick or tip his hat. He lived for this.
Taught By Experts- Paul Kelly
Mary Anne With The Shaky Hand (Mirasound Version)- The Who
To My Own Devices- Soul Asylum
Heard It On The X- ZZ Top
Final Peace- Jeff Beck
Cities In Dust- Siouxsie & The Banshees
Walkin' - Paul Weller
Taught By Experts- Paul Kelly
(Another new Paul Kelly record means another great Paul Kelly record. Here's a fave from "Fever Longing Still.")
Mary Anne With The Shaky Hand (Mirasound Version)- The Who
(This one features Al Kooper on organ.)
To My Own Devices- Soul Asylum
(I still haven't checked out the new Soul Asylum album "Slowly But Shirley." Have you? Is it worth it? Is it as good as "Let Your Dim Light Shine?" 30 years later and I still play "Dim Light" regularly. Here's one from that.)
Heard It On The X- ZZ Top
(Heard it on the iPod. Sounded great while riding the subway.)
Final Peace- Jeff Beck
(This was the first song that my brain went to after waking up to the horrible news on Wednesday. It's a beautiful piece of music that usually has a calming effect over me. It didn't work this time, but that's not Jeff Beck's fault.)
Cities In Dust- Siouxsie & The Banshees
(A favorite, thanks to that opening drum fill.)
Walkin' - Paul Weller
