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“Beaten Metal” is the opening track on Brooklyn’s finest afrobeat band Antibalas’ 2006 release, Security, an album that showcases the bands move away from their Fela Kuti roots into more modern funk and electronic textures.
“Beaten Metal“ (play/download mp3)
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Paul Jackson (not to be confused with the ska/pop organist/singer of the Uptones by the same name) co-wrote the classic hit “Watermelon Man” with Herbie Hancock and was a member of seminal funksters, the Headhunters. A rare classic jam!
Paul Jackson – “Funk Times Three“ (play/download mp3)
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Recorded and released in 1999, Operator Burstup’s husky beats and brawny basslines took their cue from UK drum n’ bass, and turned the ears of many of dubstep’s most influential producers. “Wicked” starts with now iconic “Funky Worm” sample by the Ohio Players, and the next four minutes is like climbing in the ring with the Heavyweight Champion of basslines.
Operator Burstup – “Wicked“ (play/download mp3)
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Mike Clark is best known for his work as drummer for Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters band. An innovator of the jazz/funk sound in the 70s, he currently lives in New York and records on Platform Recordings label. “59th Street Station” is a dark and moody track with plenty of funk and deep-groove.
Mike Clark – “59th Street Station“ (play/download)
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Arthur Baker – “Onederful (Planet Rocka Dub)” (play/download)
You may not know his name but you’ve danced to his beats. Since the early-1970s Arthur Baker has been the patriarch of dancefloor sensible beats, shaping the sounds of both hip-hop and dance music. His unparalleled discography reads like a history of contemporary music with groundbreaking titles like “Planet Rock” and “Breaker’s Revenge.” Arthur proves he’s still stepping away from the boards with forward-thinking music with “Onederful (Planet Rocka Dub),” and after 35 years, the man is still killing it!
Here’s the video for “Planet Rock.” A must hear for any music lover.
Listen to more of Arthur Baker music on his myspace page.
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Lou Reed – “Walk On The Wild Side (Holtoug Bootleg)” (play/download)
Honestly, I don’t get the Lou Reed fascination. Some of my closest friends love him. “Walk On The Wild Side” was, and still is, the ONLY Lou Reed song I’ve ever really dug. Reason being: the bassline. This Holtoug Bootleg doesn’t take away from the tempting serenade of the original, and Holtoug lets the sinister elements ride concentrating on filling out the sound with children’s toys and light percussion. This gives the track more life while lifting Lou’s inebriated vocals.
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Much talked about and rightfully lauded far and wide early in its release, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings “I Learned The Hard Way” is every bit the record it’s supposed to be. It has everything that has been largely missing lately from mainstream R n’ B, soul and pop music, you know, things like: rhythm, blues, soul, and pop. These are hit songs, played by an air-tight band, sung by the incomparable Sharon Jones. I can’t say enough about it.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings – “I Learned the Hard Way” (mp3)
You can buy the CD directly from the label, Daptone Records.
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I love Lily Allen. She’s pop music for people who’ve moved out of their parent’s house. Plus her vindictive lyrics delivered in that, “girl next door” voice makes me love her that much more. Let’s not forget General Levy on this remix. He is one of the all-time kings of the dancehall. More dance-floor furry from the UK’s #1 dancehall/bashment/dancehall/DJ crew, The Heatwave.
