Archive for October, 2004

Love Comes Dressed In Black

Blackrock “Yeah Yeah” – This is a selection from the out-of-print Chains + Black Exhaust bootleg compilation, a collection of extremely rare black psychedelic/r+b/funk recordings from the late 60s and early 70s curated by a group of mysterious DJs called Memphix. The compilation is easily one of the most frustrating releases in recent years, as the actual packaging includes no information whatsoever aside from the word Jones, which is apparently an entirely fictitious label name. The very title of the compilation is theoretical. Thanks to the detective work of others, I’m lucky enough to know the names of the songs and artists on the record, but that’s about it. This particular track is rather stunning in its grace, with its stately piano, low-key funk, and elegant, soulful guitar solos. If you’re a fan of Hendrix or early Parliament, you’re probably going to adore this.

Stazi “Love Is Lethal” – Similarly, if you’re fond of 80s synthpop approximations of “Northern Soul” and Motown (think: Soft Cell, Erasure, Naked Eyes), this Stazi song will probably do the trick. I’ve been a big fan of this song for several months now, but I only recently realized that I’ve never actually posted it here, though it oftens seems to me that I have. In my little world, this song is already a classic. (Click here to buy it from Juno.)

I Know You’re Hot, Won’t You Please Be Cool?

Bugz In The Attic “Booty (La La)” – This is certainly an occasion when my immediate enthusiasm for a song is at odds with my ability to write something about it which does it some justice. The truth is, I’ve barely thought about this song because I’ve been too busy feeling it. I want to share it with you all anyway, because it’s just too good to sit on for a weekend. You need this hotness right now. Basically, Bugz In The Attic are applying Basement Jaxx’s maximalist aesthetic to the broken beat subgenre, resulting in a track which is forceful, busy, euphoric, soulful, and insanely catchy. (Click here to visit the official Bugz In The Attic site.)

Les Georges Leningrad “Supadoopa” – A lot of the punk-funk music that I’ve been hearing recently has been a bit too sterile and oppressive for my tastes, but this song spazzes out with a wreckless abandon that is quite appealing, though not entirely easy on the ears. I suggest that you all play this for your most gullible indie-loving friend, and tell them that it is an unreleased Karen O/Rapture collaboration. They will probably fall for it! (Click here to buy it from Other Music.)