Thought Is Made In The Mouth

Bob Holman “Rap It Up” – This is a recording of some spoken word proto-rap from 1972, predating hip hop as we know it. Holman may be somewhat grating at certain points in this poem, but it’s nevertheless quite interesting and just begging to be sampled.

The String Quartet “All Mixed Up” – This would also probably lend itself to sampling. As I’ve mentioned here before, I have an interest in collecting string quartet recordings of contemporary pop songs. I recently acquired this version of the 311 hit “All Mixed Up” in spite of not actually liking it or 311 at all. Surprisingly, the song sounds fantastic in this arrangement, especially the first 40 seconds. As it turns out, there were some great melodies trapped underneath the oppressive weight of 311’s lame crunchy guitar distortion, halfassed raggae, and obnoxious white fratboy toasting/rapping.

Here’s the Fluxblog challenge: I know that there are a fair few talented musicians reading this blog. If you can come up with a song integrating a significant chunk of either (or both) of the last two songs, please send it to me. If I like it, I will post it here.

Annie “The Greatest Hit” – I only recently found this song, which is widely considered to be a contemporary eurodisco classic. It’s a beautiful tune, with a wistful, melancholy vocal and a simple slinky groove. The song was produced by the Norwegian DJ Erot, who unfortunately passed away in 2001 at the age of 23, only two years after it was released.

Elsewhere: Please say hello to the new MP3 blog on the block, Teaching The Indie Kids How To Dance Again.