here and there.

The last few days i've read some pretty compelling articles about prominent figures in the world that I haven't shared(sorry! i'll find them again), but here's one in regards to a book review about mahatma gandhi's life. I completely love this family photo(that's his dad in the front, sitting prominently). I wish family photos still displayed this history and intrigue. There was a sense of pride and belonging that doesn't really exist today.

p.s. did anyone hear that the new york times was going to start charging a fee for their online service? bummer.

Naomi Shelton "Wind Your Clock"

I found this lovely lady over at daptonerecords.com. They have discovered some new pure soul singers over the past few years and Naomi Shelton is one of them. I love her sassy and scratchy vocals.

musica ya shabab

I found a record today that i'm pretty excited about. I'm always on the hunt for vinyl from the middle east. It's difficult because I can't read arabic (yet!) so if there's no translation on the record you kinda just roll the dice. I recognized a few singers on the compilation including Lebanese singer, Sabah so i think I did good. The first track sounded like a dabke song, which is a traditional dance performed at events in palestine, syria, lebanon and a few other middle eastern countries. This video starts off slow but when these guys get going, it's awesome.

I couldn't find that much information about this lebanese compilation i found, but i'll happily take it.

Have Love, Will Travel - The Sonics

I've always hated the idea of a music critic. Picking apart what's usually a sacred art to someone and breaking it down into, "sub-par guitar riffs...blah blah blah." But we all do it secretly, and maybe within the company of friends. I'm no expert, but I do like talking about the experience I get from an album, and sometimes that experience is not... pleasant (ha). I like to call it subtle and honest examination, not critiquing. I have yet to be harsh, usually because I pick the albums that I WANT to share with readers.

On that note, this is one of my last columns for Real Detroit Weekly. I'll try to keep it positive. There's an east coast city lurking with new music, people and stories. The idea of new inspiration and interactions is filling me with an anticipation I haven't felt in a long time.


and travel far to see people you love, even if you feel or are broke.

play me a song.

I've been reading NPR's music blog alot lately, The Record. I have to be honest and say I'm not really always crazy about their music choices, lists, polls, etc. However, here and there I stumble across ideas and artists that I always want to explore. In that case, the blog is a small sucess. At least for me it is. I came across this story about a young guy from North Carolina hosting live bands at his place. Sure, it's not a new mind blowing concept, but i dig his dedication to it. Plus, it's affordable and intimate- the way music should be experienced.

Willie Kendrick - Change Your Ways

man, i need to find this one! Willie Kendrick was a well loved detroit soul singer who found some success with 60s local label Golden World. One of his most well known tracks was "Change your ways". I just found this video. god bless youtube.

Van Morrison - You Don't Pull No Punches, But You Don't Push The River

Sundays don't exist without Van Morrison. Perfect weekend songs.

Syl Johnson - Wind blow her back my way

I was stuck on soul singer O.V. Wright for a long time until Syl Johnson came along. He spent most of his time at Memphis label Hi Records(also home to O.V Wright and many other southern soul voices). I'm starting to like this song a little more everyday.

Northern Soul - VELVELETTES - A Love So Deep Inside

I love these ladies. They never quite created the kind of buzz at motown they deserved, as was the case at motown records(see shorty long, sammy ward, etc).

Classic female voices.

Katie's Been Gone - Bob Dylan & The Band

I forgot to mention my absolutely beautiful find at the record store in Royal Oak the other day(props to UHF!). Actually, there were two perfect finds that day. The lovely boy i was with recently told me that the only record he's been really looking for is Muswell Hillbillies by The Kinks.....voila, it was magical. put a smile on his sweet face. I would have been content with just that, when The Basement Tapes appeared. I never see this record while shopping, ever! Recorded in 1967 in Woodstock, NY in the now well known Big Pink home where several band members lived. Some of the finest musicians bound to one of the greatest songwriters. Musical and skillful perfection.

For a minute I contemplated putting it back when I had to be reminded of how much I truly love this album. 15 bucks became a no brainer. My dear rooommate will have to deal with the sounds of The Band, again(she loves them deep down, i know it).

Here's one for you.

one of the few.

There's not too many newer bands I would recommend to a friend, which is disappointing. I'm always searching. But The National is consistent, and i appreciate that. Since they are all i got, I search the web relentlessly for new videos and bonus tracks. And THIS is good...

60s Aretha and Willie Wright

Here's a couple reviews for some recent releases. I've mentioned Willie Wright before and this album definitely needs a good listen. It's got a laid back folky vibe that i think you guys will enjoy. Numero digs up some serious soul!

RDW

Grizzly Bear - Easier

I recently saw Blue Valentine and thought it was an emotional rollercoaster. It was heartbreaking and authentic, but i felt exhausted afterwards. The music had alot to do with that lasting exhaustion. I didn't realize that Grizzly Bear was responsible for the soundtrack. Here's a cut. thoughts?

WILLIE WRIGHT - Right on for the darkness

soul/folk man, Willie Wright. He was smooth on the mic and with the ladies. I recently did a write up on his reissued album in Real Detroit Weekly. Sidenote: so many fantastic reissues lately! more on that later...

Car Staples

I realized a bit ago that I've had the same few cd's in my car for years now. When it's time to rotate and bring something new into the mix, there's been a good handful i have a hard time replacing or letting go of. Mind you, I don't listen to these regularly, but they give me a sense of comfort, i mean, they must! Just their proximity to me while driving make me feel secure.

I tried to recall when i first purchased them and it hit me that they all were from a time in high school, around 17 or 18. It was when i first started going to record stores and exploring music- What it meant, the sounds that caught me, the beginnings of your "musical taste" or your natural pull towards voices and instruments. The fact that i spent 3 bucks on a cassette when at the time i was making $5.00/hr at a daycare center didn't concern me. In a now semi- adult life, i still feel like that. Money spent on music is money well spent to me..it's not a personal, constantly self serving possession, it's a shared one. I believe that's different (this is not my justification in spending a ton of money on music, by the way.)

So i guess The Fugees The Score and The Verve's Northern Soul will always be a part of my car's cd collection. I'll add but never subtract the two.

and you?

The Rockmasters - Raining Teardrops

this is it.

i wanna share music with you, and i'm hoping you will want to do the same. so, welcome!

i also wanted to find a space where I can post a link to my music show on WDET HD2 and all the other happenings- music, arts and culture wise.

i'm new at blogging so this may be shaky, but it will be good.