By: Hannah Cook, Editorial Director
1. That Mitchell and Webb Look
I’m not just saying this because 50 percent of my blood comes from the London, England (Hey dad). I’m saying it because it’s true. The English know how to make a person laugh. It’s not that Americans don’t, but there’s something so delightfully sarcastic and bizarre about British humor. Ever heard of Monty Python and the Holy Grail? Yeah, you have, and it probably made you laugh before (or maybe after) you realized that it was the perhaps the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen.
It helps that the British are also a rather unattractive group of people. Gotta love those teeth.
Anyway, I discovered That Mitchell and Webb Look after discovering Peep Show on Hulu. Peep Show is about two painfully sarcastic and goofy roommates living a painfully sad life of denial. And it’s hilarious.
That Mitchell and Webb look consists of the same two guys but instead, they play many different roles in many different skits. This is the best one.
2. Something for Somebody Somewhere, Andy Hull’s blog
Manchester Orchestra was that band for me—The band that I discovered at 15 and decided “aint nobody else can has them.” Well… they may be playing on the same radio station as Kings of Leon now (and playing on a radio station in general) but they still have a small place in my heart. That being said, it’s nice to keep up with them every once in a while, and frontman Andy Hull’s blog is a good way to do so.
Oh my gosh, dudes in bands are like, so funny.
3. Little Baby Girl—the Internet sensation
Did you really think I would make it through this blog without mentioning LBG?
If you don’t know, Little Baby Girl is my guinea pig and she’s a chubby sassy squatch. She has her own Facebook fan page as a public figure. I wanted to make her, her very own Facebook page, but Facebook didn’t think “Little Baby Girl” sounded like a real person’s name, so they didn’t let me. Anyway, she’s at about 41 likes right now, but I’m trying to make her an Internet sensation.
Reddit didn’t love her, but maybe you will.
4. The Sagan Series
Gotta give props to my boyfriend for this one. The Sagan Series is presented in nine parts on Youtube and every single one is incredibly stimulating, both visually and mentally. Carl Sagan’s handsome voice asks questions and provides insight on the idea of traveling to other planets.
For simplicity’s sake, let’s keep it at that. Above is the last of the segments called "The Humans," and it might just be my favorite. It helps that "The Album Leaf" is playing behind it.
“Should we solve those problems first, or are they the reason for going?
"
5. "Anti Anti" - Snowden
Snowden has been one of my favorites for a while, ever since I saw them open up for Colour Revolt about five years ago. It’s sad though, because they haven’t done much since then besides release an EP (although it is a kick-ass EP. Slow Soft Syrup—check it out).
I’m not entirely sure what the hiatus is all about, but I do know that they’re one of the few bands who I can deem original in some sense.
“Anti-Anti” is one of their first hits off of the 2006 album of the same name. It’s jumpy and progressive and just wonderful.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Kory's Recs: "This One Time On Bandcamp"
By: Kory Kasler, Promotions Director
I don't use iTunes. I don't have a Spotify account. I've never used last.fm. I just spend way too much time on Bandcamp, and I thought I'd share some albums I've stumbled upon during that time.
1. "Sad Bastard EP" - Algebra
Algebra is a really solid alternative hip-hop act from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am a big fan of Cincinnati hip-hop artist Evolve, and this album immediately reminded me of that same style. I wish there were more of this in the world and less Wiz Khalifa or Lil Wayne.
2. "SON.R22" - Hexis
European black metal/grind artist Hexis is definitely one to check out if you are into black metal. It adds a ton of intensity with the ultra-fast grind element and forms a really solid album. Check it out for sure.
3. "Demo 2011" - Traitors
Traitors is a strange mix of hardcore, punk, thrash and sludge. They do a great job of switching between the styles and still making the demo sound like an album and not just a collection of songs. The first track comes in and is really sludge-heavy, and then they go into the second track that is faster and has more of a thrash element in it. It's really interesting, and is definitely one for a fan of hardcore.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
4. "DOMESPLITTER" - Direct Hit!
This is one of the best pop-punk albums I've stumbled across in a long time. It's got really catchy lines and a lot more energy than a lot of pop punk bands I've seen. The scratchy, screamed vocals really bring it all together to make it sound more intense than you'd expect from a pop punk band. Great album!
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
5. "Follow Me" - Chalk Dinosaur
Chalk Dinosaur is a really eclectic project that encompasses some elements of surf rock, indie pop, funk, and all kinds of other odds and ends and really makes something unique. It's always good to see someone doing something new rather than copying what other people have done in the past. Definitely check it out. With that many different things mixed together, there's got to be something you like.
I don't use iTunes. I don't have a Spotify account. I've never used last.fm. I just spend way too much time on Bandcamp, and I thought I'd share some albums I've stumbled upon during that time.
1. "Sad Bastard EP" - Algebra
Algebra is a really solid alternative hip-hop act from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am a big fan of Cincinnati hip-hop artist Evolve, and this album immediately reminded me of that same style. I wish there were more of this in the world and less Wiz Khalifa or Lil Wayne.
2. "SON.R22" - Hexis
European black metal/grind artist Hexis is definitely one to check out if you are into black metal. It adds a ton of intensity with the ultra-fast grind element and forms a really solid album. Check it out for sure.
3. "Demo 2011" - Traitors
Traitors is a strange mix of hardcore, punk, thrash and sludge. They do a great job of switching between the styles and still making the demo sound like an album and not just a collection of songs. The first track comes in and is really sludge-heavy, and then they go into the second track that is faster and has more of a thrash element in it. It's really interesting, and is definitely one for a fan of hardcore.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
4. "DOMESPLITTER" - Direct Hit!
This is one of the best pop-punk albums I've stumbled across in a long time. It's got really catchy lines and a lot more energy than a lot of pop punk bands I've seen. The scratchy, screamed vocals really bring it all together to make it sound more intense than you'd expect from a pop punk band. Great album!
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
5. "Follow Me" - Chalk Dinosaur
Chalk Dinosaur is a really eclectic project that encompasses some elements of surf rock, indie pop, funk, and all kinds of other odds and ends and really makes something unique. It's always good to see someone doing something new rather than copying what other people have done in the past. Definitely check it out. With that many different things mixed together, there's got to be something you like.
Dan's Recs: As Random As It Gets
By: Dan Lesiczka, Music Director
1. The Walking Dead
I'm sure by now most people have heard about the AMC series "The Walking Dead", which is just starting its second season. If you haven't, I'd definitely recommend catching up on it. It is well worth your time. The show is based on a series of comics which focuses on a group of people trying to survive in a post apocalyptic world overrun with flesh-hungry zombies. The series is well-made and features plenty of action and even more drama.
2. "Linsanity"
It may be hard to believe, but I'm a huge sports buff, and quite frankly this is one of the best sports stories I have heard in a while.
Jeremy Lin plays point guard for the New York Knicks right now, and has the record for the most points in the first 5 starts of his career. The guy graduated from Harvard, wasn't drafted, bounced around the NBA and the D league, and finally got a chance to play because of injuries for the Knicks. It's safe to say he hasn't looked back since. He went from sleeping on his brother's couch to becoming a phenom in the NBA and sweeping the nation in the process.
3. American Dad
There once was a time when "American Dad" was thought to be the ugly sister of "Family Guy" that nobody seemed to respect, but that time is over. "American Dad" has now clearly become the the better of the 2 and is slowly becoming better and better as "Family Guy" weakens. "American Dad" is my favorite show on TV now; the storylines and punchlines are great, as well the references to obscure pop culture events and people.
4. Super Smash Bros.
Easily my favorite fighting game of all time. The game has all the attributes necessary for to be successful, memorable Nintendo characters, great levels and graphics, easy controls, and unmatched multiplayer gameplay. Nintendo has continued to make the game better as well, without losing its original essence by adding in characters, levels, and modes of play.
5. Animal Kingdom
"Animal Kingdom" is one of my favorite movies in recent memory. It is an Australian independent film released in 2010, based on a family in Melbourne that robs banks for a living--or used to, at least.
The corrupt police department has forced them into hiding, but there is also a lot of turmoil among the family. Things eventually go from bad to worse, pinning relatives against one another. If you like crime/mob films, I definitely recommend checking it out.
1. The Walking Dead
I'm sure by now most people have heard about the AMC series "The Walking Dead", which is just starting its second season. If you haven't, I'd definitely recommend catching up on it. It is well worth your time. The show is based on a series of comics which focuses on a group of people trying to survive in a post apocalyptic world overrun with flesh-hungry zombies. The series is well-made and features plenty of action and even more drama.
2. "Linsanity"It may be hard to believe, but I'm a huge sports buff, and quite frankly this is one of the best sports stories I have heard in a while.
Jeremy Lin plays point guard for the New York Knicks right now, and has the record for the most points in the first 5 starts of his career. The guy graduated from Harvard, wasn't drafted, bounced around the NBA and the D league, and finally got a chance to play because of injuries for the Knicks. It's safe to say he hasn't looked back since. He went from sleeping on his brother's couch to becoming a phenom in the NBA and sweeping the nation in the process.
3. American DadThere once was a time when "American Dad" was thought to be the ugly sister of "Family Guy" that nobody seemed to respect, but that time is over. "American Dad" has now clearly become the the better of the 2 and is slowly becoming better and better as "Family Guy" weakens. "American Dad" is my favorite show on TV now; the storylines and punchlines are great, as well the references to obscure pop culture events and people.
4. Super Smash Bros.Easily my favorite fighting game of all time. The game has all the attributes necessary for to be successful, memorable Nintendo characters, great levels and graphics, easy controls, and unmatched multiplayer gameplay. Nintendo has continued to make the game better as well, without losing its original essence by adding in characters, levels, and modes of play.
5. Animal Kingdom
"Animal Kingdom" is one of my favorite movies in recent memory. It is an Australian independent film released in 2010, based on a family in Melbourne that robs banks for a living--or used to, at least.
The corrupt police department has forced them into hiding, but there is also a lot of turmoil among the family. Things eventually go from bad to worse, pinning relatives against one another. If you like crime/mob films, I definitely recommend checking it out.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Leo's Recs
By: Leo Sideras, Production Director
1. "Video Games" - Lana Del Rey Melo-X Live Remix
Melo-X has been one of my favorite artists for quite some time. He is a producer/hip-hop artist working out of the New York underground. Melo-X blends multiple musical influences into his work. This is one of my favorite remixes by him, Lana Del Rey’s famous "Video Games." If you like this song, check out his other music. He is always producing extremely diverse content.
2. "New Beat" - Toro Y Moi
Many of you have probably heard "New Beat" by Toro Y Moi. It is, hands-down, my favorite song by the band. The bass line gets me every time, which is what sets New Beat apart from so many other songs.
3. Gang Gang Dance 4AD Session
If I could describe Gang Gang Dance’s song titled "Adult Goth" in one word it would be "majestic." It starts at about 21:10 in the above video. Gang Gang Dance is straight out of Brooklyn, NY and signed to 4AD Records. Artists on this label include Bon Iver, St. Vincent, and Tune Yards among many others.
Their setup is complex, including a multitude of synths and percussion, in addition to guitar, bass, and ambient vocals. As you can see from the video, they put themselves in a room full of mirrors. Pretty trippy stuff.
4. "Glory" - Ryan Leslie
Ryan Leslie is undoubtedly one of my favorite Hip-Hop/R&B producers of all time. He optimized his fan interaction by releasing in-studio ‘making of’ videos on YouTube. His song titled "Glory" is self-produced by Ryan Leslie and is a huge production. Not only is the music unreal, but also his lyrics explain his ride in the music industry.
5. "Fulham 2 Waterloo" - Caspa
Caspa is one of the artists who brought the genre of Dubstep into existence. His song "Fulham 2 Waterloo" is a great club track. In addition, the video is a unique concept, following a cab driver throughout the adventures of his night. What I love about Caspa is that he still spins vinyl at his DJ sets, something you don’t see too much anymore.
1. "Video Games" - Lana Del Rey Melo-X Live Remix
Melo-X has been one of my favorite artists for quite some time. He is a producer/hip-hop artist working out of the New York underground. Melo-X blends multiple musical influences into his work. This is one of my favorite remixes by him, Lana Del Rey’s famous "Video Games." If you like this song, check out his other music. He is always producing extremely diverse content.
2. "New Beat" - Toro Y Moi
Many of you have probably heard "New Beat" by Toro Y Moi. It is, hands-down, my favorite song by the band. The bass line gets me every time, which is what sets New Beat apart from so many other songs.
3. Gang Gang Dance 4AD Session
If I could describe Gang Gang Dance’s song titled "Adult Goth" in one word it would be "majestic." It starts at about 21:10 in the above video. Gang Gang Dance is straight out of Brooklyn, NY and signed to 4AD Records. Artists on this label include Bon Iver, St. Vincent, and Tune Yards among many others.
Their setup is complex, including a multitude of synths and percussion, in addition to guitar, bass, and ambient vocals. As you can see from the video, they put themselves in a room full of mirrors. Pretty trippy stuff.
4. "Glory" - Ryan Leslie
Ryan Leslie is undoubtedly one of my favorite Hip-Hop/R&B producers of all time. He optimized his fan interaction by releasing in-studio ‘making of’ videos on YouTube. His song titled "Glory" is self-produced by Ryan Leslie and is a huge production. Not only is the music unreal, but also his lyrics explain his ride in the music industry.
5. "Fulham 2 Waterloo" - Caspa
Caspa is one of the artists who brought the genre of Dubstep into existence. His song "Fulham 2 Waterloo" is a great club track. In addition, the video is a unique concept, following a cab driver throughout the adventures of his night. What I love about Caspa is that he still spins vinyl at his DJ sets, something you don’t see too much anymore.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Kevin's Recs: Let's talk about the '80s
By: Kevin Rutherford, Editorial Director
1. "Beds are Burning" by Midnight Oil
Choruses rarely get bigger than this. Sure, I can see why Peter Garrett's vocal work on the verses could be off-putting, but the payoff is tremendous. This is a bona fide anthem, the song other anthems look to and are all, "WHOA, BRAH, WHY ARE WE EVEN TRYING?!" Add in lyrics calling for the Australian government to return desert lands to the native Pintupi, and you have what they call a political anthem. It's been ranked among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll, and it's fairly easy to see why.
2. "Down Under" by Men at Work
Speaking of Australia -- how about we touch on the most decidedly Australian song since "Kookaburra" (LOL DO YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE?). Fun fact: lead singer Colin Hay is actually Scottish, having moved to Australia at age 14. Fun fact 2: Former guitarist Ron Strykert was arrested in 2008 for making death threats toward Mr. Hay. Fun fact 3: This song is my spirit animal.
3. "Africa" by Toto
Directly following "Down Under" atop the Billboard Hot 100 was a song about an entirely different continent altogether. Sure, it's a bit Westernized, but... but... ah, hell, let's just take some take to reflect on how much this video just screams, "This was made in the '80s! Look at me!" Also, my god could these guys harmonize.
4. "Sailing" by Christopher Cross
In case you were wondering where the hell Bon Iver's "Beth/Rest" came from. Yacht rock = best genre. Also, it's a little known fact that Mr. Cross was one of the forerunners of wearing sports jerseys when one performs. You're welcome, hip hop guys.
5. "Higher Love" by Steve Winwood
In which Steve Winwood goes into BEAST MODE. That dancing.
6. "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" by Paul Simon
Paul Simon's all like, "Yo Toto, I'm really happy for you, I'mma let you finish, but I just made one of the best African-flavored songs by a white guy of all time. ONE OF THE BEST AFRICAN-FLAVORED SONGS BY A WHITE GUY OF ALL TIME. *shrug*"
7. "Rock Me Amadeus" by Falco
#RIPFalcoTooSoon
8. "Nemesis" by Shriekback
After Barry Andrews left XTC in the late '70s, he formed the lesser-known (but still totally great) rock act Shriekback in 1981. Their high note? I'd say this. And no, I don't really know what's going on in the video either.
9. "Why Should I Worry" from Oliver & Company
Oh god guys, remember that time Billy Joel voiced an animated character in a Disney film? Yeah, that really happened.
And I promise you this -- if you listen to this song now, it'll be even better than you remember it as a kid. Say what you will about Joel's acting, but maaaan, that guy could write a tune.
10. "Break My Stride" by Matthew Wilder
This song and the embedded video might be the most telling example of the '80s I've ever seen. The main reason? Just LOOK at Matthew Wilder.
Also, favorite song of the '80s. I'm serious.
1. "Beds are Burning" by Midnight Oil
Choruses rarely get bigger than this. Sure, I can see why Peter Garrett's vocal work on the verses could be off-putting, but the payoff is tremendous. This is a bona fide anthem, the song other anthems look to and are all, "WHOA, BRAH, WHY ARE WE EVEN TRYING?!" Add in lyrics calling for the Australian government to return desert lands to the native Pintupi, and you have what they call a political anthem. It's been ranked among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll, and it's fairly easy to see why.
2. "Down Under" by Men at Work
Speaking of Australia -- how about we touch on the most decidedly Australian song since "Kookaburra" (LOL DO YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE?). Fun fact: lead singer Colin Hay is actually Scottish, having moved to Australia at age 14. Fun fact 2: Former guitarist Ron Strykert was arrested in 2008 for making death threats toward Mr. Hay. Fun fact 3: This song is my spirit animal.
3. "Africa" by Toto
Directly following "Down Under" atop the Billboard Hot 100 was a song about an entirely different continent altogether. Sure, it's a bit Westernized, but... but... ah, hell, let's just take some take to reflect on how much this video just screams, "This was made in the '80s! Look at me!" Also, my god could these guys harmonize.
4. "Sailing" by Christopher Cross
In case you were wondering where the hell Bon Iver's "Beth/Rest" came from. Yacht rock = best genre. Also, it's a little known fact that Mr. Cross was one of the forerunners of wearing sports jerseys when one performs. You're welcome, hip hop guys.
5. "Higher Love" by Steve Winwood
In which Steve Winwood goes into BEAST MODE. That dancing.
6. "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" by Paul Simon
Paul Simon's all like, "Yo Toto, I'm really happy for you, I'mma let you finish, but I just made one of the best African-flavored songs by a white guy of all time. ONE OF THE BEST AFRICAN-FLAVORED SONGS BY A WHITE GUY OF ALL TIME. *shrug*"
7. "Rock Me Amadeus" by Falco
#RIPFalcoTooSoon
8. "Nemesis" by Shriekback
After Barry Andrews left XTC in the late '70s, he formed the lesser-known (but still totally great) rock act Shriekback in 1981. Their high note? I'd say this. And no, I don't really know what's going on in the video either.
9. "Why Should I Worry" from Oliver & Company
Oh god guys, remember that time Billy Joel voiced an animated character in a Disney film? Yeah, that really happened.
And I promise you this -- if you listen to this song now, it'll be even better than you remember it as a kid. Say what you will about Joel's acting, but maaaan, that guy could write a tune.
10. "Break My Stride" by Matthew Wilder
This song and the embedded video might be the most telling example of the '80s I've ever seen. The main reason? Just LOOK at Matthew Wilder.
Also, favorite song of the '80s. I'm serious.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Matt's Recs: Meet Our New PR Director!
By: Matthew Bemer, PR Director
It has been a busy start to the quarter, and after finishing my first couple weeks as ACRN's new PR Director, there are a few things left that help me relieve the stress that is being a student. I am lying, I would not want to spend my college days any other way. Here's some stuff I been diggin' on lately:
1. "Jude Law and a Semester Abroad (Demo 2000)" by Brand New from their 2012 Your Favorite Weapon Reissue
My vinyl player has been out of commission since before Winter break, so I have been anticipating hearing this release on vinyl for a while now. I finally got it spinning, and it is everything I could want and more. Check out this demo session by Jesse Lacey and the band from the digital release.
2. "The Obituaries" by The Menzingers from their upcoming release On the Impossible Past
Punknews is going crazy over these guys, and for good reason. I don't recommend this, but their album leaked and from what I "hear," it is pretty freakin' amazing. This is a single that they released coinciding with their album pre-order. The full album drops February 21.
3. "Countdown" by Beyoncé
Last.Fm scrobbled my playing this at least 20 times in the past 7 days. It is a little bit of an obsession, because that scrobble does not include how many times I've watched the actual video.
4. "Boxcar [live]" by Jawbreaker
I just wrote a blurb for ACRN about Jawbreaker and how I wished they never broke up. This video speaks for itself.
5. "March" by Basement from their 2011 album I Wish I Could Stay Here
I can't really tell you all the details about why this is a particularly relevant song in my life, but in the near future I'll unveil the details. Until then, all I got to say is that this album rocks and lead singer Andrew Fisher is one of the nicest guys I have had the pleasure to talk to.
It has been a busy start to the quarter, and after finishing my first couple weeks as ACRN's new PR Director, there are a few things left that help me relieve the stress that is being a student. I am lying, I would not want to spend my college days any other way. Here's some stuff I been diggin' on lately:
1. "Jude Law and a Semester Abroad (Demo 2000)" by Brand New from their 2012 Your Favorite Weapon Reissue
My vinyl player has been out of commission since before Winter break, so I have been anticipating hearing this release on vinyl for a while now. I finally got it spinning, and it is everything I could want and more. Check out this demo session by Jesse Lacey and the band from the digital release.
2. "The Obituaries" by The Menzingers from their upcoming release On the Impossible Past
Punknews is going crazy over these guys, and for good reason. I don't recommend this, but their album leaked and from what I "hear," it is pretty freakin' amazing. This is a single that they released coinciding with their album pre-order. The full album drops February 21.
3. "Countdown" by Beyoncé
Last.Fm scrobbled my playing this at least 20 times in the past 7 days. It is a little bit of an obsession, because that scrobble does not include how many times I've watched the actual video.
4. "Boxcar [live]" by Jawbreaker
I just wrote a blurb for ACRN about Jawbreaker and how I wished they never broke up. This video speaks for itself.
5. "March" by Basement from their 2011 album I Wish I Could Stay Here
I can't really tell you all the details about why this is a particularly relevant song in my life, but in the near future I'll unveil the details. Until then, all I got to say is that this album rocks and lead singer Andrew Fisher is one of the nicest guys I have had the pleasure to talk to.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Ben's Recs: Blues on Vinyl - Great Christmas gift, or Greatest Christmas gift?
By: Ben Haager, Alumni And Investment Relations Director
This past Christmas I got a record player as my main gift. Since then I have been bargain hunting for some gems. My collection has built considerably since Christmas; here are some of the best and blusiest.
1. Jimi Hendrix and Otis Redding: Live at the 1967 Monterey International Pop Festival
Jimi Hendrix on one side and Otis Redding on the other. Can't beat that. Because less people seem to know the delight that is Otis Redding, here is “Try A Little Tenderness.” You should recognize it as the sample Jay-Z and Kanye took for “Otis” on Watch the Throne.
2. Creedence Clearwater Revival Bayou Country
John Fogerty's voice is one of the most recognizable ever. It is astonishing that the Forgerty brothers were born in Berkeley, California, considering their association with the swampy bayou blues. Between “Good Golly, Miss Molly” and “Proud Mary” is “Penthouse Pauper,” which proves CCR had as much swag as any rap artist today.
3. Blues Brothers Soundtrack
Growing up in Illinois meant my father raised me watching Blues Brothers at an all-too-early age. And why not? It is undoubtedly one of the greatest movies ever, and has a ridiculous collection of artists featured both on film and on the soundtrack. Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles to name a few. Not to mention Belushi and Aykroyd are phenomenal artists themselves as the Blues Brothers.
4. Texas Flood - Stevie Ray Vaughan
SRV's talent was unfathomable. You know the nursery rhyme. Now listen to the song.
5. Good Old Boys - Randy Newman
Randy's talent is not limited to soundtracks by any means. His non-Pixar stuff actually contains some pretty controversial social commentary. Good Old Boys happens to be about the south, so you can easily imagine the focus of “Rednecks.”
6. Muddy Waters – Sweet Home Chicago
This album doesn't have a version of “Sweet Home Chicago” on it ironically enough. But I must question why people don't listen to Muddy Waters? You should.
This past Christmas I got a record player as my main gift. Since then I have been bargain hunting for some gems. My collection has built considerably since Christmas; here are some of the best and blusiest.
1. Jimi Hendrix and Otis Redding: Live at the 1967 Monterey International Pop Festival
Jimi Hendrix on one side and Otis Redding on the other. Can't beat that. Because less people seem to know the delight that is Otis Redding, here is “Try A Little Tenderness.” You should recognize it as the sample Jay-Z and Kanye took for “Otis” on Watch the Throne.
2. Creedence Clearwater Revival Bayou Country
John Fogerty's voice is one of the most recognizable ever. It is astonishing that the Forgerty brothers were born in Berkeley, California, considering their association with the swampy bayou blues. Between “Good Golly, Miss Molly” and “Proud Mary” is “Penthouse Pauper,” which proves CCR had as much swag as any rap artist today.
3. Blues Brothers Soundtrack
Growing up in Illinois meant my father raised me watching Blues Brothers at an all-too-early age. And why not? It is undoubtedly one of the greatest movies ever, and has a ridiculous collection of artists featured both on film and on the soundtrack. Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles to name a few. Not to mention Belushi and Aykroyd are phenomenal artists themselves as the Blues Brothers.
4. Texas Flood - Stevie Ray Vaughan
SRV's talent was unfathomable. You know the nursery rhyme. Now listen to the song.
5. Good Old Boys - Randy Newman
Randy's talent is not limited to soundtracks by any means. His non-Pixar stuff actually contains some pretty controversial social commentary. Good Old Boys happens to be about the south, so you can easily imagine the focus of “Rednecks.”
6. Muddy Waters – Sweet Home Chicago
This album doesn't have a version of “Sweet Home Chicago” on it ironically enough. But I must question why people don't listen to Muddy Waters? You should.
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