Lyrics Born – AKA Asia Born, originally Tom Shimura of Berkeley, CA by way of Tokyo, Japan – is part of a wave of innovation in hip-hop which defies clichés and embraces creativity and entertainment over materialism, violent imagery and ridiculous egos. The joyfully defiant “Callin’ Out” couldn’t be more East Bay on a bet, featuring a jazzy disco-funk bed, soaring female vocal choruses, and Borns’ own distinctive street narrative. This is gr8 party music that you can also you can get your think on to. Enjoy.

Lyrics Born
“Callin’ Out” (mp3)
from “Callin’ Out 12″”
(Quannum Projects)

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Tight, groovy, and funky as the day is long, this 1978 number by Venus Gang is pure fun. No politics or controversy here,  just a phat, raw beat, and sexy female vocals about stars making love and loving to fly. Imagination takes care of the rest. Disco keyboard and rhythm section work a’la Quincy Jones, meets a dubby clubby vibe that anticipates more contemporary nightclub music, and gives some of today’s producers a bit of schooling, I’d have to say. Delicious track.

Venus Gang
“Love to Fly” (mp3)
from “Galactic Soul”
(Mucho Gusto Records)

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Soul music legend Eddie Floyd has been singing, recording and touring for something like five decades, and the man shows no sign of letting up today. This classic recording of “Ninety-Nine and a Half” is pure molten gold – just puts a lot of more contemporary records flat to shame, I’m afraid.  Probably best known for “Knock On Wood” – a song he co-wrote with Steve Cropper which was a hit in 1966 and subsequently covered by like a hundred major artists, some of whom also charted with it – Eddie Floyd is a real as real gets. Listen to his voice on this, and then tell me how you feel about the auto-tuned piffle that’s so prevalent these days. This is a gr8 record you should have at the ready, to heat up those cold winter nights.

Eddie Floyd
“Ninety-Nine and a Half” (mp3)
from “Sweet Soul”
(LocoBop)

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Boo! Ok, one of the gr8est rhythm sections in the history of recorded music, rockin’ it heavy. Trick or treat? The answer is: both. Bust this and watch your ghouly guests go completely mad.

The Barkays
“Holy Ghost” (mp3)
from “Greatest Hits”
(LocoBop)

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Oakland, CA’s dynamic duo of Loren “Tallswest” Tolman and Yohannes Skoda, collectively known as MAVRIK, have become a respected force in the exceedingly cre8ive San Francisco Bay Area hip-hop scene. Drawing heavily from their roots in the East Coast, Kenya and India, MAVRIK’s music is refreshingly original, with as much care put into the instrumental arrangements as to the beats and vocals. The lyrics are worldly and conscious, touching on some of the heavy issues that plague humanity, but opting for a courageous and positive tone rather than the apocalyptic resignation often favored when this sort of subject matter is tackled. This particular song is more of a party track than some of their more topical material, but it is shot through with their uplifting message of personal liberation and community solidarity. Oh, and it totally f’ing rocks the dancehall.

MAVRIK
“Let’s Live” (mp3)
from “About Face”
(SKOMAN Productions LLC)

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Continuing a virtual international musical trek, today finds these ears somewhere in the Dominican Republic via the South Bronx, where Aventura perfected an original fusion of bachata, hip hop, R & B, rock and various world music styles, which has made them a huge success. How huge? They sold out Madison Square Garden solo, and at the last minute, to accommodate frustrated fans, the Garden opened seating to 360 degrees to let more people in. This song is a gr8 taste of their unique and passionate musical blend, with magnificent vocals, inspired instrumental work, loads of heart and a thread of humor throughout. Enjoy.

Aventura
“Peligro” (mp3)
from “The Last”
(Premium Latin Music)

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Here’s a gr8 swingin’ track from the king of Jamaican jazz guitar, the one and only Ernest Ranglin, ladies and gentlemen. Kick back and enjoy the ultra cool reggae jazz of this master player with his top flight band, and their lovely rendition of “My Boy Lollipop.” When Millie Small’s version of this song was released in 1964, it became the first worldwide ska hit record, throwing open the doors to overseas markets for all the great Jamaican music that would follow. It is no surprise then that the song is often covered by Jamaican artists, and ska bands everywhere, and many fine versions have been recorded. This one, featuring the shimmering vocals of the lovely and talented young Alana Davis, has quickly become one of my favorites.

Ernie Ranglin
“My Boy Lollipop (feat. Alana Davis)” (mp3)
from “Order of Distinction”
(Milk River Music)

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Oooooold skooooool! How funkay do ya wannit? This classic slice of early 80’s club disco is a joyous celebration of life, dancin’ and partying. Luscious ear candy from electric guitar, bass, clavinet, bells and the kitchen sink back party chants and vintage rap vocals, in this under-discovered link in the evolution from disco and funk to hip-hop and modern deejay dance music. From Mel Cheren’s West End Records, ladies and gents, a timeless, absolutely guaranteed dance floor filler. Feel the Forrrce!

Forrrce
“Keep on Dancin’” (mp3)
from “Keep on Dancin’”
(West End Records)

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There really should be a band called The Jive Turkeys. And there is, there is! And any band using that moniker should show a gr8 love for The Meters, Booker T. and the M.G.’s, and other long running funky rhythm sections who jazz it up with pop sensibilities and a certain mod flair. And they do, they do! These darlings are from Oxford, Ohio, they release their music on 7″ vinyl, they think you should “cop” their records, and well, I do too. Truly a labor of love, down to the Steve Cropper-esque guitar niblets, Leslie speaker churned organ riffs, Zigaboo inspired drumming and one of those bass players who just lives in the kick drum. Their music is available digitally too, in case your vintage Fisher-Price record player is on the fritz.

The Jive Turkeys
“B.A.” (mp3)
from “B.A. – Single”
(Colemine Records)

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Rediscovered in recent years through re-releases and bootlegs of her classic 1970’s records, Betty Davis’ amazing voice and incendiary vision blew away the walls between soul, funk, and rock. I’ve crowed about her in these pages before, but I think we need another dose of her exquisite musical medicine. The vocal on this song is an unrestrained outburst of passion that is physically affecting. This is the uncut, the real, the antidote to auto-tune. Take it away, Betty!

Betty Davis
“Is It Love Or Desire” (mp3)
from “Is It Love or Desire”
(Light In The Attic)

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Dramatic headline, yes, but I had to get your attention. For the record, K’Naan is the real deal. The exploding buzz around this young Somalian expatriate is entirely justified by the quality of his output. His music is fearlessly original and widely accessible, with lyrics that are nothing less than profound. You’d never guess that English is K’Naan’s second language, but indeed, he mastered it by studying and emulating the hip-hop and rock artists that he loved as a kid. Check his media rich website, and illuminating wikipedia article for some background. This mp3 is gr8, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. This is a major, major talent, and he’s going to be a big star. For all the right reasons.

K’Naan
“I Was Stabbed By Satan” (mp3)
from “The Dusty Foot Philosopher”
(Interdependent Media)

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Update, Sep. 23 – Wouldn’t you know it! K’Naan and J. Period have made a tribute to Bob Dylan, Fela Kuti, and Bob Marley. Read about it on Henry Adaso’s about.com blog. Makes sense. Gotta hear that one too.

This is beyond cool. This is so way beyond cool I can’t say much about it. Words are trivialized before the over-arching way very damn wow cool of this. Melvin Van Peebles – painter, actor, recording artist, star of big screen little screen and purty much everything else – lays it down funky and I mean funky. I might just hafta write a letter now. With a pen. Remember pens? This is some happy, gr8 music. Enjoy.

Melvin Van Peebles
“Come on Write Me” (mp3)
from “Confessionofa Ex-Doofus-Itchyfooted Mutha”
(YEAH INC / MAGIC CITY RECORDS)

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Did I really just find a new track by The Bar-Kays?! I did? Pinch me! I have a special place in my heart for this legendary Memphis band. Starting their run in the mid 60’s backing Otis Redding and other GR8 singers on Stax Records, the Bar-Kays ultimately influenced the evolution of soul, R&B, funk and rock and roll music, while overcoming some unimaginable tragedies along the way. This recent single is true to form, with that easy solid groove, luscious keyboards, and rapturous horn lines and vocals that put them at the top of the charts repeatedly – and as a footnote, won them a spot in the Rock and Roll hall of fame. This song has everything that is missing from the hyper-commercial pap of today. Sincerity and talent, to begin with. What a sweet lyric, and the rap bridge in the middle works perfectly. This music makes me smile.

The Barkays
“You’re My Joy” (mp3)
from “The Real Thing”
(LocoBop)

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If you love something, set it free. One of the oldest songs in the book, rewritten and reconsidered by poets and songwriters since the dawn of language, still a new and raw story to everyone who feels it firsthand. The Let Go has a funny yet heartfelt take on this end of the romance saga, which they drop in on from several points of view, painting a complete picture that respects the situation and everyone involved. Pretty grow’d up work coming from a trio of Seattle young’uns.

The Let Go
“Standing Back” (mp3)
from “Tomorrow Handles That”
(Camobear Records)

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Brooklyn’s Santogold continues her massive roll in 2009. Here is one of the tracks that propelled her to international recognition in ‘08. This is not an artist locked in any genre set. Instead, she hits genres head-on like a bowling ball, sending the pins flying every which way. “L.E.S Artistes” is a gem, with Santogold’s voice floating luminescent over tracks that will sound bright and new even years down the road.

Santogold
“L.E.S Artistes” (mp3)
from “Santogold”
(Lizard King)

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REEEEE-MiX! Some of the best dancehall tracks are the simplest. This is a wikkid cool chant with tight verses and killa production. Str8 up dance floor rockin’ fun.

Johnny P.
“Look Good” (mp3)
from “Look Good”
(Centron Sound Records)

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The great Jerry Butler revisits his hit song “He Don’t Love You Like I Love You” and takes it higher with the wisdom of a man who has lived it all at least twice. And the lyrics – “he’s had so many rehearsals” – I mean give me a break! This is a top flight old school song by a class performer and a truly great singer. Hats off to Jerry Butler.

Jerry Butler
“He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You)” (mp3)
from “Brand New Me”
(LocoBop)

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Take a truly old school motor city blues, with guitar and piano boogying and harmonica wailing out, add 100% contemporary lyrics and you get a modern classic of industrial strength blues. Perfect lemonade made out o’ some raw lemons.

Harmonica Shah
“Blues for Ford, Chrysler and G.M.” (mp3)
from “If All You Have Is a Hammer”
(Electro-Fi Records)

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Hard hittin’ fun hip-hop on a mission from a indie record store geek to your happy ears. Music make the world go round. Bust it.

Grand Analog
“Electric City (feat. Shad)” (mp3)
from “Metropolis Is Burning”
(The Shadow Cabinet)

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The inimitable Del tha Funky Homosapien. This guy is so many heads and shoulders above most of his peers, they can’t even see that high. He’s the missing Bugs Bunny cartoon when the Tasmanian Devil, Elmer Fudd and Daffy all died. Sit down.

Del tha Funky Homosapien
“Jaw Gymnastics” (mp3)
from “Both Sides Of The Brain”
(Hieroglyphics Imperium)

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How funky do you need it? How funky do you want it? Cos this is funky. If you don’t like it funky, just move along. As for this Superfan, I MUST get the rest of this collection – “Amazing Hits Of The Transistor Era Vol. 2″ – I mean, how can I live without such a thing? Come on down to the Funky Night Club. I mean, if that’s your thing, baby.

The Soulsations
“Funky Night Club” (mp3)
from “Amazing Hits Of The Transistor Era Vol. 2″
(Fervor Records)

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Truly this is some sweet soul music. Old school meets new school for the best of both worlds!

Soul Of Black John
“Black John” (mp3)
from “Black John”
(Eclecto Groove Records)

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A str8 up dancehall rocker from the brilliant and lovely Nadine Sutherland. Signed by Bob Marley himself to Tuff Gong records when she was a teenager, Sutherland has throughout her career blasted through stereotypes with her fresh delivery, sincere approach and real class.  Big Tingz is her latest single and it lives right up to its name! Spin this when ya needs ta move a lickle.

Nadine Sutherland
“Big Tingz” (mp3)
from “Big Tingz”
(Eight76 Records)

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A great track from Mali’s Issa Bagayogo. Supremely funky.

Issa Bagayogo
“Sebero” (mp3)
from “Mali Koura”
(Six Degrees Travel Series)

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Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.

Foreign Legion
“Nowhere To Hide” (mp3)
from “Kidnapper Van – Beats To Rock While Bike-Stealin”
(Insiduous Urban Records, Inc.)

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A very faithful rendition of the Bob Marley and the Wailers classic hit. With a bit of modernized production for maximum dance floor rockin’, plus a few dub spices thrown in to good effect, this still loses nothing of the magic of the orginal.

The Itals
“Could You Be Loved” (mp3)
from “Easy To Catch”
(Rhythm Safari Pty Ltd)

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Crazy cool track from his Blackaliciousness.

Blackalicious
“Swan Lake” (mp3)
from “SoleSides Greatest Bumps”
(Quannum Projects)

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Dennis Brown’s inspired take on the George Benson hit “On Broadway” takes the song into a more dreamy positive direction, utopian if you will, crafting a delightful answer to the more heavy message of the original. Brilliant.

Dennis Brown
“Mount Zion (On Broadway)” (mp3)
from “Reggae Stars”
(President Records)

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Heavy reality based hip-hop with an uplifting message that fights its way to the fore through a torrent of relentless bleakness. Some very strong singing in between rapped verses, and none of it is corrupted by that auto-tuning poo that producers seem to want to dump on everything these days. This is quality stuff. Real, if you will. Enjoy.

Felonious: Onelovehiphop
“Up To You” (mp3)
from “The Music 12″ Single”
(Felonious: onelovehiphop)

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Sexy slithery poppy dj funky with 70’s James Bond wah-wah guitar and 90’s turntablism! I’m loving Schizoid Club. This is a rich, detailed track, but it doesn’t sound complicated or overdone. Hi-end work from this London posse. Must hear more.

Schizoid Club
“Outlaw” (mp3)
from “Schizoid Club”
(Per Capita Records)

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Among the many amazing re-issues on the wonderful Light In The Attic label is this super hot record from Betty Davis. To get an idea who this singer is and how she’s regarded, here are some quotes from a few of her admirers:

*If Betty were singing today she would be something like Madonna, something like Prince only as a woman. (Miles Davis)
* She introduced Miles to Hendrix’s music and got him interested in the hardcore rock stuff. (Herbie Hancock)
* When I first saw her album cover, I fell in love. (Rick James)
* Warning: She is pure uncut funk way ahead of her time. (Prince Paul) (De La Soul, Handsome Boy Modeling School)
* She was the first Madonna, but Madonna is more like Marie Osmond compared to Betty Davis. (Santana)

Betty Davis
“Anti Love Song” (mp3)
from “Betty Davis”
(Light In The Attic)

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Downloaded this out of pure curiosity: what does blues legend John Lee Hooker’s daughter sound like? Now I am posting it here because this is a marvelous, funny song, and she sings it right out of house and home. Rocks it right off its foundation. Washes it downstream like a great flood. Of course the lyrics are as timely as can be. Zakiya Hooker ladies and gentlemen. Like daddy like daughter.

Zakiya Hooker
“Love Foreclosure” (mp3)
from “Keeping It Real”
(Elden Drive/Boogie With the Hook)

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Some truly hilarious lines peppered throughout this club knockin’ house rockin’ hip-hop party jam. I wouldn’t go another day without this one, kidz. Just sayin’.

Pigeon John
“Freaks! Freaks!” (mp3)
from “Pigeon John & The Summertime Pool Party”
(Quannum Projects)

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There’s nothing like a good old school style recording of a tight blues band led by a soulful, veteran singer. As the label proudly explains, this whole album was “recorded live to 2” analog multitrack tape with vintage equipment and very little overdubs, and then mixed to ½” tape by real human beings.” It’s nice to know that such records are not a lost art. The phrase “keeping it real” has been repeated so often now as to become a cliché. Bobby Jones and his crew don’t need to say that. They just live it.

Bobby Jones
“Get It Over Baby” (mp3)
from “Comin’ Back Hard”
(DELTA GROOVE PRODUCTIONS)

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Reggae and jazz fans must check out this exquisite reading of Satta Massaganna – the Jamaican classic made famous by The Abyssinians. This instrumental version, with virtuouso lead guitar and piano featured prominently, is completely true to the original in rhythm and vibes. Magnificent work.

Ernie Ranglin
“Satta Massaganna (feat.Monty Alexander)” (mp3)
from “Order of Distinction”
(Milk River Music)

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As the daughter of Motown singer/songwriters Michael and Brenda Sutton, Dionyza enters the game as R&B royalty, but that wouldn’t count for much if she were not a great talent in her own right. This track from her 2008 debut is hot. Contemporary soul rooted in the old school.

Dionyza
“Stir It Up” (mp3)
from “Quite Like Me”
(Little Dizzy)

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Take equal parts soul and samba, do a hip-hop en español thing over it, and then rock it out like Santana. And you can kinda imagine what’s goin’ down here. Now that I have this track, it’s impossible not play it at my next party. What wonderful, joyous music. It’s discoveries like this that make it necessary for me to blog.

Márcio Local
“Soul Do Samba” (mp3)
from “Márcio Local Says Don Day Don Dree Don Don”
(Luaka Bop)

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Yes, that’s right the great Bob Marley and the Wailers hit, remixed specially for your next party! What a GR8 why to keep Bob’s music alive!

Bob Marley & The Wailers
“Soul Shakedown Party” (mp3)
from “Roots, Rock, Remixed”
(rockr / Quango / Tuff Gong)

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Get it from the front ya’ll. Get it from the back. Outstanding funky funk track.

The Triplett Twins
“Get It” (mp3)
from “Vintage Soul 1967 – 1985″
(Fervor Records)

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