Links to MP3s from all over after the jump!
I've been doing regular Wednesday posts for a while now, and it's about time I find a bit more focus (not that I'll stop with the over-nostalgic pop ranting, I'll just do it on days other than Wednesday). And so, starting today I'll be augmenting our monthly MP3 Dinner Bell posts with a weekly set of links that take you not deeper into Beware of the Blog - but out into the wide internet world of all those other blogs.
There is an avalanche of mp3 music bloggers at the moment, more than any one human with a job or a significant other or a wish to keep their eyesight and avoid carpal tunnel could hope to navigate. Fortunately for you, I don't fit into any of those categories, so I have been surfing the internet like a stereophonic pig sniffing out sound truffles. And rather than hoard it all for myself, it's about time to share the treats.
And so, join me each Wednesday for a look at some of the week's best music posts. I said some. If you want to go insane and try to keep track of every darn mp3 blog then go here. If you just want a well curated and discerning taste, then this is the place. The focus is on oddities, rarities, vinyl classics (and not-so-classics) and truly unique and informative posts. There is an abundance of bloggers focusing on emerging artists, and while I won't be ignoring those sites, they will only be mentioned sparingly or, you know, when something just blows me away.
By the way, if you have any tips, suggestions, complaints, or a better idea for a title (What? I like truffles!), feel free to email me: residentclinton at gmail dot com. Or just leave a post in the comments.
And now for our first list of mp3 links. Step inside!
Not to be missed MP3 posts this week
Remember, most mp3 blogs don't keep their files up for long - so don't delay or you'll miss out on the tasty downloads. Yum.
Post-Punk Junk offers three real treats: a Canadian broadcast of the Stranglers live at the height of their powers (1980), the influential 11 minute funk jam by The Pharaohs, and the complete Agent Cooper "Diane" recordings from Twin Peaks. Update: PPJ is now dead, unfortunately, but I couldn't let the Agent Cooper tapes die so easily. Download them here: Part One Part Two
One of my favorite blogs, Crud Crud, shares the early work of none other than Ronnie Dio (& the Prophets). The accompanying essay is completely worth your time to read as well.
From Waxidermy comes Cincinnati Joe & Mad Lydia - smooth and mellow, but with an edge much darker than the Carpenters. Or keep it airy with a disco song from Air Canada (including a dopey version of Hall of the Mountain King that somehow didn't cross our radar).
Coming later this month to the BAM Cinematheque is a screening of 2001. But even better, the after-party features a live 2001 rock opera, featuring songs like “I’m the Monolith” and “Super Jupiter”.
Remember that lame Lord of the Rings prog instrumental record that your parents accidently bought for you when what you really wanted was to hear the stories? Now you're older and can appreciate its awesomeness. 33/45 does, and shares some of it with you.
For lovers of Cheesy Euro-Disco (Ken!), hardly a day goes by without a gem from Germans Under Cover, which highlights, duh, German rip-offs of English hits. There's a LOT to catch up on in these impressively detailed posts. Start with the GUC Service Pak, a 14-song collection of recently acquired covers. If you only want a little taste, check out Cindy & Bert's version of Black Sabbath's "Paranoid", rewritten to tell the story of the Hound of the Baskervilles. No, really.
I'm not much of a Beatles fan (sorry, I'm an Elvis man), but I've always liked "I'm Looking Through You". Never heard this alternative version, though. But the main reason I share this with you is because Tuwa's Shanty lists it as a "body snatching" song.
The always lively Record Robot spotlights my favorite Dave Dudley album, The Pool Shark.
I still miss Mariska. Splendida does to, and they share a couple of the Shocking Blue singer's poppy solo hits.
Soul Sides just discovered The Three Degrees' melodrama epic "Collage". It's darn good.
It's hard to beat the earnest cheesiness of The Three Suns. Here's a 1957 single courtesy of On the Flipside.
Diddy Wah shares some great songs from songwriter John D. Loudermilk.
His more subdued take on "The Lament Of The Cherokee Reservation
Indian" (which he wrote) is still filled with so much honest passion
that it just plain kicks the Raiders' version out the window.
Every Monday is a good day at Office Naps, cause that means a new week of obscure 45s go up on the internet. My favorite theme in the past month has been "the desert", which lead to an inspired round of instrmentals.
In the mood for guys in tights? (Always!) Then visit Check the Cool Wax for the kiddie 7" "Scream Along with Marvel", or a full album of "Spidey Super Stories" as acted out on The Electric Company. Yes, that is indeed Morgan Freeman. (These are older posts - still good for downloasing. This site is in heavy duty Christmas mode right now, but we'll cover that in our special upcoming Christmas edition)
Reverend Frost shares some lesser-known Charlie Rich songs, proving yet again that he could have walked in the King's shoes. Charlie, that is...though I must admit, the Rev is getting up there.
This is a good post, overlooking the MP3 blog world.
Clinton, I love WFMU and wanted to drop you a line but couldn't find the e-mail address. Could you shoot me a quick message, I have a question for ya.
-Anthony @ Hype
Posted by: Anthony V | December 06, 2006 at 12:24 PM
Thank You for this wonderful Post!!! Hi-lights for me are definitely Soul Sides post of The Three Degrees song 'Collage' (out of this world good) and The Stranglers Live In Toronto 1980... took about two hours to download, but my god was it worth it. You're taking one for the team here and I'm greatful.
TJ.
Posted by: TJ Hooker | December 08, 2006 at 05:06 PM
Hi Clinton
I wonder if you are the same Clinton who used to work at the Coolidge Corner Theatre?
Anyway,
I realize I'm a little late commenting but I made a blog that is perfectly described by "The focus is on oddities, rarities, vinyl classics (and not-so-classics) and truly unique and informative posts."
Everything on it was 100% unique to the blog. And no it's not just my friends' music.
http://otherwiseunavailable.blogspot.com
It's no longer being updated, but every song is up permanently. I wish I knew how to set it up in chronological order, instead of reverse chronological order. Anyway, I figured WFMU might be interested. Thanks for this post. I'll be checking them all out.
Posted by: Noah | December 21, 2006 at 08:01 PM