Going record shopping? Have you played everything you have?!
Monica this week played "Further On Up The Road" by James Brown. Notice how straight the track's rhythm is: surprising until you consider that "funk" is a label attached to this master's music. Masters don't work to adhere to a label, but do what they want, when they want.
Here's more proof. John Allen ended a show last month with "Mina Loy" by Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth. In one way, the acoustic guitar track is miles from Sonic Youth's electric six string assaults. But Moore's track shares the raw, minimally produced energy that is Sonic Youth's sound.
Paul McCartney has a more recognizable sound than anyone, but is more experimental than a superficial listen may reveal. On Surface Noise, Joe McGasko played a bonus track from his McCartney II album: hear the mix of sound collage and funk on "Check My Machine."
Duane played "The Night" by the Four Seasons after "Love Train" by The Third Wave, a Philippino vocal group George Duke produced in 1969. The harmonies are the obvious connection, but the Four Seasons non-hit track provides a surprising drive, different from their classic singles.
On Kamikaze Fun Machine, Diane played "Gypsy Rider" by Blue Cheer. Daniel Blumin played an alternate version of "Black Sabbath" from the band's first self-titled album. Brian Turner played the James Gang's "Women." Brian says the drum break here was sampled by Blues Control.
I often collect many obscure records by obscure artists, never getting to little known cuts by the giants. WFMU always reveals in-front-of-your-face material, collecting dust.
On an unrelated topic, singer Amy Winehouse died in London last weekend at 27-years-old. Her old school jazz and soul vocals proved an artist can succeed without freeze-dried, modern mainstream sounds. On Cherry Blossom Clinic, Terre T. played "Love Is A Losing Game." Therese played "Tears Dry On Their Own." R.I.P.
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