Sunday, April 25, 2010

Playlist : April 27th - 30th, 2010

Another short week. Do we really have so many crammed together? Maybe we should space some out. Move the non-important ones like Queens Birthday. I'll talk to Parliament.

Speaking of parliament (the government, not the awesome Funk band), there appears to be a bit of a political theme running through this week's list. I put that down to watching Chicago 10 last week, followed by some Black Panther produced documentaries and listening to Gil Scott-Heron and the Last Poets.

This week's list:
  • Billy Bragg - Back To Basics : Conscious tunes from the darling of UK left-wing socialism and heir to Guthrie's throne.
  • John Coltrane - Giant Steps : I've been enjoying bebop via iTunes radio while working lately. I figured I better bring in some of my own. To say Trane is a genius is a ridiculous understatement.
  • The Roots - Things Fall Apart : Another political leaning album, this time from the ghettos of Philadelphia.
  • The Staple Singers - Soul Folk In Action : More politics of civil and human rights from the sweet 60s Soul of The Staple Singers and the always amazing voice of Mavis Staples.
  • Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes : I think it was @crich who tweeted "Whatever happened to Fleet Foxes?" last week. Turns out their second album has been delayed by touring demands. It's due later this year. In the meantime...
  • VA - Judgment Night : Music from the motion picture Judgment Night (1993) - a thriller about some boys in the wrong hood. The soundtrack consists of some unintentionally humorous pairings of rappers and rockers.
  • Natalie Merchant - Leave Your Sleep : The latest offering from the 10,000 Maniacs former lead singer. This double CD is a collection of newly composed and anciently inspired children's folk songs.
  • Sly & The Family Stone - There's a Riot Goin' On : If The Staple Singers are sweet with their soulful political determination, Sly & Co. are polar opposites. This is a raised left fist and a funky chicken dance in one.
During the week I will also be listening to the latest The National LP, High Violet via the New York Times. Click the link to read Nicholas Dawidoff's profile of the band as well as stream the new album.

Happy listening. All power to the people.

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