John Peel's virtual museum.

A few months ago, I wrote about John Peel's vinyl collection going online as part of a virtual museum project. Well, it appears it'll be launched tomorrow. 

Good news, nerds.

Edit : a few indications about this promising project. 
First, you'll have to wait until October for the whole collection to be displayed, at a pace of one letter per week. 
Second, you'll need to be registered to Spotify to listen to the tracks. Note that for obvious issues of intellectual property, you will not be able to listen to all the tracks of an album. 
Third, the main issue of all this is to display Peel's collection, not to make it available to streaming, let alone downloading, so don't get confused and/or overexcited. 
Fourth, the experience starts like a game (Flash animations are fashion again ?) ; it reminds me of the "Forever" enhanced CD by the Wu-Tang Clan. 

that shit crazy.

Not telling anyone (well, French readers only) how to vote one week from now, because I hate propaganda especially during election time, but this is a good video : French presidential candidate François Hollande's campaign team used "Niggas In Paris" by The Throne (Jigga+Yeezy) to score a suburb-themed video. 

Funny thing is that I was directed to this video by US website Pitchfork. The same website posted an article, written by their France-based journalist, about the buzz surrounding this ad. It's a pretty good read, as the writter speaks more generally about how rap music and its actors are perceived in the French society. 

soleil rare 24 - been around the world.

Fairuz - Habbeytak Bessayf.

Being the absolute Lebanese singing star, the pride of her country, and a vedette in the whole Arab world, no Lebanese compilation could be made without Fairuz. Written by the Rahbani Brothers, the song dates from 1970. With its gentle guitar introduction, it was a nice way of starting this "Soleil Rare" compilation. Fairuz's voice stands as the ultimate standard for Arab female singers, and this song proves it. Notice the quite modern beat pattern. 

Manatsoa - Valiha Fombandrazanah.

In Gasy language, fanafody is a kind of a spell. And it's obvious that the sweeetness of the vahila can turn someone's mind into weird emotions. A difficult instrument to master, the vahila clearly is the most significant music instrument of Madagascar. It's bright, and sounds like several guitars played at the same time.

Here, you get a long instrumental introduction, then dramatic singing late in the song. Pure magic. 

Ozdemir Erdogan - Ac Kapiyi Gir Iceri.

Turkish psych is a delight. And I couldn't imagine that a few years ago. Until I got the revelation through Baris Manço, I was unaware of how rich this specific genre is. 

"Ac Kapiyi Gir Iceri", by Ozdemir Erdogan is another example of the perfect mix between Western vibes and Asian feelings. After all, the man hails from Istanbul, a city where mix really means something. Although the song doesn't showcase the audacity of counterparts Erkin Koray, 3Hurel and such, the feeling is great.  

The Stylers - Guitar Man. 

As Singapore's finest garage band, The Stylers took advantage of the central position of their city-state to expand their fame throughout all Asia. Indeed, they gained success in Hong Kong (continental China was kinda off the radar at that time), Indonesia, Malaysia, and other Asian countries. Actually, they were able to sing in various languages, so it worked. 

"Guitar Man" is pure garage rock : fast rhythm, guitar, bass, drums, all you need is this. A short track, but an entertaining one.  

Caetano Veloso - Alegria, Alegria.

Alongside Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Chico Buarque and a few others, Caetano Veloso created the unique tropicalia genre. An incredible songwriter, Caetono Veloso payed the price for it, having been sent to jail by the military regime before tasting exile in London. This song, labelled as the Brazilian anthem of the year 1967 was released before Veloso experienced both jail and exile. It's sweet, almost has a childish touch. Well, it's touching. Brazilian music at its peak. And if that's not a dope album cover...

Orchestre Polyrythmo de Cotonou - Mede Ma Gnin Messe.

The Orchestre Polyrythmo de Cotonou has been enjoyed a renaissance is the last couple of years, thanks to the many reissues of their albums. A few dedicated crate-diggers/globe-trotters and labels (whadup Analog Africa !) managed to put their hand on some decent copies and a few masters, to allow this music to travel outside the borders of Bénin. 

If you feel the need to get introduced to African music, you should consider starting with this awesome band. Pure funk, once they start playing, it's hard to stop them, hence the long exciting tracks. The band stills performs, and released an album in 2011. 

Woima Collective - Puno. 

Woima Collective is one of these bands that contributes to the Ethio revival. Inspired by the Ethiopian gondola ends Mulatu Astatke, Tilahun Gessesse, Mahmoud Ahmed, Seyfou Yohannes and others, these German musicians released their album on Kindred Spirit in 2010, explicitely titled "Tezeta". 

"Puno" is a clear Ethio track. Expect heavy drums, expansive horns, funky synths. Instrumental only. 

Los Brincos - Big Temptation. 

Back in the days, Los Brincos were known as the Spanish counterparts of The Beatles. The reputation wasn't false, as they were really good. They had their own artistic universe, sporting outdated capes. They could invent heavy melodies. They were able to innovate, introducing several variations of rock into a dictatorial Spain : psych, garage... When other bands weren't keen on taking risks and avoided singing, Los Brincos brought both instruments and voices to the listener's ear. That only should get them respect, not dissing on the other bands anyway. 

Here you go with a world tour : Africa, East Mediterrean, Europe, Asia, South America... garage, funk, jazz, psych, folk... different strokes for different folks. Link in the comments.

finder's keeper.

You may know that the hip hop circus has been under shock for a few days, actually since the news of the sale of Dilla's records surfaced. 

Here's a summary of the situation, if you missed it. 

A record dealer was offered to browse a storage full of records, because the rent had not been paid for months, if not years. During his digging, the guy, who owns a record store in Detroit, found out that these records (7000 to 8000) used to belong to James Yancey, aka Jay Dee, aka J Dilla. Along with the records were original beat tapes, which are a Graal for all Dilla die-hard fans. 

Quite naturally considering the lucky guy's job, he sold a few of these records on Record Store Day, after failing to contact Jay Dee's mother and foundation. 

This could have been one of the most interesting and beautiful digging stories of the recent years, if the web hadn't turned bitter towards the record store owner who found the records and started selling some. 

Since then, the record store owner has been accused of violating sacred items, authentic relics, etc. 

Now, to me, if Hendrix guitar can go for auction, why not Dilla's records ? They were Dilla's records, well only a part of the collection according to ?uestlove... big deal. The valuable stuff here is the beat tapes. And they should go public. All the other stuff already is public. 

By the way, the finder did the right thing by contacting the mother, Jay Dee's foundation and Stones Throw. Even Jay Dee's mother stated that he didn't do anything wrong. 

Idolizing ain't reasonable. Can't people just enjoy a cool story ?

Anyway, more interesting and accessible is the series of videos by Bling47, showcasing interesting guys (Amir, Waajeed, Spinna, Benji B...) dissecting Dilla's samples. Love it. And here's a glimpse, by Waajeed. 

free is better.

Some free stuff today. And some good one. You know the saying, "it's better when it's free". Almost.

Mr. Oizo, the electro wizard, has just made available an EP through a funky website. The kind of website that you were trying to make 10 years ago, and that got so old since then. Well, Mr. Oizo reintroduced the flash-driven websites... vintage indeed. Catch "Stade 3" over there. 

Grems is the kind of complete underrated talent : he raps, he draws, and seems to be just good at anything he does. But whatever he does, he seems unsatisfied. While rapping (in French), he has that bum style that I like in a guy like J-Zone. But Grems has something else, a special touch that makes him able to switch from techno to house to rap to whatever sounds unusual. To put it simply, Grems is a creative mind. So, to get acquainted with him, get the "Miki Grems 1978-5713" mixtape. And to get a glimpse of his designing skills, check out his collaboration with the bike-making brand Scott. Dope. By the way, Grems released his latest album, "Algèbre 2.0", which is not a free item, but a cheap one considering you can purchase a bundle that includes a book by Grems. 

The beatmaking reference DJ Shadow announced the upcoming release of a collection of tracks he did before releasing his classic album "Endtroducing". Like Masta Killa said, "no said date"... but, two tracks are already available for download.

Prince Paul vs. the world.

I may confess that I've been talking a lot about hip hop lately. Don't worry, soon enough I'll be back with some global grooves anc eclectic stuff. 

But for now, still some hip hop, as I'm directing you to a mix by French DJ's Bachir & Slurg starring the one and only (and sometimes eccentric) Prince Paul (tracklisting available here). 

To me, this guy embodies creative freedom. He took strange directions, built unconventional combinations. I got introduced to Prince Paul with the Gravediggaz albums, but back in those days I was all about The Rza. Then, I particularly enjoyed Paul's work alongside Dan The Automator in the project Handsome Boy Modeling School, which was mind-blowing to the younger version of myself who discovered the first album of the duo more than a decade ago. A guy with such connections shouldn't be underestimated. 

Paul Huston rules. 

your turntable is not dead.

When Jack White created his own imprint, Third Man Records, he had an idea. A basic one : make vinyl records. To illustrate his goal, he crafted the motto of his label : "Your turntable is not dead". Simple as that. 

Step by step, the author of the stadium anthem "Seven Nation Army" is building an empire, demonstrating that his business model can stand and survive. 

To fully understand the ethics behind Third Man Records, you should read the very interesting interview of Ben Blackwell, White's right hand. You'll learn a lot about vinyl making, label managing and a full lot of other things. 

Jeff's collection.

How y'all like Jeffrey Townes, aka The Magnificient, aka Jazz, aka DJ Jazzy Jeff ? 

And how y'all like vinyl ? 

Alright, so here's Jeff introducing you to his record collection. Not so many treasures shown on screen, but this guy always looks like the perfect friend : always a story to tell, always smiling, good taste and the sense of humour that gave him a memorable spot in the best TV show ever. 

Don't underestimate a guy who has (had ?) Kenny Dope and Dilla as digging buddies. 

Quakers.

In case you don't know, "Quakers" is the latest project by Geoff Barrow, of Portishead. And yeah, it's a hip hop project. 

Barrow isn't alone on this, the project is actually from a trio of beatmakers, apparently fed up with the current state of hip hop music. 

So, here's what Stones Throw has to say about "Quakers" to promote the product. And here's what Fuzzface, aka Barrow, has to say for himself to justify such a diversion. 

Is Geoff Barrow the "new" Damon Albarn ? Well, one thing for creativity : getting bored is good. So don't yell at your kids.

Kenny did it again.

Following the incredible March delivery, Kenny Dope launched two new mixes in April. And quality still stands as a requirement. The shiznit. 

Both mixes are on Kenny's Soundcloud page. And you even get the tracklist. Too nice to be true. 

how to make a CD enveloppe.

You might hate CD's, but you certainly own CD's. So here's how to make a classy CD enveloppe with a simple paper sheet. 

Da Beatminerz's collection.

Here's, found by Pipomixes, the video of Da Beatminerz' record collection. As Mr. Walt says, it's stacked on 3 floors. 3 floors, guys ! And it includes crazy stuff, like Marvin Gaye's "Just Like Music" and of course, exclusive recordings of theirs.

the real deal ?

I couldn't resist posting the big sized cover of OhNo's coming album, "Ohnomite", based on samples of Dolemite's music. This is coming on Stones Throw in June, so be patient. 

A full range of MC's are invited : Doom, Evidence, Nitty, Wildchild, Sticky Fingaz, Pooh, Chino XL, Erick Sermon, Roc C, MED, Alchemist, and others... The cover is by Charles Munka, who used to work a lot with BTS Radio and Japanese label Jazzy Sport.

Beside that, Stones Throw released the latest project by Portishead's Geoff Barrow, called "Quakers". The double-CD album invites, once again, so many rappers that it's too long to list. And yeah, make no mistake, it's a rap album.

Dr. James Marshall.

You may be aware of the news, but it's impossible not to mention it. 

The Father of Loud, the undisputed lord of sound amplification, Dr. James Marshall died of cancer at age 88. 

If you're into rock and/or guitar, you have most certainly heard plenty of music through a Marshall amplifier. Actually, I don't even know another reference in the world of amplifiers, but again, I'm kinda ignorant in that field. But the Marshall logo stands as one of the most recognizable in the whole music industry. 

The story of Marshall amplifiers started in the 1960's when James Marshall was asked by the customers of his guitar store (including Pete Townshend) to develop a trustable guitar amplifier. Along the years, Marshall's name become synonymous of loud sound and hard rock, thanks to performers like Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page or Slash.  

Dr. Marshall's contribution to the music industry and his generosity to many causes earned him the title of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). 

More recently, the Marshall logo appeared on headphones, which are not really related to the Marshall technology. Anyway, it helped the name to expand its fame outside the world of rock. 

Read the obituaries of the L.A. Times and The Guardian. 

RIP Dr. Marshall. 

soleil rare 23 - same old.

Back on my soul ish.

Gladys Knight & The Pips - If I Were Your Woman.

For sampling purposes, I've been obsessed with this track. In vain. Sure, it's been done again and again but whatever...

In 1970, Gladys Knight hit the top of the charts with this song, and it was only justice. Gladys' performance gives chills and the orchestration is more than fine. A soul classic among the (Motown) soul classics.

The Bar-Kays - Knucklehead.

Drums ! As an dedicated instrumental band, the Bar-Kays are too nice to be left off a soul compilation. The rhythm on this track is just excellent, it's full of boogie. There's even a weird, almost annoying harmonica, which manages to blend into the music... Too short.

Ben E. King - Your Lovin Ain't Good Enough.

When you've been the singer of "Stand By Me", it's hard to top that success. Anyway, Ben E. King kept following his path, even after hitting everybody's heart in 1961. On his 1975 effort, "Supernatural", Ben sang "Your Lovin Ain't Good Enough", trying to catch up on the bass-driven soul, kind of sounding like Sly & The Family Stone. Going that way, Ben almost dived into funk, but that would have been another step.

Willie Tee - Reach Out For Me.

Oh, that flute. Oh, those bells. And what a gentle voice, also powerful when needed. Willie Tee shaped the sound of New Orleans black music. Way before Weezy.

Produced by David Axelrod, written by Burt Bacharach, "Reach Out For Me" couldn't go wrong. But overall, the whole album is a forgotten gem.

Ohio Players - Black Cat.

The covers of the Ohio Players are famous for having that sexyback feeling. And the same applies to their music. "Black Cat" is no exception. With a sweet introduction and military march drums, the contrast is obvious, until the track gets into some serious funk. Bass, horns, funky drums are the main ingredients of this song. Oh, and don't forget the vocals, simple as funk. 

Donny Hathaway - He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.

Oh well, what can I say about this song ? Donny is a favorite of mine, and this song about friendship means so much to me. 

Forget all the covers, this is the real deal. 

Ann Peebles - I Pity The Fool.

This is straight Hi Records feel : you could easily replace Ann Peebles' voice by Al Green, and still get the same result, thanks to that signature production. 

But, as Mr. Green, Mrs Peebles is special : a strong voice and an impeccable soul feeling, almost saturating the microphone. Totally Ann. 

Nat King Cole - Quizàs, Quizàs, Quizàs.

Originally a Cuban bolero, "Quizàs, Quizàs, Quizàs" really acquired incredible fame through his appearance on the soundtrack of Wong Kar Wai's "In The Mood For Love", 42 years after Nat King Cole sang it. It's sweet, it's tender, and you can't get enough of it. Spanish with an American accent. Timeless.

Gil Scott-Heron - The Needle's Eye.

Mr. Scott-Heron was an ambivalent soul, struggling between his own addictions and his willingness to educate the youngsters. Far from his spoken-word habits, he delivers in "The Needle's Eye" a real yet minimal  orchestration, and showcases the possibilities of his singing style. 

This is how soul can join jazz in a up-tempo mode.   

Link in the comments. 

DJ Spinna + Marvin Gaye.

When it gets to mixing soulful music, DJ Spinna may be on top of the list of the most talented selectas. 

An absolute fan of soul music and, more specifically of Marvin Gaye, Spinna mixed Marvin's timeless music (including remixes) over a two-episode (so far) podcast. The first episode hit the web two years ago, and the sequel was released a few days ago. 

To download these impeccable demonstrations of worshipping, scroll down to the end of the pages. You can of course stream the mixes as well. 

Thanks Spinna. Enjoy. 

about samplin'.

In the late 1980's, sampling was quite a new phenomenon in the music industry. Nobody knew how to deal with it, on a strict legal level. Since then, things evolved a bit, as prosecutions over sampling issues got more and more frequent. 

Watch this vintage Australian mini-documentary and get schooled and entertained. 

BBNG.

BadBadNotGood is that awesome outfit from Toronto, Canada, made of fresh music school alumni. And what makes them even more awesome is that they broadcast their music free of charge most of the time. 

After groundbreaking projects involving covers of Odd Future, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Jay Dee and others, they toured in North America and a bit in Europe (or maybe just Great Britain). They also recorded "BBNG2", a dope album that puts them a little higher in the scale of today's hip hop-jazz bands.

One last detail : the album was recorded as a 10 hour session. Dope and unconventional. 

Imhotep on his way back...

This man has been witnessing the evolution of hip hop since the first moves. He's been a pioneer of the genre in France. He's been influential, and still is thanks to his work. 

Among his most significant prints in the music world, there is "Blue Print". A record that is so hard to find now that you'll have to spend more than 100€ to get a vinyl copy, or take your chance on a digital format (what a shame). 

So, when Imhotep announced that he was working on a follow-up album, I got thrilled. Then it lasted and lasted, and the wait was a lot to bear. Again, since the beginning of the year, I must have heard of 3 or 4 release dates. I guess Tonton Pascal is a perfectionist guy, a maniac of the sound. But I know it's coming... "Kheper" is coming. The best hint surfaced today, when Imhotep linked the fans to his brand new website. This one will remind the die-hard fans of IAM the best years of the group, and the best designs of the Tous Des K era. 

And, as a good news never comes alone, Imhotep announced that "Kheper" will be followed by a dub album.

All in all, prepare to be surprised, because Imhotep's solo work isn't hip hop, it's not world music, it's something different, some new kind of groove. It's a real dive in an unknown dimension...

Edit : here's the official teaser for the "Kheper" album, and a selection Imhotep made for Radio Nova.