2006: Listen Up!
Dancing Mood
Delroy Wilson | The Story of Jamaican Music Vol 1
This song tends to drift into my mind from time to time, but I discovered it by accident on an old school reggae compilation CD that my aunt gave me, it has since become one of my favorite songs of 2006, even though it was recorded in the early 60s. The somewhat distorted horn in the chorus gets me every time. All in all, it is great song, and it sets the mood for what comes next.
Invitation Inn
Mates of State | A House Full of Friends
Great band that I was introduced to by Andrew Moore, a childhood friend of Sara’s and an amazing person that created a CD every year for the past 4 years that inspired me to put this one together. So, give the song a listen and come on in for a drink!
We’re A Winner
Curtis Mayfield | Live at the Bitter End
The first 30 seconds of this song should be looped for the all funky moments in your life. I love this recording which takes place at the Bitter End in New York, and I thought that the world needs a little more Curtis Mayfield, especially in this day and age.
Smothered In Hugs
Guided By Voices | Bee Thousand”
I heard this very late at night after work, and I couldn’t forget it. I have been big fan of this band from Ohio for quite some time. Smother yourself in hugs in the New Year, and have a good time.
Rainbow Country
Bob Marley & the Wailers | Complete Wailers Collection
I am a huge fan of Bob and crew. I have just recently purchased the Bob Marley & The Wailers Lee “Scratch” Perry produced CD outtakes (My 37th Bob Marley album), and this is the best of the slowed down bunch. Welcome to rainbow country.
Jams Run Free
Sonic Youth | Rather Ripped
Great album from one of New York’s finest. I have been captivated by this song and specifically Kim Gordon’s voice, which is not usually the case for me. This band always seems to bring the goods and after twenty plus years rocking; it’s amazing that they keep getting better year after year.
Orion (Instrumental)
Metallica | Master of Puppets
This is a trip down memory lane for me. I saw this band in the rain at Three Rivers Stadium in 1994, and they were totally awesome. My on-going move towards digital music has forced a spotty update of my music collection, and I was humming this tune one day on the subway. If you do not like metal, fast forward 4 ó minutes into the song and you can hear the late and great Cliff Burton work his magic.
I Got Stripes
Johnny Cash | Johnny Cash Live at Folsom
Like most people my interest in the man in black was renewed by the movie Walk the Line. I am not sure what I like most about this song, the song itself or the fact that it was recorded in a prison. Either way. Johnny Cash was truly one of a kind.
New York Groove
Kiss & Ace Frehley | The Very Best of Kiss
Even though Sara and I have been back in New York for a year 1/2 this song seems fitting, as we have now become fully ensconced in the East Village, and the beat and movement of the city at large. This song makes you want to take the town by storm, as the song says, “who cares about tomorrow, you better believe, I am back in the New York groove!”
Railroad Cancellation
Don Caballero | World Class Listening Problem
One of the best bands that has ever come out of Pittsburgh in my opinion, with a song that sounds very much like the trains traveling along the river valleys of the ‘burgh late at night. I hope this band keeps putting out records and that I get back to Pittsburgh soon.
Own Man
Lee “Scratch” Perry | Revolution Dub
This is a simple song, from a real musical genius. Everyone receiving this album had a chance to hear this song on my holiday CD, and as I stated there, this is dedicated to all individuals in my life, hope this can be one of your own theme songs.
International Harbor of Grace
Silkworm | Chokes!
Last album of one of my favorites of all time. The drummer was killed in the most tragic of accidents. I have been reviewing their older materials (they have 10+ albums worth), so you will definitely hear from these guys again on my future compilations.
Make It Good To Yourself
James Brown | Make It Funky (Disc 1)
Rest in peace godfather, heaven is about to get a lot more interesting and funky. This is straight up, full throttle, James Brown and crew. Make it good to yourself in the New Year.
Breakthrough
Modest Mouse | This is a Long Drive for Someone With Nothing to Think About
I listened to a compilation of Modest Mouse songs on the train ride out to Belmont Park for the stake, but this one stuck in my head when I hit the track entrance. I hit 6 out of 8 races, made $500, and knew Jazil would win the Belmont since the Wood Memorial. If you do not know what I am talking about, don’t worry. This is a great band, their last album, Good News for People That Like Bad News is incredible, and everyone should own it.
I Will Follow You Into the Dark
Death Cab for Cutie | Plans
Beautiful song, brought to my intention by Sara. We went on a date one night recently and listened to songs from this album on separate headphones in the back of a cab. That night is on the highlight reel in my mind for 2006.
Sweet Georgia Brown
Django Reinhardt | I Got Rhythm (Disc 2)
Wanted to end the album on a happy note. This song brings to mind the movie Sweet & Lowdown, which is a must see movie in my opinion. There is a scene in the movie where musicians are jamming in a cramped New York apartment late at night, at moments this song tends to encapsulate that scene for me.
Hope that you enjoyed some of the tunes, have a great 2007!