A (not so) farewell to another Bush, and a HELLO OBAMA!  Happy New Year's, EVERYBODY!!!

8 Years Of Carnage; The Rebuild Begins...Track Listing:

    1.    (0:00:46) Aphex Twin: AVRIL 14TH - It is only natural to start off the New Year with a piece from probably the single most influential artist in the electronica genre.  Richard James, AKA Aphex Twin, has influenced all realms of music and his work is represented everywhere - the mathmetal band Dillinger Escape Plan even covered Come To Daddy with Mike Patton.  What he was able to do with a laptop and electronic equipment changed what we know as jungle, or even plain melodic electronica.  His name comes from a piece of electronic equipment, which he is licensed to use, and TWIN, representing an older brother with the same name who died at birth.  This song is from disc 1 from drukQs.  It has been said that the two discs were made to be played simultaneously, but it is only speculation.
    2.    (0:02:34) Murcof: MIR - An electronica recording artist from Mexico now residing in Barcelona, Spain.  Murcof was a part of the group Nortec Collective before soloing.  He has since recorded/toured with Swiss-born French contemporary jazz trumpeter Erik Truffaz and legendary tablist/electronica artist, Talvin Singh.
    3.    (0:06:00) Biosphere: BIRDS BLY BY FLAPPING THEIR WINGS - Norwegian musician popular in ambient electronic music.  This song is from the Dropsonde album.
    4.    (0:08:21) Four Tet: HANDS - Song from Rounds LP.  Kiernan Hebden from the UK is all over the place.  He first established himself with the band Fridge, then tried the solo gig.  Now, he also does work with jazz improv. drummer and percussionist Steve Reid, which he has performed for Gilles Peterson on one of his live on BBC 1 broadcast albums.
    5.    (0:12:10) Alice Russell (Bonobo Remix): MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WOLF 'TELL THE STORY RIGHT' - I told you I would keep using this girl.  Now out with her third effort, Pots Of Gold, but this gem comes from her remix album, Under The Munka Moon II.  Bonobo certainly knows how to add his element to the mix when bringing out the original music.  He stays a bit conservative here, but hones in on the genius of Miss Russell's original composition.  
    6.    (0:16:11) Bonobo: WAYWARD BOB - From his Dial M For Monkey LP on Ninja Tune.  At 18 he released his debut album, Animal Magic, on the Tru Thoughts label in 2000.  Ninja Tune is well known for their innovators, and with Bonobo, it's no different Tune!  Bonobo, or Simon Green, has revolutionized downtempo electronica music with his melodic music.  
    7.    (0:20:28) Kid Koala & Amon Tobin: UNTITLED - Two heavy hitters from Ninja Tune, again.  Kid Koala a Canadian hip hop producer, who has opened up for the likes of Radiohead and Bjork, while Amon Tobin controls the realm of 'field' music in the techno world, meaning, he now uses a field microphone to record sounds in the world, and puts them through his computers and distortions, and turns it into music.  Kid Koala was also a part of Deltron 3030 with Del The Funky Homosapien as well as the Gorillaz at one point.  
    8.    (0:25:01) Cunninlynguists: LINGUISTIC (INSTRUMENTAL) - Underground Hip Hop group from the south.  This underground group produces some of the highest quality beats I've heard in awhile, and this is from their instrumental release of their highly acclaimed debut Will Rap For Food.  
    9.    (0:27:05) DJ Spooky: BOMB MASSIVE (OPTOMETRY REMIX) - The Art Blakey of DJ/electronica music, DJ Spooky is always looking for a group to conduct behind his Techniques 1200s.  He was born and I believe still lives in Washington, D.C.  One of my all-time favorite drummers, DeAntoni Parks has worked with him on The Anomaly, which is a drum 'n bass tune that shows Spooky's interest in great drummers, such as Dave Lombardo of Slayer as well.  
    10.    (0:32:21) DJ Shadow: STEM - Half of the Stem/Long Stem track from his groundbreaking, ear-trembling, genre-bending debut, Endtroducing...  When this album first came out, I believe I listened to it non-stop for weeks trying to just grasp what Mr. Josh Davis from California was doing.  This album placed him in the Guinness Book Of World Records for First Record Ever Made Entirely Of Samples.  He used to dig in the basement of a 'mom n pop' record store, where he put his health at risk in order to find some of the rarest music recorded to vinyl.  It was said on album he mixed over 3 years ago that his collection is well over 60,000 vinyls!  Truly one of my musical heroes!
    11.    (0:35:42) Savath & Savalas: PATHS IN SOFT FOCUS - Another moniker for Prefuse 73 star Guillermo Scott Herren.  He also goes by Delarosa & Asora , as well as Piano Overlord.
    12.    (0:38:37) Thom Yorke: DRUNKK MACHINE - B-side release from Thom Yorke's Eraser LP.  Mr. Yorke is a personal favorite of mine, and to me, the John Lennon of my generation.  Every release he or Radiohead does is precise and rather perfect, similar to the ways The Beatles and Lennon once did.  Yorke's vocal phrasing and odd-metered sense flows so flawlessly that he can make the dissonance sound more popular than Brittany Spears or U2.  
    13.    (0:42:19) Blackalicious: WORLD OF VIBRATIONS - Legendary LA underground duo - producer Chief Xcel & rapper Gift Of Gab.  This is from their last album, The Craft, which was richly textured and moved beyond the underground scene to appear at #102 on the Billboard 200, which rarely occurs from the underground.  Their most commercially popular album, Blazing Arrow, reached #49.  Even though these guys haven't released anything together since 2005, they're both quite busy collaborating with other artists and Gift of Gab has his own distribution (Giftstribution).
    14.    (0:44:49) Blockhead: FOREST CRUNK - B-side instrumental from his Ninja Tune debut, Music By Cavelight.  Blockhead is also associated with fellow New Yorker, Aesop Rock, and has produced many of his most important work throughout his career.  
    15.    (0:48:47) Nightmares On Wax: FLIP YA LID - From the sweet In A Space Outta Sound LP.  This Warp Records artist, George Evelyn, or DJ EASE, is a UK electronica musician that specializes in chill and downtempo groove.  He has been producing some of the most influential chill music since 1991 when he came out with A Word Of Science: The First And Final Chapter.
    16.    (0:53:13) Culver City Dub Collective: LEI'S SWEET INSPIRATION DUB - California dub, Jamaican, Afro-Cuban, bossa-nova band rippin' it up on their debut Dos (perhaps a misnomer?).  
    17.    (0:56:30) Fat Freddy's Drop & Alice Russell: THE CAMEL - Fat Freddy's Drop is finally coming out with their successor to Based On A True Story, which Gilles Peterson hailed as the 'best band in the world,' after its release in 2005.  This New Zealand dub band is quite unique, quite simple, yet very effective.  On this single, they've teamed up with UK recording queen, Alice Russell, to give us a gem of a combination.  Joe Dukie, the lead singer, often shares the stage with fellow UK recording artists, and has been featured all over radio DJ mixes from Brazil to the UK.  
    18.    (1:05:11) Booka Shade: PLANETARY - Another record off their newest release The Sun & The Neon Light.  This German electronica duo will have you dancing through the roof by their set's end...that is if you are able to see them live, of course.  Saw them perform at the V-fest in Baltimore a couple years back and remember their performance rocking the house...even more so than The Police's reunion set!
    19.    (1:08:37) Gnarls Barkley: RUN (I'M A NATURAL DISASTER) - Cee-Lo Green & DJ Danger Mouse have collaborated again to produce a soulful pop record, producing another quality performance from the southern portion of the States.  The Dungeon Family (Goodie Mob, Outkast, Big Rube, & Freddie Calhoun) are one of the most solid groups ever formed in the history of the hip hop genre, and between Cee-Lo & Andre 3000, they have pretty much captured a good portion of the entire pop genre expanding their music, their styles, and their creativity.  And from Danger Mouse, we expect nothing less than perfection after his massive success with The Grey Album (The Beatles' White Album mashed with Jay-Z's Black Album), The Gorillaz, The Good, The Bad & The Queen, The Black Keys' newest output, the two underground gems, Dangerdoom (Danger Mouse and MF Doom) as well as Danger Mouse & Jemini, and new production on Beck's latest.  
    20.    (1:11:07) Common w/ Pharrell: UNIVERSAL MIND CONTROL - This is the title single off Common's newest release.  It was originally conceived as a 'celebration of summer EP,' entitled Invincible Summer produced by Pharrell, but decided to record the second half of the EP soon after the date had to be pushed back.  As a whole, the album is not nearly as cohesive as Be or Finding Forever, which were produced by fellow Chi-town guru, Kanye West, but there is always progress when an artist decides to change paths (which this is quite a departure from his previous work, similar to Electric Circus).  I have a feeling that Common's next release, due out some time in 2009 or early 2010, will be one of his strongest yet.  
    21.    (1:14:24) Mylo: DROP THE PRESSURE - From the massively popular Destroy Rock & Roll ablum from UK release 2004.  So far, this Scottish electronica musician has yet to produce a successor, probably because he has the sophomore jitters!  How can you blame him, after producing such a popular album as his first?  This man apparently gave up studying for his philosophy Ph.D at UCLA to return back to Scotland in order to make music - I would have to say, it was probably a great idea!  
    22.    (1:18:14) !!! (Chk Chk Chk): BEND OVER BEETHOVEN - American-based WARP Records stars from their Myth Takes album.  If this song doesn't boost your adrenaline levels at least 5% by its climax, then, well, I can't help you...hehehe.  However, if you're a drummer, I would stay far away from this band if I were you.  The first drummer was killed while riding his bike, the second left to pursue other matters, and now, well, they probably are using a session drummer...they've only put out 2 albums, and have used up to 3 or 4 drummers!  
    23.    (1:26:09) Modeselektor w/ Sasaha Perera: SILIKON - One of mine and Thom Yorke's favorite innovators in electronica music today from Berlin.  Yorke is featured on a track from their newest Happy Birthday! LP.  I've featured at least 3 others throughout my mixes, and will continue to include their music, because it works so well with most mixes.
    24.    (1:29:47) Miwon (John Tejada Mix): BROTHER MOLE - After getting hooked to Andrew Weatherall back when I worked in London, I have to say there is no better way for me to personally end a mix that celebrates a new year than jacking a track off Mr. Weatherall's Fabric 19 mix.  I remember dancing to this track in a Bayswater hotel with a fellow mate of mine, and it gets me hyped every time I hear it.  Andrew Weatherall is quite the innovator, and I strongly suggest checking ALL of his eclectic music out, because this man is truly a one of a kind.  Miwon is a German electronica musician specializing in 'all angles of electronica' in order to produce quality melodies.  

Photo taken in Barcelona of the Gaudi project.

So, You Think Your Soul Can Float? Track Listing:

    1.    Donny Hathaway:  GIVING UP - This single reached #81 on the US pop charts in 1972, seven years before Mr. Hathaway was found dead outside his home at the Essex House in NYC - which they ruled a suicide.  Hathaway was said to have taken up to 14 pills a day to counter his schizophrenia.
    2.    Marvin Gaye:  INNER CITY BLUES (MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER) - Off his monumental album, What's Going On, from 1971.  Gaye was a part of the group The Moonglows, and was also a session drummer.  Two of his drum tracks can be heard on the #1 singles 'Please Mr. Postman' by The Marvelettes, and Stevie Wonder's live version of 'Fingertips Pt.2'.  Gaye added the 'e' to the end of his last name to separate himself from his father, and taboo-ridden questions of his sexual orientation, and to pay homage to his idol Sam Cooke who did the same.  Ironically, Mr. Gaye died at the hands of his father 4 months after giving him a gun as a present.  Gaye had moved in with his parents after suffering bouts with depression.  Gaye intervened in an argument between his mother and father over business documents, and his father accidentally shot and killed him a day before his birthday on April 1, 1984. 
    3.    Soul Children:  I'LL BE THE OTHER WOMAN - Stax Records artists formed by Norman West, with J. Blackfoot, Anita Louis, and Shelbra Bennett.   This track has some of the most confessional lyrics I've heard about being the mistress in a relationship.  The lines, 'I'll be your part time love, but that's as far as I go/To be your part time fool, would be stooping a little too low/Loving a married man, this I really don't mind/But a married Cassanova, is a little out of my line,' are just so amazing to me.  I don't know, what do you think?
    4.    The Beatles:  DON'T LET ME DOWN - Released in 1969 off the Get Back (Let It Be) sessions.  John Lennon giving his all to Yoko Ono on this one.  He opens his vocals to restrain unmatched to emphasize his love to Ono.  Here, all 4 Beatles are in perfect form - George's wonderful ethereal blues, McCartney's deep bass with perfect harmonies over Lennon's cries, and Ringo's syncopation and cymbal work  (crashes especially on Lennon's 'Don't let me down...' are exceptional to the vocal phrasing, increasing in power as his cries grow throughout the track).  This blues gem by The Beatles is hard to believe that this was a B-side!
    5.    Raphael Saadiq:  100 YARD DASH - Oh yes!  Mr. Saadiq has truly completed one of my favorite albums of 2008, taking it back to the Stax Records sounds of the '60s.  After leaving Tony! Toni! Tone! as lead vocalist and bass player, he produced 4 studio solo albums.  He has been quoted saying The Way I See It was the most difficult album he has produced - studying old records and old styles.
    6.    Jethro Tull:  LOCOMOTIVE BREATH - From 1971 album, Aqualung.  This entire track was pieced together from overdubs, similar to most every album made today in the music industry with Pro Tools, etc. 
    7.    Stevie Wonder:  KEEP ON RUNNING - Track off of 1972 hit, Music Of My Mind, the first of 5 classic Stevie albums (Music Of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisons, Fulfillingness' First Finale, and Songs In The Key Of Life).  Stevie ain't know joke, seriously, and if you don't believe me, just YouTube him live, playing every instrument on most of his records - check out his drum solos!!!
    8.    The Quantic Soul Orchestra:  TERRAPIN - Will Holland of the UK, also known as Quantic, produces some of the funkiest music right now, and often collaborates with Alice Russell (see below) and Spanky Wilson.  He's a multi-instrumentalist, and works to revamp funk, salsa, bossa nova, soul, and jazz.
    9.    Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds:  TUPELO - This Aussie eccentric is one damned creative dude, period.  Just go see the movie, The Proposition, which he wrote and developed the score for.  This is a crazy track from the 1993 album, Live Seeds...say what you want, but this track has crazy improv and energy.
    10.    Alicia Keys:  ROCK WIT U - Off of Alicia's debut, Songs In A Minor.  You can definitely feel the Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye influence in this funky song.  I completely dig her earlier style, and this goes against the pop grain clocking in at 5:37. 
    11.    Benny Sings & The Rednose District:  MISS MORAL - Dutch pop artist who also plays bass in the hip hop group, Abstract Dialect. 
    12.    Amy Winehouse:  SOME UNHOLY WAR - This is a crazy beeootcchhh, no question.  Wherever she goes, she's drunk...if she goes!  I mean, coming out with your first worldly-major album entitled (after limited release of Frank) Back to Black and the first track talking about how she's not going back to rehab.  Haha!  However, you have to dig her great voice, but her backing band, The Dap Kings, who also backs Brooklyn-based throwback vocalist, Sharon Jones.
    13.    Marya Josie:  HE DOES IT BETTER - This track is dope.  Stolen off of Gilles Peterson's Brownswood USA compilation - Mr. Peterson is a hero of mine!  Don't have too much information, partially because Gilles did all the dirty work!  The way she ends her vocals in this track is just brilliant with the lyrics and the music...love it!
    14.    Alice Russell:  MEAN TO ME - One of my all-time favorite artists.  UK throwback to the '60s and beyond, to me, blows Winehouse out of the water!   This is from her acoustic version off the Under the Munka Moon II release.  I will be having much more of her featured (on the New Year's mix as well), because she just dropped a new album, Pot Of Gold.  She also works closely with Will Holland/Quantic, and has worked with another fav of mine, Fat Freddy's Drop...
    15.    Duffy:  MERCY - Thanks to my friend George for introducing this young talent to me.  Quite poppy, but in the same vein as Amy W., Alice Russell and Sharon Jones.  She has also been criticized for 'misinterpreting' proper soul music, which she slightly agrees on...who cares?  This 24 year old Welsh singer has been nominated for 3 Grammies with this brilliant album, Rockferry.
    16.    Cee-Lo:  CLOSET FREAK - Before this pop icon became so widely known, he produced, well, just as good as music, including this track from his classic debut, Cee-Lo Green & His Perfect Imperfections.  Cee-Lo was a part of the Dungeon Family (consisting of Big Rube, Freddie Calhoun, Outkast, and the rest of the original Goodie Mob), but has since split (personalities) and pursued his own endeavors - like writing songs for acts like The Pussycat Dolls...oh yeah, who the hell you think wrote their only hit, 'Don't Cha'???
    17.    Solange:  SANDCASTLE DISCO - I don't know what to say, other than this is the second track I've used off of Sister Beyonce's album, Sol-Angel & The Hadley St. Dreams, and I have yet to include Beyonce's music.  Hmmm...I dig her style a bit more, and prefer her music much more...not that Beyonce's not talented, but let's give her sis' a bit of light, too, you know? 

At first frost, I can only hope the cooler days ahead lead me closer to the thaw.

The City's First Frost Track Listing:

    1.    Emiliana Torrini: NOTHING BRINGS ME DOWN - Icelandic singer presenting a track off her Fisherman's Woman LP from 2005.
    2.    Elbow: BITTEN BY THE TAILFLY - Somehow always find themselves buried in the darker, melancholy mixes...perhaps it's just Guy Garvey - the singer - trying his best to make the world his metaphor for a state of in limbo. 
    3.    Cool Breeze: BLACK GANGSTER - Slightly modified version of this Southern Dungeon Family member track from his 'under the radar' East Point's Greatest Hits LP. 
    4.    Psapp: REAR MOTH - London based duo playing with musical idea of toytronics, which uses the sounds of random toys to make the music.  Pretty sweet stuff.
    5.    Pivot: HELPS NONE BUT HURTS NONE - Another track from my newly found Aussie mates. 
    6.    TV On The Radio: LOVE DOG - Oooohhh, check out the new TV, man, it's like, on the Radio!  Love their new sound off of Dear Science.  This Brooklyn based band is comprised of artists that play all sorts of instruments...the drummer is a bassist, and the bassist likes the guitar, and the guitarist likes to scerenade and croon amongst the others...used to see these guys on the corner of N.7 and Bedford less than 10 years ago, and here they are now, in the spotlight!
    7.    The Nightrats: WONDERLAND - Here's a 'wonder'ful track from a friend's band in the outer boroughs of New York.  Please check them out if you're in the city...I have a feeling they will make it big!  Love the French-English vocals, and the bassist/songwriter, Chris McMillen, is something special.  Check out their myspace page for more info: http://www.myspace.com/thenightrats
    8.    David Holmes: THE BALLAD OF SARAH & JACK - Nice track off Mr. Holmes' The Holy Pictures.  This Northern Irishman is massive in the UK, and makes brilliant mixes.
    9.    The Heavy: WHO NEEDS THE SUNSHINE - Oh yes, an introduction to a new 'heavy' in the music industry, another from the UK!  Watch out, you'll hear more of them soon - especially from me!!!
    10.    Fucked Up: LOOKING FOR GOD - Hardcore punk band from Toronto mixes it up on The Chemistry of Common Life, and comes out with one of the biggest punk shockers since The Shape of Funk to Come by Refused. 
    11.    Nas: QUEENS GET THE MONEY - Another track from Nas' Untitled album, which originally was headline for major controversary with its original name [omitted name: unsuitable for FSB].  Unfortunately for Nas, he's always set to spark controversary prior to a release of an album, but always changes the outcome due to label rights.  I guess artists just can't do their thing...
    12.    Porcupine Tree: SENTIMENTAL - UK prog band, featuring one of the most surprising drummers, Gavin Harrison.  His groove-oriented style sets new standards in prog, to in my mind, outdo most technical/chop master approaches.  This track is from their amazing Fear Of A Blank Planet - a play on Public Enemy's Fear Of A Black Planet.
    13.    Nine Inch Nails: 6 GHOSTS I - Such a surreal, beautiful track from Mr. Reznor's FREE album.  He's arguabley been the most prolific musician in pop rock for the last 2 years, releasing 6 albums (if you count the Ghosts as 4 volumes).  Now, he's taking on the entire music industry by himself, self-releasing all his music as well as providing the Radiohead trend-setting "pay what you want" idea...but taking it further. 
    14.    Camp Lo: BLACK NOSTALJACK AKA COME ON - One of the greatest hip hop duos of all-time in my mind, with backing production by Ski.  Their abilities to (w)rap around the beat and play with the rhythms is seldom seen, as well as their infatuation with the '60s theme of soul and jive.  This is off their debut/classic LP Uptown Saturday Night.
    15.    Explosions In The Sky: SO LONG, LONESOME - Saw this ambient noise producing band at the V-fest 2 years ago, and found it extraordinarily chill!  Just sit back, close your eyes, and allow the music to flow through you...
    16.    Blockhead: NYC BOUNCE - Aesop Rock's backbone and core from earlier days and recent releases...this New York producer has a unique and bumping sound, and can be recogized in an instant...so good, he was asked to join Ninja Tune, a UK based label.  Brilliant album, Uncle Tony's Coloring Book.

A photo from the Tate Modern exhibition of Olafur Eliasson...my brother and me laying on the floor making an "OK" sign taking a photo of the reflection off the mirrors on the ceiling.


The Extraordinary Fables Of Tesla & Wu Track Listing:
    1.    Common feat. DJ Premier: "The 6th Sense" - from Like Water For Chocolate, produced mostly by The Roots drummer, ?uestlove, with the exception of this gem by DJ Premier.  These are two of my most influential musicians, and both are so recognizable and distinguished that they both seem to seal themselves from making bad music. 
    2.    Nightmares On Wax: "Environment" - Nice track from the Mind Elevation disc.  One of Warp Records greatest. 
    3.    Sam Sparro: "Hot Mess" - Aussie singer-songwriter trying to pull a bit of fellow UK throwback extraordinaire, Jamie Lidell.  I think this is more in the vein of cheesy disco rather than 60's soul, however...but you have to admit, it's catchy!
    4.    Blaze Present UDA feat. Barbara Tucker: "Most Precious Love" - Straight jacked this from a mix by DJ hero from the UK, Norman Jay.  If you've ever experienced PS1 in Queens, then you would know that one of the best sets ever was by this DJ when the Queen released him from her British grasp and allowed him to blaze New York!  Everybody was jumping about 5 feet in the air right around the time this song bumped out of the speakers...so PLAY THIS LOUD!!! - you'll know what I mean...
    5.    The Juan Maclean: "My Time Is Running Out" - A recent DFA release.  Murphy and Co. (LCD Soundsystem) have been busy with their record label and side projects, while everybody awaits their third album!
    6.    Spoon: "Don't You Evah" - Not a bad Austin, TX band...like the drum rhythms Jim Eno comes up with in his simplicity - matches the music very well and keeps it interesting. 
    7.    John Legend: "Save Room" - Oh snap!  Haven't included the third piece of the Chi-town tri-fecta yet, so I slipped this neo-soul guru right into the fabled playlist...much respect, Mr. Legend.
    8.    Pivot: "Make Me Love You" - Holy snap, crackle, and PPPPOOOOPPPP!  Love this band out of Australia.  Laurence Pike, brother and co-founder of this group, is one of my newest inspirations on the drum kit.  This band reminds me a lot of Chicago native, Tortoise, for those interested in electronica/rock/instrumental music.
    9.    Surreal & DJ Balance: "What It Is? (Beat By Relic)" - Wicked little hip hop track from underground LA. 
    10.    Kate Nash: "Dickhead" - Oh wow!  What a track by this UK chic-chica...don't need to say much, D***head!!!
    11.    Andrew Bird: "Armchairs" - Still fascinated by this multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter with a perfect voice...this is very pop, but he makes it fly (pun oh so intended).
    12.    Iron and Wine: "Peace Beneath The City" - Nice track from their highly respected The Shepherd's Dog. 
    13.    Atmosphere: "Guarantees" - Nice guitar and rap track from Minnesota massive white rapper, Slug.  He singlehandedly went from trailer trash underground hip hop (along with Anticon) to stardom in literally a year's time.  He was underground for nearly 10 years, then within this one given year, around 2003, he just popped out of nowhere in the mainstream, and blew up!  Good for him...why couldn't this happen for Project Blowed in LA???  I'm going to keep throwing you people PJBLOWED until you BLOW!
    14.    The Delgados: "Pull The Wires From The Walls" - Recorded live on the UK genius' show, John Peel.  Peel passed away a few years back, and is quite missed on the airwaves.  He was the king at mashup and mixing the oddest music ever together and making it work perfectly.
    15.    Sufjan Stevens: "Vito's Ordination Song" - Thought I'd throw a twist at the end and keep it soft and electric for a subtle finish to the fable...this is from Greetings From Michigan...

I remember when my brother first turned me on to hip hop...he used to play Paris, N.W.A., Ghetto Boys, and Public Enemy and would bob my head because my brother liked it.  It wasn't until we picked up our first copy of South Central L.A.'s  Freestyle Fellowship's Innercity Griots in 1993 when I truly fell in love with the music - I was 12.  This easily became my favorite album of all-time (and probably still is).  From then on, I was getting into more of the East Coast Rap with B.D.P., Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Tribe, De La, Special ED, Gang Starr, Jeru, etc.  Then, just before 1994 hit, I remember getting 'inside information' from my brother about this 'god on the mic' and he was only 17/18 from Queens Bridge.  When NAS' Illmatic dropped, I thought I was the first one in Colorado to 'dig' it out from underneath the John Denvers, The Eagles, and Garth Brooks' records at my notorious spot at the Flea Market.  I think I listened to this BIBLE 30 times straight...fell asleep to it on repeat, and listened to it the following day until I went back to bed again.  When my brother left me in Colorado to pursue NYC, I was both crushed that my best friend left me, but it also gave me hope that I would one day join him in this hip hop Mecca.  It was brilliant!  He sent me mixes from Hot 97 that he recorded in his Queens and then Brooklyn apartments before he went to bed.  I thought I was the only kid in Colorado with this stuff, and nobody could touch my style!  I visited him when I was 14/15, and I remember walking over the Brooklyn Bridge passed Brooklyn Heights into Fulton Street Mall.  I bought a Brooklyn U.S.A. t-shirt, and then headed right to a hole in the wall where they sold 'underground hip hop.'  When I walked in there, I asked them if they had any Freestyle Fellowship or Project Blowed stuff, and they looked at me like I was an alien.  Picture this:  a 14 year old white kid from Colorado walks into the middle of Fulton Street Mall asking for underground hip hop...the cashier says, "Hell yeah!  I got this new Ron G mix that strictly underground."  The kid takes a look at the track listing and says, "This ain't underground!"  The cashier then yells to his passerby friend to the side, "Damn.  Hey B, this kid wants the 'real' underground shit."   He grabs this tape from a brand new sealed box and hands it to him.  "I know all these rappers, and none of them are 'underground.'  This is like mainstream New York hip hop, where's the underground?"  the kid continues, "I'll get 2 of these Ron G mixes, but only because Nas and Mobb Deep have some nice freestyles and new releases on it, but this ain't underground."  The cashier was f-ing shocked!  Later that week, my brother pointed out that Aceyalone's debut solo record just came out on Capital Records and we should pick it up (A TRUE UNDERGROUND STAR ABOUT TO KNOCK MAINSTREAM ON THEIR HEADS!!!).  We went to the Warehouse and bought 2 tapes of All Balls Don't Bounce...again, an instant classic...but it never got it's spotlight.  I always thought that "this is the one.  The one that will turn mainstream right-side-up."  But no, it pretty much stayed underground, even though it surfaced, similar to Innercity Griots.  

Anyway, I played the hell out of those Ron G tapes, and of course Acey's new album, and just thought of them as unreleased mainstream material when I got back to Colorado.  After my experience in the beautiful city of New York, I knew that's where I wanted to be at 14/15 years old as soon as I graduated.  My senior year, got another ticket to NYC, visited Queens College, Hunter, and City College...applied to all 3 with first choice Hunter, and got accepted!   Mostly because of my brother and change, but the underlying reason for wanting to be in the Holy Land of hip hop...

So I present to you, my first SAMPLED hip hop mix...believe me, there will have to be another one, because I have left out some obvious key elements to this mix...if you are a hip hop head, you will quickly figure that out, because there are just way too many players to try to mix into one MegaMix!  Hope you enjoy, anyway...

A [SAMPLED] History Of...  Track Listing:

    1.    Boogie Down Productions: "The Bridge Is Over (1987)"
    2.    Slick Rick: "Children's Story"
    3.    EPMD: "Let The Funk Flow"
    4.    Poor Righteous Teachers: "Rock Dis Funky Joint"
    5.    Ultramagnetic MC's: "Funk Radio"
    6.    A Tribe Called Quest: "Check The Rhime"
    7.    Gang Starr feat. Jeru: "I'm The Man"
    8.    MC Lyte: "Cha, Cha, Cha"
    9.    Eric B. & Rakim: "Don't Sweat The Technique"
    10.    Ice-T: "O.G. Original Gangster"
    11.    Public Enemy: "Can't Truss It"
    12.    Yall So Stupid: "Van Full Of Pakistans"
    13.    N.W.A.: "Automobile"
    14.    Digable Planets: "Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat)"
    15.    Main Source feat. NAS: "Live At The Barbeque"
    16.    Crooklyn Dodgers (Special ED, Masta Ace, Buckshot): "Crooklyn"
    17.    Black Moon: "Shit Iz Real"
    18.    Aceyalone feat. Abstract Rude: "Deep & Wide"
    19.    The Notorious B.I.G.: "Machine Gun Funk"
    20.    2Pac: "Heartz Of Men"
    21.    Wu-Tang: "Older Gods"
    22.    Mobb Deep: "Shook Ones Pt.II
    23.    Jay-Z: "Dead Presidents II"
    24.    Common: "I Used To Love H.E.R."
    25.    Ice Cube: "Ghetto Bird"
    26.    Freestyle Fellowship: "Pure Thought"
    27.    The Roots: "Distortion To Static"
    28.    Hieroglyphics: "Off The Record"
    29.    De La Soul: "Stakes Is High"
    30.    Camp Lo: "Luchini (This Is It)"
    31.    DJ Zeph feat. Azeem: "Frogs"
    32.    J Dilla: "People"
    33.    Lauryn Hill: "Doo Wop (That Thing)"
    34.    Beans: "Down By Law"
    35.    Consequence feat. Kanye West: "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly"
    36.    Rhymefest feat. Kanye West: "Brand New"
    37.    Lupe Fiasco: "The Instrumental"
    38.    Aesop Rock: "Coffee"
    39.    Mikah 9, Busdriver, XholoLanxinxo, Toca: "Jazzy Girl"
    40.    DJ Shadow: "Six Days"
    41.    Sage Francis: "Civil Obedience"
    42.    Outkast feat. Big Rube, Erykah Badu, Cee-Lo: "Liberation"

Since I have very limited time on this website, other than digging for music, creating a mix, shooting the photos, and writing the text for each episode, I do not have the ability to 'upgrade' the site and make it more convenient like most other sites.  I apologize for not having a "CONTACT" page or page for each individual mix, so I will continue to repost General Ideas/Rules/Contact Info. in between mixes every now and again.  Here is my contact, in case you miss them embedded within the mixes:

contact@funkysoulburner.com

Thank you for your understanding!

You can always save the audio file (the actual mix) to your computer quite easily.  However, I strongly recommend following the instructions to How To Subscribe To My Podcast Via iTunes, because you will receive all the benefits my podcast offers: 1. The Mix; 2. The Artwork Attached To The Mix; 3. All The Included Text/Information About Each Mix.  If you save only the audio file to your computer, you will receive: 1. The Mix; 2. The Artwork.  Here is how you go about saving the file to your computer simply off the webpage...

How To Save File to your Computer:

1. Either go to the icon labeled "POD" next to the title of the podcast or scroll down to the bottom of the 'notes' section to where you see "Direct Download"
2. "Right-Click" on the "POD"/file or hold down "ctrl" button while clicking the mouse.
   
3. On the pop-up menu, choose "Save Link As..."
4. This should allow you to choose a destination on your hard drive to save the file in AAC format
5. After you've chosen a location on your computer, open iTunes (or any music player you have), and just drag the file into the program so it will play or load into your library. 
   
6. Sync iPod

Mull Unto The Glum Of Mr. Crux & Mt. Vie Track Listing:

    1.    The Cinematic Orchestra feat. Grey Reverend: "To Build A Home (Live)" - As I mentioned long ago in Kerosene Candles...Grey performs this Cinematic tune live for the group while Patrick Watson serves his own tour.  This in acoustic guitar instead of piano transcribed into 7/8 time.  Very effective the way the song changes from the original with the crescendo of the backing band at the end.  Both variations are worth checking out...Patrick's version is just as amazing. 
    2.    Skalpel: "Break In"- Another Ninja Tune artist that works with odd time signatures, however, in DJ form rather than in a backing band. Can definitely tell the Cinematic influence in this group.
    3.    Outkast feat. Whild Peach: "Mutron Angel"
    4.    Lure: "Trace" - A short-lived Brooklyn band that disbanded in 2001.  I really enjoy this self-titled album with Yuval Lion on drums.  He is self-taught from Tel Aviv and now is a part of several bands including Pink Noise. 
    5.    Charlie Hunter: "The Red Dog Strays" - Probably the best 8-string guitar player out there.  King of San Fran jazz and is often in NYC as well touring with the best of jazz musicians. 
    6.    Johnny Cash feat. Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson: "Highwayman" - A great recording before Mr. Cash's passing.  Album produced by Rick Rubin, of course, popularizing Cash's music with all the young folks including covers of NIN "Hurt" and Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage."
    7.    Alison Krauss & Union Station: "Crazy Faith" - Two of country's prolific icons merging for such a solid album.  Alison may be one of the most cherished folk/country singers in this generation.
    8.    Led Zeppelin: "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" - One of my all-time favorite songs.  Performed originally when the band was around 17-21 years old in 1968.  An interesting fact: Robert Plant was second choice as lead singer; second to the great Terry Reid.  He turned down the job as lead singer of The Yardbirds (before they became Led Zeppelin) to pursue his own thing. 
    9.    Jose Gonzalez: "Remain"
    10.    Conor Oberst: "Lenders In The Temple" - Bright Eyes frontman brings new music under his own name with this brilliant track...
    11.    Ratatat: "Black Heroes" - Fitting for a presidential race that NEEDS to be won by a hero...who happens to be black. 
    12.    Christina Aguilera: "Save Me From Myself" - Gotta love an album that is partially produced by one of the greatest hip hop producers of all-time, DJ Premier...although, this song was not done by him...
    13.    Hole: "Dying" - People forget that Courtney Love can rock...she should stick to her bangers & mash, guitars and mosh!
    14.    Ellen Allien & Apparat: "Leave Me Alone"
    15.    Layo & Bushwacka!: "Love Story" - Once went to THE END in London, which is partially run by Layo, and have been completely infatuated by these two electronic heroes ever since.

To an idol of music, an idol of life, and an idol of spiritual essence; Mr. Coltrane would turn 82 years old on September 23rd.  

I offer a ticket to you for this 'Trane to take you on a musical journey in and out of genre, melancholy and finally, a master piece of art & music.  I want to celebrate this icon with you, and for that, I hope you truly enjoy a piece of this man's legacy in introduction and in coda to this mix.  

'Trane [82 Years] Of Thought Track Listing:

    1.    John Coltrane: "Syeeda's Song Flute" - off of Coltrane's massive musical movement in jazz and in civil rights, Giant Steps, so aptly named in time and space.  This was released in the same year as Miles Davis' Kind of Blue, which Coltrane, Paul Chambers (bass of Giant Steps) and Jimmy Cobb (drummer on a track of Giant Steps) are featured, Ornette Coleman's The Shape Of Jazz To Come, and Charles Mingus'  Mingus Ah Um.  
    2.    The National: "Secret Meeting" - a decent track from this Brooklyn-based band.
    3.    Solange feat. Bilal: "Cosmic Journey" - oh yeah, this is Beyonce's little sister.  Definitely worth checking out.  Her style is much different from her sister's.
    4.    Andrew Bird: "Imitosis" - this freak is quite soothing.  In lieu with folk, and indie, this multi-instrumentalist plays all instruments except for the drums while he performs.  
    5.    The Boogie Monsters: "Sodom & Gomorrah" - old-school!  This duo certainly overlooked by many it their day is quite intelligent and brought new perspectives to future prophecies.  This from God Sound.
    6.    Sufjan Stevens: "Redford (for Yia-Yia Pappau)" - this crazy dude was once quoted that he was going to do 'an album per state' releasing an album every 1-2 years...he better get a move on...I think he's only done about 2 or 3 states.  This is Greetings From Michigan.
    7.    Sufjan Stevens: "For The Widows In Paradise" - thought I'd include a second song from the same album...quite a nice combo.
    8.    Bill Frisell: "Under A Golden Sky" - legendary jazz guitarist.  Crazy as ever, always pushing the envelope.  Coltrane would have nodded in approval to Frisell's direction.
    9.    Battles: "Dance" - this is one of the most creative bands today.  Under the Warp Records label.  John Stanier on drums, from Helmet and Tomahawk.  You'll hear a lot of them in my mixes.
    10.    The Faint: "I Treat You Wrong" - another cool track from these dudes stuck in the '80s back in Nebraska.  I really enjoy the lyrics on this one...sometimes I think he's talking from my perspective when I get in arguments...I'm flawed!
    11.    Ellen Allien & Apparat: "Bubbles"  - nice German connection in electronica.
    12.    Victor Wooten: "The Lesson" - one of the greatest bassists ever to live giving 'lessons' to those who just don't know...Coltrane would have loved to play with him.
    13.    Iron & Wine: "Boy With A Coin" - nice soft indie music...
    14.    Wilco: "On And On And On" - from their massively successful Sky Blue Sky.  Such an amazing simple album...these guys can do country-rock-indie beautifully.  Oh, and Glenn Kotche is a musical encyclopedia behind the drum kit.
    15.    John Coltrane: "Olé" - track title off Coltrane's 1961 free jazz ensemble.  By far one of the greatest musical pieces ever made, and in part, due to Ornette Coleman's release of The Shape of Jazz to Come, who altered Coltrane's direction in music completely on the sax.  

A rock mix for you all to enjoy.  This is a photo I shot of a river in St. Johns, Canada while crossing a bridge.

Pebbles For Amplifiers Track Listing:

    1.    Wilco: "Radio Cure" - from the hit-record, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, this sprung Wilco into another whole world of stardom, expanding on their country roots.  It can be said this band is one of best 'country' bands from a big city - Chicago.
    2.    The White Stripes: "The Nurse" - I haven't had the pleasure to see Jack live, but there is no doubt he is world-class rockstar.  
    3.    Dredg: "Same Ol' Road" - from the artsy album, El Cielo, this SF band strays from the norm incorporating fresh lyrics and mixed genre musical sounds.  Drummer, Dino Campanella, is self-taught and can hold a groove like very few in the rock industry.
    4.    Muse: "Feeling Good" - the mega-stars of the UK make a cover of the famous Nina Simone song.  Matthew Bellamy, lead singer/guitarist/classical pianist, writes the music in somewhat apocryphal style, usually talking about the end of the world.  Lefty drummer Dominic Howard is perfect behind the kit, and is up and coming in the world rock drumming.
    5.    The Good, The Bad & The Queen: "History Song" - Damon Albarn's project after The Gorillaz.  Damon (Blur), Paul Simonon (bassist from The Clash), Simon Tong (guitarist from The Verve), and Tony Allen (world-renown drummer from Fela Kuti).
    6.    Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Don't Forget Me" - perhaps one of my favorite tracks this quartet performs live.  I don't know why you would NOT be a fan of these brilliant musicians (as much as many dislike Anthony Kedis for his lack of range...you have to admire his heart)!  
    7.    Beth Orton: "Beautiful World" - another from queen of British folk.
    8.    PJ Harvey: "Silence" - new direction for Miss Harvey here...piano music!  I prefer her rocking out, however, I truly admire her sense of direction, her creative ability to change styles, and most of all, her brilliant musicianship.
    9.    Freestyle Fellowship: "Inner City Boundaries" - OG Project Blowdians.  Aceyalone and Mikah 9 from earlier casted Haiku d'Etat along with P.E.A.C.E. and Self Jupiter.   This is my all-time favorite hip hop track from their brilliant 1993 album, Innercity Griots.  This song also features old-skool hip-hop-head Daddy-O from Stetsasonic.
    10.    Yeah Yeah Yeahs: "Turn Into" - great track from Show Your Bones.  Karen O is hot!!! ...and the drummer is sick along with Nick Zinner, head-wig!
    11.    Fleet Foxes: "Your Protector" - new track from their latest, Ragged Wood.  Love the retro-60s sound.
    12.    Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings: "Keep On Looking" - some of the hottest performers/musicians in today's retro music.  Sharon is an ex-corrections officer at Rikers Island (I wouldn't mess with her!), and the Dap Kings also back Amy Winehouse.  Sharon & 'The Kings are from my neck of da woods, BROOOOOKKLLLLYYYNNN!!!
    13.    The Faint: "Desperate Guys" - great track from this Nebraska-based band off Wet From Birth.  Saw these guys tour with Bright Eyes, and they definitely had the house bouncin!
    14.    Audio Bullys (feat. Nancy Sinatra): "Shot You Down" - this track from Nancy was huge just after Kill Bill came out...thanks to music connoisseurs, RZA and Quinten Tarentino.  
    15.    Nine Inch Nails: "Head Down" - killer track from the FREE and amazing album, The Slip.  After Radiohead's massive music-shocker In Rainbows going internet for whatever you...Mr. Reznor later said it was somewhat a scam, since they released the album later via CD, iTunes, and an $80 music-box.  Reznor allows you to download this album from his website in multiple formats to suit the best sound quality possible.
    16.    The Mars Volta: "Ilyena" - YES!!!  I have finally found a mix where I can sneak in my favorite band!!!  This is an absolute killer song from their recent The Bedlam In Goliath.  Many, including myself, thought there would be a descent in their music after the king, Jon Theodore on drums, left the throne.  However, the drumming phenom, Thomas Pridgen, at age 24, took the reigns and is now hailed as one of the greatest drummers alive!  It will be a fascinating journey to watch this kid and these brilliant musicians grow.  Big props to Omar Rodriguez, the puppet-master of the group, is by far one of the most creative, most productive musicians today, releasing music every few months.  STAY AWAY HATERS!!!  HEHE!

The tertiary in a three-part mega-mix.  This is somewhat of a random electronic/hip-hop mix with a twist of other genres.  Nothing special about the individual tracks, but as a collective whole, hopefully cohesive and entertaining.   

Jettison The Curse Track Listing:

    1.    AFI: "Prelude 12/21"
    2.    Lee Coombs: "Trust 1 Remix"
    3.    Apparat: "Arcadia"
    4.    Cee-Lo Green: "Bass Head Jazz"
    5.    Bjork feat. Rahzel: "Who Is It?"
    6.    Amon Tobin: "The Lighthouse"
    7.    Galactic: "The Moil"
    8.    Layo & Bushwacka! feat. Rogerio Flausino: "Sunshine In Ipanema"
    9.    Amadou & Mariam: "Artistiya"
    10.    Ratatat: "Mi Viejo"
    11.    Portishead: "The Rip"
    12.    Nas: "Untitled"
    13.    Ellen Allien: "Come"
    14.    Lil' Wayne feat. Static Major: "Lollipop"
    15.    Rockwell: "Somebody's Watching Me"
    16.    Leftfield & Afrika Bambaataa: "Afrika Shox (Jedi's Elastic Bass Remix" - THANK YOU TO MY EDINBURGH MATE FOR THE WICKED EARS ON THIS TRACK!
    17.    Massive Attack: "Montage"
    18.    Hard-Fi: "Stars of CCTV"

The middle section of a three part series of a cyclical musical journey.  Where The Nobel Whipple Wanes, Crescent Is Molecule is a play on the Nobel Peace Prize winner back in the 30's, physician George Whipple, and the moon cycle.  

"Upon reaching the end, one shall frequent the cycle, in which preservation of self, ether, and molecule presume to be one.  At this point, the breadth of the crescent shines the moon bright, releases the shadows back into nothingness and the cycle resumes again..."

Where The Nobel Whipple Wanes, Crescent Is Molecule Track Listing:

    1.    Cool Breeze feat. The Dungeon Family: "Watch For The Hook" - one of rap's highest quality songs in terms of beat-breakdown, verse-to-verse, lyric-to-lyric.  This is when Outkast and the Goodie Mob were all good with one another...not sure if it's the same anymore...
    2.    Alicia Keys: "Dragon Days" - One of Alicia's best tracks to date.  She strays a bit from the commercial scene with this one, but stays obviously within the pop boundaries.  
    3.    Justin Timberlake: "My Love" - JT is one my personal favorite entertainers, no joke!  This man certainly knows what he's doing, whether it's singing, writing, dancing, acting, or whatever he puts his mind to.  Any of you haters disagree...so be it.
    4.    Sage Francis: "Sea Lion"
    5.    Subtle: "Take To Take" - Anticon reaching to new heights.  Dose One and Jel of Themselves expand with other musicians, and have used their eccentric ways to good use...these guys are very interesting, and in concert, even better.
    6.    Black Keys: "Psychotic Girl" - DJ Dangermouse stole this beat from Cut Chemist's "Spoon." Still a decent track, nonetheless.
    7.    Eligh: "Chronic" - One of the Living Legends out in LA...usually found rolling with Project Blowed.  Eligh is a pretty talented dude, producing his own beats, rapping, as well as doing all originally artwork - very fascinating art as well.
    8.    Tricky: "Cross To Bear" - certainly a new take on Jesus and Mary in these lyrics...got to love Tricky for pushing the boundaries a bit.  Love this track off his new album.
    9.    MGMT: "The Handshake" -  trendy stuff...
    10.    Lou Rhodes: "They Say" - another pitch black-dark song by Lamb front-girl...off one of her solo records.
    11.    S.E.V.A.: "In The Tiger's Mouth" - producer Mumbles from Aceyalone's A Book of Human Language along with another underground head coming out with this interesting blend of worldly music into DJ format with this S.E.V.A. group.
    12.    Unkle: "Eye For An Eye" - off Unkle's second album...the first without DJ Shadow.  Not sure why everybody playa-hates on James Levelle after Shadow's exit...
    13.    Dillinger Escape Plan w/Mike Patton: "Pig Latin" - YES!  here's my math-metal insert.  Some of the most sophisticated music on the planet comes from these freaks from Jersey.  On this 4-track EP, Mike Patton (Faith No More, Tomahawk, Odd Boy, Peeping Tom, Fantomas, etc...) changes their direction, which ultimately becomes the foundation to which later DEP albums derive from.
    14.    Dub Trio: "One Man Tag Crew" - This Berklee School of Music and Texas State trio hops from punk, ska, metal, to reggae/dub beats in a matter of seconds...pretty sweet!  Drummer Joe Tomino is one of the best out there...and the three of them can be heard separately throughout hip-hop.  Joe toured with The Fugees, guitarist DP Holmes played on Common's album, Stu Brooks has played with numerous hip hop gigs, and all three were on earlier mentioned Mike Patton's Peeping Tom record.  
     15.    Radiohead: "Reckoner" - Arguably one of the best songs ever written, period.  
    16.    cirKus: "Born Again" - again, again, again, etc...just go buy this album, Laylow, for christ's sakes!  they are currently working on their second album and should be out before '09.

With my grandmother's recent passing, I quickly realized the importance of honoring her, even though we were never too close.  The worst was witnessing my mother saying goodbye to her mother, and with that, drove the frail edges of comfortability and day-to-day ignorance I possess to its most frightening moment... the bond of friendship, love, relationships, and the social networking we all do so well, and to share both the good and the bad with those who know can relate and understand that this here is not a moment of absolute sadness, but mere celebration of life and the experiences we are bound by.  This is a mix celebrated by the longevity of Jean Alexander's experiences in this world.  Although the lyrics and music are dark at times, sad, and not so much celebratory in their nature, but I assure you, that with the combination of this and the following 2 mixes that succeed this one, you will understand that my experiences carried me through a dark fall only to be picked up by the brightness in music and life.  I hope you will ride through both sides of the cycle to arrive where I am today...happy to have experienced this time here with you, my friends, and loved ones, and to have been brought into this world by such a beautiful person who is my mother, who in turn, was given life by this wonderful woman in Jean Alexander.  I truly am honored and humbled by this blessing.  Thank you for listening.

Wedged Between Sulk & Hurt Track Listing:
(I have only noted a few songs worth noting for this mix, since the mix is self-explanatory and I hope that the music speaks for itself within its structure.)  

    1.    Jamie Lidell: "Game For Fools"
    2.    Citizen Cope: "Appetite (For Lightin' Dynamite)"
    3.    PJ Harvey: "C'mon Billy"
    4.    Sixtoo: "Jackals And Vipers In Envy Of Man" - this is a great example of the program Reason being utilized nicely in electronica...
    5.    Kanye West: "Roses" - if you listen closely, you can catch Bill Withers (of the next track), being chopped up into a beautiful harmony with this track's brilliant production by Mr. West.  
    6.    Bill Withers: "Grandma's Hands" - FSB's Dub version of this track to pay homage to my grandma - no, she's not Rastafari.  
    7.    Ghislain Poirier: "Close The News"
    8.    Mad Season: "Long Gone Day"
    9.    A Perfect Circle: "Three Libras (Acoustic)"
    10.    Spoon: "The Infinitie Pet"
    11.    Ratatat: "Mumtaz Khan"
    12.    Felix Laband: "Whistling In Tongues"
    13.    RYAN POLLASTRO!: "That Looks Dangerous" - if anybody in LA knows anybody who needs the sickest drummer without a gig, you can check out my bro's website: www.ryanpollastro.com and get in contact asap, because he's definitely the sickest alive!  studied with the greats in NYC at The Drummer's Collective and Ed Bettinelli, and on this track you can hear Ry's first take drumming over his crazy humor in his production/musicality with the backing music + samples - that's Dave Chappelle, baby.
    14.    Aceyalone: "The Thief In The Night" - one of the most brilliant albums ever created by a hip hop artist, A Book Of Human Language.  Bottom-priced production, but with a particular genius, Mumbles,  and Ace-1 create an epic of an album.  one of the many 'Chapters' of this book that reveals ingenuity and greatness.
    15.    Bright Eyes: "Land Locked Blues"
    16.    ISIS: "Firdous E Bareen"

Photo of Roman subway car in 2002.  

Classic Whip, Fresh, You Godstar Track Listing:

    1.    The Police: "Invisible Sun" - No need to inform you of anything other than you can check out Stewart Copeland's band, Gizmo, for some more sick drumming from this god with sticks and skins.  
    2.    Amon Tobin: "Four Ton Mantis" - From Supermodified, another great from Ninja Tune artist.  
    3.    L'roneous Da Versifier: "L'chemy" - Another conscientious head from LA, who used to often hook up with Project Blowed and Aceyalone.
    4.    The Jimi Hendrix Experience: "Castles Made Of Sand" - Watched an incredible documentary on Jimi a little while back, and was just blown away by how much he accomplished and how many people he influenced before he passed at the age that I am now, 27.  I guess we're not to imagine what might have been if...
    5.    Alice Russell: "Hurry On Now (Rmx)" - A nice remix of a gem by this English classic queen of vocals.  I love this woman and Quantum.
    6.    Rudder: "Circle Of Jerks" - Oh yeah, a nice jazz piece, yes, jazz, by some of the most grooving heads in NYC.  Keith Carlock on drums is one of the most diverse drummers out there - playing with Sting for years and now Steely Dan.
    7.    The Zutons: "How Does It Feel?" - Brit Pop group whom specialize in sorting through the genres.  Check out Who Killed...
    8.    "Booka Shade: "Charlotte" - Another track from one of my favorites.  
    9.    Finley Quaye: "Now And Forever" - One-of-a-kind voice from the UK...you probably heard the song Dice on the OC...if you're a 15-year-old!  hehe.  This is more classic Quaye.
    10.    Boom Bip: "Eyelashings" - One of the best hip-hop producers out there.  This from his brilliant Blue Eyed In The Red Room.  His album with Dose One of Anticon, Circle, is another great avant-garde hip hop album to check.
    11.    Roisin Murphy feat. Matthew Herbert: "Sinking Feeling" - Crazy inventive composer, Matthew Herbert, produced this off-the-wall record with eccentric UK sorta-pop singer, Roisin Murphy of Moloko.
    12.    Tricky: "Bacative" - This brilliant track is from his newest output, Knowle West Boy.  In my mind, some of the best music he's had in recent attempts.
    13.    Turntables On The Hudson (Marzebian): "Let It Ride" - Love this group of musicians.  If you live in NYC, you should definitely check them out on the Hudson River (duh!).
    14.    Nas: "It Ain't Hard To Tell (Remix)" - A great remix from a classic album in hip hop/music.  I love how he changes his lyrics in the remix.  Rappers just don't do that anymore like they used to.
    15.    Cut Chemist: "(My 1st) Big Break" - On tour with DJ Shadow at the moment, this man has ultra respect in the hip hop community.  Too bad he has only one commercial release in this, The Audience Is Listening.
    16.    Rage Against The Machine: "War Within A Breath" - In light of Zach de la Rocha's return to music, with his newly formed, One Day As A Lion, with my personal idol, Jon Theodore, the ex-drummer of The Mars Volta.  This man is truly gifted and the world of music hasn't seen this kind of drumming since John Bohnam of Led Zeppelin.
    17.    Battles: "Race - Out" - One of the most interesting and technically great bands today on Warp Records.  John Stanier, ex-drummer of Helmet, is one of the hardest working drummers in the avant-garde music scene.  He loves hip hop beats and crazy grooves, which you can also hear him with Mike Patton (Faith No More) in Tomahawk.  Battles is truly worth checking out, and you're certain to love them if you have a chance to see them in concert.  

You can always save the audio file (the actual mix) to your computer quite easily.  However, I strongly recommend following the instructions to How To Subscribe To My Podcast Via iTunes, because you will receive all the benefits my podcast offers: 1. The Mix; 2. The Artwork Attached To The Mix; 3. All The Included Text/Information About Each Mix.  If you save only the audio file to your computer, you will receive: 1. The Mix; 2. The Artwork.  Here is how you go about saving the file to your computer simply off the webpage...

How To Save File to your Computer:

1. Scroll down to the bottom of the 'notes' section to where you see "Direct Download"
2. "Right-Click" on the file or hold down "ctrl" button while clicking the mouse.
   
3. On the pop-up menu, choose "Save Link As..."
4. This should allow you to choose a destination on your hard drive to save the file in AAC format
5. After you've chosen a location on your computer, open iTunes (or any music player you have), and just drag the file into the program so it will play or load into your library. 
   
6. Sync iPod

Since I have very limited time on this website, other than digging for music, creating a mix, shooting the photos, and writing the text for each episode, I do not have the ability to 'upgrade' the site and make it more convenient like most other sites.  I apologize for not having a "CONTACT" page or page for each individual mix, so I will continue to repost General Ideas/Rules/Contact Info. in between mixes every now and again.  Here is my contact, in case you miss them embedded within the mixes:

contact@funkysoulburner.com

Thank you for your understanding!

As the weeks pass, and the mixes continue to be uploaded, my website will seem to shrink - or better yet, seem to lose mixes.  If you are new to the site and haven't heard all the mixes and want more, you can click on the "2008" or "Podcasts" category on the left-hand side of the page, and it will show you the list of all the uploaded mixes.  The site began at the beginning of April, so you can also click on individual month to see what mixes are available for each.

This mix is dedicated to Esbjorn Svensson, a wonderful Swedish pianist in the world of jazz who tragically died in a diving accident about a month ago.  His music will continue to evolve jazz and the world of art and music...we will miss you!

Kinetic Pulse Track Listing:

    1.    Lusine: "Figment" - Nice track to start mix off from Texan electronica musician.  
    2.    Phoenix Orion: "Cyberchristclone" - Alien Nation/Project Blowed affiliate.  Another freak from South Central, blazin' through with Zimulated Experienz, an album entirely concocted of alternating egos of Phoenix Orion.  Sweet!
    3.    Sonic Youth: "Hoarfrost" - How can I have gone 13 mixes without Sonic Youth?  No need to introduce these greats from NYC...
    4.    Bert Jansch: "Katie Cruel" - Good folk from England...classic.
    5.    Rodrigo y Gabriela: "Diablo Rojo" - another blazing rendition from these thrash metal acoustic monsters.  
    6.    E.S.T.: "Goldwrap" - This mix is entirely dedicated to Esbjorn Svensson, whom recently passed away from a diving accident.  The European and world of jazz will sadly miss this great talent.  R.I.P.
    7.    !!! (Chk Chk Chk): "Yadnus" - Warp records phenoms.
    8.    Sam Sparro: "Cottonmouth" - Oh wow!  Huge British musician at the moment, now creeping to the US.
    9.    Lou Rhodes: "Tremble" - Singer from Lamb.  Glad to not hear a song about god or christianity.  
    10.    Booka Shade: "Outskirts" - oh yes, another song by these gurus of techno.
    11.    Darc Mind: "Visions Of A Blur" - Signed to Anticon after making this album over 10 years ago.  How did the world of hip hop go without this duo?  Phat beat, great accompanying vocals and voice.  
    12.    Electric President; "Metal Fingers" - Like the idea...similar to Postal Service.  Did have to cut out the last part of song due to personal disliking...think you would agree...white guy trying to rap after a great body of a song.
    13.    CeU: "Valsa Pra Biu Roque" - Another track from Brazilian minx.
    14.    Fink: "Make it Good" - Another track from Ninja Tune gem.
    15.    Modeselektor (feat. Siriusmo): "Deboutonner" - These guys don't need briefing, again, again, and again...another brilliant track from Happy Birthday!

When Crow Folk Burn Scarecrows Track Listing:

    1.    LTJ Bukem: "Fictions" - Introduction from Earth compilations.
    4.    A-Team feat. Mikah 9: "Slower Traffic To The Right" - Haiku d'Etat before they were Haiku d'Etat - Aceyalone, Abstract Rude, and Mikah 9.
    5.    Thievery Corporation: "The Cosmic Game" - Slightly distorted and tweaked by funkysoulburner as a transition to the next track.
    6.    Smith & Mighty: "Walk On" - From their DJ Kicks compilation.
    7.    The Detroit Experiment: "Think Twice" - Layo & Bushwacka! mixed this for their All Night DJ set in London.
    8.    Jeff Buckley: "Hallelujah" - Originally composed by Leonard Cohen, later covered by Rufus Wainwright, then Jeff, who made it pop.
    9.    Andrian Belew: "Incompetence Indifference" - Ex-King Crimson band member.  From his solo record, Side Three.
    10.    Bill Laswell: "Cybotron" - One of the greatest producers in music.  You remember "Rockit" by Herbie Hancock (the first hip-hop track)?  Well, he produced that album and co-wrote that track.  He is famous for mixing genres and exploring new forms of music.  From Roir Dub Sessions.
    11.    Modeselektor feat. Thom Yorke: "The White Flash" - Mr. Yorke only appears on other people's records if he fancies them...Modeselektor must be good in his mind.  From Happy Birthday!
    12.    Burial: "Etched Headplate" - Highly regarded down-tempo group, sometimes annoying, though.  From Untrue.
    13.    Porcupine Tree: "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" - Prog metal greats from England.  From Deadwing.
    14.    Roots Tonic Meets Bill Laswell: "JD3" - Ex-Matisyahu backing band meets producer freak Bill Laswell.
    15.    Stevie Wonder: "Maybe Your Baby" - From Talking Book.
    16.    A Tribe Called Quest: "Buggin' Out" - From A Low End Theory.
    17.    Unkle with DJ Shadow: "Unreal" - From Psyence Fiction, when DJ Shadow was a part of the duo.
    18.    Wax Tailor: "There Is Danger" - French DJ/producer, this one is from Hope & Sorrow.  
    19.    Ghostface & Trife da God: "Milk 'Em" - Somewhat of a bootleg from a record called Put It On The Line the two made in between Fishscale and More Fish.  Ghost is one of the hardest working hip-hop artists in the mainstream, for sure.  
    20.    DJ Krush: "Day's End (After-dusk Mix)" - More from the Krush Master, from Stepping Stones.
    21.    Diplo: "Summer's Gonna Hurt You" - Widely overlooked track from his debut Florida album.  
    22.    M.I.A.: "Paper Planes" - From Kala.  Diplo and M.I.A. were quite an item before she released this album.  In fact, Diplo produced her first album, Arular, and many thought this second album would suffer in Diplo's absence.  Yeah Right!

Artwork/Decorative Painting by Jean-Luc Sable of Paris: This is a small section of a larger incomplete fantasy faux marble piece I shot of his at International Salon of Decorative Painters in Chicago, May 2008.

In The Imaginary Gestures Of A World Unscathed By Virtues & Vices Track Listing:

    1.    DJ Krush "Transition" Intro - DJ Krush behind the vocals providing a nice Transition, as the track is rightfully named, to the Busdriver's eccentric, out-of-this-world rap...
    2.    Busdriver: "Imaginary Places" - Another Project Blowedian (remember Aceyalone, Mikah 9, Abstract Rude/Freestyle Fellowship???) that is from another planet.  His precision in jazzy rhythms and ability to rap over and fluctuate between straight and swung 16th notes, triplets/sextuplets, 32nds and everything else in-tune is better than anybody other than the aforementioned Mikah 9 (no, not Twista or any of those YouTube artists that are FAST...they just aren't jazzy).  This one is from TEMPORARY FOREVER, but a couple years ago he was signed to Epitaph, and along with Sage Francis and The Coup, is one of the very few rappers to be signed by the indie-alternative rock label.  Please support these Project Blowedians - they are truly talented and are promoting art instead of gangs in the roughest of hoods in the US in South Central Los Angeles.
    3.    DJ Kentaro: "One Hand Blizzard" - Hailed as the Best DJ on the planet in 2002 and in 2003.  This man is the perfect accompaniment to the Busdriver's wicked flow with his quick scratches, but his ability to break a beat down by 1/4 notes, 8ths, triplets, 16ths, and 32nds and to be able to manipulate the beat, make it swing, all without headphones and only with minimal cues, makes him quite special in the DJ world. 
    4.    Sixtoo: "Jackals And Vipers In Envy Of Man" - Prolific DJ/Producer now signed with Ninja Tune.  In the late 90's, he was a part of that super-group, Anticon (Dose One, Jel, etc.) and was signed by them until he moved on to Mush records.  It seems this man puts out nearly 2 albums a year, or he is at least responsible for that amount with all his collaborations/remixes.
    5.    Ghislain Poirier: "Don't Smile, It's Post-Modern" - Look!  Another Ninja Tune artist!  What a surprise!  That is because they keep an eclectic bunch and solid artists and only release around 4 albums a year through the label.  This DJ/producer hails from Montreal, and if you're in the area,  you might want to check out his 'parties' called BOUNCE LE GROS, "where hip-hop, dub and baile funk collide."
    6.    Tinariwen: "Soixante Trois" - The Rolling Stones of the Touareg rebellion against the central government of Mali.  Sound funny?  Well, I think they share a number of bullet wounds to prove otherwise.  This is probably the most influential band of the Sahara region, and it is said in a recent interview with Coldplay that their newest album, VIVA LA VIDA, is heavily influenced by Tinariwen (I find that hard to believe, personally, for obvious reasons...).  The name itself is apparently the plural of 'tenere' (add accents over all the 'e's), which means "desert, land, or empty place."  They are truly a fascinating story, and you can read about them on their website: http://www.tinariwen.com/about.php.  
    7.    Ali Farka Toure: "Savane" - Another track from Malian blues guru, and in fact, the title track for his Swan Song. 
    8.    Amadou & Mariam: "M Bife" - Another band/duo from Mali that has shaken the world music art scene.  This 2004 release, DIMANCHE A BAMAKO, had help from Manu Chao (perhaps an influence for many, but someone you will not hear on Funky Soul Burner, due to personal, egotistical reasons). 
    9.    DJ Food: "The Crow" - Prolific Ninja Tune alias for group of DJs, producers, and musicians.  It IS NOT a single person, like many believe, but at any given time can be a host of artists from Ninja Tune.  Matt Black and Jonathan More (COLDCUT) began the Jazz Breaks series in the 90s, and it has grown, mainly because Coldcut and DJ Food couldn't perform a 2-set evening when touring, so they handed the reins to like-minded Strictly Kev or Patrick Carpenter, or Issac Elliston.
    10.    Kid Koala: "Skanky Panky" - The fourth Ninja Tune artist on this mix.  Another DJ/turntablist from Canada, this time from the western regions in Vancouver.  You can also find him as a member of the jam band, Bullfrog, and the hip-hop supergroup, Deltron 3030 (featuring the legend, Del the Funkee Homo Sapien).  He is also an illustrator, and released a full length graphic novel, NUFONIA MUST FALL, which includes his own soundtrack, respectfully.
    11.    Solomon Burke: "None Of Us Are Free" - American grammy winner, who draws from gospel, soul, and the blues as influences to his style of singing/music.  Started as a preacher, then a gospel radio DJ, then signed in the 60s to Atlantic Records.  Never was big in the 60s as Otis Redding or Sam Cooke, but wrote the massive hit "EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY TO LOVE," covered by The Rolling Stones and Wilson Pickett amongst many others.  According the article in Wikipedia, he will be performing at this years Glastonbury Festival, the massive eclectic group of musicians in the UK. 
    12.    Sly & Robbie Meet the Large Professor: "Freedom Dub"
    13.    Lamb: "Open Up" - Massive electronic group from Manchester, England.  Comprised of producer Andy Barlow, the "HIPOPTIMIST," and singer-songwriter Lou Rhodes.  Later they added bassist Jon Thorne, Icelandic guitarist Oddur Mar Runnarson, and Danish drummer Nikolaj Bjerre. 
    14.    Issa Bagayogo: "Diama Don" - More Malian music, but this man is now called "Techno Issa," because of his use of electronic music within his sound.  Some compare him to likes of Ali Farka Toure, due to his heavy influence in Mali.  This is from his album, TASSOUMAKAN.
    15.    Rokia Traore: "Souba" - This beautiful Malian voice has the world of music flocking to her side, including the amazing Kronos Quartet, who recorded 2 tracks off her 2003 album, BOWMBOI, which earned BBC 3's World Music Award.  This song is from her second album, WANITA, which she wrote and arranged the whole album on her own - the New York Times nominated it as one of the critics' albums of the year.
    16.    Fila Brazillia: "July 23" - Steve Cobby & David McSherry of England, together produce a consortium of music under the electronic variety.  Good stuff.

This condensed moisture that is left on the surface contains a glimmer of light that radiates at the rate in which sound evaporates from the atmosphere.  When you awake, leaves heavy on twigs bend from a droplet, drips upon the lawn that later expands to those insects and microscopic animals invert the noise, your alarm sounds as your week begins.  The offering of moisture, energy, and sound for a week gradually fading by the track listing progresses to its end...and then another drop appears to provide you a new beginning. 

Dew Drops Glisten Between Spheres Track Listing:

    1.    Fleet Foxes: "Sun Giant" - Another from the SUN GIANT EP, this Seattle group digs back to the more folk sounds of rock.  They just released RAGGED WOOD, their debut LP, last month.
    2.    Scarlett Johansson sings Tom Waits: "Song For Jo" - Not a big Tom Waits fan, but when you have Scarlett Johansson covering it, I can imagine it being better...
    3.    Fink: "Trouble's What You're In" - No, not sung by Pierre, my mentor, freaky, out-of-control 45 going on 13 year old friend of mine (HI FINK!)...but English Ninja Tune artist, Fin Greenall, accompanied by bassist Guy Whittaker and drummer Tim Thorton.
    4.    Jan Garbarek: "Ramy" - Norwegian tenor and soprano saxophonist teams up with tabla guru Shaukat Hussain and oud player Anouar Brahem.  This lovely combination of jazz and Indian music provides a solace in mood and can be very meditative when listening to the album MADAR in whole.
    5.    Blockhead: "Coloring Book" - Underground DJ/producer extraordinaire turned top-notch Ninja Tune artist.  You can also find him producing Aesop Rock's LABOR DAYS and NONE SHALL PASS.
    6.    Bonobo: "Fever" - I know, this is the third track I've used from DAYS TO COME...you might as well just go get the CD already!
    7.    Booka Shade: "Mandarine Girl" - OH YEAH!  This German electrohouse duo bring one of the liveliest sets I've ever witnessed at Baltimore's V-Fest last year.  This one is from their 2006 album, MOVEMENTS.  However, they have recently released THE SUN & THE NEON LIGHT in late May.
    8.    Cee-Lo feat. Pharell: "The Art of Noise" - Before Cee-Lo was known for the Gnarls Barkley gimmick he was equally as profound in his solo projects, including this track from his CEE-LO GREEN IS THE SOUL MACHINE LP.  Do not forget the days when he pioneered the Southern slang along with Outkast and Organized Noize down in ATL, and his former group, Goodie Mob...He has always been great at whatever he has done...so check out his earlier stuff, too!
    9.    Cold War Kids: "Passing The Hat" - Another solid track from this Cali quartet and their COWARDS & ROBBERS debut.  
    10.    Fugazi: "Cashout" - The D.C. post-hardcore legends!  I wouldn't want to go too long in my podcast without including one of the most influential American bands from the late 80's and early 90's.  They also never allowed the music or the hype to get too far over their heads, and you could see one of their shows for $10 or lower in D.C.  They kept life steady and simple in their humble fame, and are currently on hiatus due to wanting to spend more time with family members.
    11.    Eric B. & Rakim MASHED with Ghostface Killah: "Know The Ledge/Ghost Is Back" - Oh I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did mixing it.  Eric B.'s timeless beat and Rakim's legendary voice and flow mixed with Ghostface's modern grotesque-sheik-yet-so-damned-rhythmic flow is perfect for the hip hop heads!  The E.B.&R version was on the classic movie Juice soundtrack starring Omar Epps and Tupac.
    12.    The Ting Tings: "Shut Up And Let Me Go" - This English duo sounds like, well, all the 80's acts of indie-pop, and I guess that's cool right now.  Anyway, Jules De Martino and Katie White are just now making a name for themselves, so I guess you'll hear a lot from one of the silliest names for a band since The The.  
    13.    Unkle: "Persons & Machines" - Now I think James Levelle is one of the most under-appreciated DJs/Producers since DJ Shadow left him after the first Unkle record.  This song along with the rest of his newest release WAR STORIES, is completely original as DJ work, and is absolutely entertaining.  Check him out, and please support this lone-bloke on his solo endeavors.  
    14.    Yppah: "I'll Hit The Breaks" - Another track from this Ninja Tune release, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AT ALL TIMES.  Wicked stuff from this Houston, TX resident.  
    15.    Feist: "Honey Honey" - Couldn't help but to end this Dew Drop with some props to this Canadian chick again.  She certainly has a great style about her and looks to all forms of music as influence.  This is another track from THE REMINDER LP.

As the weeks pass, and the mixes continue to be uploaded, my website will seem to shrink - or better yet, seem to lose mixes.  If you are new to the site and haven't heard all the mixes and want more, you can click on the "2008" or "Podcasts" category on the left-hand side of the page, and it will show you the list of all the uploaded mixes.  The site began at the beginning of April, so you can also click on individual month to see what mixes are available for each.

Thanks for tuning in!

 

This image is captured from the airplane, a scene of Lower Manhattan...however, the irony is that the majority of music on this mix is from England, oh well...

Sunfried Concrete Sizzle Snap Track Listing:

    1.    Simone DeBlasio: "Faded" - Sista Simi'!!!  This is a friend of mine out in LA...full-time writer, working hard to be a professional musician.  This is from her latest, Grounding The Fall.  Please check her out if you're in the LA area, and maybe you'll be able to catch her covering Snoop Dogg's Gin 'n Juice!  Check out www.simone-says.com for her artful world of writing and music - her blogs are entertaining as well on Myspace!
    2.    Alice Russell: "High Up On the Hook" - Forget Amy Winehouse, Alice Russell is the real deal.  Along with Quantic and the Bamboos, this crew runs Britain like 1960, and her music is smooth, jazzy, electronic, and goddamn fantastic! 
    3.    TV on the Radio: "Hours" - Another Williamsburg, Brooklyn crew rippin' the crazy-artsy-idontknowwhatthehelltheirsmokin-music, but sometimes they produce some gems like this.  Saw them live in Baltimore, and they had the crowd going wild just before The Police came on - I personally thought they out-performed Sting & Co.!  
    4.    The Chemical Brothers remix Beth Orton: "Where Do I Begin" - Beth Orton is always a pleasure, especially when she lends her music to fellow English-mates like The Chemical Brothers.  It is noted thhat her next studio album will be out later this year, but you can always dive back into Comfort of Strangers, her last brilliant album.
    5.    Codename John: "Dreams of Heaven" - Oh yeah!  This track is from Grooverider Presents: The Prototype Years.  Saw him at Fabric in London a few years back, and forever will remember the drum 'n bass engraved in my chest with the loudest soundsystem i've ever heard. 
    6.    Dizzee Rascal: "Suk My Dick" - From Maths + English, Dizzee regained appraisal for coming out of the pitch dark ambience of his second album, Showtime.  In 2003, Dizz won the Mercury Prize for his debut, Boy in da Corner. 
    7.    The Last Shadow Puppets: "I Don't Like You Anymore" - Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys and Miles Kane of The Rascals join together to write about love and breakups, as per usual.  This is my favorite track from the album, the better half, Turner, you're better off picking up both Arctic Monkeys releases. 
    8.    Pixies: "Where Is My Mind?" - Oh Pixies have so much respect in the indie world, yet never made famous.  Black Francis (aka Frank Black, born Charles Thompson IV) never has had the success as a solo artist, but everybody from hip hop to electronica (see M.I.A. on the next track) to rock have borrowed from Pixies.  After their 11 year break-up, they reunited in 2004, and released a new single, Bam Thwok, which hit #1 in the UK.  They later made appearances in 2006/2007.  Great stuff!
    9.    M.I.A.: "$20" - From her highly-regarded, Kala.  British Artist, born to a Tamil activist-turned miltant, Arul Pragasam, of Sri Lanka.  Her father was a founding member of the Eelam Revolutionary Organisation of Students.  She found herself moving from place to place as a child upon until she relocated in England.  On this track, she plays off the Pixies, Where Is My Mind?
    10.    Marketa Irglova: "The Hill" - From the highly-praised Once soundtrack of 2007.  She won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for Falling Slowly along with Glan Hansard of The Frames from Ireland.  She is originally from Czech. Republic.  If you haven't seen Once yet, go rent it already!
    11.    Roots Manuva: "Soul Decay" - Rodney Smith from South London, this OG of Big Dada records has done quality recordings with The Cinematic Orchestra and performed live on Gilles Peterson's BBC Radio 1 broadcast.  This gem is from his debut album, Brand New Second Hand.
    12.    Stromba: "Blue Skin" - Here's another track from Stromba's, Tales From The Sitting Room.  This album is very diverse, and each track has a direct correlation to British electronica/pop. 
    13.    Karl Berger vs. Les Gammas: "Discipline '100'" - From Compost Records compilation.  Karl Berger is a musicologist with a PhD in Music Sociology and along with the legend, Ornette Coleman, and Ingrid Sertso, they founded the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, NY.  Her he is battling Les Gammas, DJ/drummer, Marc Frank and singer/pianist Jochen Helfert.  Good stuff here.
    14.    Jose Gonzalez covers Massive Attack: "Teardrop" - Mr. Gonzalez does this monotone acoustic guitar stuff really well.  Here he is covering Massive Attack's brilliant track, Teardrop, from their world-renown album Mezzanine.  This track is on Jose's latest, In Our Nature. 

The moment in which life is caught by an instant, the Cyrus clouds ricochet off the summits, the unexpected citrus freeze, a typhoon, a quake, a whisper can elicit a song the blood will pulsate to, and the breath can be exhaled.  What is the feeling in which we all will experience that we cannot talk about?  Some things are left unsaid, and all I can offer you is this whisper...


Within the Breath Left Inhaled Track Listing:

   1. Fat Freddy's Drop: "Midnight Marauders" - Finally, I have been wanting to include this phenomenal New Zealand based band on a mix for you.  These guys have been hailed "World Best Artists" by Gilles Peterson of BBC Radio 1 in 2005/2006.  Please check out Based On A True Story if you like this.
   2. CeU: "10 Contados" - This little Brasilian minx keeps it cool and interesting.  Often including different genres into her material to keep it fresh.
   3. Ali Farka Toure: "Yer Bounda Fara" - One of Africa's most cherished artists from Mali.  His guitar playing and blues influence have been noted as some of the all-time best.  He passed away in 2006, six months before his label released this gem of an album, Savane.
   4. Erykah Badu: "The Healer" - This coming from Mrs. Badu's badass new album, New Amerykah Pt. One.  In the lyrics, you can hear her say, "This one's for Dilla," whom you will hear/read about later in the mix.  But do please check out the track "Telephone," produced by ?uestlove of The Roots, which is dedicated to Dilla - a song based on a phone conversation with Dilla's mother about his visions before his passing.
   5. cirKus: "Fuc All the Doh" - Another song from the album Laylow.
   6. Ghostface Killah & Trife: "Josephine" - Oh SNAP!  Ghostface is widely becoming the king of using the illest beats on record.  Using Amy Winehouse before making it big, MF Doom, Kayne, RZA, as well as J Dilla amongst many others.  This catchy soul beat is accented perfectly by The Willie Cottrell Band and guest spot on the mic, Trife da God - produced by Hi-Tek.
   7. J Dilla: "Lightworks" - Sad, sad, sad.  If you don't know, you know.  You know Dilla (James Dewitt Yancey) if you've heard hip-hop before going back to De La Soul, The Pharcyde, Janet Jackson, Q-Tip, Common, etc. etc.  His Swan Song, Donuts, was produced and mixed and released 3 days before dying from a cardiac arrest most likely caused by the nasty disease, Lupus on February 10, 2006.  We all suffered a little, but his music will not go unrecognized.
   8. Outkast: "E.T. (Extraterrestrial)" - Released on the ATLiens record in '96, this track stands as a footnote to all downtempo hip hop that has been released in the 21st Century.  These 2 artists were always a few steps ahead of the game.  I hope we can hear more from them in the future.
   9. Ike & Tina Turner: "Game of Love" - Perhaps one of the most confessional tracks Tina sang while still with Ike.  Aside from the personal drama, this song is amazing in every element.  The groove between bass, drums, and Ike are impeccable, and the sweet sweet vocals by Mrs. Turner make this one of my favorite tracks.
  10. Culver City Dub Collective: "Big Long Gun" - Oooh, a collective out of Cali doing dub.  This album, Dos, is definitely worth checking out.
  11. O Rappa: "Ja To No Grude" - An experimental Brasilian band rocking, dubbin' and electro-poppin'!  Lado B Lado A, is definitely a mixed compilation of these genres, and worth bobbing to.
  12. Lindstrom: "Fast and Delirious" - From Hans-Peter's Feedelity Affair.  This Swedish gentleman produces some of the finest electronica/dance music around.
  13. Fatboy Slim: "Santa Cruz" - A classic from Britain's Quentin Leo Cook and first album Better Living Through Chemistry.
  14. The Cinematic Orchestra: "Breathe (Live)" - Heidi Vogel's reply to Fontella Bass's beautifully performed song is the decision I made when putting this mix together.  Although it is impossible to out-perform such a singer, in Bass, Vogel's amazingly powerful voice is equally as beautiful, and in a way the 'breath' of the new as Bass's time may be near her end for Cinematic Orchestra.  This was undoubtedly the most haunting and most beautiful song of 2007 for me (off of the Ma Fleur album).

The worldly view of music and genre intertwined with the delicate fusion of tradition and mod, Insert a Variable to create different perspectives on the sounds one hears.  There is room for pause, but none for err.  Calculate the space and time through various generations and tastes to find the Venerable Sum in the likeness of Being...

Track Listing for Insert Variable for the Venerable Sum:

1. Themselves: "Home: Work" - Dose One & Jel (from Cincinnati, now San Fran) are 2 founders of Anticon, the underground indie hip-hop posse.  This is a prime example of Jel's masterful work behind the beat machine, and the eccentric background word-rhythms of Dose One. 
   
2. Atmosphere: "Puppets" - Rhymesayers of Minnesota is now massive, but a few years back, you could find Slug, the rapper, collaborating with Anticon (see above), especially in the improv classic album, Deep Puddle Dynamics.  Here we find Slug in his recent release from When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold.  Bound to be more commercial than his underground classic days (which are far darker, I must say).
   
3. Lusine: "Still Frame" - wow, a Texan made this?  Haha!  Seriously, he's an all right bloke and worth checking for downtempo/techno.  Jeff McIlwain now resides in Seattle (thank Jesus, the Mr. Softee driver). 
   
4. PJ Harvey: "The Garden" - My all-time favorite woman musician, and one of my personal crushes.  This little intelligent minx changes her output on every album she releases.  You can find this track on Is this Desire?
   
5. Orsten: "Fleur Blanche" - found this track lingering in a Hotel Costes mix out of nowhere.  Personally, I loathe those mixes, but this track is nice.
   
6. DJ Krush feat Angelina Esparza: "Aletheuo (Truthspeaking)" - Krush Meister goes pop on this one, but does it with style on this crazy wicked beat.  Oh, and Angelina's voice is quite decent as well.
   
7. Maps: "It Will Find You" - I really like this little gem of a track by James Chapman, aka, MAPS.
   
8. Rodrigo y Gabriela: "Ixtapa" - this crazy-cool duo from Mexico City, now taking residence in Dublin, Ireland, take classical acoustic guitar playing to another level of THRASH!  The two met in a thrash metal band in Mexico City, then moving outside of the box into the world of classical guitar playing, yet keeping the rock/thrash metal theme prominent in their songs - here you can hear fine examples of the right way to fuse these two genres.
   
9. Beethoven played by Wilhelm Kempff: "Piano Sonata #14 in C Sharp, Op. 27/2 'Moonlight Sonata'" - what?  You didn't think I'd include classical numbers?  B* PLEASE!  This is one of my favorite pieces from Beethoven's masterful Middle Period - the darker, more refined, more mysterious compositions in his artistic/lifespan.  Oh, and Mr. Kempff was equally as brilliant conveying Beethoven's work, and is recognized as one of the more elite representatives to showcase Ludwig's work. 
   
10. Fleet Foxes: "Mykonos" - dang!  Check out this bizarre group from Seattle.  I dig this pretentious representation of "baroque harmonic pop jams," as they call it.  This EP, Sun Giants, is quite interesting, and I recommend it, WITH CAUTION.
    
11. Alias & Tarsier mixed Boom Bip: "Plane That Draws A white Line" - ok, Boom Bip is just that; BOOM BIP!  Alias is quite interesting, one of the founding members of earlier mentioned Anticon, but here not rapping, but producing...Tarsier is not good, but the remix of this track is classic Boom Bip form for you - if only we had a non-vocal version of this, it would make it that much better.
    
12. Hieroglyphics: "Let it Roll" - one of the best and most successful LA underground hip hop groups.  Souls of Mischief, Del the Funkee Homosapien, & The Pros make up this super group.  On this track you will hear Tajai of S.O.M. and Pep Love of The Pros passing the mic back'n'forth rippin' it up!
    
13. Fiest: "Sea Lion Woman" - oh snap!  This girl can mix up genres quite nicely, and here you can find the old cadence, sort of spiritual chants of Nina Simone.  Yes, a cover, but a nice version.  This chick won 2 Juno Awards (like a Grammy) for her second album, Let It Die.  This track is from her latest, The Reminder (2007)
    
14. Heernt: "Pi~3.1415" - a showcase from one of the finest jazz groups of my generation (late 20s, from Hoboken, NJ), and will continue to be a powerhouse in decades to come.  Mark Guilliana, the drummer, might be the next Tony Williams (THE greatest drummer out of the 60s a la Miles Davis - began rippin' it up and influencing others at the ripe age of 17), and here he pulls out all stops.  This trio is definitely worth keeping an ear or two on for years to come.
    

Kerosene is the fuel for the flame illuminating these holes so we the listeners can recognize particular artists outside the popular cookie-cutter music.  The interesting thing is the music straddles the line so carefully that we can easily say the music is pop.  Anyway, tap into the mix as you usually do, however you may wish, and hopefully you'll enjoy the next hour or so zoned out to (in my mind) good music.

Kerosene Candles for the Pigeonholed Track Listing:

   1. Portishead: "Machine Gun" - from their recently released Third album...so happy they're back!
   2. Elbow: "The Fix" (Feat. Richard Hawley) - from The Seldom Seen Kid...just saw them in concert, and was amazed, as usual.
   3. Patrick Watson: "Luscious Life" - first discovered Mr. Watson on last year's Cinematic Orchestra's Ma Fleur, and then he released Close to Paradise, which earned Album of the Year for Canada.
   4. Tegan & Sara: "Are You Ten Years Ago" - these chicks are hip, and they had help on this record from Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla, Weezer's Matt Sharp, and AFI's Hunter Burgan.
   5. The Roots: "Rising Down" (Feat. Mos Def & Styles P) - from their latest Rising Down, The Roots still have it, and continue to push conscientious hip-hop.
   6. Grey Reverend: "Fineline" - saw Grey open up for Cinematic Orchestra, and then perform Patrick Watson's To Build A Home, and did an outstanding job transcribing it to acoustic guitar in 7/8 time.
   7. Aceyalone: "I Think" - as you can see, I love this man.  This song was first released on 1994's Project Blowed album, and still "Think" it's relevant.  Along with the rest of PB, this man deserves to be heard!
   8. cirKus: "You're Such An..." - such a great album, Laylow, formed by Burt Ford, Karmil, Lolita Moon, and Neneh Cherry (probably heard of her on The Gorillaz Kids With Guns track).  This is a must have album that slipped through the cracks of Good Music circa 2006.
   9. Jamie Lidell: "Little Bit of Feel Good" - one of Warp's greatest musicians, and with his newest, Jim, he joins a band and takes music back to the '40s!  He is amazingly talented, also check out Multiply.
  10. Destroyer: "Painter In Your Pocket" - such an eccentric singer in Dan Bejar, but also one of the most prolific.  You'll also hear him with The New Pornagraphers, Swan Lake, and Hello, Blue Roses.  Thanks to Sonaar for recommending this track!!!
  11. DJ Vadim: "Sufferin' Blues" (Feat. Jill Green) - one of the most amazing DJ/Producers around, originally from St. Petersburg, raised in London, and now living in NYC.  Anything he touches, is bound to be brilliant.
  12. Kayne West: "Wouldn't You Like to Ride" (Feat. Malik Yusef & Common) - not much to say, other than I LOVE CHI-TOWN!!!  Love Kanye, love Common, much respect, big up!
  13. Yeasayer: "2080" - here's another brilliant track off their All Hour Cymbals.  They love to incorporate this worldly-music vibe, and this Brooklyn-based band know how to interweave it into rock...great stuff!
  14. Bonobo: "Nightlite" (Feat. Bajka) - another track from Ninja Tune greats featuring the lovely Bajka (isn't this a place in Hungary?).  Anyway, the album Days to Come is classic.
  15. Stromba: "Giddy Up" - a track requested from Moje Dzieci (My Kids) in Poland.  This was a popular song off their album Tales from the Sitting Room.  Apparently they are working on releasing a new album shortly...

While entering The 5 Boro Ice Lounge find a seat, walk around, or even take the subway to enjoy the chill of the NYC environment, all packed tightly into this world of ice music. 

The 5 Boro Ice Lounge Track Listing:

1. Lifesavas: "A Serpent's Love" (Feat. Ish of Digable Planets) - hopefully this will mean Digable Planets are gearing up for a third classic...if not, it's great to hear Butterfly's smooth flow again after his horrible output in his early 2000s Black Cherry album.
   
2. DJ Greyboy: "Genevieve" - DJ Zeph and Azeem sample this music in their latest album, Alpha Zeta
3. Bonobo: "Ketto" - Ninja Tune greats
   
4. Karsh Kale: "Hole In The Sky"- along with Talvin Singh, Karsh Kale (pronounced Kursh Kah-ray) these two classically trained tabla players from England and NYC have taken their studies into the electronica fusion, and Mr. Kale, also is absolutely solid behind the acoustic kit.
   
5. Max Sedgley: "Slowly" - hit lounge song from his album From The Roots To The Shoots.
   
6. Cujo: "The Sighting" - Amon Tobin's moniker before signing to Ninja Tune.
7. Spaceheater: "Sighting" - nice little jazzy electronica from album The Record
   
8. General Elektriks: "Central Park" - from Quannum Projects (Los Angeles underground hip hop label), General Elecktriks from Paris brings an interesting production to his album Cliquety Kliqk.
   
9. Peder: "The Sour" (Feat. Dean Bowman) - so "Sour" you can feel the chills down your backside.
   
10. The Black Keys: "Lies" - This song, as well as the entire album, features production from hip-hop producer extraordinaire, DJ Dangermouse.
11. Lifesavas: "Gutterfly" (Feat. Camp Lo) - couldn't help but to put another solid track from the Gutterfly Soundtrack by these hip-hop Starskies...also, one of my personal favorites, Camp Lo, resurrecting their career in 2007. 
    
12. Apparat: "Hailin From The Edge" - German electronic musician...check out this album, Walls...very interesting stuff.
    
13. Elbow: "One Day Like This" - from their newest epic album The Seldom Seen Kid
    
14. Cold War Kids: "Hang Me Up To Dry" - watch out for these young men, they'll blow up any time now.
    
15. Sissy: "Start Again" - reminds me of early Portishead...speaking of Portishead, they will be releasing their Third shortly after you read this...
    
16. DJ Shadow: "Midnight In A Perfect World" - from the classic Endtroducing... album that earned this man the acknowledgment of being one of the greatest DJs our planet has heard

As Winter's Faint brought change in season, Dusk Bequeathed The Bellows dissects the anatomy of a day, and the fuzzy meridian dividing light and shadow.  A solid perspective can be deceived by the face the day, and so the music that provides the soundtrack to your daily mood swings should reflect these deceptions.  Keep your ears to the ground, keep your eyes on your tasks, and keep your mind pried to soak in the vulnerability after twilight. 

Dusk Bequeathed The Bellows Track Listing:

1. Yeasayer: "Sunrise" - Brooklyn quartet; song based on African rhythms
2. Junior Boys:  "In The Morning" - Electronic group from Ontario
   
3. Modeselector: "Happy Birthday!" - Electronic group from Berlin
   
4. Holy Fuck/Radiohead: "Nude (Holy F Remix 2) - Electronic group from Toronto
   
5. DJ Krush & Black Thought: "Zen Approach" - DJ Krush-master from Japan, Black Thought from The Roots
   
6. DJ Vadim: "Black Is The Night" (feat. Katherin de Boer) - Ninja Tune producer extraordinaire
   
7. Radio Citizen: "The Hop" - apparently this song was featured on Grey's Anatomy...I don't have a TV, so you tell me :)
8. Haiku D'etat: "Studio Street Stage" - Aceyalone, Mikah 9, Abstract Rude from Project Blowed in South Central, Los Angeles bring the flow!!!
9. Lemongrass: "Salon De Musique" - Roland Voss from Germany
   
10. Trentemoller: "Vamp" - Danish electronic composer
11. Lake Trout: "Holding" - Baltimore band...Drummer, Mike Lowry, specializes in mastering DJ Shadows breaks on his kit; sounds like a drum computer!
12. Menomena: "Running" - Indie band from Portland, OR; all members share duties at all instruments and vocals
    
13. Puscifer: "The Undertaker (Renholder Remix)" - Danny Lohner, ex-NIN mastermind, knows how to dampen Tool front man  Maynard James Keenan's music into grunge!
14. Diplo: "Must Be A Devil" - DJ/Producer extraordinaire
    
15. Cinematic Orchestra: "Work It (Man With A Movie Camera)" - one of the greatest groups in the history of beautiful music.  Drummer, Luke Flowers, fluctuates between metric modulation and time signatures like one cuts butter, and composer Jason Swinscoe shoots for nothing less than soul-capturing music.
16. Venetian Snares: "Szamár madár" - Canadian, Aaron Funk, mixes odd-times and classical compositions with electronic and drum and bass beautifully.  Here, "Szamár Madár," or Silly Bird/Donkey Bird (translated from Danish) is composed from samples by Sir Edward Elgar's "Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op.85" 

This week's mix is a passage into the seasonal change; a musical journey through the darker side of chill, winter's cast, and breaking towards the lighter, more uplifting sounds of equinox.  I mixed Winter's Faint when the weather started teetering on 30s through 60s, which eventually brought us to now, around 50s.  I hope Winter's Faint provides a kick-start to the sunshine ahead for you, as well as providing you with some new perspectives on some of the music I have mixed in here.  I certainly hope you enjoy!

Winter's Chill Track Listing:

   1. Carlos Santana & John McLaughlin: "Naima"
   2. Sage Francis: "Waterline"
   3. Wax Tailor: "The Man With No Soul" (Feat. Charlotte Savary)
   4. The Roots: "Livin' In A New World" (Feat John-John)
   5. Ike & Tina Turner: "You Can Have It"
   6. Two Lone Swordsmen: "Switch It"
   7. Radiohead: "Faust Arp (Scotch Mist Version)"
   8. Betty Davis: "Game Is My Middle Name"
   9. Curtis Mayfield: "Future Shock"
  10. Camp Lo: "Suga Willie's Revenge" (Feat. Jungle Brown)
  11. Gnarls Barkley: "Going On"
  12. Aceyalone: "Find Out" (Feat. Riddlore)
  13. Talvin Singh: "Uphold"
  14. Michael Jackson: "Billie Jean (25th Anniv. Remix)"  (Feat. Kanye West)
  15. NIN: "7 Ghosts I"
  16. Mr. C: "Isolation"
  17. LCD Soundsystem: "Tribulations (Lindstrom Mix)"

Unfortunately I did not get accepted by iTunes Store, probably because what I am doing is partially illegal - what happened to mix tapes?  Anyway, the great news is iTunes is still ingenious and allows you to subscribe to outside Podcasts without finding it on iTunes.  This is how Apple's webpage tells you how to subscribe:

A podcast I want to subscribe to isn't available in the iTunes Store.

It's easy to subscribe to any podcast using iTunes, even ones that aren't available in the iTunes Store. To subscribe, find and copy the podcast's feed URL. In the "Advanced" menu, select "Subscribe to Podcast" and paste the feed URL into the dialog box.

Ok, so all you have to do is follow the above mentioned process, and then when the URL dialog box pops up on your screen, all you have to do is COPY and PASTE the following into that dialog box:

http://funkysoulburner.libsyn.com/rss

(Hopefully) iTunes will automatically get all information from my site and broadcast it through your iTunes on your computer! 

If you are having trouble doing this, you can either write me, or you can continue to just download each episode from this page.

How To Save File to your Computer:

1. Scroll down to the bottom of the 'notes' section to where you see "Direct Download"
2. "Right-Click" on the file or hold down "ctrl" button while clicking the mouse.
   
3. On the pop-up menu, choose "Save Link As..."
4. This should allow you to choose a destination on your hard drive to save the file in AAC format
5. After you've chosen a location on your computer, open iTunes (or any music player you have), and just drag the file into the program so it will play or load into your library. 
   
6. Sync iPod
   

Welcome to the Funky Soul Burner Podcast.  I will provide weekly mixes to help fill your auditory cortex with as many pleasurable moments our world's finest musicians produce - in rhythm, in sound.  I hope you will enjoy these mixes, and please feel free to drop a line any time at contact@funkysoulburner.com. 

This week's episode is entitled: The Homogenous Sounds of Suede

Track Listing:

1. Patrick Watson: "Mr. Tom"
2. Dolly Parton: "Jolene"
3. Gnarls Barkley: "Who's Gonna Save My Soul"
4. Bettye LaVette: "Choices"
5. Nightmares On Wax: "Les Nuits"
6. Lupe Fiasco: "Streets On Fire"
7. John Frusciante: "Murderers"
8. Idiot Pilot: "Cruel World Enterprise"
9. The Raconteurs: "Carolina Drama"
10. Surreal & DJ Balance: "One Man Band"
11. Free Moral Agents: "Underwater Reverb"
12. Oukast w. Cee-Lo: "In Due Time"
13. Grand Ole Party: "Radio (Scientist Remix)"
14. Alicia Keys: "Heartburn"
15. Bugz In The Attic: "Move Aside"
16. Yppah: "Again With The Subtitles"
17. Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals: "Lifeline"