The Extraordinary Fables Of Tesla & Wu

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...