Cover image from Pukey Cow.
Bore da ac croeso to March’s Music Mix. I feel this mix is the most natural mix so far with loads of tunes that are earthy, organic, simple and unsophisticated but are so refined and cultured. Loads of flute, trumpet, pan pipes, acoustic guitar and harmonious harmonies that remind one of the sounds of dew drops splashing lightly on a water lily floating down the River Taff at dawn… quick pass me the Gaviscon.
It was also one of the easiest to put together as all the tracks just naturally flowed – hope you enjoy.
Please remember to respect copyright law; if you like a song from the mix, there’s a very good chance you will also like the album – so do me and the artist a favour and buy the CD.
March 2010 Notes for Music Mix 08
[01] Godless – The Dandy Warhols [Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia]
And off we go on another musical journey and what can be better way to start it than The Dandy Warhols and Godless. Great intro, fabulous opening chords with the brass section just sounding so right – it’s just a great song and at 3 mins 28 secs it starts all over again – can you hear me smilin’?
[02] Joe Cocker – Woman to Woman [Joe Cocker]
First heard this song as a re-mix by Faithless on their Renaissance album – loved their version but (as is usual in most cases) you can’t beat the original. Written by Cocker and Chris Stainton it was originally released on Cocker’s 1972 album Something to Say. Poor guy is ranked #97 on Rolling Stone’s 100 greatest singers list – what! How can that be? I won’t tell you who are above him cos it will make you spit; but needless to say he should be higher, a lot higher. I just love his voice – he could sing Wonderwall and make it soulful.
Woman to Woman must be one of the most sampled songs as apart from Faithless you can hear it in Funky by Ultramagnetic MCs (1987), Knick Knack Patty Wack by EPMD (1989), Blast From the Past by Ultramagnetic MC’s (1992), California Love by 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre (1995), Astro Black by Quasimoto (2000) and He’s Unbelievable by Sarah Connor (October 29, 2002) – boy you gotta love those royalties.
[03] Mama’s Boys – Needle in the Groove [Plug It In]
This is just the perfect rock song. It has a thumping bass and drums, good melody, two guitar solos, great voice – perfect just perfect. I remember seeing these guys at some Working Man’s club in Cross Keys sometime in the early ’80’s and they were superb. It’s such a shame that the three McManus brothers didn’t get the chance to take their career further as they had it all.
[04] Sparklehorse – Cow 1 [Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot]Sparklehorse are an American alternative rock band led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Mark Linkous, this song from their 1995 album Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot is a great example of what many call Americana or Lo-Fi. Me – I just call it great music that ebbs and flows, simply oozing class. Love the banjo and bass – good stuff.
[05] Y Gwyneb Iau – Super Furry Animals [Mwng]
I know Spacey won’t be too impressed but it is St David’s Day today and I do love this band – they just keep on doing what they do best. Hei! Gwyneb iau as the man so rightly sings. Just love the lyrics:
Cwyd dy bentan a dos lawr i’r de
Ble ‘roedd cartref nawr mae gwagle llwydPwy wnaeth daflu’r ffrwyth at ein llwyth?
Pwy all dalu’r pwyth?
Pwy a wyr?
Wyr?Codi’r allor o weddillion bom
Golchi’r clwyf sy’n cadw dod yn ?Pwy wnaeth daflu’r ffrwyth at ein llwyth?
Pwy all dalu’r pwyth
Pwy a wyr?
Wyr?Hei! Gwyneb iau
I ti mae’r drysau ar gau
Three In A Row from Cara Dillon’s Hill of Thieves:
As I mention in my album of the month post, these songs are simply delightful. A combination of strong vocal, excellent musicians, great songs, one can’t help but love what comes out of the speakers. Thanks Abdulla, I owe you one.
[06] Cara Dillon – The Hill of Thieves
[07] Cara Dillon – Spencer the Rover (Feat. Seth Lakeman)
[08] Cara Dillon – Fil, Fil A Run Ó
[09] The Ballad of El Goodo – Big Star [No. 1 Record/Radio City]
Now we’re getting acoustically challenged for the next five songs and I just can’t wait. First up is a classic from their debut album. The band members at the time were Chris Bell – guitar, vocals; Alex Chilton – guitar, vocals; Andy Hummel – bass guitar; Jody Stephens – drums with Terry Manning a guest on electric piano. Highly regarded by bands such as R.E.M. – they do deserve a wider audience as they produced music of quality and were power popping before power pop even had a name.
[10] She Talks To Angels – The Black Crowes [Shake Your Money Maker]
Not everyone’s cup of tea but I do like them – not only for their rockier stuff but some of their slower bluesy stuff which is really good. They have sold over 20 million albums worldwide so they must be doing something right, plus the album that this song is from (Shake Your Money Maker) regularly gets played in the Dog House – not bad for an album that’s 20 years old.
[11] Small Mountain – Midlake [The Courage of Others]
Midlake sound to me like a band lost in time. Lost in a time when record companies gave more freedom to their artists to create the music they wanted to. It takes a bit of balls to release an album embracing so many acoustically driven songs, to include so much rhetoric about the past, about freedom, about things that matter. In this sample of the album Midlake talks of “a way of life that will surely be gone”. Implying, I feel, that we live in dark times, that the world is not a good place to be. All true I know and not exactly new ideas but it’s the manner that they say these things is the key to the success of this song and album – truly good stuff.
[12] Yellow Time – Mostly Autumn [Pass The Clock]
More flutes and harmonies and water lilies but a song that I feel is more progressive and atmospheric, underpinned by a lovely Celtic vibe. Pass the Clock the album that this song is from must be one my best buys of last year – 15 quid for 3 CD’s and a host of great songs. Highly recommended as each disc contains songs that fit well together and produce different moods. Disc 1 is subtitled ‘Something for the Spirit’, disc 2 is ‘Something for the Campfire’ and disc 3 is ‘Something for the Candlelight’ – so you could just put all 3 on your multi-changer, press repeat then lie on the sofa with a bottle of red or 6 and not come up for air for a fortnight.
[13] Arlanda – Julia Kent [Delay]
Last of the acoustic set and what a great way to end it. That cello just has so much emotion, so much passion and feeling that it’s strange that Arlanda is actually the name of an airport in Sweden! Must be a sexy way to fly.
Guest spot 3-in-a-row: Steve Hillage
Words and track selection by SpacepigFeatured artist this month, Steve Hillage is probably most noteworthy as a member of David Allen’s Gong line up from the early ’70’s, bringing his trademark ‘glissando’ sound to the “Radio Gnome” trilogy. However, there’s so much more to him than that.
[14] Habibi – System 7 [System 7]
Opener, System 7’s Habbibi, shows how Hillage adopted the dance scene of the era and combined it with his love of African influences. This one comes from 1991 and hints at where he was heading at that time. After this he went on to work with The Orb for a number of years.
[15] Josephine – Rachid Taha [Diwan 2]
The theme continues on the next offering, Rachid Taha’s Josephine from 2008. Of course Hillage is far from the first Westerner to collaborate (he produced and plays acoustic guitar on this track) with African or Asian musicians. In my opinion however, Steve displays much more understanding of the original music than so many other collaborators.
[16] Pinkle-Ponkle – Gong [2032]
We finish off my 3 in a row coming bang up to date with the trippiest track from Gong’s latest release, 2032. Pot head pixies the world over celebrated when we discovered that Steve was returning to the family for this release. This song shows exactly what we had been missing for the last 30 years or so.
[17] Telephasic Workshop – Boards of Canada [Music Has the Right to Children]
From BoC’s debut album Music Has the Right to Children this stunning slice of electronica has it all. A driving beat, good melody, good pace and a certain style and quality not always found in this genre. I just love it and enjoy the way it flows on seamlessly from Spacey’s beloved Gong.
[18] Genesis 3:23 – The Mountain Goats [The Life of the World to Come]
And now for something a little different – The Mountain Goats, an American band led by John Darnielle. Just love the lyrics here and the way Darnielle is able to paint a picture and tell a story with his words.
House up in Claremont
Where I used to live
Picked the lock on the front door
And felt it giveTouch nothing move nothing stand still
Keep my ears open for cars
See how the people here live now
Hope they’re better at it than I wasI used to live .. here (4x)
Pictures up on the mantle
Nobody I know
I, stand by the tiny furnace
Where the long shadows growLiving room to bedroom to kitchen
Familiar and warm
Hours we spent starving within these walls
Sounds of a distant stormI used to live .. here (4x)
Fight through the ghosts in the hallway
Duck and weave
Stand by the door with my eyes closed
When it’s time to leaveSteal home before sunset
Cover up my tracks
Drive home with old dreams of play in my mind
And the wind at my back
Break the lock on my own garden gate
When I get home after dark
Sit looking up at the stars outside
Like teeth in the mouth of a sharkI used to live .. here (4x)
[19] Concrete Heart – Great Lake Swimmers [Lost Channels]
The mix begins to slow down a bit as we head for the finale. Canadian band Great Lake Swimmers are fronted by singer-songwriter Tony Dekker whose voice I found simply amazing. Reminds me of Stuart Staples, the voice behind Tindersticks – one band that needs to be featured here as well.
[20] Change – Blind Melon [Blind Melon]
I have already stated my affection for this band in another post here so let’s just sit back and enjoy a simply magical song that brings March’s Music Mix to an excellent climax.
The Music Mix 08 for March 2010 [a 140 mb zip file] will be available for one month from today – until midnight on 31 March 2010.
Please support the artists – if you like a track, buy the album!
Laughing Dog
Dydd Gwyl Dewi Dedwydd!
(and a Happy St David’s Day to the rest of you
)
Happy who day??
Hey Mrs LZ – Happy Taffy day for Monday
Mr LD – just d/loading as I type looks abit different not sure I like the sample of Cara Dillon yet and once again I don’t know many names here yet but thats not a bad thing.
One thing how are we supposed to read the Furry lyrics
Good to see Spacey with his pick of fav songs
Hi Sinny – yes you must congratulate Spacey for selecting some great songs for this months mix
Hey Mr LD bit of feedback for you
Good mix again but as I said earlier different to norm still good but lighter some great songs.
My favs have to be Mamas Boys, Dandy Warhols, Blind Melon and Jarvis’s dad. Mr SP’s mix is not what I expected they are almost normal – enjoyed them though.
Not sure I’m ever going to like Cara Dillon bit to radio 2ish for me
Looking forward to Spaceys and Kens feedback
Hi Sinny – glad you like this month mix. I agree Cara Dillon is bit radio 2ish but I just fell in love with it and I don’t have too much folky stuff like that in my collection. Must be great for Spacey having this sort of music in his local pub – what do we have here?
I’m Looking forward to Spaceys and Kens feedback too as they have both been quiet on the mix front lately.
Sorry if things have gone a bit quiet on the Spacey front, just seems to be so much to be done right now.
I’ll leave a couple of quick comments then fill in the rest later.
First off, Mr SA, how dare you accuse me of being nearly normal? I can take any kind of insult, but that’s just going too far!!! Pistols at dawn.
I wouldn’t really say these are my favourite tracks, I just tried to get into the swing of attempting to choose some that seemed to fit well together. Bear in mind I am a complete novice at this kind of thing. How did I do? I do think the tracks are kinda cool though, I doubt if my workmates would agree somehow, and I know that the pub mob certainly wouldn’t (they’re all metal freaks).
Haven’t really had much of a chance to listen to the mix properly yet. I know Mostly Autumn, seen them a couple of times. Last one I bought was Passengers, I probably have everything up until then. Joe Cocker can be good when in the right mood. Just discovering Midlake, got their latest on Mr D’s recommendation and it is quite good. Blind Melon we discussed previously. Mama’s Boys were always good for a laugh if nothing else.
Will catch up on the rest soon as…..
Hi Spacey – hope you can re-start your notes on the mix as I did look forward to them
Hi Gang, Spacey’s back with his ramblings! I found a spare few minutes to bore you all so let’s see what we have this month;
Godless – The Dandy Warhols: Hmm, I tried to like this band years ago. Then I gave up when I realised that they just weren’t doing anything for me. There’s nothing really wrong with them, and as Mr D says, the brass section is quite good. I just find them a bit boring and when I want a bit of lo-fi I think I prefer the likes of Calexico to this second rate material.
Joe Cocker – Woman to Woman: The guy is nothing short of a genius. He doesn’t really do anything wildly different from others of the same ilk, but oh that voice! Never heard the Faithless version, and I’m not that sure that I really want to. Sometimes you’re best just to stick with the original.
Mama’s Boys – Needle in the Groove: Not as heavy as some of their other recordings, but all the better for it if you ask me. Nice bluesy feel which just chugs along happily. Some great guitar work for the time, but I get the feeling that this one is still stuck somewhere back in the ’80’s (for better or worse, choice is yours).
Sparklehorse – Cow 1: Another band that I never got around to listening to until Mr D drew them to our attention. Good stuff though, another one for a lazy summer afternoon (assuming we get summer this year).
Y Gwyneb Iau – Super Furry Animals: Not my favourite band of all time as you all well know by now. But, this one starts off OK and that feeling lasts for all of 30 seconds. Then they start singing! Waste of a decent enough brass section if you ask me. I don’t want to insult my Welsh cousins or anything, but this language makes just about as much sense as Irish (or Scottish) Gaelic. Which is absolutely none at all.
Cara Dillon – The Hill of Thieves: Well well, our canine friend is determined to convert us all into Dillon fans is he? OK, fair enough, there is a place for her in the music world. That place is, as I have previously stated, down the local here in Cork, not amongst the echelons of the folk world.Having said that, some of the backing musicians are just outstanding on this song.
Cara Dillon – Spencer the Rover: I recently picked up John Martyn’s The Simmer Dim. Maybe Dillon should have listened to that one before recording this song. This song in the right hands is just fantastic. Unfortunately, for me anyway, Cara’s hands aren’t the right ones. I ended up skipping on to the next track well before the end.
Cara Dillon – Fil, Fil A Run Ó: Oh oh, we’re back to archaic languages again! Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against music in languages other than English. I just prefer it if after a little bit of research I can work out what is being said. Unfortunately, even after speaking to many many Irishmen, I discovered that practically no one has any idea what is going on here.
The Ballad of El Goodo – Big Star: Mr D says they were “power popping before power pop even had a name”. I have never really worked out what power pop is. If this is it, then I don’t think I have missed much. I get the feeling that this music is designed for bored housewives to wave their arms to at stadium concerts in an attempt to look uber cool.
She Talks To Angels – The Black Crowes: I like The Black Crowes, I really do. I thought their album with Jimmy Page was wonderfully refreshing. This song is good in another way. Mellow for them, but it gives the singer a chance to show off what he can do. I could listen to this regularly.
Small Mountain – Midlake: A recent discovery thanks to a kick up the rear from Mr D. Very very good. I can’t be sure how it stands up as a song on it’s own, but within the album framework this fits in perfectly. They are playing a few dates in the UK at the end of June and I’m working on Mrs SP with a mind to go over and see them. I’ll let you all know how I get on.
Wait wait wait!!!!!!!! I just checked their website – they’re coming to Cork!!!! Anyone need a room for the night? They’re on a 4 band bill with Grizzly Bear, Camera Obscura and Villagers (whoever they are). I better book the next day off work.
Yellow Time – Mostly Autumn: Great band to see live, seen them a couple of times. Funny thing is, I never really got why so many people compare them to Pink Floyd. I could never really see it myself. Heather (the blonde one) has left Mostly Autumn now (and the sky cried) so I don’t know that they will have the same visual appeal any longer. I don’t know that this song is as strong as some of their earlier stuff (try Evergreen), but still stands head and shoulders above most of the rubbish on offer these days.
Arlanda – Julia Kent: Ah right, so this is how to play a cello is it? It’s an education coming to this site. I tried to think of one word to describe my thoughts on this track, then realised I needed more than one. How about – mind blowingly chilled and deceptively intricate? Further investigation required.
Habibi – System 7: And so to my choice. I drifted into System 7 through the Hillage and Orb connections. I chose this track simply because I thought it worked well with the others. I still think it does, but also worth having a listen to is their Water and Air albums. All great trippy dancey stuff. Not really the kind of music I usually listen to, but when its played well it certainly can be entertaining.
Josephine – Rachid Taha: One of the reasons I love to travel around is to have the opportunity to find music which doesn’t really get heard outside the country of origin. This is the kind of music I was looking for when I was in Tunisia last year. I never found it there, but back home my Algerian buddy Mokhtar mentioned this guy and I was hooked right away. Then I found out about the Hillage connection. So now he has got me into Taha, and I have got him into Hillage (and Gong). Isn’t it just great how cultures can mix so easily through a love of music?
Pinkle-Ponkle – Gong: What can I say? I love Gong, and I am even more pleased that Hillage rejoined them for this album. I know they aren’t to everyone’s taste, but then in the Spacepig household things can turn really weird at a moments notice. Gong’s music just fits in brilliantly when this happens.
Telephasic Workshop – Boards of Canada: Never heard of them before. That’s the great thing about these mixes, gives us the chance to try out something new. Electronica is not really my thing, but this is OK. Not in your face as much as most of it, quite relaxing in a weird sort of way.I’m not saying that I’ll now run off and buy the CD, but it is certainly listenable.
Genesis 3:23 – The Mountain Goats: OK so they can tel a story. But in all honesty its quite a boring story. Not that impressed with this one, a bit too light and airy for me I’m afraid.
Concrete Heart – Great Lake Swimmers: A song for bedtime. Great voice as Mr D says, only problem being that I could see it sending me off to sleep. I do like it, don’t get me wrong, but I wouldn’t play it to get the party going.
Change – Blind Melon: And so we wrap up the month with a bit of angst. Nothing wrong with that (just have a look at the first ever post on this website). Great band, strong song and the emotion in that voice – incredible.
There we go. Feel free to disagree /cast stones/ send me into a firey pit. Highlights of this mix? I’ll leave out my own selections, but Julia Kent and Sparklehorse seemed to hit the spot.
Hi Spacey – great to have your ramblings back – they have been missed.
Not much time this morning but will reply in depth later
Hi Spacey – time to continue my reply to your ramblings on March’s Music Mix (sorry its been so long)
Overall I think you like the Mix with 2 high points (Julia Kent and Sparklehorse) – so I’m happy.
Track 1 – 4 hit the spot for you though The Warhols are a better band than you think with Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia a good album. One of pups reckons that Welcome To The Monkey House is better but I think he was just trying to be clever cos it ain’t.
Track 5 – glad you like SFA
Cara Dillon – she makes me and my good friend Abdulla go “mmm – nice”but you are obviously spoilt rotten living in Cork. With singers like this in every pub Midlake coming soon; come on give us a break. Doha is not very vibrant musically believe me.
Next few tracks seem OK – then Julia Kent hits you right between the eyes – good isn’t she. Its 20 odd quid to buy on Amazon not sure if she’s worth that – that reminds me we should talk again about FTP email me if you still want to set up.
Your tracks are good – the thing I like about them is that fit nicely with the rest of the mix. Gotta be honest I didn’t really know what to expect from you as you like such a diverse range of music – we could have had 3 tracks by Faust, Guru and Can lasting 16 hours. Brilliant quote “but then in the Spacepig household things can turn really weird at a moments notice. Gong’s music just fits in brilliantly when this happens” – I can see a reality TV show coming our way soon.
Boards of Canada need time and patience but I think they are worth it.
Next 2 lost the plot – no problem as Blind Melon make the world a better place again by wrapping up the mix in a good way for you.
Thanks for your feedback – we all really enjoy.
You also say in your ramblings “It’s an education coming to this site” and “That’s the great thing about these mixes, gives us the chance to try out something new” – making all the stuff I do here worthwhile and an old Welshman very happy “Diolch Yn Yr Fawr”.