Music Monday: Killer Miller

The late, great Jacob Miller is one of my favorite reggae artists ever. Together with his band Inner Circle (who later gained fame for the song "Bad Boys"), they became one of the most popular reggae groups of the late 70's "Rockers" genre. Unfortunately, as the charismatic Miller was about to gain international fame, he died in a car accident at the age of 27. Even still, he left behind a legacy of fantastic music. Check out the famously chunky musician in action in these two clips:

First, a live performance of "We a Rockers."

Music Monday: Youth Lagoon

Apologies to everyone for the shortage of new material. I'll spare you all the usual excuses and admit to a severe lack of motivation. That shouldn't suggest I haven't been eating well, I have, but a busier than expected schedule has put my blogging responsibilities on temporary hiatus.

A few weeks ago I managed to meet up with an old college friend of mine in Chicago. Considering he's spent the past few months working in Europe, it was especially nice catching up with him. Based on a recommendation of his I checked out the band, Youth Lagoon, who recently released The Year of Hibernation. A DIY project of Boise, Idaho artist, Trevor Powers, I immediately was hooked by the album's crude production and artfully arranged melodies. Below is a personal favorite of mine, "Montana," enjoy!

Music Monday: Bobby Ellis

It's always nice to start off the week with some instrumentals. Why? I have no idea. Regardless, today's song is "Step Softly" performed by Bobby Ellis and the Crystalites. It's slow, swinging rocksteady beat is immensely catchy.


Have a fabulous Music Monday!

Music Monday: Matt Berninger and Annie Clark cover the Crooked Fingers

Having just celebrated the mid-Autumn festival and the Korean holiday, Chuseok, last Monday, we seem ready to bid adieu to summer and welcome in fall. But before we start thinking about daylight savings or unpacking that "autumn sweater" (sorry, I couldn't resist the obvious Yo La Tengo reference), I wanted to share one final summer-themed song.

Music Monday: Crimson and Clover

It seems that every Music Monday I post is merely the song that was stuck in my head the previous day. For that I apologize. Apologizing, however, in no way means that I'll stop doing it. Today's song is "Crimson & Clover," which burrowed its way into my head while I was gathering ingredients for Cincinnati-style chili at the grocery store (more to come on that soon). As usual, it was the reggae version that I wanted to hear again, rather than the Tommy James & the Shondells original, which is pretty damn good in its own right.

Here is the fabulous version by The Uniques, one of my favorite Jamaican harmony groups of the 60's.


Have a fabulous Music Monday!

Also, I realize we haven't been posting as much lately, but I promise we've got some exciting posts lined up for the next few weeks. I have no idea what makes a post "exciting," but I think these fit that vague category. Unfortunately, after the next few weeks, I make no guarantees about the excitement level of our posts.

Music Monday: Real Estate

To be honest, other than recently digging "It's Real," I know relatively little about the New Jersey based band, Real Estate. The quartet's second full length album, Days, was produced by Kevin McMahon (the Walkmen, Titus Andronicus) and its September 27th release seems to be generating plenty of buzz around the blogosphere. The combination of lead singer, Martin Courtney's warm vocals, catchy chorus line and breezy guitar driven melody, makes the song an ideal tune to ride out these last weeks of summer. Happy Music Monday!

Music Monday: Vivian Girls and the Shangri-Las

A few weeks ago the Brooklyn band, the Vivian Girls dropped a new music video for their single, "Take It As It Comes." A track off their third album, Share the Joy, the video is a nod to the song's retro spoken-word aesthetic that depicts the band giving each other love advice and is one of my favorite videos of this year.

Music Monday: B.A.D.

I was lucky enough to see Big Audio Dynamite ("B.A.D.") play at Brooklyn Bowl last week. Consisting of former Clash lead guitarist Mick Jones and producer Don Letts (as well as two guys whose names I forget and won't bother looking up), B.A.D. seemed like a natural progression for Mick Jones' pop sensibility (and love of sound samples) after the break up of the Clash.

"A Party" is a song I didn't know too well before the concert, but it may have been my favorite song of the whole night. They got into a groove with it early on and never let go, while all the while Mick Jones showed off his playful side. The video is a live version, so the quality is not fabulous. However, the album version can only be played on Youtube, so check that out.


Have a fabulous Music Monday!

Music Monday: Dum Dum Girls and The Jesus and Mary Chain

Today I'm featuring the new single from Dum Dum Girls, "Coming Down," off their sophomore release entitled, Only in Dreams. Listening to the song, I was immediately struck by the throw back vibe of the song; most notable in Dee Dee Penny's vocals which are striking similar to Hope Sandoval. The album is slated to release on September 21, 2011.

Music Monday: Amy Winehouse

Whether you loved her or hated her, there was no denying that Amy Winehouse was blessed with an incredible voice. Plagued by a lifetime of drug and alcohol abuse, news of her recent passing came as little surprise. So in her memory, I've chosen two of my favorite Winehouse songs. The first song, "Valerie," was a collaboration between Winehouse and producer, Mark Ronson.

Music Monday: Summer Tunes

Sorry for the impromptu vacation last week, Steve and I were overly busy catching up on work and were forced to prioritize. That won't happen this week, I promise. Also, be on the lookout for an exciting new project I've been working on....

Now back to your regularly scheduled Music Monday.

Summer in NYC. The only thing that cools me off is listening to some good reggae. Here's two tunes I'm listening to on my iPod while walking down the street.

First is the late, great Mikey Dread with "Reggae Hitshot," which, even though it screams 80's reggae, still kicks ass.

One more after the Jump.

Music Monday: Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS)

I first caught wind of Brazilian band Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS) in 2006 after listening to their single, "Let's Make Love and Listen to Death From Above," off their self-titled debut. After hearing relatively little about the band I stumbled upon a new single that had been floating around the blogs entitled, "Hit Me Like a Rock." As per usual, Lovefoxxx's punky vocals grace the track over a keyboard driven beat, guitar breakdown and even features a cameo by Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie. While undoubtedly not reggae, there is no denying its influence, and seems like a great summertime jam.

Music Monday: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

The story of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (CYHSY) is becoming an all too familiar tale in this modern digital age. An obscure DYI indie band produces an excellent, but obscure, self-titled album. Said band then becomes an instant darling among music blogs, and proceeds to capture widespread critical praise. For the first time in the band's history hype builds, and when their follow up has sounds differently, critics and fans alike drop the band like a bad habit. This takes us to the present, where CYHSY currently stand at a crossroads. Set to release their third full length album, Hysterical, sometime in September 2011, it seems that much of the band's future hinges on its success or lack thereof. Fortunately, if the band's new single, "Same Mistake," is anything like the rest of the album, then they can sleep easy knowing they have something good on their hands.

Music Monday: The Children are our Future

I'm ashamed to say that not only have I had "The Greatest Love" stuck in my head all weekend, but I know the entire song my heart. You should really hear my fabulous singing voice...

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the reggae version sung by Lloyd Parks. Seek out this album too, it's damn good.



Have a fabulous Music Monday!

Music Monday: Tashaki Miyaki

I don't know much about Tashaki Miyaki other than I've enjoyed listening to their two available tracks. After reading the few music blog posts written about them, I've learned that they are signed to Band Camp and supposedly hail from California. After hearing their cover of the famous Everly Brothers single, "All I Have to Do Is Dream," I became hooked on the band's lo-fi sound and hazy vocals which recall a Best Coast track.

Music Monday: Yagga Yagga Yagga Yagga Ya

Prepare to cruise down the street singing "Yagga Yagga Yagga Yagga Ya," from Horace Andy's "Natty Dread Ah We She Want." Tappa Zukie's toasting tears it up over the back half of this classic 12'' tune from 1978.



You have to play the video from Youtube, but it's so worth it. Horns make everything better.

Have a fabulous Music Monday!

Music Monday: Cults

With what used to be quite possibly, one of the most unsearchable band names of all times, Cults are suddenly one of the most sought after bands. After releasing an obscure 7" off Bandcamp and playing at SXSW, this New York City band burst onto the indie scene and now seem poised for stardom as they ready for the release of their first full length album June 7th. True to their name, the band's hit single "Go Outside" features a sample of the notorious Jim Jones but has an otherwise 60's pop vibe.

Music Monday: Jolly Brothers

The Jolly Brothers are one of the lesser known bands that Lee Perry produced at his infamous studio the Black Ark. I know next to nothing about the Jolly Brothers-- often confusing them with the even lesser known Jolly Boys. Still, this album sets a relaxed, loose mood and sustains it throughout.



One more after the jump...

"Back Biter" might be my favorite song on the album, with a guitar hook that almost makes you ignore the consciousness in the lyrics.



Have a great Music Monday

Music Monday: Martin Solveig

One song getting all kinds of remix love and a current guilty pleasure of mine is Martin Solveig's infectious house anthem, "Hello." Recognize it? That's probably because its currently being used in a Trident commercial. Featuring the vocal talents of Martina Sorbara from the Toronto band, Dragonette, what initially began as an indie blog favorite was suddenly being played on pop behemoth Hot 97. But what really caught my attention was the song's music video that is Wes Anderson-esque - right down to the tennis scene from Royal Tenenbaums.

Music Monday: Poor House Rockers

Even though he's backed by the amazing productions of Bullwackie, Clive Field Marshall's sing-talking style is definitely not for everyone. Still, the 1981 album "Poor House Rockers" is a little-known gem, with hilarious lyrics (once you've hear it enough to decipher them) and great backing tracks. Despite the rustic cover art, the songs-- except for Island in the Sun, which makes funs of tourists in Jamaica-- are mostly about Marshall's exploits around NYC. This song tells the story of Marshall's encounter with a clueless state trooper.



After the jump, the title track.