Weekend Music Roundup

The weekend has arrived. This week I'm sharing with you all a bunch of records that I'd been jamming to of late. Most are not from this year, with the exception of the first one, which was certainly well-timed for release and is quite fantastic. This is a big mix of jazz, rock, and hip-hop, which every list probably should be in my opinion. Hopefully there's something here that you'll want to check out. Enjoy.

Billie Eilish - Live at Third Man Records: Recorded in November, before Billie swept up at the Grammy's and exploded into mainstream fame, this beautiful acoustic show demonstrates a different side of the teen phenom. Anyone who doubted her talent from her incredible album needs to listen to this and it should be undeniable that she is destined for more huge things in the future. Jack White has always had his finger on the pulse and once again scored big by bringing her in to do this show and record it to vinyl. 

Antipop Consortium - Arrhythmia: This was the third album from the NYC hip-hop group, released in 2002 and recently re-issued. This was a time in hip-hop when everything went back to commercial after a period in the '90s when the underground took over. Because of that, I soured a bit on hip hop in those days, the days of Puffy and 50 Cent and the like...but I should have been tuned into these guys who were working hard to keep it real for my hometown at the time. The rhymes are strictly east coast hard rap, and the beats are quirky but grooving. Altogether a really good album made in a really down time for the genre. Definitely should have been bumping this back in the day. But I guess it's never too late. 

The Litter - Wretch: This psychedelic rock band from Minneapolis released three albums from '67 to '69 before disbanding. Having recently re-formed, this archival release of previously rare and unreleased tracks emerged. I'm certain encouraged to search out any of their three albums as this is a fine example of late 60's heavy psych. This was a few years ahead of its time for sure and the kind of band than people like me love to discover and wonder what the hell was wrong with people at the time. 

Miles Davis - My Funny Valentine: Recorded in 1964, at the peak of his popularity, this is one of the best Miles live recordings I've encountered. I picked this up in the $5 jazz bin at the local shop, and it's a bargain and twice the price. This is a tight performance, and though a lot of people like Miles when he wanders, I happen to appreciate the tightness captured in this performance. This finds him on the cusp of his hard bop career before he moves into modal jazz. An excellent record. 

Big Country - Steeltown: Released in 1984, this the UK rock band's second album and my first introduction to them. This could be considered early "alt" rock, along the lines of R.E.M., or early U2, or The Triffads, but this has a bit of a new wave edge to it, though it's clearly rock. There are also obvious Peter Gabriel influences. Very political, and still sounds pretty solid. "East of Eden," "Girl with Grey Eyes," "Where the Rose is Sown," "The Great Divide," title track.

Lower Slaughter - Some Things Take Time: The second album from the British sludge metal band was released this past spring. I'm always interested in hearing heavy music fronted by women and they always bring something different than the usual slew of bands. That said, this album is aptly titled in that I feel there is some development that needs to take place. It has all the right elements, just lacks that spark that is really for it settle in and become more memorable.