Johnny Cash's God Gonna Cut you Down

I was shocked when this song was released. Not because it is an amazing tune, which it is, but because it was recorded shortly before Johnny passed. I couldn't believe that a man who was so close to death's door could play a song with so much strength and clear vision.

Like so many songs in the American recording series, this is a traditional American folk tune, yet you would never know that by listening to it. Cash's version sounds so fresh and vibrant that you would swear that he penned this song himself. Cash is in full form here and I believe that this song is about as clear of an FU to death as you could possibly get. He sounds as though he could jump through your speakers at any time and kick your ass.

It's Time to kick Out the Jams!

While I am not really a big Pearl Jam fan, I was lucky enough to see them for the first time during one of my final days living in New York City. I came in with no real expectations and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. They rocked pretty well and I was definitely blown away by the intensity of the crowd. I've never really seen a crowd that into a live act before and I have to give some serious props to the band.

One of my favourite moments was went the band covered MC5's Kick Out the Jams. I think I may have been one of five people in the room who knew what was coming the second Eddie Vedder started to mumble "it's time to... it's time to... it's time to kick out the jams motherfuckas!" I immediately jumped in to sing along with Eddie and danced my ass off. The cover was alright, but it was great to hear that song live.

I luckily found the video on youtube. Check it out for yourself!



EDJ

Teen Dream, One of my Favourite Albums of 2010

While I am quite aware of the fact that the year is not yet over, one of my favourite releases of the year has to be the Baltimore duo Beach House's Teen Dream. It is a lovely ambient dream pop album that follows other legendary acts like the Cocteau Twins and Sigur Ros. I really have no idea what the album is about or what the lyrics are, but the music puts me in such a blissful place that I can't help but listen to it time after time. It's like wrapping yourself in a music cocoon and basking in the warmth and glow of a blissful existence. Sounds nice right? Check out these videos below and see for yourself:

Jackie Wilson Beats the Monday Morning Blues

It's Monday morning and after having a great weekend you find yourself back in the rat race chasing the Monday morning blues. Let Jackie Wilson mend those Monday morning blues with his great vocals and killer dance moves.



EDJ

My Top Five Favorite Beatles Songs

The Beatles have a lot of great tunes, but these ones stand out the most in my mind. Feel free to post your top five in the comments section below. Enjoy!



5. I Am the Walrus


4. Golden Slumbers


3. Tomorrow Never Knows


2. Happiness Is a Warm Gun


1. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Acoustic Version)


EDJ

Thelonious Monk, The Very Definition of Genius

When most people think of musical geniuses they think of artists like Mozart, or Bach. People whose work has stood the test of time and has become ingrained within popular culture. While I don't necessarily disagree with this, I think it often dismisses the work of our brilliant modern artists in exchange of a highly elitist musical canon. When you think of it this way, what separates Beethoven from Bill Evans or Brahms from Gershwin?

With this in mind, I would like to introduce you to a man that I am certain will be remembered for many generations to come; his name is Thelonious Monk. Chances are that you've already heard Thelonious Monk a few times in your life. He was a very controversial artist in his day. To some he was an true genius with an unorthodox style, while to others he was a little too weird to be noteworthy. I, however, definitely fall into the first category.

While it is definitely true that Monk was not your typical performer, his music was so innovative and original that it still seems very much ahead of today's generations of jazz musicians. While most people prefer to focus on his often eccentric behavior and his inability to perform even the most menial of tasks, I perfer to just let the music speak for itself. Monk is here to stay and his legend will only grow with generations. Viva Monk!



EDJ

Top 5 Favorite Smiths Songs

To most people the 80s were all about trite pop music, weak sitcoms and bizarre fashion statements, but to me it was an incredible decade for music and creativity. From the emergence of Hip-hop to the incredible punk and post-punk music. But most of all, the 80s will mainly be the decade of the Smiths. In my mind, not other band did so much with so little. While they only put out a little more than a a few dozen singles and 4 lps, the Smiths left a permanent mark on popular music and will be forever remembered. Therefore, because of this I have decided to compile a list of my top 5 favourite Smiths songs.

5. Panic- At the end of this song, Morrissey repeats the line "hang the DJ, hang the DJ" and in my mind, no other song of the 80s represents the discontent with the failings of popular music to reflect real life. Believe me, this catchy little tune stays in your head.


4. Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want- A sad, but delightful tune that rocks the mandolin harder than you've ever heard. This song gives "short, but sweet" a whole new meaning.


3. Cemetery Gates- Being a former English major, I welcome any song that references Oscar Wilde, Keats and Yeats. I love the juxtaposition of life/death in this song and I can't think of a more clever line in a song than:
You say: "ere long done do does did"
Words which could only be your own
And then you then produce the text
From whence was ripped some dizzy whore, 1804


2. What Difference Does it Make?- Is it possible for a song to kick as much ass as this one? That opening guitar line is the kind of thing dreams are made of and the lyrics are about as angry and spiteful and you will ever heard. I love this song!


1. Rubber Ring- An unexpected pick, but this song is just so damn cool! It doesn't really sound like most other Smiths songs and demonstrates how truly unique this band was. I also love the sample at the end. It seems to speak for everything the Smiths were against. LOVE IT!


EDJ

Happy Belated Birthday Mr. Cohen

Happy belated birthday to you too Mr. Cohen... sorry I forgot you.

Nick Cave is 53 Today

It's hard to believe it, but alternative rock icon Nick Cave is 53 today. Yes, the man who rocks an ironic mustache better than anyone in rock is 53 years young today and to celebrate I wanted to include a song from his work with the Birthday Party, The Bad Seeds and Grinderman. Happy birthday Nick, Keep on rocking!

The Birthday Party were one of the premier post-punk outfits coming out of Australia in the early 80s. Their music is most commonly associated with the Goth rock scene, although their unique style was probably more influenced by New York's No Wave movement. Here's the video to Nick the Stripper.


After leaving the Birthday Party, Nick embarked on a solo/bandleader career that would prove to be one of the most successful and innovative outputs in alternative rock music in the 1980s. Here's one of Nick's most famous tunes in Red Right Hand.


As if Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds weren't busy enough, they had to form a beautifully cacophonous ensemble called Grinderman that plays a loud garage rock/blues style that kicks you to the floor and knocks out all your teeth. Here's No Pussy Blues.


Happy Birthday Nick!

EDJ

Shoulda Woulda Coulda Artist #3 Bruce Haack

Most people do not know Bruce Haack and his enormous legacy to music, but almost everyone is familiar with the thousands of artists who have been influenced by this genius. I have a particular affinity to Bruce Haack as he was born in Nordegg, Alberta, a tiny mining town 2 hours away from my hometown. Bruce grew up with the stifling oppression of small towns and quickly fled to complete his studies at the University of Alberta and then eventually New York City.

Bruce was not your typical musician. He created his own instruments that could produce a unique sound that you could not find in any other instruments of that time. He then used used these instruments to create a sound experience that had not been heard before. Here is a clip of Bruce on Mr.Rogers.


While Bruce never obtained the celebrity status he deserves, he has become a pivotal figure in electronic music because of his endless innovation and creative output. He has been recognized by many of the most influential artist of today as a major source of inspiration of their music and I am certain that his legacy will continue to live on.

If you are interested in knowing more about this amazing musician, check out the documentary, Haack, The King of Techno.

I will leave you with my favorite Bruce Haack tune, Party Machine, which was created in collaboration with Russell Simmons in 1982 for the reissue of his classic Album, Haackula.


EDJ

Songs to Listen to Before an Interview

We've all been there. You're on your way to the interview anticipating what will happen and asking yourself endless questions. What questions will they ask? Will they ask for my references? How much does this job pay? While you make your way to the interview you always need music that will pump you up and get you ready to kick some serious ass. Therefore, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite job interview songs.

Nas- The World is Yours
There are few songs that make you feel as pumped and ready to go as this one. With the world in your hands, you can knock that interview out of the park.


The Ramones- Blitzkrieg Bop
The phrase "hey ho... let's go" always gives me an extra jump in my step and gets me ready for battle.



Arcade Fire- Neighborhood #3 Power Out
I'd never tell anyone to lie at an interview, but I would encourage them to listen to this song for its kick ass beat to pump them up.


Bob Dylan- Subterranean Homesick Blues
There's a lot of wisdom in this song and I'm sure it could help you answer a few questions in the interview.


James Brown- Get Up, Get into it and Get Involved
You have you listen to this song last. No other tune makes you want to get out there and make things right. James is the ultimate motivator.


Now that you've heard the songs, go out there and get the job!

EDJ

My Favourite Song of All Time

I think it's kinda stupid to have a song that is your favourite because I listen to many songs for many different reasons and I hate to stack them up against one another. But if there is one song that clearly resonates with me on a very unique level it would have to be Nina Simone's Sinnerman. It is an epic song of all epicness that is over 10 minutes of raging cathartic beauty.

Simone was introduced to the song by her mother who was a minister who used it with the the downtrodden to help confess their sins. The songs starts with a very unique series of notes that would not normally be placed together and continues to build until it is a tidal wave of emotion that rages over the listener. There is no other song like this and there is nobody who could possibly play this song better than Nina herself.

If you've never heard this song before than you are really missing out. If you have heard the song before, listen to it again for the first time!



EDJ

Stranger Song

I have been in love with the music of Leonard Cohen since I was a child. In my opinion, there is no songwriter who is able to say so much with so little. This is one of my favorite live videos of him doing what he does best. Wait for the end when there is a single tear falling down his cheek.



EDJ

Digging with DJ Shadow

Do you know Jazzy Jay? DJ Shadow? or Cut Chemist? If not, you are missing out on some of the seminal figures in modern Hip Hop. Sure they are not rappers and don't have huge record contracts, but they play an important role in Hip Hop culture. Shadow is often referred to as the "Jimi Hendrix of turntables" for his uncanny ability to to cut and mix two seemingly opposite records together into one free flowing sound. He is the definition of what all DJs strive to be.

Jazzy Jay also has a pretty noteworthy resume. As one of the co-founders of Def Jam recordings, Jay worked with some of the most important artists of the 80s. Most importantly, Jay was the DJ on Afrika Bamabaattaa & Soulsonic Force LP in 1986 and still plays a major role as curator of a collection of over 400,000 records. He is a Hip Hop icon of the highest order.

While Cut Chemist has not received as much attention as DJ Shadow, he is also a major DJ on the scene who has the ability to keep crowds moving with just two decks and a mixer. While he is more commonly known as Jurassic 5's DJ, Cut Chemist constantly tours by himself or as a duo with DJ Shadow.

All three men are featured in the incredible documentary Scractch and tell us what DJing and digging for records means to them.



EDJ

THE ARCHIVE: WORLD'S LARGEST RECORD COLLECTION

This is a short documentary about Paul Mawhinney, the former owner of Recordrama in Pittsburgh PA and owner of the world largest record collection. Paul explains that only 17% of his collection can be found on modern formats. That means that the vast majority of the music of the past is completely inaccessible to the public.

Paul's collection is estimated to be worth 50 million dollars, but he can't sell it for a minimal 3 million. I know where I'm going next time I'm in Pittsburgh!


EDJ

Shoulda Woulda Coulda Artist #2: O.C.

If you haven't heard O.C. before that's understandable, but you're missing out on one of the best artists of today. A bold statement I know, but hear me out. O.C. had one hit in the early 90s for his single "Time's Up" and his best selling album only reached 16 on the R&B/Hip Hop charts, but O.C is a legend to those who are familiar with his music. His albums have been both idolized and slammed by critics and he has never achieved the stardom of many of his contemporaries. Yet aside from all of this O.C. is a survivor who is still putting out albums today.

O.C. got his start in the DITC Crew and on Organized Konfusion's first album (another essential Hip Hop album) and one year later on MC Search's "Back to the Grill," a track that also featured a very young Nas. After much critical success, he dropped a bomb of an album with "Word... Life" and although the album only reached 34 on the charts, it has become a Hip Hop standard to many. In my eyes, it is the best thing ever done in Rap music. It is a passionate and powerful recording that, unlike so many of his contemporaries, hasn't dated a day since its release.

O.C continues to release quality albums year after year. While he never received the immediate success of so many other rappers of that time, O.C. is a survivor that has been in the game for nearly 20 years and is still going strong. Trends come and go, but great music always rises to the top and towers over all the bullshit.

Check out a couple of O.C. tracks for yourself.





EDJ

Shoulda Woulda Coulda Artist #1: Vashti Bunyan

My Shoulda Woulda Coulda series is dedicated to artists that I believe should have received a lot more recognition than they did. It is made for artists who have unfortunately flown under the radar, but still deserve a lot of props. My first artist is Vashti Bunyan, also known as just Vashti.

Vashti was born in London in 1945 and recorded a few singles before her debut album in 1970. The album is an incredible chamber folk record that really captures the genre. It is a mellow album that is perfect for rainy Sundays, a cup of coffee and a great book. Her voice is absolutely angelic and is clearly an influence to more popular artists of today like Johanna Newsom or Fiona Apple.

After seeing her album fall to relative obscurity, Vashti quit the business and went about her life. It was not until nearly 25 years later when she received much recognition from critics and artists that she recorded another and embarked on a North America tour. While she is still not on any pop charts, she is still receiving much critical acclaim for her deep musicianship and artistry.

This video is for her second single, Train Song, which was produced by Canadian Peter Snell in 1966. This is my favorite Vashti song because of its simple, yet profound melody.



EDJ

Great Day of Digging

I live in a very trendy area of downtown Toronto called Leslieville that has a lot of unique shops and restaurants. On top of this, the summer season also has more than its fair share of garage and yard sales. I went to one yesterday only to find an obscene amount of records for sale. You should know that this is always the first thing I look for when I go to garage sales, so needless to say I was quite happy to find such an excellent selection. Sadly, I was not the first one there and the man in front of me gave me a very dirty look when I also approached the boxes that he was carefully inspecting. When I had the audacity to pick up a De La Soul record that he had already claimed, he snapped at me by saying "that one's already taken." My first reaction was a laugh at his social awkwardness and then I went back to looking.

There are a few things you should know about record collectors. They are often:
a) male
b) socially awkward
c) obsessive and overly protective of their records
d) looking of a great deal
The men at this sale today met all of these categories and hovered over these records like moths to a flame. I don't exclude myself from these people, but I like to think that I'm not quite as obsessive and don't covet records like a sacred text. Nonetheless, I found some great finds and I can't wait to give them a spin.

EDJ

Top Five Favorite Scene's in High Fidelity

Anyone who has seen the movie or read the book High Fidelity knows that it is loaded with top five list pertaining to everything on relationships, movies and music. As a tribute to this cult classic, I have created a top five scenes in High Fidelity list. If you haven't seen the movie or read the book, I highly recommend you do so. It is fun, funny, and sweet.

#5 The Monday Tape- This happens early in the movie and, while I am a big Belle & Sebastian fan, it's still pretty funny to see Jack Black's dance moves.


#4 Top 5 Things I Miss About Her- While this is not a music related moment, it is a sweet and tender scene that makes the film really real.


#3 Ian- I am a big Tim Robbins fan I as much as I like to see his dramatic roles, I think he's a great comedy actor. In this scene, Ray (Tim Robins) is approaching Rob (Jon Cusak) about his stalking Rob's ex. The film then cuts to Rob fantasy and juxtaposes it with the reality. Oh if we only did what we wished we could!


#2 Top 5 Side Ones/Track Ones- I can't tell you how many times I've had this conversation.



#1 The Collector- My favorite scene didn't make the move. At one point in the film, Rob subtly answers the phone about a collector wanting to sell their records. When he arrives, he is overwhelmed by the greatest 45 collection he has ever seen! The woman's offers the collection to him for 50 bucks, but he virtuously refuses and she looks for someone else to buy it. I would have bought it in a heartbeat.



EDJ

Reunited At Last!

For those of you who don't know me, my wife and I have spent a significant time apart over the past 3 years. If she was in New York, I was in Edmonton; If I was in New York, she would be in Edmonton. Well, yesterday all of that ended when she finally arrived for good with me in Toronto. Anyone who has done the long distance thing for a long time will tell you that it is no fun. It is hard to keep up to date on your significant other and it really challenges your relationship. Therefore, I want to send this post out to all the lovers who are apart. My advice to you is to keep positive and remember how good it will feel when you are finally back together again.

In honour of the unique institution known as the long distance relationship, here's John Lee Hooker and his beautiful song about rekindled love.

EDJ

The greatest Rock Song of All Time

When asked what is the greatest rock song of all time, many people jump to more predictable answers like Stairway the Heaven, Purple Haze or even Like a Rolling Stone. But if you ask me if there is one song that truly sums up the spirit of Rock in my eyes it would have to be Television's Marque Moon. The track is EPIC, lasting 10 minutes and and composed of three movements that seamlessly flow between one another. It has epic lyrics and great vocals from the criminally overlooked Tom Verlaine.

But beyond all of these things, this song was WAY ahead of its time and never received the recognition it deserved. If you look on any generic top 100 rock songs of all time list, you won't find a trace of this song, yet I would challenge anyone to stack Marque Moon up against any of those tunes. I'm not sure why this song and this band never reach the commercial success that was due to them, but this song and this album have really stood the test of time and influenced an entire generation of rock musicians to challenge the boundaries of great writing and even greater performing.

If you don't believe me after all of this, see for yourself.

Open Letter to Lou Reed

Dear Mr. Reed,

You don't know me, but I certainly know you. You are a rock icon of the highest order and I am some dude who writes a blog about music. To say that I am a fan of you Mr. Reed would be an understatement... I freakin' worship you sir! Your insane career, your legendary albums, your completely forgettable albums and everything in between. Basically, you're the man.

But let's not kid ourselves here Lou. Praise is not the only reason I'm writing this letter. To put it quite frankly, I just don't get you sometimes. I adore everything you ever did with the Velvets and I can't believe how awesome albums like Transformer and Berlin are. Hell, I even thrown on Metal Machine Music once a year to clean out my music listening colon... That album is the sciznitch! But then something happen to you after that Lou; we kinda lost you for a while. Sure there were some pretty decent tracks here and there, but you put out some pretty strange albums that didn't really go anywhere too. I mean what was with The Bells and The Blue Mask? I'm sorry to tell you that I could only stomach 1 or 2 listens of those albums before they found a permanent spot on my shelf. And those weren't the only ones! There were many more albums for about 15 years that were just as disappointing as the previous ones. I was beginning to think that you and Dylan were fighting for 80's mediocrity.

And then something happened Lou. I don't know what, but you put out an album called New York and it was like you were brought back to life. You actually cared again! You told us what you thought of Minister Farrakhan and the polluted Hudson and oh how we rejoiced at your return! Then you put out Magic and Loss and it was like Lou was back in full form! You were the proverbial MAN once again. But just like that you disappeared again with more questionable work in Set the Twilight Reeling, Ecstasy and that "kinda cool but we're really not sure what to think of it" album, The Raven. Lou, I think a very serious "WTF" is in order.

Don't get me wrong, this is not hate mail. My love for you is endless and you will always be my number one. Even if you made a concert in the park that only dogs could hear I would still love you. Oh wait, you did that too... shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit...

In spite of my confusion, I think I get you. You're an artist and a complex man and as such you're bound to put out a few shit balls between gems... I get that. I'm not asking for another Transformer, and I think we all don't want another metal Machine Music. I'm just asking for a little more consistency and and a lot less forgettable stuff.

Looking forward to your reply,

EDJ

Allen Ginsberg Raps Howl (Neutral Gang Colours)

Just when you thought Neutral Gang Colours are dead, they put out yeat another tune and video. We're like an itch that you just can't scratch. This time it is a rap version of A Footnote to Howl. I'd love to hear some feedback from you. Please tell me if you love, hate or are ambivalent to it. Either way I want to hear from you!

EDJ

Billie Holiday's Strange Fruit

Many people have heard Billie Holiday's immortal song Strange Fruit, but few understand it's meaning and it's unique history. The song was written by Abel Meeropol, a jewish high school teacher from the Bronx. The song not only assaults racism in America, but also that uniquely American institution known as the lynch. Using razor-like imagery, the song depicts the gruesome and savage scene of a black man or woman hanging from a poplar tree in the deep south.

The song is uncharacteristic of Holiday. In fact, when she was first given the sheet music and lyrics by Meeropol she didn't understand what the song was alluding to. After Meeropol explained the intention of the song, Billie made it her own. While watching the video you can see so many subtle gestures in her face and her body that expose her deep understanding and feeling toward the song. It is a haunting track that is neither Jazz nor classical. In fact, it's not anything other than an incredibly powerful statement against the cruelty of racism in America.

I should also say that the music of this track is provided by the one and only Mal Waldron who also demonstrates a deep sensitivity and understanding of the song and it's impact on the audience. Waldron is unfortunately one of the most underrated figures of Jazz music and I believe that it is important to give credit to him in the production of this song.

If you would like to know more about this song, I recommend reading Strange Fruit: A Biography of a Song by David Margolick.

EDJ

The Arduous Task of 15 Albums

I was challenged on Facebook to come up with a list of my top 15 essential listens in no particular order. "Don't take too long to think about it," the person assured me. "Just 15 albums that will always stick with you." While I have never been a big fan of these lists because I always feel unsatisfied with the final product anyway, I did it nonetheless. First I started with my true essentials-- those ones came easy-- and I added on the remaining ten or so after much soul searching. In the end, I came up with this.

Songs in the Key of Life- Stevie Wonder

Broadway Blues Ballads- Nina Simone

Pink Flag- Wire

The Clash- The Clash

Nas- Illmatic

O.C.- Word... Life

Allen Ginsberg- Howl

Arcade Fire- neon Bible

The Avalanches- Since I Left You

Bad Brains- Rock for Light

John Coltrane-Impressions

Billie Holiday- Lady in Satin

Billy Bragg- Help Save the Youth of America

James Brown- In the Jungle Groove

Leonard Cohen- Songs of

Not bad, I thought as I sealed the deal with the pressing of the Post button, not bad at all. I was amazed at how easy it was. How quickly the titles just poured off the tip of my tongue. I walked away a happy man.

I came back to my computer an hour or so later and took another look at the list. "What about the Smiths?" I thought. "Is there no room on this list for The Queen is Dead? The quintessential Brit rock album of the 80s." Of course they is, but what comes out? What about If You're Feeling Sinister by Belle and Sebastian? What about Blues and Roots by Charles Mingus or Live Evil by Miles Davis? "You only have one Jazz album on that list, what were you thinking?" I also thought about other artists like Crass, David Axelrod, Bob Dylan, the Fall, Gang of Four, The Gun Club, Eric B & Rakim, Johnny Cash & Kraftwerk? Were these really my top 15 or had I just quickly picked 15 albums that I really liked and sealed my fate my publishing it in front of all my facebook friends? Why do I care so much anyway?

I thought about it all night. What a mistake this has been. I felt like I let down all of my favorite artists by ignoring them in exchange for a quick fix. I felt like a whore... no worse than that... a crack whore... a really BIG crack whore! "What have I done?" I asked myself, "I've created a monster and now I have to suffer for it!"

The short end of the story is that the list is still haunting me on facebook. I feel like a murderer walking around with blood all over his hands. I've learned a great lesson that when you care that much about many albums, to leave them out is like abandoning your own children. "Never again," I tell myself... "never again."

EDJ

Father Death Blues by Neutral Gang Colours

One more video brought to you by your friends at Neutral Gang Colours. This time it is a video of Allen Ginsberg's homage to death in "Father Death Blues." Ginsberg himself always said that this is the poem he wants to be remembered for and it is a very fitting piece to celebrate his amazing life and spirit.

EDJ

Let's Have a Drum Battle

Battling has a long tradition in Jazz music. In this sacred ritual, two musicians play against one another in a battle of upmanship. The winner walks away with a stroked ego and a higher respect from their peers. The loser, on the other hand, walks away with nothing except his tail between his legs.

Therefore, I suggest a drum battle between two of the greatest drummers of all time: Buddy Rich and Max Roach. While the two have battled multiple times before, this one is destined to be the most important. The two have a very different, but equally impressive style. Rich plays with a greater sense of showmanship. His sound is loud and fast. Roach on the other hand, has a more refined style and tries to push drumming into new directions. You'll notice that at times he actually plays two different rhythms at the same time!

So let's have it! Write the wining competitor on the comments box below.

Competitor #1 Max Roach



Competitor #2 Buddy Rich

Hum Bom by Nuetral Gang Colours

Due to reader requests, I have posted yet another video for a song by Neutral Gang Colours. While this is not a famous Ginsberg poem, it is a great example of how Ginsberg could be both serious and funny at the same time. We hope the music does the song justice. Enjoy

EDJ