Slave2daGroove said:

tA's is the 14th mix in the Org Music Club Series. Some have been taken down, but you can still listen to most of them online collected in this sticky. We all did follow the same format with a brief description for each song that we chose. The types of music vary wildly from mix to mix so don't expect more classic sets like tA's. His was special.

paligap said:

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it.



So true.
I picked Voodoo Chile especially because it's pretty much basic Blues (with an intergalactic lyrical spin) and gives insight into his roots.

Somehow i've got to cop that giant clean sound he's got going.



This was before the current days of Super Security.
You'd have been stunned by just how many musicians would just be strolling around The Village on any given day.

My fingers are crossed regarding that video also.




Thanks, that was my giant laugh for the day!


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431
[Edited 10/13/08 23:19pm]

WHOO-WHEEE! This is gonna make for some GOOD LISTENIN' this Sunday afternoon!

First off, I apologize to those mixes I skipped. I am catching up and will listen, but I also wanted to do something almost current! But now onto the Path. I had doubts about the blending of such varied styles, but it managed to hold together, and hold together really well.

I've actually never heard to Mahalia Jackson, amazingly. The first thing I noticed was how clean this recording sounds This must have been heavily remastered. Beautiful voice. I'm glad to finally hear her, after hearing about her for so long. Just as a song, I felt it went on a couple verses too long. But I understand that in more of a spiritual setting you'd want it to keep taking you higher

Johnny is someone who doesn't get much love on the org! Unfamiliar with this song, and listening I think he doesn’t get his due in the music world either. Sure, he’s a legend, but kind of relegated to 50’s high school dances rather than seen as one of the timeless greats. Perhaps he didn’t stray from the love ballad enough?

Johnny Smith. Ouch that hurts my ego. I love those little runs at the end

Miles, well this is part of my introduction to “real” jazz. I didn’t get it right away. This album was so simple, I thought “what’s the big deal?” But I took some music on faith(Miles & Dylan), knowing its reputation. And I listened over & over. And of course, now this is one of my favorite albums, and probably one of Miles’ most beautiful songs.

now I’m cracking up. This is actually kind of beautiful, but so obviously meant to be spooky. It has that quality that I think David Lynch must have loved. Weird, though, it is using traditional elements like the voice to sound otherworldly

James Brown. Okay, never heard this song, but I love it! James Brown was another that I had to learn to like. The way his songs stay on the same groove & repeat a few phrases didn’t make sense within my lyric/melody understanding of music. But it’s like learning Spanish. Once you get a basic understanding, it’s an entire musical language of rhythm & tension that builds over the song. I listen to this and wonder if we’ll learn to hear more in Prince’s “JB” songs that so quickly get dismissed by the longtime fans.

I was more familiar with the Slight Return when I first heard this song, and I thought it wasn’t as interesting. Not the longest attention span as a kid. Later gaining an appreciation of Stevie Winwood beyond Higher Love (which was my introduction to him, not having know who was playing on this song for years). Sometimes I feel this song doesn’t quite hit the heights that it hits in the first round of solos, and even the musicians ask for that feedback that comes about 2/3 of the way into it to end. But that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the most epic rock tunes ever. It’s unpolished & real, and may capture the actual peak of Jimi’s career. Now, if only it wasn’t followed by Little Miss Strange!

Neal, you gave me this to listen to before, once. It’s of my favorite Zappa era. The music of these years was beautiful without apology, and he seemed more comfortable with a more straightforward thing than the parody style of We’re Only In It For the Money (not to criticize that album, it’s a masterpiece). Hearing this again, it stands out on this mix as the album I will have to go get asap. I’ve wondered at times if Prince was into Zappa, and felt probably not. But this song at the end reminds me a lot of Xenophobia off of One Night Alone (not that Prince could pull this stuff off for more than a few seconds at a time) and I start to think maybe he was. Ridiculous

Lewis Taylor. Now that’s completely new to me. Interesting, and I had no idea when it came out until I looked at your notes. It gives nods to different eras & styles. Nice

Global Noize and Lewis Taylor have quite an act to follow, and it’s no surprise they fall a little short of Jimi & Frank. But following in the theme, I am glad you kept to the path and showed us what you’re listening to from the past 10 years. And these two artists show that there still is good music of all styles being done today.

This was an interesting mix, and gave not only insight into music, but into your life. Compiling your various influences from a wide variety of sources including TV and stuff that wasn’t so much your choice as what was playing around you, was a great idea. I’d like to analyze my own path (which would have to include Rhinestone Cowboy and the theme from The White Shadow.
[Edited 10/11/08 11:46am]

yeah, I'm super-behind on the mixes (listened to 4.5 of them! ) I'll aim to get to this one, hopefully soon.

heartbeatocean said:

I'm behind too

I promise to review this one tomorrow. I was listening to Miles all afternoon yesterday because of this mix.

sextonseven said:

Moonsongs first, then TA then the Princess

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Paligap first on my list, then maybe Sander, then maybe Supa, then maybe TA, then maybe NDRU...oh gosh

I'm trying to diversify the styles...

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

can't wait to hear your thoughts!

heartbeatocean said:

You reviewed mine already!

I feel special.

sextonseven said:

I was trying to do everything in order, just to be fair, but the collapse of muxtape and several mixes disappearing really disoriented me. Then I couldn't stay away when I saw yours. But then I couldn't move right onto Supa's because I needed a totally different flavor from yours, so next on my list is Paligap. I try to really sink in and digest each one, listening to it at least three times.

I've said it before, and I'll say it now: The org could/should charge for a subscription to your posts!

This mix is magnificent: The classic-heavy slant is something I expected of you, but you incorporated tracks from places so divergent I'd NEVER have thought of them! (One Step Beyond, Zappa and Mahalia on one mix!?!? That's gangster! ) Highlights for me...

I Will Move On Up a Little Higher - Comfort food. I'm a pariah in my personal and vocational circles, but I've never been a huge fan of much traditional African American spiritual and gospel music. I appreciate its cultural and spiritual import to who I am as a black American person of faith, but as ecclesial music goes, my own spirit is far more exalted by ancient choral work and baroque compositions. Mahalia, however, is an exception. I think part of my antipathy to the gospel tradition -- and certainly amid its modern milieu -- is that it comes off almost creedal in the sense it has taken on the character of verses, cliches, melodies you're "supposed" to proclaim in congregation. It's spiritual theater. Perhaps by virtue of her own personal passion or some unnamable quality in her voice, but when Mahalia sings very familiar songs from this repertoire, I am utterly convinced she means every word -- and would whether she sang it in communion from the pews or completely alone in a room. That earnestly refreshes me as a fellow believer -- and that is such a gift!

Laura - I'm casually familiar with Johnny Mathis, but I've never given him much close attention. I once heard someone describe Nat King Cole's voice as something like "crystal water washing over rocks." If that's true, Mathis' voice is like hot chocolate somehow -- It's soothing in the vein of Cole's, but to me there is something slightly more homey in Mathis' less urgent tone. And I agree the lyrical imagery here is the stuff of a master of that era.

Blue in Green - Every home in Western Civilization should be stocked with KIND OF BLUE. This album is a must-have for anyone who'd appreciate quintessential contributions of America to music in general and modal jazz in particular. My go-to song on this collection would be "All Blues," but there are no weak spots. Nice inclusion here.

OneStep Beyond (Fear) - What's perhaps most impressive here is that fear to Lubin connotes not some cheap thrill, but a slowly steeped pathos. As a soundtrack piece, this is reflective perhaps of how the sci-fi/horror genre was approached then vs. now. Immediate payoff seems too often the rule now. Moreover, while the piece builds a creepiness throughout, it's never "ugly" in its capacity to scare. Its movement is gorgeous -- and that final flourish is worthy of any great TV score.

Voodoo Chile - I've owned ELECTRIC LADYLAND for years, but the perhaps more raw and uptempo British psychedelic vibes of ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? and AXIS:BOLD AS LOVE generally seize more of my attention. The only tracks on this last Experience album that I find myself returning to are "1983" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." Your inclusion of "Voodoo Chile" here might make me return with some intention to ELECTRIC LADYLAND and Jimi's other slower, blusier stuff. This was perhaps my favorite track on your mix.

Village of the Sun/Echidna's Arf (Of You)/Don't You Ever Wash That Thing? - This sequence started out great and boasted some really brilliant moments, but it was a bit too over the top for me as an introduction to Zappa. It exhausted me. That said, I've wanted to explore Zappa for some time and this has piqued my interest. What studio stuff of his would you point me to?

Thanks for this mix, man.

NDRU said:

If you ever catch The Holy Ghost in church, you'll immediately understand.



He's definitely a balladeer...







...Mostly known for his classic takes on melodic Pop standards like Misty, Chances Are & Maria.



I was floored again by this single when I found out it wasn't recorded with his regular band but with the rhythm section of a local Cincinnati group called...



...The Dapps - Guitarist Eddie Setser (who played the classic guitar lick) to James Brown's right.

Don't worry because some of the longtime fans don't get it.
The main point is that Prince gets it and appreciates James Brown's historic contribution.



I've always taken that as Jimi's second bone throw to Noel (She's So Fine being the first).
Jimi's guitar parts helped both songs from being total disasters.
(I guess neither was enough to keep Noel from pursuing his Fat Mattress fiasco.)



This was one of the best sequences I could find that shows so many of Zappa's musical influences (R&B, Jazz, Rock, Classical based composition, etc.)


Thanks for listening and i'm glad you enjoyed it.
I'm gonna hold your feet to the fire until you come up with your Rhinestone Cowboy/White Shadow mix.


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

A few observations:

Interesting that we both saw our sets as "paths".

I have to wonder how a mix like this sounds to someone with no historical connection to the music, i.e. kids who grew up on today's prefab coocie cutter plastic.

Another thing I notice is that this affected your current tastes and opinions Nothing this side of 1985 eh? Ok, I see you included a current track

(1) Mahalia Jackson - I Will Move on up a Little Higher...

What a wonderful memory. Grandma, music, God and food I too have such fond memories of my grandmother surrounding music. Interestingly enough there wasn't ever very much music in my Mexican Grandma's house but my English grandma played music a lot and a lot of my memories are of Gospel music as well. God rest her soul but cooking wasn't her strong suit

The thing I love about this as your first selection is that it reminds us of the absolutely rich musical and cultural legacy that Black singers (and musicians) have given this country.


(2) Johnny Mathis - Laura...

One of my ideas for a mix was to go old school, much like you have done, back to a time when simplicity was a vital ingredient in music. One of my selections was going to be Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I saw Your Face". The stark bareness in that song gives it a strength and a brilliance that no amount of overproduction could ever bring.

I feel very much the same way about this song. A simple story backed by pure music and told through a clean voice. The perfect combination


(3) Johnny Smith - Wait till you See her

Man, the initial strumming reminded me of so many songs and yet not one that I can instantly name. I can see this sound as inspiring many other artists in the decades after its release


(4) Miles Davis - Blue in Green

Ok, how can I not love that you turn a 405 suicide mobile into a slice of sanctuary

Interesting that a song featuring an instrument most would not consider soothing would have that calming effect on you. I can absolutely see that from the balance of the music minus miles blowing but do you think there is an effect on you from an overall viewing of Miles' broader work or is it specifically the track itself?


(5) Harry Lubin - Fear

:chills: I had not even contemplated the title until I heard the music This so reminds me of a song that is PERFECT for a mindblowing episode of Twilight Zone. Oh damn, I guess you covered that aspect

OMG Love the ending!!!!! An unexpected climax


(6) James Brown - I Can't Stand Myself

I hate to say this but Prince has numbed me out to Mr. Brown I think it's awesome you remember the first single you bought. I do remember my first album I bought with my own money and that was Purple Rain!

(7) Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Child

I have never heard this song before Am I excluded from the club???? Love this track because it shows Hendix's traditional sensibilities and his daring side all in one fell swoop. His death is a tragedy period but one has to wonder what his legacy would have been had he been able to stretch his musical wings over the span of 20 or 30 years. Would he have sold out his original creative drive, like many do in favor of creating "hits", or would he have hung it up at the right time so as to keep his legacy pure. We can only wonder….


(8) Frank Zappa - Village of the Sun/Echidna's Arf (Of You)/Don't You Ever Wash That Thing?...

I did not expect this sound from Zappa. DID. NOT! I can't say I even know if I've heard a Zappa song. He's someone I'm interested in from a character standpoint and so many people I love and trust are fans of his but it's kind of one of those things where the prospect of diving into an unknown catalogue is intimidating because of the scope and breadth of the material. This makes me totally want to check him out for real.

Great story about the rehearsal. I can imagine how much this really influenced you, as a music lover and as a future musician. I have always been so fascinated with the concept of a band. You have separate autonomous individuals who are each doing their own thing, coming together to make their singular action a combined effort that is a singular event. This really flips me out when I think about it

Remember that episode of Lucy where the ladies group was going to create their own band for charity because Ricky Ricardo wouldn't play at their charity? No matter how much practice those girls had, you couldn't get them to come together for 2 consecutive notes.

And even though I am not a musician it is not lost on me the discipline and the magic needed for a group of individuals to actually do what Zappa and his cohorts are doing here. That concept is something I always contemplate when I listen to Rufus. That band was talented, musically adept and just in touch with each other able to move from one style to another, flawlessly within one song. That is what I love about this song so much.

(9)Lewis Taylor - Pie In Electric Sky / If I lay down with you

You're going to get me started aren't you? First of all I'd not heard this. It is unbelievably fantastic Lewis Taylor has to be one of the most enigmatic artists out there. It's unreal how he isn't a household name. Up until a couple years ago I'd not heard of him and this man's talent is staggering. But at the same time it doesn't seem like he's really pushing his game. Not to say he aint playin, but he seems so uninterested in his own career. Maybe that's my perception and I'm wrong on that. But seriously I am so glad he was showcased in this project because like you explained this song is a mindfuck. From driving a car to flying a plane making the switch seamlessly. Amazing.


(10) Global Noize - Quero Dancer

I agree, great way to end this set! So many different vibes all in one song. Not distracting but sewn together perfectly.


Bonus - Los Tres Hermanos

Interesting to hear an almost exlusively bass experience. I wonder how personalities entered into the creation of this. I must imagine it's hard not to want to try and outshine the other person when you're on the same instrument.


This mix is incredible and so comforting for me

The main thing that really floors the hell out of me with this mix was that as a young man, it was normal for you to be exposed to what are now great musical legends on the radio as a matter of course. I grew up in a time where these artists spilled over into the collective and when listening to the radio was still an event. But today's youth can't turn on the radio and hear a hendrix. What an indictment to our culture.

I couldn't agree with you more that music is art. I sometimes want to cry that I can't express myself musically or vocally. I would love more than anything to pick up or sit at an instrument and play what I feel inside. It is my dream to be able to open my mouth and for my voice to express me. But I'm a sucky singer So I have to settle for making a mix. This is the way I am able to use instruments and voices to express my vision. That is exaclty what this project has been for me.

So glad you were a part of this project Neil



Oh yeah, my favorite track is Zappa I promise I will buy something of his and start my journey

.
[Edited 10/16/08 17:21pm]

heartbeatocean said:

Yeah! But my thread isn't active anymore; you can't reply anymore. However I'd still like to hear your thoughts, so either orgnote me or put it in the sticky... (or BOTH! )

Sander said:

BOTH!!!! I'm interested in reading everyone's feedback on all the mixes. There really should be a way to open back up a closed topic

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

All the links to the older threads will still be in the sticky so the comments won't get lost.

Oh yeah TA, missed you at the wedding!

Man If there is a next one. I want to get involved this set was just amazing for me.as every person TA placed in this mix are people who inspired me.

Have been listening to your (Sir ) mix a lot! Sometimes I interpret it as a history of black music. When I do that certain songs get me off-guard. So, I keep explaining myself it's YOUR musical history. And what a story you have to tell...

(1) Mahalia Jackson - I Will Move on up a Little Higher...

Great memory indeed! Wow, this song is amazing, for the sheer soundscape, but above all that voice! Wow. As someone mentioned, the quality is absolutely stunning. Don't have anything by her, but I'm usually woo'ed by gospel, and I have some, but they're collections, with mostly uneven quality. I'd love to have a regular album by her, as it was meant to be, in THIS quality. That would be a fantasy sunday morning... Sigh...

(2) Johnny Mathis - Laura...

I love crooners. This one is no different. Great song. Sits in nicely in your mix, building on Mahalia, setting the era. Love it.

(3) Johnny Smith - Wait till you See her

Another WOW! That is some amazing guitar. Here I am thinking no guitar-song will ever blow me away, like it did when I was younger. But here it is. I haven't heard of this man, but I gotsta get me some wreckas of him!

(4) Miles Davis - Blue in Green

Yeah, Miles. Mmh. I'm not really one to give Miles too much credit. I kinda like his early jazz outings, but most of the time I only hear SOUND coming from his horn instead of MELODY. However, the things he did with Prince have been burnt in my brain, so I instantly recognize him and kinda like it. This song in particular is something beautiful in that it sets a mood perfectly. Soothing, healing, relaxing, I hear you!


(5) Harry Lubin - Fear

Another perfect mood! Brilliant, fascinating. Ballsy to put this one in your mix, as it is a bit of an outsider. Then again, behind the jazz of Smith and Davis, it's not too far fetched. Also, it's your path in music, nothing is outside the box in that respect.

(6) James Brown - I Can't Stand Myself

When I was younger I didn't get James Brown. Nowadays it still gives me lots to explore when I delve in his back catalogue. Really love this song!

(7) Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Child

This had me for a while. As you said about the linkage between Mahalia and James, I agree. Jimi however, departs from that line and brings us more into the modernity so to speak. Because of this new direction, I took your mix as a chronological tale of black music. School's in session.

Back to the song itself. I used to listen to Hendrix a lot. This song didn't stand out much, because I'm not such a big fan of blues (the song structure) and it's a bit too psychedelic for me. And it's still a bit too over the top for me. What I like though, is hearing Hendrix again after so many years, almost with fresh ears. His guitar sound is sooo rich, his playing is so raw. One word: POWER! Amazing, I guess I'll play some records of him tonight!

(8) Frank Zappa - Village of the Sun/Echidna's Arf (Of You)/Don't You Ever Wash That Thing?...

Another . This made me realize this isn't black music 101. It does make sense after Jimi, and it IS in line with the timeline. So great respect for making this mix work with song to song consistency, while crossing borders and genres.

Frank Zappa. I wanted to like him. While Prince gets a lot of credit (mostly unfounded IMHO) for spanning so many genres of music, Frank Zappa is the one who should get the award! Eclectic, visionary, innovative, bold, brilliant! I want to like that man's music. Fact is, I just don't. Most of it just doesn't capture me. Take this song. There is a mean horn-segment in there, that makes me do the funkface. Then some weird, carnavalesque theater show bonanza comes along and kicks me off cloud nine. I don't get his point! I'm sure he enjoys himself, but I think he enjoys being misinterpreted!

(9)Lewis Taylor - Pie In Electric Sky / If I lay down with you

Lewis again! Need to get some more of him. I thought that new Thicke album sounded a lot like Marvin Gaye, but this song (lay down), just screams Marvin. Wow. Lewis, I really want to see this man live!

(10) Global Noize - Quero Dancer

Ey? Well, actually, this doesn't surprise me as much. I can see how this sound settles in your music collection. Fun how they mash the old Brazilian rhythm with the modern synths. Like it. Much!

Bonus - Los Tres Hermanos

This is a GREAT outro to your mix. Mellows it out a bit. No need to say anything in particular about this, just enjoy the ride, let everything settle. Ahhh...

So! Whatever way I look at this mix (chronology of black music/your path), there are some people missing based on the big names that ARE in your mix. Where's Stevie, Marvin, no 80's? I know it's stupid expecting them to be there in this silly 10 song exercise, but still!

IAintTheOne said:

Well, the Org Music Club is coming to a close soon. When there's enough interest, a second round would be great.

And now I've read the thread, some other comments:

NDRU said:

You had the same I had. James probably is some kind of acquired taste!



Agreed. I'd like to do a mix like that as well!

Huey said:


You and me, we're on the same track!

Slave2dagroove said:

Supa said:

Kids do still come asking for Hendrix in the wrecka stow. Not really much, but they are aware of the big names in music. But, you know, they download. They make their own radio. We can't see or hear it, since it ain't on a mass medium, but it's out there, just a lot more private...

tA said:


That's a great picture! Love the goofy big smile on the guitar player. Makes me love the guitar lick in the song even more!

Oh, and Johnny Smith as my fave!

01 - I Will Move On Up A Little Higher Mahalia Jackson

I'm sure I've heard stuff from her back in the day when I was really young, but for the most part she's just been a name. This does remind me of one of those southern Sunday breakfasts with the smell of grits & sausage permeating through the air.

02 - Laura Johnny Mathis

Ha HA! I can see you drinking martini's and getting your mack on with this tune. I remember one of my aunts having a bunch of albums and me always passing them over for the funkier stuff. I could never understand his appeal when I was younger, but now I might have to revisit some of his albums.

03 - Wait Till You See Her Johnny Smith

Aw man, this is nice. Reminds my of Barney Kessels's Stairway to The Stars and I hear some Joe Pass in here too. I was a big fan of sounds like this back in high school when I was grinding my axe on a daily basis.

04 - Blue In Green Miles Davis

This is the album that sealed the deal. My high school ensemble instructor (Trumpter Kaye Berigan, nephew of Bunny, do you know him tA? ) passed this album on to me and my metal head days were over and I offically became a cool hepcat. There's so much vibe in Kind of Blue that's it's impossible for me to articulate. It kinda took me all around the world and made me want to become a poet/renaissance man.

05 - One Step Beyond (Fear) Harry Lubin

Yo! That was ill. And is that a Therimin I hear? this music makes me want to plot and scheme on somebody.

06 - I Can't Stand Myself (When You Touch Me), Pt. 1 James Brown

[Bootsy Voice]Well alright![/Boosty Voice] No words needed!

07 - Voodoo Chile Jimi Hendrix

Damn Neil, I never knew you were Hendrix fan!

my dad gave me this album back when I was 13. it took my ears a long time to mature to appreciate what was going on here in this particular song. probably didn't help that one of the channels on our sound systems was blown out for about a year after I discovered Hendrix.

08 Village of the Sun Sequence Frank Zappa

WOAH! Didn't see this coming! one of my all time favorite tracks from one of my all time favorite albums! I heard You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore Vol.2 before hearing Roxy & Elsewhere As much as I love YCDTOSA and how polished they are on that album, R & E is just one fucking cool album. Though, I could never make it to side 4. The only song I like more from this album is Inca Roads, of course.

09 - Pie In Electric Sky / If I Lay Down With You Lewis Taylor

The intro blew out my headphones. Didn't expect something like that from Lewis, but I should know better, he's capable of anything.

10 - Quero Dancar Global Noize -

I've been a lover of the latin-electro chill groove for a long time. I didn't expect you to throw something like this in the mix. But of course I should've expected the unexpected from you.

BONUS TRACK - Los Tres Hermanos SMV

Damn. One of my co-workers just sold me a mexican made Fender Jazz bass. I thought I was doing alright thumping away on it last night. After hearing this maybe I should see if he'd take it back. These guys make me SICK!

Brilliant mix tA! If ya got any leftovers, hit me with an orgnote.

theAudience said:

Are you sure that it's the Dapps who play on the I can't stand myself 45? I thought it was Clyde on drums. It's definitely Tim Drummond on bass though (for obvious reasons ). The B-side, There was a time, is the James Brown Orchestra, recorded live at the Apollo. There is no studio version of that song.

Nice thread, by the way.

This one took me a long time to review because I'm not a big music historian and couldn't really find the right words to do these classic tracks justice. I loved the entire thing from start to finish when I first heard the mix even before it was posted in this thread, but the idea of putting that admiration into words and not coming across like a clueless teenager was well, intimidating. So almost two months later, before the thread gets locked for good I'll give it a try.

(1) I Will Move on up a Little Higher - Mahalia Jackson - There's a fantastic atmosphere to this song due primarily to the soft shuffling piano. And Mahalia's voice is a wonder, clearly. Awesome.

(2) Laura - Johnny Mathis - Johnny Mathis is one of those artists that my mom likes and because she likes him, I tend to write him off as not cool like everything my mom likes. Listening to this song though, that is obviously not the case here. Maybe it's because of my recent fascination with all things 60s (thank you, Mad Men), but this song really opened my eyes to how good Johnny was back during his peak. Great arrangement.

(3) Wait Till You See Her - Johnny Smith - There's a beautiful simplicity here. Nothing else is necessary when listening to such fine guitar playing.

(4) Blue In Green - Miles Davis - Ah, a song and album I know! Love the really soft percussion on this track. It's like someone lightly caressing your arm. It compliments Miles' horn beautifully. I enjoy listening to this entire album in surround sound at home.

(5) Fear (Main theme from One Step Beyond) - Harry Lubin - This reminds me of all those classic b&w horror films like Black Sunday. I never realized how much more effective horror scores were back then.

(6) I Can't Stand Myself (When You Touch Me) - James Brown - The driving repetition of the funk here is great. But it's really all about that breakbeat, right? Too cool.

(7) Voodoo Chile - Jimi Hendrix - The other "Voodoo Child" song (slight return) was the very first Hendrix song I ever heard. I saw the video on Video Soul when Donnie Simpson talked to Jesse Johnson about his influences. That thing was crazy! I eventually bought Electric Ladyland because my hippie friends in college said it was the best Hendrix album and I heard this blues epic.

(8) Village of the Sun/Echidna's Arf (Of You)/Don't You Ever Wash That Thing? - Frank Zappa - I was scared to listen to this one (especially seeing the song length) because my limited exposure to Zappa never unearthed anything I liked, but this wasn't bad at all. Sure, it meanders all over the place (that's Zappa!), but it always kept me interested and the vocals being by someone else threw me--it's actually listenable!

(9) Pie In Electric Sky/If I Lay Down With You - Lewis Taylor - Great combination of guitar and harmonies. I like how the first part sounds like some kind of takeoff or ascension to an "electric sky". Then the listener floats down to "lay down" in the second half. Perfect match between song title and music.

(10) Quero Dancar - Global Noize - This reminds me a lot of Bebel Gilberto and her Brazilian lounge electronica. That's a good thing.

Los Tres Hermanos - SMV - This might be the song in the mix I like the least, but it still has its moments like the opening notes before the drums and other instruments kick in and when the guys just play without too much interference.

It's very hard to pick a favorite here, but I may go with Miles. Excellent mix.

song edit
[Edited 11/26/08 10:45am]

And I enjoyed reading the notes about the memories you attached to the earlier songs.