Why?

So I've been a huge fan of Why? ever since I was 16 years old and discovered the world of experimental hip hop through anticon. While the label has molded and shifted into something I no longer support, I am thrilled to see Why? is still kicking ass and taking names and I'm proud to see that they are still making their art on their own terms. Thanks for all the great years, boys!

"Gemini (Birthday Song)"

"The Hollows"

"The Vowels, Pt. 2"

Greensky Bluegrass

Here's some choice cuts from the phenomenal Greensky Bluegrass. If you enjoy bluegrass and the jamband aesthetic, you'll surely be toe tappin' to these gems. Enjoy!

"In Control"

"Atlantic City"

"Don't Lie"

The Word - Soul Food

Just released earlier this year in 2015, Soul Food is the much anticipated second album from the gospel/sacred steel/blues/jam supergroup The Word, featuring Robert Randolph (from Robert Randolph & the Family Band) on pedal steel guitar, John Medeski (Medeski, Martin & Wood) on keys, and all current members of North Mississippi Allstars - Luther Dickinson (guitar), Cody Dickinson (drums/washboard) and Chris Chew (bass). It took 15 years for these boys to release a second album and it definitely delivers!

Early In The Moanin' Time

You Brought The Sunshine

The Bright Light Social Hour

Hey guys! I guess I'm on a blues kick lately, so here's some more modern bluesy southern rock from Austin, TX! The Bright Light Social Hour is a heavy, yet upbeat southern jam band that totally drips with sexy blues breaks, soul, and even disco! They walked away from the Austin Music Awards back in 2011 with 6 wins including Band of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year ("Detroit"). Members include Curtis Roush on guitar, A.J. Vincent on keyboards/organ and vocals, Jack O'Brien on bass guitar, and Joseph Mirasole on drums.

"Detroit"

"I need your love

I know that I'm leaving

But I want you to know

Ain't no other way

The day that I met you

Working side by side

At that moment I knew I'd work for you

Til' the day I died

Didn't notice the rain

Didn't notice the cold

Didn't notice a damn thing baby

We just let our love unfold

Friday morning I went in

With a weight on my soul

I swear I tried to fight baby but I 

Won't be back no more

Pretty baby I know

I told you I'd never leave

But I swear babe I gotta go

If we're going to make ends meet"

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"Shanty"

"Gotta keep movin'

Broke down and in ruin

Tell me what are we gonna do?

Don't worry brother 

Keep on steady rollin' 

We'll figure out something soon

Oh I have only you

To get back through

Soaked all around

Need that Texas rubdown

Tell me what are we gonna do?

Don't worry brother

Just get on down

You know we got a place for you" 

White Denim - Corsicana Lemonade

Corsicana Lemonade is the sixth release from the modern blues/garage rock trio White Denim. Hailing from Austin, Texas, these guys lay down some incredibly poetic, blues-influenced lyrics over some polished, high energy, often danceable beats. Members include James Petralli (aka Bop English) on vocals and guitar, Joshua Block on drums, and Steve Terebecki on vocals and bass. They remind me of The Black Keys somewhat, but with a much more unique sound. Simultaneously fitting for dancing around the living room on a bright summer afternoon or for those rainy day blues! Enjoy!

At Night In Dreams:

"Yesterday there was an accident
On the street where they held hands
They were looking for their hearts
They were there from the start from me to we
Just a little too young to understand
What's easy to advance isn't always made to last

Oh, here we are
Caught shufflin' past ambivalence somewhere
Considering her half
And trying not to laugh
When they can see
The reckless blood of humanity tempers the quiet
And all the time they spent
Has led 'em to another end again and again

At night in dreams of a thousand moons and clear blue rain
Sometimes it seems as if we could build a love to free us from pain
I know you think that it's easy to change but it's a symptom of age

Portrait of two in white in a church house made of glass
Play and imaginary part and they knew it from the start
Now here we are, barely holding on to a promise of forever
Mady lying in the grass oh it isn't such a task
Or maybe we...just a little too cool not to understand
When reason finds its end 
Where an open heart begins to love again

At night in dreams of a thousand moons and clear blue rain
Sometimes it seems as if we could build a love to free us from pain
I know you think that it's easy to change but it's a symptom of age

We don't move on when we don't have to
We can go, we understand
More life, more vision
People seeing what they can

At night in dreams of a thousand moons and clear blue rain
Sometimes it seems as if we could build a love to free us from pain
I know you think that it's easy to change but it's a symptom of age"

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New Blue Feeling:
"Dreamed of a letter from a hospital bed

I don't recall what I'd said at all

'Case a new blue feeling rushes over me

And all the doctors agree that we've hit a wall

No use in crying dear, save your tears
And try to hide our fears until we go away into
A place we'll never know until we know where

Never the right time
Never been ready before
Never the right time 
Never been ready before

I've loved you all my life
You were exactly right all along
If this is goodbye
I have to ask you to try
To remember that I was once strong

No use in crying dear, save your tears
And try to hide our fears until we go away into
A place we'll never know until we know where"

Grateful Dead Europe '72 Favorites: La Grande Salle du Grand Theatre, Luxembourg 5/16/1972

Europe '72 is an absolutely stellar compilation of the Dead's live stuff from their European tour in the spring of 1972. It was also the last time that Pigpen would ever tour with the band before his untimely death in 1973. There are so many great shows from this tour, that I am definitely going to be posting more than one on here so look out for more Europe '72 picks to follow this at some point in the future! This particular show took place at the La Grande Salle du Grand Theatre in Luxembourg on May 16, 1972 and is one of my absolute favorites from the massive Europe '72 collection. It's not nearly as lengthy as many of their other shows, I imagine because they were broadcasting the show on FM radio, but I think the boys are definitely on point for this one! If you are not very familiar with the Grateful Dead, these shows are a great introduction to their wonderful live jams. If you are familiar with GD and are, perhaps, completely obsessed with them like myself and so many other folks who enjoy their music, then let us join together and share our love for these awesome dudes who have brought so much joy to the world through their music! The following song is just a piece of an incredible night. For the entire show, I recommend Spotify, but you can also watch it here on Youtube.

Grateful Dead: Me & My Uncle

Lyrics by John Philips of The Mamas & The Papas:

"Me and my uncle went ridin' down,
South Colorado, West Texas bound.
We stopped over in Santa Fe,
That bein' the point just about half way,
And you know it was the hottest part of the day.

I took the horses up to the stall,
Went to the bar-room, ordered drinks for all.
Three days in the saddle, you know my body hurt,
It bein' summer, I took off my shirt,
And I tried to wash off some of that dusty dirt.

West Texas cowboys, they's all around,
With liquor and money, they loaded down.
So soon after payday, know it seemed a shame;
You know my uncle, he starts a friendly game,
High-low jack and the winner take the hand.

My uncle starts winnin'; cowboys got sore.
One of them called him, and then two more,
Accused him of cheatin'; Oh no, it couldn't be.
I know my uncle, he's as honest as me,
And I'm as honest as a Denver man can be.

One of them cowboys, he starts to draw,
And I shot him down, Lord he never saw.
Well I grabbed a bottle, cracked him in the jaw,
Shot me another, oh damn he won't grow old.
In the confusion, my uncle grabbed the gold,
And we high-tailed it down to Mexico.

I love those cowboys, I love their gold,
I loved my uncle, God rest his soul,
Taught me good, Lord, Taught me all I know
Taught me so well, I grabbed that gold
And I left his dead ass there by the side of the road."

The 31st of February (1965-1969)

Formed in 1965 at Florida State University by Scott Boyer (vocals, guitar), David Brown (bass) and Butch Trucks (drums), this short-lived psychedelic folk rock band released their first album, self-titled "The 31st of February" in early 1968. They initally did not receive much attention following their album release, but later that year Duane and Gregg Allman would collaborate with them after the breakup of The Hour Glass and record some demos for a second album as guests (they never officially joined the group). Due to internal strife among the bandmates, the group did not survive past the year 1969 and their new recordings were not released until 1972 as the album "Duane and Gregg Allman", after Duane's death in 1971.

Trucks would, of course, go on to join The Allman Brothers Band as their drummer. Boyer later formed the band Cowboy, and Brown became a studio bassist and also a member of Boz Scaggs' band and Santana. Later he would join Cowboy and also Norton Buffalo and the Knockouts.
Here is their cover of "Morning Dew", the post-apocalyptic folk song written by Bonnie Dobson. This is, personally, my favorite version of this song currently in existence.

The 31st of February: Morning Dew

 

The 31st of February: Well I Know Too Well

The 31st of February: God Rest His Soul

(written by Gregg Allman for Martin Luther King Jr.)