cubikmusik

stone fox

please join me in celebrating the one and only Mr. James Brown's birthday today. Born in 1933 he became the undisputed godfather of soul with a ream of classics while also attaining legendary status as a black leader during troubled times in the USA. 

this track is an instrumental from 1967 called Stone Fox when James Brown played with the Famous Flames. What a tune. 

Download Stone fox

it's a beautiful day

 

 

a great night last night over at my best friend's house for dinner. arrived early so we could see the kids. such fun to hang out with them and have a laugh. everyone else arrived then with another couple coming along that we weren't expecting. kids off to bed after staying up a bit late. we went from dinner with 5 of my fave people in the world to 7 of my fave people in the world. been hanging out with these people for 20 years now and it just gets better. ace! 

my mate is a great cook so we knew it was gonna be good. fried calimari for starters and a rib of beef (italianfoodies recipe). followed by meringue (made by the 5 year old) with cream and blueberries and then coffee and cheeses with crackers. all that accompanied by great wine, laughter, stories and reminiscing. 

new project for me: gather stories from all my friends from over the years, combine with photos and make a book for each of us. someday we'll all be getting old and still hanging out but maybe not able to remember all this. makes me sad but makes me happy to know how lucky i am to have these friends for most of my lifetime.

As I type this on twitter I see the following from @Kormega : "Seeing the sun rising in a clear blue sky once again is a very uplifting experience. These are the things we live for, not iPhones & XBoxes." The same can be said for friends. 

its a sunny day and i'm hungover and awake too early. my girlfriend is fast asleep downstairs resting with my soon to be born daughter. i'm a lucky man and the song that came into my head this morning was this. i'm reading Mark Oliver Everett's book 'Things the Grandchildren Should Know' right now and its a great read. the guy has had an astonishing life, tragic in so many ways but with an amazing outlook on everything. He has managed to capture it all in the same way that he captures life around him in his songs.

so yeh, goddamn right it's a beautiful day. live it.

Download 15 Mr. E's Beautiful Blues (Untitled)

also check 'fresh feeling' off 'souljacker'.

buy: daisies of the galaxy, Things the Grandchildren Should Know

all women are bad

so i guess lux interior from the cramps died yesterday. have to admit that hadn't paid a massive amount of attention to the cramps over the years except back when i was about 16-17 and was at a house party when someone put on 'stay sick' and we all went ballistic to be honest. so, after that, managed to fit in a few songs every once in a while.
you just have to admire the raw energy that went into the performances.

not sure who sanctioned this but check out this video of the cramps playing at napa mental hospital in california. no pun intended here but this is crazy shit! love the opening lines from lux interior "somebody told me you people are crazy but i'm not so sure about that. you seem to be alright to me".

Download All women are bad

freedive

Going out to my mate Paula's who's bday it was yesterday (sorry for being a day late P.).
Always one who appreciates new music and moreso now that she is driving. Happy bday P.
This song is one that is just perfect driving music to me. With heavy, solid beats, sweeping melodies and lyrics to make you look around in wonder this is from 2000 but delivers timeless sounds.
The album is Ape Sounds, the work of Nigo (Bathing Ape fame) along with some heavy musical hitters.

From Amazon's editorial review (Tony Marcus):
"Ape Sounds is the debut LP from Japan's Nigo, best known for his clothing label Bathing Ape--a cult product dripping with Planet of the Apes motifs and celebrated status as a hyper-cool brand. Not a regular musician, Nigo performs an art director's role (although he also plays drums) on the album--guiding a creative team of (James) Lavelle, DJ Kudo, Money Mark (ed note: featured on cubikmusik here) , Ben Lee, Cornelius, and Takagi Ken (Major Force). The result is (at times) a self-consciously cool mix of punk, trip-hop and knowing adult pop. Some of it's fun--"Kung Fu Fighting" combines laconic Japanese rap with a neatly orchestrated remake of a Bruce Lee soundtrack. Ben Lee's contribution, "Free Diving," is breathlessly fantastic--a wry and urbane vocal walking smoothly over an explosive, pop-rock thrashout. Also good is "The Very Urgent Dub," in which Money Mark brings sass to a Pablo and Maurizio-referencing stoner anthem. Some cuts feel vague but whatever Nigo lacks in expression he more than compensates for with style."

Download 06_freediving.mp3

Buy: Amazon (US), (UK), iTunes

Put Blood In The Music

Much thanks to Doug from AustinSound who took me to the Sonic Youth/ Meat Puppets show in Stubbs last night. What a top show. I had never heard of Meat Puppet and was highly impressed with their show. They seriously rocked the place out and they have one of the most animated bass players I've ever seen.

Then came Sonic Youth. Wow! Still laying it down like it was all new. I can't believe these guys are rockin' it still with such energy and passion. I have got to say this also (and I think I may have declared this before), there is nothing in this world as sexy as a woman playing bass! Kim Gordon, Kim Deal and the bass player with the Strange Attractors here in Austin are my top three.

This is an outtake of Dirty Boots off Goo recorded in 1990.
Download 7_dirty_boots.mp3

Get more Sonic Youth outtakes, etc. here.

Check out the free stuff also- DIY T-Shirts,
Buy Goo or other albums.

And while we are on about Sonic Youth. My mate Dave Donohue (who used to write for CubikMusik back when we were an email newsletter) has been involved with Sonic Youth in various ways over the years but his main association is with the amazing documentary, Put Blood in The Music, from the late 80's talking to various artists about the New York music scene. Dave is a great guy who is super talented with his music, his writing, documentary work and involvement in film. Thanks for sharing all this Dave.

Check out some clips here.

Pound of Rock

Warning: Highly Addictive tune!

Ruffy and Tuffy bring it on with this funk-rock sound  with a heavy 4/4 beat, serious bass playing and features some of the best spoken word on a tune ever.
This is released on the amazing label Smash Hit Music Co. that is based in San Francisco. Smash Hit Music Co. is also home to Chicken Lips, !!! and some other great artists.

Enjoy!
Download 01_the_pound_of_rock.mp3

Buy The Pound of Rock EP ClickGroove (UK) iTunes (USA)

UPDATE: Ruffy and Tuffy are now called '40 Thieves'- check out theirspace and their mix page.

Who Stole The Booty?

Who stole the booty indeed! A cracking bluesy tune, from the album 'Drew Missisippi'. Brought to you by the great Boo Boo Davis on the Black & Tan label from the Netherlands.
The blues with a big beat that will have your head bopping like you were hip-hopping away.
Nice one sir-a great testament to your musical tastes and talents. 

Artist: Boo Boo Davis
Tune: Who Stole The Booty?
Album: Drew Missisippi
Download 03_who_stole_the_booty.mp3
Buy tune here
Buy albums here
For those of you into live shows check out Boo Boo Davis as he comes to your town (check out all those European shows).

Now I may be like many others having being introduced to the blues (in a roundabout way) by Moby from his 'Play' album (V2) that seemed to be just about everywhere when it was released (mainly due to the fact that all 18 of its tracks were licensed for TV spots, advertising and films). The other unique aspect of the album was that it mixed electronica and the blues. Not in a cheesy way but in a way that was respectful to the blues style ( I hope I don't invite the wrath of hardcore blues fans by saying that, it is just my humble opinion). Why do I like the blues? I think becasue it has a drive to the sound that just displays energy and emotion in a way that other genres fail to do. Every note is emotive and raw. The blues isn't all about having the blues at all..its about the feeling of being alive and the good and bad that goes along with that.

So, way back when 'Play' was released I was inspired to go a digging for some more blues and along came a great compilation called 'Natural Blues' which happened to include some of the songs sampled on 'Play'.
Here is one of those tracks, Vera Hall singing 'Trouble So Hard' along with Moby's 'Natural Blues' that sampled it. The sleeve notes from Natural Blues, for this Vera Hall track tell a lot about how music was produced and recorded back then with little or no recording studios and people who would travel around finding unique songs and record them in any way they can. Trouble So Hard was 'Recorded in a field by A&J Lomax'.

Artist: Vera Hall
Tune: Trouble So Hard
Compilation:Natural Blues (buy)
Download 02_trouble_so_hard.mp3

Artist: Moby
Tune: Natural Blues
Album: Play (buy)
Download natural_blues.mp3

So, hopefully for those of you that havn't heard the blues by now will find some pleasure in listening to these songs.

Cheers,
Cubik

Happy B'day Capn'

On this day in 1941 Mr. Don Glen Vilet was born in Glendale, California. Otherwise know as Captain Beefheart, who performed along with the Magic Band throughout the years between the mid-1960's and the 1980's.
This post goes out to Captain Beefheart on his birthday; I hope that he enjoys it very much. I also want to dedicate the post to the one and only John Peel as it is through him I really discovered the joy of Captain Beefheart (and only very recently I might add). John Peel was a friend of Captain Beefheart and did much to help him with his career way back when.
JC gave me Peel's autobiography, 'Margrave of the Marshes ', for Christmas and it is just a top read. What a guy. Funny and full of passion for all kinds of music and a deep filled desire to bring new music to people. I remember listening to John Peel's show years ago and I was always enthralled by the sounds and the words from this somewhat strange man. :-)

So-two pieces of music from Captain Beefheart.
The first is a gem that I just found. It is in fact a live recording of 'Sure Nuff' from the 24th January 1968 @ Maida Vale, BBC  Studio 4 for John Peel's Top Gear show.
Download 01-04-sure-nuff.mp3

Second is 'Her Eyes Are a Blue Million Miles'. (Thanks FeedMeGoodTunes).
All I can say is that tune just bowls me over with its simple melody and passionate words strained with doubt.
Download her_eyes_are_a_blue_million_miles.mp3

From a tribute to John Peel comes this quote by John 'Drumbo' French from Captain Beefheart's Magic Band:
"When we came to London he was very hospitable. He brought a big bag of cereal to our hotel and told us we should eat it every day to stay healthy. He came with us to the venue and we had trouble getting through the crowds and asked him what the big event was? He said, 'They're here to see you.' We didn't even realise that he had made us a big name in the UK from his pirate radio station."

 

 

Thanks Captain.
Thanks John (you are dearly missed by many).

Cheers,
Cubik 

Have a Rockin' Christmas

Artist: Basement 5
Tune: Last White Christmas
Album: 1965-1980/ In Dub

So every now and again i deviate somewhat from my digital beatboy tendencies and get all shook up by a  rockin' tune.
This is one of those. I heard it this evening on the radio show, Things That Go Rock over on KOOP, a community radio station here in Austin (one of the great things about living here).

This is as close to a Christmas tune that I will ever post.
Produced by Martin Hannett (prodcuer extrodinaire and co-founder of Factory Records).
From Wikipedia, here is the lowdown on Basement 5:
"Basement 5 was a reggae band from London influenced by punk founded in 1978. Its vocalist was Winston Fergus then Don Letts and in 1979 Dennis Morris, a photographer. The drums were finally played by Richard Dudanski who had played in Public Image Ltd. before. The songs reflected the situation of young people in Great Britain in the era of Margaret Thatcher: youth unemployment, strikes, racism, and the poverty of the working class. The band split up in 1980."
Check out more about them at theirspace.

This tune is so tightly produced with a massive driving bassline that is very Motorhead. I have tried to find the lyrics as they sound great, I just can't fully understand them! Am I getting old? ;-)

Download lastchristmas.mp3

So folks- a very Merry Christmas to everyone who enjoys the fruits of CubikMusik. Have a great time doing whatever it is that you do.
I am off home to Ireland tomorrow and the next post will be live and direct from the collection of JC who has been mentioned on CubikMusik just once or twice as a great musical influcence on me. We will be converting  lots of vinyl to mp3 (with this wonderful turntable) so expect some choice tunes to be coming your way.

Cheers,
Cubik

Under The Influence with...Taylormade Sounds

So folks-after last weeks Future Funk Squad post we deliver to you...round two of the 'Under The Influence' series and this time around we are joining Taylormade Sounds. Last week we posted Digisoul here on CubikMusik and it proved to be very popular so for all of you that enjoyed it, and those that get to enjoy it again here today, check out some of Taylor's tunes that have influenced the excellent sounds that are created in the Hotbox Studio.

************************************************************************************************************************

Under the Influence with....Taylormade sounds.

In no particular order:

1. Ennio Morricone- there are many songs i like from this composer but here are the best- the opening theme to "The Untouchables", theme to "Violent City" theme to "Sicilian Clan" "The Ballad of hank McCain" "Ecstasy of Gold"
Download 01_il_clan_dei_siciliani_instrumentale.mp3

2. Jimi Hendrix- i love all his work but stand out songs include:  Axis Bold As Love, One Rainy Wish, May this be Love, Machine Gun
Download 03_may_this_be_love.mp3

3. The Rza- i like all his production but Raekwon's "Only Built For Cuban Links" and GZA's "Liquid Swords" are stand out albums.
Download 05_i_gotcha_back___b.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth).mp3

4. Led Zeppelin- too many good songs to pick just one but "Battle of Evermore" "Kashmir" "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You"
Download babe_im_gonna_leave_you.mp3

5. System Of A Down- Toxicity, Violent Pornography, Revenga, Deer Dance.
Download 04_toxicity.mp3

6. TV On The Radio- feeling all their stuff pretty much but check "I Was A Lover" "Hours" "A Method" "Staring At The Sun"
Download 01_staring_at_the_sun.mp3

7.  Hip Hop- BDP, Rakim, Tribe Called Quest, Wu Tang, De La Soul, OutKast, MOP.
Download 02_paid_in_full_seven_minutes_of_music_the_coldcut_remix.mp3

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And now-hear Taylormade Sound's Digisoul......influenced by some, or all, of the sounds above.
Download 03_digisoul.mp3

I wanna thank Taylormade Sounds  and Future Funk Squad for sharing their influences with us. It is great to get this insight into what they listen to when not producing.
If you are a producer/artist/band/label and want to share your influences please email me at [email protected].

Cheers,
Cubik

Blue Honey

Artist: Pop Levi
Tune: Blue Honey

Fresh from Ninja Tune's new(ish) deal, Counter Records, comes Pop Levi with his rockin' out tune 'Blue Honey'. Hailing from Liverpool (up the Kop!) Pop Levi delivers a sound that reminds me of Primal Scream's 'Boogie Disease' , Simple Kid's 'Drugs' and Eagles of Death Metal's 'Cherry Cola'.
But better than them all!

Here is Ninja Tune's take on Counter Records and the influence Pop Levi had on it being established.
For 16 years we've held steadfast to our label mission of bringing the finest in electronic / hip-hop / jazz / etc.. to the homes and clubs. We've seen the cycle of trends turn over four or five times in all the different territories we deal with. We've been hip, then not-hip, then hip again many times over depending on what the cannon of press and popular underground opinion happens to be clocking at that moment. And all the while we really didn't give a shit what people were thinking/buying and just kept putting out what we believed to be excellent in our field.

So although all of us here love all kinds of music from pop to the rock to r&b to hardcore and we've had plenty of good demos and opportunities to broaden our sound over the years we just never felt like we needed to make that jump.

And then we heard Pop Levi...

Download Pop_Levi-Blue_Honey.mp3

For tour dates in USA (and Canada) see here.
No Austin gig listed. Boooooo!

Cheers
Cubik

Demon Child

I was out with my good buddy Chad last night. We went to one of my favourite bars, The Mean Eyed Cat for some cold beers to take the edge off the Texas heat. While there we listended to  Ray Cashman. I really enjoyed listening to his 'low down, foot stomping, ass shaking blues'.
Nice one Ray.

Then I remembered Primal Scream's tune, Boogie Disease, that definitely could be descibed in the same way as Ray's music. Off their Riot City Blues album this tune is for those of you who like whiskey music and/or driving across the dry, hot desert. Not at the same time though.
I had the pleasure of meeting some Primal Scream about 7 years ago in Dublin and had a laugh.
Also got to see them play in San Diego with Chris Tugboat who wrote for CubikMusik back when we started as an email newsletter (we miss you Chris).
A rockin' show.

Enjoy.
Download 07_boogie_disease.mp3

Cheers,
Cubik

Cherry Cola

Any regular CubikMusik readers out there might have noticed that I generally stick to electronic music when making recommendations. In general that is the music that moves me most.
In all honesty though it has been a month or two since I've been moved by any music..until I heard the 'Eagles of Death Metal' on NPR last week. Don't let the name deceive you.
Well, don't let it fully deceive you. :-)

With a rocking rhythm and some classic lyrics coming at you in a sonic assault you will either run away screaming or stick your head in the speaker!
Described in a review on Amazon as 'stripper boogie rock' this is 'essential summertime bbq muzak'.
Nice.

"Got some needs yeah, I need to shake it
And I razamataz you honey, if you want me to
I can be your daddy, be your rock n' rolla'
You can be my sugar, be my cherry cola
Got some needs yeah, I need to skake it."

You've got me as a fan Eagles.

Cheers,
Cubik

 

Download 03_cherry_cola.mp3

 

Daft Punk is playing where?

Artist: LCD Soundsystem
Tune: Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
Album: LCD Soundsystem, DFA/Capitol (2005)

For my money, this was the album of the year. This is the opening
track, and it comes on like some latter-day Talking Heads tune crossed
with Mark E Smith stylings. Their post-punk take on dance was a breath
of fresh air to this ageing cheesy quaver.
Download daft_punk_is_playing_at_my_house.mp3

Recommended by Foges in NY NY.

Softly

Artist: Soft
Tune: Higher
Album: New Soft

I have been away for a while and I apologise (if anyone missed me). My computer sucks and won't play sounds so music has been hard to get to as such.
Anyho!
I got this in my email today from Johhny in Soft and,  I chucked it onto my iPod and turned it up. As y'all have probably noticed I listen to mainly electronic based music but this is an exception.
Begining with a sonic intro the tune kicks off into a heavy guitar riff that is really catchy. I guess I would describe it as stadium rock for 2005! (Hope that is taken as a compliment guys). This band are tight with a great ear for melody and songwriting.
Download 02_higher.mp3
I am going out on a limb here by likening them to Mankato Download 11_wasted.mp3 (ex-label mates of Simple Kid) and The Thrills (http://www.thethrills.com/newsite_2004/).

Enjoy, visit the site and check them out if they come your way.
BTW-I have asked Johnny to let me know where they hail from so hopefully he'll leave a comment with that info. :-)

Cheers

A Hypnotized Big City

Artist: Spaceman 3
Tune 1: Big City
Tune 2: Revolution

Following up on the My Bloody Valentine tune I decided to also add two tracks that are in heavy rotation in my car when I am driving (by myself so I can listen to the music FULL blast).

Big City is the first one that I wanna recommend. I got this last year after a visit from JC (yes, it's JC again). This song just sucks you and and sweeps you along in yet another sonic assault...this being slightly more melodic and 'floaty'.  You can tell why a lot of us kids went from this kind of music in dance music as it is full of steady beats and lots of build-ups, etc. that just get you al tingly. Well, it gets me all tingly...I'm not sure about you. :-)
Download 01_big_city.mp3

Video on YouTube

 

The next track is Revolution. I want to call out to anyone who reads this to please see if you can find me an online source for the video for this track. I used to watch some late might alternative music video show in Ireland and this was played a lot and I loved it-great video.
Anyho-this is THE revolution song, forget Gil Scott Heron and all that TV stuff. ;-)
I tried to get the lyrics but I couldn't find them. You'll get it when you listen to it. This just makes you wanna go straight to a mosh pit (or riot) and freak out. Once the intro kicks off the mean bassline jumps in with a heavy guitar riff that just bombards you.
Download 05_revolution.mp3

Video on YouTube

When you sleep.

Artist: My Bloody Valentine
Tune: When You Sleep
Album: Loveless

This track is 13 years old now-WOW. I guess I got turned onto My Bloody Valentine when I was about 17 and managed to get distracted from them after a short time. In the past year I have revitalized my interest in them again with this song leading the way.
A sonic assault with amzing melodic taste- this is really just a simple love song. :-)
Here are the lyrics (courtesy of http://www.purelyrics.com):

When I look at you
Oh, I dont know what's (true)
Once in a while
And you make me laugh

And I'll see (you) tomorrow
And it won't be long
Once in a while
Then you take me down
Then you walk (away)

When you say 'I do'
Oh, I don't (believe) you
I can't forget it
__ ___

When you sleep tomorrow
And it won't be long
Once in a while
When you make me smile

Download 05_when_you_sleep.mp3

Do the kids care for drugs?

Artist: Simple Kid
Tune 1: Kids Don't Care
Tune 2: Drugs
Album: Simple Kid

This guy is gas. Heard him the first time around Febuary 04 when JC visited from Ireland (please see the quote from one of JC's emails below in reference to Simple Kid).
The whole album was recorded in his bedroom in Cork but you'd never know it. The whole album is a productional feat with amazingly layered melodies filled with clever ass lyrics. Covering many genres and styles Simple Kid hits the mark with many music fans.
It's a pity that his label went belly up after this album as he never got a good push. I am hoping to see him live here in the USofA someday. I would love to bring him to do a show in Austin. Any takers?

From JC:
"Went to see Simple Kid last night - the guy is either the Bob Dylan of the 21st century or a total chancer. Just not sure yet. Did a country version of the album followed by karaoke - even mixed one of his tracks with paranoid by black sabbath. Very funny and multi-talented for one so young. "

'Kids Don't Care' is a slightly mellower tune that reminds me of T-Rex (bear in mind that I own one T-Rex song so I don't have a lot to work off!).
Download 09_kids_dont_care.mp3

'Drugs' on the other hand is a different kind of song. One that would, I imagine, give you an idea of what it may  be like sometimes whilst on drugs! :-)
A short but sweet intro of effects and guitar lead into a kick drum that gets us rolling nicely into the tune that just drives us along.

Download 06_drugs.mp3

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