As ever, in no order, at least that I can discern:
Buy from Not Lame Recording Co.
Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin’ Team - Terry Anderson and the Olympic Ass Kickin’ Team
Drunkin' Rockpile. Songs about drinking, driving, drinking and driving and (did I mention) drinking. Delivered with delightful abandon.
Buy new or used through Amazon
Kronos Quarter and Asha Bhosle - You’ve Stolen My Heart – Songs from RD Burman’s Bollywood
The name says it all. A collaboration between the eclectic quartet and the pioneering composer and singer of Indian movie music. Tough to describe but a joy to listen to.
Buy new or used through Amazon
Bettye LaVette - I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise
Another of those lost singers of the 60’s and beyond, although I admit to never having heard of her before. Truly soulful takes on some not so soulful songs. By the way, I then went out and bought a comp of her 60’s stuff – not so hot.
Buy new or used through Amazon
Lowe Profile - A Tribute to Nick Lowe
A most worthy tribute album, deserving of its two disc length. Nary a real clunker.
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Petra Haden - Sings the Who Sell Out
Made the poop list from first listen. Inspired fun.
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Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane - at Carnegie Hall
Accessible, lively - even for a person (like me) who would rarely listen to either
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Sinead O’Connor - Throw Down Your Arms
The skeptic in me feared to listen to this. But: Great song selection, great singing and incomparable backing by Sly and Robbie et al
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Pogueish duo:
Zydepunks … and the streets will flow with whiskey
Gogol Bordello - Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike
New Orleans and Rumania. No connection other that a rather anarchic fun side
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Paul Kelly and the Stormwater Boys - Foggy Highway
Australian country from an ace songwriter of years past.
Go to the YBB's annoying flash site
Buy from CD Baby
From that hotbed of brass bands, Madison Wisconsin:
Youngblood Brass Band - Live. Places
Mama Digdown’s Brass Band - The Digdown Decade
Buy new or used through Amazon
John Zorn and Rashanim - Masada Rock
Jewish surf music
Some Notable reissues:
Jesse Winchester - Live at the Bijou Café, Philadelphia May 26, 1977 (probably because I think I was at the show.
V.A. - Good for What Ails You Music of the Medicine Shows 1926-1937
James Burton and Ralph Mooney - Corn Pickin’ and Slick Slidin’
Sam Cooke - Night Beat - must be among the sweetest singing ever recorded
Several Johnny Adams discs (posthumously heard):
Reconsider Me
I Won’t Cry
The Immortal Soul of