To Pea or not to Pea

I have to say that I hadn't really listened to The Black Eyed Peas runaway hit "My Humps" until last night at a friends birthday party. I couldn't believe that something so aweful was ever recorded let alone recorded to become such a hit song. The fact that I can't stand the group makes it that much more excrutiating to endure. How that poor man's Fugees ever made it this far is astounding. It's a disgrace.

On a whole different pea note, my sister sent me this picture of my niece Paige in her pea gear this past Halloween. She's got kind of a blank expression on her face. They must be playing "My Humps" in the background.

New York State of Mind

This should have happened a LOOOONG time ago but it's here. Nas and DJ Premier have come together to do a full length album. There were rumors spreading a couple of years back of a Jay-Z/ Premier collabo album but it never came to be. Premier didn't even contribute to The Black Album. Seriously, DJ Quik over DJ Premier?
Anyway, after unconfirmed speculation, Scratch Magazine did a feature on both MC and producer and it looks like the veterans will work together exclusively for Nas' next album (which he says will not be released on Columbia records, Nas' home label for the last 10+ years.)

Soulful Sam

Les Paul feat. Sam Cooke: Somebody Ease My Troubling Mind

Sam Cooke displays his usual charm on this song. Taken from the album Les Paul & Friends: American Made World Played. It's a song only Sam can make sound so unbelievably soulful and meloncholy.

Turkey Day Notes

Some tunes I've been tasking to this Thanksgiving Holiday.

Grant Green: Down Here On The Ground
-For those in the know, you'll recognize the songs intro from ACTQ's "Vibes n Stuff" from Low End Theory. It's hard to choose a favorite Grant Green song but this is the one today. The song was originally recorded by Wes Montgomery but Green's version is far superior. Idris Muhummad's on the drums and it, coupled with Green's melodic play, makes the track a favorite of mine. From his terrific album Alive! on Blue Note.

Juelz Santana: Mic Check
-This track's been on rotation for a while already but I can't keep it off my playlist. I checked for this song on Itunes a while back and that version was a little generic compared to the original featured on his album What The Game's Been Missing! The version on his single's got a weak horn break substituting the originals more anthemic sample. Maybe it took a while for the sample to clear. Regardless, an awesome track. Juelz Santana over these drums is heat for the winter.

Fall Like Autumn Leaves

Fall is upon us. The days are getting shorter and cooler and, I don't know, maybe it's the night air that's got me thinking of something comfortable and cozy. I've been leaning on a couple of songs with falls approach, both by Neil Young. I haven't listened to his latest album Prairie Wind yet but these are two outstanding acoustic live songs from Young that come to mind when I think of his music.
"Harvest Moon"- from Neil Young Unplugged
"Cowgirl In The Sand"- from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young- 4-Way Street

"Harvest Moon" is probably my favortite Neil Young song and this live version from his Unplugged session from MTV is outstanding . I've always liked his acoustic performances. Not because I'm a fanatic for acoustic performances in general, but Neil Young's sets have always been very humble and listenable, not overplayed. This is one of those songs when you turn it on, you just want to jump into it. Great melody and lyrics.

"Cowgirl In The Sand" is from CSNY's live album 4-Way Street. This version of Neil Young's live acoustic performance is a close second to "Harvest Moon" and it's good to hear both songs side to side. Like "Harvest Moon", it's a song that's really driven by the melody and the intimate feel of an acoustic set. Truth be told, I'm not a huge fan of Young's whiney howl of a vocal delivery, but hey, it's Neil Young. Very cool listening nonetheless.

The Mecca Don

I was beginning to wonder when C.L. Smooth was going to put something out. There used to be a rumor of a PR and CL reunion but we're still waiting.

Anyway, now recently signed on to Shaman Work, C.L. finally released a 12" in prelude to an EP set to drop soon.

"Warm Outside"/ "I Can't Help It"- (Shaman Work-2005)

It's unusual listening to C.L. outside of the Pete Rock sound but these two cuts sound pretty damn good. C.L. still has his sharp and distinguished flow and sounds fresher than ever. "Warm Outside" would do better with some Premier-like cuts strewn in rather than the aweful r&b hook. Otherwise, C.L.'s verses are air tight. More enjoyable though is the B-Side's "I Can't Help It". It doesn't live up to PR's legendary use of horns but this track measures up pretty well. The driving horns and bass line are superior and C.L. smothers it with his.

Smooth Bonus:

"Magic Hour" feat. C.L. Smooth from AZ's A.W.O.L.

This is a hidden track from AZ's latest album. Don't really know why it didn't take the place of some of the weaker cuts on from A.W.O.L.'s final track listing but I suppose it's better than not being included at all. I could have sworn Premier did the track but up and comer Mike Lowe cooked this one up. It's cut-and-pasted-up like Primo's "A Million & One Questions", without the piano sprinkles. I like AZ on this one but C.L. absolutely kills it, makes it sound so easy...

A Wu-Tang Summer

I had a little time to kill so I put together a Wu-Tang summer catalog. Throw these burners on at the BBQ.

1. The Sun (White Label 12"): Ghostface feat. Raekwon, Slick Rick & RZA
2. Love Is The Message (Yin & The Yang): Cappadonna feat. Raekwon
3. The Afterparty (Tical: The Prequel): Methon Man feat. Ghostface
4. Save Me Dear (The Pretty Toney Album): Ghostface
5. Rock Steady (Tony Touch: The Piecemaker 2): Raekwon feat. U-God & Method Man
6. Nutmeg (Supreme Clientele): Ghostface feat. RZA
7. Heart To Heart (Immobilarity): Raekwon
8. Child's Play (Supreme Clientele): Ghostface
9. Whatever (No Said Date): Masta Killa feat. Streetlife & Prodigal Sun
10. '97 Mentality (Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm): Cappadonna feat. Ghostface
11. Criminology (Only Built For Cuban Linx): Raekwon feat. Ghostface
12. Can It Be All So Simple (Enter The 36 Chambers): Wu-Tang Clan

I didn't intentionally include so many tracks with Ghostface but all he does is find superb tracks to jump into...Stapleton Project's finest.

Summer Breezes

So far, a pleasant summer. Here's why. (the old and new)

1. 1 Thing: Amerie
2. Real People: Common
3. Starvation: Little Brother
4. Dear Summer: Jay-Z
5. Feel Like Makin' Love: Bob James
6. Feel Like Makin' Love: D'angelo
7. Enjoy The Ride: Busta Rhymes
8. Flight Time: Donald Byrd
9. Peaceful Easy Feeling: The Eagles
10. Rashi (Outro): Mark Ronson

This 1 Remix

O.k. I didn't think Amerie's "1 Thing" could be topped but Siik's sublime remix of this already incredible cut stamps a whole new vibe on it. It takes the frenetic energy of the original and completely strips it down to a more soulful groove. I'm lovin' this one.

Amerie

I've almost cured my laziness enough to mention my favorite track so far this year. Amerie's 1 Thing from the Hitch soundtrack is amazing. The drum frenzy and guitar stabs are ridiculous. Rich Harrison doesn't miss on this fantastic production.

The New Year

My niece Cristen on new year's day. I asked her to throw me a smile for the new year and she gave me one for the ages.