MOG - Oatmeal's Posts

Birthday Fun

Oatmeal — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:39:48 GMT

I am 31 years young today. Here is a fun track from my perrenial favorite Daedelus, in celebration.

Doing The Afreak/Afric Thang In A Technology Style

Oatmeal — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:14:16 GMT

Makossa and Megablast have been releasing a bunch of very interesting tracks over the last 4-5 years that exist in a danceable modern dub space (an obvious extension of their label boss Peter Kruder's style and the Austrian scene in general). I don't know if either of them is African but the style and the french/patois certainly suggest the African continent. M&M's work can also easily fit into a general world beat, tech-house and broken beat rubrics too.

I don't know what else to say about it. These guys love your mom in an exotic way...

A Call For Harmonica Songs

Oatmeal — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:34:52 GMT

I have always wanted to play a musical instrument but never put the time in. That may be a slight factor in my love for sequenced computer music, the programming relieves my more classical inadequacies.

I received a harmonica as a gift recently and am really excited to learn, although it will probably have to wait until law school is done. I have had several people offer me lessons, so the forecast looks good.

What I want from you is your best harmonica based tracks. I will start it off with Led Zep.

LIVE YOUTH IS BETTER: the piggybacker

Oatmeal — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 23:31:55 GMT

Piggybacking Deadmandeadman's recent spat of Sonic Youth live posts with this one off the Dirty Boots maxi single that featured a bunch of live tracks. Noticeably it is a pretty good recording compared to other SY live/bootlegs that I have heard. I wonder if at this time when grunge was blowing up and Geffen was falling all over the "godfathers of grunge" if some type of live album was not in the mix for a minute or two? Pure speculation. Enjoy...

Funky Friday Scenario: "Brother" Jack McDuff

Oatmeal — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 03:35:37 GMT

I heard this track tonight on WWOZ and it lit up my evening. Everything about this is fantastic, the funk, the slightly odd vocal and most of all the fact that I had never heard it before! If anyone wants to vouch for Jack McDuff and tell me where to find more of this, please chime in.

Late and Lo for HHT

Oatmeal — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:32:31 GMT

Nothing flashy here, Rhodes sample (I think) and a beat - a little schtick from Camp Lo from several years back. Not too many people paid much attention to these fellas, but I found their style ridiculously fun and clever.

Frank Black Tonic

Oatmeal — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:24:43 GMT

All this taking myself seriously got me a headache. I will take two and call you in the morning.

Another Late Night Mixwit Journey

Oatmeal — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 05:38:10 GMT

There are a few Flying Lotus related productions on here so he received top billing, but there is a M.I.A. remix by Ad-Rock, some Fat Jon, Bonobo, Recloose, Burnt Friedman, and much more in a general bit of electronic hip hop german tech stew. Serve hot ... and late.

Remix Diaspora: Domu on Rodney Jones

Oatmeal — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:22:28 GMT

I admit that I am a singular torch bearer for Domu's output here on Mog. If you have been reading my posts you are aware of Mr. Stanton. I have no investment other than a love of the breaks and sub-cabinet rattling fun.

This one does not feature Rodney's guitar licks, concentrating on some modulated melodies and a very funky bunch of break beat sequencing. OOOOOOOh if does not get a smile then you are incorrigible on this Saturday.

This track appeared on the all too common remix compilation from an old, in this case Dutch, jazz label. Dopeness Galore procured this bunch of tunes from the Timeless catalog - the afore mentioned Dutch label that specialized in jazz. I can't vouch for the whole set. Those types of releases tend to be uneven, and usually disappointing for people familiar with the source material. But this result speaks for itself.

Good review here.

Atlas Sound, I do listen to new music on occasion

Oatmeal — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:30:09 GMT

I have been impressed with the noisey instrumentation but soft production. Nothing spectacular, but there is a very intimate tension on the album that really appeals to me. The lyrics are accessible and adequately conflicted. It scores well.

I am really more of a shoe glancer myself, but I think this may be full on gazey. Though I don't really know the elementals of the genre.

Funkiness Headed For Houston

Oatmeal — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:17:59 GMT

Here is some funkiness to put some giddyup in your evacuation. Get out now before Ike gets nasty!

Bob James and some polished funkiness

Oatmeal — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:13:29 GMT

The clock has struck midnight so I can unleash funkiness. One of my all time favorite samples used by RUN DMC in Peter Piper originated in this toast to New Orleans.

It is still HHT I think, how about some DJ Spooky with Organized Konfusion

Oatmeal — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:03:41 GMT

Nothing to say here, just listen to the track featuring Pharoah and Prince Poetry.

Bob Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs

Oatmeal — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 03:03:10 GMT

Well, at least that was my opinion for a long time. When I was younger I was a big generationalist (think in simile to racist). I went through a short phase of classic rock, and never grew out of the Led Zep and Hendrix totally, but I had some real hostility toward the Dead and Dylan, and many of the like. I gave away all my Pink Floyd, Cream, and more when I realized that these old people did not think hip hop was music. I was outraged. And I still believe that older generations have yet to grasp what is facing Gen x-ers and the younger. But I have softened my ways. My wife loves Dylan, and I can listen in short spurts. But musicaly I remain a bit more militant. Everything becomes part of the status quo I guess. But seriously, the hippies need to come back forward and show a little mentoring for the current state of the world. That is if it meant anything.

Anyone Got A Killer John Lee Hooker Song That They Need To Share?

Oatmeal — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:40:00 GMT

Here's mine. I love the rhythm and drone aspect of Hooker's distinctive blues, they put me in a trance of sorts. I just recently started listening to him and only have this one album - That's Where It's At! Suggestions are appreciated for further investment.

Do you feel that cool breeze?

Oatmeal — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:53:52 GMT

Autumn is in the air, and I for once am really digging it.

I have always been a seasonal depression threat, early fall and deep winter usually sucked me dry. August and September were always a bitter pill when I was a teen: no more summer fun, no more summer friends. The bipolar experience of summer versus fall and school left such a deep impression on me that for years after I always mourned the end of summer, even though the reality of working for a living meant there was no real transition besides loss of sunlight. Of course it was worse that i spent summer on the coast of Maine teaching sailing and then replaced that with the realities of high school and returning back to my family, that frankly at that point I would have rather not been around.

But this year there is something diffeent in the air. For one there is obviously the birth of Simone which gives a surreal sense to everything. A little baby helps me to see that everything is in its right place. But also there is just a lot to do, and I feel like it is going to get done. Optimism was never a strength of mine but watch out.

Feeling good.

Chapter: Another Heartbeat

Oatmeal — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 03:32:37 GMT

So I delivered a baby the other day. No really, I did it. Makes you wonder why we could not find a midwife who is insured to deliver at home? (premiums are too high) So we did it at a hospital. We?! You may ask. Well yeah, I am the birthing partner. We like to both feel empowered in these days of kaliuga.

So this was our second pregnancy, and the first one went much better than well - culminating in the calm birth of our first child. I now believe that a large part of that was the birthing class we took, called Hypnobirthing. I highly recommend it if there are any Moggers to be waiting in the wings. The class educates about gestation, medical approaches to birth, less invasive approaches, all the while trying to eliminate the perception of fear. So it is a combination of education, but also hypnosis and self relaxation. Holler if you are curious. Anyhow, the first birth went swimmingly.

Now we come to the heart of the story. Stacie went into labor late on Wednesday the 13th. We went to bed but we were up at 5 AM with her already in what seemed to me some major contractions. We called our hospital sitter so that Elodie (Oat baby 1) could have someone to hang with at the hospital. We were at the facility at 8:30 AM The mother's body did what it does, and labor progressed, however it was not going as smoothly as three years ago. For several moments there I was upset that we had not taken the class again, nor had we practiced the techniques on our own to a substantial degree. I could feel that Stacie was not in control and was wearing out because she had the labor in her back and legs. I had no doubt that we were not too far from her starting to give up, she was starting to become upset and we both knew that we were precariously close to having to veer far from our totally natural birth plan. As the birthing partner I certainly felt frustrated and powerless.

So our doctor runs a clinic just upstairs from the labor and delivery unit at the hospital. When she has time between regularly scheduled check ups on pregnant mothers, she stays in contact with her resident who patrols the deliver rooms. At around 1 PM Stacie was moving a long but the baby had not totally moved down, and the discomfort was definitely excruciating because during every contraction her back and legs cramped. Our doctor popped in to see what was going on and said that if she broke the water then the delivery might speed up. We had heard different things, and we were not ready to deviate from the non intervention plan yet. In hindsight this was a case when our establishment of a no pressure and hands off rapport with the doctor did not pay off, because had she more clearly explained that breaking the water after almost all the labor is complete can in many cases speed up the arrival. So we declined and Stacie went through another hour or so of labor, until it was clear that something had to give. It did not appear that the something was the water breaking.

I summoned the resident, who checked the dilation. Still not all the way and still no water break. So in the interest of not wearing out my wife and not pushing the issue so much that something drastic might happen, we told the resident to break the water. It was done in no time, and the resident then reported that she would paige our doctor because there was a good chance that the baby would be coming soon. That was an understatement.

About 11 minutes later according to hospital records, the doctor had yet to arrive. But Stacie all of a sudden in the midst of a large surge reported that she felt like the baby was coming. Suprising even myself, I calmly said, yeah I see it. There was no one in the room, so I hit the paige button and then went to catch the babe, who was crowning. Intercom: "Yes, what do you need?"

Me: "The baby is coming!"

I have no idea what they said after that. I told Stacie that I could do it and that she should just continue to push. The baby could not have come at a better time. I deliverd the baby. She (Oat baby 2) coughed once, then cried. I was so excited that I did not even look to confirm the X's and Y's and put her on her mother's chest.

Approximately 30 seconds later a nurse poked her head in and heard the crying. She yelled down the hall, "Baby is here!" And that is essentially the story. The doctor was there within a few minutes. I was ecstatic. Stacie was happily relieved. And the doc was a little nervous that I would be pissed, but no such thing. I could not have planned it much better. Of course there was no discount on the hospital bill.

I listened to this track in the car that evening as I dropped the new big sister off at home where some family was going to watch her; so that I could stay at the hospital that night.

Super_Collider is pretty odd

Oatmeal — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:32:01 GMT

In my collection there is probably no piece of electronic music that is more frustrating and then unexpectedly rewarding as Super_Collider (Jamie Lidell and Christian Vogel). This stuff is odd, but the moments of mad genius are so spectacular. They hint at the breakthrough success that Lidell would experience several years later when he dialed back the experimental techno textures and dialed in on his solo white boy soul persona.

Both the track and the video are from the 1999 release Head On. These are two of the catchier tunes from start to end, which might say something about the dischord on other tracks that is often held together only by Lidell's voice. Having said all that, this record has aged well and I like it better now than when I bought it 8-9 years ago.

Odd James Brown Cover

Oatmeal — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 05:28:57 GMT

Well I realized that I don't have a lot of oddities, at least not to level of some of you. There has been some impressive bit of grossness and absurdity. I can contribute this electronic cover of the Godfather of Soul in a SUTC style.

Ever Feel Like You Have Done This Before?

Oatmeal — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:20:29 GMT

Cycles

Life after Life

Pushing the pendulum, pulling on the cage

Let the lion in to smell the rose

Who chose whom for this birth?

Brian Auger - Inner City Under the Covers

Oatmeal — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:51:29 GMT

From his "Closer To It!" album, a fantastic cover of Marvin Gaye's Inner City Blues.

PS: This is my first ever SUTC post. Enjoy...

Mike Watt and associated punkish thoughts

Oatmeal — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:15:07 GMT

Mike's post about getting over some music and growing appreciation for previously dismissed works jarred my brain. For one, I used to like Pearl Jam. I know that is not a revelation but it really ended up being the antithesis of my tastes not too far after they debuted in 1991 or so. But still, that video of Alive with the alternate guitar solo at the end can still give me tingles - I do not fall out of love easily.

PJ seems to be a theme lately, Charley used a nice track to go with his post on a petition for a presidential debate in NOLA. You all should sign it, not that either one is likely to agree to it, with the issue of race being the 700lb. Gorilla in the room of both campaigns. You can >read my comment there, but basically the State Department has adopted the UN guiding principals on internal displacement as an aspirational guide to providing assistance to persons displaced within their own borders due to disasters. (As opposed to being an international refugee that crossed an international border). However the federal government does not recognize the right to return domestically. Can you imagine that three years after the storm people are still being reunited with loved ones? That people who rent (low incomers) have been given no meaningful assistance in returning despite many being from generations of New Orleaneans. Anyhow it was a breach of federal levees, and while the sovereign only gives you permission to sue when it suits Him (it?!), but as the people, we can demand that recovery be a right and not a discretional activity. So anyhow, this was not supposed to be a Katrina/law schooling post...

So to the musical point, I remembered a collaborative effort centered around Mike Watt from several years back. I was too young and lacked the resources to be informed about The Minutemen. In fact I am still totally ignorant about them, and there is a real lack of 'Minutemen posts here on MOG. but what I knew at the time was that there was this really rocking single with Eddie Vedder singing a bunch of very dismissive verses about the 70's in general. This was right up my alley. I think the hippie movement, if it can be called that, really lost the point pretty early on. I sometimes think someone will have to explain it to me, wait, no please don't. I am sure that it was commodified and that the true free spirits are still out there (or here on MOG).

So this album is pretty damn interesting. I have been listeneing to it a ton over the past two days. While there is a lot of self-referential cult of personality stuff going on around Watt and his bass guitar, there are some great tunes from an ensemble cast that includes mostly old california punkers, seattle grungers, the beastie boys (?), sonic youth, Nels Cline (now with Wilco) and more. Great revisit. Perhaps I have not outgrown Pearl Jam and co., I just don't like their early 90's albums. Mostly originals, but there is a cover of Tuff Gnarl with a violin freak out to go along with Thurston and Lee, and a version of Maggot Brain with J. Mascis on lead and Bernie Worrel on the B3.

So this track has Vedder on vox, Dave and Krist from Nirvana on kit and organ(?), Gary Lee Connor (Screaming Trees) on guitar, and Carla Bozulich on vox. Naturally Watt is on Bass.

Comments about the Minutemen/Watt, punk rock that I don't know about, Katrina, the problem with hippies, and all other comers will be entertained. Have a great friday!

How Can There Have Been So Many HHT's Without Me Posting The Roots

Oatmeal — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:55:52 GMT

This album is a dessert island essential, uplifting, and probably one of the greatest albums of all time.

Theme Music

Oatmeal — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:34:01 GMT

Why do I like hip hop? Well it used to be a medium of urban rebellion and the morally complicated joys of being human. I still think it serves this purpose when it is done with feeling.

But it is also intimately linked with my self identity. When I hear hip hop I hear my own theme music. It plays in my head as I walk down the street. Most times I don't need the words even, I need the beat and the ego. When I listen at home I daydream about walking on the world, empowered and vital. So here is a bit of Oatmeal theme music.

Kind of tweaky, sort of disjointed funk, this is what i will stut to today, in my imaginary world.

I Just Deleted

Oatmeal — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:42:51 GMT

...over 2500 notifications that I have not had time to read over the past 3 months. Damn it feels bad. On one hand there is only so much a person can do and so much music that you can really digest, but I am sure that I missed some fantastic insights. Keep them coming MOG, I will still be around.

About Babies and Mamas

Oatmeal — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:13:40 GMT

Many of you know that I will soon have a second child in my midst. My wife and I are due for the arrivall any week now, and we are trying to do it in the most relaxed fashion possible taking into account current medical and insurance practices. And no, we don't have a midwife this time. It seems all the midwives in New Orleans have not returned post katrina. So that was a bummer development (we had our first in a hospital but under a midwife's care).

So to my point, with my fist baby we took a class called Hypnobirthing. The premise is that you practice self hypnosis (or hypnosis by listening to you partner read scripts) so that you can become very relaxed and let your body do the work. There is also a lot of empowering language and a bit of reprogramming about all the fear that is institutionally placed in a woman's head about birth. For example, she is not sick, she is healthy. She is not ignorant of what is going on, she is incredibly intuitive about what needs to happen. And most of all that pain is a word that is wrapped up in fear, so if you build confidence and think of contractionsas surges of your muscle, combined with deep relaxation, you will not think of it as pain but pressure. Mind over matter. So skeptical or not, I think the practice was very good for my wife. She had some very real discomfort the first time, but she did wonderfully without any interventions just as she had planned.

So anyhow, part of relaxation to us is music. So what kind of music should I put on her iPod for the laboring and for relaxing background? I need suggestions. I have some Brian Eno but there has to be more than that!

Come to think of it, what kind of music would you want to be born to if you could set the scene for the beginning of your journey?

Answer either topic, it would be entertaining to me and perhaps useful.

Lee Dorsey for this Friday

Oatmeal — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:59:11 GMT

This is a favorite Lee Dorsey track. And seeing as I have been largely absent, and it seems like things have been quiet around here anyhow, I had to do my funky friday due.

This is not actually in acapella, but what a smile inducing tune from the classic Toussaint collaboration era.

How About Some Female MC'in For HHT: Bahamadia

Oatmeal — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:54:57 GMT

I need a little love for the ladies, who so often have delivered unique and landmark hip-hop recordings, but even more often are overshadowed are just plainly left out of the current state of hip-hop unless they are doing some sexy schtick.

I will start it out with under-appeciated Bahamadia. This is off an EP I picked up along the way. It features a track produced by Dilla/Slum Village to compliment Bahamadia's mellow and unique voice.

In From The Heat, Oatmeal's Late Night Madness 2

Oatmeal — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:39:45 GMT

I have been scarce lately, so busy wrapping up my internship and learning about racism and community organizing on the weekends (more to come on that). Plus the littlest addition to my family is due in the next couple of weeks, but I have missed out on a lot here at mog it seems. (Wish I would have gotten my shot together for assassins).

Last month I made a Mixwit late night madness playlist, so here is my first Muxtape, in the same general theme of interesting left-field hip hop and electronics. Listen today or listen tonight, but do listen and let me know how it mixes with a seat on the couch and some good old AC.

Listen at: My Muxtape: amiel.muxtape.com

HHT: A Souls of Mischief & 4Hero Collaboration

Oatmeal — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:40:15 GMT

Here is a previously hard to find track. I love the internet!

Dego Mcfarlane is one half of the drum and bass turned nu-jazz and broken beat group 4hero. Opio is one of the finest underground MC's and is a founding member of classic Oakland hip-hop outfit Souls of Mischief, and teh Hieroglyphics crew. As so many producers do, Dego has alter-ego's and his hip-hop one is Tek 9. Under this name Dego released a couple of albums of jazzy and east-coast inspired hip hop with a bit of techno on the edge.

This track is a true stand out and probably has as much to do with the ragga influence on much of drum and bass as well as hip-hop. Big bass and and a very nice bouncy rhyme. Starting HHT off on the good foot! Enjoy...

I Too Am A Mixwit

Oatmeal — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:44:00 GMT

Late night madness here. Electronic oddities and exotic word-play for your late night pleasure. The tracks are mis labeled in spots - so far I have only caught the second one Four Tet remixed by Sa-Ra

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Office Mogging

Oatmeal — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:06:05 GMT

I always feel guilty listening to music at work. Maybe it is because I don't listen to the "easy listening" that attribute to cubicle dwellers, and my music habits demand that I devote at least more than 10% of my subconscious to what is playing. Am I alone in this feeling?

So many people treat music as an ambient environmental tool, which is what I do too, but on top of that I have a hard time allowing myself to listen. I feel that on some level I am goofing off. I wonder if it really helps me or if I am being less productive when I have interesting music in the background.

What are your "at work" habits?

Day Late and a Dollar Short

Oatmeal — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:07:16 GMT

But despite all that I am going on vacation with the family. We drive out as soon as I pick up my daughter from nursery school. We have discovered that the older the child gets the higher the necessity for movies, especially with 7 hours today to Atlanta and another 7 tomorrow. So Totoro will be keeping us company on the laptop.

I meant to post this plodding remix of the improvisational hip-hop and jazz act named Is What!? last night for HHT but too crazy on this end. The remix is by DJ Spooky who I bet many of you are familiar with. It was a bonus track on their album 'You Figure It Out...' and also appeared on Spooky's 'Optometry' project.

A mind closed up is like a parachute, useless.

Have a great week everyone, I will be by the beach in North Cackalack.

No Wave Latin Arp

Oatmeal — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:37:11 GMT

Konk, thanks to Dzend's generosity, is funking me up today.

I just had to throw something up seeing as I am mogger of the week but I just moved and have been slammed at work. No time to post at work, no internet at the new place - leaves me feeling out of touch! So in celebration of my week in the mog sunshine I have not posted a damn thing.

No longer! There is very little arp'in in this one but it is there none-the-less.

I will post a bunch of Oat's biggest misses later to highlight some stuff that I posted when I first started mogging but no one read because I was not very trusted. Haha, this MOTW is going straight to my head.

Dubby Hip Hop Instrumentals: UMOD

Oatmeal — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:52:18 GMT

I have talked lots about one of my favorite electronic producers Domu here, so I won't harp on the point.

The Umod project is him being not so clever with his alias but very clever with some downtempo hip-hop instrumentals.

Rowdy Arp: Jackson (and his computer band)

Oatmeal — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:24:50 GMT

I love how this track has a beat and then at other times it suggests that there is a beat. Lots of arp'ing going on too.

Kelley Polar Arping Me Softly

Oatmeal — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:01:00 GMT

Here's one with lots of synth sounds and some arps fluttering in here and there. A softer take on the arp riff.

Arp Yours On Wednesday!

Oatmeal — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:01:15 GMT

Ok people, let's hear some arp riffs tomorrow!

I also had an idea for a other-worldly dub day when people post the most exotic scaryy echo-ey dub chamber sounds they can.

Am I being too micro genre intensive, or do some people want to meet me at the Mog?

I Have The Flavor... for some experiemntal punky/funky remixes

Oatmeal — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:23:53 GMT

This is off the Experimental Remixes EP when a few mid 90's alternative types remixed tracks off the JSBX's Orange LP.

This first Blues Explosion Remix, Flavor pt. 1, was done by Beck, pt. 2 was remixed by Mike D. Moby, Killah Priest (Wu-tang), Dub Narcotic, and UNKLE also remixed for the project.

Some mad cap fun for you this Friday, I feel Lee Perry's specter all over this.

Daedelus: known to arp the spot

Oatmeal — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:50:11 GMT

This is really a link to a great live performance by Daedelus, just a man and his sequencer (that looks like a lite-brite midi control). There are a few good arp riffs (particularly around the 28:00 minute mark) but mostly it is Daedelus at his insanely dance-able best.

I posted this in a comment recently and there was a good reaction. Hopefully you all have an hour to spend with the man and then you will know why I think he is the cats meow.

Link is HERE

Arp!

One last arp before I rest: Isolee

Oatmeal — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:36:50 GMT

Apologies in advance, I have this track on vinyl and in a protected AAC but no MP3, so my international jet-set mogthren are without luck on this arp-de-force.

This arp is so good that the floor will drop out from under you, some good minimalist house from Isolee.

I will be looking for some other arp riffs from you all next week, do not disappoint. And apologies to all you New Wave Wednesday types, just trying to coexist after the Great Mog Freeze of '08!

Arpeggiator Wednesday - Orbital

Oatmeal — Wed, 21 May 2008 16:03:19 GMT

Classic British techno group Orbital used all sorts of great sounds to create their epic raver tracks. This one is from the mid 90's off the In Sides album. They also have some classic arp riffs on earlier works but unfortunately those discs are not in my computer at this time.

If interested check out the highly recommended classic track posted by schnitzengruben: Chime

Arp on!

Introducing Arpeggiator Wednesday! Lindstrom

Oatmeal — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:50:13 GMT

Got some arps to go with your hump day. I am shocked that this song has never been posted but someone, maybe it is in the vapors of the Mog-o-sphere.

Lindstrom makes outstanding electro disco from Norway. Make sure you are strapped down for these 'cus you gonna get high.

Who else has some kick-ass arpeggiator riffs!?

Happiness Is Just Around The Bend

Oatmeal — Sun, 18 May 2008 04:34:20 GMT

Just fitting, hope everyone is enjoying the start to summer. Good times are ahead.

Seems like I am constantly busy and worried about the future, but I just watched Juno and was totally charmed by the flick. It was particularly nice to sit with my wife and enjoy some good laughs. So I am taking a breather from packing to regain my bearings on what I really care about, smiles and caring people.

God I sound like a hippie sometimes.

Five Deez Hip Hop MOG Crack To Entice Strikers

Oatmeal — Sun, 18 May 2008 01:22:29 GMT

Haha, the impish impulse was too much! I don't expect to get many comments here, but I am tired of only posting hip hop on Thursdays, so I have some cosmic beats for you.

BTW: It would be nice to get the play counts back up some time soon. But I stand with my no boycott status, I just don't get it. I hope this is enticing enough to get a few folks to comment.

Five Deez, from my hometown of Cincinnati, with Plasma Avenue...

Some Beastie Love

Oatmeal — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:47:07 GMT

This one takes me back to 8th grade. Remember when they sold CD's in those long boxes, supposedly to allow for the cover art to stand out, or maybe just to make CD's more attractive than the small boring cassettes (with their small boring profit margins). Well 'Check Your Head' in long box format was the decor for the inside of my locker.

I particularly love this cut because it captures what the Beastie's were doing with their hip hop band revision. It also references, in title, a Kool and the Gang live album.

So for HHT, here is Live at PJ's.

That Looks Good - Living Legends for HHT

Oatmeal — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:17:43 GMT

Not much to say, Living Legends, Los Angeles underground hip-hop, very smooth and smart.

Let's Mog - with some Hipster Wonkaz

Oatmeal — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:05:36 GMT

OK, now that I have gotten the tears and mental hangovers somewhat out of my system I would like to say that I am going to hit you all hard in the next few weeks, hopefully with some interesting stuff. Here is a little something, call it a mix tape intro...

I meant to post this Monday - Hector Lavoe

Oatmeal — Thu, 08 May 2008 04:49:17 GMT

I know almost nothing of Cinco De Mayo, except that I am sure it is not about beer marketing.

What I do know is that I finished one of the most exhausting and mentally stimulating years of my life on Monday, and lived to tell the tale of knocking down year one of law school. It is fantastic to be at home more and to be an entertaining dad again. My daughter did not want to go to bed tonight because we had so much fun playing, and I think she did not want it to end for fear that I would be whisked back to the air conditioned chambers of Tulane at any moment. My wife is obviously thankful as well.

I also know that a good friend of mine recently shared with me some Hector Lavoe (who was Puerto Rican, not Mexican - Cinco is a Mexican celebration) and this song has been knocking my socks off repeatedly. I don't know is this is technically salsa - but it is hot!

Rare Plaid: Breakers Delight

Oatmeal — Sat, 03 May 2008 03:34:43 GMT

Just chiming in with an electronic piece of furious breakbeats from the library stacks again, still buried under books for a few more days. Hope everyone is well. A Plaid track off a compilation that is revving me up now.

Keeping It Real: Voice

Oatmeal — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:12:20 GMT

Just throwing up this sassy rhyme for you all. Feeling a little punky and rebellious tonight but I don't have any punk that most of you connoisseurs have not already heard, so in stead I present another rebel form, underground hip-hop.

Her name is Voice. She is defintely sums up my pent up reaction to another night in the library.

Fu**!

Just A Nice Dub For Sunday

Oatmeal — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:30:05 GMT

Not laid back like my usual Sunday posts, this is an unusually high tempo dub from the rhythm of Glen Brown, through the dub chamber of Tubby. At least it is unusual to my ears. I am by no means a historian.

Subwoofer Loveletter

Oatmeal — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:19:49 GMT

A big dubstep roller for you here. Watch the bass on your precious stereo, and look out for the horns. It's very nice!

Ennio Morricone: The Remix Diaspora Treatment by Domu

Oatmeal — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:01:54 GMT

I have a huge thing for broken beat music. It is this joyous mix of house and R&B vibes, but with a real hip-hop/drum& bass soul and lots of jazz and world music undertones. One of the masters of the genre is Domu, Dominic Stanton, also known by his old D&B alias as Sonar Circle.

I could go on and on but he is an excellent producer, and extremely popular remixer. So here is a remix of Ennio Morricone, yeah that's right, spaghetti western music guy. I have no earthly idea what the original composition sounded like, but I will take it on faith that it wsa nothing like this oddball mix of kinetic pleasure.

Mellow Seaward Glance

Oatmeal — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 04:49:25 GMT

Something for your Sunday morning. Always my fave, the Sea and Cake, and if you don't know, now ya know.

More Interesting Concoctions

Oatmeal — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:04:01 GMT

This here is the masterful combination of an awesome summertime influenced hip-hop party beat with the whimsy that sets Daedelus apart. I would call this one epically fun, and banging for your next odd dance party.

Sample Quiz: Remix Diaspora Interactive Opportunity

Oatmeal — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:53:21 GMT

Anyone know where the piano snippets in this little sun-soaked instrumental come from? The track is by Chicago's Caural. But who did he essentially remix to get this precious little beat concoction?

The Roots: funky demo thingy

Oatmeal — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:55:24 GMT

The Roots are all things to all people: the best band in hip hop, probably one of the best live bands working these days, the source of some of my hearing loss from being the band I have seen the most over my concert going days, and they are appropriate on hip hop Thursdays or in this case on Funky Friday.

Someone e-mailed me this track from a Gilles Peterson compilation. I don't know if it is a demo or an alternate version of a track that appeared on a recent album. Unfortunately I have not invested in some of the most recent Roots catalog yet. Enjoy...

Bossa Breaks

Oatmeal — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:40:27 GMT

Little something from Hospital records here for you. Actually this album is on OM Recs, but Landslide is a Brit producer who more often has released on Hospital.

Kind of a bossa nova influenced 2-step broken beat thing, although Hospital is typically associated with drum and bass and straight up breaks (whatever that means).

I think it is just a kinetic and syncopated bunch of funkiness. Need I say more. Electronic music for your Friday.

Lady Don't Take No Flack on HHT

Oatmeal — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:31:26 GMT

Lyrics Born and Leteef from the Quannum crew talking 'bout a real queeen. If you don't know, these guys are intimately linked to the Bay Area scene with DJ Shadow and Blackalicious.

This is old schooly delicious! I am always a sucker for the sing-song rapping.

The Joy Of Your World Is Paul Barman for HHT

Oatmeal — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:40:25 GMT

White, ivy-league educated and snarky, MC Paul Barman rules the airwaves with juvenille humor and Prince Paul beats.

File under humorous...

HHT: Push Button Objects on an MPC

Oatmeal — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 06:05:48 GMT

I have posted on Push Button Objects twice before here and here.

Here is one to add to the list, an instrumental. Who needs all these MC's saying the same shit all the time anyhow?

To One Seeking Variety, Bill Frisell, The Intercontinentals

Oatmeal — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:35:51 GMT

Several people have commented that I have a very diverse taste in music. I think it has a lot to do with being very open, having music to match the breadth of life's moods and experiences, and also suspicions that I might be missing something. Then there is also the need to spread the wealth you know?

Even saying that, a post about Bill Frisell seems out of left field. I first heard Bill Frisell when I went to see Ron Carter and Frisell play en duo form at a club in NYC. I knew nothing of Frisell, I knew a decent amount about Carter and knew that I was only in town for a few days and this was my best bet for some music that I would not otherwise have the opportunity to hear. The set was gentle and not too swinging, lovely. I remember being a little disappointed because my fondest thoughts of Carter were for lending bass lines to A Tribe Called Quest. However the second set involved just Frisell and his sextet, which sounded suspiciously like a rock band at times. It was a great show covering standards and personal compositions, and was my introduction to his versatile talents.

So why do I like Frisell? It is jazz but in a southern or Appalachian sense, never far from some Americana, bluegrass, or other indigenous music forms from points further. The following is from his album that fused in a lot of Indian (Subcontinent) influence to underscore that twang and fiddle.

Whatever happened to Digable? A HHT Rememberance...

Oatmeal — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:52:03 GMT

Topic: The Digable Planets

This Bohemeian and Muslim influenced hip-hop group ate up some serious car stereo time in my adolescence. I consider them to be the pinnacle of the jazzy hip-hop movement in the early to mid nineties, excellent sampling and an overall creatively stoned vibe and just enough east-coast boom-bap. Intelligent lyrics that were more accessible to me than the merging violence in the 2Pac/Notorious BIG stuff that was so popular.

They had a huge "cross-over" hit with the single "Cool Like Dat" reaching no. 15; that of course pushed their debut, "Reachin' (A New Refutation Of Time And Space)" to perhaps unrepeatable success. But I think they were always plagued by the "hippie crossover kiss of death," as if too many white people bought the record of something. I don't know, just an idea.

The next album was a little more rugged but to my ears it put them in a weird middle ground with the people that bought the first record. Although I have to say that the second album is actually more impressive from the production standpoint, and in many ways just a less kitsch piece of work. But citing creative differences, they broke up around 1995.

The Dj went on to solid success under his moniker King Britt, producing house and hip-hop. All the MC's have popped up here and there. Ladybug Miss Mecca has a few vids up on youtube, Doddlebug is still doing his odd enlightened Islam thing, and Butterfly has recorded in an alt-soul group called Cherrywine and lent guest verses as Ishmael to a few hip-hop singles.

I realize this is a pretty thin bio, but I just want to highlight the fact that the second album actually has real staying power and sounds pretty current even 13 years after release. So here are a few tracks off the Blowout Comb album. Too bad they never made a follow up, these beats are fantastic and the verses are plenty good enough.

DP's, I missed ya.

Breakbeat Tango (Gotan)

Oatmeal — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:59:21 GMT

I was digging up some old burned cd's and found a really old Gilles Peterson Worldwide compilation, with some forgotten goodies like Gotan Project on it. Thought you all would like it.

Sun is out down here in New Orleans, and there is an earthy smell that reminds me that even when there is not much of a winter, there is always the arrival of Spring. Happy hump day (Wednesday)...

Deep Burnt Pepe Bradock

Oatmeal — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:18:12 GMT

What to say? I love this track. The video leaves me feeling weird.

Early and under the covers with Nilsson

Oatmeal — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 18:27:39 GMT

Such a great little New Orleans influenced bluesy number with a memorably sparse arrangement. I am not sure who wrote the original, but there is a much earlier version by Louis Jordan in the comments.

Sly's Funky Blues

Oatmeal — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 18:17:51 GMT

Aw man, this song just fits me like an old t-shirt. The incredible force that is Funky Friday has really moved me to want to learn more about the rich era of 60's and early 70's soul and funk. But the budget is strapped lately, so I am just listening to what I already own. But wow, I never really listened to Sly like I have over the course of the last week while working on my last (!!!) paper for the semester. What an amazing group of musicians this Family Stone was. I can't even spot how many times I heard a memorable snippet that was sampled by some classic hip-hop artists, Beastie Boys and De La Soul come to mind.

So this one is funky in spirit but at a Sunday pace. Enjoy...

HHT: Bush Babees featuring early Mos Def

Oatmeal — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:09:35 GMT

This album had some stellar production from the Ummah (Ali Shaheed and Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest plus J Dilla at times) and Shawn J. Period (a mid 90's Rawkus stalwart producer) and this soulful track from Posdnuos (De La Soul). The lyrics and creative delivery also made it an entertaining listen.

This was one of the few hip-hop albums that my sister beat me to the punch on. The album was a modest success for the guys from Jamaica and Trinidad, by way of Flatbush. But the legacy of the entire album would probably be the emergence of relatively unknown guest Mos Def on several tracks, including the sing-song rap chorus here.

Brokeback for your morning

Oatmeal — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 04:47:23 GMT

Sorry to my europeans and others out of the USA for this one. I recommend you pick it up at your local record store, since Rhap won't serve.

Here is a wonderful composition from Thrill Jockey's Brokeback, a sort of a modern take on Americana through a jazz/art lense, from this Chicago ensemble that I have posted on before. This track features backing vocals from the late Mary Hansen and the living Lætitia Sadier, both of Stereolab.

An altogether pleasant experience.

More Prince Paul, with glee

Oatmeal — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:26:52 GMT

Thanks to UffinGreg for reminding me of a great Prince Paul track. I have one to add just for the pure silliness of it. I can never decide if this track is actually a skit or a song, but it says a lot about Paul and his boys De La, who merged fun and creativity in a way that has rarely been matched.

Commentary on Burger King... HHT to the rescue.

Ex to the next

Oatmeal — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 01:35:32 GMT

Not an intentional trend after my recent break-up rap post by Aceyalone, I was just feeling like posting some Gangstarr and this track popped in my head.

I always loved Guru's delivery, understandable and straight forward, he was never too flashy but always gave a solid verse that was clever and deliberate. And of course what can be said about DJ Premier. This track was produced in the beginning of his can't miss period where he was one of the kings of the NY hip-hop scene. Everyone wanted a Premier track, with his jazz and soul hooks over straight-edged Brooklyn boom-bap.

Gang Starr - Ex Girl To Next GirL
Uploaded by dondontruck

Before Common Sense Was Common

Oatmeal — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:25:27 GMT

Such a classic set of verses over the piano makes me happy. Thanks to coozdrm and Cody B for making me think of it.

Late Night Crate Diggin' 1: Headman

Oatmeal — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:52:17 GMT

I have been pulling some late nights lately, mostly fighting my procrastination tendency and staying up on the schooling. So I have indulged in the late night study break by digging up old CD's that I have not listened too in a bit. First edition is here, Headman.

This one I received when SF's Betalounge club/internet radio station had a monthly record club subscription available. There are a few fun tracks like this one, nothing special, but it fits my disco theme of late.

Overall I would say this album is right on the cusp of the dance rock thing that was going on circa 2001, and those references pop up, but it mostly features old school sounding electro and (obviously) disco grooves as well. Not a bad thing at all.

Enjoy...

Black Gold Of The Sun: 4hero under the covers

Oatmeal — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:06:44 GMT

A drum and bass inspired cover of the Rotary Connection's classic psychedelic soul tune, by London's D&B, Broken Beat, Modern Soul Fusionists 4Hero. I don't know if they remixed a cover, or if they collaborated with Nuyorican Soul on this, does not matter to me. This song is a big pick up. Gets me brave enough to face the impending week.

Number Song Remix

Oatmeal — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:30:14 GMT

DJ Shadow remixed by his turntablin' pal Cut Chemist off the Midnight In A Perfect World EP/Single.

Plenty of party friendly breaks and samples thrown in to spice up this Shadow classic. I know I heard a Kashmere Stage Band sample, I am sure that some of you can spot much more. Enjoy...

Aceyalone Tells His Ex To Bounce

Oatmeal — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:21:32 GMT

HHT: Aceyalone provides a spectacular break-up song with humor and effortless skill. I love this album, and a lot of the late 90's and early 00's Project Blowed output.

for no apparent reason, Paul McCartney

Oatmeal — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 06:55:50 GMT

A counterpoint to my previous funky friday post.

I love the warmth of this arrangement, it just pulls you in. I remember sitting in a corner of my home back when I was about 6 and looking at this album cover, daydreaming away.

John Arnold's broken dance music

Oatmeal — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 06:40:32 GMT

More from Detroit, this one came out several years ago on Ubiquity, and is hard to nail down.

The drum programming probably puts it in the broken beat scene, but it definitely has some latin and jazz-fusion feels to it before settling into the funky technological sway.

A good polyrhythmic bit of programming. Cool artwork too.

Represent - Original NY Mix

Oatmeal — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 20:22:55 GMT

From the always top notch Soul Sides blog, the original Nas single for Represent. Which appeared in another form on his landmark debut Illmatic.

You know the formula... funky

Oatmeal — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 18:05:25 GMT

Not traditional funk, Dabrye puts on some proto-detroit breakbeat funk.

Stay with it until the horns come in!

Older Jamie Lidell 2

Oatmeal — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:11:34 GMT

This was off a great WARP compilation called "Routine". Self-produced weirdness by Lidell, obviously this sex song would not be characterized as bedroom crooning. In fact it is pretty aggressive, but it has a distinct allure and some really crazy delayed synths going on making it kind of busy until he comes in with a little sweet melody.

Older Jamie Lidell 1

Oatmeal — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:00:59 GMT

Here is a very freaky bit of dance-able techno from Lidell's occasionally recurring Super_Collider collaboration with electronic producer Christian Vogel. Soulful in the vocals, as expected, and also some mutant strain dance music, high quality.

Tribe For Hip-House Thursday

Oatmeal — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:43:53 GMT

Did not listen to hip-house, I was too young at the time to know much about such a hip-hop subset. But one thing I can say is that I love this old school dance-y beat by Ali Shaheed Mohamed. It is all things great about the early native tongues movement, and it just grooves away past Q-tip's verses.

Anyone else have some cool hip house out there?

Califone - Trick Bird

Oatmeal — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:27:31 GMT

I find this band so soothing. Pretty much matches my Saturday morning mood, lazy and a little melancholy.

I don't have many specifics on them, I think Califone is a Chicago band; but I am sure that you will not find more interesting instrumentation.

Sexing it up FF style for Oatmeal's Mogiversary

Oatmeal — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 04:33:48 GMT

That's right, my day has come, so even though it is mogiversary eve, I am hitting y'all up early to start this party right.

Some slightly odd disco from Gary Davis. As far as I can tell this "remix" by Kenny Dope, of Masters at Work fame, just tracked some stereo drums and maybe did something else I missed.

There is the 12" instrumental mix in the comments which I kind of prefer, but we needed some vox for the people to really sex it up.

Disco taking over this funky friday, can you dig...

Good Morning From Satchmo

Oatmeal — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:37:42 GMT

Here is a New Orleans start to the day. Raining and cold here for the beginning of parade season. That kind of sucks but I am sure it will not dampen the spirit too much.

Even at this depth: Flying Lotus

Oatmeal — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:24:22 GMT

Quickie...

Flying Lotus, aka Steven Ellsion, the great nephew of the late Alice Coltrane, and former producer of incidental music for Adult Swim, has a very nice style of instrumental hip-hop and electronic music.

One thing of note besides the pleasantly hazy grit is his odd way of compressing almost the whole track keyed to the kick drum, or maybe it is just the impossible task of mastering really big bass, but I kind of like it. You can't keep yourself from head-nodding in a bboy style. Good stuff.

Check out another track from crthead's post

Back under.

Going Deep Under

Oatmeal — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 20:26:06 GMT

Well I am back in school now. Bank in sunny New Orleans where my winter beard that I put on in chilly Ohio seems a bit more absurd.

We got Mardi Gras on the way, which I have never experienced, but the most pressing bit of information is that there are more books that need a' readin' so I am going underground and will be posting only during fits of extreme procrastination etc. at least for a few weeks. Gotta start this semester on the good foot, so I can slack off for carnival!

So here is some deep bass and beats representing my Mog-hibernation from Thomas Fehlmann, current counterpoint to Dr. Alex Patterson in the Orb. I discovered this album just a few months ago and was surprised to learn that it was released on Dublab in 2004. Great stuff for the exotic bludgeoning of something that is greater than the sum of its parts (dub, hip-hop, techno).

My Morning Jacket - Austin City Limits

Oatmeal — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:56:36 GMT

Women of the world, someone has to do it

Oatmeal — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 02:46:02 GMT

I don't know what is going on in New Hampshire, but our plight called for some sage wisdom from Jim O'Rourke and company.

I tend to lean toward the phenomenon named Barrack, not Clinton, but I really more than anything want to see a race decided on issues and not this fragile pretense that somehow if someone wins a poll in Iowa and New Hampshire that they have it all sewn up. Ridiculous, the media sets the bar lower and lower.

What do we ever really know about these people? It is not like I have the time to read about 'em, I got mogging to do! (ouch priorities!)

Anyhow, this was one of my holiday money purchases. I knew it was supposed to be Jim's most pop-ish creation, and my sources did not steer me wrong. I'll put another tune in the comments.

Enjoy...

(sorry for the technical difficulty, I hate asymmetrical DSL)

I Want A New Fugazi Record

Oatmeal — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:31:09 GMT

There is so much punk out there that I certainly don't claim to know it all, but Fugazi's The Argument has to be one of the more soulful punk records ever. I was not a big fan of Fugazi before it came out, but it has remained a staple for "those moods" ever since.

They obviously rock, being the wise hardcore elders that they are. But they really know how to make an awesome sounding recording as well, so raw and a great space in the recording.

I hope there is something coming down the line soon. I need another fix. Most rock bands just don't (can't) do what they do, stir the soul.

Tell Me About Your Favorite Electronic Music Of 2007

Oatmeal — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 23:29:00 GMT

As I have stated earlier, I have not heard anything in a while that really caught my ear. Maybe you did?

Just a few titles and why they moved you would suffice.

No, there will be no aggregation.

I'm obsessed (a rant)

Oatmeal — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 04:58:42 GMT

I did not have the bucks to continually delve into the new records of 2007. So here are just a few thoughts.

I did not have any singular compelling dance or electronic record strike me, which was disappointing. That might explain my increasing fondness for reggae and dub, it was the best place to get that melody and rhythm fix.

So obviously without much good electronic I listened to a lot of rock and roll too. One big disappointment for me was the new Ponys' record, it was totally underwhelming compared to the manic glee of there last record (Celebration Castle).

I did really enjoyed Deerhoof's Friend Opportunity, it was unpredictable, at least for someone who was not previously familiar with the group, and had some wonderful hooks popping up in unforeseen places.

The latest The Sea and Cake was dependable, but did not blow my socks off.

So basically what I am saying is that I have been looking backward mostly. Investing in classics that I missed or just taking calculated risks that have mostly not paid off.

So the one thing that hit on all cylinder's was my discovery of M. Ward. I'm pretty much obsessed, even though his latest came out in 2006. The problem is that there is nothing new here, it is just done so well. So what does that make me, someone who used to pride himself on being the most forward looking person I know. Well, I guess I am just mellowing out or something?

That's my rant... check the video.

No New Resolution For Me

Oatmeal — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 03:31:02 GMT

Well, I have wanted to get more exercise for about three months, so I won't call that new.

Discovering great music is hardly something new, and if anything I should always be watching my musical budget.

I always have ideas about being more efficient, especially with school. But once again it is not novel.

So what I have settled on a simple premise that plays well with the facets of my personality:

"Recognize that it is not what you do, but how you do it."

Ex-Guru Video, Fiery Furnaces

Oatmeal — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 04:06:23 GMT

I don't know a thing about the band besides they record for Thrill Jockey. Can someone hip me to them, because this song is very catchy.

Edan and Lif

Oatmeal — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 06:13:34 GMT

This record received a lot of hype a couple of years ago, and for good reason.

If you like some righteous anger in your hip-hop but don't want to listen to old Public Enemy, then Mr. Lif is your man!

This track matches Lif with the heavy psych-rock production that permeated the Edan album. It really does sound like making (or destroying) planets.

Edan gets the first verse, then comes the goodness...

Morning Azymuth Groove

Oatmeal — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 15:59:14 GMT

Brazilian AM to all of you. This is a great kicker in the morning. Have good one...

Talking Heads Funk

Oatmeal — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:32:06 GMT

I bought my dad "The Name Of This Band Is Talking Heads" for a gift last holiday season. Like any self respecting mogger would, I then put it into my computer. It is the gift that keeps on giving.

It rocks and it is funky and it is here now for you.

Giant Steps

Oatmeal — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 20:20:01 GMT

Just finished all my examinations yesterday. As soon as I walked out of that room I was overcome by the incredible need to listen to Coltrane. I rode my cycle home intent on having a freak out kinetic dance party. (A two year old girl does not know that you are not supposed to dance to John Coltrane.)

So I came home and little one is laying in my wife's lap with 103 fever. Not what I had envisioned for the moment of ecstasy that we as a family made it though the first semester of law school. So anyhow later that night I did listen to Giant Steps, just not in the dramatic fashion I had intended.

Here's to three weeks of doing nothing, of course now I gotta start sending out resumes and stuff, but that can wait for a couple of days, right?

An interesting development is now that I am out of the mental mechanism of trying to retain a semester's worth of material, I have totally stepped out of the deep electronic music binge I was into.

Expect some varied posts in the near future.

Remix Diaspora: Rhapsody with Cinematic proportions

Oatmeal — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:02:48 GMT

This is the only place I have found this track online, and now courtesy of the new MOG partnership, I can share it with you.

Brit remixing brits here, I believe that Ciphermedia may have posted the original track a few months back. Domu is one of my most favorite, and this song is pretty much the pinnacle of his broken beat aesthetic, with a complicated melody that inspires many emotions. The Cinematic Orchetra did not need much help in creating moods, but this remix definitely has its own value to offer.

I have this one on vinyl and I think it is one of my top five records, so listen up!

Remix Diaspora: Rhapsody with Cinematic proportions

Oatmeal — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:02:45 GMT

This is the only place I have found this track online, and now courtesy of the new MOG partnership, I can share it with you.

I have this one on vinyl and I think it is one of my top five records, so listen up!

Redman and Roni Size

Oatmeal — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:13:32 GMT

For a bit there I was really loving Roni Size. His New Forms album hit me at an interesting time in my life and so despite the fact that I have never been a big drum and bass fan, I always enjoyed his jazz breaks aesthetic and texture.

This was also around the end of an era when I would only listen to East Coast (NY) hip-hop. You name it, if it was grimy and raw but slightly enlightened (not overly sexist or homophobic) I would listen to it, back when rap city played great stuff. Very little else touched my stereo.

So I, like many, was a Redman fan. The guy is crass, but very talented and usually hilarious. He released several killer albums. Anyhow, I owned Doc's Da Name for years before I ever listened to the final track. Maybe it was because there were a few too many Eric Sermon syrupy productions that I considered filer on the second half of the album. But one time on a road trip I permitted myself to listen to the whole thing, probably because I was soloing in my old Carolla and did not want to blindly dig around for a new disk.

Anyhow, the last track pops in and I was just tickled, I recognized the production immediately and my suspicions were affirmed when I lter checked the liner notes. It speaks volumes that it was buried at the end. My guess is that Def Jam did not know what to do with it but had enough wherewithal to know that D&B was the urban music of London, and had an underground following in the USA that overlapped with their audience. I would like to think Redman really wanted it on there because he seems like he is having fun, so maybe Roni sought him out for a UK release and Redman liked it. Either way, it clearly does not fit with the rest of the album, but I am glad they threw it in there.

In a way the track is nothing special, but it is crisp and rolling. So enjoy...

Heavy Broadcast

Oatmeal — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 06:37:32 GMT

I wanted to put something heavy up. When the going gets tough I have a tendency to either get very negative or to vent motion through music. The latter is usually a much better idea.

I am in disbelief that I have never posted a Broadcast song before. They are spectacular, can't say enough good things. This song Hawk is bludgeoning, but that is what I needed at this moment.

If you just woke up, this is not the post for you.

Funky Grant Green Jazz

Oatmeal — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:02:13 GMT

Building on Cody's incredible post of sampled breakbeats, here is a famous organ sound that was sampled by a few classic early '90's hip-hoppers.

Grant Green and a live band, playing in some club in NJ, laying the root down on some electric guitar jazz in a funky way.

Hieroglyphic Verse HHT

Oatmeal — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 05:47:32 GMT

Packing it in for the night. Tomorrow when you are all bobbing your heads to this track, put a fist in the air for me as I attempt to vomit out as much civil procedure as possible and write away, draining pen after pen until my right hand seizes up in cramp!

Little reminiscing here, this one is in honor of my first ever "real concert". 1993 Souls of Mischief, De La Soul, and Tribe Called Quest were a real thrill to say the least.

This album is the 1998 posse album by all the Hiero crew, Del and Opio trading verses on this track. Outstanding cleverness in the lyrics, but what always gets me about Hiero is the jazzy/funky line that they straddled in their unique west coast style.

I was wrong about Nightmares On Wax

Oatmeal — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:46:47 GMT

I put something up by NOW several months back and proclaimed that I only liked their old-school rave stuff and not any of the more current downtempo and groove influenced stuff. I believe it was Cody B who pointed out that the newer stuff was actually enjoyable.

Well, you were right. I am not totally around the bend, but these two tracks certainly add to the pleasure of this Wednesday.

Caural

Oatmeal — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:49:39 GMT

I have been saving this one for a bit because it deserves some words.

Great name: Caural is psychedelic electronic music. I hear samples of and references to The Roots, DJ Shadow, DJ Spooky, and strong similarities to Prefuse 73 as well as Four Tet. However I think Caural, aka Zachary Mastoon, certainly stands on his own two turntables in the world of precious and whimsical sampling and beat making.

I boughtStars On My Ceiling five years ago and am continually revisiting it. There is a lush sense of ambience and his album is laid out like a cinematic daydream. This track is the opener from the album, but I will post a few others in the comments.

I also own <

When the coffee stops working... turntables on the hudson

Oatmeal — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:53:29 GMT

Hi gang,

I feel like the passive aggressive mogger lately. Interested enough to post a song every once in a while but largely unavailable and unable to express any "real" interaction with you all. So anyhow I appreciate the posts by everyone lately, I just have not had the energy to be much of a presence since Sept.

I just wrote my first ever law school exam and because I am older than your average student, it was with an interesting utility called a pen. My hand about fell off by the end of the three hours, and I wrote so much that I could see the ink level dropping like a barometer. One down and three to go.

Anyhow, the coffee just is not doing the trick so I am going to post a pick me up song in procrastination, and then hopefully get back into the books. Here's a Nickodemus and Quantic with the Candela All-Stars collaboration bringing a little warmth to your ears.

Enjoy!

Annule

Oatmeal — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 05:26:23 GMT

I posted on this album way back when I first purchased it last winter. This track is some minimal uptempo stuff. But lately I have been into the midtempo tracks of experimental techno.

I still do not know much about the collaborators except for Thomas Brinkmann. So nothing new there, I am just loving this stuff for studying lately. Nice edits and arpeggios in a very unpredictable way.

The Suspension Bridge At Iguazú Falls

Oatmeal — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 05:13:00 GMT

My favorite Tortoise track and a staple for many mixed cd's. File under awesome experimental rock.

For your Sunday evening pleasure...

Ammon Contact Samples Goodness

Oatmeal — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 22:10:45 GMT

Little study break for me. I just spent easily 30 hours writing a ten page legal brief, culminating with the distinct feeling that it is still not any good. Kind of unbelievable the amount of time required to write in a very rigid fashion for what used to seem like a short paper.

Anyhow, got some beats for y'all. Ammoncontact is affiliated with dublab I think, or at the very least the LA beat-making scene and the Ninja Tune aesthetic.

Love this funky beat, with a killer early Tribe Called Quest sample. Yummy on a Sunday. Enjoy...

Brian Eno Sunday Night

Oatmeal — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 07:03:03 GMT

A very lovely end to the night or beginning to your week. This track features Daniel Lanois as a collaborator.

FF: Lee Dorsey

Oatmeal — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 05:00:49 GMT

It has been a while since I posted on Funky Friday so here is a New Orleans treat. Lee Dorsey singing a Allen Toussaint produced and written song. The funky tracking is The Meters, as aranged by Toussaint. Let the music take your mind, and your funky ass.

Habit Forming Too

Oatmeal — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 06:05:19 GMT

I have a dub problem, no assistance required. Haha, still on the reggae kick as you can hear.

Habit Forming

Oatmeal — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 05:57:40 GMT

Yeah, got some dubs for you from Sly. I have been hooked. Habit forming indeed.

I Shall Be Released, Thank God

Oatmeal — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 05:46:06 GMT

Still Sunday somewhere, lotta people feeling this one emotion right now, myself included. Bittersweet commune with Nina is a great way to end the night.

More Fiyah, More Old School Dancehall

Oatmeal — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 05:30:53 GMT

I don't actually know if this qualifies, it is more roots, but with Dillinger toasting at the end, well it might as well be old dancehall.

This is one of my favorite Lee Perry productions. He produced some of his absolute best tracks for the unique voice of Junior Murvin.

Keepin' the theme going...

Burnt Friedman & The Nu Dub Players

Oatmeal — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:14:40 GMT

Try this one out, the German/World dub band headed by Burnt Friedmann.

I would file it under reggae, but it is not. World music will do, on a modern dub band style.

Barrington Levy: more old school dancehall

Oatmeal — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 01:37:51 GMT

Dropping some more reggae. An old school favorite of mine, Barrington Levy.

Culture and Don Carlos

Oatmeal — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 05:52:22 GMT

Heard this tasty thing on the radio last week. As far as I know, Culture headed for just this album by Don Carlos. Such a great melody!

I think we need a reggae revolution on MOG, good vibes for all indeed.

Vintage At The Village Vanguard

Oatmeal — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 05:36:49 GMT

Turned 30 this past day. Just a vintage '77 libra moving on and feeling pretty good about it.

Here is a little "mature" music, an outstanding composition by the bassist Scott LaFaro, and played with inspiration by LaFaro, Bill Evans and drummer Paul Motian.

It does not swing exactly, and does not quite bop, it is slickly entwined in both without being either. Great bass solo as well!

Happy Frank Black

Oatmeal — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 01:37:54 GMT

I love the call for happy music. I have been struggling under the burden of heavy books and only occasionally popping into Mog of late.

I was also on a heavy electronic music kick for a few weeks there, maybe you noticed. So here is some happy organic matter from Black Francis off his first solo album.

Killer smile inducing track!

War and Mutamassik

Oatmeal — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 02:31:03 GMT

The uproar about the speech by Ahmadinejad, all the saber rattling by the US gov't which only knows one way to play, hardball, gets me really nervous these days.

Can we please just impeach all these leaders that are blinded by their own self-righteousness?! Seriously, does either side have the high ground? NO!

DJ Mutamassik is a female producer from Brooklyn that mixes hard break-beats with Egyptian and other Arabic music to create this culture clash music that pretty much sounds like war to me. Or at least the sound of modernity in living with war. Makes me think of the young people of Iraq and Iran, a generation that cannot get the reigns because of the divisions sewn before they were born.

Is war a necessary step to changing the entire way the world operates? Seems inevitable when we cannot get leaders to act with benevolence anymore. We allow our gov't to take the fight to them to protect a way of life that can at many times be amoral and greedy. Americans are not the only people that know how to be happy or deserve to be happy. It has nothing to do with wealth and religion.

Sorry for the rant. I wish there was a way to make sense of it.

Remix Diaspora: Norway meets Electro Samba

Oatmeal — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 02:02:08 GMT

French artist Isabelle Antena formed a band in the 80's and they self describe as the world's first Electro Samba band. This original track was off the first album some time in the early 80's, which was recently reissued with (of course) remixes.

The album itself sounded cool, but I only bit on the remix by Todd Terje of Norway. Having listened to the original on emusic.com I don't think he strayed too much, but he heightened the odd chord progression and retained the sunshine sensibility. Read more here.

Roman Ruins EP

Oatmeal — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 01:36:10 GMT

Here's a great lil' tune by Graham Hill from his new EP under the one-man-band guise of Roman Ruins. This song has been wedged into my head for about two weeks.

I am going to call it folk, more like the Sufjan Stevens variety than Woody Guthrie, but it has a more insistent rock quality too. You all know how genre is a limited tool of the writing trade, but Graham plays all the instruments, and well; there are some great arrangements for a layered roots rock foundation with synths and some sampling adding effect.

This tune is the most overtly pop, but the 5 track EP is diverse. Buy the EP, with cover art by his sister Katherine Hill (Lexie Mountain Boys, Food Network's Ace of Cakes), from his myspace page and there are a couple of vids worth checking out at youtube.

Catch him in the Bay Area where he also plays in The Parish, and has in the past done some electronic stuff with the Daly City crew.

Check it out! Why? 'Cus it is great stuff and he's my cousin.

Moodymann Monday

Oatmeal — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 01:11:31 GMT

Here is some Detroit soul layered and strung into a fabulous and hypnotic house track from Kenny Dixon Jr. aka Moodymann.

Dig the soothing nature. If somebody can name all the samples I would be grateful. The Curtis Mayfield at the end is plain to hear.

Vampiring Again

Oatmeal — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 17:02:03 GMT

When I was up at 3:30 this morning putting the finishing touches on a draft, I thought of this song.

I am feeling awfully tired today, but the tune perks me up.

The Remix Diaspora Pt. 3 (HHT version)

Oatmeal — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:46:54 GMT

Trans-atlantic madness inspired by the hip hop of NY's East Flatbush Project but reinterpreted by the button pushing, bass tweaking hands of Squarepusher (UK).

Sort of hip hop, but not really IDM, this comes out like bizarre electronic jazzy punk with some dub influence.

Confused yet? Listen and you will know...

The Remix Diaspora Pt. 2 Revisited

Oatmeal — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:30:07 GMT

I reposted the Jackson, as in Jackson and his Computer Band, remix of M83's Run Into Flowers.

In the prior post I eff'd up the music file. It is worth a listen. Refer to the prior post for the backgound.

I love the tension in the way the mix builds.

The Remix Diaspora Pt. 2

Oatmeal — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 01:55:59 GMT

This edition unites the layered synths of M83 and the production of French wiz kid Jackson.

The remix featured on Michael Mayer's mix for the Fabric series. This remix is haunting and slick in giving a sedate but urgent feel. Lots of adjectives, I know. But it has a real addictive quality.

Rumor has it that this remix alone caused the bidding war which lead to Jackson's signing by Warp Recordings. I think he was 16 or something when he put it together. Enjoy!

The Remix Diaspora Part 1

Oatmeal — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 04:17:19 GMT

I will not be philosophizing on the origin of the remix on anything like that in this series of posts. I am a relatively new eMusic subscriber, and I have been more than impressed with the amount of obscure and hard to find electronic music on the site. They have a ton of stuff that was previously available only on vinyl or through the expense of import. So I am going to share some choice finds.

Part one is domestic to the USA and kick ass! Via Tania, from Chicago, is the original artist (Chocolate Industries). The remix is done by A Grape Dope, alias of John Herndon (Tortoise, Bumps).

I particularly love the plodding techno beat with it's slightly grating sound palette, which is then contrasted by the sample of (Tortoise related/affiliated) Brokeback's composition "Name's Winston, Friends Call Me James" which is dropped in as the hook.

Oh yeah, you hear that vocal track and you think that somehow Stereolab entered the studio with Ms. Via Tania. Well kind of, the vocals to the Brokeback composition are by Laetitia Sadier and Mary Hansen, the outstanding harmonizing vocal duo from Stereolab. The source material for the sampled song was recorded right before Mary Hansen was tragically killed when her bike was struck by a truck.

As many know Stereolab was very connected to the Chicago scene in and around Soma Studios and Tortoise. So Via gets a great remix and Herndon also pays tribute to a another great composition and the loss of a friend.

I hope that convoluted post makes sense. Here's the tune...

Let us all share some Busta

Oatmeal — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 20:25:11 GMT

He has had a varied arc to his career, up and then kind of commercially down of late; but hottt damn, he had some killer singles in the mid to late 90's.

Please enjoy a great entertainer in the world of hip-hop. Woo haaa!

Swinging Gypsy

Oatmeal — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 03:24:05 GMT

This is such a great tune. Django was incomparable. A sweet song for the end of a long Monday.