The headline in King Koopa's world today: I Love Wilco

J. Twizzle 

Wilco - Via Chicago

Wilco - Handshake Drugs

Randy Newman - Political Science

Uncle Tupelo - New Madrid

Good day, Hideaway frequenters. Forgive me, my frontal lobe is still recovering from a Saturday night of fun and frivolity. As I mentioned in my last post, I went to see Wilco in Kalamazoo, and my goodness gracious was it a humdinger of a show! As a bit of background, my older brother got me listening to them in high school, so I’ve got an emotional, nostalgiac connection workin on a few levels. But this was the best I’ve ever seen them play. Nay, it was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
I’ve determined to stop ranking shows in my top 5, because I’ve noticed that I can’t really compare shows like the Quannum Crew or Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe with Ben Harper or Wilco. They produce totally different feelings of elation in me; one that involuntarily shakes my moneymaker until I’m sweating profusely & one that shakes, rattles, and rolls my very soul until the hair on the back of my neck stands up and I’ve got a cheesy grin on my face. This show fell head over heels into the latter category. Musically and songwriting-style-wise, I’ve seen Wilco change significantly since I saw them the first time about 6 years ago back in college when I was front and center, playing the role of Captain Superfan, you know, “that guy”. They were alt.country back then, no ifs ands or buts. With each subsequent album since that time, Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting has evolved into what is now a sort of arty, progressive style of rock music, with pop-style leanings. And, he’s become a charismatic frontman, which takes their live show to a whole other level. I’m just going to throw this out there, Question: Has Wilco become a prog-rock band for the new millennium? (I’m not saying they are writing songs like Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” or Yes’ “Roundabout”, it’s not a retro thing.) I think they’re “progressive” in the true sense of what that means in this day and age. They’ve show they can write an album of pop songs (Summerteeth), deconstruct the classic pop album (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot), and then synthesize both together into a style that can be played live by a six-piece (Ghost is Born). These days they’ve got 2 guitarists, 2 keyboardists, a bassist, and a drummer and they make good use of all the pieces. The new lead guitarist especially impressed me, something Wilco has needed for awhile. Singer and guitarist Jeff Tweedy is the only original member since the first album, A.M., but I think he’s shown that all the band changes over the years were more or less necessitated by the songwriting, style changes that he’s been going through since starting out. Don’t be confused, Jeff Tweedy=Wilco. He’s probably an ass to work with and create with, but you can’t argue with the quality of the body of work that he’s created. When you’re in a band w/ Tweedy, you either go along with the music he wants to make, or he’ll find someone else who’s into it. Such is the nature of some America’s favorite artists. Alright, I’m out of hyperbole, on to the music for today. I’ve got the song they opened up with (fittingly “Via Chicago” since Saturday was the last night of their tour), my favorite song off the new album("Handshake Drugs"), a song they covered (Randy Newman’s “Political Science”, ; I put this on a mix for a friend recently), and a pre-Wilco tune from Uncle Tupelo ("New Madrid" from Tweedy’s first band w/ Jay Farrar from Son Volt).

Roger Dodger Wilco Bilko

the tweedster 

Golden Smog (feat. J. Tweedy) – Lost Love

Wilco – Just a Kid

Wilco – Any Major Dude Will Tell You

Wilco - Kingpin

As I mentioned earlier in the week, I’m going to see Wilco in Kalamazoo this weekend w/ Buster Larkins and his compadre, Kevvy Kev. No trip to K-zoo is complete w/o a visit to Bell's brewery, so it has the makings of a drunk-by-3pm type of weekend. Let's hope so. I started the South Beach diet two weeks ago, which calls for abstaining from alcohol for the first two weeks...that business is about to come to a screeching halt.

Wilco is a pretty far cry from anything I’ve been posting on here lately, but such is the nature of my musical whims. This is what happens when nobody responds to my hip hop posts: I post alt-country...These songs aren’t necessarily rare, but you probably couldn’t walk into Best Buy and find them. The Jeff Tweedy completists out there should be happy about these posts. The Golden Smog track is from the the 98’ album Weird Tales. Golden Smog was a sideproject with members from the Jayhawks, Replacements, Soul Asylum, and one Mr. Jeff Tweedy. This is one of 2 songs that Tweedy wrote for that album. The second song “Just a Kid” is from the Spongebob Squarepants soundtrack. Knowing that Wilco’s newest album “Ghost is Born” was written before Tweedy’s stint in rehab for painkillers, it’s a pretty safe assumption that this was written afterwards. Too darn upbeat. The third song “Any Major Dude Will Tell You” is from the Me, Myself, and Irene soundtrack. The soundtrack featured a bunch of bands doing Steely Dan covers, including this one. I posted this as much to spite and good-naturedly provoke the American Mastodon than anything, but it’s a good version of it. In case you missed it, he (and Buster) maligned my posting of a Steely Dan song on Monday. The final song "Kingpin" is my favorite Wilco song at the moment, a nice honky-tonkish tune to check out if you don't know anything about them. It's off their second album, the double-disc Being There.

Take 'er easy blogosphere

It's Dre Day

Dr. Dre, Snoop, Kurupt - Nuthin But a G Thang (freestyle)

These two really don’t need any introduction. It’s a Friday. You ain’t got shit to do. Take a trip to Long Beach, circa 1993.

Snoop gets loose on this track, you can tell this is just a freestyle session that didn’t make the album. I can still smell the gin on his breath. From what I’ve heard, this is pretty much how the Chronic sessions went, Dre would get people together and record everybody’s freestyles and he pieced the final album together from the best bits and pieces. Who knows how much tanqueray and chronic was ingested and how many times Snoop said “Biiiiaaattch” during these sessions? Thankfully, copious amounts of all three elements were present, leading to the masterpiece that is “The Chronic”.

I’ve got 2 other tracks but they’re both about 10 minutes long and won’t fit on the youshareit servers. If you’re email system can handle emails over 10 MB, let me know and I’ll try and zip them out to those who are interested. Buster, don’t even ask, because I know your email can’t hang w/ deez. Deez nuts.

Rock-Out Whilst One's Cock's Out

pete rock

Pete Rock - Back on the Block

Pete Rock - Straighten It Out

Greetings and salutations. Today’s offerings come from one of my favorite hip hop producers, Pete Rock. Pete’s another guy who gets mad respect from the underground, (especially DJ Shadow) but from my perspective I can’t tell how much love he gets these days from everyday heads like you and me. My neighborhood indie record store only carries his newer discs of snoozy/woozy instrumental hip hop, but his earlier stuff is what established him. These 2 songs are from Pete’s earlier years when he & rapper CL Smooth were wreckin sets from here to Bombay. I’ve got another day or two’s worth of quality posts from Pete & CL, but I’ll have to gauge the interest. They’re most famous song was probably “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)”, but I stopped myself from posting that today.

Be sure to drop by tomorrow. I may or may not have some rare freestyles and b-sides from THE CHRONIC sessions, featuring my alter-ego-namesake Snoop d-o-double-g. They only came out as b-sides on the 12” singles. Please don’t be that guy who sleeps on Snoop. Just, don’t be that guy. And, maybe next week I’ll get around to posting Jay Z’s first appearance…maybe. Ride the rhythm…

Percee P, The Comeback Kid

percee p 

Lord Finesse w/ Percee P & AG – Yes You May

Top Priority w/ Percee P – Let the Homicides Begin

After a quick demographic study of my projected audience, this is the result that is most likely to produce favorable responses. A lil bit underground, a lil bit mainstream…it’s just been awhile since this fellas been in the mainstream.

Let’s go back, way back, back into time…back into the early 90’s rap heyday. Enter a young brother with the nom de plume “Percee P”. Percee starts makin his way through the rap game due to his speedrappin’ ability, a talent in high demand in those days. He has some high profile guest spots and gets hot and The Source gives him mad love. Enter gangsta rap stage left. Exit Percee P stage right. But, the story’s not over. Years later, determined to get back in the game, while not sacrificing his art and joining a “thug” rap label, Percee starts selling his cds outside of Fat Beats, a hip hop fixture. Check out this interview with Percee P. He gets some love from Cut Chemist and DJ Shadow who let him come on after one of their infamous Brainfreeze live sets, which leads to recording with Jurassic 5 on their last album (A Day at the Races). And, this in turn leads to a album contract with Stones Throw Records (Madlib, Peanut Butter Wolf). Percee’s comeback album is coming out sometime this year. The tracks posted above are his first couple guest appearances, what blew him up in the first place. Enjoy.

It's a free-style-for-all

solesides=quannum 

Quannum Crew - 8 min Freestyle

Lyrics Born - Do That There (remix) - link fixed

In response to those who sweat out Technicolor haterade like a Gatorade commercial, I present a freestyle to finally put an end to any further freestyles. No need. These guys already knocked it out, quit tryin. It’s quite simply the tightest ish you’d ever want tickling your inner ear. Any tighter and I’d have to get FDA approval for it and dispense it out of an eyedropper. This is a 8 min. freestyle session featuring DJ Shadow and Chief Xcel mixin up the beats while the Gift of Gab (Blackalicious), Lyrics Born (Latyrx), Lateef the Truth Speaker (Maroons, Latyrx), and Vursatyl (Lifesavas) go round for round, pound for pound and kick lyrics like rednecks beating their dogs. This was recorded live in a BBC studio for the Breezeblock on Radio 1 over in Britain.

Second track, Do That There remixed by DJ Einstein has only been released on vinyl so far. It's off Lyrics Born's forthcoming remix album which should be out in March sometime. Rumor has it that KRS-One, Cut Chemist, E-40, and more are gonna be guesting on the remix album. Should be a hot album, LB has basically redone all the songs w/ new lyrics and new production. The dude's a one-stop shop, he produced his album Later On That Day on his own, took him a few years but it was worth the wait.

At the Grotto, sits Charlie with the lotion and the kinky hair

where have all the pianitarists gone? 

Steely Dan - Haitian Divorce

From time to time, people ask me what I've been listening to. My pat answer is, "A little bit of everything" except for those periods when I'm superduper into something (right now I'm trying to track down Lee Michaels - Do You Know What I Mean). My most recent musical trend I've been on is 70's pop/psychedelia/singer-songwriter stuff, the stuff that made it into the Top 40 but isn't old enough to be on oldies stations yet. There's a lot of funky 70's tunes that charted, but have essentially been forgotten. This is one of those songs that I've fallen in love with recently. It's got some reggae rhythms, some druggy talkbox wah-wah guitar, and some pretty progressive lyrics for the time period. Add 'em up = Kickass.

It occurred to me that my server site might be having periodic problems during busy times, so email me if you want a track and can't get the link to work. I'm like a flu virus, I wanna infect as many people as possible. Once I get under your skin watch out, though!

That's "Ludakriss", bro

-- 

-- 

Ludakriss

Another mash-up. Another gem. Remember back in middle school when seemingly intelligent friends of yours started wearing their clothes backwards? Blame it on Kriss Kross. Two little kids with a flow you ain't never heard came along and suddenly had normal suburban kids zipping up their asses and buttoning up their backs. Skidz/Hammer pants weren't hip hop enough, if you wanted to show how "with it" you were, you had to wear your jerseys and baggie jeans backwards. Cultural phenomenon? Sort of. A cruel joke pulled on white suburban kids? Certainly. Well, it was only a matter of time before this middle school dance classic was revived and put into a new context. Welcome to the present, cause this track blends "Jump" with a Ludacris song (honestly, I don't know which song of his this remixes) to pleasure-peaking results. Go ahead and start smiling now, get those mouth muscles warmed up. It really is the party song of the year, and it's addicting...you've been warned.

B.I.G. Party Day

mr. smalls 

The Notorious B.I.G. - Party and Bullshit
The Notorious B.I.G. - Big Poppa

I'm just gonna cut the bull today. I used to think underground hip-hop was the "real" hip-hop. Nope. That's what I got for going to a liberal arts college I guess. There is no such thing. There's only good hip hop and crappy hip hop. For me, that mentality extends to all music. Too much player hatin goin on with the underground hip hop. Holla if ya hearin me.

The "Party and Bullshit" track is a rare Lord Finesse remix of Biggie's very first single. It'll rock a party like no other, count on it. If you download only one track this week, make it this one. I'm too good to you guys. And, I've paired it up w/ "Big Poppa", another classic party rocker. You can't front on either on these songs, recognize. Keep bangin.

The Sun Is The Disco Ball

momma erf 

J-Live & Thes One - Give It Up

Here's another song from the "Impeach the Precedent" album which will be coming out soon. If you're a fan of west coast underground/conscious rap, you'll be into this album, it's loaded w/ underground legends. I forgot to mention it on the previous post, but this is the official "sequel" album to "The Funky Precedent" compilation album that came out several years ago (another good album loaded w/ underground rap legends). Obscure note: "The Funky Precedent 2" is an unofficial sequel and it sucks, I'll give you mine if you don't believe me.

As far as the song itself, it's a laid back, west coast stylee beat by Thes One (half of People Under the Stairs) with J-Live kickin some earth-friendly rhymes about Mother Nature, with a ghetto twist. It would've been cool to have Thes One rappin' on a verse but J-Live doesn't really need his help. The song's got it all, just depends on whether you're feelin' raps about hugging trees and the like. Can't be rappin about ice and pimp juice on every track, right?

The Precedent

keep your ears peeled when this drops... 

MC Zaakir & DJ Einstein - Have and Have Nots

The Honeydrippers - Impeach the President

What's up peeps and peepettes, today you get to download a vinyl-release-only limited edition treat. Ever heard of Jurassic 5 and Ugly Duckling? Hopefully you have, but regardless, the first track is a collaboration between Zaakir of J5 and Einstein of Ugly Duckling and it's some hot business. It's from the fortcoming compilation album "Impeach the Precedent". The full length CD will be coming out soon, keep an eye out. There's also a Poets of Rhythm track, a Breakestra track, and collab between Thes One (P.U.T.S.) and J-Live, I'll post that down the road. The Honeydrippers track, "Impeach the President", is the reference point for the compilation album and it's a hot little 70' funk number itself.

I know a lot of my friends probably would impeach Bushie if they had the chance, but that's not why I posted this stuff, I'm not a Bush hater. I'm more of a purple-state guy, lil bit blue & a lil bit red (but not communist red, and not purple in the gay teletubby way). That reminds me, I've got some anti-communist folk songs to post up here some day. Have a good one.

The Toothless Trumpeteer

a young chet baker 

Chet Baker - Everytime I Say Goodbye

Chet Baker - I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You

I had a request for some old jazz, and it's an overcast Monday so that didn't sound like such a bad idea. Check this guy's bio on ubl.com. It was too much of a downer to put on here on Valentine's Day (see the title). Go out and get your girl some chocolates today. I recommend Godiva and/or 3 Musketeers.

It's Bootleg Friday!

Beasties vs Beatles - Pass the Word
JayZ vs Pavement - 99 Problems Here


Some people call 'em bootlegs, some call 'em mashups, and a few still call them by their original, real name: "blends". I just call em perfect for shakin' behinds. Take 2 classic songs, blend em together, BLAMMO! A tasty party favor has been created. Have a good weekend, blogosphere.

And You Call Yourselves Pimpin'

rjd2 

RJD2 - 2 More Dead

RJD2 - To All of You

Straight outta C-bus, Ohio, RJD2 has produced 2 amazing albums (Deadringer & Since We Last Spoke) that I think rank beside DJ Shadow. And, these are my 2 favorite tracks off those 2 albums. The 1st track, “2 More Dead” has got a killer beat and piano sample. The 2nd of the 2 tracks, “2 All of You”, has a wicked vocal sample and the jazz guitar sample isn’t bad either. Hope you enjoy these 2 tracks 2day. Til 2morrow…peace, 2 fingaz...sorry, I'm 2 Cheesy

When the Cookie Jar Is Empty

Michael Franks - When The Cookie Jar Is Empty

When I decided to post this song, I looked up ol' Franksnbeans on ubl.com. Here's what they have to say:
An enormously popular performer in the late '70s and early '80s, Franks performed folk/rock songs while in high school, then became a literature student at UCLA and a part-time performer. He taught undergraduate music courses in the early '70s at both UCLA and Berkeley, then provided scores for the films Count Your Bullets and Zandy's Bride. He made his first album in 1973, then enjoyed success with a string of late '70s albums on Warner Brothers.

Here's what I have to say: I wouldn't trust anyone who doesn't like this song. It combines sounds from Brazillian music, jazz, and 70's singer-songwriter stuff. That said, I'm not quite sure what this song is about. My best guess: The lack of drugs in the cookie jar. Anyway, it reminds me a bit of Jamiroquai (who I heard is putting a new album out and possibly a world tour...hmmm...Stay tuned...).

King of the Bongos

Manu Chao - King of Bongos

As far as songs that get lodged in your melon, this is unbeatable. I don't really know anything about this guy. But, this is just a weird little ditty about playing bongos and speaking in French. I sincerely apologize if this song gets stuck in your head. Hear me when I come, baby.

I'm Your Pusherman

Curtis Mayfield - Pusherman (Live)

This is actually a pretty rare Curtis Mayfield live cut. It's from the Newport in New York '72 album on which he also performs Stone Junkie. This song would eventually come out on Superfly, but you can tell from his introduction that this recording was before the movie or album had come out.

That's right, King Koopa is your musical pusherman.

Welcome to the Hideaway

Lemon Jelly - Soft


It's a beautiful day in Koopa's Hideaway. The sun is shining and the ocean breezes are blowing. And, I’ve figured out how to post songs and whatnot, so I can finally start up one of these blogs that I’ve been hearing so much about. Unless I'm mistaken, the link above will allow you to download the Lemon Jelly song, Soft. It's a simple lil downbeat tune, but it's got a cool Peter Cetera/Chicago vocal sample from the song “If You Leave Me Now”. What?, Peter Cetera and cool in the same sentence? I know, last time that happened was 'a long time ago-hoo', when Karate Kid Pt. 2 came out. But, the song works. Their style of music is kinda like me, amusingly cheeky. And for my cooler-than-thou blogger moment: This song is the b-side for the 7” single for “Nice Weather for Ducks” (part of a limited edition of 2000 copies.) They’ve got a terrific new album & dvd out now, ’64-’95, if you have the means I highly recommend picking one up. It’s on heavy rotation in Koopa’s Hideaway at the moment.
http://www.lemonjelly.ky/