buzz twang

Bill Evans does “Blue in Green”, the Miles Davis classic from Kind of Blue. Probably my fav album of all time.

Low. Wednesday rainy cold hump day tune.

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, Gil Scott-Heron was one of those people who everyone listened to and waited to hear what he was going to say next. He was that relevant and eloquent and personal. “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised“, “Home Is Where the Hatred Is” and “Message to the Messengers” are arguably some of the greatest political and social commentary put to music ever. And, his contribution to “Let Me See Your ID” on the anti-apartheid album Sun City still stands out as one of the great raps during that time.

Then he disappeared into the hole that is Rikers Island for drug possession. But, all things come around and now he’s back. A must read interview with Gil Scott-Heron in Salon is here, and he’s released a new album. Gil manages to reach into the depths once again. Here’s the video for “Me and the Devil“.

A wonderful cover of JJ Cale’s “Magnolia” by Beck. (via Jenny Eliscu)

A segment that I wrote and produced for The Media Squat with Douglas Rushkoff on WFMU 91.1 FM on Michael Jackson as media star and hacker.

During the show, Douglas has an interesting conversation with Paul Krassner that touches on how issue oriented satire has changed over time from Lenny Bruce to Jon Stewart, conspiracy theories in the real world and Krassner’s new book Who’s to Say What’s Obscene:Politics, Culture & Comedy in America Today.

Please listen to the entire show.  The segment below runs five minutes.

(Mp3 file located at Internet Archive)

A lot of musicians have covered this Screamin’ Jay Hawkins classic. And, his original is hard to beat, although it feels a little novelty like.  Nina Simone gives it a go and nails it as always.

Peter, Paul and Mary….

Original version of song and video for Bowie’s classic, from the promo film “Love You Til Tuesday“. I love the camera work in it. And, the design is a lot of fun. One of my favs.

A few links worth sharing….

• Truly Free Film: Plea To The New Generation: Embrace Transmedia Storytelling! – Ted Hope links to a great article on the future of film making. The world is changing, the mediascape is changing to be sure, but there are opportunities. It makes me smile knowing kindred spirits are out there!
• Nice article on Yoko Ono, review of her upcoming album…

The entire album is here… Awesome. (via Julian Sanchez)

Here’s Black Angel’s Death Song:

Record Club: Velvet Underground & Nico “Black Angel’s Death Song” from Beck Hansen on Vimeo.

What I see in NYC. Sunday in the Park.

Janis Joplin for a sunny saturday.