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From The Basement #37 December 2018

12/20/2018

Episode #37 is sort of a mood piece recorded on the 28th anniversary of my Father’s passing. Just a few new things, including another track from the just released Decemberists EP. We make some beautiful Power Pop noise, slip in a bit of classy Jazz with Thelonious Monk, Count Basie and Frank Sinatra and round things out with a whole bunch of comfort food. This might be the last episode from this iteration of Mike’s Basement as we are moving out of state next week.

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3 Comments

The Return Of Mercury Rev & Other New Goodies

9/25/2015

1 Comment

They are one of a handful of bands that always manage to transport me to another place. A 7 year wait for their latest sonic opus was worth it after a single listen to this remarkable album. And that's what it is... an album. I recommend listening straight through for the proper effect. Here's a quartet of my instant faves.

Another new one I've been anxiously awaiting. Glen Hansard's new solo effort is called "Didn't He Ramble" and his gifts with melody and lyric are firmly intact here, as well as his wonderfully warm voice. Aside from the great first single ("Winning Streak") my early choices are these two.

Jeff Lynne has relaunched Electric Light Orchestra and this first single from the forthcoming "Alone In The Universe" album could easily pass for the Beatle-esque heyday.

Speaking of "Beatle-esque"... see if you don't instantly grab a copy of "Drive My Car" from The Fabs to follow this one. John Batdorf hasn't sounded like he was having this much fun in... well.. forever! Killer hook on this one.

I was late getting on the John Grant bandwagon, but as always better late than never. I have a feeling many will be joining me after hearing this killer new album.

I honestly have never heard the Taylor Swift originals, at least on purpose, but after hearing what Ryan has done with them, it's on my shopping list. Good songs are good songs, period.

1 Comment

MMJ.. Ryan.. Jason... and Kamasi

5/6/2015

0 Comments

I get more obsessed with this band with each passing year, and this new album has literally knocked me on my ass. A brilliant record and one that demands to be listened to uninterrupted. The fact that they are quite simply some of the most down to earth and flat-out nicest humans on the planet only makes me root for their success more. BUY THIS AT ONCE! And if you're as geeky as me, grab the vinyl as they used the old Capitol Records Rainbow label!

Saxophonist and composer Kamasi Washington, 34, has been working on releasing his now three-CD, nearly three-hour, choir-and-strings-assisted album The Epic for the better part of five years now. This opening number drew me in immediately.

One of the finest young American songwriters has been on a creative and personal hot streak for the last couple of years. This first glimpse into his new album proves he won't be our best kept secret for long.

Ryan alone and hysterically funny on stage at Carnegie Hall. It's impossible to whittle this down to a few songs but here's 4 from Night 1 that are must hear. The between song banter on this collection is priceless and I'm tempted to edit it all together in a single file... but who has the time?

0 Comments

In With The New...

4/14/2015

4 Comments

If you don't know about her yet... you soon will. This amazing new tune finds the incredibly talented Ms. Gardot in the throes of an artistic rebirth. I've loved her for many years but the power of this new song has completely slain me. Can't wait for the album!

Just one highlight from a wonderful tribute to "Lady Day" by the always brilliant Cassandra.

This B side from the latest single was the highlight for me.

TODD IS NOT IN THE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME! Fer chrissakes he should be in as a Producer alone! This is another Todd do it yourself platter and if radio still existed it would be blasting "Evrybody" (the second "e" is missing on purpose) every damn day!

No Sophomore Slump here... more on this soon.

He's written some of the best selling songs of all time and deep inside J.D. beats the heart (and chops) of a true Jazz man. One of my favorite songwriters and I truly love pretty much all of his records. This isn't out yet.

Although a charter member of the "Brian Is Genius" camp I will not gush about this new album except to say that IT IS HIS BEST EVER SOLO ALBUM! Is it the last?

Welcome back... FREEDY!!!!!!

Very cool band from The Garden State.

One of the best bands on the planet continues to get better. I could listen to this all day.. and did the first day I got it!

4 Comments

The New Release Bin

9/3/2014

0 Comments

The New Release Bin is positively overflowing since my last post.... here's a hefty batch in no particular order of stuff I'm loving at the moment.

Jason & The Mrs. do a fine job with "Born In The USA" and Low is perfect for "I'm On Fire." Cool album, although "tribute fatigue" is definitely starting to set in.

Yes it's another tribute, but again some very compelling stuff considering the subject is Johnny Cash's 1964 "Bitter Tears" album. Let's face it, anything that Gillian Welch and David Rawlings sing on and Joe Henry puts together is worthy of attention.

WOW!!!!!

Their unique approach to Jazz always delights.

This new instrumental offering kept my attention.

This just might wind up being a huge hit in a few months.

Can he really be turning 80 soon? Essential!

Absolutely loving this one.

They keep getting better and better. And I'm not just saying that because I'm a Jersey boy.

0 Comments

A Bunch Of New Things

8/3/2014

2 Comments

I Haven't seen the movie yet but the soundtrack covers a lot of the bases.

If you still need to start your James Brown collection this is my recommended place to begin.

Spoon are back with a new album... I like these tunes so far.

Trigger Hippy is a powerful, soul-infused rock and roll band founded by Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman featuring twin lead vocals from multi-platinum recording artist Joan Osborne and singer-songwriter Jackie Greene who also plays guitar and keyboards. Rounding out the group are lead guitarist Tom Bukovac, who co-produced the EP with the band, and bassist Nick Govrik.

Great new album from Chuck. Get this as soon as you can.

Even the B Side is GREAT. Can't wait for this album!

Speaking of singles, I just found this import 7" EP and couldn't resist!

A typically solid effort from Petty and the guys. All the hype of "return to form" baffles me as this is a band that never wavers. Great stuff, especially these two!

2 Comments

Ryan Adams Single And More New Essentials

7/2/2014

3 Comments

I simply cannot stop playing this. Album due September 9th.

Tweedy sneaks out something new...

One of my all time drumming heroes has no problem admitting he's a dickhead but he's still able to innovate and cook behind the kit. When all is said and done he will be remembered as one of the finest musicians of his or any other era.

Robert Plant has a virtual license to print money by agreeing to tour under the Zeppelin legend, but instead strives to try and push the culture forward. This is a mature and irresistible new tune that continues to increase my respect for him as an artist still yearning for what comes next. Great stuff.

The first words out of my mouth after hearing this one from the forthcoming Sea Wolf album was "Holy Shit!" An epic nine minutes flies by like a hit single. Stunning.

3 Comments

Missed an entire month... in more ways than one!

8/11/2013

1 Comment

Can't believe I went more than a month without posting but I've been in dental reconstruction hell, as well as very busy at work. That said, here's a few new and old things that I've been cranking in the Basement Studio recently.

Can't believe we lost J.J. Cale. Without question one of the finest songwriters of my generation but also one of the nicest gentlemen I've ever had the privilege to meet.

Black Joe is back with another collection of tender love ballads... yeah, right!

This will be our next best kept secret to cross over to mass adulation, or at least they should based on this terrific new album!

One of my absolute favorite pop rockers is getting ready to release his first ever covers album.

The new album isn't due until November but Brendan sent me a few tunes to tide me over until it arrives. This one should be a hit, whatever the hell that means!

I am completely in love with this record... here's the title track.

Not only is Jason Isbell one of the finest young songwriters on the scene. He just married Amanda Shires, who is pretty damn terrific as well! Great new record.

They're back!!!!!!!! The rock album we all need right now, pushed forward by one of the best pure rock drummers on the planet, Jon Wurster.

Believe it or not this marks the first time the legendary PHJB have recorded an album containing all original material. Produced by Ben Jaffe and Jim James.