SAP Music Spring Mix 2009

Thought it was time to share another mix. I've named this one a Spring mix, but that is mostly because I'm putting out in the Spring and not because it is Spring themed. Usually I try to have some theme to my mixes, but sometimes I just like to share the music I've been listening to lately. This is a collection of old and new songs that I've been playing a lot on my ipod.

So what's on this mix? Well as per usual I'm keeping that a bit of a mystery. This way only the faithful readers of the blog will be rewarded with the musical goodness and those using Google search looking for a specific song won't. I can say that the music ranges from Brit pop to R&B. There is music from the 50's on up to some tracks from just the last couple months.

The one track I would like to mention specifically is the Theme Song to Being Erica. Being Erica is a Canadian show that premiered earlier this year. My wife and I have really fallen in love with this show. So if you have a chance to catch it, do watch it. If you have any love of the 90's you'll definitely love it. The premise involves time travel and a girl named Erica going back in time to try and do things differently. Many of those things are from her early 20's in the 90's. The sound track selection for those episodes are usually pretty good. Anyways, the opening song to the show is done by a Canadian artist and it isn't available commercially anywhere. I just digitized it right from an episode of the show.

Actually one other thing I'd like to mention is that a couple other tracks on this mix were featured in a UK film called "Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging". The film was produced by Nickelodeon for the UK market. I don't know if it had a North American release. It might be available on DVD now. The film is definitely for teen girls, but I must say that if you are a fan of teen films of the 80's I think you'll like this as well. It's a fun, funny and somewhat innocent teen romance. The innocence reminds me of John Hughes' version of being a teen.

Another track was featured in Nick and Nora's Infinite playlist, which was one of my favorite movies last year. Again if you are a fan of 80's teen movies like "Pretty in Pink" or "Say Anything" you should like this movie. I love the film for a couple reasons. The first is that it is a great romantic movie. The characters live in a cynical world and yet somehow they are trying to keep their innocence and belief in love. The second reason is that the film is a love letter to New York, the city I most want to live in. And the last reason is that the sound track is great. I think it will be viewed as a great time capsule of the New York music scene in generations to come. If you haven't already do check out the movie and the soundtrack.

Wow, I didn't plan on writing so much, but it is hard to just put this out there without a few bits of commentary. There is also a track by a guy my son discovered on myspace named Brooke Pridemore. If you can support the little guy and check out his music. Okay, that is the last plug.

So with that said, I hope you all like the collection.

Enjoy!

SAP Music Spring Mix 2009.zip

Carl Stevens - African Sounds - 1965

If you have any love of exotica this record will be right up your alley. Though not exactly exotica, because it's not trying to sound like music from the South Pacific or South America it is making some vague attempt at being African. I use the term African very loosely. The sound is actually decidedly Western or American. The real plus of this record is that the production is fantastic. Recorded on 35 mm film, no expense was spared. This copy that I have is also quite great in my opinion, which has made for a pretty clean rip.

The jacket art is also pretty good. Very colorful and fun.

The record starts off with the classic Baby Elephant Walk. This track always makes me think of Homer Simpson. I've forgotten exactly why. I'm sure it was featured in an episode of the Simpsons way back in the day. It's been long enough that I've forgotten the specific scene or context. Whatever the case, it makes me think of Homer.

"Afrikaan Beat" is another great one. It starts off with a rhythm on a triangle or some other metal instrument. The rhythm of it reminds me of I think the Baretta theme. If I'm mistaken on that it's another 70's cop show like Swat or Starsky and Hutch. Give it a listen and tell me which it is. Now don't get excited thinking this is going to turn into a funky 70's riff, because it doesn't. The song stays pretty mellow, but still has a charming groove to it. In fact there is a liberal use of guitars throughout the record that are quite "groovey".

Then there is "Lion Sleeps Tonight", which I believe I may have featured here before by another artist. This is another fun instrumental of that song.

If you try out just these first 3 tracks you'll get the flavor for the rest of the record. I personally love every track on here. There is an irony to the happiness in the songs when put in the light of today's knowledge of all the tragedies that are going on in Africa. Maybe that will put you off. It is kind of a sad thing to think about, but then again if you start to get down, the music will pick you right back up again.

Enjoy!

Carl Stevens - African Sounds.zip

01 Baby Elephant Walk.m4a

02 Afrikaan Beat.m4a

03 Wimoweh (The Lion Sleeps Tonight).m4a

04 Botha-Bothe.m4a

05 Jolly Jika.m4a

06 The Call Of The Jungle.m4a

07 Skokiaan.m4a

08 African Waltz.m4a

09 Wa-Chi-Bam-Ba (Valley Of A Thousand Hills).m4a

10 King Kong.m4a

11 Tsetse Fly.m4a

12 Tiana-Tche (The Jungle Roars).m4a

Ramsey Lewis Trio - Hang On Ramsey - 1965

I picked this record up not knowing anything about Ramsey Lewis. I was attracted by the title (I like Hang On Sloopy) and the odd cover with the trapeze artists. I get the pun of hang on, but the trapeze acrobats seem like a stretch. I also noticed a couple Beatles song which was a plus. I'm always interested in hearing how people murder or perhaps do well with Beatles covers. Happily, I was pleasantly surprised when I listened to the record. It actually is a really strong jazz record.

As it turns out Ramsey Lewis is an accomplished Jazz musician, who's garnered 3 Grammys and commercial success with 5 gold records. He's still performing today. You can check out his latest news and concert schedule at his website. www.ramseylewis.com You can also read up on his career on Wikipedia.

I discovered in my reading that Hang On Sloopy was a hit for ole Ramsey. It is top notch for sure. The Beatles covers (A Hard Days Night, And I Love Her) also are great. I also happen to really like Satin Doll. Give it a spin and find your favorite.

Enjoy!

01 A Hard Day's Night.m4a
02 All My Love Belongs To You.m4a
03 He's A Real Gone Guy.m4a
04 And I Love Her.m4a
05 Movin' Easy.m4a
06 Billy Boy_Hi-Heel Sneakers.m4a
07 The More I See You.m4a
08 Satin Doll.m4a
09 Hang On Sloopy.m4a

Ramsey Lewis Trio - Hang On Ramsey! part 1.zip
Ramsey Lewis Trio - Hang On Ramsey! part 2.zip

Bohannon - Jammin' In The Street 12" - 1986

I feel so bad about how much I've been neglecting this blog. Days wiz by and before I know it a week has past and I haven't posted anything new. I do apologize.

Anyway, here is a 12" dance track from the 80's. Hopefully something you haven't heard before. Still it is a good track.

Enjoy!

01 Jammin' In The Streets Part 1.m4a
02 Jammin' In The Street Part II.m4a