[MusicRatty] tag: top

Filtered Yet Fun :: Bethany & Rufus' Live Performance of 'Sail Away Ladies'

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:45:14 +0000

Author: musicdish
Subject: Bethany & Rufus' Live Performance of 'Sail Away Ladies'
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 1:31 pm (GMT -7)
Topic Replies: 0

"In this live performance of 'Sail Away Ladies', Bethany & Rufus are clearly on top of their game. Bethany Yarrow's haunting vocals are top-notch here and Rufus Cappadocia's clever cello playing is wonderfully complemented by percussionist Bonga Jean Baptiste and Mady Kouyate playing the kora. This is roots music at its finest." - Eric Hartline, MusicDish

Download Free MP3 of the "Sail Away Ladies" (live)
http://musicdish.net/mp3/BethanyRufus_SailAwayLadies.mp3

Watch the video of Bethany & Rufus - Sail Away Ladies - "Spirit of Woodstock"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJvNcm2ZvnM

"Stunning." (Goldmine Magazine) "Remarkable." (Jazz Times) "The real deal." (Allmusic). "Extraordinary... Brilliant" (All About Jazz)

BETHANY & RUFUS are all these things... Called "a splash of sunlight between the grey cracks of mediated culture" by the UK Guardian, the cello and voice duo have kept their production spare and focused on the depth of soul in the roots music they inhabit like few others. In their hands, old aching mountain songs, gospel cries of redemption and reckoning, and the deep groove chugging of a freight train holler come alive again with an urgency and energy that have electrified audiences all over the world.
http://www.bethanyandrufus.com

Such was the case with last week's edition of What Tom Got Wrong, a new weekly Friday feature on Radio 2 Morning (6 a.m.-10 a.m.) Last week, what Tom got wrong was not putting the wrong emphasis on a word like kilometer (KiloMETRE? kilOMetre? Can never remember), something that really gets up some people's noses. No, it was about a racier mistake. Here's what Anna Ringstrom, a listener/Blog reader had to say:

"Firstly, I'd like to comment on last Friday's 'What Tom Got Wrong,' especially the piece regarding Tom mistakenly using the word 'testicle' instead of 'tentacle,' while talking about the octopus. One of the funniest segments of radio banter I have heard in a long, long while. It goes in the category of 'radio so funny you have to pull the car over to clear the tears from your eyes lest you cause a traffic accident."

Today, Part Two of this edition of What Tom Got Wrong, when Quirks & Quarks' Bob MacDonald drops by to answer the octopus question. (As in, um, do they have em, or not?)

Also don't forget to tune in today for the conclusion of What Do You Think Gordon Lightfoot Should Write About?

Broadcast Highlights

Radio 2 Morning (6 a.m.-10 a.m.) [See Top Of Post]

Tempo (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) TBA

Radio 2 Drive (3 p.m.-6 p.m.) A mix of current singer-songwriters, roots and urban music.

Tonic (6 p.m.) Some blue-eyed soul from Robin Thicke, new jazz vocals from Cassandra Wilson and Molly Johnson, a bit of British funk from the Dave Lennox Band and tracks from vibraphonist Don Thompson, percussionist Steven Kroon, and singer Melody Diachun.

Canada Live (8 p.m.) Concert 1: blues/roots musician Gordie Tentrees of Whitehorse. Concert 2: Slide to Freedom with Doug Cox Salil Bhatt and Ramkumar MIshra. Concert 3: folk music group Namgar, led by Namgar Lhasaranova, who hails from South Siberia.

The Signal (10 p.m.) In Concert from Vancouver’s New Forms Festival an aural intensity called Fond of Tigers.

Nightstream (1:00 a.m./1:30 NT) Bjork; Creaking Tree String Quartet; Raymond Bisha plays Linda Boucher.

A Verve Remixed Christmas

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:17:00 +0000

As much as you might want to deny it, Christmas is just around the corner. And with the economy in the shitter, there will probably be some killer deals come Black Friday. Let's avoid the consumeristic optimism though and get to the point of this post. Tired of spinning the same old tired tracks that you listen to every year around this time? Check out the Verve Remixed Christmas CD.

You might remember me writing about Remixed 4 in June. The theory behind the series is simple. Take classic tracks from the deep Verve catalog and spruce them up by handing them over to some tip-top remix maestros, and abracadabra, you end up with something new. I absolutely loved the 4th volume from first to last and had similar expectations for this Christmas album.

While there are some tracks here that I really dig, like the lead-off track Good Morning Blues (listen below), there are a couple songs, like 'Zat You Santa Claus? (The Heavy Remix), the second track, that just don't do it for me. Ironically it's because not enough is done with it to distinguish it from the original song, which is one of my favorite Christmas tunes. If you're familiar with the source material for these remixes, be prepared for some strong and loose re-workings that really make them pop as something new. That being said, you're parents might not go for these being spun while the family sits around to open presents, but it's a solid collection of classics brought into the 21st century.

Count Basie - Good Morning Blues (The Real Tuesday Weld Clarkenwell Mix) : Verve Remixed Christmas

and the original:

Count Basie & His Orchestra feat. Jimmy Rushing - Good Morning Blues : Listen My Children and You Shall Hear

Pick up the Unmixed Version of this album, which includes all of the original tracks.

Visit Verve Records.

Top 10 Underrated MCS

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:46:20 +0000

So I was looking at my cds and thinking why did some of the best never get the acknowledgement they deserved.

well heres mine

10.) Stat Quo
He's talented check out verse with chamillionaire and Kanye of Mixtape Messiah
but cant say anyhting real till he gets that LP out there

9.) Bizarre Royal
A little bit of a rocker/singer but he can rap to and would like to see more of work like his feat on DMX last realese

8 Dalima
Just go listen to tech N9ne's My World off of Everready the song was great but random fact if Proof hadnt died Eminem was scheaduled to be on that track and that would of killed it

7.)Proof
1st of 3 Eminem back men to be on this list raising the question does standing next to Eminem hurt anyones thoughts on your skill?
great rapper holds his own with anyone and his solo LP was solid
R.I.P.

6.)Krazie Bone
Lots of skill and showman ship unforunatly solo efforts fall flat but Bone Thugs verses our perfect

5.)Obie Trice
2nd of 3 Eminem back men to land on this list. But obie trice is talented loved his verses in benzino & Ja Rule disses and No Rap Name was great and that was pre-em now that hes no longer signed with Shady Records i'ma fraid he may dissapear into obscurity

4.) Drag-on
DMX replacement to the throne never made it not for lack of skill (see ruff ryders cds and hell and back LP) he surpassed Juvenile when he was in his prime on the track they shared togather kept up with twista, played back and forth with DMX and the lvoe game with Eve all the components just got slept on

3.) Daz
West coast legend still got that heat (see Bang with the game and Kurrupt) never got the mainstream success

2.)Royce Da 5'9"
I know the fall out with em in late 90's hurt but his follow up records were much better then Rock City. Independants Day top 5 detroit MC albums ever and Death is Certain was mass talent

1.) Tech N9ne
cult following passion, agression and SKILL!!! dont know how he never made it and hes getting so old he may never be able to

Elseblog: Vote Cover Lay Down @ Stereogum (Plus Mark Kozelek covers here and there)

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:32:42 +0000

Two posts in one day is off the charts for us here at Cover Lay Down, but since Heather is already recruiting, and you can only vote once, I thought I’d put in my pitch for voting for Cover Lay Down for Best Music Blog in this year’s Gummy Awards over at the uberpopular mp3 blog Stereogum.

Ordinarily, I’d never presume we were popular enough to worry about recruiting votes. But Fong wrote to let me know that Cover Lay Down comes up first on the autofill options for blogs beginning with the letter C; the autofill is generated when “several people” have already voted for a particular blog, so someone out there obviously thought I was worthy of mention.

Honestly, it’s an honor just to be on the autofill. Thanks to those who have voted for me already; may the best blog win. Oh, and vote here. One lucky voter will even win the top 50 CDs of 2008, as chosen by voters like you.

While you’re over at Stereogum, sign up for the Gum Drop, and you’ll net this week’s free mp3, an *exclusive* solo acoustic cover of Husker Du’s Celebrated Summer, as performed by Mark Kozelek of Sun Kil Moon and the Red House Painters. Tell ‘em Cover Lay Down sent you, and maybe I’ll even make the blogroll.

For bonus points before you go, here’s one of my favorite Kozelek covers, from his acoustic AC/DC covers album, plus Denison Witmer’s lovely take on the Red House Painters, previously posted here as part of our partnership with Denison in the weeks before he released his newest album. If you like the Kozolek, let me know; maybe one day we’ll do a full set.

Mark Kozelek: Up To My Neck In You (orig. AC/DC)
(from What’s Next To The Moon)
Denison Witmer: Have You Forgotten (orig. Red House Painters)
(web release only)

GILBERT ARENAS WAX FIGURE JOINS THE STARTING LINE UP AT MADAME TUSSAUDS WASHINGTON D.C.

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:32:31 +0000

Washington Wizards All-Star Gilbert Arenas, along with 50 children from his Zer0 Two Her0 Foundation, unveiled his wax figure today at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. Arenas posed side-by-side with his wax double and the children, who all donned Washington Wizards’ jerseys for the occasion. The figure sports his signature #0 Washington Wizards home uniform, which was donated by Arenas. The wax figure will be a part of the attraction’s sports area alongside figures of other legendary athletes, including Evander Holyfield, Tiger Woods, Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali.

“Gilbert Arenas is one of today’s most beloved basketball players — both in Washington D.C. and on a national stage,” said Janine DiGioacchino, General Manager, Madame Tussauds New York and Washington D.C. “As we move into our second year in the nation’s capital, we are thrilled to have a figure of the Washington Wizards’ fan favorite in our attraction.”

“It is an honor to join the ranks of sports icons such as Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods by being immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.,” said Arenas. “Like the Wizards, Madame Tussauds has become a fixture in the nation’s capital and one that I’m proud to be a part of.”

In order to create the incredibly lifelike figure, a team of Madame Tussauds studio artists flew in from London, UK to conduct a figure sitting with Arenas at the Verizon Center earlier this year. Arenas was an enthusiastic participant in the creation of his wax figure – the sitting alone took more than two hours as the studio artists took hundreds of measurements and photos, as well as selected eye, hair and skin tone matches for his figure. The figure creation process is incredibly intricate. Artists insert each strand of hair individually; the creation of Arenas’ figure’s head took nearly five weeks to complete.

Since joining the NBA, Arenas has been a popular figure in the league. Nicknamed The Hibachi and Agent Zero, he has transformed himself from a relative unknown to an NBA All-Star and a bona fide fan favorite. His Agent Zero Blog on NBA.com, in which he offers fans an inside look into his whirlwind life with witty insights, is widely considered the top blog of any professional athlete today.

Off the court, Arenas is passionate about several charities, including his own Zer0 2 Her0 Foundation, which helps promote the safety and well being of children by raising funds to support organizations that aid in the preservation of families through foster care, adoption and child welfare services.

Fifty 7th and 8th grade students from James Madison Middle School in Prince George’s County, Maryland were part of the figure unveiling. The students were recipients of Arenas’ Zer0 2 Her0 Foundation Christmas Dream program, and James Madison Middle School was a recipient of his Scores for Schools program last season. Through Scores for Schools, Arenas donates $150 for every point he scores during Washington Wizards’ home games.

Washington Wizards’ fans will get to see Arenas’ wax figure again tomorrow when it makes its appearance at center court during the Wizards game against Houston at the Verizon Center.

Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House with its entrance on the corner of F and 10th Streets. With a limited time offer of $10 tickets for adults and seniors and $8 for kids ages 12 and under, now is the time to visit D.C.’s interactive “must do” attraction. For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300.

About Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.:
Madame Tussauds Washington D.C. is a fully interactive, full-sensory experience, where visitors are able to touch, see and hear major historical events and celebrities in a way unlike any other Washington D.C. attraction. Recent additions to the attraction include the beloved Jonas Brothers exhibit, where guests can snuggle up to figures of the famed trio and rock out with them on a pair of Gibson Guitars and a drum set. Wax figures of superstars Penelope Cruz, Tyra Banks and Denzel Washington were recently introduced as well. The attraction is located within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House. The entrance is on the corner of 10th and F Streets. For more information, visit www.madametussaudsdc.com or call 202-942-7300.

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Ego Trippin

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:56:26 +0000

I’m not normally into the shameless shill thing–other than the rare occasions when I’ve inveigled readers into nominating me for the much sought after Chancellor of the Confederated Islands of Micronesia position. Thanks for nothing, guys. However, this morning, Stereogum sent me an e-mail purporting that The Passion is a “top contender” for Best Music Blog in their annual Gummy Awards. God knows how many other bloggers received this e-mail–I haven’t checked my RSS today and imagine that half the web has already posted something similar. If so, congratulations Stereogum, on your elaborate ruse. Well played.

According to said e-mail, I’m supposed to send my readers over to The Gummy Awards voting site and tell you to vote for me. I’m also supposed to inform you that the polls are open now through 6 pm EST, 12/2/08. And that everyone who submits has a chance to win the top 50 CDs, as determined by the poll results, and a year’s subscription to Netflix.

So if you’re bored at work and have nothing better to do, I’d appreciate your support. Most of all, I’d like to thank you, the reader, for turning this site into the esteemed position it currently holds: Google’s 7th Most Popular Site for Weimar-era Germany snuff films. With your ongoing support, I know we can crack the top 5.

Download:
MP3: Ultramagnetic MC’s-”Ego Trippin”
MP3: De La Soul-”Ego Trippin’ (Part Two)”

On the Travers Take: Peter Travers Reviews Twilight

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:45:31 +0000

The day has finally arrived. Twilight, the first film based on the tween vampire book series by Stephenie Meyer, gets its release this weekend. But is it worth the hype surrounding undead dreamboat Robert Pattinson? Click below for the complete review from the Rolling Stone film critic.

• Peter Travers Video Review: Twilight

• Paramore’s Twilight Song Comes Out of Its Coffin

• Twilight Author Stephenie Meyer On Musical Muses, New Movie

No title

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:01:00 +0000

Umek & Beltek

"Option To Stimulate"

Next to the almighty ?Army of Two? track, this team up also resulted in this fresh pack of ?Option to Stimulate? and ?Lifetime Use?. ?Lifetime use? gives tech-house a whole new approach, as it sounds retro and renewed at the same time. A playful, deep track with a proggy feel. ?Option to Stimulate? has the same characteristic sound that was also featured on ?Army of Two?, but is a bit more melodramatic and uplifting, with a big impact in the break.Techno legend Umek has been heating up the crowds for more than a decade already. He managed to define his own vision of vanguard techno, challenging every excising cliché in music industry. The Slovenian techno sound was born, which turned out to be an important driving force on the global clubs scene. Umek was ranked at the 29th position of the DJ Mag Top 100 in 2007 and is one of the Top 10 Techno Dj?s worldwide.Beltek is a talented producer who had his breakthrough with massive track ?Copacabana?, with which he won Pete Tong?s 2007 Producer Contest. His ?Kenta? release was another big success, and caught the attention of fellow Slovanian producer Umek. Umek was impressed by Beltek?s tracks and soon contacted him to team up and lock themselves up in the studio to produce some master tunes.

http://only4dj-house.blogspot.com/