The Golden Age of Music is Always The Present

People often ask the question, when would you say was the "Golden Age of Music" ? As an ardent fan of music with a large scope of knowledge that covers many genres and decades, I provide a less conventional answer that the "Golden Age of Music" is always the present.

My defense: Music is timeless, + with emerging technologies we are incredibly #HASHTAGBLESSED to have access to nearly all generations of music before us at the click of a button. Music has evolved on a multidimensional scale with experimental genres and new flavors bringing us the extraordinary and ever changing phenomenon that is music today.

So, THANK YOU 2015 for being an exceptional year in music. Thank you for the  excitement and the abundance you brought. Below is a list of the Top 10 albums that impressed me  most. I hope you enjoy :)

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2015  by MF

1) Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes

Sound & Color is the second studio album released by Alabama Shakes on April 21, 2015. It was the perfect second studio album. It stayed consistent to who they were and how they presented themselves in their debut album but showed a progression of sound in both subtle and profound ways. The album is edgy and versatile without sacrificing fluidity. Their rich bluesy rock sound is soothing and exhilarating at the same time and is appealing to a broad audience.

2)  Big Grams (Self Titled)




Big Boi from Outkast got together with both members of Phantogram and created the group Big Grams and created one best collaborative albums I have heard in a long time released September 25th 2015. As you can imagine, both artists ventured out of their comfort zones for this brilliant product. The sound is dynamic, energetic and straight up cool. The experiment combining synth pop electronica and hip hop had a synergy that was flawless.


3) Stuff Like That There by Yo La Tengo


The beauty of this album lies in its simplicity. I probably listened to this album the most frequently out of any on this list yet I struggled most with where to place it and whether or not I wanted it here at all. Stuff Like that There is Yo La Tengo's 14th studio album and to be honest; it is just not that interesting. Everything about the album is plain and it features two covers of the most cliche tracks one could choose to cover: Friday I'm In Love and Butchie's Tune. On paper, I hate this album but in reality, I can't stop listening to it. Truth is, it provokes a gentle ease that translates so gracefully. It provides a certain tranquility beyond what I have heard before and that is what makes this brilliant.

4) The Waterfall by My Morning Jacket



The Waterfall is the seventh album released by My Morning Jacket on May 4, 2015. Their music has expanded from a blend of country and rock to encompass funk, neo-pyschadelica, progressive rock and a little bit of reggae. The tracks generally start with a whispery tone and build into a sophisticated funk jam each with unique melodies.

5) Stranger to Ourselves by Modest Mouse




Modest Mouse released new album Strangers to Ourselves on March 17th, 2015. This was the band's  first release in eight years!  I am most impressed by how loyal Modest Mouse stays to their original sound and genre. Too often, in an attempt to stay relevant, artists kick their foundation to the curb and try to become something they just aren't and fail miserably. For example, last year Rihanna & Kanye West released a track called FourFiveSeconds featuring Paul McCartney, and it broke my heart when I played it for the first time. I'm not knocking the track itself because it wasn't terrible, what hurt was the fact that Paul McCartney stuck his name on something that did not have the slightest bit of his musical tone in it anywhere. Since this is so present in 2015 so, I guess I expected Modest Mouse to divert from their grungy post-punk progressive rock sound and give us the "2015 version of themselves". But they didn't do that, and I was elated to hear that. Strangers to Ourselves is mysterious and bittersweet. There is a nice mix of uptempo and downtempo tracks all with that eerie undertone we have always recognized and loved them for.

6) Ratchet by Shamir



Shamir's debut album Ratchet released on May 19th, 2015. I first heard Shamir in March when I found him on NPR's "SXSW Artist to Watch" List, and I have been hooked ever since. His music is recognizable for his androgynous sounding voice and impeccable production quality. Shamir alone was responsible for all rapping, singing and production on the album. Ratchet is upbeat indie pop electronica, and I cannot think of any artist who has given us something that sounds anything like this before. This level of innovation is especially impressive for a debut album and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for us in the future.

7) <|°_°|> by "Caravan Palace"



Caravan Palace released <|°_°|> on October 16, 2015 and I swear I don't only like it for its genius album title. This marked the release of their third album continuing to pave the way for the the electro-swing/jazztronica genre. This album will make you want to get the hell up and dance.



8) Beat Tape 2 by Tom Misch

 

Beat Tape 2 was released by Tom Misch on August 18, 2015. It is the perfect chill and soothing downtempo album to put on during a mid summer day while hanging with your friends. The sounds are gentle and melodious. 

9) The Wanderings of the Avener by The Avener





The Avener redefines the sounds of electronica with his album The Wanderings of the Avener. As a deep house producer, he composes tasteful guitar rifts with unique and exciting vocal samples to produce something incredibly fluid. His music is absolutely hypnotic. In my opinion, he stands out impressively among a plethora of trendy DJ's attempting to hit this nail on the head.


10) Uptown Special by Mark Ronson

For me,  the most impressive thing Mark Ronson does with this album lies in the versatility of his collaborations. He brings in artists ranging from Stevie Wonder to Mystikal to Bruno Mars to Kevin Parker. Ronson never sacrifices the style or tone of his collaborator in any of the tracks and they pull together for a pretty unique and sexy album.


**Honorable Mention : Marcus Marr & Chet Faker EP



Happy listening :)
MF

Múm- We Have A Map of the Piano

Múm is an experimental pop-electronica group from Iceland that released "We have a Map of the Piano" on their second album titled Finally We Are No One in 2002. The track starts with a mysterious percussion and progresses to what almost sounds like a classical piece. The beat is ambient and downtempo combined with delicate and whispery female vocals.

Sounds similar to Aphex Twin,  Cocorosie

Happy listening :)
MF

Noteworthy Soundtrack : Music from "The Imposter"

For starters, if you have not yet seen The Imposter ... Go watch it now (streaming on Netflix)!

The documentary created by Bart Layton is an incredibly well done psychological thriller that will leave you astounded. On top of the compelling story, the soundtrack is A+ for both the film and the trailer which uses"You Rascal You"  by Hanni el Khatib.

Listen below :





Watch Trailer Below :




Happy listening & Happy watching :)
MF

"The problem is all inside your head she said to me.
The answer is easy if you take it logically.
I'd like to help you in your struggle to be free"

Simon & Garfunkel "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"

Testerosa Music- ZHU x Gallant

Grammy nominated Stephen Zhu, better known as ZHU absolutely never ceases to impress me. He is so experimental within the electronic space without ever compromising melody or fluidity in the production of his tracks. Plus, he's got those incredibly cool sultry & delicate vocals that pair ever so nicely with his beats.

"Testerosa Music", is his most recently released track and its pretty firrrrrre.  It's got great energy and movement throughout like his previous track release "As Crazy as it Is" but instead of the reggae edge he gives us a progressive rock bassline.

Happy listening :)
MF

Percussions - Digital Arpeggios

You may think Percussions the DJ sounds similar to something you've heard on my blog before although this is my first post of any of his tracks. However, Percussions really is just Four Tet disguised as his alter ego. Not sure why exactly he chose to release various tracks under a different name but regardless of his name, he comes through with that same incredibly captivating trancy electronic sound. "Digital Appreggios" is his latest release from August of this year. Its melody is sophisticated and mystical as we've seen previously from Four Tet but with a much more playful and energetic vibe that will put you into the happiest of moods.

Happy listening :)
MF

Moon Hooch- Number 9

Moon Hooch is a Brooklyn-based trio consisting of 2 Saxophonists and 1 drummer. The three musicians met and created the band while attending the New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music in 2010. Their sound combines a mix of instrumental jazz, jam dance music, and edgy rock. Moon Hooch announced themselves as a new genre that they like to call "cave music."

"Number 9" is the first track off of their self-titled debut album released in 2013, in which 10 of the 14 tracks are nameless (Number x), numbers in neither ascending or descending order. "Number 9" begins with the voice generated NYC subway alert that the train is arriving:
                       

 "Ladies and gentleman, the next L train is now arriving on the 

Manhattan-bound track. Please stand away from the platform edge"

It is interesting they decided to sample this since before the release of their first album they got their start as street performers commonly found in front of the Met or down in the NYC subway stations (meaning this repetitive phrase was engrained in their heads even more than your typical New Yorker). The track is an a catchy, energetic brassy tune with a dynamic percussion. Its exciting and textured and it makes me want to dance!

Happy listening :)
MF

This Week in NYC:

The Bowery Ballroom

M 10/5 - Stars & Geographer
W 10/7 - Luna
Su 10/11 - Blitzen Trapper

TERMINAL 5
W 10/7 - Tame Impala
Th 10/8 - Jack Garratt

Knitting Factory Brooklyn
Th 10/8 - The California Honeydrops

Sugar Hill Disco & Restaurant
Th 10/8 - Chet Faker

Radio City Music Hall
Fr 10/9 - The Wood Brothers

Kings Theatre
Sa 10/10- Yo La Tengo

The Capitol Theatre
Sa 10/10 - Mac Demarco & Delicate Steve

Music Hall of Williamsburg
Sa 10/10 - Algiers

GO SEE LIVE MUSIC ! :)
MF

Rudimental ft. Bobby Womack - New Day

Happy listening :)
MF

Moon Taxi- All Day & All Night

Moon Taxi is an alternative indie rock band from Nashville that recently released their 4th album. "All Day & All Night" is off the brand new album Daybreaker.  The melody provides an uplifting and playful energy good when you are in the mood for a nice easy listen.


Happy listening :)
MF

Razor Love by Neil Young

Neil Young is an artist that has really aged well for me, Growing up, I expressed an avid interest in the rock & roll music my parents played but blues/folk took a little longer to resonate with me. Neil Young's music took even longer and I found myself connecting to it on a track by track basis. The first Neil Young song I ever loved was "Albuquerque" and this track "Razor Love" was the second.

I discovered "Razor Love" while watching the show Transparent (which happens to have one of the best soundtracks ever produced). There is just something so special about this brassy gentle melody that startles the spirit and fills the listener with sharp emotion. Its absolutely beautiful.

Happy listening :)
MF

Caroline Smith - Bloodstyle

CAROLINE SMITH is an indie folk singer/songwriter from Minneapolis. "Bloodstyle"  is a relaxing down-tempo track with a simple but serene bassline. 

Happy listening :)
MF

Jonathan Wilson- Desert Raven

Jonathan Wilson is an accomplished guitarist, vocalist & keyboardist who made his debut into the recording  industry in a 1999 with a band called Muscadine. Muscadine released one album that rendered unsuccessful and quickly split up. Wilson's solo albums were well received by critics and he had the ability to work with some big names like Erykah Badu, Phil Lesh, and Elvis Costello. His music a soft, bluesy folk rock retrospective to rock music that came out of the late 60's/early 70s. 

"Desert Raven" is a track off Jonthan Wilson's 2011 album titled Gentle Spirit. The track starts with a mysterious intro that stirs the imagination before it progresses into this perfectly gentle bluesy melody. 

Happy listening :)
MF

Blitzen Trapper - Thirsty Man

BLITZEN TRAPPER is an indie rock band from Portland that has been around for 15 years and is set to release their 8th album this Friday October 2nd. The group consists of six members who combine to layer multiple levels of sound creating an indie folk meets experimental rock vibe. This track "Thirsty Man" came to me on Spotify's Discover Weekly this week, just in time as I am anxiously awaiting the release of the group's new album to debut in 3 days.

"it's better to love & lose than to gain the world on the string"


Until Friday, happy listening :)
MF

Four Tet- Morning/Evening

Kieran Hebden, better known by his DJ name: FOUR TET released his 8th album in July of 2015 titled Morning/Evening. The album consists of only two tracks titled (yep, you guessed it) Morning Side and Evening Side. Each track, roughly 20 minutes in length, provides a biorhytmic ambiance that coincides with characteristics and emotion humans experience at different times of day. As an individual who adores analyzing music as it relates to psychology and human emotion, I absolutely love the album and appreciate the complexity of its concept. 

It reminds me of something I have seen before from artists LOTUS with  "Umbillical Moonrise' & "Umbillical Moonset" and KINGS OF LEON with  "Use Somebody" and "Be Somebody"

Stream Morning Side & Evening Side (Complete Album) below:

PS. Doesn't FOUR TET kind of look like a mad scientist when he performs? It's pretty epic to watch... 

Happy listening :)

MF

Yo La Tengo- Stuff Like that There

I've been listening to the group YO LA TENGO for a few years now but haven't really given them the time of day until recently. My first listen was when the track "Leaving Home" was added to a playlist by a friend in 2011 and my next wave of interest sparked after the track "I'll Be Around" was featured on the Boyhood soundtrack. Recently, I started listening to their most recent album and this time I am hooked. 

YO LA TENGO has released a total of 12 albums since their first in 1986 and each album is exceptionally well done. They have really ventured into multiple genres over the years with an apparent heavy influence from my all time favorite THE VELVET UNDERGROUND. There most recent album Stuff Like that There is a careful blend of edgy rock and soothing melodic pop. The type of music good for any time, any day, any mood. 

Stream YO LA TENGO's most recent album Stuff Like That There below:

Happy listening :)
MF

This Week in NYC:

The Bowery Ballroom
Tu 9/29 - Marian Hill
Wed 9/30- Bob Moses

Central Park SummerStage
Tu 9/29- CHRVRCHES

Music Hall of Williamsburg
Tu 9/29 - Atlas Genius
Th 10/1- Toro Y Moi

Radio City Music Hall
Tu 9/29= Hozier
Th 10/1- Beirut
Sa 10.3- Grace Potter & Trampled by Turtles

Webster Hall
Tu 9/29- Rudimental

Carnegie Hall
Th 10/1- D'Angelo & Dr. John

TERMINAL 5
Th 10/1- Twin Shadow & Wild Belle

Blue Note Jazz Club, NY

Fri 10/2- Rebirth Brass Band

GO SEE LIVE MUSIC :)
MF

Zhu x A-Trak x Kez Namdi- As Crazy As It Is

I give you "As Crazy As It Is" produced by ZHU and A-TRAK ft. KEZ NANDI. This follows the release of ZHU's "Automatic" ft. ALUNAGEORGE to premiere as the highly anticipated Genesis series. This track has a very fresh beat mixing balkan-like reggae sounds and is quite different form anything we have heard from him previously. 


Happy listening :)
MF

Big Grams EP:

"Goldmine Junkie"

This past Friday 9/25/15 Big Grams finally released the highly anticipated self titled EP. Big Grams consists of Big Boi of Outkast in collaboration with the electro-pop duo Phantogram. If you aren't listening to this yet you are doing something wrong! Each track on this perfectly fluid EP is solid and the sound keeps consistent to both artists previous releases.

Happy Listening :)
MF

“Men fear thought as they fear nothing else on earth -- more than ruin, more even than death. Thought is subversive and revolutionary, destructive and terrible, thought is merciless to privilege, established institutions, and comfortable habits; thought is anarchic and lawless, indifferent to authority, careless of the well-tried wisdom of the ages. Thought looks into the pit of hell and is not afraid ... Thought is great and swift and free, the light of the world, and the chief glory of man.” 

― Bertrand Russell, Why Men Fight

The California Honeydrops- It Ain't Hard to Tell

Happy listening :)
MF

Nneka- Soul Is Heavy

Nneka is a Nigerian/German singer songwriter with enough soul to go around. 

Soul is heavy mixes hip hop and R&B with Nnekas unique accent and voice tonation to bring us a powerful and exciting track. 

Sounds similar to: Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill

Happy listening :)
MF

AUGUST 2015- NYC Concert Update

7/29-- Beat Connection @ Webster Hall
8/1-- Star Slinger @ Output
8/1-- Snarky Puppy @ Watermark
8/1 -- Dr. John @ Central Park Summerstage
8/5 -- Yo La Tengo @ Damrosch Park
8/5 -- Hot Chip @ Webster Hall
8/8-- Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs @ MoMa PS1 Warm Up
8/8 -- Jamie xx @ Terminal 5
8/9 -- Glass Animals @ Central Park Summerstage
8/12-8/15 -- Galactic @ Brooklyn Bowl
8/17 -- Mac Demarco @ Bowery Ballroom
8/19 -- Morning Teleportation @ Brooklyn Bowl
8/23 -- Maya Jane Coles @ Verboten

Funkadelic- Biological Speculation

Found this song last week while watching the film Afternoon Delight produced by Jill Solloway (creator of Amazon's Transparent). Have been listening to it on repeat ever since. Every time I hear it I can't help but start moving :)

Funkadelic is most widely recognized for their collaborations with George Clinton and  their sister band Parliament due to a wider commercial success. Their music incorporates 70's disco with a smooth and funky soul flavor.

Sounds similar to: Parliament, Sly & The Family Stone

Happy listening :)
MF

New Ratatat Album- Magnifique

Stream Album on Spotify here :

Happy listening :)
MF

Electric Forest 2015

 Wheel of Fortune Door Panels

String Cheese Incident ft. Dominic Lolli

Good Life VIP tent at Sherwood Court

Jubilee Tent at dusk.

Epic.

Chillin with the legendary Chali 2na after his set with the Funk Hunters.

This girl was really feeling the energy.

Just some extremely groovy dude chillin' at the VIP/Artists pool. 

On the Regular- Shamir

Have you ever started listening to an artist for a while before you researched them and discovered the gender of the singer/rapper was not what you expected? This has happened to me a few times in my life and left me astounded by the mistake. For my first 18 years of existence, (I kid you not), I thought Tracy Chapman was a white male. Finding out she was, in fact, a black woman on Google was a shocking experience for me. Another example of one of my unexpected gender discoveries was finding out the lead singer of the group Rhye was a male. I cannot tell you how many times I listened to the album "Woman" imagining an actual woman singing those gentle melodies. Shamir provides yet another example of my false gender pretenses. I can hardly believe this is a male rapping.

Shamir is an American singer/rapper/producer from Las Vegas that made a pretty big noise at SXSW 2015 with his debut album "Ratchet". Shamir is most recognized for the androgyny in his voice which he prefers to consider "couterinterior". His music blends contemporary electronic dance sounds with energetic nu-jazz hip hop. Have a listen to my favorite dance track off the album "On the Regular".

Happy listening :)
MF

Afterhours Ibiza- Sweet Alabama Shakes

 I cannot be the only person who has typed in "Alabama Shakes" on Spotify only to find this unique trancey bedtime album "Sweet Alabama Shakes" by Afterhours Ibiza. The album provides a lot of variation from track to track with uptempo drum solos, latin hip hop and downtempo funky space jams. If you haven't already stumbled upon this on your quest to listen to the Alabama Shakes or otherwise, I highly recommend giving it a listen.

Happy listening :)
MF

Soulwax & Funkadelic- Peep This

Funkadelic & Soul Clap teamed up to release their 'In Da Kar' EP earlier this year. Although, Funkadelic has been toured fairly recently, this was the first music release in almost 30 years. The track "Peep This" mixed with Soul Clap and featuring Nick Monaco, G Koop & Greg Paulus definitely lives up to the funky reputation.

Happy listening :)
MF

Eels- Guest List

Eels are one of my favorite 90's alt. rock bands best known for their song "Mr. E's Beautiful Blues". Their music has been frequently used in teen movies & TV series likely due to the passion and emotion it evokes.

The track Guest List is off of their 1996 album "Beautiful Freak". True to the title, the lyrics and melodies are generally pretty dark and cynical full of juxtapositions and tormented messages. Guest List is no exception. This track specifically resonates with me due to its powerful imagery you can imagine through the lyrics and the gentle melody.

Are you one of the beautiful people?
Is my name on the list?
Wanna be one of th beautiful people.
Wanna feel like I'm missed. 

Sounds similar to: Modest Mouse, Neutral Milk Hotel


Happy Listening :)
MF

And you measure for wealth by the things you can hold
And you measure for love by the sweet things by the sweet things you're told
And you live in the past of a dream that you're in
And your selfishness is your cardinal sin

- "Like Janis" by Rodriguez

Powers- Beat of My Drum

If this song doesn't lift your spirits, you may be hopeless.

Happy Hump Day :)
MF

Astronauts, Etc- No Justice

Astronauts, etc. is a relatively under the radar solo melodic-pop singer/producer. "No Justice" was released as an independent single in addition to earlier single "I Know" also released independently in 2015.

This track's sound is consistent to his earlier releases providing a complex melody yet a delicate essence. The vocals and synth coupled with the lyrics of a soul heartbroken can put the listener in a bit of a melancholy mood.

Sounds similar to: Inc. ,Glasser, Portugual, the Man

Happy Listening :)
MF

Parov Stelar- Clap Your Hands

If you like Nu-Jazz electronica and you haven't checked out Parov Stelar's new album 'The Demon Diaries' yet then you are in for a treat.

Marcus Fueder, better know as Parov Stelar has been in the DJ game since late 90's and was one of the earlier DJs to test the waters with Jazztronica/Electro-Swing. The Austrian producer has been critically acclaimed for his sounds novelty and has been highly revered as one of the best live DJ acts to see live.
Clap Your Hands was first released as a part of an EP and is recorded on the newly released full album 'Demon Diaries'. It's exciting uptempo jazzy beat makes it virtually impossible to not move your body.

Sounds Similar to: Nikki & Rich, Caravan Palace, Goldfish

Happy Listening :)
MF

The Beta Band- Inner Meet Me

The Beta Band is a folk-electronic group from Scottland that formed in the mid 90's. The band is made up of vocals, guitars, drums, keyboard and synth. Their music has been critically acclaimed and they developed somewhat of a cult following but not until after the band called it quits due to their lack of success. The way there music mixes acoustic rock with synth and other genres was very experimental and ahead of its time.

This track is simultaneously tranquil and stimulating. It's the kind of easy listen that would be good for a calm mid-afternoon or a long car ride. The chorus line "Inner meet me, oh you can't decide" with a very dream-like mystery makes for a strong introduction.

 Not sure what Steve Mason was going for when he wrote the lyrics but "Inner Meet Me" makes me imagine this very funny physical introudction between two versious of my consciousness; my socialized external self and the truest version of my soul.

Sounds similar to: The Bees, Broken Social Scene Danger Mouse


Happy listening :)
MF

Electronic Fridaze 5/8

Happy half birthday to me :)

Enjoy this awesome playlist!

Happy listening :)
MF

Rework of the Week

Wonderwall (Hannes Fischer Remix)
Original by: Ryan Adams


This remix is fire.

Happy listening :)
MF

Original Of the Week

Otis Redding vs. Aretha Franklin




I'm not sure that I will ever be able to wrap my head around this one. It sort of makes me questions everything in life I ever thought I knew to be true.

Otis Redding originally recorded "Respect"
Aretha Franklin covered it.

Mind.
Blown.

While I love Otis and have the highest possible magnitude of respect for him as a musician, Aretha owns this song. She brought it to life in a way that no other singer ever could have. You will notice this version lacks the R_E_S_P_E_C_T which was an addition by Franklin. Its interesting that a song that is a seemingly powerful feminist landmark was actually written by a man.

Otis recorded "Respect" in 1965 and Aretha Franklin popularized it in 1967. 

Happy listening :)
MF

Ibeyi- River

Ibeyi is a French/Cuban downtempo indie rock duo made up of twin sisters Lisa-Kainde Diaz & Naomi Diaz. Their songs are in both English and Yoruba, which is an ancient language from Nigeria that their ancestors brought to Cuba. 

Their music is dynamic, soulful and experimental. "River" is off of their self-titled debut album. The track is rhythmic and layered with an indie neo soul vibe. 

Ibeyi is joining Jungle at a FREE Summer Stage show in Central Park on June 20th. Got to say this is one of the shows I am most excited for this summer :) 

Similar to: Nneka, Mapei, Naomi Pilgrim

Happy listening :)
MF

My Morning Jacket- Tropics (Erase Traces)

My Morning Jacket is an alternative psychadelic indie rock band from Kentucky. On Monday 5/4 they released their seventh album 'The Waterfall'. The album album is awesome so definitely check it out. The track that stood out to me the most was "Tropics (Erase Traces)". It has a bluesy harmonic vibe with undertones of whispering mysteriousness. Jim James' vocals come in at around 1:30 with powerful lyrics and later at around 3:50 he comes in with an awesome guitar solo.


Similar to: Arcade Fire, The National, Dr. Dog

Happy Listening :)
MF

Whilk & Misky- Burn With Me

Whilky & Misky are an jazztronic neo soul duo consisting of Nima on synthesizer and Charlie's vocals. In addition to their extremely clever group name, their music isn't half bad either. The recently released track 'Burn with Me' is edgy and laid back with a textured and developed rhythm. The track was released as a follow up to their successful debut EP. A new full album is on its way with estimated release Summer 2015.

Similar to: Milky Chance, Chet Faker

Happy listening :)
MF

Ruth Brown- I Don't Know

Ruth Brown better known during the 50's as "Miss Rhythm" was an acoustic blues/soul singer during the golden years of jazz. Her music is a delicate blend of R&B, pop and jazz. Although during the 60's and 70's she fell out of the music scene and the public eye to take care of her children she experienced a an enormous revival in the early 80s. The sound of Ruth's voice with the gentle melodic tune is tender and mysterious.

Similar to : Billie Holiday, Nina Simone

Happy listening :)
MF

Happy National Concert Day :)

A concert to remember for a lifetime.
Galactic Lundi Gras @ Tipitinas (2011)

"The less I think about it the happier I am

I don’t really care if I fit into anything

or if there is anything to fit into.

It’s just I like music ya know?

That’s the thing, 

It's very uncomplicated"

Elliott Smith

Feff Best Elliott Smith

Happy listening :)
MF

Heaven Adores You

Could not be more excited to see a special screening of "Heaven Adores You" this evening. Not only is Elliott Smith my favorite solo artist of all time , I believe he was one of the most complex humans to have ever graced this earth. His story is tragic, but I'm hoping this documentary can shed some light on his dark and painful struggles.

Elliott Smith died on October 21, 2003 by two direct stab wounds to his own heart.

Good Morning, Good Music

Happy listening :)
MF

Happy May - Electronic Fridaze 5/1

Happy May ! Springtime has arrived :)
Enjoy this playlist while you're pregaming or partying with your friends during the beautiful 48 hours we call the weekend!! Happy listening :) MF

Jordan Bratto & Chance the Rapper - Prisoner

I'm not typically a fan of most popular music, but I can definitely get down with some of it. Always like to give it a listen and see if anything jumps out at me. In the world of pop music this week, the track "Prisoner" by Jordan Bratton and Chance the Rapper is doing it for me. It's cute, nothing extraordinary but definitely charming and shareable. The melody is pleasant with a bit of a modern soul pop vibe.

Happy listening :)
MF

Blue Hawaii - Get Happy

Blue Hawaii is an electronic music duo based out of Montreal. Their sound consists of dense female harmonies of singer Ra and the melodic textured synthesizer done by Agor. After their latest album release in 2013, Ra moved on to join the group BRAIDS.

Although, Blue Hawaii is no longer recording together full time, last year they two got back together to release the track "Get Happy". The track is mid-tempo, light and enchanted sounding. The lyrics speak to a very highly debated psychological phenomenon of the large volume of people being put on antidepressants in the US.  I like how it conceptualizes an unfeeling medicated zombie through the nature of the sound.

Sounds similar to: Braids, Lapsley, Made in Heights

Happy listening :)
MF

What Happened to Miss Simone?

OH HELL YES.

:) MF

Noteworthy Soundtrack- Bloodline

For those of you who possess the tragic yet common disease I currently have: Chronic & Severe Netflix Binge Watching  definitely check out Netflix's latest original: Bloodline. In addition to the edgy storyline and awesome acting, Mark Wike put together a truly awesome soundtrack ft. music from Jimi Hendrix, Jack White, TV on the Radio and more.

For those of you that know me, nothing tickles my fancy more than a good soundtrack since my life dream is to become a music supervisor for multiple TV series/movies. To stream the full series soundtrack on Spotify click below.

Glass Animals - Toes

If you haven't been listening to the Glass Animals album ZABBA, you are seriously missing out and need to get on it ASAP. Each track off the debut album is pretty much golden and when a debut album is this good it overwhelms me to imagine what's up next. Verrrrry excited to see them at Summerstage in August :)

Happy listening :)
MF

May 2015 NYC Concert Update

Fr 5/1 - Toro Y Moi @ Terminal 5
Fr 5/1 - Sufjan Stevens @ Kings Theatre
Fr 5/1- Four Tet @ Sugar Hill Kingdom
Fr 5/1- FKJ @ Baby's All Right
Sa 5/2 - Xavier Rudd @ Bowery Ballroom
M 5/4 - Kieza @ Irving Plaza
Tu 5/5- Stanley Clarke @ Blue Note Jazz Club
Th 5/7 - Of Monsters & men @ Hammerstein Ballroom
Fr 5/8- Maya Jane Coles @ Verboten
Th 5/14- The Main Squeeze @ Highline Ballroom
Fr 5/15- The New Mastersounds
             & Euforquestra @ Brooklyn Bowl
M 5/18 - Bobby Rush @ BB Kings
M 5/18- Tedeschi Trucks Band @ Summer Stage
Th 5/21 - French Horn Rebellion @ Irving Plaza
F 5/22- Dirty Dozen Brass Band @ Brooklyn Bowl
M 5/25- Oh Land @ Bowery Ballroom 

Th 5/7 - Glasser @ Le Poisson Rouge
Fr 5/8- Manic Focus @ Brooklyn Bowl

Sa 5/9 Penguin Prison @ Music Hall of WIlliamsburg
Sa 5/9 Plastic Plates @ Cameo Gallery
Th 5/14 - Santigold @ Music Hall of WIlliamsburg
Th 5/14 - Bit Funk @ Good Room
Su 5/17 - Body Language @ Mercury Lounge
Th 5/26 - Bonobo @ Output

Saintseneca- Takmit

Saintseneca is an indie folk rock band from Ohio. The group includes a wide range of instruments varying from acoustic sounds of the mandolin & the Turkish Baglama in addition to some spicier tones from the synthesizer and the electric guitar  "Takmit"  has a very airy uplifting melody and is off their most recent album 'Dark Arc' which was released in 2014.

Happy listening :)
MF

The Wood Brothers- Postcards from Hell

If you are big into acoustic folk, then you can join me and relish in the sound of The Wood Brothers and the track 'Postcards from Hell'. The track is tender and bluesy with a beat that sounds a bit like  a Bob Dylan song.

Happy listening :)
MF

MJ Cole- Slum King

During the course of the past 5- 10 years, dance music has exploded in popularity in the United States. It's wild how a genre so unpopular and uncool could so rapidly become the status quo isn't it? Remember Eminem's 2002 lyrics "Moby, you're too old let go it's over, nobody listens to techno!!" Fast forward to 2015, and if your music taste hasn't evolved toward some version of electro/dance music you are now the odd man out. While I'm not very much of an EDM kinda gal, I will admit to being guilty of a rapid desirous unfolding love of dance music that I was pretty much blind sided by. Deep house in particular although had a very aggressive dub-step phase with my friends.

Anyway, within my deep dive into this new world I like to look back and explore dance music that came out in the late 90s/early 2000s while American's were big time missing the boat. In this exploration, I have discovered MJ Cole's album 'Sincere' which is fucking awesome to put it bluntly. Here is one of my favorite tracks on the album "Slum King". The track's feel and energy is a mix of deep house, dub reggae, old school hip hop plus this undeniable fun factor that makes you want to get up and dance.

MJ Cole (not to be confused with J Cole) is a British house producer known among the UK-garage house genre in the early 2000s . He began his music career with the oboe and the piano where he played for BBC's Young Musician of the Year program. He stuck with this for a bit, but he quickly discovered his passion for computers, turntables, and synthesizers. He released his debut album 'Sincere' in 2000.

Happy listening :)
MF

Gabby La La - Pirates

Gabby La La is an eccentric rock musician who released her first album in 2005. Her music has an uncommon charm and dabbles a bit into multiple genres. Gabby's instrumental talents certainly run the gambit including  sitar, ukulele, piano, the electric guitar and accordion. Her high pitched flirty sounding voice mixed with her original guitar rifts gives her music something recognizable and defined. Since 2005, Gabby has released only one other solo album but works in another band in collaboration with Les Claypool of Primus.

Happy listening :)
MF

NoMBe- California Girls

California Girls is NoMBe's first single off their upcoming EP "Mood Indigo" The track has that easy going bluesy and gentle alt. Rock energy that many "California" songs present. Th rap sequence toward the end has a cool Gorillaz meets Asher Roth vibe followed by an atonal electro-dubby sound that brings the song to an end. I like the lyric repeated in the end "Oooooh how I like the coast of west coast pheromones". Happy listening :) MF

Once in a while you'll get shown in the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right

"Scarlet Begonias" by The Grateful Dead

Electronic Fridaze 4/24

Need a new playlist for your pregame tonight?! I have a feeling you will like this one. 


Happy listening :)
MF

If you could heal the symptoms,

But not affect the cause,

It's quite a bit like trying to heal a gunshot wound with gauze.

-"Sand" by Phish

Rework of the Week

Whatever Lola Wants (Gotan Project Remix) (2003) 

ORIGINAL: Whatever Lola Wants- by Richard Adler & Jerry Ross for Damn Yankees (1955)


I'd say that "Whatever Lola Wants" is probably one of the most recognizable songs of all time. It's literally everywhere. I always thought it might have been from a play but until 5 minutes ago I actually had no idea where the original came from. There are hundreds of reworks and remixes of this track and its in countless movies and TV commercials. The Gotan Project is a Parisian tango band that incorporates and synthesizer and house music beats. This particular track is off of the 2nd iteration of Verve:Remixes. Verve:Remixed is a series of albums by Verve Records which pulls together various electronic producers to mix classic jazz & blues songs from the 50s and 60s. If you havent heard more of Verve:Remixed...do yourself a favor and go to Spotify or Soundcloud immediately and check these out (one of my personal favorites is Verve:Remixed 4 - The First Ladies)

Happy Listening :)
MF

Original of the Week

Sister Sledge vs. Will Smith 

I get the feeling this one is going to crush some souls.

For those of you around my age (24) one of the most epic songs of your childhood was "Gettin Jiggy with It" (1997) by Will Smith. It was one of those songs that just instantly made you feel cool when it came on and it lives in your heart to this day. The moment you hear those first few beats you find yourself instantly in a good mood.

Unfortunately, Will Smith wasn't the brains behind this amazing and funky afro-disco beat.  It was instead Sister Sledge (best known for "We Are Family") who originally released it in their song "He's the Greatest Dancer" (1979). Sister Sledge released "He's the Greatest Dancer" as part of their most successful album album We Are Family in 1979.


Happy listening :)
MF

Chancha Via Circuito- Jardines

Pedro Canale, better known as Chancha Via Circuito is an American producer of Afro-dance meets digital cumbia. Originally from Buenos Aries he mixes the sounds of current American dub/trip-hop electronic with drum beats and Latin flavor. Chancha Via Circuito was noted as an artist to watch by NPR's Tiny Desk Concert.

Happy listening :)
MF

Michael Franti & Spearhead- Ganja Babe

Happy ... ya know ;)

Shout out to my girls Jenji Kohan & Nancy Botwin ;)

Jose Gonzalez- This is How We Walk on the Moon

Jose Gonzalez is a Swedish indie folk singer/guitarist. He currently works on his solo project and is a member of the band Junip. His soft and gentle acoustics produce the type of sound you would likely hear in the background at a coffee shop. The track "This is How We Walk on the Moon" was released as a single in 2014 as a cover of the original by Arthur Russell. I love the way the tempo switches and the introduction of the Sax and I feel this is one of his most compelling songs. It was released as a single as a larger part of a compilation album with various artists for the Red Hot Benefit tribute to raise awareness of AIDs. Gonzalez was first recognized in 2010 when his song 'Heartbeats' played during an ambiguous Sony Bravia commercial that was a display of 170,000 multi-colored bouncy balls bouncing through San Francisco (view ad here). Of course, if you were an angsty teen who loved One Tree Hill and staying on top of the latest music, you were way ahead and knew Heartbeats in 2005 when it aired during Season 2.

Gonzalez recently released his latest album 'Vestiges & Claws' in February of 2015.

Happy listening :)
MF

Darondo- Didn't I

A few months ago I committed myself to watch all six seasons of Breaking Bad on Netflix. I have to say I did not walk away with the same thoughts I had anticipated. It might have been the case that by the time I sat down to watch it I had spent years of listening to so much hype about it that it just couldn't have possibly lived up to expectations. Or it just might have been that not one of the characters was interesting or likeable and I have no sympathy or ability to relate to people who let their ego control and destroy their lives.

Regardless of my feelings about the shows character and storyline, I will say two aspects that very much impressed me were:
1) the acting
2) the soundtrack

The soundtrack is a unique blend of 50's-60's jazz music, modern rap, old school hip hop, latin jazz, & 70's classic rock & funk/soul. So thanks to Thomas Golubic; the show's music supervisor and not so much to Vince Gilligan; the show's writer, I was able to force myself through six seasons and engage in trendy cultural dialogue about Walter White and the upcoming of Better Call Saul (gave up after 2 episodes).
Here is one of the best tracks used in Breaking Bad's soundtrack: Didn't I by Darondo. Darondo was a 1970s funk/soul singer from the SF Bay area. He never became widely popular or recognized unfortunately, but if you are a funk/soul enthusiast I'm sure you will rate his music with high regard.
Happy listening :)
MF

Electronic Fridaze 4/17

Need a new playlist for your pregame tonight? I bet you will like this one :)

Happy listening :)
MF

BOSS- I Don't Give a Fuck

HAPPY FRIDAY PEOPLEZ!!!

I don't give a fuck, not a single fuck, not a single solitary fuck, I don't give a fuck motherfucker.


Happy listening :)
MF

Barrio Jazz Gang - Sunday Show (Remix)

Isn't interesting how frighteningly well jazz music and electronica blend together? Electro-swing/Jazztronica has a very new age distinguishable sound and is a genre that I've recently been exploring more. I found these guys on Shazam when I walked past a hotel uptown and really liked what was coming from the lobby. Barrio Jazz Gang released their first album in 2002 as one of the earlier groups to work with this genre. They became fairly popular in Europe but never quite blew up in the United States. If you like groups like Parov Stellar or Nikki & Rich you should definitely check these guys out :)

 Happy listening :)
MF

Made In Heights- Forgiveness

Made in Heights never disappoints. Check out their newest track.

Happy listening :)
MF

Jack Garratt- Synethisiac EP

To follow the release of Jack Garratt's 2014 EP "Remnants" which consisted of only 4 songs, Jack recently released a 2nd EP titled "Synethisiac". His sound is sort of a James Blake meets Disclosure fusion. He sings, plays piano and works the synthesizer all on his own which I'm sure translates into a sick live performance. Hope he's around NYC sometime soon!

My love is overdone, selfish and domineering 
It won’t sit up on the shelf 
So don’t try to reason with my love 
My love is powerful, ruthless and unforgiving 
It won’t think beyond itself

So don’t try to reason with my love 
And when you pray, he will not answer 
Although you may hear voices on your mind 
They won’t be kind 

My love is chemical, shallow and chauvinistic 
It’s an arrogant display 
So don’t try to reason with my love
 And when you pray, he will not answer 
I know this for I ask him all the time 
To reassure my mind

Happy listening :)
MF


P.S. If you have never heard of Synesthesia; here's the definition:
a sensation produced in one modality when a stimulus is applied to another modality, as when the hearing of a certain sound induces the visualization of a certain color.

Cool stuff, am I right?