Category Archives: movie

Blue Moon

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Marcels Blue moon

I’m diggin’ through records (what else is new) because the sixth graders are reading The Watsons Move to Birmingham 1963 (highly recommended). Came across this gem by the Marcels, which is one of my earliest great music memories/song obsessions. In the early 80s, my dad listened to a lot of 560 KSFO & 1050 KOFY (amazing how radio stations & music purveyors stick with you), and I was introduced to this song. I bought the tune for him later (when I was in Jr High) at Brown & Berrigans on a compilation from Rhino.

Here’s the YouTube version… Read more...

Scratching Cassettes

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I hear cassettes are coming back in style, at least in a retro way… although I told a friend I was coming out with a new mix and was going to put it out on cassette, and he said he didn’t know if he’d even be able to play it. Well, either way, He couldn’t play it like this guy—in fact, I can’t even play records like this!… Read more...

Today’s Stack

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This is the pile of 45′s I came across at a random sale the other day. Great pile of Southern Soul, although some are scratchy as hell. Looks like I have some enjoyable listening to catch up on!

So far, lots of Joe Tex, including these two, and quite a bit of Johnny Taylor. Good stuff, that’s for sure. My next step is to clean and listen to them all, put them in sleeves (they didn’t come with… Read more...

Heptones Dubplate

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The Heptones, one of my all time favorite reggae groups, recently lost one of their founding members when Barry Llewellyn died the other day.

Starting their recording careers like so many artists at Studio One in Kingston, they were one of Jamaica’s many popular vocal trios. They recorded at Studio One for legendary producer Coxsone Dodd from 1966 until the early 70′s, with lead singer Leroy Sibbles doing double duty as the regular session bassist. In that role, he played iconic reggae basslines like the “full up” riddim (you know, the one from “Pass the Kutchie/Dutchie“) and the “Three Piece Suit” riddim.

As the Jamaican sound slowed from rocksteady… Read more...

New track from Goapele!

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Everybody knows I rep Oakland, so obviously I have to support “the Queen of the Bay.” I know many of you enjoyed Goapele’s recent show at Art and Soul (if not, you missed out). Her new single has just been released, produced by a guy who was my best friend when we were in kindergarten. The beats he made back then were pretty dope, too.
Enjoy the (updated) video, buy the track here. Twitter tells me the album drops October 25, and I can’t wait!

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Nobody can cross it!

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Ah, reggae sure does have a sense of humor. Other genres used to, as well, but those days appear to be gone.If you missed out on Jamaica’s first viral video experience, check out the original.

With of course, the remix:

and, since it’s reggae, the dance…

And then, to cap things off, look what Beenie Man did at Sumfest in front of thousands of people. That’s just great.

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video for a remix!

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I get love from my folks for this remix, but hate from record labels. It’s hard to keep it posted for long! Here it is on YouTube, because I love you and I think it really makes us 30+ hop hop heads happy. One of my favorite hip hop songs over one of my favorite beats! Dig! Download here!

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Mix Tape Monday: DJ Platurn & Tribe Called Quest

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Living in Oakland, I am blessed to have access to immense musical talent showcased on a regular basis. This of course is true for DJs as well, where I am able to surround myself with friends and colleagues that are way more talented than I, and see them perform on a regular basis.

Known worldwide and having just been voted the “people’s choice best DJ” by the East Bay Express, DJ Platurn is definitely at the top of the list of great DJs I’ve worked beside. His resumé includes travelling the world blowing minds with music, starting the renown DJ crew Oakland

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new song, old student

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Kinda crazy that my old students (yes I have a day job) are now the ones on the cutting edge of the music scene, just a few years after I was the one putting them up on new tracks and ideas in music. Hell, I taught some of them how to count beats. This guy was way ahead of the curve, but walked my hallways as well, and has been through a lot, like many of us Oaklanders. I fully support him and the entire Justice family. Check it out and enjoy!… Read more...