State of Independence, I have a dream
Former Pretenders drummer James Hood and Grant Showbiz (who later produced the Smiths and Billy Bragg) formed Moodswings in 1989. Moodswings is electronic, chill, semi-ambient, kick back and relax music. All the songs on their albums basically blend together and make for a very satisfying listen. Their first release, Moodfood, was released in 1992. Tracks 8, 9 and 10 are the “Spiritual High” trio (parts 1, 2 and 3). Chrissie Hynde was recruited to sing Part 2 (State of Independence). Part 3 features an excerpt from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. I’ve always found the King excerpt quite poignant and powerful. It really fits well into the song.
Moodswings w/ Chrissie Hynde: Spiritual High (Pts. 1, 2, 3) from Moodfood (1992)
Spiritual High, Part 1
Spiritual High (State of Independence), Part 2
Spiritual High, Part 3Blue Live
I posted the studio version of this song last summer, but given that the live version from Lucinda’s ‘Live @ the Fillmore’ album is far superior, in my opinion, I just had to share it with you all.
If you’re not touched by this tune, then brother (or sister), you have no soul.
Lucinda Williams:
Blue (live)[mp3] from Live @ the Fillmore | LyricsBababooey
It’s been an entertaining week as I’ve found myself sucked into Howard Stern’s debut on Sirius Satellite Radio. George Takei as the official show announcer? Brilliant! It’s great to hear Howard and his gang in their true element: relaxed, honest, and yes, uncensored.
In honor of the King of All Media, here’s another anti-authority figure who takes up a good chunk of my leisure time. It’s Steve Earle, and his not too subtle thoughts on the FCC, the FBI, and the CIA.
Steve Earle:
F the CC(mp3) – from The Revolution Starts NowBonus: Steve Earle:
Condi, Condi(mp3)“People say you’re cold but I think you’re hot, Oh, Condi, Condi, Oh, Condi, Condi.”
Keen on Keane
There’s something to be said for a well-crafted, catchy pop song. This one came along and caught my attention recently. Keane formed in Battle, East Sussex, England in the late 90’s, and caught the attention of British record label Fierce Panda Records in late 2002. Their first released single was this nice tune here:
Keane:
Everybody’s Changing(mp3) – from Hopes and DreamsShake 4 Eddie Turner
Eddie Turner is a Colorado-based blues guitarist who I first heard & saw at the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival last summer. I really enjoyed the whole vibe he, his band, and his music emitted. The whole set is available on his web site’s music page. I recommend checking out some of those tunes.
Here’s a sneak peek of a tune from his forthcoming CD, ‘The Turner Diaries’. With a cool guitar riff steering it, this is a really infectious and seductive tune.
Eddie Turner:
Shake 4 Me(mp3)- Buy Eddie’s CD, ‘Shine’
- Eddie’s Official Site
- Factoid: Eddie’s bass player, Kenny Passarelli, has played bass for Elton John, Hall & Oates, and Joe Walsh, among many others. He shares a writing credit on “Rocky Mountain Way”.
The ChronicWHATcles of Narnia
This is the funniest Saturday Night Live skit in a loooong time. If you haven’t seen this yet, check it out.
Chris Parnell and new SNL featured player Andy Samberg wax poetic about their adventures on the way to see Chronicles of Narnia. F-u-n-n-y.
Andy Samberg & Chris Parnell: (sorry, dead YouTube link)
Chillin in the Love Lounge
(tina graham of love lounge)Love Lounge is a Minneapolis band formed by Mark Campbell and Tina Graham. Theyre working on getting their demo available to the masses, and should have a MySpace page up & running soon. In the meantime, here is their song “The Doll”, a soft, introspective song that, as Mark says, would make Norah Jones eat her heart out…..Tina’s voice is so beautiful on this one.
The Lineup is:
Tina Graham….lead and backing vocals
Mark Campbell….rhythm guitar
Paul Bolin….bass, keyboards
Ian MacKay…lead guitar
Amy Brockman…backing vocals
Dave Hoon…drumsIll have more of their tracks available soon. If you like what you hear and yearn for more, contact Mark to get a hold of their demo. If youre in the Minneapolis St. Paul area, go check em out live. Ill have some live dates posted shortly.
Love Lounge: The Doll (mp3) written by Graham / Campbell (as are all L.L. tunes).
Whiskey in Turkish Dixieland
Happy New Year to everyone out there.
Lets start the year on a raucous note, with some up-tempo Irish-flavored rock n roll courtesy of Metallica, the Pogues, and Steve Earle. Take it away boys .
Metallica:
Whiskey in the Jar(mp3) from Garage, Inc.
The Pogues:Turkish Song of the Damned(mp3) from If I Should Fall from Grace with God
Steve Earle & the Del McCoury Band:Dixieland(mp3) from The MountainJoe Strummer Mix
It was the holiday season three years ago when Joe Strummer left this world. In memory of one my major musical heroes, here’s a snapshot of Joe’s work through the years. We miss you, Joe.
Joe Strummer:
The IckMusic Mix(mp3) – 18.8 MB, 27m:27s- Tommy Gun (The Clash, Give ‘Em Enough Rope, 1978)
- Bhindi Bhagee (Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros, Global a Go-Go, 2001)
- Janie Jones (The Clash, The Clash, 1977)
- Nitcomb (Mescaleros, Rock Art & the X-Ray Style, 1999)
- The Leader (The Clash, Sandanista, 1980)
- Death or Glory (The Clash, London Calling, 1979)
- Boogie With Your Children (Joe Strummer, Earthquake Weather, 1989)
- Silver and Gold (Mescaleros, Streetcore, 2003)
In Memory of Joe Strummer: August 21, 1952 – December 22, 2002
Merry Christmas from IckMusic
From the Arizona desert to the far corners of the world, Merry Christmas from IckMusic!
If you�re a frequent IckMusic visitor, you�ll like this one, trust me.
Marah: City of Dreams (mp3) � from If You Didn’t Laugh, You’d Cry
