Si, Para Usted (Volumes 1 & 2)

Communist Cuban Funk from the 60's & 70's (although on volume two there is a completely out of place Juan Pablo Torres track from 1990). Mostly instrumental, superb sound quality. Each volume is a double-LP set pressed on 180-gram vinyl. Issued by Waxing Deep & Light In The Attic, a label you will be hearing much more from. Highly recommended

Los Holy's - Sueno Sicodelico (1967)

Los Holy's were a Peruvian Psych-Surf outfit who put out this killer record of instrumentals back in '67. The back sleeve of this LP sums up their vibe perfectly (albeit with a wonderful english-as-a-second-language quality): "Los Holys symbolize the restless and evolved heart of today's youth. Do we know all of the sounds that are heard at the bottoms of the sea? Space stations don't capture sound-waves produced at thousands of light years? We will try to reproduce those sounds with our instruments and maybe they'll end up being more pleasant than the crashing of waves." This is almost as perfect an instrumental record as you can get, forgiving the super-cheesy surf rendition of Unchained Melody. This group was featured on each volume of Back To Peru, both tracks of which came off this record. Been meaning to post this one for quite a bit...

Margo Guryan - Take A Picture (1967)

Another record I've been quite obsessed with lately, I came across this one looking through the Sundazed catalog. Apparently the title track was used in a film commercial recently, though I'd never heard it (apparently the commercial didn't run on MSNBC...) The story about this gal goes something like this: classically trained jazz pianist from New York, discovers pop music through Pet Sounds, writes/records killer album, decides she doesn't want to tour, record flops, becomes music teacher in LA. Is this saccharine pop? Maybe (though I don't think so). Guryan's singing style comes across like a gentle whisper, and the tenderness of her lyrics only reinforce the comforting quality of this music. But what really stands out to me is the production. The drum sounds on this record are fantastic. The kick is prominent throughout, and the toms really pop out at you. Please give a listen and share your thoughts.

Where Are They Now: This Fucking Wackjob

Now that the health care debate is winding down, it's time for the gloating! How long you think it's going to take for these people to realize there are no death panels, this isn't goddamn reparations as some have suggested, and no one's trying to pull the plug on grandma? This same nutbag is the exact species of wackjob that refused to believe the earth was round. Fortunately for us, we finally won one! Rest assured though, I promise you they are not going away. Anyways, we all know they're just a bunch of racists.

More Beatles Cartoons

Here is a select smattering of shimmering 1960's Beatles cartoons:

And Your Bird Can Sing



I'm Only Sleeping



If I Fell



I'll Follow The Sun

A Landmark Achievement for America

This morning, at around 11:45 EST, President Barack Obama signed Health Reform Legislation into Law. I watched this happen from my desk as something I have waited & fought for for many years now. While there is still the matter of the Senate reconciliation package, which as I understand bears about a 70% chance of moving swiftly through the chamber, this Bill, while imperfect, represents a major win for the American people. Two months ago, following the heartbreaking loss of Senator Kennedy's seat in Massachussetts, many left this bill for dead. Throughout the journey that was this legislative process, the President was, at various points in the debate, derided for a lack of clarity and leadership. Well, there is one thing for certain today: we have achieved health reform because of Obama's tenacious leadership, not in spite of it. This debate has allowed us to watch our President become a leader right before our very eyes. It has been a fascinating journey, and it is far from over. Scholars and academics will debate the merits of this legislation for years; ordinary Americans will begin to reap its benefits almost immediately. The corrupt health insurance industry, an industry built to profit off the providing (and with-holding) of care and services, has been dealt a blow that only begins to put the American people back in a position of power. And President Obama, for the second time the past sixteen months, has made me extremely proud to be an American. God bless him.

It's Been Awhile

So, it's been way too long since I posted on here, thought I'd sign in and give an update. I moved into a new apartment February 1st and it's like a whole new world for me. Great place to just kick back, unwind, listen to some tunes & just enjoy the three B's: Beers, Bros, and Brews! Anyways wanted to post something I've been listening to alot lately. Recently got into a compilation kick, great way to discover new & obscure artists from yesteryear. Here's one I came across a couple weeks ago. Picked up the vinyl last weekend. Killer mix of Surf, Psych, Garage, Disco, Funk & Soul from late 60's/early 70's Peru. Highly recommended.