Songs of Myself

This month's playlist is a bit more diverse than last month's - I've had a few different phases I've gone through during the month. What started off with west coast jazz transformed into down home dirty blues, and eventually melded into new-age African music. But all of it comes together to make up my playlist for October 2010.

Syeeda's Song Flute - John Coltrane, Giant Steps
Mama Tried - Grateful Dead, Skull & Roses
What Is Life - George Harrison, All Things Must Pass
Po Black Maddy - North Mississippi Allstars, Shake Hands With Shorty
Skinny Woman - North Mississippi Allstars, Shake Hands Wih Shorty
He's Gone - Grateful Dead, Dick's Picks Vol. 21
Sibuyele 915 - Amampondo, Feel The Pulse of Africa
You Ain't Goin' Nowhere - Bob Dylan & The Band, The Basement Tapes

A few quick notes: Amampondo is my African Instruments teacher's first band, Nelson Mandela's favorite. I've got a few CDs of theirs, but my favorite is Feel The Pulse of Africa, a great live recording. Sibuyele 915 is the perfect Sunday afternoon BBQ track.

Album of the month definitely goes to "Shake Hands With Shorty" by the North Mississippi Allstars. These guys just straight bring it. The entire CD has the feel of a live recording, as one song often molds into the next (as is the case with Po Black Maddy > Skinny Woman), but has really raw production on it. This has quickly climbed onto my list of 10 albums I'd bring with me to a desert island. If you don't have it, get it.
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