Nerve City - Sleepwalker EP

This is one of those "heard it in the store" and instantly drawn to it moments. I bought this from Sunshine And Grease which is no longer around. It was a little independent record store / art space that operated in Clifton Hill in Naarm/Melbourne. This was from 2010 and that jangly diy folk sound was big. Out on Sacred Bones Records this is that - a one man bedroom recording from Richmond, VA that has the it's recorded in a well from all the reverb aesthetic. But rather then being too droney it's got these great 60s guitar hooks. Admittedly, the first two tracks are the best. The whole ep sounds like a raw 60s demo 45 that's been in a dusty basement if that's your kinda jam. It's all very catchy. 

After I bought this we were invited to a diy show that evening. We went cos we were on holiday. We had a great night watching bands but it did feel like we'd crashed someone's house party and us in the corner.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #NerveCity #SacaradBones 

Gil Scott-Heron - Pieces of a Man

I was introduced to the music of Gil Scott-Heron via my friend's community radio show a decade or so ago. Despite a prolific back catalogue, I hadn't heard his works before. Back then he seemed way more under appreciated, even in my circle of music enthusiast friends. What a lyrical genius.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records
#GilScott-Heron

Godspeed You! Black Emperor - G_d's Pee at State's End

LA is rioting, fascism is rising and the genocide is continuing. Time for Godspeed You! Black Emperor to have a spin.
 
The last God Speed album I owned was their 2000 release and I hadn't listened to a lot of post rock since then. But covid happened and it was a weird time. This album got me through weird post covid / still covid world. I'd listen to it on headphones at work, commuting, and when I was reading. I read a lot of books at that time! I find this album's build up washes over me. It's like a cleanse. 

But this is not an album that benefits from vinyl and loses the momentum. This pressing is a pain in the arse spread across 2 LPs - one 12" & a 10". Of course, an anarchist group are not going to press a conventional LP. Whilst I appreciate the concept and each side being its own moment, I ought to have just bought the cd to be honest. 

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #GodspeedYou!BlackEmperor

Kate Bush - The Dreaming

This album reminds me of when I was 10 visiting my friend's house and her sister who was 17 at the time and an incredible soprano singer was singing the last track Get Out of My House at full volume. It was an experience and I was in awe. It's thanks to her I got to hear The Clouds, Stereolab, Pulp and Blur.

Produced entirely by herself, and despite being a commercial flop, I've since discovered it's a lot of people's favourite Kate Bush album. However, on relisten now parts of this album have not aged well. Whilst the title track The Dreaming was well intended about the destruction of country for First Nations people by colonisation - it's now cringe and an awkward listen. I went and watched the video clip. EEK. Sat in Your Lap and Get Out Of My House on the other hand still sound incredible and peak experimental Kate.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #katebush

Gang of Four - Entertainment

A classic post punk album that still sounds relevant. I only ever had CDs and finally splurged on a vinyl copy. Gosh this is so good. Those bass lines. The lyrics. Chefs kiss. I felt like Gang of Four were so underrated. I sense they might be having a revival now.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #gangoffour #postpunk

Soul Jazz - Disco Reggae Rockers

We were woken at 3am ish by a giant hailstorm so it's slow Sunday morning vibes here today. If you'd met me 10 years ago and said "hey listen to this reggae disco covers album it's really good" I would have passed. This album reminds me of being on holidays. Maybe to some this is a cheesy covers album but to me it's wicked and now one of my favourite go to records to pop on. The first disc is stronger imho.

#souljazz #disco #reggae #discoreggae #nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records

Jalen Ngonda - Come Around and Love Me

I sit here and type this with my new specs on and oof everything is so sharp.

I've been on a Daptone tip of late. I passed on this release when it came out and the Aust tour. I think I was looking for something faster and funkier then although I really enjoyed the 2024 single Anyone in Love. There was a period (it's still happening) where every coffee shop and store was saturated with smooth neo soul and new chill jazz sounds. It was all getting a bit nauseating. Anyway, it's bloody cold and raining outside and this is a beautiful Saturday morning album filling the house with the warm Daptone sounds. On initial listen I hadn't appreciated how diverse and rich his voice is. The album has a very Marvin Gaye / Motown sound - as demonstrated by the cover! It also put my cats to sleep.

#JalenNgonda #nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #daptone #soul

Joe Bataan - Mr. New York and the East Side Kids

How is the first of June already!?!

Recently I've been making my way through the Fania Records back catalogue. A gap in my music knowledge. I remembered this repress I bought years ago. What a great cover. I love the type face. I don't know why I haven't given this the attention it deserves over the years. Possibly because the opening track "My Opera" is a bold brilliant but soul crushing song about a brother taking the wrap for his sister's death over his parents for neglect and spending time in a mental health facility. How they thought that was a good album opener I do not know. My partner after hearing that track thought I'd picked a wild Sunday morning choice initially.

I'm glad I revisited it again. I would have played a second time if I wasn't going out.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records 
#Fania #JoeBataan

Kneecap - Fine Art

When I had major surgery in 2021 I was on bed rest for several months. I went on a deep dive into Irish history whilst ploughed on pain meds. I had a basic understanding prior. I read Say Nothing (fantastic book) and watched a lot of YouTube documentaries. I fucked up my partners algorithm and they would yell down the hallway "I don't want to hear Thatcher's voice anymore". Good times.

So when I heard this last year I was keen and spent a lot of time listening to it in the car when our train line was out of order. I wasn't sure if it'd work on vinyl but it does. I don't need to say much more cos there's a lot about the band and this album already at the moment. But go watch the movie cos it was way better then I anticipated.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records
#kneecap

Swamp Dogg - Rat On

Continuing the rat theme unintentionally.

I only know two people who like Swamp Dogg and they both have impeccable music taste. After a night out my friend was spinning records in their dining area and showed me this - "you haven't heard of Swamp Dogg" they exclaimed. They chucked this on. Loved it. I Kissed Your Face still gets me. And the clarinet in that is next level. I thought this album cover was hilarious. I still do. This album is still politically on point.

A good Sunday evening record. It ought to be listened to whilst chilling on the couch but it also made a good folding laundry soundtrack

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records
#SwampDogg #RatOn #soul #funk

The Mighty Imperials - Thunder Chicken

This is actually my partners record. This was on the Soundtrack to one of the video games they'd play when we lived in our tiny 60s flat. This cover is both amazing and terrifying cos I don't like chickens. Another great daptone record. More like the metres on this one.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #daptone #soul #RnB #funk

Ike & Tina Turner River Deep-Mountain High

Every Saturday night my family would do a roast dinner. Without fail between 4-6pm Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush or Billy Joel would be pumping on the giant 70s speakers my dad had. These were the sounds when mum was cooking. Sometimes Dad would be off from work and he'd get the roast ready and have the run of the stereo. He would usually play Ike and Tina. I'd slide around in my socks dancing.

It's now getting cool and I think I'm getting a cold so my partner is making Congee for tea. It seemed fitting to pop this one on this evening.

Picked this up from Clarity's secondhand section cheep when they first opened.

Ironically, we watched the 1981 film Possession last night. Gosh that was hard work but perhaps still lingering noting this Phil Spector / Ike and Tina a choice. 

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #Ike&TinaTurner
 #soul #R'n'B #60s

Thee Sacred Souls - Self Titled

Tiktok ruined this band for me initially. I couldn't hear the track Can I Call You Rose without thinking of Tiktok aesthetic apartments and that whole vibe. Some time and space helped me reappreciate how stunning this album is. I mean they are on Daptone so it's gotta be good right? I unfortunately wasn't able to see them during their recent tour in 2024.

I've been watching a tone of Amoeba What's In My Bag and I really enjoyed their segment youtu.be/EcIOQ_PGMds?si=MMAJM8…

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #TheeSacredSouls #daptone
#soul #neosoul #daptoneRecords

Whodamanny - Volveràn

Another purchase from my Italio disco grab on Periodica Records. I've played the radio edit almost daily in my car. Starts with a rhythmic saxophone melody and morphs into layered Italian vocals by Sandy Nuni. My partner thought it sounded like the beginning of an 80s Italian detective show lol. The other remixes make this 12" a good little ep. 

*Spun it again Saturday nice and loud. So good.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #Whodamanny #Volveràn
 #italiodisco #boogie #nuitaliodisco #PeriodicaRecords

Mystic Jungle - Deviant Disco

Since around 2018 (?) there's been a huge resurgence of new Italio disco/boogie and I'm here for it! The Nu Genea releases were some of my favourites and I finally picked up this 2022 gem. Dario di Pace aka Mystic Jungle started up the independent label Periodica Records in Naples and has been pumping out killer stuff. This is probably the best Mystic Jungle release (imho).  The first two tracks Don't stop your love and Get down on it give me sun-soaked cocktail vibes or late-night pizza and a dance. I mean just look at that stunning cover!

I had a rotten end to my work day and this was waiting for me when I got home. I was too excited to wait and I played it whilst doing chores. It was an instant mood lifter.

*Spun it again Saturday with coffee to motivate me to deal with the dull Saturday supermarket run.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #Mysticjungle #DeviantDisco
 #italiodisco #boogie #nuitaliodisco #PeriodicaRecords

47Soul - Semitics

I saw Palestinian / Jordanian group 47 Soul at Womad. They were fantastic. I don't think this album quite captures the energy and sound live and overall is a bit hit and miss. But there are some standout tracks on this. Mixes hip hop, electronic music, dabbles in some reggae with traditional middle eastern sounds.

They do an slightly stripped down Tiny Desk which is great.
youtu.be/5SVP6oxjWZk?si=i0Hx1H…

Today in Australia is mothers day. The cognitive dissonance of my social media with mothers and their children both here and in Gaza was too much. I don't understand this shit is still continuing.

Free Palestine. 🇵🇸

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #47soul #hiphop #electronic #palestine

Sister Nancy - One Two

It was a difficult week and I was feeling pretty shabby. But this morning my partner brought me a parcel back from the post office and this arrived. Yay! That gave me a little boost.

With a mechanic degree when this was recorded and then later an accountancy degree Sister Nancy was a powerhouse. Only woman DJ with a degree is the track I use to listen to on my playlist that made me go explore some other reggae and dancehall. Shocked to read it wasn't until 2014 she discovered she hadn't been credited for her work and took legal action.

Surprised this was a record store day release. I don't really buy record store day releases these days. But this one is tops! Well overdue for a repress and this pressing is stunning! 😍

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #dancehall #reggae #sisternancy

Teena Marie - Wild and Peaceful

Picked this up yesterday at the paradise loft sale. The hour I was there, I was only one of two women browsing and the other appeared to be looking to kill time whilst their partner looked. It's not an uncommon experience. But yesterday was a weird bro vibe. I hate that about record culture sometimes. Possibly the eve of the election put me in a mood.

I've noticed many DJ copies seem to still have the plastic on them. Normally I take it off. But I love the stickers on this. Google tells me this might have come from Strawberries Records in New England.

A well known album by two power houses. I don't need to say much more. Side two is a debbie downer like me yesterday. Thankfully the first half is killer and so was the election result.    

#soul #funk #disco #TeenaMarie #rickjames #nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records

Joanna Newsom - Joanna Newsom and the Ys Street Band

Polarising artist. Milk Eyed Mender and this are my preferred Joanna releases. Colleen is a stand out track on this EP. So beautiful. TIL the album cover is a William Eggleston photograph. Huh! I use to enjoy playing Joanna Newsom before radio change over if there were new people covering the regular hosts. It always freaked them out.

Picked this up at Clarity Records 2020 record store day second-hand sale.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records
#folk #JoannaNewsom

Solange - A Seat At The Table 

I watched Beyonce Coachella last night for a brain cleanse and when Solange came out, I was inspired to spin this again. Then in the middle of playing it I remembered why I don't spin this often. My copy is pressed across two LPs and constantly stopping and turning it over interrupts the flow. It's very irritating. I didn't realise it was a double LP when I bought it. One of the few times I'd say listen on CD or stream. 

Anyway, whinge over. This album is exquisite. R&B and neo soul is having a huge revival at the moment but this was released in 2016. It still sounds timeless and I hear something different each time.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #soulfunk #R&B #hiphop #neosoul #Solange

Baseball - Animal Kingdom

Continuing the 2000s listening. Gave this a spin in the car on the way to the hairdresser.

Naarm/Melbourne based band containing collective of musicians from various bands at the time. Influences of The Pixies and The Ex - but with more violin. This and Love of Diagrams were my fave local acts from that era. The first half of the album is great. Then it gets a bit much in one sitting.

There is a good doco of the alternative music scene from that time. You can watch it here: youtu.be/qpXPoOijavc?si=zd9_AK…

#cd #nowplaying #nowspinning #punk #postpunk #2000sindie #localmusic #Melbournepunk #stickycarpet #Melbourneunderground

The Ronettes - Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes

Last night we watched the cult film Phantom of the Paradise written and directed by Brian De Palma. There was a music producer in the film loosely inspired by Phil Spector. The character was a megalomaniac in the film. The film was a flop at the time and on first watch I was left unsure if I enjoyed it. It's now got a huge following and was way ahead of its time trying to show audiences in 1974 the exploitation of musicians (and how awful Spector was) in this queer coded comic book horror musical. It's the film that also inspired Daft Punk.

It made me think I haven't listened to my Ronettes album in ages. Gosh Spector was scum but this album is just magic.

#vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning  #theronettes #60sgirlgroups #PhantomoftheParadise

Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity

Today was a real early 2000s listening experience.

Despite kicking around since 1995 it wasn't until almost a decade later that I first heard Deerhoof. Fortunate to have seen them live three times. Greg is an incredible drummer. Such a down to earth band. They were shocked my friend and I travelled from Adelaide to Melbourne to see them. The distance was nothing to us but it blew their minds.

I get excited when I pop them on a playlist and someone loves them.

#vinyl #nowplaying #nowspinning #2000sindie #indierock #deerhoof

Wolf and Cub - self titled ep

Pulled this one out the cd crate and had instant flashbacks to the old shotz sticky floor and my hot pink cons. It's been a good 18 or so years since I've given this a spin albeit the odd few times on radio. I use to thrash this if you can't tell by the scuffed cover. Local Tarntanya / Adelaide band's 2004 ep. Two drummers, and frantic guitar and vocals. So many of my friends and or people I use to know credited / involved on this. They released a lot of other albums, but nothing ever really captured the sound of this ep or them live in the early days.

#cd #nowplaying #nowspinning #punk #postpunk #2000sindie #localmusic #adelaide #wolfandcub

Although it came out in 2021 this album has that very now sound. Sometimes you need some mellow vibes on your public holiday morning. Huge stack of guest collaborators on this. I got this from the the sale bin on record store day.

#vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning 
#jazz #TheoCroker

Pax Nicholas And The Nettey Family - Na Teef Know De Road Of Teef

For ages I would go to record fairs and leave empty handed and say to my partner "I think my record fair days are done". But then I'd get the itch and go to the next one. Rinse and repeat. However, over the last few weeks I've had more success at fairs then I have had in months/years...

Picked this one up in my little haul. TIL Daptone did rereleases as well as their own bands on their label. Huh! Good story behind this one - go have a little read. 

Surprised it's only been repressed once in 2009. 

#vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning 
#afrobeat #highlife #daptone #NicholasAddoNettey

Patrice Rushen - Straight from the Heart.

My friend who normally plays folk and electronics sounds /noise made an R&B playlist few years back. It was so unexpected I still remember it. On it was Forgot Me Nots which despite being Rushen's most popular commercial hit, I had kinda forgotten about it. The film Men in Black ruined this track for me.

Forget Me Nots has that 90s R&B sound a decade earlier. Apparently when she delivered this album to the record label, they didn't like it. With a uni degree and 7 albums behind her, she was only 28 when she made this in 1982 and nominated for a grammy. Incredible really when you think about it.

The ballads on this are hard work but the rest is solid.

#vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning #jazzfunk #soulfunk #R&B #PatriceRushen

Bernard Wright - Nard

I bought this on impulse for $20 from the second-hand hip hop bin at Clarity Records in the early days when they started. I was listening to lots of early 80s hip hop at the time and remembered seeing this record on a soul jazz newsletter some time before. I remember when I got home, I thought it was ok but wasn't what I was expecting. I wasn't a huge jazz funk girlie then. So ashamed to say it but it sat on my shelf. Then a few years ago when I was sorting my records I rediscovered it and kicked myself for how good this album is!

Apparently my copy is a shit sounding repress. But it's hard to come across so looks like I'm sticking with this copy for the time being.

#vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning #jazzfunk #soulfunk #funk #BernardWright

Kongas - Anikana-O

70s French group playing percussion heavy groves. The band features French disco drummer Marc Cerrone hence why it has so many good drum breaks.

Found this in the $10 bargin bin at Woolfies.

#Kongas #Anikana-o #vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning #Cerrone #soulfunk #funk