Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Strictly Lampin'... vol 7 (Available for download)


Strictly Lampin is a mix series I started in 2003 to show case my wide range of musical tastes that would never make it on to any of my underground electronic mixes (which was pretty much all I was putting out for many years). I wanted to produce a mix CD I could give to friends and familly around the holidays as my contribution to the season. Everything from jazz to funk, indie, classic rock, reggae, blues, downtempo, world music and eveything inbetween was fair game.

7 years later and people still look forward to the new mix each and every December (or so I'm told). So, here it is... Strictly Lampin vol 7, presented this year in a one take DJ mix format. Download and Enjoy!




Track List


Oscar Peterson Trio – “C Jam Blues” The opening track to one of my all time favorite jazz albums “Night Train”. If you don’t own any Oscar Peterson albums and you don’t know where to start, this is the place.
The Great Lake Swimmers – “Your Rocky Spine” I was introduced to this local Toronto group last year, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Thanks to Todd for continually expanding my laid back, folky musical side.
The Band – “Up On Cripple Creek” This has always been one of my favorite cuts from The Band. Fun Fact: This song is notable for being one of the first instances of a “Hohner Clavinet” (electronic keyboard) being played with a wah-wah pedal (a sound that became hugely popular during the funk movement of the 70’s)
Neko Case – “This Tornado Loves You” I’ve never really paid much attention to Case’s solo work until her most recent album “Middle Cyclone”. I have since repeatedly kicked myself for waiting so long.
Petra Haden – “God Only Knows” I was introduced to this amazing vocal version of the classic Beach Boys hit earlier this year by Brian Dunn. It quickly became one of my favorite tracks of the year.
Al Green – “Love & Happiness” “Something that can make you do wrong, make you do right.” Nuff said.
Alice Russell – “Got the Hunger?” On one hand it’s criminal that Alice Russell is not more popular than she is. On the other hand if she was I wouldn’t have seen her live at The Supermarket with 100 people this past summer for $15.
Allen Toussaint – “Blue Drag” A New Orleans piano legend, I only became familiar with Toussaint’s work this year as a result of his latest album “The Bright Mississippi”. Thanks to Brian for another amazing find. Album of 2009!
Guts – “Good Morning” A little ditty I got from fine music purveyor and all round great person Violet. I don’t know much about the artist or where the song comes from, but I know I like Violet’s taste in music.
Quantic & His Combo Barbaro – “The Dreaming Mind (Part 2)” As prolific as he is talented, Quantic delves further into the Americas (in this case Columbia) for his ever evolving sound. The name “Combo Barbaro” literally translates as “group of barbarians” or “people from outside Europe”. Whatever it means, it’s good.
Dubmatix – “Easy Down” (feat Michael Rose) Canadian reggae producer Dubmatix has collaborated with many top artists from the genre. For me though it’s all about this track from his latest album “Renegade Rocker” featuring the legendary Michael Rose. Hype!
Easy Star All Stars – “With a Little Help From My Friends” (feat Luciano) Having already covered tributes to both Pink Floyd and Radiohead, it made sense for ESAS to finally cover the Beatles. This version from “Sgt Peppers” really captures the essence of the original, with a dash of “rockers” style.
Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers – “Islands In The Stream” I recently heard a cover of this song performed by Feist and The Constantines. It’s depressing. Thanks to Brie and Ryan for helping me re-discover the original version of this classic.
Wilco – “You Never Know” One of my top 10 albums for 2009, and easily one of the best live shows of the year (I was fortunate enough to see Wilco 3 times this calendar year touring in support of their latest album). Wilco loves you baby!
Buena Vista Social Club – “Chan Chan” (Live) Last year the entire Carnegie Hall concert from the original documentary (Buena Vista Social Club) was released on CD. This performance still gives me chills whenever I listen to it. If you have never seen the documentary you owe I to yourself to enjoy the story of these great Cuban Jazz masters.
Phish – “Water In The Sky” (Live) This summer I went on my first Phish tour in the US. This cut is from August 14th in Hartford. It kind of changed my life (musically speaking). It’s refreshing to know that after all these years I can still be blown away by a live music performance. Shout outs to the Frayler’s in Meriden, CT!
Franki Valli – “Beggin’” (Pilooski Edit) This tune gets toes tapping, heads nodding, and dance floors moving. Thanks to Niall for the early tip on this funky rework of the Franki Valli classic.
D-Kay – “Serenade Re-interpreted” Originally released as a drum n bass single, “Serenade” was completely reworked for the album “Individual Soul”. The jazzed up version I’ve featured here is brilliant!
Lisa Shaw – “Let It Ride” (Jimpster Remix) Legendary house vocalist Lisa Shaw and amazingly diverse remixer Jimpster team up for one of my favorite finds of the year. You can fight the urge to groove to this tune, but you will ultimately lose.
Soulstice – “The Reason” (DJ Spinna Remix) DJ Spinna strips the original version down and lays the beat right back on its heels. This remix was released back in 2001 but I only discovered it last winter. It’s still in heavy rotation, for obvious reasons.