Mike - Both Stores

07/19/04 Mike
O.A.R. - In between now and then
One of those bands we sell like a cold beverage on a hot day. It took awhile to find that right mood to enjoy these guys, or maybe I just had to discover this ‘03 release. This is island roots rock, and seeing them at Nokia Live Sunday night cemented the good vibe of a powerful group of young white kids bringing sax influenced jams to the table. This group could easily be Bob Marley‘s children to a blind man. Their sound just has a nice reggae feel and makes you want to celebrate summer and all vacation minded activities. Play this and your day just gets better. Music has the power to enhance your moods, this bass line will have you groovin‘ in moments.

07/05/04 Mike
Fela Kuti - The Best of (2 CD Set)
Magical was the day I was turned onto this African. This compilation is an easy way to start considering Fela has about 50 records; the material here is mostly from the 70‘s, I‘ve got about 12 of his records and this is his best period. Unbelievable that this funk, soul revival and African jazz has been so unknown to the western world. With an attitude of a political leader of the people likened to Bob Marley, Fela had his life threatened constantly by the Nigerian government. They burned his compound, threw his mama from an upstairs window, which killed her and generally harassed him with jail, ect. This great blend of Afro-beat grooves right beside the Meters, Galactic and Sly and started in the early 60‘s right along side of James Brown. Take a bit of his soul power and dance to a 10 minute proclamation of peace, feel his conviction; if you don‘t feel it wash over you, you‘re just not alive. Maybe you can catch his son Femi Kuti,
I saw him at Jazz Fest in New Orleans 3 different times, he was a great authentic cultural throw down.

06/28/04 Mike
Chris Knight - Self Titled
A rainy day it is and what better for the mood then one of my top 10 favorite mellow roots records of all time. Chris has the writing ability of Robert Earl Keen or John Prine and tells stories that you can relate to, because you may have already lived them, well hopefully it was your great uncle that lived them, ‘cause there‘s some pain in these tunes. It‘s ok to sing along, and darn it it‘s easy… because simplicity and honesty goes a long way, and that‘s what you‘re going to hear from this folk/country master. Knowing he lived in a trailer in Kentucky when he got signed, gives you a good idea of what Chris is writing about. Small town, home town and the people and friends that come with that scene are his writing inspiration. I wish we could take the day off, go fishing, and have this CD in the deck. That‘d be an all right day.

06/14/04 Mike
John Scofield - EnRoute
My respect for Scofield has grown with each record I discover, and this live recording is no exception. You really can‘t be interrupted by a jazz audience, they only clap starting 3 seconds after the song diminishes, and for a short time, then there is reverent silence as this trio breathes thru some of the most intense compositions I‘ve ever heard. Sco‘s last few records starting with “A Go-Go“ (with Medeski, Martin and Wood backing - amazing!) have been funk odysseys with underlying jazz technique. “EnRoute“ is a return to classic jazz standard, but don‘t think you‘re getting some boring nap of a record from Sco and bassist Bill Stewart, and drummer Steve Swallow, this is beautiful intensity that will have you smiling and will cause rise in your spirit. Recorded at New York‘s classic jazz club, the Blue Note, this is super overdrive jazz with furiously busy, driving, tangled interplay. Check Sco out for the first time, even if you are a rock n‘ roll consumer, this is the type of jazz record that may bring a whole new genre to light. For you progressive music listeners this will be a total source of delight.

06/07/04 Mike
Santana - Lotus
Anybody who attended the behemoth presentation of the blues this weekend at Clapton‘s Crossroads Festival, and witnessed Carlos Santana‘s performance, will be able to relive the intensity within this live recording. I have seen Carlos, but not like he played on Sunday evening, ferocious and relentlessly pushing the envelope of what any guitar player/fan could call melodic and flowing, yet was psychedelic and furious with not a pause. This player was at the top of his career when he played Woodstock, he found another step closer during a tour of Japan in ‘73 with “Lotus“, and my friends, on Sunday we all saw even another bound by Carlos closer to divinity. Life is a continual journey onward and upward, the artists that bring the idea and words of world wide love and unity to the stage deserve our applause. Seeing Carlos and Eric hugging on stage, crossing ethnic borders was a beautiful thing.

05/31/04 Mike
Ben Harper - Diamonds on the inside
This record has been out for about a year and I‘m just getting around to my copy I bought March of ‘03. The acoustic/electric slide soul of Ben has caught my attention since his first record back in ‘94. Each of his 4 studio records up until this point have been like pilgrimages into the soul of a man that reflects Bob Marley thru his positive outlook, handcrafted acoustic slide blues that soothe the soul and then become powerful and shuddering with the strength likened to Jimi Hendrix or Zeppelin. This is a lot of territory to cover folks. I first wanted to make a mix tape with all the rockers, then some time and listens and Ben‘s sweet pretty soul side made me dream of making a mix tape of the mellow side. I‘m realizing on his 5th studio release how much the fluctuation from the beautiful to the gruff within any of his records are part of his magic. Support artists that have something positive to say. Love one another. Enjoy the day. Yes, it‘s your choice.
Quoting “With my two hands“... I can change the world, with my own two hands, Make a better place, with my own two hands, Make a kinder place, with my own two hands, I can make peace on earth, I can clean up the earth, I can reach out to you, I‘m gonna make it a brighter place, a safer place, help the human race with my own two hands. Nice...

05/3/04 Mike
Robin Trower - Bridge of Sighs (Remaster)
Anytime I‘m talking to a 40 something or older dude in the store about the greatness of some guitar wizard, or some perfectly played out solo, or just the sheer power of rock n‘ roll and rock/blues fusion, (and what records need to be bought), this record always comes up. Very rarely do experienced music lovers not start blatently high fiving each other when Trowers “Bridge of Sighs“ comes up. Now available in remastered form with 5 live tracks (all selections from same era Bridge record), it‘s celebrating the 25th anniversary of this Hendrix protege. Jam band fans, hard rock fans and anyone who wants to know what 70‘s rock is really about will check this power trio out.

05/17/04 Mike
Brian Eno/David Byrne - My Life In the Bush of Ghosts
There are 2 dissections of music listeners today, the ones who haven‘t heard this masterpiece, and the ones who have. And in turn these people who have had the opportunity to listen to “...Bush of Ghosts “ and its fusion of rock, funk and the myriad of world beat concoctions that are so intelligently weaved thru samples, and by the musicians involved in this project, will realize that this has either helped create or influenced much of the 80‘s and 90‘s music that we know today. A late night party album for sure. This record has been around almost 25 years and its brilliance will never fade. Any musician or fan of music must realize that music is, much like life, all about timing... some things aligned with the making of these songs that is very rare. Enjoy it again, or take the plunge, with the two names associated with this project it‘s a no brainer to want to own this stunning piece of art.

05/10/04 Mike
Jimmy Lafave - Buffalo return to the plains
Lafaves ‘01 release called “Texoma“ is a record that still lives in weekly heavy rotation in my 300 disc changer at home. It‘s a masterpiece and after hundreds of listens a trip to the back catalog is essential. Jimmy is a Bob Dylan protégé with more soul than the next guy. Lucinda Williams at an evening show during last years Austin City Limits festival exclaimed from the stage “Listen to Jimmy Lafave, he‘s got so much *@$&! soul, he blows me away“. I‘d have to agree. If Lafave was a painter he‘d cover the largest canvass with the most vibrant colors all across the spectrum. His voice and delivery are a perfect mix of early rock (Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis), blues/soul (John Bell, Warren Haynes) and some folk/country (Dylan,John Prine) that will move you guaranteed. I‘ve been going back and enjoying “Buffalo return to the plains“ and there isn‘t one song that disappoints. A great introduction to the best voice in Texas.

04/5/04 Mike
North Mississippi Allstars - Polaris
In the wake of the ferocious 2 guitar attack of the N.M. Allstars, dreams of Jimi Hendrix all dancin‘ in our heads, our appetite was sufficiently filled to the brim last Thursday at the Gypsy Tea Room. Although their live show is still full tilt Cream and Hendrix energy thundering down from the Blues heavens, and solidifying their throne for boogie get down good times, their 3rd CD is more of a well crafted pop record. At first listen it sounded watered down, I have to say it‘s climbed up my charts after a few listens. They say that the format of this record has been in the making since before their first release. Dad and famous producer Jim Dickinson has passed down much wisdom and the kids have created a sound that will appeal to more than just blues purists on this new CD. Their first CD “Shake Hands with Shorty“ is the more solid for those wanting the gritty blues power that the All-stars put out live, if you don‘t mind a well produced tight feel,
“Polaris“ has morphed into just that.

03/9/04 Mike
Todd Snider - Live - Near truths and hotel rooms
Anyone crowded into the near sell out at Gypsy‘s Tea Room this last Thursday, left with a sore face. I smiled and laughed the whole way thru. How can you argue with a hybrid of Bob Dylan and a rockn‘ roll comedian on stage. A cat that has been around and now amassed his 6th (a live record) CD so you can take a legit bootleg home to relive the occasion. Todd tries to make you believe he‘s sober, then on to stories of boozin‘ and smokin‘ J‘s. Real stories of relationships you can relate to, songs about stereotypes we‘ve all helped create, all in all one of the most real deal “guy with just an acoustic guitar“ presentations you‘ll ever see. Any of his 5 studio cd‘s are absolutely worth while if you like folk, alt-country and a creative songwriter almost second to none. Thanks for the good times Todd!

03/29/04 Mike
Shuggie Otis - In Session - Great Rhythm and Blues
This is one of about 7 compilation records I own that measure up to the cohesive power of a great album, when an artist is hitting on all cylinders. Although it has a mainstay throughout each and every track......Shuggie on guitar. Born 1953 and by time he was 12, his father Johnny Otis had him in sunglasses with ink on his face to make him look old enough to get in the clubs to play with the band. Author of “Strawberry Letter 23“ which the Brothers Johnson took to a million seller. This is a smattering of the session work done in the ‘70‘s by Shuggie. This is virtuoso guitar-laced R&B with west Coast blues sides that simply make you smile. Going back in time and finding a player and a record that you know influence the sound that you now love is amazing and a treasure not so often found. The 23 tracks on this record include about 2 from each artist: Richard Berry, Johnny Otis, Big Joe Turner, Charles Brown, Louis Jordan, Amos Milburn, Eddie “Cleanhead“ Vinson, Pee Wee Crayton and Roy Milton. Smooth R & B with some of the slickest guitar parts you‘ll ever hear. Another great record is Shuggie‘s “Inspiration Information“ which reminds me of if Stevie Wonder was a guitar player. Shuggie plays all instruments except the brass on it creating jazzy and Latin-tinged R&B numbers.

03/22/04 Mike
Widespread Panic (with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band) - Night of Joy
What a treat to have one of the top southern soul-gritty rock n‘ roll bands, crossed with all seven members of New Orleans‘ own Dirty Dozen Brass Band, on one stage for this live release. Recorded live from House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this 9 track raucous of pure soul and funk-rock can only be explained by a good loud listen and some sporadic dancing and jumping around, to the life that emulates throughout this live compilation. The marrying of these two bands is so fitting with the tracks selected, the Panic originals (Thought Sausage, Thin Air, Bayou Lena, Old Neighborhood, and Rebirtha) are energy driven rockers, the covers are classic, Bill Withers “Use me Up“ and the never before heard cover version of Stevie Wonder‘s hit “I Wish“ leave you longing for more. Easily one of the most beloved Panic covers comes to full life in “Arleen“ and the first ever recorded version of “Bust it Big“ is the best I‘ve heard of this tune. The songs are tight for the amount of musicians on stage and if your music has to have feeling, whether you‘ve heard this band a million times (I sure have) or you‘re ready for your first trip, get on board and realize the incredible phenomena of this great movement of music.

03/2/04 Mike
Allman Brothers Band - Live at the Beacon Theatre DVD
The year these guys have seen has to make fans, and the complete Allman organization awestruck. The Allman‘s studio record from last year, “ Hittin‘ the Note“ is powerful and easily could be their best. It‘s hard to believe the seamless play between Greg and guitarists Derek Trucks and the reinstated Warren Haynes. This DVD chronicles the 2003 stop at New York‘s famed Beacon Theatre, where the Brothers take up residency most every year for about 10 shows, over 2 weeks, for some of the southern love up in the Apple. This DVD takes you to the feet of the most powerful blues created today. The technical production side will save you throwing your neck out of place, scanning back and forth, and providing some of the best editing I‘ve ever seen on a Rock n‘ Roll DVD. The production staff is right on the money with making sure you never miss a lick, a straight shot on Greg, then a perfectly timed angle of Warren doing the Bros. proud, then an overhead look at the 3 drummers, back to Derek for his fill, don‘t forget lead bass furnished by Oteil Burbridge, back to Greg……….the fury of the interplay, and the sheer thickness of the sound will elevate this band from just another KZPS/classic rock classification, to absolute ingenious musical interpretation of the new material and clocking in at 24 tracks, a representation of most every catalog track you‘d want. This is not just a souvenir, more an intense journey thru what is truly a revival of one of the best sounds in music ever, with a representation of seven of the best players alive today.

02/23/04 Mike
Gov‘t Mule - The Deepest End- Live in Concert
The best CD/DVD package ever. Yes, 2 full length CD‘s, and a +3 hour DVD-only $20! So you like a lot of music? This is a musical odyssey unknown to many and viciously loved by a lucky few. The soul and fire of the blues from Son House to modern day players like the Allman Bros. Band are the ground work that create this patchwork quilt of a movement and an unequivocal moment like May 3rd, 2003. This is the chronicling of one night, one vision of Warren Haynes that “2 heads are better than 1“-oops, I mean “25 musicians are better than 1“. From the beginning of the blues, to the rock n‘ roll of now, this is a fusion of the players that are carrying that torch that hits you in the soul, gives you the feeling that you‘re sitting at the feet of the greatest of all. Highlights? You‘ll be glued to the included DVD as Jason Newstead (Metallica) joins on “Sweet Leaf“ and “War Pigs“; Paul Jackson (Headhunters), Bernie Worrell (Funkadelic, Talking Heads) and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band fuse, for a never before played, Herbie Hancock‘s “Chameleon“; Les Claypool (Primus) is indescribable, pure fun on “Greasy Granny“, and also part of the 3rd Encore which includes Dave Schools (Widespread Panic) and George Porter Jr. (the Meters), 3 bass players at once? You bet! Awesome! Don‘t forget Victor Wooten and Bela Fleck, Jack Casady(Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna), Roger Glover(Deep Purple) , Mike Gordon (Phish), Karl Denson, Ivan Neville, Fred Wesley (James Brown), the guys from Los Lobos, Sonny Landreth and more. This show was almost 6 hours running, believe it, knowing this concert was being taped for a release, and upon delivery, nothing could be as welcome as knowing that not one minute of this epic night has been left out.

02/16/04 Mike
My Morning Jacket - It Still Moves
This is Spacy Southern Psych. Don‘t be scared by the term. This is a flowing beauty, a mature alternative country rocker, most of all it stimulates chills over your body and mind as you realize you‘ve found a sound and record, perfect for what you‘ve been looking for. My Morning Jacket is the Byrds, the Band, oh so much like Neil Young. You almost want to say, “Except it‘s flawless“, really though, song after song you have to admit this is one of the blocks that will comprise your collection ‘til you die. I‘ve rarely heard reverb comprise the whole body of a CD like this, it‘s lush and flowing, think Sigor Ros gone Crosby Stills Nash. Harmonies fill this cathedral of sound, to complete this mellow back porch of a musical experience.

02/16/04 Mike
Grateful Dead - The closing of Winterland, New Years Eve Dec 31, 1978 DVD
This is why terms like “Holy Grail“, “Unfreakinbelievable“, and just plain ‘ol tears streamin‘ down your face happen. I believe the ‘77 and ‘78 years were the best for the dead, being they were “on“ or “really on“ in this era. This DVD shows Jerry smiling like he just discovered the medicinal storage unit in “Half Baked“, the joy and communication on stage between these musicians is a must see for any music fan. Imagine a rock band based out of improvisation and going out night after night to see what they can create, anew. Wow! The 3 sets span 6 hours of watching, then bonus footage gives a history of the famed Winterland, and its closing, with cool interviews and stories from Bobby and Mickey. I had to make slight reconstructions in my living room, due to Phil‘s bass tones, and the perfect mastering of this disc, it simply thunders

02/16/04 Mike
Maroon 5 - Songs about Jane
I‘ve gotta say I‘m on a pretty big “I love Stevie Wonder“ kick, and this record gives a groovy fusion of R&B and rock, that is pop at times, but rocks me with a bluesy funk that keeps it in the player for 2 or 3 listens straight. Sure it sounds like Jamiroquai and my favorite edgy, funky, guitar rock, Prince protégé band Vallejo,(from Austin, they play here all the time).But well produced, sonically mixed, subwoofer friendly groove records will get my 10 or 15 bucks every time. Please understand this isn‘t anything ground breaking or totally new, I‘ve gotta jam some feel good tunes in between the heavy blues and psychedelia that permeates the majority of my collection. Maroon 5 is fun, gritty, and has a sexy strut to it