Pass the Drumsticks: Thanksgiving Jazz - Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis

There is just something about jazz music that makes it perfect for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. And it just so happens that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Not just beacause jazz fits so perfectly into the the family mix and that it comes before I am totally sick of Christmas music, but also because it is not over commercialized. It is a holiday that still retains some of its original authenticity.

Because of this, I have chosen to provide everyone with a little thanksgiving jazz. There are two tracks that I have discovered which I am going to be spinning on Thanksgiving day: The first, "Autumn Leaves" by Miles Davis; the second, the Louis Armstron version of the Fats Waller song "All That Meat and No Potatos." I hope you enjoy both of them. I hope that everyone has a great Thanksgiving Day! Just remember to take a deep breath and don't try to fake it - be real people.

Louis Armstrong - "All That Meat and No Potatoes"



Miles Davis - "Autumn Leaves"

Top 5 Albums of 2008

It is difficult for me to simply name my top 5 albums from 2008, however this list is a little more selective. It is based on the albums that I have actually listened to the most and not the ones that I want to like the most. There are so many great albums out there this year - and perhaps I will supply a list of runner ups in the future. But for now these are this years albums that I have been spinning the most. Below you will find the top 5 albums - each with my current favorite song from each album.

#1: Coldplay: Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
- favorite track = strawberry swing -

Coldplay really stepped up to the plate with this album. Not only is the album remarkably positive and uplifting throughout the entire album, it also shows a broad range of influence ranging from Latin American style clapping rhythms, to African drum beats, to almost Asian sounding guitar riffs. It's just a brilliant album. One that I have a hard time getting sick of and even more importantly one that my wife doesn't get sick of.

#2: Radiohead: In Rainbows - favorite track = bodysnatchers

This is one of those albums that I looked forward to for weeks and weeks. Radiohead has constantly been one of my favorite artists since early high school. The have continually evolved and experimented with new instruments and sound landscapes. In many respects this album seems to signal a shift yet again for Radiohead, they seem to be moving back towards some of their earlier more alternative rock grounded music after years of more experimental music. However, they aren't returning alone they are bringing much of the experimental sounds with them to fuse together their rock roots and experimental music. I simply love this album. It come out kicking hard and then soothes your soul. Brilliant.

#3: Fleet Foxes: Fleet Foxes - favorite track = white winter hymnal

I fell in love with this album from the first moment I heard it. It is refreshingly simple and understated. The tracks are filled with vocal harmonies that are reminiscent of the Beach Boys but are more appropriate for cold fall days.

#4: TV on the Radio: Dear Science, - favorite track = golden age

This is a strange one. TV on the Radio creates a captivating sounds that mixes and confuses music genres like soul, rap, rock, and electronic. I have found this album to be one of my favorites this year, and I am guessing for years to come.

#5: Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago - favorite track = Flume

This album is simply haunting. The vocals are mostly in falsetto - and continually astound me. It is an absolutely beautiful album.

Coldplay: The Prospekt's March EP & Life in Technicolor II

This song is to good not to post. Life in Technicolor was one of my favorites off their album "Viva la Vida," but it had no vocals - and now it does. Sweet. The whole EP is great. Below are a few select tracks of the EP released today. The second track entitled "Now My Feet Won't Touch the Ground" is awesome. However, Prospekt's March / Poppyfields is the real gem of this EP.

Coldplay - Life in Technicolor II

Coldplay - Now My Feet Won't Touch the Ground

Coldplay - Prospekt's March

Introducing Star Ratings!

After a few weeks of trying to find the perfect star rating system for this blog I finally found it today.  I am hoping for all of you who don't like to post comments on blogs that this should be a fun and quick way to participate in the feedback about the music.  And for all of you that like to post comments it should give you something else fun to do.  Maybe I am a dork but I am pretty excited about it. Also if you like the blog feel free to  become a follower by clicking the on the sidebar!

Feel free to go back and rate older posts as well as the new posts as the come out.  I hope these star ratings will be a lot of fun and add an element of interactivity.  Also please feel free to be honest (I won't be offended!)  the fun thing about this is going to be the difference of opinions that will surely arise.  Enjoy. 

News Flash: I've Got a New Blog

Hello all, I just started another blog about non-music matters.  It's called "Searching for Authenticity."  Check it out by clicking here!  I truly hope you enjoy both of my blogs.  I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who has posted comments on this blog.  I have really enjoyed them and your involvement has inspired me to do the same on all of your blogs.  Thanks again.