Fela Ransome-Kuti & Africa-70- Fela's London Scene (1971) ****
The Paragons With Roslyn Sweat (1974) ****
Fela Kuti & Africa 70- Before I Jump Like Monkey Give Me Banana (1976) ***1/2
My New Band Believe- S/T (2026) ***
The Bluerunners- Honey Slides (2005)- ***1/2
Bob & Marcia- Pied Piper (1971) ***1/2
v/a- Todd/A True Star (1997) ***12
Fela Anikulapo Kuti & Afrika 70- Ikoyi Blindness (1976) ****
Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons- 25th Anniversary Collection: Single Disc Edit (1987/2026) ****
Barry Manilow- 11 Songs: Personal Playlist (2026) ****
The Lords Of The New Church- S/T (1982) ****
Tages- Studio (1967) ****
I acquired the complete works of Fela Kuti this week, a little over 40 records. So, he's been the centerpiece of today's listening. I only knew a few of his records and haven't listened to those in some time, so I decided to randomly pick titles. This stuff is great and worthyof its reputation.
I was reminded by an old friend/Todd Rundgren fan, of a 1997 CD featuring Japanese artists, almost all unknown to me, covering some really deep cuts a few obvious choices. It's all so weird and different, but some of it is truly inspired. Anyway, that was a lot of fun. And weird.
My pal hpunch suggested listening to My New Band Believe, the new solo record from Cameron Picton, singer and bass player of Black Midi. When I told him I wasn't really on board with Black Midi, he said he wasn't either and that's why he likes this solo record. A bit uneven, but when it's good, it's like a solid Roy Harper record, at least to my ears.
As for Barry Manilow, a friend of mine went to see him on Friday night and it reminded me of how much I love good ballads that modulate. Solid record making on these hits, and I enjoyed this playlist more than I expected to. "This one's for YOOOOU!"
3 comments:
I’ve been a Fela fan for a long while. The grooves are relentless, hard not to be when Tony Allen is behind the kit. The words are often smart and funny, but just as often sad or angry. Of the three you played, I only know the London Scene. Will have to track down the other two.
- Paul in DK
Roy Harper? I can hear what you mean. Makes me like it even more.
Tages report (as requested), halfway through...
This is great! During "Have You Seen Your Brother," I liked what I was hearing and figured it would hit the spot when I was in a Zombies / Hollies /Moody Blues mood, and that it was goid but a littlr dated, just of the time. As it's unfolded there's much more here! Really great stuff. She Is a Man into Seeing With Love - much experimenting going on, Beatles influences, so many ideas that work well together, and adventurous studio detail.
Thank you for this!
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