Terrace Martin – Velvet Portraits

Synthesis of the greats like Grover Washington, Bob James, David Axelrod, Smoke (everything), Isaac Hayes (Black Moses), Curtis in this latest joint from musician Terrace Martin.

As a player, he brings a subtle, unencumbered style. Playing for the song.

This album really showcases Martin as an accomplished arranger.

Composition, form and style.

Wait till you get to “Push” oh man that track is liquid fire.

My new favorite.

“Terrace Martin on sax, Curly Martin on drums, Brandon Eugene Owens on bass, and Robert ‘Sput’ Searight on Keys, Velvet Portraits also features appearances from Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, Lalah Hathaway, Thundercat, Rose Gold, Tiffany Gouche, Marlon Williams and more.”

Pick up the LP from Ropeadope at https://ropeadope99.bandcamp.com/album/velvet-portraits

 

 

Thundercat “Them Changes”

“Them Changes” is the latest jam from Thundercat. Haunting and powerful.

His new album, The Beyond / Where Giants Roam is available.

Music can act as the great healer.

Musicians can be shamans, channeling their energy into song and to the listener.

Tame Impala “Cause I’m a Man” Video

Do you like smoking DMT and listening to Shuggie Otis’ seminal soul record, Inspiration Information? Then ho-lee-sheet, the new Tame Impala single, “Cause I’m a Man,” is perfect for a sweaty executive trip. Their forthcoming album, Currents is going to be your funky new jam from now until the end of the year. That is guaranteed!

Dear Internets, please take this video and run it through #deepdream and inceptionize the shit out of this hallucinogenic romp through a milky SIMS nightmare city. Let’s see how far we can take this thing without spending money on a bag of mushrooms

Best Records of 2014 – A List

Records of 2014

For a full list of favorite Wrongstring tracks, check the Spotify playlist at the end.

That D’Angelo album is incredible. Get the Vinyl. Expand your sonic landscape. So funky.

Memoryhouse by Max Ricther is probably my favorite record of the year. It was a surprise in that it’s classical, not my usual choice. Something about the way I heard it and when I guess. Being that we’re all fans of music, that little bit of magic is what makes it all worth it, keeps us looking for those diamonds in the rough.

Another surprise for me was Run the Jewels 2 (download). Hearing it, as I did, in context with the Michael Brown grand jury verdict amplified the frustration and anger for a situation in American history that makes me want to scream. Especially the track “Close Your Eyes (and count to Fuck).”  Its the riot soundtrack in my mind each time I think about Mike Brown, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner and the kids in Ayotzinapa.

Viet Cong “Cassette” EP is incredible. The production. Guitar work. Songs. The aesthetic of the band and sonic richness of the record is inspiring. Just like the Women “Public Strain” album, this one is a new classic (if you haven’t heard Women yet, check them out, for fans of Joy Division, Velvet Underground and Television).

A new “Old” discovery was Tim Maia’s Luaka Bop compilation, Nobody Can Live Forever. Funky and soulful. It was released in 2012.
“Que Beleza” is a standout.

One of the strongest contenders for bleakest and catchiest albums of the year came from Detroit in the form of Protomartyr Under Color of Official Right. That’s right, bleak as a smog filled skyline in a city on the eternal decline. Abandoned music.

The funk apocalypse will be scored by the genius soul purveyors of The Budos Band. Their Burnt Offering transmuted power and groove.

The Twilight Sad Nobody Wants to Be Here and Nobody Wants to Leave is a career best for the Scottish post punk band. There’s significantly more guitar on this album. It is bigger sounding.

Below is a spotify playlist to some of my favorite tracks of the year.

Hanni El Khatib “Moonlight”

There are so many great fucking records coming out this year it’s hard to believe we’re already seeing new tracks from albums in the future. The sentiment that the music industry is choking through the last breath as the life drains out seems paradoxical. Despite the evisceration of the “middle class” from music (and main street Amerikkka) new artists are making bold statements.

Hanni El Khatib’s album Moonlight isn’t due out till January 2015 but he’s just released the single and its great and the video is haunting and strangely provocative.