Life is a Problem... But Where There is Life, There is Hope.

A lot of people I know were feeling bummed out last week, so... this one's to you guys.

This album is compiled of rare gospel, sanctified blues and steel recorded sometime between the 40's and the 60's. It's basically an assortment of preachers and pious folk who know how to attack a tune, singing about how troublesome their life is, but how it's allllll gonna be just fine.

These guys could've been major rock stars in their day had they not had such disdain for the "devil's music." Some (like Reverend Lonnie Farris) were even offered a lot of money, but declined. Go figure.

My favorite track off the album is "Angels Keep Watching Over Me" by the Straight Street Group.

http://www.mediafire.com/?yzru1gwbnje

Little Pad, The Beach Boys

I'll probably end up putting this whole album up later (if anyone wants it), but for now I was really just feeling this song on my incredibly hung over morning. Enjoy!

Best Hits, Etta James

Everyone knows this woman. Even if you were some how born under the heaviest of rocks in all the land, her amazing voice would have creeped under the cracks somehow in "At Last." Everyone knows that one. Either from old movies, new movies set in old times, old radio stations, OR that awful commercial advertising a delicious looking cheeseburger from (Burger King?)

Either way, however you've heard of her, or however you haven't, this woman... ever since I was a child... if I could sing, THIS is the voice that I would want. It's fucking incredible.

http://www.mediafire.com/?drkuwkzymlh

Chicken Scratch, Lee "Scratch" Perry

You know, I could try and argue as to why you should click the link at the bottom of this post, but really, I'm getting drunk, it's 1:16 AM on a wednesday night, and I just don't feel like it.

You want a reason to click the link? I'll give you one--
It's necessary for your health.

And as for Lee Perry himself? Well... he's kind of a big deal.

http://www.mediafire.com/?0mocattnjmn

Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside

Portland's alternative newspaper the Willamette Weekly named Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside the city's best new band for 2010 today. They are super cute and have been on tour with the Avett Brothers a whole bunch. Seriously, go look up something live by them on youtube--they are the nerdiest people ever. It's adorable. Sallie has a really distinct and jazzy voice... I love it.

I don't have the EP for you (however, you can buy it for just $5 on their website) but I will be giving you the link to their live at Crystal Ballroom in Portland album. Which to be honest, I'm not sure actually exists, I think someone just recorded it, but it doesn't sound half bad.



http://www.mediafire.com/?by4taznyzfi

Ok, so I lied when I said I wouldn't post an actual album today. I haven't left for work yet, and decided I may as well post a thing or two while I was sipping my coffee.



Little Joy (named after a bar) formed in 2007 and is made up of Rodrigo Amarante (Los Hermanos singer/guitarist), Fabrizio Moretti (drummer of The Strokes), and Bikini Shapiro. Amarante also collaborated with Devendra Banhart on his Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon, and Shapiro contributed to Beck's Songs of Leonard Cohen album.

This album is great, good for sunshine, good for fun, and definitely does have that little bit of a Strokes sound to them.

http://www.mediafire.com/?ytkezinjgzt

Terrapin, Syd Barrett

Alright, I took a bit of a hiatus from this thing trying to get used to working all the time. I think I'm finally starting to get into the work groove and be alive afterwards rather than just coming home and going to sleep, and I've got lots of plans for what's next up here! So prepare yourselves!

Until then (as I am out the door to work this morning) I'll just leave you with this song for now, because it has been stuck in my head since friday... (and Syd Barrett is a wonderful human being).