motel de moka

James Brown’s down
Who the funk do you think you’re fooling?
For me the man’s still ruling
Stop the nonsense
Stop telling lies
James Brown is still alive

The Godfather of soul has passed away. At the age of 73, due to heart complication from pneumonia, James Brown passed away. A lot of things can be said about James Brown, but one thing is sure, he sings like no other man and he introduces entire new sound to pop culture vocabulary. With a mix of gospel, rock and jazz that he inherited from Little Richard, James Brown created funk. First time I hear him, I couldn’t resist to argue that what he does isn’t really singing but hawling and shouting. Or maybe a sketch of gospel in saxophone texture using voice. He leaps from one octave to another in one short sentence accompanied by nothing but short harmonies masquerading as beat. But who cares.

It is minimalist and powerfull.

He gives voice to new generation and foundation for funk and hip-hop. To remember the man, a short list. The height of James Brown the singer, during the tumultuous 60’s.

“Brother we can’t quit”

James Brown - Say It Loud - I’m Black and I’m Proud
James Brown - Zaire Soul (1974)
James Brown - I Got You (I Feel Good)
James Brown - The Payback
James Brown - Soul Power

see also: wiki, James Brown is dead (songs/lyrics)

All kinds of exciting things can happen in bathtubs, I don’t think I need to remind you. But sometimes we need a little relaxing too. Not just our body, but especially our mind. Just to get rid of all the distortion and noise that collects within our heads over time and disrupts our thoughts and emotions. Luckily, bathtubs will help us here too. Whether your tub is made from fibreglass, porcelain, wood, acrylic or steel, it’s the universal manner of relaxing our senses and collecting our thoughts. The soft sounds of the water splashing, the shimmering light reflecting on the rippling surface, the warm feeling of the texture of water on your skin, the slight echo of the bathroom magnifying every sound. You can feel the tension seeping from your tired body and mind.

This list is especially for those occasions. Late at night, when it feels as if the world is at sleep, you can finally be at ease and forget about the stress that comes with our modern, fast-paced society. Turn off the lights and close your eyes, all you need is a tub, some hot water, a headache and this play list.

“For relaxing times, make it Suntori times.”

01. Shuttle 358 - Logical
02. Eddie Marcon - Amime
03. Kammerflimmer Kollektief - Lichterloh
04. Loren Connors & David Grubbs - Blossom Time
05. Michael Moore Quintet - Osiris
06. Pan-American - Lights on Water
07. The Dead Texan - The 6 Million Dollar Sandwich
08. Marsen Jules - Fanes D’Automne
09. Tribalistas - É Você
10. Ulrich Schnauss - Passing By

Image: karmative

01. Nancy Wilson - lucky trumble
(Almost Famous OST, 2000)
02. The Poppy Family - a good thing’s lost
(A good thing’s lost 1968 -1973, 1996)
03. Blind Faith - can’t find my way home
(Blind Faith, 1969)
04. Manassas - Johnny’s Garden
(Manassas, 1972)
05. Fuhrs & Frohling - street dance
(Ammerland, 1978)
06. Amorphous Androgynous - divinity
(The isness, 2003)
07. Panda Bear - comfy in Nautica
(I’m not/comfy in nautica, 2006)
08. T. Rex - afghan woman
(My People Were Fair And Had Sky In Their Hair, 1968)

With the passive/aggressive issues worked out through intense family planning, the Moka family and friends will spend the weekend up on the mountains living in collective rooms with five, six or twelve people, unbathed, hungry like the wolves, going out at night to caress tree’s crust, getting stung in places we haven’t yet discovered, making drunken expeditions into the heart of the wood and dancing around bonfires. Some of my younger cousins have practiced their spear throwing throughout the week, prepared to raise the bloodlust at the bi-annual white-toothed shrew hunt (but be tranquil readers, as for the fourth year running noone has ever found one).

Still on winter break so it seems, sorry for the irregular updates, I’ll be returning January 2nd, may you all have a safe and happy new year.

Photograph: Vitadolce. Please be warned that staring at it for long periods of time might cause retinal detachment.

Motel de Moka wishes you and yours a very happy holiday.

“Christmas Day”

Tomaso Albinoni - Adagio in G minor
John Helmich Roman - Violin Concerto in F minor
Walton: Henry V - Passacaglia (Death of Falstaff)
Arcangelo Corelli - Concerto in G minor Christmas Concerto Op.6. no.8

Happy Birthday Moka.

“Temptation. (morning) “

01. Diana Krall - Temptation
02. Christian McBride - A Morning Story
03. United Future Organisation - Sunday Folk Tale
04. Martino Da Vila - Batuco No Chao
05. John Lee Hooker - Money
06. Jimi Hendrix - Machine Gun

“Slow like Honey. (evening) “

01. B. B. King - The Thrill Is Gone
02. Miles Davis - I Fall in Love Too Easily
03. Fiona Apple - Slow Like Honey
04. Pete La Roca - Lazy Afternoon

Note: Various songs, loosely themed, but most are my favorites, with Pete La Roca being one of my most played song for mellow moment. It’s my version of bedroom playlist. This is actually usefull for seducing a guy. You’ll thank me for this. lol. Have fun.

image credit: Supermietzi, Supermietzi

1. OM - Conference of the Birds (Holy Mountain)
MP3: At Giza
The most consistently overwhelming record I’ve heard this year. With just the rhythm section of Chris Hakius on drums and Al Cisneros on bass this album takes you on a sonic journey of epic proportions. The gradually evolving patterns of bass and drum and the almost hypnotic chants of Al Cisneros leave you in a state of transcendence. A truly remarkable album which is astonishingly consistent throughout and never gets out of focus. Also this constant image, portrayed through both tracks is perfectly reflected by the marvellous artwork.

2. Paul Flaherty & Chris Corsano - The Beloved Music (Family Vineyard)
MP3: The Great Pine Tar Scandal
I was once asked by someone if this music could really be liked. Can you still describe this music as being attractive or even beautiful? Well, to me this is pretty much everything that music can give me. It’s raw and dirty, energetic and exuberant, full of passion and curiosity. This album gives me superhero powers as well as Zen like peace. That’s everything I could ever ask from music. So why should I care whether you can describe this music as being pretty? The powerful saxophone playing by Paul Flaherty and the rambunctious drumming by Chris Corsano make for a spectacular album which gave me the final push into free-jazz.

3. Charalambides - A Vintage Burden (Kranky)
MP3: Two Birds
Tom and Christina Carter have been responsible for some of the most interesting contributions to contemporary, psychedelic folk music. Far away from the current folk excitement they have been perfecting their own style through some amazing records. “A Vintage Burden” feels like the pinnacle of their development. The beautiful voice of Christina Carter and spectacular, yet introverted guitar playing of both create a cosmic as well as intimate album. It even surpasses my all-time favourite Charalambides album “Our Bed is Green”.

4. Joanna Newsom - Ys (Drag City)
MP3: Emily
You can’t write or speak about music in 2006 without mentioning Joanna Newsom. Such an ambitious and outspoken album is bound to raise discussion. For me, there is no doubt that this is one of the most advanced and sophisticated albums of the last couple of years that has the ability to appeal to a larger audience. Helped by a stellar crew she has made a record which not only defines the current “free-folk” movement but also takes it to another level. A level where the “free-folk” label is no longer suitable. A remarkable performance by such a young lady.

5. Sabir Mateen/Daniel Carter/Andrew Barker - Not on Earth…. In Your Soul! (Qbico)
MP3: In Your Soul!
The Italian label Qbico is always full of surprises and rarely fails to impress. With this LP we are treated with one of the most inspiring and energetic free-jazz performances of the year. The amazing drumming by Andrew Barker, the back and forth action between the two horn players and the chanted vocals make for an exhilarating and ecstatic experience. Also great about the label is their use of artwork. This one in particular is breathtaking. The musicians are captured in a moment which perfectly reflects their joyful and energetic playing.

6. Valley of Ashes - Cavehill Hunters’ Attrition (Blackvelvetfuckere)
MP3: Cavehill Hunters Magickian and a Clock of Spoons
This monumental 3LP record from the Louisville, KY collective “Valley of Ashes” was a surprise to say the least. This free rock collective (amongst them is Pete Nolan from Magik Markers, GHQ and many others) shows the ability to embrace many different styles and shape them into a strong collection of more than two hours of jams. Sweeping violins, distorted vocals, rumbling percussion and heavy electric guitars. Its all there and in a remarkably convincing manner.

7. Galbraith/Neilson/Youngs - Belsayer Time (Time-Lag)
MP3: Belsayer Time
What could you expect when such great names get together? Especially when the record is released by what is one of the most exciting labels around today. This is a beautiful dream-like album, multi-layered with droning electronics, free percussion and soaring vocals full of echoes. The title-track is exhilarating on its own, but feels like heaven when heard within the context of the entire album.

8. Boris & The Saltlicks - Cactusman Versus the Blue Demon (Frogville)
MP3: Gloriously Tangled
Not much exciting to hear in the Americana genre the last year. Luckily Boris McCutcheon & the Saltlicks are a fine exception from that downhill trend. They have delivered one of the most accomplished and sophisticated albums of the genre of the last couple of years. Boris McCutcheon has proven before what an amazing songwriter he is, but on this record he has found himself in a shape where he seems to be able to do everything right. I’ve had the privilege to see them perform twice last year and both times were nothing short of amazing.

9. Paul Labrecque & Valerie Webb - Trees, Chants and Hollers (Eclipse)
MP3: Many Horses Ride
Paul Labrecque & Valerie Webb were the happy couple around which the “Wedlock” album by Sunburned Hand of the Man was centred. Unfortunately they have already separated which adds a strange feeling to when listening to that record. Luckily enough we are treated this year with the recordings of both from a time when they were still happily married. A breathtaking album that recalls a chilly night on the American farmlands. Beautiful, yet icy folk songs with sparse banjo playing and careful drones.

10. Hisato Higuchi - Dialogue (Family Vineyard)
MP3: Manazashi No_Saki E
Barely more than a whisper. Frequently recalling the work of Loren MazzaCane Connors, yet Hisato Higuchi manages to form his own unique style of meditative blues. The former puppeteer from Tokio gives us one of the most touching albums of the year with his hushed vocals and intoxicating guitar playing. A beautiful album of which The Wire appropriately wrote: “These songs could be the whispers of lovers, the reassurances of parents to sleeping children, the prayers of the lost and lonely, or the tremulous breaths of the finally redeemed.”

And my year-end list is completed with the following records:
11. Comets on Fire - Avatar
12. Six Organs of Admittance - The Sun Awakens
13. Chris Corsano & Ben Chasny / Paul Metzger - Split LP
14. Acid Mothers Temple & The Cosmic Inferno - Starless and Bible Black Sabbath
15. Matt Valentine/Erika Elder/Alex Neilson/Moses Jiggs - Qbico 40
16. James Blackshaw - O True Believers
17. Tim Hecker - Harmony in Ultraviolet
18. Raccoo-oo-oon - Mythos Folkways Vol. No. 1
19. Centro-Matic - Fort Recovery
20. Jóhann Jóhannsson - IBM 1401 A Users Manual
21. Espers - II
22. Agitated Radio Pilot - Your Turn to Go It Alone
23. Wooden Wand & The Sky High Band - Second Attention
24. Good Stuff House - Good Stuff House
25. Cursillistas - Thrush Chimes in the Field Haunt

It turns out that while everyone here was busy practicing for Global Orgasm Day it was actually Moka’s 21st birthday last Wednesday! Boy do we feel exhausted, but boy do we also feel bummed out about missing that special day!

So let’s celebrate today with some tunes about being 21, birthdays and party girls.

The Adverts - No Time to be 21
(Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts, 1978)

Andrew Bird - The Happy Birthday Song
(The Mysterious Production of Eggs, 2005)

Jens Lekman - Happy Birthday, Dear Friend Lisa
(When I Said I Wanted To Be Your Dog, 2004)

Diskettes - Party Girl
(Diskettes, 2003)

Otis Redding - The Happy Song (Dum-Dum)
(The Very Best Of, 1992)

Manitoba - Every Time She Turns Round It’s Her Birthday
(Up In Flames, 2003)

As little as we can grasp from Kurt Wagner’s lyrics in the following song, to me it still remains to be one of the most beautiful songs ever written about a woman or just women in general. With Moka turning 21 and officially into a woman (or at least so in some parts of the world) I thought it would be a good moment to close with this song:

Lambchop - Is A Woman
(Is A Woman, 2002)

image: olvwu