Howlin' Wolf - "Killing Floor" (1964)

This is a serious song from a true master of previous generations, the great Howlin' Wolf (1910-1976). Here it is played the way Mr. Burnett would have known his recorded music in his own lifetime. Included is the B side to complete the experience. guaranteed to make you dig. peace.

Little Walter - "My Babe" (1955)

This one was in my mouth all last Shabbos and then some. It is a hip song with a built-in free-style foundation. The man who created it was the great Willie Dixon (1915-1992) and the man who performed it was Little Walter (1930-1968). The label they did it for was called Chess. Dig.

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - "17th Street" (1976)

Here is a happy one from the master (and his long-time collaborator Brian Jackson) for the weekend. We should merit to get down.

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles - "Here I Go Again" (live)

Here is a sweet song from the previous generation. Smokey (b. 1940) is the man! The Miracles did rock with him, after Smoke left they kinda feel off. I ain't upset though.

The Cop was Arrested and it was for Murder!

I'm still a little stunned. I just didn't expect this to happen. I figured that he'd (Johannes Mehserle) be charged and then immediately let out on bail (if the authorities ever got around to dealing with the issue). No handcuffs, no prison clothes, etc. But alas, our thoughts are not His thoughts, and our ways are not His ways.

Here is the media side.

BART Cop Kills Oscar Grant 1/1/09

Well, the name of the BART cop is Johannes Mehserle. Here is the News side of the matter. Watch the video, hold the authorities accountable, but increase the peace. All must ask with complete seriousness where is the outrage when other citizens like Mr. Grant are savagely murdered by other citizens in the streets of Oakland, which happens with much greater frequency and much less scandal.

Gil Scott-Heron - "Gun" (1981)

This one is hip and helpful. It comes from the frequently played great Gil Scott Heron (b. 1949). The song tells the blues of the society, a violent society, in which we (in the United States) live. Although the song dates from early in the Reagan presidency, it remains relevant today, perhaps even more than it was in 1981. Since that year, which saw the destruction of Saddam Hussein's nuclear capacity (note: on this date 2 years ago this particular tyrant (al-Tikriti) was executed), we have observed lots of decline in American culture, like the emergence of gangsta rap, to cite a particularly pernicious example.

Peter Tosh - "Burial" (1976)

This is a classic song from the notorious master Peter Tosh (1944-1987). He started out with the Wailers, but went solo (this song appeared on his debut album, Legalize It (1976)) early and remained hip. Dig!

Dr. Dan Kliman (1970-2008)

Well, we're past the initial shock and have moved into the long period of remembrance. Our remembrances are mixed with contemplation on the mystery of Dan's death. There is an investigation, as opposed to only a hasty conclusion. If you're reading this then you're already familiar with the basic reported "facts". The establishment source is the San Francisco Chronicle (There is this from the Examiner). There are other local news sources that have joined the historical record. Then there is the international coverage. Behind all this is the growing body of blogs that have taken it upon themselves to remember Dan and his work and influence. Special props to Zomblog.

I have just found this blog (Life in the Dan Lane), which appears to be from Dan himself!

Gil Heron (1922-2008)

Mr. Heron was a famous footballer from Jamaica who played the sport in the United Kingdom. He is relevant to me because his son is the well-known master of American music, Gil Scott-Heron (b. 1949). I quote from an article by someone who knows more...

"He was known as The Black Arrow for his style and speed, and cut a handsome figure in the drab industrial landscape of 1950s Glasgow. As a black man, he attracted attention. So did his clothes — zoot suits, trilby hats and yellow shoes. Gil Heron, Celtic’s first black player and one of the first in British football, revelled in his role as a dandy. "
Condolences to Gil Scott.

Dr. Dan Kliman (1970-2008)

Dan was an interesting person. He was a militant bicyclist, vegetarian, and Israel advocate. He was also a (medical) doctor down with the herb. I used to mess with him about his left-wing politics, back when I was more open to what could be termed right-wing influences. He had a good sense of humor, but took what he believed very seriously, so I never went too far. The two of us were regular makers of Havdalah for the community at Beth Jacob in Oakland, California. Later we were part of a holy Motzoei Shabbos collective that chilled on Park Blvd. His death is the first among my friends on facebook, and his page is still there, now filled with comments from his friends. His death is mysterious. I do not have a generous amount of confidence in the San Francisco authorities, but they're all we've got right now. The media coverage of his death has been a trip unto itself. It started with a very brief and distorted article. Then Dr. Dan emerged as a local celebrity with a front page article in the San Francisco Chronicle. The mystery of his death was noted by many. He apparently had enemies among the Islamic expansionists and the fools who think they're cool and/or just. He was known to them and had been researched.

Jackie Wilson "Reet Petite" (1957)

Here is a great song from a great master. Jackie Wilson (1934-1984) was very influential, but met with a tragic fate probably unparalleled in the history of modern American music.

Freddie Scott - "You Got What I Need" (1968)

This is a classic tune. The artist (1933-2007) is influential. The song is familiar to people that have never heard it because of the worthy effort (1989) of a man named Marcel Hall (b. 1964) Dig it.

The Great Sam Cooke (1931-1964)

Dig these selections from one of the great masters who did not survive what English speakers call 'the sixties'. First a live television performance with an introduction from Jerry Lewis (b. 1926) for some reason, and the first song ("Twistin' the Night Away") is a real hip. Then he sets things right with "That's Where It's At".

Wu-Tang Clan "America" (1996)

Here's a serious song (from an album with a message. The title implies a chilling acronym). The Wu-Tang Clan used to be high-level when I was in high school.