I have to admit that, like most others, I was initially attracted to this tune by its sampling of Lou Reed’s Walk On The Wild Side. But there was much more to the New York rappers than that – though Reed got all the money and the teenage rappers never saw a penny.

(more…)

DJ Shadow teamed up with rap duo Run The Jewels on Nobody Speak, one of the standout tracks from his 2019 comeback album.

(more…)

Dwight Yoakam came along at just the right time for me, in the mid Eighties, launching a lifelong love of country music.

(more…)

Back when punk and reggae were rebel bedfellows, I discovered this deep cut – thanks to Johnny Rotten. I still can’t find out much about it.

(more…)

Bobby Byrd ought to be much more famous. He gave James Brown his big break and wrote most of his hits but never became a household name.

(more…)

Culture’s debut album Two Sevens Clash was a landmark release back in 1977. Joe Gibbs and I-Roy teamed up on the 12-inch version.

(more…)

This is the opening track from Gillian Welch’s debut album, presaging the revival of old-time music and the emergence of Americana. (more…)

(more…)

Here’s a second-wave punk band I don’t remember hearing before, probably because my tastes had evolved by the time they formed in 1981.

(more…)

Much as I dislike comedy songs, and as much as I disdain punk revivalists, it’s hard not to smile when you hear this novelty hit by Irish band Sultans Of Ping FC.

(more…)