my top 5

May Top 5 - 2010

2010-10-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for May 2010

Click the play button next to any song to listen

High On Your Love - Kings Go Forth

Beautiful People - The Books

On My Way Back Home - Band Of Horses
Listen to more Band Of Horses at A Song A Day/Band Of Horses.

Moanin' And Groanin' - Bill Withers
Listen to more Bill Withers at A Song A Day/Bill Withers.

Just A Little Overcome (Ft. Tommy Tate) - Ollie & The Nightingales
Listen to more Ollie & The Nightingales at A Song A Day/Ollie & The Nightingales.

April Top 5 - 2010

2010-07-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for April 2010

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Call Me Already (Blondie vs. The Temptations) - DJ Lobsterdust
Hear more Mash Ups at A Song A Day/MashUps.

Sick Sad Morning - The Dig
More from of The Dig on A Song A Day/TheDig.

White Rose Parade - Lady Of The Sunshine.
Recording under the name Lady of the Sunshine, the brother half of brother/sister duo Angus and Julia Stone steps away from their highly organic folk ballads and veers into an edgier fusion of acoustic roots, blues and funk.

I Can Change - LCD Soundsystem

When You're Smiling (Apple Juice Kid Remix) - Louis Armstrong
The Louis Armstrong Remixed Project is an 11 song album created by Apple Juice Kid for Beautiful Warriors 2. Along with Sam Cooke, Louis Armstrong is one of my all time favorites and this remix project completely respects his original material (i.e. it doesn’t get too obnoxiously techno). Download the entire Louis Armstrong Remixed album HERE.

The Dig perform Sick Sad Morning Live in the last.fm studio:

If you happen to be Phantom C,
bypass this site and stream my real top 5 HERE

my Mumford & Sons top 5

2010-05-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

Since I listened to Mumford & Sons so much in March they are getting their own top 5

This was my top 5 for March 2010

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Twenty Two - Wakey!Wakey!
Hear more Wakey!Wakey! on A Song A Day.

And the Boys - Angus & Julia Stone
More from Angus and Julia Stone on A Song A Day.

Finn Bikkjen! - Casiokids.

I Can't Go For That - The Bird And The Bee
The Bird And The Bee came out with an entire album of Hall & Oates covers this month. An excellent record that gives some already great tunes that distinct Bird And The Bee touch. Hear more of The Bird And The Bee at A Song A Day/The Bird And The Bee and more Covers at A Song A Day/Covers

Go Do - Jonsi
This is from Jónsi's debut solo album; lead vocalist of Sigur Rós. Watch the video for the single Go Do and his Concert Trailer HERE. And listen to more Jonsi at A Song A Day/Jonsi

Plus 3:

Kelly - Van She

Cat and Mouse - Nikki & Rich

O.N.E. - Yeasayer

Listen to all my February ear hole treats at A Song A Day/February
Video for Jonsi's Go Do:

Jónsi - Go Do from Jónsi on Vimeo.

March Top 5 – 2010

2010-03-31T18:17:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be Phantom C,
bypass this site and stream my real top 5 HERE

This was my top 5 for March 2010

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Precious Time - The Maccabees
Hear more of The Maccabees at A Song A Day/The Maccabees.

Mona Lee - The Sweet Serenades
More from The Sweet Serenades on A Song A Day/TheSweetSerenades.

Fel del av gården - Movits!.
Hear more Movits! at A Song A Day/Movits!.

In My Dreams - Remi Nicole

Don't Wake Up - The Kissaway Trail
Hear more at A Song A Day/TheKissawayTrail.

Listen to all my March 2010 ear hole treats at A Song A Day/March

Video for The Sweet Serenade's Mona Lee:

Mumford & Sons top 5

2010-03-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

Since I listened to Mumford & Sons so much in March
they are getting their own top 5

Click the play button next to any song to listen.

The Cave

Little Lion Man

White Blank Page

Awake My Soul

Roll Away Your Stone

Watch Mumford & Sons Videos HERE

February Top 5 – 2010

2010-02-28T16:15:00.000-08:00

If you happen to be Phantom C,
bypass this site and stream my real top 5 HERE

This was my top 5 for February 2010

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Twenty Two - Wakey!Wakey!
Hear more Wakey!Wakey! on A Song A Day.

And the Boys - Angus & Julia Stone
More from Angus and Julia Stone on A Song A Day.

Finn Bikkjen! - Casiokids.

I Can't Go For That - The Bird And The Bee
The Bird And The Bee came out with an entire album of Hall & Oates covers this month. An excellent record that gives some already great tunes that distinct Bird And The Bee touch. Hear more of The Bird And The Bee at A Song A Day/The Bird And The Bee and more Covers at A Song A Day/Covers

Go Do - Jonsi
This is from Jónsi's debut solo album; lead vocalist of Sigur Rós. Watch the video for the single Go Do and his Concert Trailer HERE. And listen to more Jonsi at A Song A Day/Jonsi

Plus 3:

Kelly - Van She

Cat and Mouse - Nikki & Rich

O.N.E. - Yeasayer

Listen to all my February ear hole treats at A Song A Day/February
Video for Jonsi's Go Do:

Jónsi - Go Do from Jónsi on Vimeo.

January Top 5 – 2010

2010-01-31T16:18:00.000-08:00

This was my top 5 for January 2010

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Ooh Poo Pah Doo - Wilson Pickett

How You Like Me Now - The Heavy
Hear more of The Heavy on A Song A Day/The Heavy

Ghost Symbol - Zero 7
If a song was a badass, this song would be one. A creepy, sexy badass.

Green Eyed Love (Classixx Remix) - Mayer Hawthorne Hear more Mayer Hawthorne on A Song A Day/Mayer Hawthorne

Everybody Knows It's Gonna Happen Only Not Tonight - The Go Find
The Go Find came on the scene in 2004, but I can't help but hear The xx's Crystalised (click link to listen) when I hear this song. Hear more of The Go Find on A Song A Day/The Go Find

Plus 2:

Cry Me A River (Truth & Soul Remix) - Dinah Washington
More Dinah Washington on A Song A Day/Dinah Washington

All The Eastern Girls (demo) - Chapel Club

Listen to all my January ear hole treats at A Song A Day/January

Mayer Hawthorne - Green Eyed Love Video (Original Version):

December Top 5 - 2009

2009-12-31T00:11:00.000-08:00

This was my top 5 for December 2009

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Weep No More My Baby - Brenda Lee
Hear more Brenda Lee on A Song A Day/Brenda Lee

When I'm Small - Phantogram
Hear more Phantogram on A Song A Day/Phantogram

Feels So Good - The Ray Mann Three
Hear more of The Ray Mann Three on A Song A Day/The Ray Man Three

Recommendation - Little Dragon
Hear more Little Dragon on A Song A Day/Little Dragon

Black & Gold - Sam Sparro

Plus 2:

Magic Tree - Kirsten Price

New York - Cat Power

Listen to all my December ear hole treats at A Song A Day/December

Sam Sparro - Black & Gold Video

November Top 5 - 2009

2009-11-30T23:38:00.000-08:00

This was my top 5 for November 2009

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Hey Na Na - Katie Herzig
Hear more Katie Herzig on A Song A Day.

Jailer - Asa
The revolution of Nigerian soul. More Asa on A Song A Day.

You've Got the Love - The xx
This is an excellent cover of a Florence & The Machine tune. Hear more of The xx on A Song A Day.

Invisible - Winter Gloves
Hear more Winter Gloves on A Song A Day.

Ain't Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo) - Blakroc (Ft. Mos Def and Jim Jones)
Blakroc = The Black Keys + Hip-Hop contributions from Jim Jones, Mos Def, Q-Tip, RZA, Raekwon, Ludacris, Pharoahe Monch, NOE, Nicole Wray, Billy Danze and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Asa - Jailer & Fire On The Mountain Videos

October Top 5 - 2009

2009-10-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for October 2009

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Sabali - Amadou & Mariam
Amadou & Mariam are a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Amadou Bagayoko (guitar and vocals) (born in Bamako 24 October 1954) and Mariam Doumbia (vocals) (born in Mali’s capital Bamako 15 April 1958). The pair, known as “the blind couple from Mali” met at Mali’s Institute for the Young Blind, and found they shared an interest in music.

Nsokoto - The Very Best
Their members come from France, Sweden and Malawi – and their sound comes from everywhere. A truly global band.

Fireflies - Owl City
Trying to fill the gap the Postal Service left by never releasing a sophomore record. And not doing too bad a job.

Maria (You Were the Only One) [Emile Haynie Remix] - Michael Jackson
From The Michael Jackson Remix Suite Project. This version adds an edge to the already beautiful original.

Read Write Speak Type - Elas
Elas is my 12 year old friend Ethan and 13 year old guitarist Tiana. They write and record all their own songs.

Owl City - Fireflies Video:

September Top 5 - 2009

2009-09-30T01:38:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for September 2009

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Heart Skipped A Beat - The xx
The xx’s debut album, XX, was released via Rough Trade Records. The youthful London based quartet mixes soft, conversational like vocals, with down-tempo melodies, and the result is completely mood altering. See/Hear more of The xx HERE.

Roads - Nickelus F & Portishead
The gist: Nickelus F raps over Portishead songs. I've heard this same concept done badly, but most of the tracks on Nick F's R.A.R.E. (Reliving A Real Experience) work quite well.

Uprising - Muse
This track is one of my two favorites from the latest Muse record. I can't help but think of The Timelords/The KLF's Doctorin' the Tardis every time I listen.

High Hopes - Paolo Nutini
I never got into Paolo's debut record but after my friend Lew sang the praises of his sophmore effort and I was fortunate enough to hear him and his band perform an acoustic version of this track and several others at my office, I really warmed to his music.

Sixteen Tons - Lipbone Redding
As difficult as it is to believe at times, that’s not a trumpet or trombone you’re hearing…it’s a human voice. Lipbone is the Jazz/Blues/Soul version of a human beat-box.

Paolo Nutini performs High Hopes live @ Tropical Pizza Radio
modern blue-eyed soul

Muse - Uprising VIDEO

my Mick Boogie/Adele1988 top 5

2009-09-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

Since I've listened to Mick Boogie's Adele 1988 remix project so much the last couple months it is getting its own top 5

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Chasing 1988 - The Intro (ft. 6th Sense)

Daydreams (nVMe Remix)

Cold Shoulder (Garbs Infinite Remix)

First Love (Remote Remix ft. Naledge)

Melt My Heart To Stone (Kickdrums Remix ft. Big Pooh)

DJ Mick Boogie mixes Adele's 19 with 80's beats and samples.

Adele (1988... The Remix Project)

Download directly HERE

Mick Boogie's official website - http://www.mickboogie.com/

August Top 5 - 2009

2009-08-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for August 2009

Click the play button next to any song to listen

It's Not My Fault (It's My Fault) - Discovery
The side project of Vampire Weekend's Rostam Batmanglij and Ra Ra Riot frontman Wes Miles, Discovery is an interesting electronic/R&B mix that brings to mind elements of both Passion Pit and The Postal Service. I could not stop listening to this album this month and probaly could have filled my top 5 with it alone. This is my current favorite.

Blue - Plej
Electro-pop-jazzy-house goodness from the Swedish Leftcoast.

No Surprise - James Yuill
Welcome to UK Folktronica. I think I like it.

Brownstone Alley - Freddy & Francine
I've had Freddy & Francine's album for a couple months now and keep going back to it. This is almost always the first song I play.

Corner - Allie Moss
Molly Jenson in-advertently tunred me on to this tune and subsequently Allie's album which is quite lovely. Corner is also the first track on the Dreamy v.1 compilation.

my Jaydiohead top 5

2009-08-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

Since I've listened to the two Jaydiohead records so much the last couple months they are getting their own top 5

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Life There

December Backdrifts

Wrong Prayer

Lucifer's Jigsaw

Reckoner's Encore

Download BOTH Jaydiohead albums HERE

Jaydiohead on Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC) - 01/07/09

July Top 5 - 2009

2009-07-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for July 2009

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap
I had this tune on repeat early in the month. I saw (500) Days of Summer last night and was pleasantly surprised to hear it heavily featured in the film.
The Temper Trap website and myspace page.

So Crazy - CHALI 2NA
CHALI 2NA's long awaited solo album does not disappoint. Great beats and even better flow. One of my favorite rap artists. CHALI 2NA on myspace.

Never Change - Jay-Z
I've never been a big Jay-Z fan. I like some of his songs, he just never leaves me wanting to hear a full album. For years I've been meaning to give his much hyped record, The Blueprint a proper listen, and I was surprised how much I liked it once I did. However, when you consider nearly every tune samples a classic soul artist that I love, I suppose it's not quite as surprising. This is one of my favorites from The Blueprint, which samples David Ruffin's 1973 classic, Common Man.
Watch David Ruffin perform Common Man on Soul Train in the clip below.

Amarillion - Datarock
Elwood turned me on to this tune on our roadtrip back from San Diego. As he said, the latest Datarock record, Red, as a whole is just OK, but this tune, chock-full of 80's references is great. Datarock website and myspace page.

Re: Stacks - Bon Iver
I was a little late to the Bon Iver party for some reason but after repeated recommendations from a couple My Top 5 members, I finally got the record and quickly fell in love. The dreamy melancholy of Re: Stacks makes it one of my favorites on the album. Bon Iver's website and myspace page.

David Ruffin's 1973 classic, Common Man performed on Soul Train
(and later sampled in Jay-Z's Never Change).

Douche

2009-07-17T13:13:00.001-07:00

I sent the following email to my top 5 after reading Thom Yorke was interested in writing a song for the next Twilight soundtrack:

is Thom Yorke becoming a douche?
http://pitchfork.com/news/35962-thom-yorke-to-contribute-music-to-itwilighti-sequel-soundtrack/

next thing you know he'll be wearing one of these

Armando, Elwood and Mattyshack all responded in favor of Thom regardless, which prompted Armando to send this...

Update: Thom Yorke, Bon Iver Set for A “New Moon”

New Moon director Chris Weitz spoke last week at the Comic-Con Convention and confirmed that Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke and Bon Iver will contribute songs on the soundtrack for the film. “I selfishly want to put songs in by artists I love. And some of the cast and crew also happen to love,” said Weitz to Hitfix.com. “I think (Bon Iver) is fantastic, He says he wrote it for the film, but who ever knows if it might just be something laying around in his cupboard.” Wetiz also added that he is hoping to get Kings of Leon on the soundtrack. New Moon opens nationwide November 20th
http://www.newmoonmovie.org/2009/07/new-moon-soundtrack-thom-york-bon-iver-and-release-date/

Here is the official tracklist for the "New Moon" soundtrack:

Death Cab for Cutie, "Meet Me on the Equinox"
Band of Skulls, "Friends"
Thom Yorke, "Hearing Damage"
Lykke Li, "Possibility"
The Killers, "A White Demon Love Song"
Anya Marina, "Satellite Heart"
Muse, "I Belong to You (New Moon)"
Bon Iver & St. Vincent, "Roslyn"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, "Done All Wrong"
Hurricane Bells, "Monsters"
Sea Wolf, "The Violet Hour"
OK Go, "Shooting the Moon"
Grizzly Bear, "Slow Life"
Editors, "No Sound but the Wind"
Alexandre Desplat, "New Moon (The Meadow)"

June Top 5 - 2009

2009-06-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for June 2009

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Every Car You Chase (Snow Police) - Party Ben
MashUps are hit and miss. If done poorly, they're messy, if done right, they can be lovely. Party Ben's mix of the Police's Every Breath You Take with Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars is a great example of a MashUp done right.

My Love - The Bird and The Bee
Inara George's jazzy, soft soprano makes me a bit weak in the knees. This is one of my favorite's (see video here) from the latest ablum, Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future

You're My Heart, You're My Soul - Modern Talking
Cheesy - 80's - Electropop - Disco, and I like it.
Modern Talking is the most successful pop group in German History.

I'll Get You Ft. Jeppe (from Junior Senior) - Classixx
If you've been checking in with my Music blog, you already know I've been pretty into Classixx lately. Last month two of their remixes were in my MAY top 5. I'll Get You is a Classix original.

Never Forget You - Noisettes
Noisettes features another euro 50's/60's throwback female singer ala Amy Winehouse, VV Brown, Duffy and Adele. Never Forget You is another great tune.

Noisette's Never Forget You video:

May Top 5 - 2009

2009-05-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for May 2009

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Lisztomania (Classixx Remix) - Phoenix
If you follow my music blog you already know how into Classixx I was this month. These are two of my favorite Classixx remixes.

Buzzin (Classixx Remix) - Shwayze

Burning - The Whitest Boy Alive

Dat New New - Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi is another artist featured on my music blog in May.

Day 'n' Nite - Kid Cudi
This original version is so much better than the Crookers remix that became more popular.

In my opinon, the original Day 'n' Nite video is much better too.
Judge for yourself:

Original video

Crookers Remix:

April Top 5 - 2009

2009-04-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for April 2009

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Big Easy - Raphael Saadiq
Mattyshack's March Top 5 turned me on to this overlooked album from 2008, Raphael Saadiq's latest record, The Way I See It. A beautifully crafted throwback to 50/60's R&B/Motown.

Let's Take A Walk - Raphael Saadiq
More Raphael Saadiq on jasonz.com

God In You - PawnShop kings
My friend Joel and his brother Scott form PawnShop kings. Joel used to be Greg Laswell's friend until he met me.

The Chicken and the Hawk - Brother Sal
I am really looking forward to Brother Sal's forthcoming album. Here is a taste of what to expect. Hurry up, Sal!

Over and Again - Brian Wright & The Waco Tragedies
Once you listen to Brian Wright you'll understand why half the singer-songwriters at Hotel Cafe sing his praises. He's the singer-songwriter's singer-songwriter.

Raphael Saadiq's Big Easy performed live

March Top 5 - 2009

2009-03-31T14:38:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for March 2009 (AGAIN)

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Death - White Lies
My co-worker Mike turned me onto White Lies after seeing them at SXSW

Jetstream - Doves
The Doves new album, Kingdom of Rust does not disappoint

1901 - Phoenix
I had heard Phoenix broke up, so i was happy to learn of a new album called Wolfgang Amadues Phoenix coming out May 25th.

Crying Blood - V.V. Brown
I've been crazy about V.V. for the last few weeks. I am excited for her entire album to drop as everything i've heard so far is excellent.

Leave - V.V. Brown
Check out more V.V. Brown on jasonz.com

White Lies video for Death

White Lies @ MTV Music

February Top 5 - 1 year anniversary

2009-02-28T20:54:00.000-08:00

February 2009 marks my top 5's one year anniversary!

This was my top 5 for February 2009

Click the play button next to any song to listen

I Get Around - Dragonette

Walking On A Dream - Empire Of The Sun

Paris (Aeroplane Remix) - Friendly Fires ft. Au Revoir Simone

Strange Overtones - David Byrne and Brian Eno

Chidiya Tu Hoti To (Ft. Abhijeet, Sanjeevani) - A.R. Rahman

Video for original version of Paris by Friendly Fires:

January Top 5

2009-01-31T23:22:00.000-08:00

This was my top 5 for January 2009

Click the play button next to any song to listen

O...Saya - A.R. Rahman & M.I.A.
I've been crazy for the Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack since seeing the film in December. This is one of my 3 favorites from the album.

Jai Ho (Featuring Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah & Mahalaxmi Iyer) - A.R. Rahman
Another favorite from the Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack.

It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry - Glasvegas
Mattyshack had a Glasvegas tune in his top 5 back in October; i finally got the entire album and i love it. Next to the one Matty put up - Daddy's Gone - this is one of my favorites.

S.A.D. Light - Glasvegas
Another Glasvegas favorite.

Find Love - Clem Snide
I've been on a big Clem Snide kick the last couple months; pulling out all the old albums. I think this song is beautiful.

Evi gave my top 5 a shout out on iTunes:

November Top 5

2008-11-30T00:55:00.000-08:00

This was my top 5 for November 2008

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Beatific - Glass Candy
Lien Ta put a Glass Candy song in her October top 5 that inspired me to get their album "Beat Box" on which l found and fell in love with this tune.

Loving You Is Mellow - Major Harris
Great track from Philly soul singer's 1975 solo album.

Soolaimon - Neil Diamond
One of my favorite Neil Diamond songs.

Let It Be Me - Ray Lamontagne
I still love Ray Lamontagne's voice. This song is beautiful.

100 Days, 100 Nights - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
My friend Andrea reminded me of this Sharon Jones song and I was listening to it off and on all month.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings 100 Days, 100 Nights video:

The video was directed by Adam Elias Buncher using two vintage TV cameras bought on E-Bay for $50 dollars each. Shows how much you can do with a little soul.

October Top 5

2008-10-31T10:52:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for October 2008

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Closer - Kings Of Leon
I listened to the new Kings Of Leon album - Only By The Night - so much this month it was difficult to pick just one song (i settled on two).

Manhattan - Kings Of Leon
more Kings Of Leon goodness.

Slow, Smooth and Easy - Anita Tucker
A great tune from an impressive Swingin' Girls - From the 40's & the 50's compilation put together over at the Rockin' Kitten blogspot.

Shtiggy Boom - Patti Anne
This is from Aladdin Records' 1983 14 Magic Lamps LP reissue. Another wonderful re-up from the fine people at Be Bop Wino. The entire compilation is pretty stellar; Shtiggy Boom being one of my favorites. I mean, come on, how can you not want to listen to a song called "Shtiggy Boom"

You Are The Best Thing - Ray Lamontagne
I love Ray Lamontagne's voice. So powerful, so much emotion; same thing I love about Soul music. I'm always concerned i won't like the next Lamontagne project as much as the one before. This one took a few listens, but i am all over it now. You Are The Best Thing is one of the more upbeat tunes on the record. It is also the first single.

September Top 5

2008-09-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for September 2008
(most of my new music was old music this month)

Click the play button next to any song to listen

Bloodshot Eyes - Wynonie Harris
My latest favorite blues shouter/rhythm and blues singer, Wynonie Harris was known for singing upbeat songs with humorous, often ribald lyrics. With fifteen Top 10 hits between 1946 and 1952, Harris is generally considered one of rock and roll’s forerunners, influencing Elvis Presley among others. I'm not sure how I'm just hearing Wynonie, but it's always exciting to know there are more classics out there to be discovered.

Butcher Boy - Mr Sad Head
I found this song on a great compilation put together by Be Bop Wino (one of my favorite old school mp3 blogs). Check out the entire playlist at Doo Dob Sha Bam - A Rhythm & Blues Dance Party.

Tennessee Waltz - Sam Cooke
As most of you know, Sam Cooke is one of my all time favorites. My friend Sal turned me onto this previously overlooked Cooke tune. His version of this classic is excellent.

That Did It (Single Version) - Bobby "Blue" Bland
Another Bobby "Blue" Bland tune. Listen loud.

Supernatural Thing Pt. 1 - Ben E. King
One of Ben E. King's post Drifters hits from 1975.

And I've watched this so much, i feel like it should be in my top 5:

See the full Matin & Harris post on jasonz.com

my top sites

2008-09-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

August Top 5

2008-08-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for August 2008

I'm Wild About You - Al Green
The latest Al Green album, produced by ?uestlove of the Roots, doesn't stray far from the classic sound Green and producer Willie Mitchell created at Hi Records in the 1970s, but that's a good thing. Lay It Down is a great old-school Al Green album with some impressive guest artists (Corinne Bailey Rae, Anthony Hamilton, John Legend and the Dap-Kings Horns). I'm Wild About You is one of my favorite tracks on the record.

I Can't Stop - Luther Ingram
Luther is my latest favorite old soul singer. I believe this was originally ripped from vinyl so you can hear some of the imperfections which makes it feel that much better.
"..i would'a never believed, darlin', that you could hurt my soul"

Thou Shalt Always Kill - Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip
My friend Gemma turned me onto this track. I have since bought the entire album. Some really good stuff on it. If anyone wants to hear more, let me know.

Eugene - Andrew Bird's Bowl Of Fire
I'm just recently going through several Andrew Bird albums. This is from one of his first records entitled Thrills.

Crown - Mason Jennings
Matt Monaghan covered this tune when he was in town and it served as my introduction to Mason Jennings. I actually think i prefer Matt's version, but I'm very happy to have discovered Mason. I intended to put one of Matt's songs from his studio time in LA in my top 5 this month but since Dom uploaded the entire EP as his top 5 i figured it would be overkill.
In a small world anecdote - I recently learned that my friend Brad Beale knows Mason from the camp both their kids attend every summer in Minnesota.

my top 5 video playlist

2008-08-09T08:00:00.001-07:00

These are all the videos available on YouTube for songs in my top 5
(scroll the menu at bottom of screen to switch between videos)

July Top 5

2008-07-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for July 2008

Make Me Believe In You - Patti Jo
This is already in the running to be track one on this year's compilation. Patti Jo is one of the great unknown soul singers of her time. Evidenced by the fact that in 1972/1973 Curtis Mayfield chose her to lay down ‘Make Me Believe In You’ and the much underrated ‘Ain’t No Love Lost’. She was only sixteen at the time. This song will make you believe in me.

Why (Do I Love You So) - Lou Rawls
Lou has a Sam Cooke quality to some of his phrasing in this tune that I really like.

Rain - Bishop Allen
I first heard Bishop Allen on a SXSW mix I ran across a couple years ago on one of the MP3 blogs I frequent (see MP3 Blogs you should visit at bottom right). Just recently got their full album and really dig this track.

Everywhere You Turn - Longwave
I've been listening to two Longwave albums off and on for a few years and become more enamored with each listen. This is one of my favorites on their 2003 The Strangest Things release.

You're Not Alone - The Enemy
One of the U.K.'s most talked about new bands of 2007. I'm not sure if the hype brought them to the U.S. or not.

my top 5 member in new Laswell video

2008-07-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

How the Day Sounds - Greg Laswell

Filmed at Galco's Soda Pop Stop / 5702 York Boulevard / Los Angeles, CA 90042 / www.sodapopstop.com / More Greg on jasonz.com

June Top 5

2008-06-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for June 2008

Way Down In The Hole - Blind Boys of Alabama
I watched the first season of The Wire this month, this is the title track and I'm nuts about this song. Written by Tom Waits, the show features this song in the opening credits, each season recorded by a different artist. This is my favorite of the versions i've heard.

I Got A Thing For You - Jim Bianco
I saw Bianco live recently and really enjoyed his show. This was one of my favorite tunes in his set.

Summertime (Organica Remix) - Billie Holiday
Always dangerous to remix the classics, but I think Organica did right by Lady Day.

All The World Is Green - Tom Waits
I saw The Diving Bell and The Butterfly a couple weeks ago and appreciated this Waits gem from Blood Money all over again.

Fontanelle - Clem Snide
I stumbled across this tune from Clem Snide's 2003 Soft Spot record again and remembered how much i liked how sad and melancholy Eef Barzelay makes a simple little happy song sound.

May Top 5

2008-05-31T01:25:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for May 2008

The Enemy Guns - Devotchka

Fruit Machine - The Ting Tings

Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Part 2 - My Morning Jacket

The Fix - Elbow

Sweet Dream - Greg Laswell

April Top 5

2008-04-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for April 2008

Merry Happy - Kate Nash

Honey Child - Bobby "Blue" Bland

I Lust U - Neon Neon

One Step Too Far - Dido, Faithless & Buena Vista Social Club

Lonely - Mishka

March Top 5

2008-03-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

This was my top 5 for March 2008

Little Bit - Lykke Li
Her debut "Youth Novels" made it difficult to choose just one tune for my top 5

The One I Love - Greg Laswell
I'm not sure why i'm running either.

The Sun and Earth - Middle Distance Runner
This song should have been on my year-end CD
Nudez (Ft. Too $hort & MC Zumbi of Zion-I) - AmpLive
Zion I’s AmpLive has hip-hopped visions of Radiohead

I've Got To Use My Imagination - Bobby "Blue" Bland
This song makes me feel angry and sexy all at once (listen loud)

These were my top Faves from everyone else in March

Armando

Club Thing - Yoav

Dom

Hearts A Mess - Gotye

Elwood

Evil - Howlin' Wolf

Hannah

The Zero Light - Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears

Lien Ta

White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes

Mattyshack

F and Run - Cassettes Won't Listen

Ray

Dandelion - Antje Duvekot

Ryan

Beat Control - Tilly and the Wall

Zach

SAM/SAM's Return - Heavy

February Top 5

2008-02-28T13:46:00.000-08:00

This was my top 5 for February 2008

Mercy - Duffy
click HERE for jasonz.com post

Tired - Adele
Duffy and Adele are two of the "new Amys" coming out of the UK

Master At Work (Ft. Ohmega Watts) - Connie Price And The Keystones

Hard Luck Woman - The Booze

Bullet The Blue Sky - U2
The Remastered/Expanded edition of U2's The Joshua Tree is an excellent update to one of U2's finest albums.

Listen to my top Faves from everyone else in February:

Armando

Wait A Minute - Estelle
Honey (Captain Planet Remix) - Erykah Badu
Move On (Ft. Flynn and Joey the Jerk) - Pigeon John
Say Hay There - Atmosphere
The Step and The Walk - Duke Spirit

Chad

Hey You, Little Boo-Ga-Loo - Chubby Checker
"This is not The Twist, this is Northern Soul."
Baby, Baby (I Still Love You) - The Cinderellas
It's My Club - Helen Love
Little Things (Tear Us Apart) - Irene
What's A Girl To Do - Bat For Lashes

Dom

This Woman's Work - Kate Bush
Black & Blue - Chris Garneau
The Outdoor Type - Evan Dando
Teardrop (Radio 1 Live Lounge) - Elbow
Wherever You Are - David Mead

Elwood

Look Out Young Son - Grand Ole Party
Props to Lien Ta for introducing us to this band

Hannah

l Love My Shirt - Donovan

Lien Ta

Divine - Sebastien Tellier

Mattyshack

Tire Swing - Kimya Dawson

From The Juno Soundtrack
Ray

Some Kind Of Chill - Arizona

Ryan

Ready For The Floor - Hot Chip

Zach

You Played Me - Amp Fiddler

my top 5 - explanation

2008-01-01T13:37:00.000-08:00

i set up a folder on my idisk inside of which each of us
have our own individual folder. on the last day of every month
upload your 5 favorite songs from the past month to your
individual idisk folder so on the first of every month each of us
can download one anothers top five. it can be five unique artists,
or 5 songs by the same artist, 5 old songs or 5 new songs or
any combination you'd like. for example, i have been really into
U2's The Joshua Tree this month due to the release of the remastered
anniversary disc that came out, so at the end of this month i may
have a few tunes from that album in my top five. next month
it may be five different artists. the point is for all of us
to be able to share what we've been into on a monthly basis.

jaz