Brotherless Radio | Episode 6 | 1.22.24

One flower for all the times
You make my heart bloom
I fit make garden for you

Hello from the midst of a *somewhat* restful break from the world. This is Brotherless Radio, Episode 6. Both the playlist and my little free-form essays are the “episode” I guess. No personal stuff this time, let’s get going, eh?

Here’s your links:

Brotherless Radio | Episode 6 | 1.22.24 (Apple Music)

Brotherless Radio | Episode 6 | 1.22.24 (Spotify)
https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/6OpfSWfh9r12PT4UxRMnAg?utm_source=generator

I just found out Joe Walsh of The Eagles was a member of James Gang. We’re kicking off with “Funk #49” by James Gang, which sounds like “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins mixed with Led Zeppelin riffs. Zeppelin coming in a bit, hang tight. Not losing steam, “Riri” by Young Miko always sets it off. I can’t confirm if she’s sampling at least part of the “Teach Me How to Dougie” beat. An esteemed colleague pointed this similarity out. Good catch.

“You Can’t Do That” by The Beatles is the kind of Beatles I like best, minus how the lyrics get a bit too harsh for comfort in Year of Our Lord©️ 2024. The legendary Johnny Osbourne‘s “Dub Plate Playing” should be on your “I’m trying to get my friend to dig reggae” playlist, but more like as one of those tracks to show how far back the reggae tradition goes and how every era of reggae has *chef’s kiss* stuff. And that song only goes back to 1980. Ok, anyway, please pay extra close attention to Mannywellz‘ falsetto vocals in the chorus of “So Good.” Dude’s got a gift right?

I never hear anyone talk about Serious Klein, and that bugs me. This dude puts out exceptional music consistently, and being that consistent is really impressive, so why isn’t anyone talking about Serious Klein? ”Every Thursday” bangs.

I first caught wind of the electronic band The Comet Is Coming through Mike D’s (of Beastie Boys) Apple Music radio show Echo Chamber (in fact, that show influenced a lot of my music taste within the past 5 years or so). Their track “Summon The Fire” is super fun. ”On My Mind” from the Diplo & SIDEPIECE collab record is a favorite in my DJ set list. A little funk closes out this block. Mary Jane Hooper‘s “I’ve Got Reasons (Instrumental)” has everything I want in vintage funk tones.

I know Pitchfork is no longer cool after being acquired by GQ within the last couple weeks, but they did reveal this record that totally missed me. You guise remember trip hop? Like from the 90’s? Portishead, Massive Attack, etc? This group called a.s.o. put out a self-titled record in 2023 that I didn’t catch wind of until December. Check out “My Baby’s Got It Out For Me” and you’ll discover that trip hop is alive and well in the early 21st century.

I was carrying a fire
But now that’s going out
I have no words
For how cold it can get
In this old universe

“Doubts” by Cloakroom is the only song Garrett was crazy about in the band’s catalog. He’ll get there, folks. ”What I Am” by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians is making sparks go off in a long-dormant part of my brain. This song bangs so much harder than I thought it did when I was a kid and it was on the radio a lot. I LOVE when that happens.

“Only You” is the title track to Steve Monite‘s 1984 record. Check out this over-the-top string of words I found on the internet about the album: ”(Only You is) hailed as the holy grail of 1980’s Nigerian funk by contemporary critics and record collectors…” I mean, they’re correct; the album is a legend both musically and in lore. Before I stop ranting about Steve Monite (yes there’s more), let me point out: the actual song “Only You” is actually pretty juvenile and funny when you look up the lyrics. Sorry if that ruins it for you.

RVG and I have been talking about that new Spiritual Cramp record. I’ve repped SC many times in this series, but no music from them this time around. However, Rory recently challenged me to get into UK Subs as a way to hear, in real time, the lineage of where a band like Spiritual Cramp can develop their sound from. I also don’t have a UK Subs track on this playlist, but check out this Sham 69 cover of their song “Borstal Breakout.” How’s that for an annoying way to bring up 3 punk bands?

“Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2” by A$AP Rocky still hits even 8 years later. How many classic samples can you find in “Stutter (Pro Remix)” by Mystikal & Joe? Let me know, nerds. ”Moon River (From Breakfast at Tiffany’s)” as performed by Audrey Hepburn & Henry Mancini (yes, directly from the film) is our interlude for a little breathing room before we kick off the latter half of this show. This version of this song relaxes me every time.

I am standing at the root of my truth
In the crossfire of love
With no time to compromise
Feels like end times.

Modern Life Is War is a force of nature in the hardcore world. ”Feels Like End Times” is a more recent song from a series of singles called Tribulation Worksongs. This deep into their incredible catalog and storied career, they’ve written one of their best songs. The gents still got it.

Altin Gün is no stranger to Brotherless Radio. ”Yüce Dag Basinda” is another great example of their diverse instrumentation and funky bass riffs. Apparently Chase & Status are pioneers of the underground UK electronic scene. I don’t know much about that stuff, but I’m happy to have come across “Badadan (feat. IRah, Flowdan, Trigga & Takura)” recently. This track’s beat drop was making the rounds as the best moment from their Boiler Room session. Remember Deee-Lite? ”Party Happening People” will always bring a smile to my face and get my feet movin’.

I promised Led Zeppelin. Here’s “Immigrant Song.” They’re riff masters, but they can groove too. Jimmy Page’s riff is more of a bassline, and I love it. On “James Baby,” Stro Elliot wants to show you what you can do with James Brown samples if you try hard and believe in yourself. Kleenex (their original name, later renamed LiLiPUT) is about as lo-fi sounding of a new wave / punk band as you can ask for. This Swedish punk band’s track “Nice” checks all the boxes of “weird shit” that I like looking for.

“Do It At The Disco” by Gary’s Gang is as fun as it is cheesy. Some of the instrumentation admittedly sounds like it should’ve been used in an Austin Powers soundtrack. M.I.A.‘s newest record has bangers as usual. ”Beep” is one of ’em. Conservative Military Image is one of the greatest band names I’ve heard in a while, and “Oliver Kahn (feat. Liberty and Justice)” is one of my favorite songs I’ve come across from this skinhead style punk band. Their band name does not mean what you think it means.

Good times
Turn to hard times
But baby girl, don’t cry
This time is our time
One chance to live
We gotta make it right
One day we’ll die
Big kiss goodnight

A little break after skinhead shit: “Give It Up 2 Me” by Ojerime has the ability to transport my mind. That’s enough of a break, innit? Next is the classic opener to Trapped Under Ice‘s must-know record Big Kiss Goodnight, “Born To Die.” ”Sticks and Stones” is a reminder of just how great The Zombies were (or still are? They have a very recent record out and it’s actually quite good.) ”Papa ?” by Hocus Pocus rides the line between sexy, funky, and boom-bap.

“The Roc (Just Fire)” by Cam’ron ended up on here for how hard it is, and maybe because us Rochesterians don’t mind confusing Roc-A-Fella Records shoutouts with Rochester, NY shoutouts. Apparently Liam Gallagher & John Squire are coming out with a collab record and touring this year. No announcements yet, but tweets from Liam are abundant, for better or for worse. ”Just Another Rainbow” is a silly example of what to expect from the Oasis vocalist & Stone Roses guitarist.

“Gyöngyhajú lány” by Omega has been sampled in Kanye West’s “New Slaves,” after which, all the music dorks I follow unearthed this excellent 60’s Prog Rock band. For which I am thankful.

I leave you with “16” by Baby Keem. This was my favorite song for several weeks after The Melodic Blue came out. I could hear this chorus on repeat over and over again. I feel like a free and honest soul when I hear this chorus. Don’t ask why, I don’t know either. It’s a fantastic melody with honest lyrics. Sue me.

Keep loving yourself. Be honest with others. Show all of yourself. Eat a butt. See ya next time.

John /// Brotherless