December 2017 ~ Navidad Psicodélico

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I went to Mexico City in search of this psychedelic sound, manifest in any way possible. The problem with the record shops was that they were full of American imports, things I could easily buy in 10 different record stores in Chicago. Finally, seeing my relative disinterest, the owner asked what I was actually looking for. "Things I can't buy in the States. Especially psychedelic cumbia, stuff like that." He immediately named two shops I needed to check out. I never did get to either of those shops, but looking them up online (especially Dedos Sucios) it was clear that what I was looking for did exist. I'll be back...

Featuring: Sonidos Gallo Negro, Elton John, Irreversible Entanglements, Juan Gabriel, and more. 

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October 2017 ~ The Problem Here

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"Seeing basically every woman I'm friends with on Facebook write "#metoo" (and sometimes much more detail) really breaks my heart. And, even though I feel generally confident that I'm on the positive end of the spectrum of male behavior, hearing so many stories has me revising my take on some things in my past and thinking deeply about the way I move through the world, connecting some dots that needed connecting. My personal take-away: Keep learning, keep listening, keep striving to be better."

Featuring: Tanzania Albinism Collective, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Témé Tan, Snoop Dogg, and more. 

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April 2014: Golden Age for Women Musicians?

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Regardless of your conclusion about what gates have or haven't been knocked down, or what technological/political changes in the music industry have taken place to create opportunities for women in music - women around the world are clearly making some of the most exciting, diverse, confident contemporary music.

Featuring: The Coathangers, Tune-yards, Sisyphus, Quilt, and more.

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January 2014: The Problem with "World Music"

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When trying to fulfill a New Year's resolution, it helps mightily if you've chosen to nudge yourself in the direction of something pleasurable, rather than trying to force yourself on an odious task. With one of my two musical resolutions in mind, I've been spending some time checking out Bandcamp as a resource for new music, and it's been pretty rewarding, turning me on to this incredible collection and more.

Featuring: Asaf Avidan, El Rego, Martin Carthy, Sharon Jones, and more. 

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