KAFM Music Blog

KAFM Music Blog

Music Bureau Recommends - December 24

December 24, 2014
Continuing on our Best of 2014 on this Christmas Eve, we look back at The Oracle's favorite releases of this past year!

The Oracle is the voice of Morning Muse, from 6-9am every other Monday. She's also been reviewing music for the Music Bureau for a few years now. A lot of her favorites have been chart toppers. In no particular order, here are her top picks:

Cowbell - Beat Stampede (Songlines Music)



A rockin' album of honky-tonk blues dripping influences from 1960's rock bands. This album is filled with nostalgia. It's fun and funky, features real instruments and some surprises in the form of dissonance and tempo Quick read more or view full article changes. Not a bad song on this album!

Run River North - Run River North (Nettwerk)



Debut of LA based sextet of mostly first generation Korean-Americans. First drawing attention from an online video showing the band tracking in their Honda (right down to the drum kit), leads to major label production and support. Catchy songwriting, bright guitars, violin, fantastic vocals, harmonies, and "first generation" themes.

Nikki Lane - All or Nothin' (New West)



All or Nothin' could be a soundtrack for a movie that goes back in time to the Wild West. The lyrics and style of the music blur the lines between good and bad like an old fashioned shoot out. Nikki Lake manages to be all at once deep, soulful, modern and nostalgic.

Ages and Ages - Divisionary (Partisan)



The way Ages and Ages choreographs a song is truly wonderful. Complex songs are constructed and performed effortlessly. Features a great blending of male and female vocalists and beautiful harmonies.

Autumn Defense - Fifth (YepRoc)



This is the 5th album by this duo, and in this case, practice makes perfect. This is an enjoyable collection of music inspired by the nostalgia of certain 1960's bands. Meaningful lyrics and well-balanced instrumentation make for a smooth and mellow sound.

Honorable Mentions:

The Rosebuds - Sand + Silence (Western Vinyl)



The New Mendicants - Into the Lime (Ashmont Records)



Immigrant Union - Anyway (Musebox)





Remember to tune in on Friday, January 2 to listen to the Music Bureau's Best of 2014 Showcase - 9am to Noon! Read Less
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Charts for December 12-18

December 19, 2014
Wow! We have a lot of new names on the charts this week!

Jazz - A few new names, a new number one... Can't ask for anything better!



1. Al Muirhead - It's About Time (Chronograph Records)
2. Larry Corban and the Apurtistic Trio - The Corbanator (Nabroc Records)
3. Dr. John - Ske-Dat-de-Dat: The Spirit of Satch (Proper Records)
4. Alicia Olatuja - Timeless (World Tune Records)
5. Annie Lennox - Nostalgia (Blue Note)
6. Nikki Yanofsky - Little Secret (A440)
7. Chris Walden Big Band - Full On! (Origin)
8. Eli Bennett - Breakthrough (Addo Records)
9. Mack Avenue Superband - Live from the Detroit Jazz Festival Quick read more or view full article (Mack Ave.)
10. The Frank Walton/Yoron Isreal Sextet - Live in Chicago (Han-Walproductions)

World - A TON of debuts on the World chart this week, including a new number one!



1. Various Artists - Ten Cites (Soundway)
2. Paa Kow - Ask (Self Release)
3. Batida - Dois (Soundway)
4. Fantasma - Eye of the Sun (Soundway)
5. Kevin Kinsella - Riding Higher Still (I-Town Records)
6. The Rua - Essence EP (FOD)
7. Peruquois - The Original Essence (Self Release)
8. Piers Faccini and Vincent Segal - Songs of Time Lost (Six Degrees)
9. Horseman - Dawn of the Dread (Mr. Bongo)
10. Salsa de la Bahia - Vol. 2, Hoy y Ayer (Patois)

College - After keeping in the top 5, The New Basement Tapes finally take the top spot, while Shakey Graves stays put at number 2!



1. The New Basement Tapes - Lost on the River (Electro-Magnetic/Harvest)
2. Shakey Graves - And The War Came (DualTone)
3. Wilco - Alpha Mike Foxtrot: Rare Songs from 1194 - 2014 (Nonesuch)
4. The National Parks - Young (Self Release)
5. Streets of Laredo - Volume I & II (Dine Alone)
6. Immigrant Union - Anyway (Musebox)
7. The Flaming Lips - With a Little Help From My Fwends (Warner)
8. Rose's Pawn Shop - Gravity Well (Self Release)
9. Sleater-Kinney Start Together 1994 - 2006 (SubPop)
10. ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead - IX (Richter)

Roots - Lucinda keeps up high on the Roots charts, and there's a ton of new Bluegrass on this chart this week!



1. Lucinda Williams - Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone (Highway 20)
2. Dustbowl Revival - Carry Me Home (Self Release)
3. Phil Leadbetter - The Next Move (Pinecastle)
4. Various Artists - 20 Years Anniversary (Ruf Records)
5. The Ed Palermo Big Band & Rob Paparozzi - Electric Butter (Self Released)
6. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Hypnotic Eye (Warner)
7. Jeff Dale and the South Woodlawners - Good Music (Pro Sho Bidness)
8. Big Apple Blues - Energy (Stone Tone Records)
9. Johnny Winter - Step Back (Megaforce)
10. Calico the Band - Rancho California (California Country Records)

We won't have charts up for the next two weeks! But they'll be back up in 2015! Read Less
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Throwback Thursday - Nick Lowe

December 18, 2014
We're a week out from Christmas already!(!!!!!!!)
This week last year, we added a TON of Christmas music, but one of the best (in our humble opinion) was Nick Lowe's Quality Street: A Seasonal Selection for All the Family, out on Yep Roc:



Music Director, Alicia, had this to say about the album:

Old-school rocker creates his own (hilarious) versions of Christmas songs, based on "vulgar, tawdry commercialism," but with some hope and joy mixed in. As heard on NPR's "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me!" and "A Prairie Home Companion."

In fact, she still has "Christmas In the Airport" stuck in her head...

Merry Christmas, from the Music Bureau!
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Music Bureau Recommends - December 17

December 17, 2014
The Music Bureau has been going through the past year of music deciding what the best releases were. We'll be releasing our lists for the next couple of weeks, so keep checking back!

This week, however, we're going over Peggy's favorites! Peggy has been with the Music Bureau for quite some time, and is also a programmer on the Saturday show, Tied to the Tracks. In no particular order, here are her top picks for 2014!

 
Eric Clapton & Friends - The Breeze: An Appreciation of JJ Cale (Surfdog)



" AWESOME compilation of JJ's best. Totally enjoyable - play the heck out of it!"
 
Luna Blanca - Pirate's Bay Quick read more or view full article (Self Released)



"Winner of the 2012 Best World Album is back with their unique brand of Latin (Flamenco) music. There's enough sizzle & spice to take you on a tropical journey that will have you alternately shakin' your booty and then kickin' back with your favorite beverage on a deserted island. Pretty amazing music!"
 
Elvin Bishop - Can't Even Do Wrong Right (Alligator Records)



"A rollicking good time CD with 5 classic & 5 new songs. With help from Mickey Thomas & Charlie Musselwhite, Elvin has put out an exceptionally enjoyable CD. Give it a whirl! You won't be disappointed."
 
The Knickerbocker Allstars - Open Mic at the Knick (JP Cadillac Records)



"Wide ranging Blues selected to reflect the glory days , 70s & 80s at the Knickerbocker."
 
Playing For Change 3 - Songs Around The World (Timeless/ Concord Music Group)



 
 
Honorable Mentions:

Keb 'Mo - Blues Americana (Kind of Blue Music)



John Nemeth - Memphis Grease (Blue Corn Music)

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New Releases - December 15th

December 15, 2014
These just in...

Blue Lunch - Above the Fold (Rip Cat) - Jazz/Blues



The Smashing Pumpkins - Monuments to an Elegy (BMG) - Alternative



Mike Zito and the Wheel - Songs From the Road (Ruf Records) - Blues



Just a few of our newest adds, keep it tuned for these and more!
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Charts for December 6 - 12

December 12, 2014
We've got a new number one in almost each of our genres this week! A lot of new names coming up...

Jazz - Nikki Yanofsky takes the top spot after being in the lower top ten for the past few weeks!



1. Nikki Yanofsky - Little Secret (A440)
2. Annie Lennox - Nostalgia (Blue Note)
3. Larry Corban and the Apurtistic Trio - The Corbanator (Nabroc Records)
4.Al Muirhead - It's About Time (Chronograph Records)
5. Dr. John - Ske-Dat-de-Dat the Spirit of Satch (Proper)
6. Ray Charles - Genius Loves Company Reissue (Concord)
7. Chicago Yestet - Just Say Yes (Self Release)
8. Dave Koz & Friends - Quick read more or view full article The 25th of December (Concord)
9. Mack Ave. Superband - Live! From the Detroit Jazz Festival (Mack Avenue Records)
10. Renee Flemming - Christmas in New York (Decca)

World - Salsa de la Bahia takes the top spot after falling last week... But a few new names are popping up!



1. Salsa de la Bahia - Vol 2. Hoy y Ayer (Patois)
2. Kevin Kinsella - Riding Higher Still (I-Town)
3. Paa Kow - Ask (Self Released)
4. The Rua - Essence EP (FOD)
5. Pierce Faccini & Vincent Segal - Songs of Time Lost (Six Degrees)
6. Saor Patrol - Early Years (ARC)
7. Fela Kuti - The Best of the Black President 2 (Knitting Factory)
8. Kupaoa & Kaulana - La Pua Mohala (Self)
9. Silva - Ocean View (Slap Musica)
10. Horseman - Dawn of the Dread (Mr. Bongo)

College - We've got a new #1 here, moving up from #5!



1. The National Parks - Young (Self)
2. Shakey Graves - And The War Came (Dualtone)
3. The New Basement Tapes - Lost on the River (Electromagntic/Harvest)
4. Little May - Little May (Universal)
5. The Dough Rollers - Gone Baby Gone EP (Third Man)
6. Gary Clark Jr. - Live (Warner Brothers)
7. Parquet Courts - Content Nausea (What's Your Rupture)
8. Marianne Faithful - Give My Love to London (Easy Sound Recording)
9. Deerhoof - La Isla Bonita (Polyvinyl)
10. Mansions on the Moon - Mansions on the Moon (Self)

Roots - The new number one was just added this past week!



1. Dana Fuchs - Songs From the Road (Ruf Records)
2. Lucinda Williams - Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone (Highway 20)
3. Lipbone Redding - Esmerelda (Self)
4. Earls of Leicester - Earls of Leicester (Rounder)
5. Robert Plant - Lullaby and...The Ceaseless Roar (Nonesuch)
6. Colton Cerny - Hoax Over Sleepytown (Self)
7. Eric Bibb - Blues People (Stony Plain)
8. Jimmy Gaudreau & Moondi Klein - If I Had a Boat (Rebel)
9. Bruce Katz Band - Homecoming (Self)
10. CALICO the Band - Rancho California (California Country Records)

Keep it tuned for more chart topping music, right here on KAFM! Read Less
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Throwback Thursday - Billie Joe + Norah

December 11, 2014
The unlikely duo of Billy Joe Armstrong, of Green Day fame, and songbird Norah Jones took us all by surprise, especially as the project was a tribute to the Everly Brothers.



Foreverly, out on Reprise Records, was released late last January and became an instant chart topper at KAFM. Songs such as "Kentucky" and "Roving Gambler" proved to be favorites.
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Music Bureau Recommends - December 10

December 10, 2014
We're going to start something different for the next few weeks on Music Bureau Recommends...

It's the end of the year, so that means we in the MB have been racking our brains trying to contain our favorites to around 5... So keep checking in to see favorites from the Music Bureau!



Quick read more or view full article alt="" src="http://press.wbr.com/media/cms/images/201406/hypnotic-eye-extralarge_1401911105543.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 100px;" /> Read Less
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New Releases - December 8th

December 8, 2014
A sampling of the new music up this week!

Horseman - Dawn of the Dread (Mr. Bongo) - Reggae



She & Him - Classics (Colombia) - Alternative



The National Parks - Young (Self) - Americana



Keep it tuned to KAFM - these are sure to be chart toppers!!!
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Charts for November 29 - December 5

December 5, 2014
The new month brings new charts! Here's what we've been playing this December so far!

Jazz - A completely new top 10!



1    LARRY CORBAN AND THE APERTURISTIC TRIO    The Corbanator    Nabroc
2    ADAM MECKLER ORCHESTRA    When The Clouds Look Like This    Shifting Paradigm
3    ANNIE LENNOX    Nostalgia    Blue Note
4    ARTHUR BARRON/DAVE LIEBMAN/ABEL PABON     The Miami Jazz Project    Zoho
5    DAN MORETTI AND THE HAMMOND BOYS    Live At Chan's    Roots Grooves
6    RAY CHARLES    Genius Loves Company    Concord
7    NIKKI YANOFSKY    Little Secret    A440
8    CHAMPIAN FULTON    Change Partners    Cellar Live
9    STANLEY CLARKE BAND    Up    Mack Avenue
10    BILL FRISELL    Guitar In The Space Age!    OKeh
Quick read more or view full article />
World - Some movement on the charts this week, with a new 1!



1    KEVIN KINSELLA    Riding Higher Still    I-Town
2    SALSA DE LA BAHIA    Vol. 2, Hoy Y Ayer    Patois
3    THE RUA    The Rua    FOD
4    SILVA    Ocean View    Six Degrees
5    PAA KOW    Ask    
6    PELIROJA    Injusticia    Chulo
7    FELA KUTI    The Best Of The Black President 2    Knitting Factory
8    MELAZA    Melaza    Chulo
9    CAMPO    Remixes And Rarezas    Self-Released
10    GEOFFREY GURRUMUL YUNUPINGU    Gurrumul    Skinny Fish

College - Streets of Laredo make a strong combeack, and a few new names on our top 10...



1    STREETS OF LAREDO    Volume I And II    Dine Alone
2    LITTLE MAY    Little May [EP]    Dew Process
3    NEW BASEMENT TAPES    Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes    Harvest-Electromagnetic
4    GARY CLARK JR.    LIVE    Warner Bros.
5    NATIONAL PARKS    Young    Self-Released
6    GROWLERS    Chinese Fountain    Everloving
7    ELLIOTT BROOD    Work And Love    paper bag
8    LOS STRAITJACKETS    Deke Dickerson Sings The Instrumental Hits    Yep Roc
9    HUNGRY CLOUD DARKENING    Glossy Recall    Off Tempo
10    KISSING COUSINS    In With Them [EP]    Velvet Blue

Roots - A lot of new names here as well, with a new number 1!



1   BRUCE KATZ BAND   Homecoming Self
2   MAGNUS BURG   Cut Me Loose   Screen Door Records
3   HOT RIZE    When I'm Free   Ten In Hand Records
4   KARL W. DAVIS AND THE SWEET PEAS    It's High Time    Churchill Nash Records
5   EARLS OF LEICESTER    Earls of Leicester    Rounder
6   ALTERED FIVE BLUES BAND    Cryin' Mercy    Omnivibe Records
7   HAL KETCHUM    I'm the Troubador    Music Road Records
8   DEVON ALLMAN    Ragged & Dirty    Ruf Records
9   STEVE KRASE    Buckle Up    Conor Bay
10   FO' REEL   Heavy Water   Self


Keep it tuned to hear more chart topping music!
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Music Bureau Recommends - December 3

December 3, 2014
We're still STUFFED after Thanksgiving last week! Luckily this new music helps. Here's what the Music Bureau recommends this week!

Lance (Show: Radio Rapture): Dangermuffin - Songs for the Universe (Self Release) - Rock



Beat Junky (Show: Eclectic Ear): Ayron Jones and the Way - Dream (Self Release) - Rock



Carey (Shows: Tied to the Tracks; Bluegrass and Beyond): Otis Gibbs - Souvineers of a Misspent Youth (Wanamaker Recording Company) - Americana



Keep it tuned to KAFM to hear these new releases!
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