For anyone who enjoyed The Grey Album or Jadiohead, peep this: Jay and Marvin, Jay-Z mixed with Marvin Gaye. Jay has a history of using old soul samples, so it only makes sense that a mash-up like this would work (not a very creative idea either).  Go to The Animal Show to get a listen of some of the better tracks.

Also,  if you like rap and The Black Keys, peep this: BLAKROC.  Its a collaboration between Black Keys, Damon Dash, and featuring MC’s such as RZA, Mos Def, Q-Tip, Ludacris, Pharoahe Monch & Raekwon.  Exciting.

…but it is the first single from Julian Casablancas’ solo record. So close enough? I say no.

If that didn’t make you happy, then try The Top 5 Busey Videos (allegedly, Joan has watched many videos about Gary and could probably has a better list).

Its great when a title for a blog post writes itself.  If you like Architecture in Helsinki, Vampire Weekend, M.I.A., or Michael Jackson, then give this group a try.  It consists of Esau Mwamwaya and Radioclit, who put out a mixtape, then a song with Ezra from Vampire Weekend, and now a full cd.  One of the reasons I get annoyed with myself and the Pitchfork festival is that I always get interested in a bands after they play the fest.

Reading blogs can become time-consuming, so I have really been enjoying using the efficency of the newly discovered Google Reader. It’s so efficient, that I of course added more sites to read regularly. One of them is Soul-Sides.com. Its a fantastic blog if you are a fan of Soul, R&B, Jazz or Hip-Hop.

I found the site through an out-of-print compilation cd that the site put together.  Soul Sides Vol. 2 has fantastic version of I Want To Hold Your Hand by Al Green.  Listen to it if you haven’t yet heard it.

Also through the site, I found a Chicago “record company” called the Numero Group.  The company is a group of record collectors who re-release great songs that didn’t get the popularity they deserved.  A recent release is a book photos and LP called Light: On The South Side that focuses on the Chicago’s South Side night clubs between 1975-77. Take lisen to some of the samples they have there.

Not long ago E-Roc and I went to see Those Darlins (a band who I can’t recommend enough, especially live) at Scubas. Of the two opening bands, one was amazing, Deep Sea Diver. The amazing voice of Jessica Dobson combined with the reverb of her guitar makes some great songs. I guess Beck likes her, if that helps.