Weekend Update

Jane, you ignorant slut.

i was in a bit of a rush yesterday afternoon to pick up the Missus from the airport before catching a movie and have since been made aware of a few things in need of updating.

The first one i caught myself. Yesterday's picture SHOULD read: "Ninjas with Guitars," not "Ninja's with Guitars." Admittedly, it's not like i made the picture myself, but as someone who received an English degree, that was driving me crazy.

mp3: Words R No Good With You (Mark Sandman from the Mark Sandman Tribute Recordings)

Secondlier, turns out the cats from Music for Your Plants actually are from Estonia. Here, i thought they were getting an in-joke* that i'm probably only telling to myself in the first place, and i was mistaken. Their MySpace threw me off, and they sent a completely sincere and totally unnecessary email apologizing for some reason, but i've got to tell you...it's even better this way. i now plan on adding "...and tropical Estonian instrumentals" to the ever growing accolades following "LET: The world's number one source for..." on my imaginary LET business cards (Meg has all the real ones, i think). Even MORE well played, you crazy disciples of Brendan Frazier!

mp3: Log Cabin (Music forYour Plants from Music for Your Plants)

(Ed. note: The joke being how this relatively small site from DC is the source for relatively random sources of music and readers, often citing Nigerian speed rap and bored and/or lost Estonians. Don't ask, these are just the things i do.)

Free Music Friday: The Timely, Canadian, Rationalizing, Sickly, Give Me Your Email Address, Up and Down Version

For whatever reason, the Powers That Be opted not to drop copious amounts of free mp3s into ye olde inbox this week, but fret not! It'll just harsh your buzz if you do. Besides, because i am such a helluva guy, i scoured the Interwebs near and far to find your lazy asses the best new freebie schwag out there today.

To get things started, we've got the return of Field Music. The boys in the band (brothers Peter and David Brewis [vox], Kev Dosdale [guitar and keys] and Ian Black [bass]) are coming off a "self-imposed three year hiatus" with a new 20-track monster, Field Music (Measure). The boys are touring, too, but alas and alack, are coming nowhere particularly near our neck of the woods. Seriously, though, is it just me or are the vocal similarities between the Brother Brewis and Steely Dan downright uncanny? Regardless, you can stream the entire new CD over here at KCRW.

mp3: Each Time Is a New Time (Field Music from Field Music (Measure)) (right click)

The next few tracks are going to cost you something, but they're three stellar fucking tracks, so get over it. As i mentioned recently, the new currency for most free mp3s is your email address. Take solace in the fact, however, that as soon as these boys (hopefully some of your favorite bands) put out that next 7" that they're only releasing on Record Store Day, you'll be in the know.

Caribou nee Manitoba has a new one coming, too. His Swim hits is scheduled to hit shelves April 20. Each of his CDs has been successively better, so i, at least, have high hopes for this one. His expertise lies in creating electronic music that sounds like anything but. First single "Odessa" is a bit heavier than some of his earlier stuff, but dense means good here.

mp3: Odessa (Caribou from Swim) (left click)

i didn't really know the morning benders for more than their sometimes excellent bedroom covers CD, but it appears i was cutting these cats much less slack than they deserved. Their Big Echo is due March 9. If first track "Excuses" is any indication, this puppy is going to be a monster. Have you seen the accompanying video yet? Old boy is going for a Phil Spector Wall of Sound vibe, and i'll be damned if he doesn't nail it.

mp3: Excuses (the morning benders from Big Echo) (left click)

One of my top five favorite bands, Broken Social Scene, is back after far too long away. Sure, the white Canuck version of Wu-Tang put out a couple of stellar "Broken Social Scene Presents" CDs, but those still weren't the same thing. Can a RZA or Ghostface Killah solo joint ever be quite as strong as a collaborative group effort? i argue no. It appears most of the dates for the upcoming supporting tour for Forgiveness Rock Record (out May 4) are taking place overseas in Europe. Did somebody say "Euro Trip?" Anyway, first single "World Sick" is the type of sprawling rocker we've come to except from these masterful bastards.

As a complete side note, i recently almost broke down into fisticuffs when someone disagreed with me that You Forgot It In People was hands down one of the top 10 CDs of the Aughties. Fortunately, i'm lazy and out of shape, so that didn't happen, but the fact remains, these cats kick a tasty groove, and there ain't no bout a doubt it.

mp3: World Sick (Broken Social Scene from Forgiveness Rock Record) (left click)

To wrap things up, i just received the latest from LET's preferred charitable organization, the Mark Sandman Music Project, who are back with three new free tracks this week. Over the past few months, they've had a very successful run bringing musical opportunities to young people in the Greater Boston Metro Area. They've taught some audio engineering classes, recorded some young up and comers out of high school, and are in the early stages of offering an intensive songwriting and recording class. Of course, none of that is possible without a few ducats from cats like you and me, so let's get with it people, and get to giving. It's the least you can do after all the excellent music the late Mr. Sandman and the boys in Morphine gave and continue to give to the world.

mp3: Yo Yo (Mark Sandman from the Mark Sandman Tribute Recordings) (left click)

It's Covered: Temptation

OK, class, settle down, we're back in session today. While I still have a few days of vacation left, I find myself with an hour before dinner and in my hotel room, so let's get back at it, eh? This one is going to be short and sweet, but expect things to get kicked back into overdrive come Monday.

Suffice to say, the Mark Sandman Memorial Concert was phenomenal. I've got boatloads of pictures I plan on posting once I actually get back home, so just hold your horses. Even better for you, dear readers, is the fact that I sought out a bunch of local artists to get some tunes for all y'all. And with very little cajoling on my part, they graciously agreed.

Which brings us to today's lesson on Temptation, the 1933 tune written by Nacio Herb Brown with lyrics by Arthur Freed. Bing Crosby first performed the song in the film Going Hollywood, and it also saw life in Singin' in the Rain. If anyone made it his own, however, that probably was Perry Como, who recorded numerous versions throughout his career. I understand Screamin' Jay Hawkins did one, too, but can't seem to find that one myself (so point me in the right direction if any of you cats might know where it can be found).

How, you may well be asking yourself, does this have anything to do with the recent vacation and rekindled love of all bands Massachusetts? Well, the incomparable Either/Orchestra (with Mark Sandman taking vocal duties) put their stamp on the thing on their Half-Life of Desire. And, of course, we've got a copy of that for you.

You're welcome.

mp3: Temptation (Bing Crosby)

mp3: Temptation (Perry Como)

mp3: Temptation (Perry Como's disco version; that's right, DISCO VERSION!!!)

mp3: Temptation (Either/Orchestra with Mark Sandman)

Mark Sandman Memorial Concert Updates

(Ed. Note: Sorry about the lack of posts this past week. I've been at a work conference this past week, and I'm now officially on vacation for the next week. So I'll probably be posting very little myself until I get home, though I'm sure Ms. Megan will keep you entertained herself. Or use the next seven days to take up a hobby. I understand glass blowing is very fulfilling. I also have it on good authority that nude bungee jumping is a hoot. Either/Or.)

Well, children, the time is almost upon us for the Mark Sandman Memorial Concert, and I've got a couple of updates.

Update One (The Time Sensitive One)

Due to the terrible weather forecast and according to an email I received from Dana Colley, the entire shebang has been moved to the Middle East Club Downstairs. Show starts at 11:30 and runs through 5:30 pm. I have no idea how this affects the dedication ceremony and other planned activities, but I suppose I'll find out for myself in a few, scant hours.

Of course, let's not forget the most important part of this process. While we celebrate the legacy of Mark Sandman, let's also remember give to the cause.

If you happen to see a lumpy bald guy in glasses and a bushy red beard there, ask him to buy you a drink and I'm pretty sure he will. Ladies, my wife will be there with me, so try to keep the panty-throwing-at-yours-truly to a minimum.

Update Two (The Not Time Sensitive, But Still Pretty Fucking Cool One)

There's a new two disc Morphine anthology on the way! Called At Your Service, the drop date is 10/6/09. Looks like we've got a bunch of live stuff, new stuff and alternate version stuff on the way. So we've got that going for us.


Still time to whet the appetites of the masses, though. So here are a bunch of tracks that, to be perfectly honest, come from I don't know where.



mp3: Whisper (Morphine, live somewhere)

mp3: Sharks Patrol These Waters (Morphine, live somewhere, possibly elsewhere)

mp3: Sax and Bass Jam (Morphine, studio, but don't ask me from what; or do, but don't expect an answer)

Mark Sandman Memorial Concert Update

The fine folks with the Mark Sandman Music Project have sent out the first "official" word about the impending Memorial Concert for the late great frontman. And of course, things have changed, so make sure to pay attention. It would have been nice if the date could have been locked down before the initial "heads up" emails (and more importantly to me, before I booked flights and hotel rooms), but what can you do? Obviously, the man and his legacy are worth just about any effort.

Straight from the horse's mouth:

Date: September 27, 2009

Place: Pacific Park, Sidney St., Cambridge, MA. About three blocks from Mark Sandman Square, and public transportation.

Time: 1-7 pm. Bring blankets, picnic lunches, and the whole family.

There will be merchandise, CDs, an auction, celebrities, and fantastic music, all to benefit the Sandman Project.

There also will be a lumpy bald guy with a red beard and his adorable Missus in attendance, so if you happen to see those two, either approach them for a beer or run in the other direction. I won't fault you for either.

In case you haven't checked out their site in a while, they're continuing to post FREE mp3s every week. And guess what? This week features none other than Les Claypool of Primus fame (not to mention the seemingly hundreds of other side projects he does) himself!

So get your ass over there, DL some money tracks, and why don't you give a few ducats to this very worthy cause.

Since I know a lot of you cats are in it for the free mp3 love, I certainly am not going to disappoint. Here's the aforementioned Les track plus a little something from my own archives.

mp3: Honey White (Les Claypool with Dana Colley, Billy Conway and Jerome Deupree of Morphine)

mp3: Radar (Morphine, Live Acoustic performance from some radio show)

Receiving = Great, Giving = Even Better

Psst. Hey you. With the face.

Have you been over to get your free Mark Sandman love yet this week? There was a bit of a hang up with last week's posting, but it's up there now. I know we're only two weeks in, but Good Lord and Butter, these tracks are fricking sweet. Not only did we get a history lesson on Harry Houdini last time, but this week we get to hear the dulcet sounds of Orchestra Morphine and Laurie Sargent.

Now get over there, donate a few shekels to the Mark Sandman Music Project and give yourself a big pat on the back for doing something nice for kids by providing young people with opportunities for creative collaboration.

And for you really greedy bastards, here's even more free mp3 goodness for you. You can thank me by getting off your keister and donating.

We thank you for your fine support.

mp3: Houdini (Mark Sandman spoken word)

mp3: You Speak My Language (Morphine, Live, Paris, 7-24-94)

Let the Giving Continue!

You may recall a few months back, we mentioned that the Mark Sandman Music Project had big plans this summer to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the untimely passing of the lead singer of Morphine. Well, kiddies, the wait is over!

Starting today and continuing through September 20, they're posting exclusive Mark Sandman compositions for downloading in three categories:

• A Morphine or Treat Her Right song as interpreted by local and national artists
• A track of spoken word or poetry
• A "Deep Archive" track- exclusive, never-heard music

Better yet, IT'S FREE!!!

Well, maybe free isn't exactly the way to approach the situation. While those fine folks aren't going to charge you a penny for the privilege of downloading, being a charitable organization and all, they'd be delighted if you threw a few ducats towards the effort. And trust me, from the email conversations I've had with those cats, we've got some INCREDIBLE tunes coming our way. (Did someone mention Les Claypool? Was that Concrete Blonde's name I heard? Um, what?)

So go now, pick up some incredible tunes and leave behind a little sumthin' sumthin' to help out this worthy cause.

(Since we want to encourage you to go check it out for yourself, we're not going to post the first track here, though we admit we may not be able to help ourselves later on. However, to whet that appetite even more, here's a tasty Morphine jam or two from our own deep files. Enjoy.)

mp3: Never Live Twice (Morphine) (Live)

mp3: Birthday Cake (Morphine) (Opium Album)

Time to Give

Well, I've professed my love and admiration for the fine folks over at the Mark Sandman Music Project before, and I'm about to do it again.

2009 marks the 10 year anniversary since the incomparable Mr. Sandman's passing, and the folks at the Music Project have teamed up with the cats at Hi-N-Dry records to do some special things to show the world that Mark's dream of providing musical opportunities to kids lives on.

Starting on July 3 (the date of Mark's final concert in Palestrina, Italy), a number of artists will post their renditions of Sandman compositions at the Hi-N-Dry website to stream and/or download. Additionally, selections of Mark's solo spoken word performances and "deep archive tracks" will be available. The series will culminate in September with a concert in Mark Sandman Sq. in Central Square, Cambridge, on or around Mark's birthday. The concert will feature a rare performance by Orchestra Morphine, a silent auction, and more.

All proceeds, of course, benefit the foundation.

Donations can be made by check to:

The Mark Sandman Music Project
191 Highland Ave, B-7 Somerville, MA 02143

or at www.firstgiving.com/sandmanmusicproject

mp3: Why Can't It Be Like The Old Days (spoken word, live at the 40 Watt, March 22, 1999)

Zut Alors!: Giving is Nifty

While our main goal here at LET is to talk about the music we love, sometimes we get the opportunity to do slightly more, too. As is no secret 'round these parts, I'm a HUGE Morphine/Twinemen/AKACOD fan, so when I saw the following note for the Mark Sandman Music Project, I thought it necessary to pass it along. This is a wonderful organization and I strongly recommend you drop them a few ducats if you can afford it. I did.

Straight from the horse's mouth:

"Hello to all friends and fans of Morphine, Mark Sandman, HI-N-DRY, and friends and fans of good music and kids.

The Mark Sandman Music Project needs your help. We are working on a remarkable project that we think will enhance the lives of many young people. Our mission is to help kids play music together by providing space, instruments, programs, and mentoring. We're seeking donations to help fund our pilot programs. We're using a program called Firstgiving. Please visit the page, or our Myspace page, and donate in any amount you can. And if you could tell your friends and family about this program, you would be doing a lot to help us. Its not easy asking for money, so were preparing exclusive new releases available only to donors and friends.
Thanks for your help, and cheers.

Andrew, Billy, Dana, and all at HI-N-DRY and the Sandman Music Project"