Listening Spot Check

[Dominic]

What exactly is an uggo?

Not a type of boot, I'm guessing...

[AndyM]

What exactly is an uggo?

Not a type of boot, I'm guessing...

It is a colloquial adaptation of the adjective 'ugly', shifting it in the process from adjective to noun, thereby offering a useful term if one wishes to be abusive in as few words as possible. (So in some ways maybe it is a type of boot!)

And Ted, I hope you praised your daughter for attacking homophobia at the same time as chiding her for using 'retard'. Bit of a 50/50 call, that one.

[jackdaw version]

jackdaw version - as someone who is both a 'Colombian' boy and likes playing records at the wrong speed, I'm sure you must be aware of the 'rebajada' craze. Well, I say 'craze' - there are a couple of videos....

This one even recreates the dizziness of alcoholic over-indulgence:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTsc_VLf7rE

Actually, no — I wasn't aware of the rebajada craze, but now I am — so, thanks. Interesting. Sounds like a few more days of my life may well be wasted with investigation. I notice that DJ Rupture is a proponent. I can even understand most of the Spanish at this speed, which I can usually only do after a few beers — and then after a few more I speak it pretty well too. However, I long ago discovered that getting seriously drunk with Mexicans was a bad idea. I never tried it with Colombians. At this present time of my life, I have drastically cut down on my alcohol consumption, which somewhat hobbles my linguistic comprehension, is somewhat tedious, and has had only moderate improvements in my health — so it's not going to go on forever, I think.

[jackdaw version]

Kind of fun rebajada mix by DJ Lengua can be downloaded for free from http://supersonido.net/2010/03/09/dj-lengua-rebajada-mota-mix/

That's what's currently tickling my auditory nerves.

The site is generally quite useful and wide ranging for Latin sounds.

[jackdaw version]

Build The Ark, one of the many, many, many Lee Scratch Perry collections on Trojan — this one from 1990, but obviously of songs from the mighty Black Ark period in the late 1970s. And only one of the many, many, many LSP compilations on my shelves. I'm wondering if I really need to buy the new The Black Ark Years — Sipple Out Deh next week. Who am I trying to fool? I don't need to — but I want to!

[c hristian]

Just came in the mail today, and yesterday: Lord Melody, Precious Melodies (In my ears right now) & Ben Webster & Harry Edison Complete Sextet Studio Sessions (from my favorite era of Big Band Swing Jazz).

[Rob Hall]

'BLACKMAGIC' by Jose James. A new discovery for me; pushes a lot of my buttons.

[jackdaw version]

I'm checking on whether he pushes a lot of my buttons as well. A bit early to tell, but he doesn't repulse me which is a good start.

[jackdaw version]

Sorry, José James didn't push a lot of my buttons. Felt like I'd heard a lot of this kind of stuff years ago and four tracks was about all I could manage. Switched over to Harry Beckett — but I'm not convinced the Mog Music Player radio is programmed quite right. Was Harry Beckett the trumpet on Leave The Man Alone by Isabel Roberts? Yes, I see he was after 20 seconds research. Now, it's The Unexpected, which is really a Paul Hazel album but shows up on eMusic 'cos Harry's playing on it. Amazing times those us still living are living in!

[jackdaw version]

Rango's Bride of the Zar — really quite pleasant. I was quite intrigued by the pictures and general publicity around them when they first came around, but wasn't convinced by the review or three that I read. This is the first I've had a chance to hear more than the odd track or two. I'll bet the rango with its "bulbous gourd resonators under the wooden keys" sounds really great up close and personal.

[jackdaw version]

After reading the various comments re Rupa & The April Fishes over in the WOMAD 2010 Charlton Park topic, beginning with a post by Quentin at http://www.charliegillett.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=14169&start=30#p86655 I think, I just had to listen to the albums again — and so I am now midway through eXtraOrdinary rendition having played the second Este Mundo first. eXtraOrdinary rendition was among my very tops of 2008, and while Este Mundo is far from bad . . . it's not the instant classic of eXtraOrdinary rendition. I suppose I can hear why they weren't in Charlie's comfort zone — but please don't let that put you off checking them out for yourself and making up your own mind. The requirements of a radio DJ and compilation meister are not necessarily those of a fan. Actually, Este Mundo was better than I recalled and I am totally enjoying eXtraOrdinary rendition as a musical experience, although the actual clandestine practice is among the more abhorrent aspects of US security practices.

[AndyM]

I have to echo Charlie G's relayed comments earlier about Rupa et al. They OUGHT to be fabulous, but the quality of the material is always just slightly under par. Lovely voice, rich musicianship but (in old parlance) the albums are like collections of B-sides.

One possible exception: 'Mal de Mer', on the first album. Otherwise it's all a bit entry-level Pink Martini.

[jackdaw version]

. . . a bit entry-level Pink Martini.

Now that's what I call cutting!

[Nick Boyes]

. . . a bit entry-level Pink Martini.

Now that's what I call cutting!

Listening to Rupa's Extraordinary Rendition now and seems to fit perfectly for a lunchtime when the sun is shining and I'm sat outside with a beer.
Saw them live on saturday when they were on the Barbican's free stage before the Mayra Andrade concert. They were great even with a mixed audience of nappy changing mum's and dad's, spotty youths and oldies such as myself. Rupa even danced with one of 'the Elvis's'

Anyone who goes to any free music events in London will have seen the two slightly annoying blokes in shades and 60's clothes who jig around by the stage.

[MurkeyChris]

Rupa even danced with one of 'the Elvis's'

Anyone who goes to any free music events in London will have seen the two slightly annoying blokes in shades and 60's clothes who jig around by the stage.

Ah yes, legends of London eccentricity, I love them.

Chris