Issue #010

Featuring The Meters, The Raconteurs, TV Girl, Bebeto Castilho & Ben Webster

1. CLASSICS: Rejuvenation by The Meters (1974)

"Rejuvenation" by The Meters is a masterclass in funk. It's filled with genuine love and happy grooves, just like a New Orleans street parade. Recorded at Sea-Saint Studios and produced by Allen Toussaint, the album helped define the New Orleans funk scene. Later, artists like Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys sampled the song “Just Kissed My Baby,” keeping the Meters’ spirit alive in the hip-hop genre.

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2. ROCK: Consolers Of The Lonely by The Raconteurs (2008)

"Consolers of the Lonely" by The Raconteurs, one of Jack White's many side projects, is a wild mix of country, blues and folk rock. It's the kind of album to be blasted out of big old speakers on a farm in the middle of nowhere. But it's not only about screaming and loud guitars, the song “Carolina Drama” is a masterpiece and for sure will resonate with those who appreciate storytelling.

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3. UNCHARTED: French Exit by TV Girl (2014)

"French Exit" by TV Girl is best described as an effortlessly cool dream-pop album. It was almost entirely self-produced by the band and features a bunch of samples including one from the 1968 film "The Thomas Crown Affair" in the song "Birds Don't Sing.” It's the kind of album with the perfect dose of feel-good, lo-fi indie-pop.

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4. MADE IN BRAZIL: Bebeto by Bebeto Castilho (1976)

“Bebeto” by Bebeto Castilho is a delightful listen for both longtime fans of brazilian music and newcomers, with its laid-back and elegant vibes. As a key figure in the bossa nova genre and a former member of the iconic Tamba Trio, Bebeto brought his talent and an important musical heritage to his solo work. Talent definitely runs in the family, as Bebeto's nephew, Marcelo Camelo (from Los Hermanos), went on to produce Bebeto's second, and last, solo album in 2006.

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5. JAZZ: At The Renaissance by Ben Webster (1960)

"At The Renaissance" is one of the finest live quintet performances ever recorded (IMHO). Once past the initial sound level adjustments, you're in for a real treat of smooth jazz. The ensemble, led by Ben Webster, features Jimmy Rowles on piano, Jim Hall on guitar, Red Mitchell on bass, and Frank Butler on drums. This album transports you to a nostalgic evening of soulful jazz at the Renaissance Club in Hollywood in the early '60s.

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