SOMETHING OLD
Sambrasa Trio - Coalhada
1965
Sambrasa Trio - Coalhada
1965
Hermeto Pascoal, nicknamed “The Sorcerer” for his albinism-induced long white hair and beard as well as his otherworldly musical creations, has departed this planet. Perhaps he joined another?
A short-lived group in 1965 called Sambrasa Trio was comprised of three of the biggest names in 1960s Brazilian jazz: Pascoal on piano & flute, Humberto Clayber on bass & harmonica, and Airto Moreira on drums. Their only record, Em Som Maior, is full of life.
Coalhada, Pascoal’s only composition on the tracklist, is particularly fun. It would appear in a different iteration on his debut solo LP five years later. I have trouble choosing a favorite version, but anything from Pascoal is guaranteed to be a beyond worthy listen. May he rest in peace.
SOMETHING NEW
Thundercat & Remi Wolf - Children of the Baked Potato
September 15th, 2025
Thundercat & Remi Wolf - Children of the Baked Potato
September 15th, 2025
This would maybe be a jarringly weird title for anyone other than the writer of songs like Dragonball Durag or Captain Stupido. It’s named after a small jazz club in LA called The Baked Potato that’s been around since the 70s.
This song is a manic, frenetic tune with synths that remind me of music from Mario Kart, drums that verge on metal, and so much else strongly resembling 70s jazz fusion. Remi Wolf doesn’t hesitate to bring even more energy with her beautiful shrieking vocalizations throughout and her own verse toward the end.
This collaboration was released alongside Thundercat’s comparatively much more mellow I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time. Could this be a sign of new album? It’s been five years since his acclaimed It Is What It Is, and eight since his even more acclaimed Drunk.
SOMETHING BORROWED
Gladys Knight & The Pips - The Way We Were/Try to Remember (Barbra Streisand)
1974
Gladys Knight & The Pips - The Way We Were/Try to Remember (Barbra Streisand)
1974
In the early 1970s, Arthur Laurents wrote a novel called The Way We Were. Shortly after, he adapted it into a screenplay for Sydney Pollack to direct for the silver screen. Then, Marvin Hamlisch along with Alan & Marilyn Bergman wrote a theme song for the film by the same title for singer & lead actress Barbra Streisand. Both the song and film were massive hits, and gave fellow lead actor Robert Redford a big push in his already luminous career. May he rest in eternal peace.
Released on their 1974 album I Feel A Song, Gladys Knight & The Pips did a wonderful live version of the song, which they turned into a medley with Tom Jones’ Try To Remember. The version has live strings that elevate Knight’s already angelic voice higher into the heavens, while the energetic drums and horns toward the end work alongside her soulful tone.
Released on their 1974 album I Feel A Song, Gladys Knight & The Pips did a wonderful live version of the song, which they turned into a medley with Tom Jones’ Try To Remember. The version has live strings that elevate Knight’s already angelic voice higher into the heavens, while the energetic drums and horns toward the end work alongside her soulful tone.
SOMETHING... AUTUMNAL
Yo La Tengo - Autumn Sweater
1997
Yo La Tengo - Autumn Sweater
1997
Autumn Equinox is Monday, September 22!
How better to celebrate than putting on your coziest autumn sweater? Or maybe a tried and true record like Yo La Tengo’s I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One.
Love, love, love the layers of rhythm on this and that electronic feel. Perfect for watching the new foliage fall.