You’re A Nice Guy And I Hate You For That

Brown Brothers “Platform Blues” – I’m sure that it says a lot about me that one of the records that I’ve been most eagerly anticipating this year is the Brown Brothers’ collection of jazz covers of Pavement songs. This is a selection from that record; a rather stunning interpretation of one of the more underrated songs from Pavement’s final record, Terror Twilight. “Platform Blues” is one of the most ambitious compositions in Stephen Malkmus’ catalog, and I think that it can be argued that this arrangement and performance comes closer to achieving the goals of the song than were possible given the limitations of Pavement as an ensemble. Whereas the original is a recording of a charming rock band navigating through an unconventional structure and approximating jazz skronk, the Brown Brothers bring the piece full circle with its influences and realize the song’s full potential. Don’t mistake this record for being a simple cash-in tribute. These are inspired performances that bring new light to the work of one of the finest songwriters of the 20th century. (Click here to visit the Brown Brothers Recordings site.)

Eddie Gale “Black Rhythm Happening” – This recording is taken from Soul Jazz’s New Thing! collection, which is a survey of the period of experimentation in the American jazz scene following the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Emboldened by radical politics, the musicians included in the set also radicalized their approach to music and spirituality, often resulting in music that integrated genres and concepts from around the world and broke new ground in jazz fusion. “Black Rhythm Happening” is one of the most subtle yet potent selections from the compilation. The guitar and percussion groove is foregrounded and the vocals of the street choir recede into the background as though they are meant to be interpreted as a field recording. The occasional blasts of horns nearly overwhelm the arrangement, as though they are being superimposed over the recording. The mix and arrangement is very unconventional, but it lends an uncommon sense of depth and panoramic scope to the composition. (Click here to buy it from Soul Jazz Records.)