Bo Diddley - Bad Trip

"You ain't got to be on dope to be on a bad trip."

Bo's 1972 release "Where It All Began" has got to be one of my favorite records in my vinyl assortment, so don't be surprised if I feature a track from it again. It's loaded with so much good dirty funk and psychedelic soul. Bo could not only rock out on the guitar like a beast, he's got a voice as strong as steel. Basically, he's a bad-ass motherfucker whom I would have loved to meet while he still actively rocked this earth.



And check out that bad-ass cover featuring the Chicago skyline!

Weird War - Grand Fraud

I just found out about the funk/punk band Weird War (AKA Scene Creamers) from my brother. There are many things I like about this 2004 video and song. From the glass house perched in the woods, to Chihuaha that makes its debut at 00:26, or the corpse that starts shredding into a cosmic guitar solo, there's a lot to enjoy.

If you can make it through the quirky, nearly three-minute-long intro sequence, be prepared to have your mind blasted and your body rocked.

Dr. Dog - Say Something

Here's a little video mash-up set to "Say Something" by Dr. Dog. This is not an official music video, rather a fan-made piece of work. And though it's non-linear, it's somehow visually cohesive.

One thing I really like about Dr. Dog's early releases is their well composed vocal harmonies paired with the gritty lo-fi recording quality that makes you stop and wonder what decade they were active. This treat was released on their second album "Easy Beat" from 2005.

And here's a free download from their official website (right-click to save.)

King Crimson - 21st Century Schizoid Man

Progressive rock meets psychedelic metal? Not really sure how to categorize this tripper from King Crimson's 1969 debut release "In the Court of the Crimson King." London in the late 60's was probably just smashing back then. These guys have been popping up in my music life for many years, but it doesn't seem without cause, since their recording history doesn't end until to 2003.

I've got to admit, this track is a challenge to listen to (like a good piece of jazz). But that's one of the things I like about it. It's so atypical that it got me hooked from the very beginning, with those rambling slow-motion drums. I'm leaving for Michigan on Saturday and look forward to being reunited with my vinyl copy of this.