Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and…
How We Be
No matter what genres you prefer to listen to, there are vital contemporary black artists who are recording in it. Songs Played Melissa Laveaux “Triggers” [Dying Is a Wild Night] 2011 CocknBullKid “Mexico” [Adulthood] 2014 Sinkane “How We Be” [Mean Love] 2011 Young Fathers “Toy” [Cocoa Sugar] 2018 Yves Tumor “Noid” [Noid] 2018 Inna MODJA…
It Must Be Love
This show is focused on mostly contemporary music by queer, black musicians and bands. I wanted to look far artists I had never heard from before and found tons of amazing songs to share with you. Songs Played Yo Majesty “Don’t Let Go – New Mix” [Futuristicaly Speaking…Never Be Afraid] 2008 Shea Diamond “I Am…
The Need to Be
This was originally intended to be all contemporary black avant-garde music but I realized I went back to 1996. Oh well. Several of these are live performances, I’ve put links to the videos if you’d like to watch. The image used is a detail from Bequest by Ulysses Jenkins (full image is here). Songs Played…
Black Lives Matter
On Tuesday, June 9, over 150 radio stations will recognize the funeral of George Floyd by playing together Sam Cooke’s anthem “A Change is Gonna Come.” George Floyd will be laid to rest at a private ceremony in Houston that day. His death on May 25 has been the focus of international protests. Many communities…
Take a Chance
Illuminate the mirror ball and break out the coke, it’s time for a disco party with your host Odd Monster! There’s a few choice Italo-Disco cuts as well as some American and Spanish tracks. Shake that booty! Songs Played Mr. Flagio “Take A Chance (Vocal Version)” [b/w Take A Chance (Instrumental Version)] 1983 Jackie Moore…
Don’t Blame Me (“It’s Not a Phase” Teenage Mixtape Challenge”)
Is there a genre of music more reviled than ska-punk? I read once on the internet that ska music is “what plays in a 13-year-old kid’s head when he gets extra mozzarella sticks.” That’s not untrue. It doesn’t always take itself very seriously (though it could get very political at times, deriving from its roots…
I Told A Lie!
Songs Played Sunn Cycle “Acid Raga Pt. 1” [b/w Acid Raga Pt. 2] 1969 Ofo the Black Company “Allah Wakbar” [b/w Beautiful Daddy] 1972 Sound of the Seventh Son “I Told A Lie” [b/w I’ll Be On My Way] 1965 Tyde “Lost” [b/w Psychedelic Pill] 1969 Curiousity Shoppe “Baby I Need You” [b/w So Sad]…
Enofest (Festival Challenge)
Songs Played Roxy Music “Remake/Remodel” [Performed live on Full House] November 25, 1972 No, not that Full House Brian Eno “Seven Deadly Finns” [Performed live on Dutch TV] 1974 This was a single only release, though it would have fit well on either of his first two solo albums. Talking Heads “Life During Wartime” [Performed…
The Words Mean the Same
Songs Played Evil Enc. Group “Hey You” [b/w The Point Is] Danielle Dax “Big Hollow Man” [Inky Bloaters] Jimmy Boyd “Cream Puff” [b/w I Love You So] Paco Paco “Taka-Takata” [b/w Ole España] Sites N’ Sounds “The Night Is So Dark” [b/w “T”] Emmie Yokoyama “Disco Vampirella” [b/w Drakulon Party] Skip Bessonette “Sunshine Superman” [Live…