Deep Cuts

The Chambers Brothers – I Can't Stand It

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The Chambers Brothers – I Can't Stand It

"I Can't Stand It" is a stand-out track from The Chambers Brothers' 1967 release, Time Has Come.  This is the album where the Brothers' Chamber came alive. They had been moving through the folk scene gaining notoriety (even singing back-up for Dylan on some unreleased tracks), but with Time Has Come, the boys electrified and funkified.

This radio-ready single is usually overlooked since this album also contained the Brothers' biggest hit "Time Has Come Today". The guys were often called the East Coast Sly Stone, and you can hear that in this one. I like the big cavernous drums, harp breakdown, and The Who-sounding high harmonies.  Bangin' track, guys.

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Velvet Underground Month

VU Power Rankings Week 2

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2 weeks in, 2 albums down, how do I rank the songs of the Velvet Underground now? Once again, a disclaimer: this is totally subjective and my opinion. It doesn't reflect empirical best, just what I like best. Also, it could very well change. Ok? Here goes…

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The Shrine

Still Bill

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I just finished watching the beautifully made documentary about Bill Withers' rise to fame from tiny-town West Virginia, Still Bill. I've been thoroughly in love with the man and his music for many years, but this intimate look into his life and thoughts not only reaffirmed my affection but enhanced it. It's a portrait of a truly genuine guy who made no compromises or self-sacrifices in order to become famous. He merely sang from his heart about what he knew, where he came from, and how he got to where he is. Just listening to Bill talk is fascinating. He's full of everyman wisdom, legitimacy, and soul.

I'd highly recommend any fan of music, people, documentaries, or great afros watch Still Bill. Hell, I'd recommend everybody watch it. It's streaming on Netflix right now.

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Deep Cuts

Ray Charles – Deed I Do

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Ray Charles – Deed I Do

Ray Charles was really three people. Little known fact. There was Jazz Ray, Blues Ray, and Country Ray. Here's a gem from Jazz Ray during his heroin-fueled Atlantic days. "Deed I Do" is a track from The Genius Of Ray Charles that doesn't get much attention, maybe because it's an oft-covered jazz standard that's been played by everyone from Ella to Les Paul. The band provides plenty of bombast and swing in equal measures and Ray catwalks his way through the vocal delivery going from hushed to yell, low-down to up-high. At it's core it's a loungy rendition that ends in slowed down theatrics.

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Velvet Underground Month

Sister Ray

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At seventeen and a half minutes long, it's the most monumental song in the Velvet Underground's catalog and a true tour de force that deserves it's own post. Here's my breakdown of "Sister Ray."

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News

Blessed Feathers Single/Kickstarter

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Blessed Feathers – By Song Through The Americas

It's time to promote another Kickstarter drive, as we are wont to do here at Those Who Dig. Today we'd like you to reach in your jeans pocket, pull out that wad of cash you forgot was in there, and send it over the to the great Wisconsin-based band Blessed Feathers so they can rent a van and hit the road. They're offering some great rewards for donating so go do it!

Also, listen to the first single from their upcoming album above, and be sure to download their self-titled debut album for whatever price you choose on Blessed Feathers' Bandcamp page. It's a haunting beauty.

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