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On The List: Vetiver

A Grab Bag of Goodies

There isn't much of a meaningful thread to tie these tunes together... I just like 'em a lot.

- Andy Cabic

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Tracks

1. Jerry Jeff Walker - Mountains Of Mexico

A mellow way to start your day. His voice on this track is like a hot tub I do not wish to get out of.

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2. Michael Hurley - I Paint A Design

My favorite living songwriter. He's on tour now, so be sure to catch him when he comes your way. I'm not sure how many wagons he's still painting, but his graphic novels are a gas to read and his tunes a delight to hear.

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3. Jorma Kaukonen - Song for the North Star

So peaceful, so sonically the sound of a beautiful morning around the Bay area. An inspiringly sublime string arrangement underpins the feeling Jorma is putting out. A song to set you straight.

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4. Feathers - Past the Moon

A recent release on my label, Gnomonsong. New England's finest six-part harmonizers self-produce a record of rich song-craft and quietly overwhelming ambience.

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5. Bob Welch - Sentimental Lady

Light rock, less talk. This song induces a warm glow and permasmile commensurate with much of the finest 70's AM Gold. Sounded great as a Mac tune, and even shinier and more blissed out done solo.

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6. Great Speckled Bird - Long Long Time To Get Old

Ian and Sylvia's spirited rock and roll group delivered one hell of a record and one of the best opening drum beats in a song I've ever heard.

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7. Ozark Mountain Daredevils - E.E. Lawson

These guys don't get enough props either. We all love "Jackie Blue", but the Daredevils had plenty of other tricks up their sleeve, as evidenced by this down and dirty ditty.

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8. Gordon Lightfoot - Love & Maple Syrup

I love to marvel at the obtuse and exceedingly Canadian lyrics of this song while simultaneously grooving to the chicken-pickin' those Nashville session cats were laying down behind Gord. Available in dollar bins everywhere.

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9. Anthony Moore - Judy Get Down

I'm a big Slapp Happy fan, yet still was not prepared for the unrelenting catchiness of the lead track off of Moore's "Flying Doesn't Help". How rich pop masterpieces like this stay hidden and little known just baffles me.

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10. Moby Grape - I Am Not Willing

Heavy, heavy song of profound vocal vibrato and enveloping ride cymbal. Another one I could listen to all day.

11. Hoyt Axton - On the Natural

A fine craftsman of the twist and turn, Hoyt delivers a song perfect for driving through the mountains of your mind.

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12. Milton Nascimento - Ponta De Areia

The sound of a train departing, leaving us with another of Milton's heavenly melodies, so graceful, full of joy and sadness, in awe of life.

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13. Various Artists - Lamento De Mae - Os Jovens Do Prenda

Definitely seek out any of the Angola 70's series compilations available from Buda Musique. Music from a nation being torn apart, vital then and now.

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14. NRBQ - Deaf, Dumb and Blind

Ahh the Q and their rousing call against cross-armed audience apathy. Adams' keyboard line is so understatedly awesome it kills me.

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15. Steve Miller Band - LIttle Girl

A doozy of a number from an overlooked transitional record—very Hendrix-y, great vocals. Recorded by Glyn Johns at Wally Heider's studio, so you just know it's gonna sound awesome.

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16. J.J. Cale - Crying

Every few records Cale does a little reggae, but man... this song is something else. So lean and funky and solid. His voice sounds like he's singing right into your ear. I love the laugh at the beginning.

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17. Terry Allen - The Beautiful Waitress

If Charles Portis sang songs, they might sound like Terry Allen tunes. Mmmm... a cracker crunch.

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18. Bobby Charles - I Must Be In A Good Place Now

From one of my all-time favorite albums, criminally out-of-print and life-changingly good. Danko produces, and the cream of Woodstock gathers round to party down with Bobby at Bearsville.

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