It’s raining again here at Infinite Jones HQ and, we are trying to keep a positive attitude about it. After all rain means growth and life and all that. Really, though we think it it is kind of a pain. But, who better to help us with our positive ‘tude than Ladysmith Black Mambazo? Their blissful vocals and hopeful message are just what we need. Ahhh, that’s the stuff. Happy Rainy Monday, everyone.
“I burned my fingers on the coffee pot, Toast was cold and the orange juice was hot,” Fred Neil complains in this mostly tongue-in-cheek list of problems that are ruining his day/life. The tune is saved from sounding whiny by a slightly funky groove, a playful sense of humor and the bluesy world weariness in Neil’s voice. Best known as a songwriter (he wrote Everybody’s Talkin’, a big hit for Harry Nilsson and, many covered his song The Dolphins), Neil is actually an engaging and soulful performer, especially for a folky and his albums are definitely worth checking out. That’s the Bag I’m In from Fred’s eponymous 1966 album is a fine entry point to his oeuvre and, it’s a good song to sing along to if you are having a bad day – which we hope you are not. Either way, enjoy.
We will try a little something different today. Here are 2 amazing versions of the song Ou Es-Tu, Mon Amour? for your Sunday morning listening pleasure.
Fist up, this classic rendition by Django Reinhardt with Stephane Grappelli.
And, next this lovely version by Willie Nelson from his 1998 Daniel Lanois produced album Teatro. 
Which is more beautiful? Fortunately, there is no reason you have to choose one over the other. Enjoy them both. You are welcome.
Pockets of Pleasure is a super obscure little New Wave ditty circa 1983 that we ripped off a Trouser Press flexi-disc just before it disintegrated (the disc that is, Trouser Press lasted a few more years). According to a quick Google search, Phil ‘N’ the Blanks are apparently from Chicago – who knew? Anyway, we are not saying this is great but, we do revel in it’s cheap cheesiness and hope you can dig it, too.
Enjoy the somewhat rare video of this Bob Marley classic. Irie, mon!
Philadelphia’s very own G. Love & Special Sauce sing our Song of the Friday this week. This typically laid back jammer is from their 1999 Philadelphonic album. Happy Friday, as G. Love says, it’s gonna be alright!
This unholy Star Trek / Lord of the Rings ‘mashup’ just boggles the mind!
Tal Farlow the legendary, yet reluctant Jazz Guitar Hero’s 1955 Gibson Boy is one of the swinging-est guitar instrumentals of all time thanks to his amazing speed and effortless fluidity. Enjoy.
The Nice’s frenzied version of Bernsteins America from West Side Story.
The Nice‘s underrated 1967 debut album, The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack, was their only album as a quartet and their most overtly Psychedelic. In our opinion the LP definitely benefits from the addition of Davy O’List’s guitar. The Cry of Eugene is a weird, trippy little Psych Gem and has always been a favorite of ours. Enjoy.
