Caetano Veloso

Here is Caetano with Toni Costa on Trem das Cores. This celestial song invokes, among other things, “the blue silk of the paper in which the apple is wrapped” and “that blue which is a pure memory of a place.” Axé.

Sofia Barbosa

Here are Sofia Barbosa and Joana Melo, contemporary fado singers, on “Povo que lavas no rio.” I am a great admirer of Barbosa, and of her dress – I could use one just like that. The song is by the immortal Amália Rodrigues. It is addressed to the “Countryfolk who wash clothes in the river … More Sofia Barbosa

Local Color

This video presents a good deal of the scenery in which I participate during my commutes. It will have to stand in for me over the next few days, as I am abandoning my usual orbits to attend this conference. I will return by the end of the month if not before. Here to keep … More Local Color

Wild Mountain Thyme

These are the Silencers. The video was shot in 1996, around Lochranza on the Isle of Arran. The song was written in 1947 by Frankie McPeak. Oh, the summer time is coming, And the trees are sweetly blooming; And the wild mountain thyme, Grows around the blooming heather. Will you go, lassie, go? And we’ll … More Wild Mountain Thyme

From the Top

It is the weekend, so we must sing. Here are Junior Wells, Mike Bloomfield, and Dr. John on Stop Breaking Down. I have seen Junior Wells and Dr. John in person, but never this young. Junior Wells says, “I don’t think you really love me, I think you just like the way my music sounds.” … More From the Top

Life During Wartime

These are David Byrne and the Talking Heads. This musical selection has been inspired by the general situation and Momo’s Byrne post. Reading for today is the Feminist Reprise, Joanna Russ on Marriage and Capitalism. Axé.