there should be more sampling out there, as a lot of the existing recordings are in the public domain AND there's often haunting rhythm/ roots elements in them.

Right?

I'm getting to the point where I'm thinking I'll have to attempt my own remix, if'n I can find a colorful instrumental/ambient piece that has a lot of interesting structure without any use of drums/beats that might interfere with the beat existing in something like "Early in the Mornin'" from the Mississippi and Louisiana State Penitentiaries Prisoners, because I don't have the ear for matching the beat of two different songs.

Relatedly, has anyone heard Branford Marsalis' "Berta, Berta"? Awesome song.

Isn't that "Workin' in a coal mine"? Of is it a different song?

No, you're right, and I should have gone to bed earlier.

"Working in a Coal Mine" and "Working on the Chain Gang" are two separate songs, the former being the uptempo Devo cover and the latter by a doomed soul singer.

I saw the Mountains Goats in concert a couple of nights ago, and it was one of the best concerts I've seen in ages. John Darnielle and the other dudes were clearly having a fantastic time; they looked like there was nothing else on earth they'd rather be doing than getting to stand up there and play their music for us. They played a bunch of songs from the new album, which worked much better for me live than they had on the album, and a good mix of older songs too. I highly recommend catching them on this tour if you can!

So, thanks to an NPR story, I've picked up a bunch of Shirley Bassey, and am just reveling in it. I highly recommend "The Living Tree (shaken & stirred remix)" It's given a very Bond theme feel, which in turn gives it a very Buffista feel (to me).

I saw the Mountains Goats in concert a couple of nights ago

I saw them last night and second Kate's recommendation!

Big long thing on hallelujah here:

[link]

"New Amsterdam" is 2 episodes for 4 on the use of The Decembrists in montages. Too bad the show isn't better.

Megan, just in case you want more rain songs:

Violent Femmes - I Hear the Rain
Mark Lanegan Band/Soulsavers - Kingdom of Rain
Scout Niblett - Wet Road

(Edit: still learning how to post)

Matilda has a new favorite song!

To recap, here are her previous favorite songs:

"Sex Machine" - James Brown
"Opening Theme from Flight of the Conchords" - Flight of the Conchords
"Way Down in the Hole" - Steve Earle (still probably her #1)
and her new favorite.....
"Human Behavior" - Bjork!