Rob Sheffield joins the podcast to talk about year-end lists and musical finds. They discuss unique guitar albums, Saharan guitar collaborations, Sad Girl Music, owning physical music, Black Thought's EPs, R&B and hip-hop influences, artist evolution, and the impact of nostalgia on music creation in 2020.
Exploring the racial themes in hanging tree guitars and Dakhla Sahara sessions through their evocative music.
Appreciating the nostalgic and immersive experience of rediscovering 80s music through James Brown cassettes.
Reflecting on the unique connection to vinyl records and the ritualistic nature of engaging with tangible music products.
Deep dives
Rediscovering Kato and OK at Breakfast
Bob discusses how he recently rediscovered the Kato record and followed it up with the band OK at breakfast with Carolla. Explaining the origins and musical style of OK, Bob highlights the resemblance to Kato's high-energy and abrasive version of music that was reminiscent of a song featured in Athens. Additionally, he recalls their similarities to Lily Put, a band who was older Swiss women and their evolution from Kleenex, showcasing the intricacies of these bands that are often forgotten in music history.
Rob's Musical Campfire with 80s James Brown Reissues
Rob shares his affection for 80s James Brown reissues, calling them a campfire experience in music where one can immerse themselves in the reissued tracks. He delves into the joy of finding a beloved 80s cassette featuring iconic songs like 'Make It Funky' and 'I Got to Dance.' Emphasizing the unique concentration that listening to tapes offers, he explains why he prefers this method of engaging with music.
Bob's Diverse Listening Habits and Trolling for Consumer Guide Records
Bob reflects on his eclectic music preferences, blending jazz, blues, and Latin dance music with his wife, Carolla, during breakfast. He navigates through African-dominated music sections, discovering the K-A-I-T-O record, intriguing Carolla with its high energy and abrasive qualities. Additionally, he mentions his engagement with other bands like Lily Put and the influence of Swiss women bands on his music exploration.
Rob's Fondness for Vinyl and Campfire Music Experience
Rob expresses his deep connection to vinyl records, likening the experience of listening to them to a musical campfire. He recounts the joy of rediscovering an 80s James Brown cassette, highlighting the immersive concentration that occurs when listening to 45-minute music segments on tapes. By immersing himself in the nostalgic sound of 80s reissues, Rob finds solace in the tangible and ritualistic nature of vinyl records.
Rob's Intimate Reflection on Listening to Classic Music
Rob shares a personal narrative of rekindling his love for classic music through intricate 80s James Brown reissues, finding comfort and concentration in the unique experience of vinyl records. Recalling the significance of music tapes and their ability to captivate listeners in short, digestible segments, he delves into the deep emotional connection and memories evoked by timeless music tracks.
On the long-awaited/-delayed fourth edition of my occasional Auriculum podcast, eidetic wonder Rob Sheffield returns to talk year-end lists with me and moderator Joe Levy, who gets words in both edgewise and full-on. I enthuse about my long-shot Dean’s List one and three picks Hanging Tree Guitars and Dakhla Sahara Sessions, both of which evoke racial conflict: the unsung heroes of Hanging Tree Guitars more explicit about slavery than their Delta blues forefathers could be, Saharan guitar heroes Group Doueh and Parisian rockers Cheveu convening less affably than hoped. Then Rob describes how funny sad girl Lomelda can be before enthusing about Phoebe Bridgers’s “Kyoto.” Later Jarvis Cocker, Black Thought, Chloe x Halle, Rina Sawayama and Sad13 come up. I’ve been listening to Oh-OK and their secret sharers Kaito; Liliput is adduced. Meanwhile, Rob is all up in a James Brown cassette he just reacquired. Right, we both stream because how can we not but love physical product. It is revealed that Rob owns many Walkmen, and that I own some too. All in (barely) under an hour.
Thanks to Wussy for granting permission to use their song “Teenage Wasteland” as the theme song for Auriculum, and to producer Sandy Smallens and Audiation.
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