Today’s selects feature psychedelic daydreams, Egyptian disco grooves, and snarling British blues-rock. Connan Mockasin drifts in with a sun-bleached, twangy instrumental that feels like it could soundtrack your laziest summer afternoon. Hamid al Shaeri’s “Ayonha” gets a high-energy club rework from fellow Egyptian DJ Moshie and Black Cat Bones puts you in your feels with “Death Valley Blues,” a gritty, sweat-soaked tune from the British blues boom.
Mexican Summer - Conan Mockasin
Meet Connan Mockasin: a New Zealand-born oddball turned psychedelic soul shaper who's spent two decades turning music into a dreamlike reality. He carved his name from his childhood hobby—making moccasin-esque shoes—and built a career defying every rule along the way. His avant-pop rhythms and “guitar warble” have inspired heavyweights like James Blake and Tyler, the Creator.
According to Mac DeMarco, Conan Mockasin is one of his biggest inspirations and you can really hear it with this song. This latest record is a twangy, laid back summer jam, there’s no vocals just vibes.
Ayonha (Moshie Remix) - Hamid al Shaeri
I first shared the original to this song back in my Habibi Funk write up. Hamid just released a series of remixes to this iconic track and they are awesome. They are definitely more dance and club focused. This remix is by Moshie who is also an Egyptian DJ. Definitely add this one to your party mix, it will not disappoint.
Death Valley Blues - Black Cat Bones
If you like your blues loud, dirty, and unvarnished, “Death Valley Blues” by Black Cat Bones is a goldmine. Originally penned by Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup in 1941, this 1970 rework turns the classic into a snarling slab of British blues-rock. The guitars snarl and slide courtesy of Rod Price aka The Slide King of Rock and Roll (who became most well known for his work in Foghat), while the rhythm section grinds with the conviction of a bar band fighting for its life. Black Cat Bones was short lived producing just one full length record before the members splintered into Free, Bad Company, and Foghat.
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Quote of the Day
“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”
Video of the Day
Steve Lacy has officially started the roll out of his 4th studio album with yesterday’s release of Nice Shoes. The song is a complete changeup from the sonic identity of Mr. Lacy but I think it’s one that will slowly grow on me with time. He recently sat down with Rolling Stone to discuss his life, career and latest project. It’s a great watch for any fan. The interview is filmed on a boat in Paris cruising down the River of Seine.
Photo of the Day
This image of Elton John playing at his custom built piano bar onboard the legendary Starship. The Starship was Led Zeppelin’s private Boeing-707 jet which took them and many other famous bands around the world in the 1970’s. Can you imagine what went down on that plane?! I mean come on. Absolute debauchery. Drugs for days. Sex. Oh what a time that must have been…
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