Kick Out the Jams, Brothers and Sisters!!

"Kick Out the Jams," MC5
Ahh, yes, the Motor City 5, featuring lead singer Rob Tyner, a finalist in the homeliest rock-n-roller contest. He knew how to sport an afro, though.

"Ordinary Guy," Joe Bataan
Part of the great roster of Fania artists in the late 60's. Coining the term "salsoul," he was an early practitioner of an R&B and Latin blend. This song is great because it starts out mellow and then morphs into a killer salsa beat. Fania has reissued most of his early records and they're worth looking for. I also put this song on a recent Muxtape.

"Blue Train," John Coltrane
The title track to his 1957 Blue Note release. It features Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Paul Chambers on bass, Kenny Drew on piano, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. A perfect tune for a blue day.

"A Grain of Salt," John Doe
During Bill Deville's Ironman day of broadcasting at SXSW, he had a chance to hang out with the former X frontman. How cool is that?

"Don't Knock My Love, Part 1," Wilson Pickett
It reached #1 on the U.S. R&B charts in 1971.