Posts By: Jessi

Midlake: The Trials of Von Occupanther

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Sound Opinions interviewed Midlake recently, and I was pleased that the band sounded as smart and creative during their interview as they do on their albums. Midlake’s sound is a little like Fleetwood Mac, in a good way, but their songs are much more interesting. They can spin a good yarn. Video after the jump… Read more »

Mavis Staples: We’ll Never Turn Back

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Mavis Staples has been singing for freedom since the 60s. When in 2007 she crooned/belted/growled “99 and 1/2” out of the radio, I was immobilized and riveted. Down in Mississippi Brothers in jail Uneducated children It’s the 21st century It feels like it’s 1960 Broken levees Lyin politicians Runnin through hatred Homeless babies Freedom now… Read more »

Gorgeous music video: Andy Palacio

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Andy Palacio and the Garifuna collective doing their African-Caribbean thing. Watina is one of my top ten – heck, top five – albums of 2007. Video after the jump. Don’t deprive yourself of this gorgeous, moving music – click through now!

African chicken

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I can’t guarantee that this is an authentic West African recipe but it captures the basic peanutty tomato-y garlicky flavor of similar dishes I savored in Mauritania. Super easy. Serve over rice and with a salad or your favorite cooked veggies. African chicken about 2 lbs skinless chicken 2 Tbsp oil 2 medium onions, thinly… Read more »