White-bred Rap

Brendan Fletcher - Glossolalia (2004)

"Too folksy" is a recent criticism being lobbed at me, but one I pick up and pin to my lapel. Some of the most interesting musical parquetry can be found woven in the unassuming refurbished antique floors under the feet of consumers wrestling to secure products from the flashiest pop-centric displays. I guess that makes me the creepy janitor obsessing with a push broom and glaring at the passerbys who absentmindedly scuffle past with muddy feet.

BUT, I understand that recent selections have been noticeably banjoed, so I've agreed to switch it up this week. Because this may be a shock to regular readers, I'll ease the transition with songs that attempt to bridge prarie folk with the graffitied landmass of rap.

Sage Francis (ft Saul Williams & Will Oldham) - Sea Lion (mp3): Sage Francis welds a negotiation of solid steel beams by mixing the molten forces of Will Oldham and Saul Williams. It never struck me to dream of hearing these two favourites in harmony, but now the pairing makes perfect sense.

DJ Whitebread (ft Garth Brooks & Outkast) - Friends In Low Places (mp3): DJ Whitebread mashes a crude suspension of mismatched key signatures. His concepts are fun to an ear that doesn't listen too closely, but the shoddy construction can be terrifying.

DJ Whitebread (ft Merle Haggard & Youngbloodz) - I Think I'll Just Stay Here & Drink (mp3)

Alela Diane, the new Meg Baird/Helena Espvall/Sharron Kraus songs, and Brian Michael Roff and the Deer will have to wait until next week.