From the Vault » Michael Saltsman

Millionyoung

Michael Saltsman — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:15:04 +0000

New “dance music” can be a hard genre to get into these days, almost purely because of the oversaturation across blogs, advertisements, and terrible pop music that clouds our otherwise exceptional taste. I like a good toe tapper, but it’s hard to get into something that sounds contrived from the start. Millionyoung sounds honest in the way that they didn’t (or maybe they did? way to go!) set out to make a dance track, they just wanted to play some fun music that just so happens to make you want to move your butt. Their Daytrotter session is fantastic; I’d download it if I were you. Bonus: If you’re in New York, check them out at the Mercury Lounge next week (2/15) with ANR (personal favorite).

[Millionyoung is a post in From the Vault - The Wolfgang's Vault blog.]

Your Morning Weather Report

Michael Saltsman — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:12:12 +0000

If you live in the Northeast, you went to bed last night with a snowy icy mess pounding you in the face, and woke up to a winter wonderland of anywhere between 6 to 24 inches. Everyone is just holding their breath to see how in the world we are going to make it through this regional disaster. But while the Midwest scoffs and the West Coast laughs, Weather Report rolls in with some funky smoothness to get us through the storm.

[Your Morning Weather Report is a post in From the Vault - The Wolfgang's Vault blog.]

Inlets vs Outlets: More Electrifying?

Michael Saltsman — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:47:47 +0000

OK, I guess the simple answer would be outlets. Do not try and power your blender with this Daytrotter session by Inlets. Conversely, do not try to get a solid 15 minutes of sonic joy from the holes in your wall.

Puns aside, this exposed and transparent recording puts Inlets in their element, hiding nothing and pushing a great performance and inspiring songwriting to the forefront. You can find this track on their 2010 debut release, Inter Arbiter, on the always superb Two Syllable Records.

[Inlets vs Outlets: More Electrifying? is a post in From the Vault - The Wolfgang's Vault blog.]

MGMT: Music Greatens (with) More Time

Michael Saltsman — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 16:46:28 +0000

This MGMT Daytrotter session comes at just the perfect time… for me. I recently rediscovered their latest album, Congratulations, thanks to iTunes’ random, and I agree whole heartedly with Sean; it’s one hell of a “grower.” I listened to it a bit when it was leaked on their website back in March of 2010, but somehow I feel like it’s more relevant now than it ever was when it came out. The whole point is its staying power, which I would never have been able to know until now. This Daytrotter session proves that, and I’m happy to hear they do the songs justice in a more stripped down setting.

[MGMT: Music Greatens (with) More Time is a post in From the Vault - The Wolfgang's Vault blog.]

Kanye in the Concert Vault? Sample This!

Michael Saltsman — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:16:46 +0000

OK, Kanye’s not really in the Vault, but in a roundabout and indirect way, yes he is! Sampling is nothing new these days, and Kanye West’s new album has its fair share of borrowed beats and riffs: thirteen total. One such sample is non other than “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath, used on Kanye’s track, “Hell Of A Life.” Yes, hip hop artists and producers definitely still have their ear on classic tunes to liven up pop hits. For a more extreme example, Girl Talk’s new album contains over 372 sampled tracks in just 71 minutes!

[Kanye in the Concert Vault? Sample This! is a post in From the Vault - The Wolfgang's Vault blog.]

Thanks, Veterans!

Michael Saltsman — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:23:57 +0000

There are any number of rock anthems and patriotic singalongs to accompany a Veterans Day Daily Cut, but this song by Triumph fits just perfectly. “Fight The Good Fight” captures our veterans’ earnest commitment to our country, their Rocky-like determination and ambition, as well as their wailing-guitar-solo-esque triumphant-ness. Take a few minutes out of your day to crank this up in honor of our nations’ Veterans who have fought the good fight, and continue to do so, to make the world a better place for us all!

[Thanks, Veterans! is a post in From the Vault - The Wolfgang's Vault blog.]

Evil Woman Rocks, Kicks Day In Pants

Michael Saltsman — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 19:35:49 +0000

This song was playing when I walked into the Vault this morning. Maybe it’s a subconscious Halloween leftover, or just that this song is amazing, but it was the perfect way to start the morning. Check out this and the rest of ELO’s show from 1976 to give your day a good kick in the pants!

[Evil Woman Rocks, Kicks Day In Pants is a post in From the Vault - The Wolfgang's Vault blog.]

Bowie Saves The Day

Michael Saltsman — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:53:03 +0000

Attending (or hosting) a Halloween party this weekend? Waited to the last minute to prepare? Never fear, Bowie is here! Over the years he has gifted us with a number of iconic “looks” to choose from for your last minute costume. Man or woman, young or old, Bowie’s got a face for you that’s sure to be a party favorite. This version of “Scary Monsters” he did with Nine Inch Nails is by far the scariest yet, perfect to kick off your Halloween playlist. Now all you need is a bowl full of peeled grapes, a sack full of Resee’s cups, a bunch of pumpkin beer, and you’ll be set!

[Bowie Saves The Day is a post in From the Vault - The Wolfgang's Vault blog.]

Happy Birthday Dizzy!

Michael Saltsman — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:33:53 +0000

Like thousands and thousands of others, Dizzy Gillespie was one of the main reasons I started to play the trumpet, and pursue music in general. I can’t think of any other artist who I was so excited about and so engulfed by as a 9 year old that simultaneously had the same sort of resonance with a whole different generation. For me, it’s his free and more wild playing/singing style that sets him apart and above. This tune from his amazing 1960 performance at the Newport Jazz Festival highlights his vocals in more of a standard song format. Progressive as always, he stays behind the beat with the vocals, not unlike a lot of rap artists today (in fact, this would make for a great hip hop sample…). You can really tell he’s having fun with it (at 1:15), and then comes in with a killer solo to seal the deal. Thanks for everything, and happy birthday Dizzy!

[Happy Birthday Dizzy! is a post in From the Vault - The Wolfgang's Vault blog.]

A Wonderful World

Michael Saltsman — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:18:22 +0000

I’ve been on a big Stevie Wonder kick for the past week. Not surprisingly he’s got a song for any mood or state of mind. Some jerk spilled coffee on you during your commute? Stevie is there. Just found 20 bucks on the street? Stevie is there. Need something to wind down/up to? Stevie is there will bells on. This version of “My Cherie Amour” from Winterland in 1973 doesn’t fully reveal itself until about 2 minutes in, but the whole track is buttery smooth as usual; perfect for wondering/fantasizing about what your next meal is going to be. Make sure you stick around for his operatic vocal performance during the last set of La La La’s. Also, I wanted an excuse to post this video.

[A Wonderful World is a post in From the Vault - The Wolfgang's Vault blog.]