Since 2006, the shortest month of the year gained another layer of significance. February holds, in its scant 28 days, James Yancey’s birthday and the day he left this realm. There are no shortage of words on the Internet to describe Jay Dee aka J Dilla’s mastery, influence and importance in modern music. I won’t go into that here. Instead I’ll just share the trite meme that’s spread across the globe in seven short years: he changed my life. I wouldn’t have met important people in my life or had important experiences if it were not for the legacy of a man I never met.

Today’s Friday Five celebrates his work with five selections from his vast and luminous catalogue. This is not a best-of, this is not meant to be comprehensive. Just five tunes that I love and can always listen to. Enjoy and as always, turn it up! 

1. Original post: Friday Five: In Remembrance of James Yancey

2. Posted in: hip-hop, j dilla, Instrumental Hip Hop, friday five, detroit

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

In the late 90s, Dilla spent some time remixing artists on major labels, like Busta Rhymes, Masta Ace, D’angelo and The Artifacts. When all of those remixes were rejected by blubbering execs, Jay’s man House Shoes stepped up and pressed what is now one of Dilla’s most rare and coveted pieces of wax. This instrumental bonus cut was added on as a treat.

This one always gets me. Shades of Brooklyn’s “Change” is a classic record to me, and when I heard that Dilla flipped the same Ahmad Jamal sample as Da Beatminerz did for “Change,” I lost it.

These are jail bars. When Danny Brown was locked up for a year or so before 2008′s Hot Soup, he used his time to craft some of the most powerful and perturbing bars he’s ever spit. The story goes that he had no music with him in the clink, so he was writing to the freshest beats he had heard up to then: Dilla’s. Though this resulted in Danny having some mean verses over some Donuts joints, this one-verse song over Dilla’s Hall and Oates flip remains one of my favorite Danny performances of all time.

One of the best tracks Slum Village ever recorded ,and even though it wasn’t officially released, it’s a classic! Reportedly, D’angelo heard this when he was beginning to make Voodoo and had to completely re-think what would be his seminal second LP, evolving it into a work that was covered in Dilla’s influence without James Yancey having one single production credit.

Though they didn’t release much, Dilla and Royce held a mutual respect and musical chemistry that is apparent on songs like “Life Goes On,” but my favorite definitely has to be “Snatchies.” Extra points for including an extended Trading Places reference.

In the midst of this almost-arctic weather, we’re all scrambling to keep warm and cozy in our humble abodes. I’m sure this includes hot meals and lots of blankets, but what about some nice music to warm up to?

There’s nothing like some good tunes to bring some warmth into an otherwise frigidly freezing day. Thus, I present to you this snow day playlist of energetic songs that aim to thaw out those cold toes of yours and get you moving to the beat!

1. Original post: Friday Five: Songs for Snow Days

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, experimental, synth-pop, dream pop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

It seems like there are way too many talented under the radar bands, sans appreciation. Nowadays, with such an accessible music industry, it can be easy to get lost in the mix.

This could be a bad or a good thing, depending on how you look at it. Bad because of the influx of anyone and everyone who could be in a band these days, no matter the level of talent or originality; it gets overwhelming having to sort through all the shit to get to a gem. Good because the bands that rise usually have to be a serious cut above the massive rest. They’re at the top for a reason.

So I present to you five bands that deserve recognition and a positive nod from all you shufflers. And don’t forget to do your own digging! The journey is half the experience.

1. Original post: Friday Five: 5 Bands Flying Under The Radar

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie pop, friday five, Astronauts, friday 5

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

We all have our methods of escapism, right? Personally, mine is anything steeped in romantic cultures and foreign lore — be it a book, movie, or song. I adore music that makes me feel like I’m escaping off to somewhere exotic. Should an accordion be present, I confess, it makes me swoon.

Taking all that into account, what’s better than being able to dance? Thus, I have since been on mission to track down said sounds/vibes by way of house and nu disco, or hell, even hip hop.

I bring you the Traveling Gypsy Dance Party Mix. Ever wonder what a traveling gypsy dance party might sound like? With this Friday Five, you can find out!

And please, if you have something to add, post it in the comments! Help me build this lovely list!

1. Original post: Friday Five: Traveling Gypsy Dance Party Mix

2. Posted in: Electronic, remixes, dance, house, deep house

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Feeling a little too far gone? No matter, you’re still surrounded by all your fellow gypsys, and things couldn’t be better. Now is the time to pass the bottle and reminisce. There’s so many good vibes to go around, you’ll all be falling in love in no time, thus, Paradis – “Hémisphère” (BIS records 2012), is a perfect way to end the Traveling Gypsy Dance Party Mix.

Feeling a little cross faded by now? Good, then you’re feeling like every traveling gypsy should. This next addition to the Traveling Gypsy Dance Party Mix incorporates one of my favorite composers (Yann Tiersen) and one of my favorite tracks (“La Noyee”) from one of my favorite French movies (Amelie) and mashes them into the most unique hip-hop beat I’ve ever heard. Now I have no idea who Muzzell is, but we gypsys can’t keep track of every traveling musician we meet in a night!

Has anyone ever told you you’re beautiful? Well, Bei Mir Bist Du Schön!’s “To Me You’re Beautiful” was a popular Yiddish song in 1932, made famous in the states by the Andrew Sisters. Released in 2008, this German remix by Mike Genius is a genius (ahem, pun intended) addition to the Traveling Gypsy Dance Party Mix.

Released in 2009 via Get Physical Music, this one went #1 in Romania (according to some dude in this comment feed) and is a perfect addition to the playlist. Can’t you just picture a jamboree of rowdy Eugene Hutz types? Join the cabaret, because it’s a party you won’t want to miss.

The night is just beginning to get a little fuzzy, in a good way! You’re feeling a little giddy and something tells you this night may go down in history. Enjoy it and embrace your inner gypsy! (Released in 2010 via Cadenza.)