Music to sub in for American World Cup commentary
By CHRIS NELSON | June 27, 2006
 Rodrigo y Gabriela |
What do a pair of jazzy Germans, a duo of metalhead Mexicans, and one really tall DJ from Brooklyn have in common? They’re all making music to heat up your summer, and you can get it all for free.DJ Eleven, “Summer Madness Mix” (mp3)
Any mix named after Kool & the Gang’s ridiculously dope jazz-fusion slow burner has a lot to live up to, and it’s clear Brooklyn’s DJ Eleven kept this in mind when preparing his new warm-weather set. As he slides from Bill Withers to Brand Nubian, Eleven’s only criterion seems to be picking tracks that sound as good bumping out of a trunk as they do lying under a ceiling fan.
Rodrigo y Gabriela, “Tamacún” (stream via MySpace)
Although Mexican guitarists Rodrigo y Gabriela cite Mastodon and Megadeth as influences, it’s a safe bet that their music is being enjoyed in Starbucks and smoky dorm rooms around the world right now. No matter: “Tamacún” is hotter than a no-foam latte, with balls the size of your hippie roommate’s hacky-sacks.
Pathless, “Goddess” (streaming audio)
Two members of new-jazz collective Jazzanova break out their yellow-and-green jerseys and compose a Brazilian-tinged number for their Brazilian-sourced Paz e Futebol compilation. Hey, it’s no Marcos Valle, but it does the trick when you need something to play over the lame American World Cup commentary.
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