Author Archive

5 “Heavy” funk songs of all time [US edition]:

By KCRW DJ Michael Barnes

I have a special place in my heart for all things funky.  Whether it’s the psychedelic acid funk of Sly Stone, the second line strutting of the Meters or even the more recent retro funk of people like Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, I simply love funky music.

But at the top of all the sub-genres of funk, I absolutely love what might be called “Heavy” funk songs. These are the songs that tend to be mostly instrumental and feature raw horns, insanely funky ‘rawkin’ drums, massive, fuzzed out guitars, speaker cracking organ solos and ‘feel it all in your throat’ bass lines.  These are the songs that might cause you to seriously injure yourself or someone nearby they’re just soooo darn funky.

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Top 5 Record Stores to Cultivate Your Complete Addiction to Vinyl

Michael Barnes, KCRW DJ.

My name is Michael, and I am a (mostly) recovering vinyl junkie. There was a time in the not so distant past where I’d spend whatever money I had on records. Rent, food money, clothing expenses, all were secondary to an insatiable need for vinyl. Nowadays I’m not nearly as crazily addicted as I used to be, but I still appreciate a great record store.
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Top 5 Musicians to Include in the Soundtrack to Your Dreams by Michael Barnes

Michael Barnes, KCRW DJ.

The artists in this list are not just pleasant to sleep to, they’re more specifically recommended to act as dreamscapes. This music remains with you as you dream and works as a soundtrack to your dreaming life away from this waking life. If you’re having trouble sleeping, best to find the sound of flowing water, rainforests or Enya. However, if you want music that is equally beautiful, gorgeous, intense and a bit challenging – where you’ll become so enthralled that you’ll actually carry the music into your dreams — this is your list.

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