Lazdog's March music recommendations...

Everyone knows I'm really into music. And if you didn't know, now you know. I have gotten many requests to include a music recommendations section of the Lazblog so others may be introduced to what I think is the best in music.

My taste is pretty diverse; from hip-hop to doo-wop, classic to country and soul to rock n' roll. I like everything from the Beach Boys to the Beastie Boys - old school, new school and even middle school. And though I'm not the end all be all to what is great, I think I have pretty good taste in music and thought you all might enjoy these artists too. So here's what I'm bumping in my iPod as we speak. Check out these artists/songs on iTunes (or wherever) when you get a chance:

Sam Cooke - just damn good classic soul. One of the best voices ever, listening to this man sing always makes me smile. Download "Good Times" if you simply want to feel all around great and "Bring It On Home To Me" for old school smoothness that you don't get in today's music.

Matisyahu - An orthodox Jew singing reggae and rap. Huh? What? That's right, this bearded, big-hatted Hebrew can really bring it. He is the real deal and his uplifting songs are worth a listen. Check out the popular song "King Without a Crown" and the cathy "Time of Your Song" for a little BOOyakashaw! from Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Johnny Cash - if you haven't heard this legend than not only are you living in a vacuum but you're missing out on one of the greatest country songwriters who ever lived. The movie may have made it mainstream to like him, but Johnny Cash's music is too good not to like. I've loved his simple sound since I first heard the song "Folsom Prison Blues" in this guy's pick-up truck when I was 14 and that's just one of dozens of classics. (Don't ask why I was in the guys pickup truck.)

People Under the Stairs - underground Cali hip hop that mixes fresh lyrics with great beats and sweet-ass melodies. Their brand of rap is perfect for chillin' on a Summer day and they can rhyme with the very best of them. Like "A Tribe Called Quest" meets "Digable Planets", check out the songs "Acid Raindrops" or "July 3rd" for a taste of the realness from the People Under the Stairs.

Michael Franti & Spearhead - this is great stuff! Sort of "Wyclef" meets "The Roots" with pure poetry in motion instead of lyrics. I love these guys. Best music discovery in months for me. Definitely give your ears a vacation with songs like "Never Too Late", "Stay Human (Stereo Steambath Remix)", "Ganja Babe" and "Sometimes" - these guys need to be heard.

Slightly Stoopid - funny name, but seriously good. This is one of my favorite bands. Like Sublime before them, this SoCal group is fantastic! By no means "undiscovered" but they just haven't gotten the respect they deserve by the masses...and I like it that way. Their mix of laid back beach music mixed with some surf-punk songs have everything you need. There's reggae, rap and rock all in one and man oh man are they good live. You won't be disappointed, I promise. Download the songs "Officer", "Everything You Need" and "Collie Man" for just a taste of this California coolness and I guarantee they become one of your favorite bands too.

Nightmares on Wax - no words, just a DJ mixing great beats with transe inducing tunes. Slow and low, that is the tempo. Like Moby, only really good. Nightmares on Wax IS chillout music defined. Downtempo, laid back trip-hop at its absolute finest. Perfect for Sunday drives, studying, zoning out, doing the nasty, etc. Give a listen to gems like "Capumcap", "Fire In the Middle" and "Morse" to hear the soundtrack for relaxation.

Here are some other random songs that I'm listening to (all available on iTunes). Do yourself a favor and check them out too. (Let me know what you think!) You can get a free 30 sec. sample of each on iTunes - they're a trip, they got a funky beat and you can BUG OUT to 'em...

Visioneers - Replay
Visioneers - Ike's Mood I
Rocco DeLuca - Colorful
Jack Johnson - Broken
The Beautiful Girls - Music
Scissor Sisters - Take Your Mama
Cypress Hill - The Only Way
Digable Planets - Pacifics
Faces - Stay With Me
Jamie Lidell - Multiply
Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict a Riot
Mobb Deep - Shook Ones, Pt. 2

Open your ears and shut your mouth...

DJ Laz
"Bringing great new music to my favorite people since 1991"