Magic Carpet Ride- Steppenwolf: Hard to believe, but did you know that these psychedelic rockers were from Canada? So there’s another thing to add to the list of good thinks from our neighbors to the North! Steppenwolf goes right next to bacon! This song is definitely a party starter! This is the 7th song is off of the band’s 1969 sophomore album Steppenwolf the Second. This is a pretty famous track, so shame on you if you’re hearing it for the first time, this is a rock classic!
Menitorsa- Mellow Man Ace: Mellow Man Ace was one of the original members of Cypress Hill. Mellow Man Ace is also the half-brother of Sen Dog, member of Cypress Hill. Back in the late 80’s, Latinos were coming out of the rap scene. You had Mellow Man Ace, Kid Frost, Latin Alliance, Poper Dos, Cypress Hill, Hispanic Mc’s and several more. This song was so catchy, and I caught myself singing over and over. Needless to say it was a big hit on the radio and around school. This is the second song from Mellow Man Ace’s 1989 debut album, Escape From Havana.
Distractions- Zero 7: Sia is one of my favorite singers, and this track is when she sang with the production crew of Zero 7. Chill music is very under-rated in the music industry. Many people don’t believe that their is any validity int he music because of its “atmospheric” sound. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Take this track, for example, it deals with real issues. The hook is crazy, along with Sia’s outstanding vocals! This is the 7th track off the bands 2001 debut album Simple Things. I Only Make Jokes To Distract Myself/From The Truth/From The Truth/I Love You/I Love You I Do!
You Got It All- The Jets: Like I said, Latinos were starting to come out in the mid-eighties. Although it wasn’t a big explosion in the Pop scene, they were mostly heard in the “Freestyle” dance genre. Many people point to Gloria Estefan as the “one” who made it big. While she gets a lot of credit, deservedly so, the band The Jets never get enough. They came out rockin’ and with some unforgettable slow jams. This song right hear could be heard in gyms across America, while dancin’ with that one girl you had a crush on! This is the 3rd track off their 1985 self-titled debut album. Enjoy and reminisce!
Making Ends Meet- Thee Midniters: No one was bigger in the late 60s & early 70s in East L.A. than Thee Midniters. These guys were huge on the local scene and in Chicano Rock. I can remember my mom playing their records while cleaning the house. Little Willie G and the crew made our parents some lasting memories. They were a great cover band, that made some great original music as well. Plus, we need to add a little ghetto-ness at times, so here’s my contribution!