(harmonic) Ghetto Cowboy by Mo Thugs Family

Harmonica has had a presence in hip hop for a while, but it has always been a sporadic one. The unpredictable,   here-now-gone-tomorrow presence does not, however, diminish the beauty of the songs that do come out.

The Cleveland-based Mo Thugs Family  and its sister Bone Thugs n' Harmony have been the stalwarts of hip hop harmonica, and their best-selling single thus far, Ghetto Cowboy, with is delightfully lighthearted throwback tone is a perfect song to spotlight.

Thanks to Matt for introducing me to this band.

Yeehaw. I



photo credit: http://picasaweb.google.com/cocoakacarolyn/

(harmonic) To Ohio by The Low Anthem

The Low Anthem has been all over the place musically, but their 2008/2009 album Oh My God, Charlie Darwin slowed things down to a mellow, relaxing, introspective experience. With this, the harmonica parts popped to the forefront in a hauntingly beautiful way. Below, I posted the quite popular and melancholic To Ohio. the Another song from this album that highlights harmonica beautifully is Home I'll Never Be

Thanks to Jonathan and Rocío for adding this band to my consciousness.

Smile. I

PS: Like the new player? I am psyched is works on Blogger.

song credit: Melophobe
photo credit: Wikipedia

(harmonic) Leavng Chicago by George "Harmonica" Smith

Today, I listened to one of the greats of the slow, painful Chicago-style blues : George "Harmonica" Smith. This video was taken from a documentary, and shows his incredible energy while playing. I shiver everytime I see him play.

Exhale. I


video credit: youtube
biography: bluesharp.ca

(harmonic) All I Want is You by Barry Loius Polisar

This song - the theme to the extremely popular Juno - needs no introduction. But only when I was recently re-watching the movie, did I realize the harmonica part in it. As with many instruments, their presence is often lost in the song's overall harmony of sounds and melody. The harmonica in this song it the lead instrument and omnipresent throughout, but I lost it nonetheless. In Barry's tradition (this song is from 1977) the song is masterful, cheerful, and beautiful.

Honest blog. I

All I Want Is You - Barry Loui...

photo credit: barrylou.com/

(harmonic) I'll be OK by Aesop Rock (featuring Slug)

This little song features a simple harmonica background, and it is the first entry of (harmonic) featuring Hip Hop harmonica. This style as been growing in popularity and I have heard some amazing songs, built around elaborate solos and melodies. I have yet to track them down, though, so in the meantime - the always-delightful Aesop Rock and their harmonica song.

Love. I

Now with 100% more song ... Had to go back to Lala.com, but here is the full song from Aesop Rock.

I'll Be OK - Aesop Rock Feat. ...

(harmonic) Harpoon Man by Paul Delay Band

At almost two in the morning, while doing my endless work for school, this song came on. Inching closer and closer to my blues and hip hop harmonica obsession, Paul Delay and his posse rip a harp into pieces, and sound good doing it.

Revel. I

(harmonic) The Man With The Harmonica by Ennio Morricone

While I am at it, I must harken back to my euro-trash roots and post the most legendary and heart-wrenching spaghetti-western song - Ennio Morricone's "The Man With The Harmonica" from "Once Upon a Time in the West."

Enjoy and weep. I

The Man With The Harmonica (On...

(harmonic) Room to Move by John Mayall

The (harmonic) section will feature some of my favorite songs featuring harmonica ripped into pieces. To kick things off: John Mayall and his legendary "Room to Move" 

Enjoy. I

Room To Move - John Mayall