It’s easy to get caught up in the mp3 blogosphere. Every day a new one pops up. Either devoted to some micro-genre or, more often, to being the first to post whatever’s just leaked.
To help you wade through, I’m starting a semi-regular series of mini-profiles of the best out there. And what better place to start than with locally-connected mp3 blogs?
Here’s four for you.
Musicophilia. This has blown up since I last plugged. LR native Soundslike might be the most obsessive, detail-oriented mix-maker in the history of music geekdom. He’s spun a daily streaming site off Musicophilia, which is more of a repository for themed mixes. He still keeps it mostly post-punk, but it’s not one-note in the least. Make sure you check out the Musique du Monde (fake French) comps. They’re gold. Also, more LR love: Local musician/DJ/dance machine Ettiem provides a mix well worth grabbing. He’s got an mp3 blog, too, though it’s lately been inactive. Maybe this can be a rallying cry.
Red Neckerson’s Radio Round-up. An extension of one of the last great shows on KABF (Thursdays 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.) that, much like the radio show, focuses on the strange side of country — deep cuts too wacky or maudlin or just plain terrible for the mainstream. It’s all full albums. Recently, stuff like Elmer Fudpucker at the Nudist Colony and a Merle Haggard covers record from someone who looks exactly like Ross on “Friends.” Plus, not-so-wacky gems from the likes of Don Helms (Hank Sr.’s steel guitar player) and the Stanley Brothers.
Ants in My Trance. Previously plugged, too, but you can’t talk Arkansas mp3 blogs and leave out AiMT. Curated by DJ whiz Luminfire, who posts pretty much daily, it’s a discerning look at contemporary hip-hop, dance and remix culture. It’s got a broad national audience, but Luminfire’s not shy about putting Arkansas out there. 607’s path to fame probably runs through this blog.
The Disco Itch. Updated once a week or so, this is Cool Shoes to-go. The promoters scan the web for the latest dance and pass it along. Lots of mixes. Recently: Guns n Bombs, Bloody Beetroots, N.A.S.A.