Jay-Z's classic album The Blueprint was released the day the Twin Towers fell. His new one was purposely released also on 9/11 earlier this week. From that album, this week's mix has "Empire State Of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys. I've also included an a cappella version of "Say Hello" from his recent American Gangster album as well as Outkast's "Flip Flop Rock" on which he has a guest spot.
The featured song on this week's mix is "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". Like most people, I assumed it was written by Roberta Flack. But it's actually an old folk song by Ewan MacColl. In addition to Flack's hit, this week's mix includes versions by Elvis Presley, Gordon Lightfoot, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Cash and a live one by Isaac Hayes.
Other stuff: Bill Conit's triumphant film score "Gonna Fly Now (Theme From "Rocky")", a cover of The Eagles' "Hotel California" by Cat Empire, Califone's hushed "Our Kitten Sees Ghosts", the odd "Camel Walk" by The Saxons, the sweet "Never In My Life" by The Love Affair, a cover of Donovan's "Turquoise" by Joan Baez, Woody Guthrie's determined "Tear The Fascists Down", the late non-album track "Can't Escape From You" by Bob Dylan, Hank Williams' bittersweet "Can't Escape From You", the chipper "Little Red Rooster" by The Myers Sisters and a demo version of Fleetwood Mac's "Gyspsy" by Stevie Nicks.
