Gary McFarland - The In Sound (1965)

Oh, lounge music- why are you so awesome?

Vibraphonist, vocalist, arranger, composer extraordinaire Gary McFarland's 1965 record The In Sound explores exotica, pop, jazz, space and bossa nova; sometimes incorporating up to three of these styles all in one track. Whether this is going to be used as background music or on headphones (the best way to enjoy this record) it won't disappoint.

Enjoy this "in sound" from Out Sounds...

Gary McFarland - The In Sound (1965; Verve Records)

John Scofield - A Go Go (1998)

Jazz guitarist John Scofield with John Medeski, Billy Martin & Chris Wood; one of the best studio jazz records of the '90s- there's some really funky shit on this album (everything revolves around the "groove", kids...). 

Medeski Martin & Wood bring their avant-garde background to Sco's modal and hard bop leanings to create one of the most rewarding listens from a jazz guitarist ever.

A must-have for any fans of fusion and/or funk...

John Scofield - A Go Go (1998; Verve Records)

Frank Zappa - Lumpy Gravy (1968)

Who better to post on April Fool's Day?

Frank Zappa is the king. I've pledged my undying allegiance to his genius ever since I was a young man, which, come to think of it- is exactly why he still appeals to me; the scatological humor, the whole anti-establishment vibe, his politically incorrectness, his supreme guitar work...

Lumpy Gravy was Zappa's first album without The Mothers moniker, and it's a pastiche of conversations with his band (inside a piano), found sounds, tape loops, splices, etc. A freaky piece of experimental sound collages with occasional jazz rock sprinkled about. Not for the faint of heart, and not for you serious indie rock types.

Frank Zappa - Lumpy Gravy (1968; Verve Records)