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London and NYC Club and Concert Listings Download This! (November 2004) Writer: John Kelly Although iTunes is the site being talked about in all the newspapers, there are plenty of gaps in the selection they make available, especially if you're after something a bit more raw. When a shop like Sounds of the Universe in London or Piccadilly Records in Manchester gets into the download business, then it could become really revolutionary. Until then, there's Karmadownload.com. Launched a couple of months ago, Karmadownload has featured exclusive material from Rodney P and Roni Size. Although by no means perfect, the site is the closest thing to your local underground record shop on the internet. It gives you a proper chance to listen to the track before you buy and you don't have to feel intimidated by any uber-music-guru behind the counter. The prices are really good (6.99 for the DKD album anyone?) and it is the only online shop with a proper broken beat section. It won't be replacing my local record shop anytime soon (overcoming intimidation is good for the soul), but it's a useful alternative. Also it provides a way for small labels and artists to build communities (and the mini-economies that come with them). In doing so it possible to see a future that, whilst still just over the horizon, promises to unlock music from the stifling economic system it finds itself now. As for 'the land of the free', there is plenty of amazing music available 'por nada', if you have the time to dig. If you don't, here are three that I've unearthed for you this month. It seems we are living in increasingly radicialised times. People are becoming more aware politically as the present climate demands. Like a prophet returning from the desert, Chuck D's polemic and Public Enemy's righteous anger seem as relevant and as powerful they ever were. Taken from a live concert recorded in 1992, this is the mighty Public Enemy with Fight the Power - yo chuck, run a power move on them! Download (via Shutemdown.com) Staying on the theme of political music, here is the track Love is our Nationality from the inspirational Build An Ark. I can hardly think of a group of musicians who better embody the need for a reawakening of a Sixties-era revolutionary political music. This recording is part of an album recorded over two days and featuring many LA-based jazz alumni. Carrying on the spirit of Tribe Records and Pharaoh Sanders would have, only a few years ago, felt naïve and too consciously retro. Now it seems to fit. Your free download and more info on the band can be found below... Download (via BetterPropaganda.com) One of the places I want to take this column is to have a space for small labels and artists to be able to get some exposure. To kick this off, here is a beautiful track from an up-and-coming London-based label Firemusic. Taken from last month's promo-only October Revolution EP, the track Metamorphases is the perfect soundtrack for the rapidly encroaching autumn months. Artist Joseph Quaid brings a Detroit feel to the piece, combining deep, moody production with enough soul/jazz elements to give the music a spiritual edge. Download For more info check out www.firemusic.co.uk. Ending on a jazz flavour, here is the Miles Davis track Mystery which, despite being taken from the slightly dodgy 'comeback' period, is still a winner. There is always a feeling that Miles is too confined when playing, as he does here, over a loop but there is still just enough goodness to hint at what could have been possible if he had lived long enough to have worked with some of today's jazz inspired producers. Download PUBLISHED: Friday 5 November RELATED LINKS: Karmadownload.com Our review of Build An Ark's Peace With Every Step Download This! October 2004 More Features EMAIL UPDATES! Do you want to receive Know The Ledge update emails? Click here to sign up!	::: RELATED LINKS More Features