If 2020 were a woman, this blues-rock track — also called “Woman,” from San Francisco-based band Down Dirty Shake — would undoubtedly make for a more than appropriate theme song. Fortunately, as vocalist/keyboardist AJ Ayez sings, “it’s over” now, and I think we can take a cue from those lyrics, adapt, and move into the future.
Kyle DeMartini (guitar/vocals), Aaron Grimes (drums/vocals), and Tommy Anderson (bass) join Ayez to round out Down Dirty Shake. They’ve been a mainstay of the Bay Area music scene for a few years now. “Woman,” along with a number of great tracks like “Sun Cheyenne,” appears on their 2018 self-titled debut album.
Although they haven’t released a new LP since, the band has been working on new tunes. I’ve recently been grooving to their funk-infused, “No Ordinary Love,” which they recorded during a live session on KXSF 102.5 FM in October 2020. But hey, don’t stop there. I didn’t, and still haven’t had my fill of Down Dirty Shake.
You can learn more about Down Dirty Shake here
About the Curator - Jane Asylum
When my mother wasn’t walking around the house belting out early 60s’ girl-band lyrics, she was collecting compilation albums, specifically from K-Tel. She may not have had the most refined taste, but she enjoyed variety, or at least that’s what I recall. I poured over them all, preferring some sounds to others. And when I found the perfect song, I’d play it over and over until ready to perform my latest theatrical dance incarnation.
With my family all gathered on floral grey sofas in our basement apartment, I’d set the vinyl on the turntable of a brown fibreboard stereo and not-so-carefully lower the needle. It would pop, screech, and crackle before any music spilled from the weaved-wheat speakers. My toes would press, lift, and sweep through the blue-green shag carpet, my arms would flail, and the music would bass and treble through my soul.
I’m no longer that 6-year-old doing private-audience interpretive dance routines, but my passion remains just as intense. I have no special superpowers as a curator — just my love of sounds and lyrics that transport, transform, move, and make your body groove.
Jane recently curated the musicto community playlist: “What is Alternative Music” - well worth checking out along with her three part article on her favorite “Alternative” artist: “My Ultimately Alternative Relationship With PJ Harvey - Part 1”
