Machesa Traditional Group - "Rarichama"

I make the food, my family eats the food. I work the day through, the night pays me back with sleep. I read all my books, my mind runs up and down the hill and around the town in circles. I kiss my girl, my friends get jealous. I help all the old folks, they tell me stories. I give away my money, and happiness comes in like morning. I bend down to pick up a heavy sack, my back shouts a number, a countdown. I laugh with my children, I see that when you're young you breathe Heaven. I eat rice, I shit rice. I tell the truth, and lies glow red like red hot metal. I feel the rough surface of my hands, I think about the rough surface of the ground. My hands have it easy. I think about great sickness that comes across like clouds, I think about beer and dancing and dust. I feel the drip from a leaky roof, I put my lemon grass underneath. I walk as if on a clothes line down the middle of the road. It's orange, the sky, and light white cream. Nothing is in my way.
(thanks to the consistently great Moss Bailey. Maybe they can provide a Buy link, as I can not)

Elizabeth Cotten - "I'm Going Away"

My favour-asking muscles are sore. The bridges between me and all my acquaintances used to look like big steel bridges, now they look like spittle trails. The steam-rolled half-promises and over-baked wishes are lined up like stale muffins, all crumbs and crust. I've stuffed my mattress with weak smiles and missed appointments. But I've got energy enough for one more: can you leave the door unlocked when you leave? I'm going to be sleeping in the wet spring air through the window and I don't want to have to get up to let the grocery boy in. Let him come, sneak into the kitchen, and take a finger full of peanut butter before he leaves. Thank you, dear. Thank you in advance. [Buy]

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Elsewhere: there is a lovely little web series made by a friend of mine, called Jordan & Bear. It has such a strong tone, like Elizabeth Cotten in a bear costume, it's exactly right where it should be, and it's great.

Thank you: for making us #6 in the Best of Montreal. Up a spot from last year :)