Lost and Found: Unexpected Gems

This week on Lost and Found, Yadana Saw shares some unexpected gems from Robert Palmer, Aaradhna, Massive Attack and more. Today's soundtrack will keep you company whether you're on the road, at the beach, or having a well-deserved rest.

The Ethics - 'Lost in a Lonely World'

One for the trainspotters and crate diggers, Philadelphian vocal group The Ethics' 'Lost in a Lonely World' is heavily and most judiciously sampled in a song by producer Madlib in a song called 'Road of the Lonely Ones' on his 2021 Sound Ancestors LP - one of my standout albums of 2021. 

Tricky - 'I'm in the Doorway ft Oh Land'

Massive Attack collaborator and artist in his own right Tricky with his occasional collaborator Oh Land. 'I'm in the Doorway' is a tender song from his 2020 record  'Fall To Pieces' written after death of his daughter.

Massive Attack - 'Daydreaming'

A perfect time to hear one of Tricky’s earliest outings on Massive Attack’s debut album Blue Lines. The album celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2021 and is an ageless, timeless record that deserves another spin on the turntable or CD player.

Ravyn Lenae - 'Sticky'

From the opening wheeze of the organ and snap of the high hat, Ravyn Lenae's 'Sticky', is a slinky hypnotic number. Her debut EP Crush was produced by wunderkind Steve Lacy of The Internet. Lacy also produced Kendrick Lamar's  Connan Mockasin-esque track 'Pride' from DAMN.

Ria Hall - 'Walk'

A powerful live performance of Ria Hall's 'Walk' featuring an all star Fly Pretties ensemble. Listen carefully to the backing vocals of LA Mitchell, Troy Kingi, Bailey Wiley and A Girl Named Mo.

This a captivating and soaring take of the song from Hall's last record Manawa Wera.

D'Angelo - 'Back to the Future (Part 1)'

Seasons may come and your luck just may run out
And all that you'll have is some memories, oh

One of the most poignant refrains from the most famous of RnB's abs. Some may remember D’Angelo’s music video featuring his naked torso from Untitled. There's even a reference to it in a line of 'Back To The Future (Part 1)' from his 2014 release Black Messiah.

Roger Fakhr - 'Had to Come Back Wet'

Lebanese ex-pat artist Roger Fakhr with a fantastic 1970s cut. Rediscovered and released under Berlin imprint Habibi Funk.

Jean and Trevor - 'Back Together'

A joyous cover of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway's song. Incidentally, Flack and Hathaway included a cover version of 'You've Got A Friend' on their joint album.

Robert Palmer - 'Through it All'

Prior to his 1980s hits 'Addicted to Love' and 'Simply Irresistible', Robert Palmer released a bunch of great soul, funk and jazz records.

On his 1974 album Sneaking Sally Through The Alley he’s got New Orleans' The Meters as his backing band and one of the city’s favourite sons Allen Toussaint playing on the record.

And on this track Palmer has got the personnel from Disco innovators Chic on board.

Makers - 'Don't Challenge Me'

This spacey, psychedelic number called 'Don’t Challenge Me' from a little known outfit called Makers. It was the studio project of disco producer classically trained composer Boris Midney. The song dates back to 1972 and a 45” vinyl of the single fetches an eyewatering amount of money.

Aaradhna - 'Drunken Heart Smokey Mind'

Written after a break up and an anthem to cut loose with friends, here is Aaradhna and band with an RNZ live performance of 'Drunken Heart Smoky Mind' off her album Brown Girl.

Lucien Johnson - 'Magnificent Moon'

An immersive slice of Aotearoa jazz, this is from Wellington saxophonist and composer Lucien Johnson's most recent release Wax///Wane. Let this wash over you and transport you away.