WeFunk … and more

This little trip starts like most of my web Safari’s (wow, that was too cute even for me) with checking my RSS feeds. A post about the program StationRipper over at LifeHacker sent me looking for a good (and free of coarse) way to record streaming audio. That way radio shows that dont provide an mp3 version could go with me anywhere via my mp3 player.

After some looking I came across a program named Audion. It is indeed free, although its not being developed any longer. I happened to run across this amazing story about the history, development and retirement of Audion, its a good read. Its a nice little program and Im currently testing the recording of streaming audio to mp3 files and trying to see if it has more uses for me, but there is one more recommendation I have for you.

So … like I said I wanted to record streaming audio. Thats because I found this great radio station via iTunes. The station is called WeFunk and although it broadcasts at a lower bitrate than I would like (64k) I cant stop listening. For anyone who doesn’t realize how much hiphop and rap owe its 70’s predecessor Funk, you need to listen. Its broadcast live on Fridays in Montreal by Professor Groove and DJ Static. Each show is taped live in a studio with mixing and rapping done right on the spot. The WeFunk website and iTunes continuously replay old shows, of which there are more than 400 to date. The streams can be found in various formats, like winamp, real audio, etc so you dont need any one program or OS. Some shows are more hiphop and some more funk, but they are always hot. The WeFunk site also has links to other radio shows that they recommend, although I havent done a taste test as of yet. Here is some of the playlist from a recent show, I include it to demonstrate how they blend new and old, hiphop with jazz and funk.

Playlist

• archie bell & the drells - tighten up
• talk (over cliff nobles & co. - the horse)
• orchestra harlow - horsin’ up
• talib kweli feat. m.f. doom - fly that knot
• dilated peoples - back again
• união black - black rio
• ice-t - the hunted child
• eric b & rakim - put ya hands together (parkside mix)
• kool g rap & d.j. polo - death wish
• curtis mayfield & the impressions - do do wap is strong in here
• patrice rushen - the hump
• vibrations - shake it up
• james brown - don’t tell a lie to me and i won’t tell the truth on you
• don carrington trio - if i were a carpenter

My recommendation: If you find yourself in front of the computer and want to bob your head, tune in to WeFunk and you will love your computer and the world just a little bit more.