Some songs relax you, some energize, some make you weep with relief that you are not alone in how you feel, some make you dance uncontrollably, and then there are those songs that the minute you hear them you are somewhere else.  The British band Alt-J recently won The Mercury Prize for their album An Awesome Wave, which puts them in some pretty prestigious company and listening to their song "Something Good" I can understand why.  This song transports me to my car as I drive down a long open road.  The sun is shinning from a brilliant blue sky dusted with wisps of cotton clouds, my windows are rolled down and my hand is held out in the wind, riding the waves of the car created current.  Though I have only listened to the song indoors, on my crappy computer speakers I can imagine the feeling of that moment perfectly, it's a feeling akin to flying and it is called, Bliss.  

On a slightly different note the voice of the singer, Joe Newman, is unique and appealing in its unusual tone and the band draws on a wide variety of styles to create something just as unique as Newman's vocal style.

 



p.s. don't let the opening drum beat confuse you in to thinking you are listening to a cover of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday"! 

(Sorry the video isn't a proper video!)

This past week has been full of crisp blue skies, flowers blossoming, heat in a glowing sun... I fall asleep to the constant undulating chorus of frogs and wake up to crisp misty mornings as the sun is rising.  The other day I sat down by the ocean upon a rocky point and listened to the water lapping gently against the water's edge.  A seal popped in and out of the water as seabirds bobbed on the surface.  The sun warmed my body as I felt tension flow off of my shoulders.  Mountains and evergreen forests, illuminated by the sun in a multitude of shades and colours, encircled me and all I could think of while I sat there was "how can I live somewhere so beautiful and want to leave so badly..."  But then I hear a song like Hold Back The Night by the band I Am Kloot.  They are a British band and there is something in their sound, as there is in so many other British artist, that inspires me, stirs my soul.  So take a listen, perhaps it will stir something within your soul as well, maybe you'll simply think it is a good song or maybe you won't like it at all.  Either way it is 5 minutes of your life spent experiencing something new! 

Neko Case.  She is a poet.  She is an artist.  She is amazing. 

Her work would be beautiful as poems but she takes it to this completely "other" place when she blends her vocals with her words.  Her work with The New Pornographers had an alternative punk style which, while I can appreciate, I never truly got in to.  Looking at it now I find it strange that I am a fan of A.C. Newman's solo work and Neko Case's solo work, both of who are members of The New Pornographers!  Her last two albums Fox Confessor Brings the Flood and Middle Cyclone are what made me a fan of her work, they are full of stories hauntingly told and while they are not always conventionally beautiful, the lyrics are exquisitely rich, real and natural.  But, don't take my word for it, let her convince you herself!       

"I'm tired this game, I'm tired of this race, I'm tired of these chains that bind me.  I wanna be free, free to let go, let all that is good inspire me. And I... I keep running on empty, thinking maybe i'll see a sign..."

It never ceases to amaze me how a song can say all that is in your heart, as if the song writer has a stethoscope to it and is listening in, translating its every beat in to a completely different kind of magic.  But then we are all human and though it feels like we are alone in the way we are feeling we never truly are... you just have to find those songs that say what you feel and hold them close!  Those lyrics are from the song "Amen" by Sarah Slean, a rather incredible Canadian talent (she is also married to Royal Wood who I posted a song by a month or so ago).  She has an air of theatrics about her but it is well balanced out by a powerful, beautiful voice and poetic, song writing ability that leaves me a little envious!    

The past few weeks I have been regularly in a place where I must listen to a country radio station and country has never been my favourite genre...  Some songs I do enjoy, some I actually really like but when the radio constantly plays the same songs over and over again, drilling them in to my mind and my subconscious I can't stand it!  So it is incredibly refreshing to turn on the radio and hear a song like "Free" by Graffiti6, a duo out of London.  Honestly, "Free" is all I know by them, as of yet, but I love it and it sounds reminiscent of Annie Lennox. Every time I hear it I can't help but sing (even when I don't know all the lyrics and can't hit the notes!)  It came on the radio when I was making dinner tonight and I couldn't help but dance around the kitchen as I cooked.  Using a phrase straight out of one of the country songs drilled in to my head, 'I double dog dare ya' to try not moving when you hear this song!

You know when you watch a musician preform and there's that moment when they close their eyes? 

A shift comes over their face and you just know that they have given themselves over to the music, that they are not simply singing, they are feeling the music in their core, in their very bones.  I wonder sometimes if they have gone beyond their body, if perhaps they are connecting with their muse and they have completely forgotten that there is an audience watching them.  Those are the musicians that create true music, the ones that create art because they have to, not because they want fame or fortune.  Music is who they are.  When I am witness to moments such as that there is a feeling these artists project that draws me in, when they lose themselves I lose myself as well.  There are two songs that come off the top of my head but there are numerous artists that have this effect on me.  Paolo Nutini does a live cover version of the song, "I'd Rather Go Blind" made famous by Etta James.  I can only imagine what it would be like to see him preform this song live because watching it on youtube is spectacular, he puts everything in to the song and for me the results are something else.  The second song, "Sailing to Philadelphia" by Mark Knopfler with James Taylor.  Every time I hear it, it soothes me, carries me away somewhere where I feel weightless.  Some might find that weird but if that's the case you simply haven't found the right song for you or you just haven't truly listened! 

 

 

Perhaps I could take that string of musicians further but I've been feeling British of late so instead I am going to share two songs, that I never get tired of hearing, by the British band The Waterboys.  There isn't much that needs to be said about these guys, their music says it all...

Chloe Charles is an up and coming Canadian singer-songwriter, a very talented, individual one...  She is also Julian Lennon's step sister.  I have only come across her fairly recently and do not know much of her work but what I have heard makes it very clear that she is unique; in her voice, her song writing and even her personal style.  So based on that I will leave you with the song "Soon On A Snowflake" and let you make up your own mind.  It may take a few listens to decide how you feel, but if you're interested at all after this song check out "Water" and "Business". 

 Julian Lennon has been on my mind a lot of late  which fits in perfectly with my line of connections.  Julian is John Lennon's son from his first marriage and like his half brother Sean he went into the music industry.  It is hard to see him or hear him sing and not make the connections to his father but he is his own artist and while I am sure the name doesn't always hurt, he made his way on his own terms.  There has always been something about him that I can't help but like.  I will say straight out that I do not love all of his music but there is just something about him as both a person and an artist that centres me and makes me want to be a better person.  His latest album, released in 2011, is called Everything Changes and it is truly beautiful.  For me it is the perfect quiet evening listen.  Put it on the stereo, lay on the couch or the floor in the dark and just let it wash over you.  There is a spiritual message to a lot of his work and together with the soothing, dream-like quality of his vocals and melodies I challenge you not to feel at least a fraction calmer!  He is an old friend in the lonely moments of life and a rey of light into darkness and uncertainty.  On top of that Julian has now begun to show his photography and he has another talent in that area, his work is worth checking out.

After Harry Nilsson, for me, the obvious artist to go to is John Lennon.  Being a massive fan of The Beatles and Lennon is the reason that I even know who Nilsson is.  During 1974, in what is known as Lennon's "Lost Weekend" he rekindled a friendship with Nilsson and also went a little off the rails.  During the 18 month "Lost Weekend", Lennon caused a fair amount of trouble, along with Nilsson, and got a lot of bad press but he also was musically productive and collaborated with several musicians, including Elton John, David Bowie and Nilsson.  Lennon produced Nilsson's album Pussycats and on that album they recorded a song together, by Jimmy Cliff, called "Many Rivers To Cross".  It's a great song, one that is uplifting when you are feeling a little lost despite the fact that the lyrics aren't exactly cheery.  Considering all of the songs I could choose from for Lennon this is not an obvious choice, which is partly why I decided to share it, but don't worry I'm sure I'll be mentioning Lennon regularly and sharing more of his work because I love him so!  So take a listen to "Many Rivers To Cross" it might keep you company when you are feeling a little lost or lonely... it certainly does me.

Today I am thoroughly exhausted so I won't write much!  The next artist is connected to Tim Buckley through a songwriter.  Buckley did an amazing cover of Fred Neil's song "Dolphins" for his album Sefronia.  The best version, one which won me over and made me a true fan of Buckley's is the live preformance he did in '74 on the British T.V. show Old Grey Whistle Test.  Harry Nilsson, and also did a cover of a Fred Neil song, "Everybody's Talkin'".  Nilsson achieved a lot of success in the 70s and is probably best known for his songs, "One", "Without You" and "Coconut" (whether you recognize the names or not you'll likely know all three songs).  The song "Everybody's Talkin'" was recorded for the soundtrack of the film Midnight Cowboy and is probably Neil's best known song.  So take a listen and look up Buckley's Old Grey Whistle Test version of "Dolphins" as well, both are songs worth knowing.

I have been trying to decide one of two directions to go from Jeff Buckley: Glen Hansard or Tim Buckley.  Glen preformed with him in the 90s and they became good friends and Glen himself, is a wonderful talent.  Perhaps most well known for the film Once and the resulting duo The Swell Season he also has a band, The Frames, and his latest work is a brilliant debut solo album.  He was also a good friend and busking partner of Mic Christopher who I talked about in one of my first posts.  That being said, I decided to go the Tim Buckley route.  Tim was Jeff's father and although they had very little to do with each other during their all to short lives there are some striking similarities between them.  They look eerily alike, both have incredible, spine tingling multi-octave voices, pure talent for singing and songwriting and they both died entirely too young, Jeff at 30 and Tim at 28.

Tim was a talent that was, and still is, too often overlooked.  He released 9 studio albums and died with little more than an amp and guitar to his name.  His style changed throughout his short career as he dabbled in everything from folk, experimental rock, funk, soul even jazz but he can not be defined by a genre and because there is such a wide range in his music I will admit that not all of his work is my cup of tea but it means that it is very likely that most people will be able to find at least one song that strikes them.  His voice has the ability to make every hair on your body stand on end and his perfect pitch and vocal control is truly staggering.  With a beautiful vibrato, he could move effortlessly through his vocal range while maintaining a purity to his voice.  The textures and layers that he creates with the control he has over his voice is something close to perfection in my mind and I have yet to find his vocal equal.  For such a young man, he released his first album at 19 and died at 28, there is a richness and wisdom to his voice and songwriting that is rare.  Like his son, he filled each song with both power and softness, pouring emotion into every beat and of course they both made it look easy!  I am finding it hard to pick one song to post along with this so I am going to name a few of my favourites...  "Song to the Siren" (probably his best known), "Dolphins", "Sweet Surrender", "Look At the Fool", "I Never Asked to Be Your Mountain", and because there is just something about it that gets me every time (I have listened to it 5 times while writing this!) I am going to put a link to "Phantasmagoria in Two"...     

p.s. In a strange twist of fate that I find intriguing, Robert Plant, of Led Zepplin, notes Tim Buckley as one of his influences as a singer and Led Zepplin was Jeff Buckley's favourite band and a major influence on him... curious!

"Looking out the door i see the rain fall upon the funeral mourners
Parading in a wake of sad relations as their shoes fill up with water"

Lover, You Should Have Come Over

There is any number of artists I could go to next from Leonard Cohen... he has written countless songs over his nearly 50 years in the industry and those songs have been covered by a myriad of artists all around the world so the connections he has made are endless.  But because I mentioned him last post and I adore him I am going to take, what is likely the most obvious route, to Jeff Buckley.  Most people know him for his exquisite cover of Cohen's song "Hallelujah", a song that has been covered more than 300 different times.  Of course it comes down to personal preference but to my mind no one has come close to doing for the song what Buckley did.  His voice is ethereal and he does not sing the song, he becomes one with it, he pours his heart, soul and every ounce of his being in to every word, every syllable that he sings.  The result of merging Cohen's song with Buckley's voice and interpretation is something unearthly and if you have not heard his version you need to listen to it, and I mean really listen, devote the full 7 minutes to direct your attention to it entirely. There is absolutely no way that anyone could ever explain to you what came out of this man's voice when he sang and the effect that it can have on a person if given the chance.  Because Buckley's voice was so incredible a lot of people don't realize his skill as a guitarist.  For many years, he was known only as a guitarist amongst his peers and apparently his close friends didn't even know he could sing, with a range of 4 octaves no less!  And despite being known best for a cover he was a brilliant songwriter as well.  His only full studio album, Grace, has a number of original songs as well as covers and they are all worth listening to.  Anyway, I could clearly go on talking about him for a long time so I will leave it there with a recommendation to listen to the album in its entirety and a link to the title track which is written by Buckley and his friend Gary Lucas and really displays his vocal range and power as well as his skill as a songwriter and guitarist.            

Rufus Wainwright and his partner, Jorn, had a baby with Leonard Cohen's daughter Lorca, so in a slightly stretched connection I thought I'd share one of my favourite Cohen songs.  Being a poet myself I find something incredibly appealing and undeniable about the way he writes, listening to it I long to be able to go to the places he must have gone to find the words he finds.  There is something about the song "So Long Marianne" that has always caught me.  Most people might automatically go to the song "Hallelujah" with the mention of Leonard Cohen and while that song is an incredibly brilliant song, for me his presentation of it does not work nearly as well as Jeff Buckley's and so instead, I will share "So Long Marianne" which is from Cohen's 1967 debut album Songs of Leonard Cohen.  The lyrics are, as would soon be seen as the norm from Cohen, pure and powerful poetry and though his voice is not the perfect singing voice it is, to me, perfect in its imperfection.

The fact that Sean Lennon and Rufus Wainwright crossed paths, preformed together a number of times and seemingly became friends is not surprising...  They are both New Yorkers (although Wainwright considers himself a Montrealer as well), of a similar age, born to famous musician parents, they are intelligent, creative, unique and theatrical musicians, they also both have distinctive, slightly nasal voices.  Wainwright is a unique character, a true artist in my mind.  I saw him a couple years back at Carnegie Hall and he started the show with a tribute to Judy Garland. We were asked before the show, not to clap between songs and Wainwright didn't say a word, just seemed to floated on stage in a long, flowing black outfit, train trailing out behind, sat down at the piano and drew us all in with his piano playing and incredible voice which flowed out in to every corner of the theatre.  The second half, he practically skipped on stage in a purple velvet coat and sweats (fancy ones of course), and once again stunned the crowd with his staggering talent to create soundscapes both vast and delicate at the same time and his ability to fill every song with raw and honest emotion.  And in what will likely remain one of my favourite artist flubs on stage, he choked on his own spit during "Hallelujah"!  The whole experience was unearthly.  I'm sharing two songs both from his latest album Out of the Game which, incidently, Sean Lennon plays guitar on the album. "Jericho" is the second single from the album and catches me anew every time I hear it.  The second one is a video of a live radio preformance of his first single "Out of the Game".  It shows how seemingly effortless his voice flows out of him so I thought I'd share it as well!