Default

This afternoon is rainy and as such I thought peppy song might do. Django Django is a Scottish group and this song is bubbly and filled with shimmering percussion which makes it hard to stay still while hearing it.

Django Django “Default”

Everest

A few years ago (three to be exact) we were living in the Chicago area and I had the good fortune to discover WXRT radio, which is a fantastic station that plays all different types of music provided it’s good. My old playlists are filled with gems that I found on WXRT.  I have been meaning to post this song for some time, but I always stop myself because the song was taken on as an ad for Corona (not that there is any problem with that) and it lost some of its glimmer for me. For a time. That being said, I really love this song.  Sometimes when I dust off an old playlist, songs regain their spark for me. Sometimes not. This one’s a keeper. Neil Young discovered this great band playing and handpicked them to tour with him. I am curious to dig in to their more recent offerings.

It’s Friday! Make it a good one.

Everest “Let Go”

Under African Skies

There are so many things to love about today’s song. Paul Simon’s Graceland was a cultural phenomenon and it is filled with some of the most amazing blends of musical styles and cultural references. That doesn’t even speak to its lyrics, which are, in my opinion, unparalleled.  The way Paul Simon weaves a tale in and out of his lyrical stanzas really floors me, because even if the story doesn’t speak to you, I think the emotion intended will.  Anyway, there are so many great songs on Graceland and I’ve enjoyed it for years, but it wasn’t until I saw the recent documentary, “Under African Skies” that I understood the political and cultural significance of Graceland’s creation, and subsequent accolades.  Traveling to South Africa during this time as an artist was defying a cultural boycott and Simon was met with discontent and troubles from many factions of the political climate in South Africa. Anyway, I highly recommend watching this film as it is a very interesting look at 1980s South Africa.

The other treat on this particular track is that Paul Simon is accompanied by Linda Ronstadt. Her harmonies are beautiful and like with Art Garfunkel, her voice sounds like it is made to go with Paul Simon’s. She recently revealed that her Parkinson’s diagnoses has rendered her unable to sing.  For me, that gives this song an additional layer of emotion. Her voice, in its prime, was glorious.

Monday Cover

On, Friday I mentioned that I am really loving the Neighbourhood lately.  I was pretty excited to find this cover of Destiny’s Child “Say My Name” with portions of Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River” added in.  I love when artists cover songs. This one is down tempo and very chill which is a different take on these two songs and is kind of a nice way to ease into the week.

Enjoy!

The Neighbourhood “Say My Name”

 

Dreams

Today’s song is was an instant love for me. Certainly there are songs that grow on me with time and their character reveals itself after many plays, but I still really enjoy when I hear a song and feel like I must know: 1. Who is singing it? 2. What it is? 3. When can I hear it again? In today’s really fantastic world of technology you can answer all three in one quick step: Shazaam.  I remember many years ago hearing the White Stripes, “Seven Nation Army” for the first time and trying to google the lyrics that I could recall so that I could figure out the band and the title. It wasn’t quick, and then I had to go buy the CD, and while I am occasionally a bit wistful that the thrill of the hunt for a song is over– rendered obsolete by technology–I am more often thrilled that I can hear the  music that I love that much faster.

Upon first listen, I was pretty convinced that this must be a single from The Neighbourhood, whom I am currently really enjoying and haven’t yet posted, but it isn’t and that just means more new music to love. Sir Sly, sounds a lot like The Neighbourhood, plus Tricky and Coldplay? They released an EP, “Gold” with four songs back in May and it’s pretty great.

10.10

Today’s song is my favorite Brett Dennen song. It always lifts my spirits.  It has such a jaunty little melody and the message is like a balm for for an anxious mind. It seems like everyone these days battles the fear of the unknown and of change, I am certainly not exempt from this tendency. I feel like it’s good to have this type of song in your pocket for such times.

I am really enjoying Dennen’s newer songs as well. He recently released a single, “Wild Child,” which I presume is off of an upcoming album.

Have a great day.

Brett Dennen “Darlin’ Do Not Fear”

Aussie Joy

I’ve never been to the Southern Hemisphere.  Australia intrigues me as it seems like such an unusual hybrid of cultures and influences.  I would really like to go and see the Southern Constellations. I’d also really like to go and check out some of the really great music that I’ve heard coming out of Australia of late.  Vance Joy is newly on the world scene;  his debut album, God Loves You When You’re Dancing,  came out in March of 2013 and I really love it.

Happy Friday!

Vance Joy “Riptide”

It’s going to be tough to top

Alt J and Lord Huron were amazing and the concert was a pretty perfect evening all around.  Joe Newman, the lead singer was so kind and seemed to genuinely appreciate the positive feedback on what a kick-ass show he put on.  I was floored by how amazing they were live. Actually, the common thread between the seemingly incongruous Lord Huron and Alt J was that both exceeded expectations performing live.  I loved every second of it.  Great friends, great bands and the fact that we got to meet the musicians was the icing on a pretty delicious cake.