Posted in acoustic, downtempo on February 18th, 2007 1 Comment »
Nick Drake
“Pink Moon”
This song was originally released in 1974. The saddest thing about Drake’s music is that this song is being used to sell Volkswagens. He should be remembered for more than just a car commercial.
I relate to Nick’s style of guitar playing as itt closely resembles a style I used to play. I put Nick’s style of music in the same eccentric circle of artists such as Tom Waits, Neil Halstead, Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, and others.
Sadly, Nick committed suicide. He battled depression, kept his own hours, and had trouble sleeping during the latter years of his life. He was withdrawn, retrospective, and had a sense of disquiet about him. The UK Press said he had come to represent a certain type of ‘doomed romantic’ musician. There are others in my mind who have gone down a similar path as Nick: The Black Crowes, Lane Staley, Kurt Cobain. Heroine seems to be a common thread. Some make it out the rabbit hole, and some don’t.
If you like this song, check out more of his music.
Posted in acoustic, downtempo, piano on February 11th, 2007 1 Comment »
Chris Martin
“Yellow”
Sorry for such a late post today. As you know, Sundays are special ‘days off’ for me musically. Today I’m posting a song near and dear to my heart. This was the first Coldplay song I had ever heard, and at the time I had written them off. I wasn’t crazy about this song at first. In fact, it was a bit of an annoyance to me. However, after their second and third singles released, i realized this band was no one-hit-wonder. Now, I love this song.
This particular version is from Sounds Eclectic Too — an amazing radio program. So many great bands have been featured on ’sounds eclectic’ albums. Go out and buy this album. It’s worth it.
Posted in acoustic, downtempo on February 8th, 2007 2 Comments »
Death Cab for Cutie
“I will follow you into the dark”
A bit of honesty and vulnerability takes this song a long way. For a time, proceeds of this song went to help fund the relief efforts (Children’s health fund) caused by the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. That wins it a gold star from me.
The band was invited by Eddie Vedder to join Pearl Jam on 2004’s Vote For Change Tour, and Death Cab landed a major record deal shortly thereafter.
Posted in acoustic, guitar on February 1st, 2007 2 Comments »
Ray LaMontagne
“Lesson Learned”
Today we are given a lesson on heart-felt singing, by Ray LaMontagne. Ray is (was?) apparently quite shy on stage, and is prone to have the lights turned down low.
You should also listen to “Three More Days”. It reminds me of good 70’s music– Like something Bill Withers would write (”Use Me”).
Ray is on track to becoming quite a prolific songwriter. Stay tuned for many more good days of great music from him.
Posted in acoustic, guitar on January 29th, 2007 5 Comments »
Damien Rice
“9 crimes (demo)”
I would have rather posted “The Blower’s daughter” but this song is more recent, and therefore, more relevant. I would like this song much more if the piano track wasn’t a digital fabrication of a piano. It’s a good fabrication, but still, I can tell the timbre of a real piano versus something digital most days.
That said, this is still a great song. The incredibly soft, deep bass drum notes were an excellent addition.
Posted in acoustic, downtempo, piano on January 24th, 2007 1 Comment »
Michelle Featherstone
“Coffee & Cigarettes”
Warning: This is an intense break-up song about quitting.
I don’t see this current musical path changing anytime soon. I’m suffering from a small bout of melancholy. Does the song make us melancholy or do we pick the song because we are melancholy? Whatever it is, I’ll make the most of it. I appreciate music more lately if it has a prominent rhythm piano part, gospel influences and an acoustic feel. There’s something very poignant and penetrating about this sort of musical style. It also helps if it is very lyrically bewitching–like this one.