Hem
“The part where you let go”
Like the indigo girls, the harmonies in this song are actually lower than the melody. I absolutely love the result. If I were to classify this group, I’d say it’s nickel creek meets Indigo girls. It’s a bit more complex than just that though. You’ll find many more instruments in HEM’s arsenal. If you listen to “Half acre” you’ll hear a bassoon, an oboe, piano, xylophone, clarinets, and strings.
If a sense of musical folk is your thing, you’ll really dig this music.
Quantic & Nickodemus
“Mi Swing es Tropical”
I fell in love with this tune the first time I heard it in a commercial for Apple’s iPod. This Spanish number has been stuck in my head for days. Posting it here was the only way to get it out of my system. This song is featured on the CD associated with this post as well as a CD for Quantic, since this track was apparently a collaborative effort.
I hope this song is as fun for you as it is for me.
Imogen Heap
“Just For Now”
I obtained a copy of “Just for Now” performed live by Imogen Heap. This recording from studio 11 (103.1 FM). Many of you don’t know this, but Imogen’s music is the reason I started this site. If you like the music I post here, and have been touched by any of it, you have her to thank.
Here is the video to this live recording.
Harry Belafonte
“Island in the sun”
*sigh*. I recently finalized a trip to Jamaica. Well, nearly finalized - The plane ticket has been purchased. I’m going there for about 5 days for some fun in the sun, relaxation, and some much needed rest. I’ll be heading down there in September and I can hardly wait.
As a tribute, today I feature Harry Belafonte. Maybe I’ll post “Jamaica Farewell” when I return from my trip.
Gipsy Kings
“Hotel California”
Buenos dias! Oddly enough, I was exposed to the Gipsy Kings back in 2001. I listened to nearly everything they recorded. When I came across this song, I knew I would have to store it for this site 6 years later. Ok not really, but I do really dig this cover. The guitar parts are more heartfelt to me and for that reason I like this version better than the original. Who cares if you don’t speak Spanish? Sing along in English if you know the words.
Israel Kamakawiwoole
“Somewhere Over the rainbow & What a wonderful world”
This week is all about cover songs that I’ve liked over the years. We start out on one of my favorites. “Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World” by Israel “Bruddah Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole. He was called “The gentle Giant” by his friends in Hawa’i. I first heard this song in the movie Raising Arizona. That was a long time ago.
Here is a youtube video of the performance.
Tom Waits
“Swordfishtrombone”
You’ve heard nothing like swordfishtrombone, unless of course you’ve heard other Tom Waits music. He has a truly unique take on the art of song and poetry. He’s pretty obscure in verse. Give this one a go.
Colin Hay
“Waiting for my Real Life to Begin”
I was a fan when I first heard Men at Work when I was a kid. Knowing that Colin hasn’t stopped writing makes my heart feel warm.
His music has been featured all over the place. Most recently on scrubs, the T.V. show.
If you like this, listen to his “Beautiful World”, “I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You” and “Water Song”.
It’ll make your day, I promise.
Posted in world music on March 30th, 2007 No Comments »
Cesaria Evora
“Petit Pays”
You can find a few amazing remixes of this song. My favorite remix is the “Chatau Flight” remix. It’s perfectly packed with percussive parts.
I’m out of “P”s now — great. Anyway, give this a listen. It’s a departure from the recent norm, but I felt a need to mix things up a bit.
Her style of music is a bit of a mix of an African style mixed with a Brazilian style. Google her if you must. (and you must!)
Marisa Monte
“Universo Ao Meu Redor”
I’ve been taken to a new place, musically. Hold on for the ride–we’re in samba country now. Whilst I digress, I’ll wax poetic a bit about the paradigm shift. I’m only kidding. That was a bit of an inside joke.
I’m probably going to be in this realm of music for a while. Don’t lose interest. We’ll come back to reality eventually.
This CD was released in 2006, and I had quite a hard time deciding which one of her songs to post. They’re all amazing.