"I think I should have no other mortal wants, if I could always have plenty of music. It seems to infuse strength into my limbs and ideas into my brain. Life seems to go on without effort, when I am filled with music." -George Eliot
Are you all sufficiently Daft Punkcrazed? I know I am. It’s the perfect album to welcome in the Summer of 2013. (Last year my summer album was Metric’s, Synthetica. Mmm. So good.) Today this cello cover of “Get Lucky” crossed my path. I must say, I’m quite taken with it. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. Shall we?
Cover songs are often a controversial topic among music lovers. I see both sides of the topic, but I myself am very PRO-cover. Inspiration is found in nature, in a kind word, in a thoughtfully penned poem, in the laughter of children. Different things inspire different people at different times, but I think music is universally the most inspirational medium. Musicians who are just starting out hone their craft by learning covers that inspire them, songs originally played by people they admire. I love that! I love the respect and reverence you can hear in a thoughtfully done cover. I especially adore it when a song is reworked and has new life breathed into it. [original source]
If every word that you deliver could be the making of me Then please will you consider making me a believer
I’ve been sitting on this post for a few weeks, waiting for the words to arrive. That’s how it works sometimes. The song finds its way to me and I feel the impulse to share. But if I sit down to put words to the why and the words aren’t there, I have to wait it out.
Today, while reading Alan Watts, I came across this phrase, The menu is not the meal. I was immediately flooded with colorful imagery and completely overcome with the need to explore this one on paper. It’s a innocent little phrase that could easily slip past unnoticed, but give it some pause and there’s a whole lot of goodness just waiting to be digested.
I’m pretty invested in this business of living. I push myself to experience life with a heightened sense of awareness. Because of this, I have to surround myself with people of substance who nourish me. I don’t need a friend list of a thousand, or a bunch of back-up plans in case the first one falls through. I need a few good friends who feel a pulsing desire to engage and positively impact the flow of energy around them. My entertainment requirements are similar. I need music, film and literature which has the power to CHANGE me. I want to feel awakened. When I’m connecting with a like-mind or being drawn in by some form of creative expression, I am rejuvenated. To break it down: it’s not the endless options, the temptations, or all the pretty pictures that matter — what matters is what we sink our teeth into, what we ingest for the purpose of re-fueling. Anyway, that’s what I get from Alan’s words and I like it very much. It’s easy to lose sight, to let fear and distraction occupy one’s days — and that will happen. It happens to me all the time. But I always come out of if with a little more clarity, and a little more fight.
I was introduced to Sivu the same week I wrote the Alfred Hall post. It was a good week for music and connection and feeling alive. I was so immensely grateful for the jump-start my heart received that week — I think I’ve been hoarding my Sivu discovery just a little bit. I’ve allowed myself to completely indulge in the getting-to-know-you phase of the relationship, without feeling the pressure to explain away my attraction. (I suggest you spend some listening time over at his soundcloud page. That’s where I fell head over heels.)
This London based songwriter (his given name is James Page) has recently been on tour with The Staves and is currently opening a few shows for Benjamin Francis Leftwich. His EP, Bodies, is out June 2nd – but I’m guessing that’s a UK release only and those of us living elsewhere will have to wait a little longer. It was difficult to choose which song to share, as I love them all, but this is my favorite video/ live recording. Rachel Lander on cello and Hinako Omori on keys are a stunning compliment to this track. I’ve spent a fair amount of time pressing repeat. (Thanks to Itdrewitself: Music Room Sessions for teasing my senses aplenty.)
I get complaints that some can’t see YouTube videos, but find that Vimeo often works in their country. If that’s the case, here’s a link for you.[For happy ears: click here]
[lyrics] If every word that you deliver Could be the making of me Then please will you consider Making me a believer
Touch your lips to watch them quiver Then build a path through the scene Why won’t you come join, enjoy this last supper with me
Cause I don’t care, that is the love I’m losing Life’s not fair, that’s something that I’m learning I’m not sure if it’s me — I’m falling I’ll never care how you really feel
Cause God, ’cause God, ’cause God speaks in tongues Cause God, ’cause God, ’cause God speaks in tongues I won’t ever be good enough
If every word that you deliver Could keep my bones shaking in me Then please, will you consider Taking me to the great receiver
Cause I don’t care, that is the love I’m losing Life’s not fair, that’s something that I’m learning I’m not sure if it’s me — I’m falling I’ll never care how you really feel
Cause God, ’cause God, ’cause God speaks in tongues Cause God, ’cause God, ’cause God speaks in tongues I won’t ever be good enough now
Oh, Saint Christopher carry me over Is there any hope left for me?
The great receiver You come and make me your believer The great receiver You come and make me your believer
Cause God, ’cause God, ’cause God speaks in tongues Cause God, ’cause God, ’cause God speaks in tongues I won’t ever be good enough
Do you know what I find amusing? Well many things, but one that keeps resurfacing is this — unhappy people do not like gratitude gushers. I am, or at least strive to be, a giver of thanks. I don’t do it because it’s how I was raised. I don’t do it because I “should”. I do it because it fills me with a childlike glee. Any day that I can manage to see things or experience things with childlike wonder, is a damn good day. Sourpusses do not like me and I’m okay with that. It doesn’t make me like them any less. I have hope for them. My hope is that some song, some movie, some book, some sunset, some SOMEONE wipes the glaze from their eyes, or massages the heaviness from their shoulders, and they get a glimpse of how beautiful life could be if they’d simply allow themselves to see it. Gratitude is a good first step. Say thank you, say it often, and don’t be afraid to ask for more of whatever it is that fills you.
I woke this morning with an extra bounce in my step — I attribute this to the smell of lilacs wafting through my open window and the sounds of the birds singing their morning song. (I would like to be a bird in my next life. Oh how I would love to soar, and dive, and let the wind carry me…) I just adore springtime in Colorado, minus the occasional snow fall, that is. If you still yourself for just a moment and tune into nature, you can practically hear the breeze whispering “embrace new beginnings — it’s time”; that’s the best part of this season. We’ve had the winter to hibernate, to nurse wounds, to hold grudges, to pack on a few pounds to protect us from the cold. But that time has passed and a new chapter has begun; it’s time to let go. Leave the past behind and to start fresh. Like the plants outside we must welcome growth. (Yes, yes, it’s ALWAYS the season for these things, but warmer weather and signs of new life can be powerful motivators.) As I was marveling at how good life is, at how I truly love the inspiration brought on by the freshness of Spring, as I was thinking that this day just couldn’t get any more magnificent — a present arrived in my email. Today, possibly because my day was already effused with gratitude, the universe saw fit to bestow a glorious gift upon me. It came wrapped in harmonious soundscapes — three minutes and forty seconds of lush melodies, accompanied by soul-stirring lyrics.
Owls of the Swamp, while not at all new to making music, is new to me. (Which is fitting since NEW and FRESH seem to be the theme of this piece.) Australian multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Pete Uhlenbruch, is the heartbeat behind this project. Aptly titled, his latest single, “The Hypnotist”, is made all the more entrancing due to guest vocals by The Swell Season’s, Markéta Irglová. I’m still reeling from the sheer beauty of this tune.
Are you as enchanted by this as I am? Owls of the Swamp has my attention — I’m ready for more.
[lyrics] You came to me like a feather in the breeze, But you fell like a stone, Left bruises on my toes, When you looked in my eyes you started a fire, And it burned so deep, My bones burned to wire, So turn your eyes to mine, And leave your past behind, Empty out your mind, Empty out your mind, Now tell me what you see, And show me what you find, The monsters in the deep, The diamonds in the mine Burn your fire high, Burn your fire bright, And tell me what you see, Show me what you find, The stories in the trees, The faces in the fire, The faces in the fire, The faces in the fire, The faces in the fire
It’s songs like this one that made me want to do a regular Cover Series feature in the first place. I really dig Labrinth’s, Earthquake, and I’m thrilled to have an excuse to put it up here on the blog. It’s definitely not something I would attempt to wax poetic over and admittedly, it doesn’t fit into my typical listening repertoire.But I love it all the same.
Then a cover like Lola King’s comes along and makes you stop dead in your tracks… Accompanied by her brother, Dan, on guitar, they strip it all back and let you hear the bare bones. In all the times I’ve listened to the original I’ve never once thought, “beautiful”, or “stunning”, and after listening to Lola’s version that’s exactly what I thought. Wow, that was stunning — beautiful in an unexpected way. I think I’ll listen again. And I have, many times. [click here for more on Lola King and the Kickstarts]
Cover songs are often a controversial topic among music lovers. I see both sides of the topic, but I myself am very PRO-cover. Inspiration is found in nature, in a kind word, in a thoughtfully penned poem, in the laughter of children. Different things inspire different people at different times, but I think music is universally the most inspirational medium. Musicians who are just starting out hone their craft by learning covers that inspire them, songs originally played by people they admire. I love that! I love the respect and reverence you can hear in a thoughtfully done cover. I especially adore it when a song is reworked and has new life breathed into it. [original source]
[and the original]
________ check out the previous songs in this series
Emily Dickinson once wrote in a letter, The heart wants what the heart wants – or else it does not care. Often when I’m pondering why I like something (or don’t), I think of Emily’s words. Of course, the attraction or chemistry I’m prone to dissecting is of the musical sort. The heart wants what the heart wants – or else it doesn’t not care. I feel this is quite applicable to music because I listen with my whole being; my heart generally takes the lead.
Recently the music of Lola King and the Kickstarts fell into my lap. I must admit, I’m a critical first-time listener. I pushed play, and when I was immediately assaulted by luscious indie-pop goodness, I thought to myself, this isn’t going to be for me — it’s too “up”. (What’s that? You say “luscious indie-pop goodness” should be aselling point? Well, I can’t help it, dammit; I’m stuck in a rut and I like my music introspective and melancholy. stomps foot and sticks out tongue) However… despite my initial musings, I was sufficiently intrigued. The lyrics were witty and compelling, not to mention absurdly catchy. There was also something magnetic about their sound — I knew instinctively I wouldn’t be able to write them off so easily. I found myself re-visiting their limited catalog in hopes of cementing my impression of them. I had to switch from bandcamp streaming to YouTube to help it all click into place. What had been apprehensive curiosity, immediately blossomed into a musical crush worthy of sharing. (And this was the kicker.) You should know my basis for placing value on all entertainment [books/film/music] is: 1) Would I read/watch/listen again? 2) Would I share it with someone else? As it turns out, Lola King and the Kickstarts fit the bill in a big way. Yes, I’ll listen again (and again) and yes, I’m dying to share. (And yes, I’m doubly smitten because their luscious pop goodness won me over! I really like it when I find myself reconsidering first impressions — enlightenment comes when one is receptive.)
What YouTube solidified for me, that streaming did not, was the joyous passion that exudes from this band. I’m passionate about what I listen to, and what I write about, and I guess I need to feel a similar passion coming from any band I’m considering featuring. The energy coming off LKATK is wildly contagious.
Their debut double a-side single (including the song featured above) will be available on iTunes, Amazon, etc. on May 20th — but for now the band is generously gifting them for free.
[lyrics] Just because I’m down it doesn’t mean that I can’t bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce. And ’cause I lost romance it doesn’t mean that I can’t dance, dance,dance, dance, dance, dance.
You’re thinking I’m blue because of you, but maybe you’re wrong, Everything that I do can’t be tainted by you and the fact that you’re gone.
(Ohhhhh, Ohhhhh, Ohhhhh,)
Just because I’m skint it doesn’t mean that i can’t drink, drink, drink, drink, drink, drink. And just because I drink it doesn’t mean that I don’t dare to think, think, think, think, think, think
You’re thinking I’m blue because of you but maybe you’re wrong, Everything that I do can’t be tainted by you and the fact that you’re gone.
(Ohhhhh, Ohhhhh, Ohhhhh,)
I don’t know where to begin, we could bounce forever. And if you really want to win, we should bounce together, And if you’re thinking how I think, then we can bounce forever. And if you really want to win, we should bounce together.
Just because I’m down it doesn’t mean that I can’t bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce. And ’cause I lost romance it doesn’t mean that I can’t dance, dance,dance, dance, dance, dance.
You’re thinking I’m blue because of you but maybe you’re wrong, Everything that I do can’t be tainted by you and the fact that you’re gone.
(Ohhhhh, Ohhhhh, Ohhhhh,)
I don’t know where to begin, we could bounce forever. And if you really want to win, we should bounce together, And if you’re thinking how I think, then we can bounce forever. And if you really want to win, we should bounce together.
I don’t know where to begin, we could bounce forever. And if you really want to win, we should bounce together, And if you’re thinking how I think, then we can bounce forever. And if you really want to win, we should bounce together.
Holy… w o w. This is hands down THE MOST beautiful thing I’ve heard in ages. Sure, everything that The Staves do is worthy of your appreciation and admiration — but this, I don’t know, it just undoes me. I’m quite smitten with Keaton’s music, and I’m an advocate for connection and collaboration, so I imagine that’s why this sets my insides ablaze with euphoric delight.
Cover songs are often a controversial topic among music lovers. I see both sides of the topic, but I myself am very PRO-cover. Inspiration is found in nature, in a kind word, in a thoughtfully penned poem, in the laughter of children. Different things inspire different people at different times, but I think music is universally the most inspirational medium. Musicians who are just starting out hone their craft by learning covers that inspire them, songs originally played by people they admire. I love that! I love the respect and reverence you can hear in a thoughtfully done cover. I especially adore it when a song is reworked and has new life breathed into it. [original source]
[and the original]
________ check out the previous songs in this series
I’ve mentioned once or twice that I was unable to make the annual trek to Austin for SxSW this year. I tried to ignore the SxSW countdowns and the various posts that were all over the interwebs. I even refused to make a SxSW show schedule for a dear friend because doing so would cause me too much pain. I did pretty well staying out of it, but I thought it would be safe to tune in during the week of SxSW. After all, there was no way I could change my mind last minute. Plus, I’d just returned home from my amazing LA getaway. All of my musical needs should have been more than satiated. Honestly, I thought I was at peace with my decision to skip South-by this year. (After this post, I PROMISE to stop talking about it.)
But then I discovered two things that physically made my heart hurt. 1) Bastille was playing SxSW. 2) Vance Joy was playing SxSW. How did this slip past me?! Forget the part where I had very purposefully ignored anything and everything SxSW. I couldn’t believe this information had eluded me. I’m sure it was for the best; I simply could not go this year. END OF STORY. (However, that didn’t stop me from berating myself for the better part of a week, and creating scenarios in my mind in which I could go back in time and change my plans around.)
Anyway, this is my favorite song off Vance Joy’s debut EP, God Loves You When You’re Dancing. The simplicity of this song is what I find so striking. It’s a waking lullaby; gentle, but stirring. It’s the perfect opening track for his EP; it just makes you want more.I’ve been waiting for a YouTube video to surface, so I could share it with you. Like so much of the music I love, this album is not yet available for purchase in the US. I did start to purchase a hard copy from his merch store, but couldn’t bring myself to spend a little over $10 for the 5-song EP and then another $10 to have it shipped. I’m not cheap and I deeply value supporting the music I love, but that was too steep for me. I’ll bide my time until it’s been made available on US iTunes or Amazon, or until he tours in the states and I can buy a copy at show.
(Just a heads up, this video is silent until 27 seconds in.)
Connect with Vance Joy on FACEBOOK
[lyrics]
Oh if you’re losing sleep… Oh if you’re losing sleep, scared of shadows. See it’s just a chair, see the clothes hang there. Oh don’t go losing sleep, scared of shadows. Oh don’t feel bad. Well I never have, since I got you, my Emmylou. You wear those socks to bed, wear those socks to bed. That’s what I do. Oh c’mon sleepyhead, get yourself to bed. Don’t go losin, oh, the nighttime. Oh, don’t feel bad. Well, I never have, since I got you, my Emmylou. You are loved, you are loved, you are loved. You are loved, you are loved, you are loved. You are loved, you are loved, you are loved. You are loved, you are loved, you are loved. Oh now, don’t feel bad. Well I never have. Now that I’ve got you, my Emmylou. No don’t feel bad. Well I never have, now that I’ve got you, my Emmylou.
I really like it when I find myself reconsidering first impressions — enlightenment comes when one is receptive.)
