Amadou & Miriam have been making music together since 1976. Their latest release, “Welcome to Mali”, dropped today. Their sound is a mix of Afro-folk melodies and rhythms and pop beats. Lyrics are a mix of English and French, but you don’t need to understand the words to enjoy the music! See amadou-mariam.com for more information (French only).
Andrew Bird keeps showing up on my radar lately, which is interesting since my last recollection of him was at least 10 years ago, when I read a Rolling Stone article about how he lived in his car and never showered. I think that was him.
Anyway, he’s usually referred to as a “multi-instrumentalist” or “musical polymath”, which are fancy ways of saying he plays more than one instrument and also writes songs in more than one genre. Bird has a degree in violin and considers himself a professional whistler (he’s really quite good, but then I’m easily impressed as I cannot whistle). His wide and deep range of musical interest has led him, most recently, into the sound of “Oh No” posted at right. I think it’s like Belle & Sebastian: wordy pop songs with texturally interesting tracks. Texture is definitely the key as Bird layers acoustic and electronic instruments, loops and his voice and whistling in ways that are not common to current popular music — which, it seems, is only interested in overwhelming the listener. Instead of overwhelming, Bird’s compositions are engaging. I was pleased to hear him on our local independent radio station, The River.
This is true of his earlier work as well. Below, “Imitosis” from his 2007 release “Armchair Apocrypha”.
For more about Bird, here’s an interview at AVClub and their review of Noble Beast.
About once a week, I do a binge-reading of the Lefsetz Letter, a blog by entertainment business attorney Bob Lefsetz. He is a true lover of music and always has an interesting take on the industry. He also does occasional reviews (usually of multiple songs/albums at one time). Which is how I discovered Jim Boggia last night.
Boggia’s songs (at least the ones I could find online) feel like classic 60s and 70s tunes, so in this respect he is a pastiche artist. However, while you can definitely hear all of his influences in each song, they are tongue-in-cheek lyrically and it would be easy to create fond memories to any of his tunes. “8Track” has a stadium rock vibe; “To and Fro” is the most Beatlesque (and if you search on YouTube, you can find a lot of Beatles covers in Boggia’s repertoire) but with “Bonanza”-like guitars in the middle. The newest release is “Listening to NRBQ” from Misadventures in Stereo. Lefsetz commented on the lyrics. I enjoy the narrative but the classic pop melody and chord changes are what draw me in the most — it’s like talking to someone for the first time but feeling like you’ve known them forever.
If you’ve felt disconnected from current music, Boggia might be worth a listen for you. He certainly was for me, and if he tours the northeast, I will certainly get myself down to Boston to hear him.
Prior to coming into American homes on American Idol’s Season 5, Taylor Hicks had been a working musician for over 10 years. Working the bars and clubs of the southeastern US, Hicks honed his craft, becoming the seasoned performer we saw in our living rooms each week. As Season 5 progressed, many fans began to discover the pre-AI Taylor Hicks, and they liked what they saw and heard – a singer and songwriter than transcended what they saw on their TV screens.
Fans discovered that Hicks had recorded two CD’s prior to AI, In Your Time, released in 1997 and Under the Radar, released in 2005. Both CDs were recorded independently and were made under very tight budgets. In Your Time was actually recorded live to save money. Neither CD was widely available, but ended up in the hands of fans through various channels. But now, songs from those two CD’s have been remastered and released by Hicks’ own Modern Whomp Records, under the title Early Works.
The compilation includes six songs from each of the previous CDs; all but two songs are Hicks originals. These songs have been in my possession for two years now, but I was anxious to hear these remastered versions. Would they lose that raw, stripped down, hard working musician quality that I found so attractive? The answer is no, they’ve just made them better, bringing out Hicks’ vocals and the great performances of his backup musicians. “Nostalgic” and “endearing” are the words Hicks uses to describe the compilation, but I’d like to add original, warm, creative, versatile, and passionate.
For those who did not follow Hicks beyond his AI performances each week, or may have heard Taylor Hicks, his post-AI release, Early Works may be a pleasant surprise. Though two of his original songs, Soul Thing and The Deal were included on Taylor Hicks, they were highly produced versions of the songs. What you get on Early Works are songs written and recorded by a young Hicks, taking all he had been exposed to from his immersion into the world of music, that started at the age of nine with the theft of a friends’ Otis Redding album. Hicks tries to set the tone of what it’s all about for him with the placement of Soul Thing on track one – “It ain’t no groove thing, it ain’t no country twang, it’s a just a simple refrain, it’s just a soul thing.” But it is all of those things and more on Early Works. You feel his love of music, no matter what the genre on this CD – the bluesy sound of Somehow, the country feel of West Texas Sky, the calypso beat of Hold Onto Your Love, the New Orleans vibe of My Friend, and the groove of Tighten Up. Most of all, what you discover is that not only is Hicks a great singer and performer, but a damn good songwriter.
Though not written by Hicks, one song on the compilation deserves particular attention. The cover of Georgia, with Billy Earl McClelland on guitar, is worth the over seven minute listen. Hicks eases into the song, handling it almost reverently as a nod to his idol, Ray Charles. But as the song goes on, he makes it his own, taking us to every corner of his vocal ability, from soul wrenching growls to smooth falsetto. For anyone needing an introduction to the vocal abilities and the creativity of Taylor Hicks, this is the song to listen to.
The release of Early Works makes this music more widely available, but it also sets the stage for Hicks’ next CD, which is in the works. According to Hicks, we can expect something more raw and more organic than his post-AI release. I see it as a possible continuation of where he was going before the sharp left turn of AI. At least all of us who are fans of that raw, bar singer side of Hicks hope so.
Early Works is now available exclusively at Target.
Weezer [the Red Album]
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| Weezer’s sixth overall and third eponymous album, which shall be colloquially known as the “Red Album”, is another typical post-Pinkerton Weezer album. Rivers Cuomo does his usual thing, this time with a 70’s-porn-star-type mustache (I have no idea why, and you’d think his wife would tell him to shave it off). The first single is “Pork & Beans”, which is by far the least interesting song on the album. The video for it is hilarious, though, starring pretty much every annoying YouTube star from the past year or so.
I’m more interested in “Heart Songs” and “The Angel and The One”, which are ballads and really need more than the 30-second preview to analyze. They might actually dip back into Pinkerton territory if we’re lucky, or possibly Blue Album (”Sweater Song”) territory. But basically, it’s a bunch of tossed-off pop songs with noise guitars, drones, and a bouncy backbeat. And ain’t nothing wrong with that. (Mari) Preview and download MP3s….
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Perfectly Clear
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| Jewel’s new album Perfectly Clear is Jewel doing her usual thing, but now they’re calling it “country”. I didn’t listen to Jewel’s albums until her pop-dance album, 0304, but here is a woman who is writing actual good songs. Her real genre is “well-written songs”, except there’s no genre called that. This particular batch are produced to remind me of “old” country female vocalists — no flash, just heartfelt twang. You could drop this album in the bin next to June Carter Cash and it would feel comfortable there. Fun fact: the song “Two Become One” was previously “2 Become 1″ on 0304. (Mari) | |
Anywhere I Lay My Head
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| Yeah you read that right, Scarlett Johansson the actress has recorded a cd! It’s all Tom Waits music and if anyone knows me they know I love Tom’s music. It’s a bit strange, sad, funny and emotional, just like the man. She was inspired by his music and wanted to try and bring it to the mainstream. David Bowie adds backing vocals on two tracks, “Falling Down” and “Fannin Street. She also recorded one original track, “Song For Jo,” which she co-wrote with David Andrew Sitek. I have to say she doesn’t bring the same sound or emotion to the songs but there really is no one like Tom Waits so that doesn’t surprise me. (Alicia) | |
Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards
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| If you want to learn more about Tom Waits try “Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards”.
I feel this cd is one of his best as it touches the different sides of him, his music, and style. Oh and if you really like him you can see him on tour this summer. But only if you can afford 425.00 a ticket. Just try the lottery first, if you win please let me know. Because even if you could afford the tickets I’m sure they will sell out in 2 seconds. (Alicia) |
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Tumbleweed Connection [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED
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| When I want to feel old, I remember when the hot new artist in my high school years was Elton John. The piano, the voice, the passion, the songs. I remember borrowing the very first CD, “Elton John”. “Your Song” is one of the great love songs ever: “I hope you don’t mind if I put into words, how wonderful life is with you in the world.” We actually thought he was hot. Of course we had the big round records at that time. I do prefer the “pre glitter” Elton music best of all. These songs and arrangements do stand the test of time, and have influenced artists ever since, including NESP and OFTV favorites Taylor Hicks and Little Memphis Blues Orchestra. (Margaux)
Classic Cuts: Country Comfort, Burn Down the Mission | |
Elton John [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]
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| Classic Cuts: Your Song, Take Me To the Pilot. . |
Good things come to those who wait! Patience is a virtue! I know, you’ve heard it all before, but it’s true! As you will soon find out. I am pleased to “finally” continue with the OFTV Spotlight series. In April you were introduced to the band SPOONFUL JAMES through the words of bass player Quinn Borland. Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy getting to know Quinn himself.
Interview with Quinn Borland
What is the story behind the name “Spoonful James”?
Q: We had a tough time coming up with a name. We wanted it to express our love for Blues music, but still be original, since that’s the type of band we were. I remember Wynn and I were stumped for a while and couldn’t get away from this “highway” theme for a name. It didn’t really come together when you said it, so we scratched it. One day we were listening to Cream do the old “Spoonful” song and we came to agree that song was one of our favorites. We didn’t want to completely rip off the song name, so we added “James” to make it sound like an old blues player. You know, like Lightning Hopkins or Muddy Waters. Plus I was on a Rick James kick at the time.
In your “History of Spoonful James”, that we published in April, you mentioned a little something about a riot. To refresh the memory of our readers, you were playing with a band called “Fletch Lives” at the Florabama and the band was asked to leave the stage because you might start a riot. Can you explain the story behind this?
Are your gigs your only source of income? Do you have a day job?
Q: The first two Spoonful albums we are proud to say were funded entirely by our gigs. Although for 7 Mile we did get some help. We were right at poverty level for many years and for two years I lived in a one bedroom efficiency apartment. It was rough, but it really taught me some things about working hard and the value of a dollar.
These days I work for a GPS tracking company. I started in this industry about three years ago and absolutely love it. We put these little black boxes into company vehicles and monitor them on our website with maps, speeds, historical data and everything (like that Hulk Hogan episode where he tracks his daughter’s car). Yep, I sell Tattlers’ .
Do you or Spoonful James have any projects in the works? Either individually or as a group? CDS etc?
Q: Wynn and I have some songs, but we have to put our heads together to really make them Spoonful songs. These days that seems harder to do than writing with our busy schedules.
When you write songs, where do the ideas for the lyrics usually come from? How do you decide what type of song it should be (like style of music, tempo, etc)?
Q: It usually starts on the guitar with Wynn. I’m best at writing bridges, hooks and changes.
What instruments do you play?
Q: Just bass and guitar. I do play some guitar, but only in the house. Also, I am currently practicing slide.
Are you self-taught or have you studied music?
Q: When I was 14, I took lessons for three months from a great teacher in Dothan, Mike Love. This guy looked and played exactly like Michael Anthony from Van Halen. He let me learn anything I wanted. I’d come in with a new Metallica song and he’d teach it to me. Really refreshing. Different from the stiff piano teachers. I took piano lessons for 2 weeks, hated it. I think the key to keeping a kid interested in music is to let them learn what they want every now and then. It’s always good to teach the essentials, but once a month let the kid learn a Beatles song. Post 1965 Beatles song, that is. After this I pretty much had the basics and built on that. Oddly enough I stole a few licks from Mitch Jones (LiMBO), before we really got to know each other. He’s a great player.
What inspires you the most about the music business?
Q: The ability to create something out of nothing and being able to get it to as many ears as possible.
What disappoints you the most?
Q: Greed. Oh and people downloading music for free.
Who is your favorite artist? Favorite song?
Q: Sly & the Family Stone. As for my favorite song, probably something from Derek and the Dominos “Layla” album. I can’t name just one.
What new music have you discovered recently, that you would like to share with the readers?
Q: Betty Davis (Miles’ wife) : Total Funk. Larry Graham (bass player from Sly & the Family Stone) played on her first album, which I picked up on Amazon.
As your music career moves forward, what outside of music would fulfill you the most?
Q: Being able to take my family on the road if it ever got to that point.
What is your favorite standout memory of your music career?
Q: Definately recording with Buddy Miles. We knew we had done something right when he came to the studio. We all loved Band of Gypsys and when we were warming up, we started playing “Who Knows?” with Buddy. You know when you hear music that you really enjoy and it gives you goose bumps? It was like that, except we were playing it. The feeling is indescribable. It literally took my breath away. We learned so much from that guy and we really miss him.
*** Buddy Miles passed away in February at the age of 60. (A little trivia on Buddy Miles: He was the voice of the singing California Raisin!)
That’s it for now folks, we’ll continue with Quinn’s interview in the next installment of OFTV Spotlight. In the meantime, why not visit www.myspace.com/spoonfuljames and www.cdbaby.com to check out Quinn and Spoonful James. Stop by, say hi, and give a listen to some great music!
If you have any questions for Quinn, I’m sure he will be more than happy to answer them. Just include your questions in the comment section and I will make sure he receives tham.
I’m a few weeks behind, but I’m finding some gems to put in this week’s New Music. I’m also playing with a very cool new Amazon widget, where you can preview a song or CD, and download the MP3s. I think everyone will enjoy previewing the US debut CD by the British soul sensation Duffy. Let me know how you like the widget!
Rockferry
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| You may have already heard “Mercy”, the first great summer song of 2008, with its irresistible 60s British soul beat. Duffy is not a soul belter, but there is some substance and edge to her light voice -– After downloading the hit single (and you must), check out “Warwick Avenue” with a sultry melody that Dusty Springfield might have enjoyed (Margaux) Preview and download MP3s….
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From the Reach
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| Slide guitar wizard Sonny Landreth joins a cast of superstars including Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton and Vince Gill for a tasty offering of Louisiana swamp rock, blues and soul. The standout from the previews was “Howlin’ Moon” with Dr. John and Jimmy Buffet, a steamy boil of gumbo. (Margaux) | |
Jim
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| For Amy, who is a fan of Jamie Lidell and his huge hit of a couple years ago — “Multiply” which was one of those infectious Target ad songs (or should have been if it wasn’t actually). His newest CD evokes Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke, full of funk and groove. Is Lidell jumping on the blue eyed soul bandwagon, is this a novelty disc, or a new direction? In any case, it’s absolute fun. (Margaux) | |
Lay It Down
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| Al Green still has it, 11 new songs by the soul icon and sexiest reverend in music, backed by old-school Stax-style horns, strings and organ, including collaborations with the hottest names in neo-soul, Anthony Hamilton, Corinne Bailey Rae, John Legend, and the Dap Kings. (Margaux) |
This week’s releases include new records by one of American Idol’s biggest stars, and two iconic singer/songwriters.
Which raises the question — hit records these days go to the same trendy songwriters, over and over, and ignore the living geniuses. Neil Diamond got his start writing for the Monkees, certainly he doesn’t need the money, but he must have songs in the vault that would work for young pop and country stars, and join his catalog of enduring classics. Elvis Costello is a brilliant melody maker, who can be starkly beautiful or just as angry as ever, still the boundary breaking post-punk genius.
When a young singer like Clay Aiken sings classics of the 70s or 80s, it’s dismissed as “just a cover”, and the new music is forgettable. Maybe the answer is to get the “old guys” who still have the stuff to write new classics for guys like Clay.
Home Before Dark
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| There are a few musicians with iconic voices, they cannot be mistaken for anyone else, they cannot be imitated, they transcend genre and generation, the voices convey character and conviction. Think Sinatra, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson. The gravelly baritone of Neil Diamond is surely on that list.
“Home Before Dark” is the second Diamond/Rubin collaboration. Three years ago, Neil released “12 Songs” produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, who did the masterpiece recordings of Johnny Cash in his late years. Some fans of Neil’s adult contemporary classics were taken aback by the sparse unornamented arrangements. To my mind, when you have quality songs and Neil’s enduring voice, 1001 strings or synthesizers don’t add a thing. Neil’s voice shows its age, but has lost none of its richness. If you thought that somewhere in the 80s, Neil wandered too far down the path of saccharine lyrics and “easy listening”, these back to basic arrangements are welcome. Check out “Pretty Amazing Grace” and “Power of Two” and the bluesy ambling “Slow It Down”. I could skip the duet with Natalie Maines, her voice is too flat to harmonize with Neil. (Margaux) |
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Momofuku
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| Don’t worry, the title isn’t obscene. According to Elvis, “Well, obviously the title is a tribute to Momofuku Ando, the inventor of the Cup Noodle. Like so many things in this world of wonders, all we had to do to make this record was add water.” The album was recorded in about a week. “I’d been telling people that I was done with recording and believed it myself. This record date reminded me that it wasn’t making music in the studio that made me miserable but the nonsense that predictably follows in what we laughingly call the “music business”. So I decided to change it and my mind. That’s what I do.” The result is unpolished, unadulterated rock n roll as only Elvis can do. (Margaux) |
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On My Way Here
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| Fresh from his successful run on Broadway in “Spamalot”, the Season two runner-up Clay Aiken releases an album that is “finally” the one he has always wanted to make. So what is it? Middle-of-the-road pop that rocks just a little. The title track, written by One Republic (who did the recent hit “Apologize”) frontman Ryan Tedder called, “On My Way Here”, has enough of the contemporary sheen to make it on adult contemporary radio, but could get old after about five listens. “Something About Her” is a pleasant piano ballad, suitable for a romantic dinner. Attempts to be edgy like the rocker “Fallen” with its vocal distortions are less successful (Margaux) | |
Snack Time
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| The new Barenaked Ladies’ kids’ album, Snack Time, was released today. The video for “7,8,9″ is awesome:
It’s like old-school, Schoolhouse Rock kind of animation. The song is hilarious. I am actually contemplating buying the album even though I don’t have any kids. (Mari) |
Songs from the Sparkle Lounge
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| Def Leppard is back! Kicking off a 2008 US tour with their 14th studio album of 11 new songs. They even collaborated with country superstar Tim McGraw on “Nine Lives”. They were on Ellen today and sounded great, it’s good to see them back. They rock!. |
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This Kind of Love
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| Since Andrea did a piece about Carly recently (http://oneforthevault.com/2008/04/17/quite-simply-carly/), I thought it was only fitting to include her new cd. Check on the write up to learn more about her music and career. | |
Live In Concert CD/DVD combo package [LIVE]
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| For all you country fans here you go. Like I have said in other reviews I love live music and this is just great. Check out the Amazon site for a video. | |
Bringing Back the Funk
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| Amazon doesn’t break this cd down too well so here’s a better breakdown of the songs: 1. Funkin’ Like My Fathers – (featuring Bootsy Collins) 2. Always Remember – (featuring Sheldon Reynolds) 3. Hollywood Swinging – (featuring Gerald Albright/Musiq Soulchild) 4. House of Music, The – (featuring Larry Graham/Ronnie Laws) 5. You Got To Funkifize – (featuring Chance Howard) 6. Groove, The 7. World Keeps Going Around, The – (featuring Ledishi) 8. Excuse Me…What’s Your Name? 9. Voices Inside (Everything is Everything) – (featuring David T. Walker/Eddie Miller) 10. Let’s Stay In Tonight |
