Music You Need To Hear

Jennings

2009-11-02T22:00:00.001-06:00

Jennings has a strong, deep voice, sings with confidence, and makes no apologies for her sound. Best described as pop, there's also a pervading beat behind it all, with electronic chirps sprinkled around. It could all sound pretty hokey, except it doesn't. Her music gives off this vibe that's just...well, cool. Check out the picture. Does this look like someone who totally loves making music or what?!

With the unexpected death of her mother in 2001, Jennings was given the opportunity by her father to go through therapy or record an album. "This tragedy rocked me to the core," she says, "...but there is so much beauty in what it allowed me to do. All of my emotions came pouring out of me in the form of melody." Needless to say, I probably wouldn't be writing this if Jennings chose therapy.

Building upon her first two albums and fast forwarding a few years, her most recent recordings are Femtastic and Storybook EP.

Overall, Femtastic has more of an electronic club beat to it. But it isn't any less compelling. From the very first track, the hook is so big that you'll be humming the memorable Falling Higher right after the first listen. If Do Or Die doesn't grab you...either with the beat or with a crushing chord change right after the chorus hits, then check your pulse. Make Believe is what Sade would sound like if she went electronic and drank a cup of coffee -- and that's not a bad thing. The song is a nice change of pace from the rest of the album.

Storybook EP has a mellower feel. Most of the electronics from Femtastic are pared down, but the songs are stronger and, of course, still distinctly Jennings. The songs Doorway and Figure Me Out never seem to resolve themselves musically, maybe I was hoping for that power-pop chord. But after repeated listens, it doesn't matter because Jennings' sound, passion and emotion sound will win you over. I admit I'm a sucker for a good cover, but when a cover is actually better than the original, it says much more about the talent of the artist covering the song than the person who originally wrote the song. Originally written by Rhianna, Jennings treats us to a uniquely beautiful, haunting, and multi-layered experience as she covers Umbrella. Some micro-research: my 11 year old daughter loved it after the first hearing.

But most interesting, when music is a part of your soul, (whether you know it or not) it somehow, someway, manages to bubble up to the surface. The beauty that surfaced from Jennings' tragic loss is our gain.

Jennings - Music You Need to Hear

Halloween 2009 playlist

2009-10-20T21:00:00.006-05:00

Got any favorite Halloween themed songs? In no particular order, my playlist includes:

XTC - Scarecrow People
This song is from Oranges & Lemons, a CD literally dripping with Beatles' influence and containing mountains of hummable songs.

Concrete Blonde - Bloodletting (The Vampire Song)
Can it get any better for Halloween? Once you hear Johnette Napolitano sing, it's a voice you don't forget. The group is best known for the song Joey, but don't overlook Caroline, Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man and many others. Their "Best of" CD is called Recollection. It's worth every penny.

Smithereens - Blood & Roses
There's just something to be said for straightforward rock played well. Formed in 1980 these guys are still going strong today. Their song Girl Like You is an instant classic.

Suzanne Vega - Blood Makes Noise
I love the industrial sound of this song, alongside her smooth voice and that really happy bass line.

Smashing Pumpkins - Bury Me
The best band name for Halloween bar none - not to mention the title works well too. Their debut Gish is incredible - ballads building to crunching guitars and flat out rockers that just demand to be heard. For me, everything else they did after that falls short.

Bishop Allen - Ghosts are Good Company
Rough, acoustic, and a bit quirky. Just a nice way to spend three minutes. One of the cutest songs you'll hear.

Kristin Hersh - Your Ghost
Formerly of Throwing Muses, this haunting song is from her solo album and features a duet with REM's Michael Stipe.

Police - Spirits in the Material World
I first heard them in the early 80's and it was like nothing I'd ever heard before. That's still true today.

Psychedelic Furs - Ghost in You
This song was in a lot of 80's movies that I didn't see, but I always knew it as a song first.

Tegan & Sara - Walking With A Ghost
There's something about the way these two sisters sing and craft pop hooks that just makes this song so listenable.

Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy
Okay it's a stretch to be sure, but I wanted to include some homage to all the sweets dispensed on Halloween. Anyone else got another suggestion?

Radiohead - Bones
I was never a big Radiohead fan, especially when Creep became popular. A friend said he knew how I felt, but thought I should I hear The Bends anyway. Kinda under the banner of "If you must hear one album by Radiohead make it this one." He was right.

Cowboy Junkies - Murder Tonight in the Trailer Park
From the CD Black Eyed Man, this eerie song was my first exposure to their music. The entire album has a great feel about it.

Genesis - Man on the Corner
Creepy and secretive this song is from the album Abacab -- the last hurrah for Genesis and Phil Collins before they became over the top pop musicians.

There you have it - Halloween 2009. What do you think? Agree? Disagree? What's on your playlist?

Hair

2009-09-26T15:00:00.000-05:00

The musical Hair first came out in 1967, the year I was born. Growing up, I'd certainly heard of it, and even have a vague memory of seeing it performed on the sitcom Head of the Class.

But during this summer's vacation I went to see the revival of Hair on Broadway. And while I had an appreciation of it all (the set, the costumes, the band, and the actors) It wasn't until about three days later, I realized I had seen something really great.

So I've been listening to the new soundtrack almost every day. And it's funny - are these best vocals ever? No. But the songs aren't meant to be super-lyrical either. Maybe you have to see the show, but there is so much energy and passion infused into some terrific songs, that the whole soundtrack is just elevated to another level. The chorus is tight and the band rocks. My only complaint is that as songs (as opposed to songs for a musical), some are way too short. And, had I really familiarized myself with the music before seeing the show, who knows, maybe it would've hit me right away.

If you're fortunate to see it on Broadway, it's a visual treat as well. The set and costumes seem to burst with color. The band is also on the stage as well. Far from hokey, the actors go into the audience as well and are literally dancing and singing before you.

My kids ask me to play the title track and want to hear it every time we're in the car. What's funny is that I know they'd like the entire soundtrack, which grew on me remarkably fast, but given the content, I've only shared Aquarius, Manchester England, I Got Life, and, of course, Hair.

Still, nearly every day, one of us sings "Hair, Hair, Hair-Hair-Hair, Hair, Hair Hair!" And my six your old son belts out: "We'll be gaga at the Go-go when they see me in my toga..."

The soundtrack to the revival of Hair - Music You Need To Hear

Sam and Ruby

2009-09-19T14:20:00.002-05:00

Opening acts have it tough.

Most everyone in the audience didn't come to the concert to see them. Most opening acts are also relatively new to performing. If you're going to a concert, chances are, you have an expectation in your brain of what the headliner sounds like, and anything else is a bit...well, foreign. It's kinda like working out, reaching for your water bottle, and someone has secretly replaced the water with milk. Not that you hate milk, you just weren't expecting to taste milk at that moment.

The opening act I saw was the folk/soul duo Sam & Ruby and I'll admit at first I thought they were okay, they certainly could sing well together, but the songs didn't really do it for me. Then they began Suitcase Song and it initially struck me as being too whimsical, especially the first verse. Suddenly the lyrics (to me) went beyond "if a suitcase could talk". Whether Sam & Ruby meant this or not, who cares? When the chorus hit, it was as if being struck on the head with a cast-iron skillet. And I got it. Soaring melody, wonderful harmonization, and perfect chord changes. You could tell their music came from a deep place. The arrangements on their debut full-length CD are sparse yet fit seamlessly into the blending of their voices.

It's a testament to Sam & Ruby that their music was able to break through whatever mental block I had going that night. I'm really glad it did. Heaven's My Home made it to the soundtrack of the movie The Secret Life of Bees. The song The Here and the Now, was just devastatingly gorgeous. A song about redemption, starting over, and living for today. This is the song you play when you're through being pissed off at your partner, have had time to calm down, and realize just how stupid you acted the first place. All and all, not bad for the first song Sam & Ruby wrote together! (You can hear all three songs on their MySpace page.)

And in case you're wondering, Sam Brooker is originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin and Ruby Amanfu is from Ghana. They connected in Nashville. Reviews from iTunes and critics are along the lines of "musical soulmates". Take a few minutes and give it a listen -- I think you'll agree.

Sam & Ruby - Music You Need Too Hear

Perpetuum Jazzile

2009-09-12T12:50:00.002-05:00

Forget for a moment that, some members of Perpetuum Jazzile (outside of singing) may not even speak English. Forget the really cool imitation of a rainforest at the beginning of this clip.

Here's a testament to the sheer joy of singing that, to date, has been viewed over 4.6 million times. It's a cover of Toto's Africa And it's every bit as good as the original.

And if you absolutely can't wait for the music, it starts at about 1:49 into the video.

Perpetuum Jazzile - Music You Need to Hear

Owl City

2009-09-06T22:47:00.000-05:00

Every now and then a song comes along that is so catchy and has such great hooks, that it just sucks you in after the first listen and doesn't let go.

Currently, for me, that song is Fireflies by Owl City. (As of this writing the song plays as soon as you get to the web page.)

This is electronic music that has also been described as "computerized pop". There's no band, just Adam Young sitting in front of his computer. Don't write it off until you hear it - my 11 year old was hooked after one listen as well. In fact, I dare you not to like it.

Fireflies had the potential to be the monster hit of the Summer - it's THAT irresistible. Unfortunately, as I type this, it's the last weekend of the Summer. Nevertheless, I suggest cranking it up loud -- in your car, on iPod, at home and ride the wave for nearly four minutes.

Owl City's Fireflies - Music You Need to Hear

Act of Congress

2008-09-28T10:09:00.006-05:00

When Nickel Creek decided to take an indefinite hiatus at the end of their 2007 tour, there was no doubt sadness among fans of acoustic music.

It would be easy to say that a Birmingham, Alabama quartet named Act of Congress is hoping to capitalize on the remains of Nickel Creek's fan base. But if you listen to their music (free downloads here, iTunes, MySpace) and still think that, well, you're just not paying attention.

Act of Congress' first full length CD, "Declaration" is strikingly original -- from beginning to end. Not a bad track? Heck, there's not a wasted note. Period.

There are so many things right about this CD, it's hard to know where to begin. The playing and harmonies are flawless, but more than that, the arrangements and production are balanced perfectly -- they never get in the way of each other. As a result -- pure organic music making for nothing other than the love of music and sharing it with the listener. There's a "feel" to this CD unlike, any I've heard in a long time.

Let me be perfectly clear -- every track on Declaration is a standout.

Still, some thoughts on a few:

-In the Middle (The prefect opening track. Gives you a great idea of what to expect from the rest of the CD.)
-She Knows Her Way Around (Laden with great harmonies, this song gently seeps into your soul.)
-I Disagree (The combination of dobro, harmonies, violin and lyrics make this track a winner.)

If that weren't enough, in concert, AOC also plays covers of Coldplay's Clocks, A-ha's Take on Me and the Beatles Paperback Writer. These versions pay homage to the original, but in typical AOC fashion, go off in an original direction. An EP of cover song is in the works.

Act of Congress - Music You Need To Hear.

Shell

2008-06-01T07:42:00.002-05:00

Here's a great song by an artist you never heard of. She's simply known as Shell.

Although she has other songs as well, If You Love It Let It Go is clearly the best of the lot. It's a remarkably soothing yet somewhat upbeat song. It's perfect for an iPod while walking, or just a lazy summer day sipping iced tea.

Shell sings with an ease and smoothness as if she's at total peace with herself despite the poignancy of the song. Like a cross between Sade and Natalie Merchant.

According to Shell's MySpace page, she's a one woman band and she mostly dabbles in electronic dance music. If You Love It Let It Go is a free download (not from MySpace) and vastly different from most of her other music.

Shell - Music You Need to Hear

The Judybats

2008-05-26T14:12:00.001-05:00

From Knoxville, the Judybats had a sound that seemed to be perfect for the 1990's.

Not acoustic rock, not hard rock, the Judybats just had a sensible approach to their sound. A bit harder when it mattered, more acoustic when the song dictated. What's interesting is that Jeff Heiskell had a good voice, (not great), but he put it across with a nasal-y twang that made it all come together.

I wouldn't go so far as to say their first three CD's are overlooked gems, as they're somewhat inconsistent, but there's certainly some good music to had in there and you'll probably find yourself singing along after a few listens as well. Still, the band never had wide commercial success. Unfortunately, only two songs and a handful of videos are available on iTunes. But you can find their CD's, (used only) on Amazon. There's bit more about them on MySpace, Wikipeda, and AllMusic.

Check out "Daylight" from the CD, Native Son. A wonderfully catchy song with a perfect combination of harmonies, folk-inspired rock and just the right touch of guitar.

For me, their 1991 release Down in the Shacks Where the Satellite Dishes Grow is probably the most enjoyable from start to finish. It contains the song "Saturday", which perfectly captures life in the South after high school. And its not bad to hear during college football season either.

From 1993, Pain Males You Beautiful had the minor hit "Being Simple".

The Judybats -- Music You Need to Hear.

Jennifer Daniels

2008-04-09T23:56:00.008-05:00

Did you ever hear a recording where you think to yourself the music is "good", but that's all. You probably wouldn't buy the CD or seek out the music otherwise. If it ends up in your iTunes library, okay. If it doesn't, that's also okay.

Did you ever see that same artist in concert and your preconceived notions are literally blown away and your opinion turns 180 degrees? Such is the case with singer/songwriter Jennifer Daniels and, I have to say, it was the best $10 I've spent for a concert in a long time. Why does this happen -- that a live concert can change your mind so abruptly? A number of reasons, I think.

The artist. They have to have the talent, obviously. But it's more than that. They have to have an innate sense of connecting with the audience through their craft. The venue. The right setting is key to a good musical experience. When was the last time you saw a singer/songwriter play a stadium? Or U2 play a 200 seat club? The mix. That is, can the person running the sound system maximize the artist's sound to the venue. Can everyone in every seat hear every note clearly as well as the particular nuances of the song? It's live. Something could go wrong at any moment. And when someone is totally laying it on the line, making music for the sheer joy and thrill of it, and then something DOESN'T go wrong, well, I for one, am impressed.

And when ALL of the above come together, that's when true magic happens. I freely admit not knowing hardly anything about Jennifer Daniels a week ago. Come to learn, she has three CD's, but before you get any of them, as soon as you finish reading this post, head over to iTunes and download her podcasts. They are surprisingly high-quality and these four songs will give you a great sense of what I'm describing as they capture her live sound perfectly. These can be easily trimmed so you just get the mp3 itself.

Start with August 2007 for what's likely the best Beatles cover you've never heard. Strawberry Fields Forever is stripped bare and paired with just her voice and electric guitar. It's hauntingly beautiful.

Stay recorded in Kentucky at The Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour is from the January 2006 podcast. Daniels' energy literally bursts through your speakers. Her husband Jeff gives just the right touch accompanying on guitar.

There's just a sample of the song Every Single Day on the June 2007 podcast. It's probably got the most poignant lyrics of any song I've ever heard. Sung with exquisite tenderness, this song is a serious contender to be played at every wedding or anniversary ever - it's that good.

Dive & Fly from July 2007 is such a perfect song. With its achy yet somehow soaring electric guitar background meshed with acoustic guitar and Daniels' gorgeous voice, you can almost picture the serene hilly setting near Lookout Mountain where this song was written. There's an overriding peacefulness about Dive & Fly that has you hanging on every note and mentally transports you to a calmer place.

Jennifer Daniels - Music You Need to Hear

The Puppini Sisters

2008-03-03T01:03:00.001-06:00

So what is it about three-part harmony that's just so appealing -- especially when sung by women? I wish I knew, but listen to these three cover songs by The Puppini Sisters (website, iTunes) and hear how their interpretation makes these old songs sound new and refreshing.

Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush
Heart of Glass by Blondie
I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Panic by The Smiths
This is all from their debut CD, Betcha Bottom Dollar.

Their newest CD The Rise and Fall of Ruby Woo, features a cover of Walk Like an Egyptian by The Bangles.

The Puppini Sisters - Music You Need to Hear

Cocteau Twins

2008-02-17T21:40:00.005-06:00

Nevermind that for the last 18 years I've had no clue what they were singing. And, many years ago, I could barely make out what they were saying when they hosted MTV's 120 Minutes due to their thick Scottish accents.

But you know what? I don't care.

Prepare yourself to ride a musical sine wave of multi-layered guitar, bass, keyboards, an unobtrusive drum machine and silky smooth vocals. Just the cover of the CD is hypnotic enough to enter into their world. Trust me, if you don't own Heaven or Las Vegas by the Cocteau Twins, then your missing out on some seriously good music that defined the early 1990's and influenced lots of bands. The title track, Fotzepolitic, Frou-Frou Foxes In Midsummer Fires, and Iceblink Luck are just some of the highlights on this CD. I know it sounds weird, but even though I can't make out what their singing (at best I can make out a few words here and there), there's an overwhelming feeling of dreamy happiness that permeates the entire CD. It's the groups most successful CD of their 15 year career.

Interestingly, Elizabeth Fraser clearly feels that music is beyond words. She admits using words that she has no idea what they mean. Personally, it's taken me a while to realize this, but sometimes, you just need words to convey a mood or emotion -- and you know what? That's great. Sometimes words just don't mean anything despite our desire to know otherwise. Several people have taken a crack at deciphering the groups lyrics, and Frazier has complimented their attempts indicating that some of the "words" are more beautiful than anything she could've imagined.

From the group's website:

"We have had people on the Internet who have written translations and they obviously have a natural talent for writing. Their interpretations are so beautiful that sometimes I have preferred what they have written to what I actually sang, it has been much more eloquent. Those people are not so precious about us [Cocteau Twins] and just enjoyed using their talent and it is lovely to witness. But some people are very...It seems that some people are convinced they know us better than we know ourselves, and that we ought to listen to them. They want to steer us and they are very precious about us and they do not want other people to have us. If you really love something, then you have to let it go and endorse everything about it that attracted you to it in the first place. It's just like a love affair or any relationship: you have to treat it in the same way or you'll just suffocate and destroy it in the end if you don't." [BOYZ: Saturday November 11, 1995, page 8].

The prevailing thought of the band and fan websites seems to be this -- just listen and enjoy the music. And I've got a lot of respect for that sentiment.

Heaven or Las Vegas by the Cocteau Twins - Music You Need to Hear

Michael Hedges

2008-02-14T21:04:00.004-06:00

How's this for a story from Will Ackerman, founder of Windham Hill Records...

I was accosted on the street by Randy Lutge of the New Varsity Theater. He said, "Look, I’ll give you two free tickets to the movie tonight and dinner if you’ll come hear this guy play." I’m hearing that all the time and I’m thinking, "Oh God, but two free tickets and a dinner, that’s pretty good." So he takes me to that little upstairs room overlooking the courtyard, and Michael was there playing for just a handful of people. At the time, he was playing most of the stuff that’s on Breakfast in the Field [his first album, 1981], obviously some pretty impressive stuff. I started writing out what I could remember of a contract on a napkin and had him sign it. It was a way of saying to Michael how completely overwhelmed I was and how sincere I was about wanting to work with him. That was one of the quickest propositions in the history of Windham Hill.

Writing a contract on a napkin?!

"Michael" is Michael Hedges an American guitarist who revolutionized the acoustic guitar. Using alternate tunings, percussive tapping and a phenomenal technique, he had a huge sound which would leave you wondering how one person could get so much music out of one instrument. In short, he revolutionized the acoustic guitar.

His defining CD's are: Breakfast in the Field from 1981 and Aerial Boundaries from 1984.

Live on the Double Planet was recorded on tour in the US and Canada. A close look at the program notes from that CD, and you'll see that two tracks, All Along the Watchtower (great cover of the Bob Dylan classic) and A Love Bizarre (from Shelia E) were recorded live at the University of Maine at the Hutchins Concert Hall. And, as I write this, in an act of total geekdom, I get to tell you that I was actually in the audience that night. That's right, my applause is on the CD. Seriously, the live feel of this CD is great and it totally captures the mood of the concert that brisk night in Orono, Maine. Hearing the song Silent Anticipations live (also on Breakfast in the Field) will leave you speechless. Be prepared to be wowed.

Michael Hedges - Music You Need to Hear

Indio

2007-12-28T19:06:00.000-06:00

This is a bit of a departure from previous entries but I wanted to share this story because it speaks to the power of music, not to mention movies, and the internet.

So I'm spending time with my mom seeing movies in New York that I would never have an opportunity to see otherwise. As I flip through reviews, Into the Wild catches my eye. The movie is based on the best-selling book by Jon Krakauer and was directed by Sean Penn. I won't recap the story, but if you're not familiar with it, do check out the movie website, or, better yet read the book. (Into the Wild has appeared on many critic's Top 10 lists of movies for 2007 and, for what it's worth, I really liked it as well.)

Curious, I look up the movie online, to view the trailer. As the site is loading, music from the soundtrack begins to play. Turns out Eddie Vedder (of Pearl Jam fame) wrote most of the soundtrack except for the song Hard Sun which turns out to be a cover from a band named Indio.

Indio released only one CD in 1989 titled Big Harvest. They did a short tour, and then, for the most part, fell off the map. It turns out the CD was revered by many. Big Harvest is out of print and sold used on eBay with prices starting between $60 and $90. On Amazon it ranges from $114 to $229. To read just how much Big Harvest continues to be loved by people today, click here and here.

From that CD, Hard Sun is just a great song period, never mind that Eddie Vedder's cover (iTunes) is quite good also. It's just one of those songs that you have an immediate reaction to and there's something about the lyrics, the music, that strikes you right away. When the chorus hits, it like an anthem that reaches into your psyche. Oh yeah, Joni Mitchell sings the backing vocals as well -- turns out her husband was the bass player in the band. I can't speak for the rest of the CD as I just got it myself, but as you read from the posts in the link above, Indio's Big Harvest clearly touched a lot of people.

Was Indio a one hit wonder with Hard Sun? For me, I can't say, as the CD is new to me as well. Whatever you do, right now, go download the entire out of print CD here, judge for yourself, and enjoy the music.

Indio's Hard Sun - Music You Need to Hear

Christine Lavin

2007-12-22T01:03:00.000-06:00

Whenever I hear music from singer-songwriter Christine Lavin come around in my iTunes library, I always smile.

Somehow, she finds remarkably creative ways to tell poignant, funny and touching stories. There's Sensitive New Age Guys when she asks a bunch of men "Who's concerned about your orgasm?" (...and the men don't answer). To the song Shopping Cart of Love: The Play which tells about the time she got a goodbye note from her boyfriend who left her for her roommate...then she went to the supermarket console herself with junk food...then had too many items in the checkout line...then fell in love with the guy behind her who offered to take some of her items in order to avoid a near riot in the store. The song is nearly nine minutes long and worth every second.

The two songs referenced above are from Attainable Love, one of her early CD's. But Lavin has 19 solo albums and I admit looking at her discography, I've got a lot of catching up (and probably laughing) to do.

I mean, how can you not at least be curious about songs titled:

Tom Cruise Scares Me
The Tacobel Canon
Making Friends With My Grey Hair
If You Want Space, Go To Utah
Getting in Touch With My Inner Bitch
Please Don't Make Me Too Happy
Prisoners Of Their Hairdos
Roses From The Wrong Man
Nobody's Fat in Aspen

Christine Lavin - Music You Need to Hear

Voice of the Beehive

2007-12-06T22:26:00.000-06:00

Can you picture music that's sugary, brash, feminine, sassy, saucy, full of catchy little barbs, and original? If your answer is no, then listen to Voice of the Beehive.

Let It Bee is the group's quintessential work. Released in the late 1980's, this album, (at least in the U.S.) came out of nowhere and ended up charting as high as #11 on Billboard's Modern Rock chart. The harmonies, guitar arpeggios, and lyrics all make for very enjoyable listening. I Say Nothing is instantly catchy and a great intro to the band. Personally, my favorite is Sorrow Floats, but don't overlook the dreamy Man in the Moon, and the Beat of Love either. All of the aforementioned songs are four or five stars on my iTunes.

If that weren't enough, anyone who writes a song titled There's a Barbarian in the Back of My Car from a feminine point of view, is okay by me.

The group's website has a great bio of the band. They have an up-to-date page on MySpace as well. All of their music is available on iTunes.

A reviewer on Amazon sums it up perfectly:

"I wouldn't rate them as a classic or an all-time great, but I agree with the sentiment of the other reviewers. If you want a band that gives you a really alive, fresh feeling when you listen to their music, Voice of the Beehive will do it."

Nineteen years after Let it Bee was released, that feeling is still alive.

Voice of the Beehive - Music You Need to Hear

Pianosaurus

2007-11-27T23:45:00.000-06:00

Pianosaurus is the first all toy instrument band. Yes, you read correctly.

This is like nothing you ever heard before. First of all, it's hard to get toy instruments to sound good period, let alone get several together and use them in a band. Yet somehow, someway, it all comes together.

Here's a bit of band history. Their only official release is Groovy Neighborhood.

Highlights include the utterly charming Love Is a Two-Way Street and the easygoing Downtown. Also, don't overlook Thriftshoppin', and Memphis (a great rendition of the Chuck Berry classic).

Pianosaurus - Music You Need To Hear

Ray Lynch

2007-11-13T10:15:00.000-06:00

In the late 1980's, I was in college at the University of Maine. One weekend, I decided to visit Bar Harbor, a charming coastal town and home to Acadia National Park. So I walked into a gift shop and there was this music playing. And I took notice right away because the song (even though a different genre), sounded a bit like Call Me by Blondie. But the song and the entire CD, was decidedly New Age and yet I couldn't get it out of my head. There's was just something about the the rhythm and feel of this CD that stuck with me.

That song was Celestial Soda Pop from a CD titled Deep Breakfast.

Deep Breakfast to date has sold 1,256,814 copies. It was the first independently released album to reach Platinum status (over 1 million copies sold).

It's music from a man who has, in total, sold over two million albums, won three Billboard Awards, and yet, he's never made a music video and doesn't go on tour.

That man is Ray Lynch.

Ray Lynch - Music You Need to Hear

RX

2007-11-06T07:30:00.000-06:00

"In this world, direct communication is a ticket to success."

Whether you agree with his political stance or not, RX creates great mixes using samples from popular songs and (among others) President Bush. Although I suspect the songs might be more entertaining if you subscribe to his (anti-Bush) sentiment.

My Name is RX (the 5th song from the top - can be downloaded) is a brilliant mix of the Rolling Stones' Sympathy for the Devil and President Bush. It works musically and goes beyond catchy. It'll also get your feet seriously moving if you listen to music when walking or exercising.

RX also a great job with U2's Sunday, Bloody Sunday. He's found the sound clips that literally make Bush sing the song.

All of his songs represent, TONS of work. It's easy to forget about that part since his mixes sound pretty good.

The links on the mp3's on the RX website are outdated, so aside from the links above, you need to do some Googling to find his music.

RX - Music You Need To Hear

The Ocean Blue

2007-10-30T00:24:00.000-05:00

Hershey, Pennsylvania's most famous export is chocolate. How about their most famous musical export?

Described as refined, mellow new wave, I can't recall exactly how I heard of The Ocean Blue. It was probably from MTV's 120 Minutes after I just got out of college. Whatever you call it, please, don't call it soft rock. On the other hand, it's not harsh, not pop -- it's really just right with a great flow.

The CD you want is Cerulean and it was released in 1991. The entire CD just has a great feel to it.

The Ocean Blue goes well for any occasion. Whether you have company over for dinner, are traveling, going on a first date, or just fixing yourself a grilled cheese sandwich.

The Ocean Blue - Music You Need To Hear

Girlyman

2007-10-23T11:48:00.000-05:00

When I have time, I enjoy browsing CD Baby and finding new music.

I was looking at the top selling folk CD's and I noticed that Girlyman was the Winner of the 2004 Independent Music Award for Folk/Singer-Songwriter for their debut CD, Remember Who I Am.

So, I gave it a listen and I was blown away. Self-described as delicious acoustic harmony-driven gender pop, Girlyman has great harmonies, strong writing, and some of the catchiest hooks you'll ever hear. There's some seriously good music making going on here. Winners include the wildly addictive Even If (wait for the chorus and the harmonies). Amaze Me is one of those songs that would go great on a cross-country road trip.

It gets even better. Their second effort Little Star is just as good. Winners include: the gender-challenging Young James Dean (those harmonies!) and the introspective Speechless. The song Kittery Tide alone will make you feel that you should play bluegrass as they make it sound so easy and are clearly having fun.

Does it get better still? Actually, they have a third CD, Joyful Sign
and while I like parts of it, I haven't heard it enough to make that judgment yet.

Still, you'll be pleasantly surprised and very fulfilled with the first two CDs. These are the kind of CDs which everyone will like but everyone will have a different favorite song.

Girlyman - Music You Need To Hear

Clare Burson

2007-10-16T22:47:00.000-05:00

I first heard of Clare Burson when her EP was given to me as I was leaving a CD store in the Spring of 2006. Her hauntingly beautiful voice and intimate song-writing drew me in right away. There's also something about her voice that just blends perfectly with a burning (but not overpowering) electric guitar. In short, you can "feel" her music.

One of the nice parts of my job is that I get to interview artists who come through Birmingham to play shows. Once I knew who Clare Burson was, and found out she was coming through town, I was able to arrange an interview ahead of time in support of her concert. I've done many of these kinds of interviews over the years, but this one was different for two reasons.

First, there was great rapport between us. We were having a conversation NOT an interview. Everything just clicked and in the end, very little editing was needed.

Second, Clare brought her guitar with her. And I have to admit, it was pretty cool to say during the interview, "What would you like to play for us?" She played two songs, but here's the best part: she allowed the music to be downloaded for free.

Check out both the regular and extended interview, and download the music. More....

Other specific recommendations? Angels from her new CD, Thieves was written after 9/11 and is hauntingly beautiful. The Idaho EP is dark, breathy, intimate and an all-around great listen. The mandolin provides just the right touch as well.

The In-Between from the self-titled CD, is a bit more acoustic, but nice for those times when you just need to create some space for yourself.

Clare Burson - Music You Need to Hear

Great Lake Swimmers

2007-10-12T10:08:00.000-05:00

How this for a description? Minimalist banjo with touches of folk and electric guitar on top of heartfelt lyrics.

Minimalist banjo? Well...yeah.

Welcome to the sound of Great Lake Swimmers.

Go to the Discography section of their website and download tracks from Ongiara. Also, right on the front page is a link to a free 5-song live EP from a recent concert. Pretty cool that they offer all this for free. Ongiara is a good listen for sure, but really goes down well when you're stuck in traffic on your commute home or just running the daily grind of everyday errands. I should know, it's the current CD in my car player.

Great Lakes Swimmers - Music You Need to Hear.

Sweetwater

2007-10-07T23:49:00.001-05:00

Quick, who was first to play at Woodstock in 1969?

Easy, right? Richie Havens.

Who was supposed to be the first to go on, ended up playing fifth, and instead, became the first band to play?

Suddenly, not so easy.

That band was Sweetwater, and I first found out about them several years ago when VH1 made the movie: Sweetwater: A True Rock Story. The movie wasn't bad. In fact, it was kinda interesting. But one thing you couldn't deny, was that lead singer Nancy Nevins sure could sing. And it sounded so effortless.

They had a 70's rock/classical sound, and their songs, while showing their age a bit, are remarkably listenable and somewhat infectious even today. Check out the songs: Motherless Child, Here We Go Again, What's Wrong, In A Rainbow, Look Out, and Why Oh Why.

All from: Cycles: The Reprise Collection

It's worth noting that just as Sweetwater was poised to make it big, Nevins was injured in a car accident which effectively ended the band. To her credit, she practically had to learn how to sing all over again. Home Again from Cycles is especially poignant because it's the last cut an the CD, and you've already been treated to her voice before the injury.

Check out their webpage. (not current, but good info.) Nancy Nevins website (more current) and link to MySpace.

Sweetwater -- Music You Need to Hear

Jethro Tull

2007-10-06T11:32:00.000-05:00

My uncle Bob is 10 years older than me and, growing up, I remember him liking Jethro Tull. I had no idea why, but if my uncle liked Tull, then I liked them. Of course, I came to appreciate Tull very much, and to this day, I'm a big Tull fan. So what does it for me?

First, how cool is it to have flute in a rock band?? It's charming on the acoustic songs and hypnotically and oddly appropriate on the rockers.

Second, the ensemble playing is just tremendous. This is true both on songs where it appears everyone is doing their own thing as well as band members are all moving together.

Third, the varying musical styles. Jethro Tull started out as a blues band, and are categorized now as everything from classic rock, to folk-rock, to hard rock, and they also play the charming acoustic numbers that somehow manage to contain bits of all these other styles.

Some of my favorite songs are:

Witch's Promise from Benefit

Back Door Angels from War Child

Farm on the Freeway from Crest of a Knave

Wond'ring Again from Living in the Past

This list could go on for quite a while. As I type this, it strikes me you must hear "Mother Goose" and "My God" from Aqualung. As for entire CDs, Benefit, Songs from the Wood, and Thick as a Brick are all remarkably satisfying from end to end.

Although they don't play large arenas or stadiums anymore, their core fan base is intensely loyal. As of this entry, there are 565 Jethro Tull related items for bid on eBay. For deep minutiae on the band, check out the message boards at jethrotullchat.com. The rest of the website jethtotull.com is pretty good too except, surprisingly, the discography section is incomplete. For that, check out allmusic.com.

Thanks, Bob for making me those cassette tapes when I was growing up and in later years, right up to today, taking me to all those concerts.

Jethro Tull -- Music You Need to Hear.

Music You Need To Hear

2007-10-06T00:44:00.000-05:00

The purpose of this blog is simple -- to make it's readers aware of great music.

While I can appreciate all genres of music, if I had to pigeon hole it, I suspect my focus will be mostly be singer-songwriters, contemporary folk/bluegrass, classic rock, alternative, and classical music. I'm sure, from time to time, other musical styles will drop in as well.

If you like one of my suggestions, I hope you'll tell me. If you don't, I hope you'll tell me also. If you choose to post a reply, I sincerely hope you'll go beyond "I loved it" or "I hated it".

In other words, please share the "why".

Why did you like it? What spoke to you? Was it the beat? The lyrics? The musicians? Did it make you drive off the road? Did the music change your life in some way? Do you just want to belt it out every time you hear it? Please share the details. Music is powerful enough to change lives. And I don't mean just going to the symphony when you were a kid and deciding to take up an instrument. Little did I know, one night a few years ago, one song was the building block for changing parts of my life.

Most importantly, what other music is out there? Who do you listen to and why? What songs are tagged as five stars in iTunes? And when the song comes around, do you stop everything your doing and take in the moment? I want to hear from you and tap into the collective brainpower that's out there. There's so much music being made these days and keeping up with it all is next to impossible. Please, let's separate the wheat from the chaff.