Hair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.