Sunday, November 14, 2010

ode to kristian


  "Rumor has it that I wasn’t born/ I just walked in one frosty morn..." 
(on “Burden of Tomorrow”), 

Originally, my goal for today was to write about my love of Canadian music, and truly, there is a great variety of fabulous, uniquely Canadian music here.

Then I got distracted by the gem from Sweden that is The Tallest Man On Earth. That man is Kristian Matssen, a small, wiry, finger-picking genius and poet.

Have a listen:



So beautifully raw. Matsson is a troubadour in the true sense of the word. On stage, it's mostly just him and his guitar. In today's climate of gadgets and flash, he's good enough to command your sustained attention on his own.

English is his second language, perhaps this explains the unusual metaphors. His dream-like imagery combined with an emotionally intense delivery, provoke a strong response in the listener. He plays the guitar beautifully. The finger-picking prowess and unassuming inwardly focused stance make you feel as though you're just hanging out at a jam session when all of a sudden someone begins to play and leaves everyone else slack-jawed... All too often compared to Bob Dylan for his folk sensibilities, Matsson can stand tall on his own.

My friend D introduced me to TTMOE, she told me I would love his music. Of course, she was right. It's partly the simplicity of the delivery, that lack of fear to appear emotionally "naked" while performing. You can't help but feel like a bit of a voyeur into his private world.

Here's another performance. This concert footage is of rather poor quality, but I'm choosing to include it for the quality of the performance:



He's growing musically. I love his earlier works, but the videos I've shared so far are more recent creations... Here's one of the songs that originally stole my heart:




This last offering is the official video for the song "Love is all". As the song progresses, it becomes more hauntingly beautiful, like a long lost memory that resurfaces, and your heart aches.




I dare you not to become smitten with his music. And his voice.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

not for the faint at heart


Today's guest author,`Lil' G:
  
Lil' G is a globetrotter, who divides time between East Canada and West Europe. A part time musician (guitar, drums, and some keys) and hobby photographer, Lil' G loves pop quizzes as much as good food. Lil' G has written articles and columns for several websites, with topics ranging from graphic novels, travel to music and eye candy.


With all the singer/songwriter blog posts I suddenly feel the need to stir things up a bit and introduce you to something else. Don’t get me wrong: I love singer/songwriters. My first contribution was about Serena Ryder. Besides Serena Ryder, my music collection includes Bruce Springsteen, Indigo Girls, Sass Jordan, Marvin Gaye, Tool, and Tchaikovsky - to name a few - and I’m hoping to introduce you to some “new” names in due time.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to Otep Shamaya. She’s a singer/songwriter, just not the kind that gets on stage with a guitar like Joan Baez or Joni Mitchell. She’s also a spoken word artist. Check out a clip of her appearance at HBO’s Def Poetry Jam here. Not exactly for the faint hearted, eh? Even though the stuff she writes are all pretty intense, she also has another - gentler - side; listen to her recite her poem My lover. Otep also draws her own stuff, like this little thing:



Anyway, I’m starting to digress. I’m here to introduce you to her music. Don’t be surprised if, before today, you’ve never heard of her. Metal isn’t exactly a genre embraced by the masses and Otep is, as far as I know, the only out lady in metal. (Holler if you happen to know of other queer ladies in that genre.)

I was fortunate to catch a short performance of her and her band (simply called Otep) at Milwaukee’s PrideFest earlier this year. It was very apparent by the looks on the faces of some bystanders that at PrideFest my friend Stacey and I were two of very few people who are into this genre of music, (it was Stacey’s introduction to Otep). It doesn’t really come as a surprise to me, and truth be told, I’m very happy Otep played PrideFest; not everybody is into the bubblegum pop music many gays and young people seem to like these days. (Listen to a fairly recent radio interview with Otep on SistersTalk Radio in which host Genia Stevens talks about the music genre.)
What I really appreciate about Otep is that she’s involved (she’s created an online safe haven, where people can come together and talk body and self esteem issues on All Shapes and Sizes, and she’s done the same for queer girls who can meet on Girls out now!), she’s highly opinionated (as you can probably tell from her song lyrics) and she likes to keep herself informed. Despite the fact their single "Rise, rebel, resist" was released in 2009, watching the video I couldn’t help but wonder if they had any idea, in light of the huge BP oil spill earlier this year, how prophetic that video would turn out to be.




Did you know Otep was nominated for sexiest vegetarian this year? (Actress Olivia Wilde won, in case you’re wondering.)
At PrideFest Otep kicked off their short setlist with Smash the control machine, and Stacey and I rushed to the front (the perimeters of the VIP section) to rock out to the band. When they ended it with their cover of Nirvana’s Breed, I thought it was over all too soon. 
 
Photo credit: Tasya Van Ree
Otep Shamaya and girlfriend/model Djosefin Maurer rallying against Prop8 in California earlier this year.

If the music doesn’t appeal to you I invite you to check out her song lyrics, or her poetry. (Shes published 3 books to date.) She also contributes to Blurt. Her articles are funny, interesting, sarcastic, angry... They certainly give you food for thought, just like her songs. And that’s exactly what Otep wants.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

song makeovers

You hear a song, it's fabulous. Or it's kinda cool. Then, you hear it again. But this time, it's different. Someone else is singing it. The instrumentation is unlike the original, the pace altered, it's been completely re-worked. That, I believe is when a cover song has the potential of blowing your socks off.

Of course, this isn't always the case. There are exceptions. When the Holly Cole Trio did their version of "Jersey Girl" (by Tom Waits), I was appalled. However, when a song is creatively covered instead of being mere mimicry, it can become iconic in its own right.

This discussion certainly cannot happen without including Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". That particular song has been covered by so many singers. Though, none are as incredibly haunting as Jeff Buckley's rendition. (Yes, K.D. Lang does a rather fabulous version as well.)

Here is Jeff Buckley, with his soulful version of "Hallelujah", (audio only):


Leonard Cohen songs are often covered. And although I'm a big fan of Mr. Cohen, many of his songs are even more beautiful when someone else sings them. "Tonight Will Be Fine" sung by Teddy Thompson, is slower than the original and the ache in his voice is palpable.  I prefer the footage from the rehearsal as seen in the Leonard Cohen documentary "I'm Your Man", but the sound quality was too poor on the Youtube clip available. The live performance is still worth a listen.

So how did I come about writing this blog entry? Why, I came across a cover version of my favourite Bob Dylan song. It's called "One More Cup of Coffee". The person covering it? Jack White. Bloody amazing is what it is!

This is a fan-made video, using footage found in the box set "Under the Great White Northern Lights" from the White Stripes' Canadian tour. (Thank you Kate for pointing that out!)


The White Stripes also cover the song "Jolene", originally written and performed by Dolly Parton. It's another favourite of mine.

David Gray has an excellent album of cover songs called "A Thousand Miles Behind". It's gorgeous, really. I love his original stuff, but he goes somewhere special with this collection. The songs that stand out are "I Tremble for you" by Johnny Cash and the  traditional song "Long Black Veil". Check out the album on his website.

Ah yes, there is Tallest Man on Earth's version of "Graceland". My friend D. introduced me to it - it's so so different from the original. Yet, the simplicity of a man and his guitar just works. I love it. (Audio only).



Then, there's a lovely version of Buddy Holly's "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" by Serena Ryder. (This one's for you Lil'G!) The language is a little dated, but her rendition is spot on.

One singer who often does beautiful cover songs would have to be Sinéad O'Connor. Her voice is mesmerizing in Elton John's song, "Sacrifice". The song is completely transformed.



This here, is an interesting version of Gnarls Barkley's song "Crazy" by Ray Lamontagne, (sorry, it's audio only). It's more restrained than the original, and in a way this heightens the tension.

 


On a final note, here is a great cover of Tom Waits' Ol' 55. It's by Sarah McLachlan of all people. Apparently, it was recorded during a late night jam session after a few bottles of red had been uncorked. There's is a lazy spontaneity to this version. Enjoy!

Beth Hart: Secret Showcase at Amstelkerk, Amsterdam (the Netherlands)

Today's guest author,`Lil' G:

Lil' G is a globetrotter, who divides time between East Canada and West Europe. A part time musician (guitar, drums, and some keys) and hobby photographer, Lil' G loves pop quizzes as much as good food. Lil' G has written articles and columns for several websites, with topics ranging from graphic novels, travel to music and eye candy.



Singer/songwriter Beth Hart could be the love child of Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge: her vocal chords are certainly a fit. Like Canadian rocker Sass Jordan, Beth also had a part in off-Broadway musical “Love, Janis”, performing songs.

She first caught my ear in 1999 with LA song of her sophomore album “Screaming for my supper”. There was a rawness and an honesty that immediately appealed to me. I have attended several concerts over time, and one of my personal highlights is the Paradiso concert (also a former church in Amsterdam) several years ago, which was filmed and released on DVD.
 

I have seen Beth change over the years - from someone living the hard life to someone who finally found happiness, and is growing more into her own skin. 
Beth is the kind of singer/songwriter, who’s heavily influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, and mixes rock, blues, and gospel into her songs. (She does a killer rendition of Led Zep’s Whole Lotta Love  by the way.)


On September 16th, 2010, I got an E-mail informing me I was on the guest list for her album launch in the Netherlands. 8 days later I packed a bag, ran some errands, and caught a train to the Dutch capital city. 
I met up with my friend EJ, whom I had invited to come along as I was allowed to bring one guest. We had a bite to eat, and then walked on to the venue, Amstelkerk, a former church:


At first EJ and I walked past, while looking for a church. EJ thought the people waiting in line were a bunch of tourists, I thought they didn’t look like the fans I’m used to seeing at her concerts. (My bad, indeed.) Amstelkerk turned out a small, intimate place - perfect for the album launch. 
For 15 Euros EJ and I both got the limited edition of her new album “My California” (official release date is in about a week) and a poster. Oh, ya, we both got our copies signed by Beth herself!

I thought I’d share a pre-concert picture with you, with yours truly in the audience. (I’m facing  away, because I was talking to my friend Natasha.)



 “My California” is Beth’s most personal album to date. And I have to confess, apart from “Leave the light on”, her songs have never hit so close to home.
For personal reasons both “Sister Heroine" and “Love is the Hardest” stood out from all the songs in her set list. (Thank you, Beth, for your liner notes.)

Love is the hardest = I struggle with this one. The ability to love beyond conditions has been hard for me. To open my heart & be willing to choose forgiveness, will continue to be a daily practice. Wish me luck!
 



Sister heroine = For my sister Sharon & anyone who thinks they’re no good, you’re always somebody else’s hero.





Anyone who appreciates substance over style should give Beth a chance (if you haven’t already). This lady not only wears her heart on her sleeve (in a good way), she also sings her heart out as if there might not be a tomorrow. Hugely popular in the Netherlands (even though mainstream pop charts don’t show that), Denmark, and Norway, she also does semi regular gigs in the US (mostly in California, where she lives).

Beth played a set consisting of old and new songs, because her audience wanted her to and she was more than happy to oblige. As always there was plenty of interaction with the audience (like you could probably tell by watching the “Love is the hardest” footage where she hugged an audience member who started crying over Beth’s admission and thoughts behind the song).

It was a very inspiring concert, to say the least… I’m off for a drive - with “My California” on my car stereo. Catch ya later!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

remember that song? (music tangents)

I'm rather inclined to go on tangents. This post will make that clear.

I just watched a video that a friend posted on Facebook. It's a Justin Bieber song that was slowed down 800%.  All I know about Justin Bieber, is that he's very young and has the latest "squeaky clean" image. He's popular with tweens. When a Bieber song that I don't know is slowed down, the result is an eerie piece of music you can imagine hearing on a movie soundtrack.

That got me to thinking about the song "Twisted Hair", on the Robbie Robertson album Music for the North Americans. It incorporates a chorus of crickets. The speed of the recording is so reduced, that it ends up sounding like a melancholic human chant.

And that got me to thinking about songs I was so excited to discover when I was younger,
say, while I was in highschool and university.

Here's a song that I have long favoured by U2. I'm a U2 fan, (as in a fan from their heyday). The fact that I discovered this band and loved it when I was 13, is that now my entusiasm for them  is laced with nostalgia. With that in mind, here is "Red Hill Mining Town", a song I first heard when I was 16:



Moving on to the incomparable Annie Lennox in the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams". You have to love the synthezier sound of the 80's...



Or at least, tolerate it. I didn't always like the synthetizer, hence my devotion to R.E.M. They were a breath of fresh air. I became a huge fan of R.E.M. when I first heard the Document album, (released in 1987). R.E.M. had a unique sound. I loved that album so much that I wanted to hear everything they'd done. I loved that too. I continue to check out their latest music offerings. Here is: "It's the End of the World, (and I feel fine)"!

Today, I'm focusing on the popular 80's songs over the obscure stuff I used to listen to. Therefore, I can't not include this next one. The whole album is incredibly good. This is a live version of my favourite song on Graceland, "The Boy in the Bubble".




When I first heard of the Indigo Girls, I was on the cusp of moving across the country to go to university.  By that time, I was really getting into folk and folk-rock... I was as interested in contemporary folk as I was in the folk troubadours of the 60's: Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. I'd vaguely heard of Leonard Cohen in highschool, but I only really listened to him after I turned 18.

Oh yes, back to the Indigo Girls. They have many great original songs, but this one is a fab cover done by Amy Ray. The first real conversation my partner and I had, (that was not about theatre), was comparing this version with the original by Mark Kopfler. We disagreed. Here is... the better version. (Sorry, it's audio only.)



I could go on, but this article needs to end.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

tom's the man


I'm not sure where to start with this one. It's vast, it's wide.

Tom Waits has a special place in my heart. We have a history. (I became a faithful fan in the early 90's, and still am.) You know how at different times in your life, different music affects you? Whenever you hear it later on, it brings you back to that time? Well, Tom has been a constant. I never get sick of him. His music permeates my life.Yes, I'm a complete nerd and I'm proud.

It was not, however, love at first sight (hear). The first time I was made aware of Tom Waits, was in theatre school. My close friend S. was and is a huge fan. The year was 1994. If you are at all familiar with Mr. Waits' discography,  Bone Machine was released in 1992. Two years later, S. would play the album in our set design classroom. (We spent many, many hours drafting in that room.) I couldn't stand the wrenching music and discordant sounds that came out of the player.  Lucky for me, S. didn't give up easily. He insisted I first needed to hear his early stuff, build up to the more experimental fare that Waits likes to offer.

It was Summer, I was sitting in S.'s truck. He put the cassette tape Asylum Years in the player. The first song I heard was "Jersey Girl", (originally from the Heartattack and Vine album). I was won over. That's all it took.

Here's another oldie, a true gem:


I did end up liking Bone Machine (in small doses), especially the tracks "I Don't Wanna Grow Up" and "Black Wings". The expanse of Tom Waits style allows for much enjoyment, even if some of his music doesn't speak to you. I have made it my mission to introduce people to his genius. He's clever, he tells a good story. His persona is fascinating, and he's actually very funny. He likes exploring the underside of society, he's also not afraid to express emotions like love, empathy... heartbreak. Yet he's still "cool".

Most of his fans want to be Tom.
Even me.



Tom Waits' discography is huge... He's a very prolific singer/songwriter, and he's been around for a while. To learn more about him, check out his official website: http://www.tomwaits.com/.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Serena Ryder is O.K.

Introducing today's guest author,Lil G:
Lil' G is a globetrotter, who divides time between East Canada and West Europe. A part time musician (guitar, drums, and some keys) and hobby photographer, Lil' G loves pop quizzes as much as good food. Lil' G has written articles and columns for several websites, with topics ranging from graphic novels, travel to music and eye candy.




When I visited Ottawa, ON, in 2005 "Just Another Day" was one of the songs playing on the radio. It was a simple song and catchy (not in the annoying way) and I liked it, but I didn’t think much of it. Fast forward to late 2008. I find out about an album called “Is it o.k.” by a young lady called Serena Ryder. The first song I hear off it was “Little bit of red”, and I was instantly hooked. Who was she? Apart from a dozen songs or so, for a while I had no idea what she looked like and I could’ve sworn, just listening to her voice while singing, she’s twice her actual age. Needless to say I got the album, and it was in my CD player for the longest time. (And I do mean months.)

I started plugging her with a few European friends, who took to her instantly. A Haligonian friend of mine dubbed her Melissa (Etheridge) Jr. and I guess she has a good point: if Etheridge is your musical cup of tea, I’m sure you’ll dig Serena Ryder as well. The last time she played Halifax, NS, there was a significant amount of lady loving ladies in the audience, prompting some gay guys to wonder if Serena plays the same side of the fence. Not that it matters to me, as long as she keeps writing great songs people can relate to. The songs on her last album (“Is it o.k.”) are all personal songs - half of them inspired by her best friend and manager of six years’ (Bonnie O’Donnell) passing away.
I’m consciously omitting her slow rise to fame (and the fact she already has two Juno Awards under her belt) since it’s been all over the Canadian press, and I don’t feel like rehashing.

One highlight was when she was approached to do a Bruce Springsteen cover. Serena happily jumped at the opportunity and did her version of “Racing in the street”, which was posted on Springsteen’s official website. How awesome is that!



Serena has been touring extensively throughout Canada and the US since the release of her last album in November 2008 (the US followed a year later) and has been gaining new fans with every performance. And her performances are passionate! Serena’s most recent stint was with Lilith Fair, which is a dream come true. (For those who follow her on Twitter: she posted a goofy picture of her and Tegan and Sara during the tour a while ago.)
Speaking of goofy: she’s posted some pretty funny videos of her riding her suitcase. Those crack me up every time I watch them. Watch one here, and another here. (Yup, I’m nerdy enough to think that’s hilarious.)

Anyway, I digress. If you haven’t heard of Serena Ryder I strongly encourage you to check her out. If you’re a fan of singer/songwriters I strongly encourage you to check her out. If you like women who rock... Indeed: check out her music. Enjoy!

Friday, August 20, 2010

chicks with chops

Warning: Some Explicit Language

I like women songwriters. When they write songs, I often recognize myself in them. There is a sisterhood out there, I don't care what anyone says. Anyway, they have humour, anger, passion - and it's all woman.


Untouchable Face by Ani Difranco... The sweetest "fuck you" in the world. Here is a great live version. I particularly appreciate the fact that she's smiling throughout the song.
It's perfect:


http://www.righteousbabe.com/ani/

This one is awesome. She is pissed off. And hurt. And she's singing from her guts.
The one and only Martha Wainwright, singing Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole.


http://www.marthawainwright.com/

The fabulous Kate Reid, once again, with Co-op Girls. This one is not so angry, she sings about trying to pick up women... and what really happens. She makes me laugh, and I recognize my own moments of awkwardness in her song.


http://www.katereid.net

Here's one of my favourite songs by this duo...Living Room from the album If It Was You by Tegan and Sara. It's has a great sound and just the right amount of energy...


http://teganandsara.com/


This following video, is by an indie-folk singer I discovered at Musicfest. She performed with Women in the Round, which included Kate Reid and Joanna Chapman-Smith.
Her name is Sarah MacDougall and this is Crow's Lament.


http://sarahmacdougall.com

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

conforming just ain't an option



This is my favourite song by Kate Reid, well, one of them, I have so many... It's called The Only Dyke at Open Mic.It's funny and clever. Listen to it, I think you'll agree.

Kate Reid's charm is how she peaked my interest, her humour kept me listening. It's not just that, it's her music. It's honest, simple, well expressed... and it has a healthy dose of self-deprecation. She tells stories in a way that we all can relate. 

Yep, she's a lesbian. It's a part of who she is and it's often what she sings about. Yet, so many of the feelings she expresses in her songs are universal - she finds the common thread. Her popularity is spreading, and not just in the LGBT community.That in itself, is refreshing and an important aspect of her music. Visibility, that is.  And honestly, any fan of folk can appreciate her talent.

I've had the great pleasure of seeing her perform at the Vancouver Island MusicFest in Courtenay, BC and in a local café in Victoria. I first saw her at Pride Victoria in 2009 and was immediately smitten. I have introduced her music to many friends, and they too have been won over.

Check Kate Reid out, she's definitely worth it. Her live performances are fabulous. She's candid and funny, and she knows how to connect with her audience.

Here is one of my partner Rick's favourite songs by her. It's called Truckdriver.It reminds him of the way he felt as a teenager, during a pivotal time.



To find out more about Kate Reid, check out her website:
http://www.katereid.net/

Addendum: Even better, read this article about Kate Reid. It's well written, and wonderfully true.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

plant your hope with good seeds

I discovered Mumford and Sons on a road trip. Summer road trips always seem to include great music, sunshine, bare feet, and long stretches of road. This was no exception.

This band's music is rousing. That's the first word that comes to mind. They make an art of building up their songs into  anthemic gems.Their songs often feature a banjo, a mandolin, and  sometimes an accordion, among other instruments.

I had a strange disconnected thought a little while ago. They  remind me a little of U2. The earnest early-eighties version of U2, that is. I think it's their youthful eagerness and the energy they inject into their music and performances. The comparisons, however, stop here.

On the Mumford and Sons website, they're described as:               
 Four young men from West London in their early twenties, they have fire in their bellies, romance in their hearts, and rapture in their masterful, melancholy voices.
Their live performances are indeed electric, and there's more than a hint of spirituality in the lyrics that give their songs a sense of longing. With roots in folk, Mumford and Sons are not an obvious fit with the popular music scene, yet in a short time, they've exploded onto it with their intense and impassioned sound.

This first video, is from The Accoustic Bookshop Sessions. I think this is my second favourite song by them... although the whole album is fantastic. Here, they are playing a fabulous version of The Cave.

This next song caught me by surprise. I heard it a few times, and only then did it hit me just how good it was. It reaches crazy energy levels. (Apparently I'm a sucker for that). So here you have it the official video for Roll Away Your Stone. I love Marcus Mumford's smile after he finishes the song. It says: "Wow, they really like us, I can't believe it!"

I recommend that you buy the Sigh No More album and go see one of their shows.
Just from the footage I've seen, I know I'm going to love seeing these guys live! And, my friends who have recently seen Mumford and Sons at Sasquatch, rave about their performance. It's just the beginning for this fouresome...
...their incredible energy draws us in quickly to their circle of songs, to the warmth of their stories, and to their magical community of misty-eyed men. (www.mumfordandsons.com/biography)
 Now for a less polished but electric rendition of Roll Away Your Stone:



Fabulous, isn't it?

Addendum:
I recently found this video from two years ago...  Check them out, their sound has already begun to emerge. Here, it's a little raw:



Monday, August 2, 2010

music is the peanut butter to my jelly

Music is indeed that. And more. (Yes, someone did watch Juno!)

When I'm having a conversation with someone, inevitably I begin to tell so and so, all about the most amazing song I just heard... Thirty minutes later, after a few veers and turns - we are still talking about music. I can say in all sincerity, music has always been like that for me. I'm a fan. A big fan. An appreciator of music and the musicians who create it.

No, I don't really play an instrument. I can read music... sort of. Occasionally, I clumsily play a handful of tunes on the piano or on the recorder. Yes, the recorder. I imagine it's becoming obvious that I belong in Geekdom.

In light of the fact that I can't quite carry a tune  and am devoid of the discipline or natural inclination to be a musician, I get to just relish some damn good music and tell people about it. Hence, this blog.

Today I leave you with a superb songwriter that has emerged from Sweden. I admit, I'm a little behind on this one. But, this is just a teaser. I will tell you more about him soon, I know I won't be able to resist.

I'm in love with his voice... If you haven't heard him before, here is The Tallest Man On Earth, singing Thousand Ways on KCRW Radio's "Morning  Becomes Eclectic". (05/7/10)