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.

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!

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)