Art is the music we make from the bewildered cry of being alive. ~Maria Popova
24 Feb 2021 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: arlo parks, too good
Arlo Parks: “Too Good” (2021)
Anaïs Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho–known professionally as Arlo Parks–is a London-based musician and poet whose European tour in the early part of 2020 was inturrupted–like so many things–by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Too Good” is a smoothly soothing, sophisticated standout track from her 2021 debut Collapsed in Sunbeams.
27 Jan 2021 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: earth wind & fire, ramsey lewis, sun goddess
Ramsey Lewis and Earth, Wind & Fire: “Sun Goddess” (1975)
From R&B/jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis’ gold-selling album of the same name, this 1975 single features members of Earth, Wind & Fire and was co-written by Maurice White.
Although this 45 edit of “Sun Goddess” rose to #44 in the Billboard Hot 100 (and #20 in the soul singles charts) it is a bit of a rare commodity, having never appeared on any American-release EWF album or compilation.
22 Jan 2021 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: graffiti6, under the mask
Graffiti6: “Under the Mask” (2014)
You’d swear this prescient pop tune was released in April of 2020 and not April of 2014:
I see your light
I see your light
No matter where you turn
Or where you hide
I see it all
Shining so bright
You say that you’re not sure
And there’s no cure
But there’s a way
To fly away
There is a light, there is a light in your heart
There is a light burning a fire in the dark
Under the mask, under the mask we’re beautiful
So let out the light, no need to hide anymore
Under the mask
There is a space
There is a space
Somewhere that you belong
It keeps you strong
It’s in my arms
‘Cause it is your space
No matter where we turn
Or where we hide
We’ll fly away
So fly away
There is a light, there is a light in your heart
There is a light burning a fire in the dark
Under the mask, under the mask we’re beautiful
So let out the light, no need to hide anymore
Don’t turn away
Don’t hide away darling
Don’t turn away
Don’t hide away
I see you under the mask
Under the mask
There is a light, there is a light in your heart
There is a light burning a fire in the dark
Under the mask, under the mask we’re beautiful
So let out the light, no need to hide anymore
Under the mask
There is a light, there is a light in your heart
There is a light burning a fire in the dark
Under the mask, under the mask we’re beautiful
So let out the light, no need to hide anymore
See also: Songs You May Have Missed #194 | Every Moment Has A Song (edcyphers.com)
17 Jan 2021 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: the family tree, venice
Venice: “The Family Tree” (1999)
Venice are the Eagles you’ve never heard of.
Comprised of two brothers and their two cousins (also brothers) from–where else–Venice California, the band have been dubbed by David Crosby “the best vocal group in America”.
The list of superstars with whom they’ve performed or recorded is considerable (deep breath): Elton John, Don Henley, Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, Sting, Heart, Phil Collins, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Cher, Styx, Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, Melissa Etheridge, The Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins, Dave Mason, Michael McDonald, Bon Jovi, Chris Isaac, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, Ozzy Osbourne, David Crosby, and Billy Idol among others.
For all that, the Californis band’s biggest success has been in the Netherlands, where in 2003 they won that country’s Grammy-equivalent Edison Award for Best International Artist, besting such heavyweights as Coldplay and U2, and where they enjoy consistent radio play and sold-out tours.
Band members also contributed backing vocals on Roger Waters “The Wall Live Tour” from 2010-13.
The poignant “The Family Tree” shows off the meshing of the familial harmonies as the lyrics touch on the topic of the family surviving down the years, something this family band is certainly testament to.
25 Dec 2020 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: save me a place, velvet crush
Velvet Crush: “Save Me a Place” (2002)
On their aptly-titled fifth album Soft Sounds, Velvet Crush strip down their usual power pop bluster to reveal a more mature side with a collection of thoughtfully-produced originals and well-chosen covers.
“Save Me a Place”, in this writer’s opinion at least, actually betters Lindsey Buckingham’s original Tusk album track.
See also: Songs You May Have Missed #220 | Every Moment Has A Song (edcyphers.com)
25 Dec 2020 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: birds, the submarines
The Submarines: “Birds” (2011)
John Dragonetti and Blake Hazard began their career as musical and romantic partners. Dragonetti produced Hazard’s solo debut, and the two played in each other’s bands.
But post-breakup the two began sharing the songs each had written about the dissolution of their relationship.
Fast forward a few years and the couple reconciled, married, and continued to work together as Submarines, finding success placing songs on TV shows and iPhone commercials.
“Birds” is a highlight from their third full-length album.
Every Moment Has A Song 