Art is the music we make from the bewildered cry of being alive. ~Maria Popova
24 May 2013 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: harry nilsson, nilsson, together
Nilsson: “Together” (1968)
One of the many overlooked gems from Nilsson’s early career, when only fellow musicians seemed to be hip to the genius of his music.
Before he ever had an American hit, Nilsson songs were covered by The Monkees (“Cuddly Toy”), Three Dog Night (“One”) and others, and the Beatles famously cited him as their favorite singer.
“Together” itself was covered by British songbird Sandie Shaw:
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2013/04/03/songs-you-may-have-missed-381/
24 May 2013 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: dispatch, never or now
Dispatch: “Never or Now” (2012)
On the roots rock trio’s first album in 12 years, Dispatch trade their previous bouncy groove/jam band ethic for a more mature sound on Circles Around the Sun. And for the first time, there’s no mistaking them for the Spin Doctors.
17 May 2013 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: inspiration information, sharon jones & the dap kings
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings: “Inspiration Information” (2009)
Sharon Jones’ excellent take on the Shuggie Otis title track from his legendary 1974 album, which also contained his original version of “Strawberry Letter 23”, taken to #5 by the Brothers Johnson three years later.
17 May 2013 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: future of forestry, traveler's song
Future of Forestry: “Traveler’s Song” (2009)
From the first installment of the ambient indie rock group’s travel-themed trilogy of six-song EPs released in 2009-2010.
Their sound at times evokes Arcade Fire, Republic Tigers and early Coldplay, with the main difference being that FOF is sometimes referred to as a Christian Alternative Rock band. This isn’t necessarily apparent at first listen, however; only on closer inspection of the lyrics does it become clear that their ethereal sound is meant to enhance a contemplative, worshipful state of mind.
Being that there are so many other bands of the moment straddling spiritual territory, this just comes across as a group with a second foot over that fence. But Future of Forestry’s music can be appreciated as either of two things: indie rock with a spiritual bent, or an atypically interesting brand of Christian rock.
Wait, stay here and have a drink of time
A drink of time
Wait, before you split yourself in two
There’s time for you
If you travel here, you will feel it all
The brightest and the darkest
If you travel here, listen to your heart
And take with you what lasts forever
Sleep, and dream a dream of when you fly
When you fly
See through traveler’s eyes once again
To love and give
If you travel here, you will feel it all
The brightest and the darkest
If you travel here, listen to your heart
And take with you what lasts forever
And if you travel here, you will feel it all
The brightest and the darkest
And if you travel here, listen to your heart
And take with you what lasts forever
17 May 2013 2 Comments
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: long live love, tracey ullman
Tracey Ullman: “Long Live Love” (1983)
That Tracey Ullman would take on an old Sandie Shaw chestnut from 1965 seems particularly fitting, as Ullman’s shtick as a short-lived pop star was a revisiting of the sound and image Shaw epitomized 20 years earlier.
The multi-talented Ullman’s foray into retro girl-group pop in the mid ’80’s predated her later popularity as comic TV personality. Her musical legacy in America was that of a one-hit wonder, that one hit being the brilliant throwback pop gem and international hit “They Don’t Know”, a Kirsty MacColl cover.
But in her native UK she charted a total of six songs in the top 100 over a two-year period while recording for the punk Stiff record label. And as the infectious “Long Live Love” proves, Ullman had more than one fine musical moment before giving up her singing career.
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2013/10/23/songs-you-may-have-missed-491/
11 May 2013 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: boz scaggs, sierra
Boz Scaggs: “Sierra” (1994)
In 1994 Boz Scaggs delivered his first album for Virgin Records after nearly two decades with Columbia. The Some Change album sounded like a return to the warm, natural sound of his 70’s work and was arguably his best in years. The haunting “Sierra” is a highlight.
Every Moment Has A Song 