Songs You May Have Missed #401

27 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

say you will

Fleetwood Mac: “Peacekeeper” (2003)

A highlight of 2003 comeback album Say You Will, “Peacekeeper” possesses some of the old magic–and certainly the glorious harmonies–that made Fleetwood Mac one of the greatest bands of the 70’s.

On the downside, the absence of Christine McVie’s songwriting on the album is keenly felt. Over the course of 18 tracks, all written by either Buckingham or Nicks, a tedium sets in for the average listener. Somewhat ironic that the band who’d cut such gems as “Silver Springs” from past albums gives us too much here.

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/03/13/songs-you-may-have-missed-48/

Songs You May Have Missed #400

26 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

luminosa

Libera: “Ave Maria” (2001)

Next time you want to slow your heartbeat down and find a quiet, reflective–dare I say prayerful–moment, you could do much worse for background music than London boy choir Libera.

Although some tracks are overlaid with electronic effects that would horrify classical purists (I too think they detract rather than adding to the music’s appeal) when the focus is on the sublime vocals and instrumentation is kept to a minimum the results can be spectacular. Such is the case with their rendition of Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria”.

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/09/29/songs-you-may-have-missed-183/

Songs You May Have Missed #399

26 Apr 2013 2 Comments

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

pie

Don McLean: “Empty Chairs” (1971)

Having one gigantic hit song can be a mixed blessing for an artist.

It pains me to hear stories of drunken “fans” badgering Don McLean throughout his live concerts for the only song they came to hear, uber-anthem “American Pie”.

This guy was a gifted writer, capable of spinning a set full of thoughtful, diverse and colorful tunes for the patient listener. Trouble is, “American Pie” is the ultimate dive bar sing-along, and it must come at or near the end, otherwise McLean would play the rest of his set to a lot of…empty chairs.

If you like his hit single “Vincent”, this one should find favor with you too.

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/04/05/songs-you-may-have-missed-69/

See also: Songs You May Have Missed #702 | Every Moment Has A Song (edcyphers.com)

Songs You May Have Missed #398

24 Apr 2013 2 Comments

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

via

Via Audio: “Presents” (2007)

New York-based (by way of Boston) indie pop quartet Via Audio are distinguished by rich harmonies and a willingness to experiment with a variety of textures and rhythms. The kind of band, in other words, that doesn’t start to wear out their welcome over the course of a full album.

There are lots of better-known acts of whom the same cannot be said.

via audio

Songs You May Have Missed #397

24 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

heron

Heron: “Take Me Back Home” (1972)

Rustic English acid folk from the time when that country was getting in touch with its indigenous music with the help of Martin Carthy, Richard Thompson, Ashley Hutchings and the like. In the too-brief first incarnation of this band, they recorded in an open field due to an aversion to recording studios. The album cover photo depicts the house where the band and their families all stayed during the time of its recording. Idyllic.

Today Heron are a footnote. Their first two albums are rare, precious and beautiful.

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/12/19/songs-you-may-have-missed-264/

Songs You May Have Missed #396

24 Apr 2013 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

kooks

The Kooks: “Junk of the Heart (Happy)” (2011)

The Kooks aren’t trying to shake up the world with their infectious, Kinks-inflected garage-y power pop. They just want to make you happy. I think they’ll probably do that about three minutes here.

See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/07/24/songs-you-may-have-missed-153/

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