As mentioned - the music post
August 20th, 2006 by Bill
I usually let my laptop shuffle through whatever it feels inclined to play but, though there’s a lot to choose from, I eventually want some new music. And so I go out and get some.
I use the term “new” very loosely, by the way. It is new to me and in some cases not even all that new. It can be something I haven’t heard in years (as is the case with one of the four I mention below.
So here are the four discs that I’ve been playing over and over recently:
Bitman & Roban:
Musica Para Despues de Almuerzo
I don’t know how to describe this but, to quote one review, it’s “…an intoxicating mix of electronic, funk, hip-hop, Latin, and lounge.” Kinda jazzy too. These guys are from Chile though it sounds, at least to me, as if they’re from Chile via New York or L.A. It’s almost impossible not to move when you listen to this.
Dar Williams:
My Better Self
Again, as with most music these days, kinda of a hodge podge of sounds … definite folk and pop, but bluesy in some instances. Lyrically, as is often the case with folk rooted music, it’s quite fascinating with a definite political bent. While she writes her own songs (I love “I’ll Miss You Till I Meet You”), I’m particularly fond of her remake of Neil Young’s “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere” (with some help from Marshall Crenshaw), and Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” (vocal assistance from Ani DiFranco).
Dinah Washington
What a Difference a Day Makes
Originally released in January of 1959, this is sort of jazzy, a bit R&B sounding, recording of old style “pop” music, which doesn’t sound pop compared with what passes for that today. There are lush orchestral arrangements but her jazz sound, and great voice, makes this a great collection of ballads. Great for sipping cocktails.
Gordon Lightfoot
Old Dan’s Records
Definitely folk. If you don’t like folk, this is not for you. But if you do … Of all Lightfoot’s albums, this is my favourite – probably because it is one where some of the production elements are not so intrusive. (They use to dress up some of his albums with strings.) This is more straight guitars, dobros, bass etc. And his voice is at its best here. I also find this a very relaxing album. Great Sunday morning music.
And that’s what I’ve been listening to lately! (As I type, I’m listening to Dinah Washington.)
I love finding “new” music. I’ve never heard of Dar Williams before and I just listened to some of her stuff on Amazon and I really liked it. Thanks for that.
Do you know of Patty Griffin? She has a great album called “Living with Ghosts”. I think it came out some time in the 90’s. It’s just her voice and an acoustic guitar. I think you’d like it.
Funny, I think I heard Patty Griffin doing “Moses” this morning (on a station here in Alberta, CKUA). I listened to a bit of that Living With Ghosts on iTunes and I may have to pick it up. Sounds very good. You might also like Lucinda Williams, especially here album Essence.
Thanks for the Patty Griffin tip!
Just arrived here through a series of blog list hopping.
Since you like Lucinda Williams and Dar Williams and Emmy Lou, then i would like to heartily second the Patty Griffin recommendation. Also, have you listened to Mary Gauthier? Her album Filth and Fire, with the exception of one song, is spectacular.
I’ll be back.
I don’t recognize the first three, but…
With a load of iron ore - 26,000 tons more
Than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty
That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
When the gales of November came early