Wed, 03 Oct 2007

Fri, 21 Sep 2007

Wed, 05 Sep 2007

So when I discovered Maple Rabbit on the store, I wasn't immediately suspicious as I listened to the first Top Song. Interesting, I thought, in a goofy sort of way that went with the album graphic. And I went to the second Top Song, which was coincidentally right above the first in the album's tracks. And the third was above that. And by the fifth, I realized there was a pattern here. Now, I'm no conspiracy theorist, at least not usually. But there's clearly something going on here that can't be explained by random chance. I blame aliens. Or maybe Republicans, assuming the two are mutually exclusive.

Fri, 24 Aug 2007

Fri, 10 Aug 2007

I like covers. And I like most of the songs Arden performs here. Maybe that's the problem; each track reminds me of how much better the originals are. From California Dreamin' to At Seventeen, I wondered why she thought she had anything to add. But it's downhill from there: Love Is a Battlefield, You're So Vain and Downtown shouldn't be attempted by somebody so, well, uninspired. I think I'll listen to an oldies station for a couple of hours until the horror subsides.

Wed, 08 Aug 2007

The new album, entitled Tainted Love: Mating Calls and Fight Songs, is a collection of covers. But to my shame, I know almost none of the originals. Maybe if I did, I'd enjoy it more. But vocalist Ambrosia Parsley (and isn't that the most perfect name for a lead singer?) has such a distinctive voice that I just had to hear more. That led me here, to the group's third album. And perhaps because I don't know any of these songs and didn't expect to, or perhaps because the performances are more accessible, I found here the kind of listen experience I almost but didn't quite get on the new album.

So I'd suggest you listen to both and decide for yourself. Maybe you'll like one; maybe you'll like the other. And maybe your musical knowledge is better or at least more current than mine, and you'll appreciate Shivaree's way with a cover.

Mon, 06 Aug 2007

Fri, 27 Jul 2007

Right?

Mon, 16 Jul 2007

I mention this because I think I have another candidate. It was the end of the second week of my trip to Australia and New Zealand (what, is he on about that again?), and I turned on a television for the first time that trip. Flipping the channels, I came upon an MTVish show. And after a few minutes I was assaulted with Mika's song, Love Today. Before it had reached the chorus I was in pain; by the time it ended I realized that life as I knew it was over. I hated that song, and I couldn't wait to hear it again. And again. And again.

I suffer for his art. Now it's your turn.

Wed, 11 Jul 2007

I don't mention this to make you jealous, although I quite understand if you are. (Unless you're an Aussie or Kiwi, in which case you're wondering what the big deal is.) No, I'm just trying to explain my next few musical selections, for which I must thank my host on Waiheke Island.

Strange thing, that; for some reason my travel agent thinks I have both money and taste. At least that's the conclusion I drew when I arrived at the most amazing little B&B on the island, a half hour's ferry from downtown Auckland. Among the delights of the place was an impressive collection of CDs in my room, which I enjoyed over the next few days. This was the first disc I put on, and the one that left the most lasting impression. It reminds me of Waiheke: lush and rich and full of subtleties, but also warm and inviting and relaxed. Which is making me wish I was back there, if it weren't for the fact that I have you here, waiting for more blog posts. Oh, and that thing about having to make money so I can take more trips. There's that, I suppose.

Wed, 27 Jun 2007

Wed, 16 May 2007

Fri, 27 Apr 2007

Wed, 18 Apr 2007

So is his performance here merely languid? Or is it supremely bored? I'll leave it to you to judge. My only hope is that in the two decades between my experience and Mr. Ho's death this past week, he found a little bliss, or at least a little comfort in his place in life. I mean, how awful can it have been to be successful, and beloved, and in Hawaii for all those years?

1. Not to be confused with very special episodes, which generally involved teen pregancy or drug use and hardly ever took place in Hawaii

Wed, 11 Apr 2007

Wed, 04 Apr 2007

Which gives the performances on Better a little more immediacy, a lack of filtration. Could've been a disaster. Heck, we only have her word that it wasn't, that what we're getting really is the original, unadulterated performance. I'm just cynical to acknowledge the possibility I'm being flimflammed, even as I don't believe it for a second. Besides, with country-tinged pop this sweet, does it really matter? (Only to the degree it lets me use a word like "flimflammed". That was worth the whole digression.)

Mon, 02 Apr 2007

But how can she be so known and unknown at the same time? That's because (again, so I've heard) most of those MP3s attribute the song to somebody else. Anybody else, as long as they're female and a singer. So I can only imagine how many people love her voice but have no idea it's her voice they love. And she's even good when she isn't channeling John Denver. Or being misidentified as Sheryl Crow. Or Jewel. Or half a dozen other age appropriate performers who aren't her. Or should that be she?

Mon, 12 Mar 2007

Fri, 09 Mar 2007

Okay, it isn't really. And sometimes it's no effort at all. Like today for example. I can't claim to have discovered Ms. Sweet. She, or rather her PR people, found me. And sent me her latest CD, so new that it hasn't shown up on the iTunes Store yet. So when it does, be sure to give a listen. Kelly Sweet has a sweet and pure and perfect voice, a little like a Charlotte Church, only without the highfalutin repertoire. That new CD is the best money I never had to spend. Not that I wouldn't have spent it if I'd needed to, you understand.

Oh, I almost forgot. That album that isn't on the iTunes Store yet? It's called We Are One. One what, she doesn't say.

Update 03/09: Ah, the perils of trying to get a little bit ahead on my posts. You know that not yet on iTunes album I just mentioned? Well, turns out it's there now. So rather than listening to Kelly's EP and imagining how good a whole album would be, you can skip that whole imagining thing and hear what I heard

Wed, 28 Feb 2007