Imagine your car breaks down in heavy rain and you are stuck in the middle of nowhere! You start looking for help and find a cabin in the thick wet forest, it's warm with wood fire burning in the fireplace, red wine and food on the table, and a few books lying around begging to be read with a CD on the floor ready to be played in front of the fire! You pour yourself a glass of wine, warm your body in front of the fire, bite on a piece of cheese and bread, and grab the CD. They are a selection of indie artists, some known to you, some totally unknown, but none are mainstream.
Here are some of the songs I would be hoping to find on the CDs. I will be regularly writing more "Shipwrecked" song selections.
1. Rain by Jen Cloher. (have to st rat with that title for the sake of setting the scene!) A relatively unknown gem of a singer/songwriter with one of her best songs, simple acoustic riffs mixed in beautiful melody and immersed in Jen Cloher's brilliant country/western singing tone
2. Vanity Fair, By World Party, a tongue in cheek song about vanity, Karl Wallinger's best song since his 1980s super hit "Ship of Fools"
3. How to fight loneliness, by Wilco, a choice for its title, but a beautiful song by a great band
4. Fisherman's Blues, by Waterboys, Mike Scott, Karl Wallinger (World Party above) and co were at the time they wrote this song possibly the best indie band in the world. A folk violin based love song with gorgeous melodies and lyrics masterfully song by Scott.
5. The kiss, by Tristan Prettyman, an unusual name for a very attractive indie singer/songwriter from San Diego with a huge fan base in Southern California. I just love the way she sings this catchy song
6. The Fear, by Travis, a great love song from the Scottish lads' debut album, with honest sounds of analogue recording
7. Please break me gently, by Tex Perkins, one of Australia's greatest singer/songwriters of all time, from the solo album by the lead singer of Cruel Sea
8. Bird of paradise, by Snowy White, whilst he's better known for being one of the greatest session lead guitar player, this song is from his 1980s solo album and a proof that he was a star on his own as well.
9. If you think you know how to love me, by Smokie, One of the greatest underachieving bands of all time. They had the songwriting backing of the Chinn-Chapman fame, the tight guitar formation and the unique voice of Chris Norman, all evident in this one in a million song
10. Growing old is getting old, by Silversun Pickups, known for being the new Smashing Pumpkins, this is a suprisingly U2 influenced song, almost as if Billy Corgan and U2 got together and collaborated a song for U2 to play and Corgan to read. Imagining the talent you'd exoect a great song which is what you get here. Please also see my review on their new album "Swoon".
11. Me and my woman, by Roy Harper, just read my post on my blog about this song from the masterpiece album "Stormcock" by Roy Harper and you'll know I would take this song on my iPod with me to heaven or hell, no matter which one I will end up in!
12. Bed of Nails,by Ross Wilson, famous for his legendary work in teh Australian music scene with Daddy Cool and later on Mondo Rock, this is a great song from Ross Wilson's solo album in the early 90s
13. Lovers in the wind, by Roger Hodgeson, a simply beautiful love song from the masterful former singer/songwriter of Supertramp
14. Rich folk's hoax, by Rodriguez, Rodriguez was a loved cult hero in Australia and disappered for many years till the late 2000s when he returned to OZ for another tour. This song has deep lyrics blended into latin American influenced melodies
15. Breaking my own heart, by Duffy, Duffy's debut self titled album has been a top 10 sansation around the world. A unique mix of great production techniques, good song writing and duffy's unique voice makes the Album a must have. This song is only included in the Delux issue of the album as it was the song that initially helped Duffy being noticed
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Calling all Classic Rock fans: Add your favourites to my selection of long (>5min) Classic Rock Songs of the late 70s to early 80s
I love long(ish) songs by classic rock bands/acts. These long epic songs evolved from the Beatles 2-3 minutes pop song explosion of the early 60s and helped create the major rock acts of late 60s and most of the 70s.
I do agree with the common view that some of these acts subsequently ended up taking themselves too seriously and released some overbearingly self indulgent (in some cases concept)albums as a result.
But the selection of songs I am presenting here do not belong to the "self indulgent" series! They are great classic rock songs, epic creations of once in a life time quality.
I must also add that the following are some of my favourite songs at the top of my head, in no particular order. There are many bands which do not appear here. Please feel free to leave their name + song(s) as comments. It's always nice to share music! Just remember, songs have to be from sixties to around 1981 the latest, and must be reasonably long!
1. Pink Floyd, Shine on you crazy Diamond
2. Pink Floyd, echoes
3. King Crimson, Epitaph
4. King Crimson, In the court of the crimson king
5. The Doors, Riders on the storm
6. The Doors, LA Woman (I am not a big fan of Light my fire, but it could be included)
7. Moody Blues, Knights in white satin
8. Moody Blues, Isn't life strange?
9. Eloy, Love over six centuries (A German prog rock band, well worth a listen)
10. Eloy, Mutiny
11. Eloy, The apocalypse
12. ELP, fanfare for the common man (EPL were later on guilty of self indulgent music)
13. Pink Floyd, Sheep
14. Pink Floyd, Dogs
15. Pink Floyd, Pigs
16. Pink Floyd, Atom heart mother Suite (although some accuse this piece of a little bit of self indulgence, Pink Floyd wrote and released it well before they became world famous)
17. Pink Floyd, Time
18. Pink Floyd, Mother
19. Pink Floyd, Comfortably numb
20. Supertramp, Child of vision
21. Supertramp, crime of the century
22. Supertramp, Fool's overture
23. Supertramp, A soapbox opera
24. Supertramp,Babaji
25. Supertramp, Waiting so long
27. Dire Straits, Sultans of swing
28. Dire Straits, In the gallery
29. The Eagles, hotel California
30. Fleetwood Mac, Sara
31. Foreigner, I wanna know what love is
32. Jeff Buckley, Mojo pin (Yes I know "Grace" is not a 70s album, but it is a classic nevertheless!)
33. Jeff Buckley, Grace
34. Jeff Buckley, Hallelujah (of course a cover song but great nevertheless)
35. Jethrotull, Thick as a brick part 1 & 2
36. Jimi Hendrix, Voodoo Chile
37. Jimi Hendrix, hey Joe
38. Jimi Hendrix, All along the watch tower (Bob Dylan cover)
39. Joe Cocker, With a little help from my friends (Beatles original)
40. Max Meritt,Slipping away from me
41. Neil Young, Cortez the killer
42. Neil Young, Words
43. Queen, Bohemian rhapsody
44. Simon & Garfunkel, The boxer
45. AC/DC, Long way to the top
46. AC/DC, Let there be rock
47. Black sabbath, Heaven & Hell
48. Black Sabbath, Sign of the Southern Cross
49. Deep Purple, Highway star
50. Deep Purple, Child in time
51. Led Zeppelin, Kashmir
52. Led Zeppelin, Stairway to heaven
53. Led Zeppelin, Whole lotta love
54. Al Stewart, Year of the cat
55. Animals, House of the rising sun
56. Leonard Cohen, Waiting for a miracle (I like Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah, but it's an original Cohen song)
57. Steely Dan, Do it again
58. Nina Simone, Sinnerman
59. Chris de Burgh, Crusader
60. Chris de Burgh, eastern wind,
61. Chris de Burgh, Spanish Train
62. Chris de Burgh, Just in time
63. David Bowie, space oddity
64. David glamour, No way out of here
65. Snowy White, The journey
66. Bob Dylan, Hurricane
67. Roy Harper, Same old Rock (also see my review of this album)
68. Roy Harper, Me and my woman (also see my review of this album)
I do agree with the common view that some of these acts subsequently ended up taking themselves too seriously and released some overbearingly self indulgent (in some cases concept)albums as a result.
But the selection of songs I am presenting here do not belong to the "self indulgent" series! They are great classic rock songs, epic creations of once in a life time quality.
I must also add that the following are some of my favourite songs at the top of my head, in no particular order. There are many bands which do not appear here. Please feel free to leave their name + song(s) as comments. It's always nice to share music! Just remember, songs have to be from sixties to around 1981 the latest, and must be reasonably long!
1. Pink Floyd, Shine on you crazy Diamond
2. Pink Floyd, echoes
3. King Crimson, Epitaph
4. King Crimson, In the court of the crimson king
5. The Doors, Riders on the storm
6. The Doors, LA Woman (I am not a big fan of Light my fire, but it could be included)
7. Moody Blues, Knights in white satin
8. Moody Blues, Isn't life strange?
9. Eloy, Love over six centuries (A German prog rock band, well worth a listen)
10. Eloy, Mutiny
11. Eloy, The apocalypse
12. ELP, fanfare for the common man (EPL were later on guilty of self indulgent music)
13. Pink Floyd, Sheep
14. Pink Floyd, Dogs
15. Pink Floyd, Pigs
16. Pink Floyd, Atom heart mother Suite (although some accuse this piece of a little bit of self indulgence, Pink Floyd wrote and released it well before they became world famous)
17. Pink Floyd, Time
18. Pink Floyd, Mother
19. Pink Floyd, Comfortably numb
20. Supertramp, Child of vision
21. Supertramp, crime of the century
22. Supertramp, Fool's overture
23. Supertramp, A soapbox opera
24. Supertramp,Babaji
25. Supertramp, Waiting so long
27. Dire Straits, Sultans of swing
28. Dire Straits, In the gallery
29. The Eagles, hotel California
30. Fleetwood Mac, Sara
31. Foreigner, I wanna know what love is
32. Jeff Buckley, Mojo pin (Yes I know "Grace" is not a 70s album, but it is a classic nevertheless!)
33. Jeff Buckley, Grace
34. Jeff Buckley, Hallelujah (of course a cover song but great nevertheless)
35. Jethrotull, Thick as a brick part 1 & 2
36. Jimi Hendrix, Voodoo Chile
37. Jimi Hendrix, hey Joe
38. Jimi Hendrix, All along the watch tower (Bob Dylan cover)
39. Joe Cocker, With a little help from my friends (Beatles original)
40. Max Meritt,Slipping away from me
41. Neil Young, Cortez the killer
42. Neil Young, Words
43. Queen, Bohemian rhapsody
44. Simon & Garfunkel, The boxer
45. AC/DC, Long way to the top
46. AC/DC, Let there be rock
47. Black sabbath, Heaven & Hell
48. Black Sabbath, Sign of the Southern Cross
49. Deep Purple, Highway star
50. Deep Purple, Child in time
51. Led Zeppelin, Kashmir
52. Led Zeppelin, Stairway to heaven
53. Led Zeppelin, Whole lotta love
54. Al Stewart, Year of the cat
55. Animals, House of the rising sun
56. Leonard Cohen, Waiting for a miracle (I like Jeff Buckley's version of Hallelujah, but it's an original Cohen song)
57. Steely Dan, Do it again
58. Nina Simone, Sinnerman
59. Chris de Burgh, Crusader
60. Chris de Burgh, eastern wind,
61. Chris de Burgh, Spanish Train
62. Chris de Burgh, Just in time
63. David Bowie, space oddity
64. David glamour, No way out of here
65. Snowy White, The journey
66. Bob Dylan, Hurricane
67. Roy Harper, Same old Rock (also see my review of this album)
68. Roy Harper, Me and my woman (also see my review of this album)
Friday, July 10, 2009
A request Review: "Me and Simon" By Laleh (Persian born Swedish Singer/songwriter & Actress)
A newspaper publisher friend of mine kindly asked me to contribute a review of this album to one of his publications.
Let me begin by confessing that until asked to review this album I had never heard of Laleh! Therefore, I began by researching the artist before listening to the album. Laleh is clearly a very talented and impressive individual. She is a Persian born Swedish singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and actress. She was nominated for seven Swedish Music Awards in 2005 for her debut album "Laleh", and won three for Artist of the Year, Producer of the Year and Best New Artist of the Year. She has also acting success in Sweden.
Me and Simon is Laleh's third album. Like her previous work, the album contains songs in Swedish, English and Persian, all written and produced by Laleh.
If you wish to get a quick feel for her sound and style, think of the pop sound of the Cardigans and the slower and at times haunting music of Emilana Torrini, and the Anglo-Saxon Gothic sounds of Portishead and Cocteau Twins, all mixed together to create pleasant and at times very listenable music.
Whilst like many other young Pop musicians around the world Laleh's music is influenced by the dominant US/UK pop, she retains the distinct Nordic Pop influence in both her music and singing style. In my view this is where the beauty and charm of this album lies. The songs have a very strong Nordic flavour with a tinge of Persian and Anglo-Saxon pop, the opening track "Big City Love" being a fine pop example of my point.
Other standout songs are the title track "Me and Simon", which is the first single from the album, the beautiful Swedish track "Snoe" (Snow) which she recorded with London Symphony Orchestra for the Soundtrack of a Swedish movie and is a fine example of the full extent of her singing and songwriting ability, and the Persian song "Farda".
Whilst I was unable to listen to all the songs on the album due to difficulty in accessing them (online purchase or otherwise), based on the songs I have managed to listen to, it is clear that "Me and Simon" is a fine album by a very talented singer/songwriter with the potential to capture a much broader worldwide fan base. It is easy to listen to and contains some very impressive songwriting and singing by Laleh. An automatic buy for any serious music collector. rating 7.5/10
Let me begin by confessing that until asked to review this album I had never heard of Laleh! Therefore, I began by researching the artist before listening to the album. Laleh is clearly a very talented and impressive individual. She is a Persian born Swedish singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and actress. She was nominated for seven Swedish Music Awards in 2005 for her debut album "Laleh", and won three for Artist of the Year, Producer of the Year and Best New Artist of the Year. She has also acting success in Sweden.
Me and Simon is Laleh's third album. Like her previous work, the album contains songs in Swedish, English and Persian, all written and produced by Laleh.
If you wish to get a quick feel for her sound and style, think of the pop sound of the Cardigans and the slower and at times haunting music of Emilana Torrini, and the Anglo-Saxon Gothic sounds of Portishead and Cocteau Twins, all mixed together to create pleasant and at times very listenable music.
Whilst like many other young Pop musicians around the world Laleh's music is influenced by the dominant US/UK pop, she retains the distinct Nordic Pop influence in both her music and singing style. In my view this is where the beauty and charm of this album lies. The songs have a very strong Nordic flavour with a tinge of Persian and Anglo-Saxon pop, the opening track "Big City Love" being a fine pop example of my point.
Other standout songs are the title track "Me and Simon", which is the first single from the album, the beautiful Swedish track "Snoe" (Snow) which she recorded with London Symphony Orchestra for the Soundtrack of a Swedish movie and is a fine example of the full extent of her singing and songwriting ability, and the Persian song "Farda".
Whilst I was unable to listen to all the songs on the album due to difficulty in accessing them (online purchase or otherwise), based on the songs I have managed to listen to, it is clear that "Me and Simon" is a fine album by a very talented singer/songwriter with the potential to capture a much broader worldwide fan base. It is easy to listen to and contains some very impressive songwriting and singing by Laleh. An automatic buy for any serious music collector. rating 7.5/10
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