Fields by Junip
Zero 7's wonderful album, The Garden introduced me to both the daring vocalist Sia and the fascinating songwriter Jose Gonzalez. The mix was great to play in Borders because it had enough electronic beat in the mix to catch people off guard midst all the downtempo mood. Then, came Gonzalez's solo album "Veneer," showing off his acoustic guitar work very well.
I hadn't heard of Junip before, but this was the Swedish band he came hails from. Along with Tobia Winterkorn on keys and drummer Elias Araya, they put together a modest EP in the later part of the 90s. They all split and went their separate ways. Unknown to my own radar, the trio returned to produce a short album called Black Refuge.
Now, hearing this new Junip album, Fields refreshes my memory of what a talent Jose Gonzalez is and flanked by the two talented musicians, the sound is a great combo between chill out and spirited beat driven tracks. Keeping it simple, the group sounds wonderful in a pair of headphones. I feel as though I'm re-discovering an old treasure.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Actor to Singer Songwriter
Jeff Bridges by Jeff Bridges
It takes a lot for someone to jump genre. Heavy success in one area often means a raised an eyebrow in another, but since the Crazy Heart Soundtrack did so phenomenally well for Jeff Bridges, may we not give him any dirty looks and let the man prove himself?
To be totally honest, I didn't care for "Crazy Heart," the movie. I guess the songs were okay. They're not really my thing. But I do like Jeff Bridges as an actor ever since he first portrayed Flynn in Disney's original "Tron" movie, and loved him ever since in whatever he was in. Honorable mention: Starman and The Dude!
But as a Singer Songwriter? Here went the eyebrow for me.
Given he isn't the best lyricist, but I found a good deal of it has thoughtful sound. Twinges of country, but moody with a contemplative palate. I found myself listening to what he was trying to say. Unlike the Crazy Heart soundtrack, which this is clearly not, it keeps you listening. It's not gimmickry, which it could have been. He could have tried to capitalize on the critical acclaim and make an album with the same people, but Bridges is trying to be honest in the songs, and that's a very good move. He's not "Bad Blake," he's Jeff Bridges.
It takes a lot for someone to jump genre. Heavy success in one area often means a raised an eyebrow in another, but since the Crazy Heart Soundtrack did so phenomenally well for Jeff Bridges, may we not give him any dirty looks and let the man prove himself?
To be totally honest, I didn't care for "Crazy Heart," the movie. I guess the songs were okay. They're not really my thing. But I do like Jeff Bridges as an actor ever since he first portrayed Flynn in Disney's original "Tron" movie, and loved him ever since in whatever he was in. Honorable mention: Starman and The Dude!
But as a Singer Songwriter? Here went the eyebrow for me.
Given he isn't the best lyricist, but I found a good deal of it has thoughtful sound. Twinges of country, but moody with a contemplative palate. I found myself listening to what he was trying to say. Unlike the Crazy Heart soundtrack, which this is clearly not, it keeps you listening. It's not gimmickry, which it could have been. He could have tried to capitalize on the critical acclaim and make an album with the same people, but Bridges is trying to be honest in the songs, and that's a very good move. He's not "Bad Blake," he's Jeff Bridges.
SPOTIFY: WHO WANTS IT?
It's free, it's fun, it's easy access to a huge library of recorded music.
It synchronizes with iTunes. It synchronizes with the mp3s on your computer.
But best off all...
My blog is full of Spotify links! It makes the blog come alive. Free!
Or with a Premium account (No Commercial Interruptions!)
Send me your email @ oddleyrhetoricle at gmail dot com!
Join the blog and I'll send you the invite!
It's free, it's fun, it's easy access to a huge library of recorded music.
It synchronizes with iTunes. It synchronizes with the mp3s on your computer.
But best off all...
My blog is full of Spotify links! It makes the blog come alive. Free!
Or with a Premium account (No Commercial Interruptions!)
Send me your email @ oddleyrhetoricle at gmail dot com!
Join the blog and I'll send you the invite!
Currently Listening To
Hearts by I Brake Horses
Very atmospheric, with shades of post-modern punk and wombedelia. "Winter Beats" is a killer opening track. And the atmospheric, dreamy sound continues throughout the release. The title track "Horses" glistens with electrical distorted organs, almost anthemic. The ending culminates in a wonderful, blissful track "No Way Outro," totally fitting, because with this goodness, who would want out anyway?
Listening to Right Now
I was in a classic rock mood: Yeah, I know. Turn on the damn radio.
Nah, What I am saying is AOR best stuff -- And now let me be framed as typical!
Abbey Road
The Swansong of The Beatles, Abbey Road (not on Spotify but in car)
Circa 1969, things weren't going well at all with the fab four as they were all growing apart, entangled in legal battles, minus their manager Brian Epstein, and with no idea how to go on with their overwhelming fame. Abbey Road brought them back into the studio one last time, after the Let It Be debacle to deliver a lasting ending to their vinyl repertoire. It excels in many ways.
Tommy by The Who
Great also is the Broadway Cast Album from Des McAnuff's reworking of Tommy
Nah, What I am saying is AOR best stuff -- And now let me be framed as typical!
Abbey Road
The Swansong of The Beatles, Abbey Road (not on Spotify but in car)
Circa 1969, things weren't going well at all with the fab four as they were all growing apart, entangled in legal battles, minus their manager Brian Epstein, and with no idea how to go on with their overwhelming fame. Abbey Road brought them back into the studio one last time, after the Let It Be debacle to deliver a lasting ending to their vinyl repertoire. It excels in many ways.
Tommy by The Who
Great also is the Broadway Cast Album from Des McAnuff's reworking of Tommy
Currently Loving This:
The Blackbird Diaries
Back to basics, with bluegrass and country, this album offers great songwriting, reflection. Dave baring a soulful side rocks harder on this album than he has in ages. With superb musicianship and stellar guest stars Steve Nicks, Colbie Caillat, and Martina McBride, this album sounds great from song to song. Where's Joss Stone, though?
LP1
He co-wrote songs on her latest outing which is available on Amazon.
The Blackbird Diaries
Back to basics, with bluegrass and country, this album offers great songwriting, reflection. Dave baring a soulful side rocks harder on this album than he has in ages. With superb musicianship and stellar guest stars Steve Nicks, Colbie Caillat, and Martina McBride, this album sounds great from song to song. Where's Joss Stone, though?
LP1
He co-wrote songs on her latest outing which is available on Amazon.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
I am becoming a music blogger for fun and maybe I'll make some money at it, too. I have no true education in music appreciation, only that of what I have heard over the years and what I have learned to appreciate. There are many great bands out there that don't get to see the light of day, so I will primarily dedicate reviews to them, and less toward reviewing Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and other chart toppers. I mean, what can I really say about them to influence anyone anyway?
I've already started with a first review: A favorable one by a group known as The Horrors, which is actually totally misleading.
I will link to Spotify for now and I will probably affiliate with Amazon too. Looking into that soon.
Hope you enjoy the reviews! Let the music begin!
I've already started with a first review: A favorable one by a group known as The Horrors, which is actually totally misleading.
I will link to Spotify for now and I will probably affiliate with Amazon too. Looking into that soon.
Hope you enjoy the reviews! Let the music begin!
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