Thursday, August 15, 2013
The History of A Passion IX: Aretha Franklin
...god is tryin' to tell you somethin'...
Q. Jones
***************
Where does one begin in an analysis of a domineering talent? Perhaps with the individual's roots, their origin, their enigmatic essence? Well, in such a case we will start there with the inheritance of a gift, a role in the grand scheme of the almighty. Behold, the Queen of Soul...
Aretha Franklin, dubbed the Q.O.S. as and is still most deserved, began her career out of Detroit. Known as Motown for its factories of automobiles and superstars. 1967 was the year that unleashed this vocal volcano across the planet with hits like, "Respect, and "Think." She was without a doubt a voice that k.o.'ed all popular contention.
Even if her prolific future would encapsulate Top 40 radio, musicologists and purists of all musical likes and dislikes had little to no choice in the matter that Franklin although cast into a mold of "Pop" harnessed a spiritual dominance that I believe any human capable, but few, few can achieve with such controlled finesse.
*****************
I think it was my brother who gave me the Aretha Franklin cd box set. At first I was a bit indifferent, but after opening it up and actually devoting some time to listening obviously I was hooked. This lady can master any genre. Spiritual, gospel, rock-n-roll, pop, blues, etc....and now in 2013 seems to be winding down, but with awards and honors from the young and the old. Seriously, with many, many Grammies under her belt and is a member of every Hall of Fame that exists for music. Her music is very dear to me and definitely in my Top 10 Favorite Female Vocalists.
*********************
From the perspective of someone who cherishes the gift of a natural born vocalist...and has had no choice in devoting conscious and subconscious time to studying and mastering the craft of "learning how to sing from scratch" that I can truly say that Franklin upholds a standard that is very high, perhaps the highest...however, critical for anyone, anyone who wishes to be able to sing. Aretha has this particular delivery that singles her out from the rest of the pack. It is this calm, cool, and collected disposition as if when she is singing she is at total peace with her body and voice. I say this because I know from experience that one's body can actually hinder your vocal abilities. If you are nervous or under any form of strain mentally or physically it will affect your throat. Franklin never really allowed any such stress to interfere with her singing. Until now. She is older obviously and her weight is an issue. In her prime you could say she was like a machine...something with so much tireless power. But folks, that is where the beauty is...in and of itself...because she is not a machine...and in my world...always a divine force.
Praises.
******************************
Technicalities:
Style: Explosive
Vocal Range: Low register(G2-E3)
Chest(C5-D6)
Head Voice(A5-E6)
Projection: ....if the globe had corners...
Notable Tracks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRWSOSeuO4w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzRA9UzuU8c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3zBYPzDd-Q
Sunday, May 26, 2013
History of A Passion VIII: Bob Marley
"...Don't believe the devil...don't believe his book...but the truth is not the same without the lies he made up...don't believe in excess...success is to give...don't believe in riches but you should see where I live...I-n-I believe in love..."
-Bono
"Tribute to the man called Bob Marley...tribute to the musical hero...the king of reggae..."
-Prince Fari
Music is my religion. So, when I listen, I, most certainly am praying. This occurs often. In all honesty I can remember specific moments in time when I purchased particular albums, heard certain artists for the first time---Almost to the day and to the hour of my life. However, when it comes to Mr. Marley, I can only place the approximate year when all of a sudden, the majority of my time was DEVOTED to listening to Bob. Of studying and becoming an absolute aficionado because his music is that good. Not only did I become an expert on the Marley discography, I quickly figured out how to sing the songs. I can sing any Marley song with an ease and finesse that could only be explained by the connection I feel to Marley's songs by way of an unquestionable certainty that this man was a blessed individual outright. And the strength of faith I gathered from his words proved to me that if there ever was a doubt in my heart that God existed...it was no longer.
Falling in love had a new meaning for me. I was head over...immersed in a scenario that encapsulated freedom and salvation...wisdom and humility...strength and gentleness...a shelter in the storm. Not exactly sure where I got my first Marley album or which one it was, but probably just copied some tracks from my brother's collection. And probably were the main Marley go-to's. "No woman, no cry, Is this Love, Buffalo Soldier." Listening to those hits soon tired and I was on to the real breadth of Marley's body of work. At any rate, my favorite Marley album is, "Survival." Start to finish--absolute masterpiece. And my favorite song isn't even on that album!(So Jah Seh-"Natty Dread) It would be too difficult to place the other albums in any kind of order by personally rating them from favorite to least favorite. This account is just a slice of my personal experience with Bob Marley.
"...To the rescue.....here I am...."
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Diamanda Galas: History of a Passion VII
"People with intelligence will use it to fashion things both true and false and will try to push through whatever they want with their clever reasoning. This is injury from intelligence. Nothing you do will ever have effect unless you use truth."
-Hagakure
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Game Changer
I had a roommate once upon a time that had just as much of a passion for music that I do. We became good friends. One day he was listening to this singer that sounded like a devil worshipper. I was scared sh**tless. I was like who the "F" is that? He explained she wasn't a devil worshipper, but a singer with a unique voice. At first, I could not wrap my ears around this cacophonous noise. Diamanda Galas, as was the singer in question sounded like a cat being strangled. I was like, dude! please shut that off! He did, but told me to listen to some of it when I had time. Slowly, I tried to warm up to her, trying to figure out where this seemingly crazy person was coming from. It was a bit of a process, but I found her to be quite intetesting in fact. She wasn't worshipping the devil at all. Her style was one that it was like she was taking all the pain in the world, channeling it through her own body and singing so hard as to get it out and be cleansed.
Sure enough Galas was giving a performance shortly after my discovery of her and my roommate and I were bound. The show was being held in Berkeley, Ca. at Zellerbach Hall(Univ.of Ca@Berkeley) which happens to be one of the finest concert halls in the world. It is known and widely respected for its acoustics. Only wood and soft fabrics allowed in the hall. So, we ventured across the Bay from SF that night and once we were at the hall found our seats in the nosebleed section which was o.k. because the hall is small enough to experience the full effects of the music. Galas appeared and it her solo voice and piano. The piano had this intense sound effect device hooked up to it which made each key sound like an organ in a haunted house, but a little cleaner meaning the notes would echo in reverberation. Galas began to sing with mild intensity that would slowly but surely build and build and build into what would become a volcanic eruption. Meanwhile, I could not think of anything else as this singer began to unravel the coil of my soul little by little. Such artistic vision has but one goal anyway. Not to be loved like a best friend, but to own you like samurai to their master. After a few songs, Galas' talents became without warning apparent. Her vocal style is in a category of its own and hence very difficult to describe. However, I will say based onmy own opinion that although she does sustain an operatic status she can quite successfully incorporate different tones in a single breath. This technique is similar to that of the Tuvan throat singers.
Basically, my mind is being blown at this point. Vocal ability is something that pretty much dominates my attention. Iy goes beyond entertainment, it goes beyond art, it goes beyond love. It isn't a part of my soul. It is my soul. Galas' particular ability looked me in the face and said, "Your eyes were open...but now you can see." Towards the end of the show, rendered speechless, Galas starts in on a song that had this bizarre underlying pop music feel to it. I started thinking to myself...this is a cover!....but she has it reconstructed into her style. I was standing there wondering and straining to figure out what it was and then she sang one line very slowly that enabled me to decipher the track. "My World is Empty Without You."--The Supremes. Yes.
She is unbelievably righteous. My roommate and I left totally mesmerized. I had never experienced such a performance before and certainly not one with such an intense innovative vigor. I proceeded to buy up all of Galas' discography because I wanted to begin to study this one closely. This my friend's was the game changer. I felt reborn.
Technicalities:
Style: Demonic Opera
Vocal Range: 4 Octaves
Projection: YOU
"Praise the warrior and master...."---dg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrDwpp7BeR8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzWVWY5QUzg
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
History Of A Passion VI: U2
U2
"Faith is taking that first step
even when you cannot see the
whole staircase."
MLK
-----------------------------------------------------------
3rd grade. Standing in line waiting to return to the classroom from lunch. Walkman on. 93.7. "Two Hearts Beat as One," begins. Suddenly I was standing on a mountaintop beside God. I'd heard of U2 before, but that was the first time I was having them piped into my ears solely in a room full of 100 grammar schoolers. It felt like the world stopped and a love had just been born.
Then cable television blew across America along with it: MTV. That was a marvelous time for music-The 80's. Feels like it was the best of all within the evolution of music. I am sure every music lover feels that way about whatever decade they began to grow up in(If so, here's mine). As MTV became the ultimate game changer in the world of music, U2 was right in the middle of it. The world saw bands performing on television before, but now it was obviously videos that were being showcased, categorized, and repeated with scrutiny. You could now watch the bands you liked in this sort of theatrical medium with costumes and makeup.
The music actually began to develop quite the mystique. The videos had to have a director of some sort and it was through their eyes that caused us to change how we felt about the actual music. We weren't just listening anymore...we were watching with an intentional anticipation. It wasn't just audio...now it was visual. It is very important to discuss MTV because it was a definitive factor in the worldwide musical phenomenon we call U2.
Due to their prolific and almost god-like influence over millions of music fans, it is a given that they have been interviewed, analyzed, criticized, and possibly ostracized for their global effect on millions of human beings. I intend on discussing their musical efforts(albums) and accomplishments, but my words will describe(as in all my posts) what their music means to me...personally and the inspiration and sometimes inadvertant guidance that it has provided me over the years.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Bono Vox-lead vocals, lyricist
The Edge-lead guitar, lyricist
Larry Mullen, Jr.-drums
Adam Clayton-Bass
-----------------------------------------------------------
What I find kind of amusing is that not until I was older did I first hear someone describe them as a Christian rock band. I knew what that meant, but never thought of U2 as that. I could decipher some of their lyrics that definitely pointed towards some version of a faith, but it just didn't seem really in the foreground at all...I mean as the only topic. I just thought that they were a bunch of guys who believed in God(as many do) and drew strength and determination from that belief to use their creativity as a catalyst for addressing other pressing worldy issues. Seen. I do not find them evangelistic, bombastic, or any of the like. They are taking their particular faiths and channeling them into their art with love and soul to form an artistic expression. I don't think they say believe this, believe that...they are saying this is what I believe.
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Music
I read one critic once break down what he thought were U2's masterpieces. Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, Zooropa? Whaaaaaaaaaaaat? Really? How in the dark are you? I wondered. Are you just a writer who happens to like music? Or are you a music fanatic who happens to be a writer?
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Masterpieces
Boy
Sometimes when one develops a deep admiration for something(music in this case) it can penetrate the subconcious with its meaning wherein only the two can agree on its effect. "Boy," U2's debut album focuses on themes of adolescence and the frustrations that that era of one's life can present. I suppose my subconcious strongly related to these ideas, thoughts, and feelings quite actually without my complete knowledge. This is my favorite U2 album. Perhaps not their best, but nevertheless one I will always cherish. It's classics include, "I Will Follow," Out of Control," and "Electric Co."
The Unforgettable Fire
In my opinion this is U2's absolute masterpiece. It is quintessential U2. If there is a U2 fan out there somewhere who doesn't like this album, they are not a real fan. This is the album where when recorded U2 had already generated a large following and upon its release sent them to the edge of what seemed like a volcano about to erupt...its lava on the brink of umleashing itself onto the earth taking out anything in its path.(hence, the name?)
This one employed different producers than previous albums. "Boy, October, and War" were more in the rock genre. Unforgettable Fire began production with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois who were known for their deeply lush instrumentational brilliance and soothing vocalities. Maybe U2 in the mid-80's and deeply rooted in their rock-nuances were about to shock fans with such a dramatic turn of style, however, I believe it was these producers who as only bonafide musicians could-saw in these lads something reflected in themselves which was a genuine talent that necessitated ALL possible avenues of musical creation. As well as the grace of God. Hallelujah. U.Fire's most well known tracks include, "Pride(In The Name of Love), Sort of Homecoming, and Bad."
The Joshua Tree
JT saw the retainment of Eno and Lanois. Rightly so. Apparently the group felt comfortable with these two overseeing the development of their art. Undoubtedly U2's most recognized work, it still didn't resonate with alot of their fans. The diehards found it way too stylistic of pop music. Looking back I think I was one of those diehards who were almost resentful that they had entered the realm of pop superstardom. It was like where were our rebellious and controversial boys from Dublin who sang about the trials and tribulations in Ireland and the rest of the world? Alot of us just didn't quite get it...these la-ti-da songs. They were labeled as sellouts and lost a large part of one particular area of their fan base only to gain another...the pop fan. At any rate, for the band as artists I believe it is still a masterpiece...pop-ish or not.
-----------------------------------------------------------
"The swift don't win the race.
It goes to the worthy,
who can divide
the word of truth."
Bob Dylan
"Faith is taking that first step
even when you cannot see the
whole staircase."
MLK
-----------------------------------------------------------
3rd grade. Standing in line waiting to return to the classroom from lunch. Walkman on. 93.7. "Two Hearts Beat as One," begins. Suddenly I was standing on a mountaintop beside God. I'd heard of U2 before, but that was the first time I was having them piped into my ears solely in a room full of 100 grammar schoolers. It felt like the world stopped and a love had just been born.
Then cable television blew across America along with it: MTV. That was a marvelous time for music-The 80's. Feels like it was the best of all within the evolution of music. I am sure every music lover feels that way about whatever decade they began to grow up in(If so, here's mine). As MTV became the ultimate game changer in the world of music, U2 was right in the middle of it. The world saw bands performing on television before, but now it was obviously videos that were being showcased, categorized, and repeated with scrutiny. You could now watch the bands you liked in this sort of theatrical medium with costumes and makeup.
The music actually began to develop quite the mystique. The videos had to have a director of some sort and it was through their eyes that caused us to change how we felt about the actual music. We weren't just listening anymore...we were watching with an intentional anticipation. It wasn't just audio...now it was visual. It is very important to discuss MTV because it was a definitive factor in the worldwide musical phenomenon we call U2.
Due to their prolific and almost god-like influence over millions of music fans, it is a given that they have been interviewed, analyzed, criticized, and possibly ostracized for their global effect on millions of human beings. I intend on discussing their musical efforts(albums) and accomplishments, but my words will describe(as in all my posts) what their music means to me...personally and the inspiration and sometimes inadvertant guidance that it has provided me over the years.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Bono Vox-lead vocals, lyricist
The Edge-lead guitar, lyricist
Larry Mullen, Jr.-drums
Adam Clayton-Bass
-----------------------------------------------------------
What I find kind of amusing is that not until I was older did I first hear someone describe them as a Christian rock band. I knew what that meant, but never thought of U2 as that. I could decipher some of their lyrics that definitely pointed towards some version of a faith, but it just didn't seem really in the foreground at all...I mean as the only topic. I just thought that they were a bunch of guys who believed in God(as many do) and drew strength and determination from that belief to use their creativity as a catalyst for addressing other pressing worldy issues. Seen. I do not find them evangelistic, bombastic, or any of the like. They are taking their particular faiths and channeling them into their art with love and soul to form an artistic expression. I don't think they say believe this, believe that...they are saying this is what I believe.
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Music
I read one critic once break down what he thought were U2's masterpieces. Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, Zooropa? Whaaaaaaaaaaaat? Really? How in the dark are you? I wondered. Are you just a writer who happens to like music? Or are you a music fanatic who happens to be a writer?
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Masterpieces
Boy
Sometimes when one develops a deep admiration for something(music in this case) it can penetrate the subconcious with its meaning wherein only the two can agree on its effect. "Boy," U2's debut album focuses on themes of adolescence and the frustrations that that era of one's life can present. I suppose my subconcious strongly related to these ideas, thoughts, and feelings quite actually without my complete knowledge. This is my favorite U2 album. Perhaps not their best, but nevertheless one I will always cherish. It's classics include, "I Will Follow," Out of Control," and "Electric Co."
The Unforgettable Fire
In my opinion this is U2's absolute masterpiece. It is quintessential U2. If there is a U2 fan out there somewhere who doesn't like this album, they are not a real fan. This is the album where when recorded U2 had already generated a large following and upon its release sent them to the edge of what seemed like a volcano about to erupt...its lava on the brink of umleashing itself onto the earth taking out anything in its path.(hence, the name?)
This one employed different producers than previous albums. "Boy, October, and War" were more in the rock genre. Unforgettable Fire began production with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois who were known for their deeply lush instrumentational brilliance and soothing vocalities. Maybe U2 in the mid-80's and deeply rooted in their rock-nuances were about to shock fans with such a dramatic turn of style, however, I believe it was these producers who as only bonafide musicians could-saw in these lads something reflected in themselves which was a genuine talent that necessitated ALL possible avenues of musical creation. As well as the grace of God. Hallelujah. U.Fire's most well known tracks include, "Pride(In The Name of Love), Sort of Homecoming, and Bad."
The Joshua Tree
JT saw the retainment of Eno and Lanois. Rightly so. Apparently the group felt comfortable with these two overseeing the development of their art. Undoubtedly U2's most recognized work, it still didn't resonate with alot of their fans. The diehards found it way too stylistic of pop music. Looking back I think I was one of those diehards who were almost resentful that they had entered the realm of pop superstardom. It was like where were our rebellious and controversial boys from Dublin who sang about the trials and tribulations in Ireland and the rest of the world? Alot of us just didn't quite get it...these la-ti-da songs. They were labeled as sellouts and lost a large part of one particular area of their fan base only to gain another...the pop fan. At any rate, for the band as artists I believe it is still a masterpiece...pop-ish or not.
-----------------------------------------------------------
"The swift don't win the race.
It goes to the worthy,
who can divide
the word of truth."
Bob Dylan
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The History Of A Passion V
Concrete Blonde
Summer 1988. Discovered my brother's copy of Concrete Blonde's self-titled, debut album. Listened to it over and over and over outside while painting my Mom's deck. It was a big job, but having my new companion made it a memorable and enjoyable chore. When I first saw the album I was intrigued by the band's name, "Concrete Blonde." It had to be awesome with a name like that, right? Well, it was alright from start to finish.
They are or were a standard rock band, however, frontwoman, Johnette Napolitano is by far one of the most underrated vocal phenoms. She totally overpowered the other instruments. A true force born with a talent that encompasses that little thing we call soul. Her skill didn't fully bloom until the third album. This actually happens alot with singers as they continue to develop over time and practice. The actual music of the band is o.k. compared to the reins guided by Napolitano at the microphone. The guitar parts are way too pop-ish to match the depth of its singer. I'd give the band a B. Napolitano a B+ at first then an A+ by the end of C.B.(now defunct:-()
Concrete Blonde-Debut
Tracks:
1. True--any questions?
2. Haunted Head---punky
3. Dance Along The Edge--so 80's
4. Still In Hollywood--punky
5. Song For Kim(She Said)--cute tribute
6. Beware of Darkness--George Harrison cover, brilliant
7. Over Your Shoulder--making their sound
8. Little Sister--cutesy
9. (You're the only one)Can Make Me Cry--Awww
10. Cold Part of Town--pop-ish
11. True--instrumental
12. It'll Chew You Up and Spit You Out(Still In Hollywood Re-mix)
FREE
They really got what they needed to make this album. Based on proving that they now had a loyal fan base that could only grow, I.R.S. Records stepped up and gave them the time and the concentration necessary to produce a masterpiece that would catapult them to cult superstars. My favorite.
Bloodletting
Napolitano really takes control vocally on most of the tracks on this album. "Tomorrow, Wendy," is probably one of the best songs ever written. The studio version...the live version...wow. Also, "Bloodletting,"--fun. Napolitano shines with her vocal ray of light. They made a big mark on the pop charts with, "Joey," but I wasn't a fan of that song at all until they sped it up about 10 times at one of their shows. That was awesome! I think it was at The Paradise in Boston. They did record a few more albums, but really not noteworthy.
Technicalities:
Napolitano's vocal range: Contralto
Projection: The cheap seats
Style: Rock-N-Roll
"Make it 7 or 9/California time...whoever said it was a small world...was either a liar or a fool."-JN
Summer 1988. Discovered my brother's copy of Concrete Blonde's self-titled, debut album. Listened to it over and over and over outside while painting my Mom's deck. It was a big job, but having my new companion made it a memorable and enjoyable chore. When I first saw the album I was intrigued by the band's name, "Concrete Blonde." It had to be awesome with a name like that, right? Well, it was alright from start to finish.
They are or were a standard rock band, however, frontwoman, Johnette Napolitano is by far one of the most underrated vocal phenoms. She totally overpowered the other instruments. A true force born with a talent that encompasses that little thing we call soul. Her skill didn't fully bloom until the third album. This actually happens alot with singers as they continue to develop over time and practice. The actual music of the band is o.k. compared to the reins guided by Napolitano at the microphone. The guitar parts are way too pop-ish to match the depth of its singer. I'd give the band a B. Napolitano a B+ at first then an A+ by the end of C.B.(now defunct:-()
Concrete Blonde-Debut
Tracks:
1. True--any questions?
2. Haunted Head---punky
3. Dance Along The Edge--so 80's
4. Still In Hollywood--punky
5. Song For Kim(She Said)--cute tribute
6. Beware of Darkness--George Harrison cover, brilliant
7. Over Your Shoulder--making their sound
8. Little Sister--cutesy
9. (You're the only one)Can Make Me Cry--Awww
10. Cold Part of Town--pop-ish
11. True--instrumental
12. It'll Chew You Up and Spit You Out(Still In Hollywood Re-mix)
FREE
They really got what they needed to make this album. Based on proving that they now had a loyal fan base that could only grow, I.R.S. Records stepped up and gave them the time and the concentration necessary to produce a masterpiece that would catapult them to cult superstars. My favorite.
Bloodletting
Napolitano really takes control vocally on most of the tracks on this album. "Tomorrow, Wendy," is probably one of the best songs ever written. The studio version...the live version...wow. Also, "Bloodletting,"--fun. Napolitano shines with her vocal ray of light. They made a big mark on the pop charts with, "Joey," but I wasn't a fan of that song at all until they sped it up about 10 times at one of their shows. That was awesome! I think it was at The Paradise in Boston. They did record a few more albums, but really not noteworthy.
Technicalities:
Napolitano's vocal range: Contralto
Projection: The cheap seats
Style: Rock-N-Roll
"Make it 7 or 9/California time...whoever said it was a small world...was either a liar or a fool."-JN
Monday, January 9, 2012
The History of A Passion IV
Sinead O'Connor
"She pictures the broken glass
She pictures the steam
She pictures a soul
With no leak at the seam."
-peter gabriel
Innocence-lost. Devotion-eternal. An inclination of virtuosity. Within the scope of accomplished vocalists, God's world set its gaze upon such a lass that made our heads spin. The name of the one that caused such a rotation is Sinead O'Connor. It is difficult at best to pen the exact words and/or description of what Sinead did for me personally. But I will try. The feelings, the inspiration, the recognition of the importance of emotional self-sufficiency, but above all, capability.
In and of itself, Sinead's upbringing was raucous to the point of sheer rupture and to this day must endure the backlash of what we could call,"severe left-over emotional baggage." I won't dive too deep into the facts, but understand as someone who was thrust into the limelight brings with her tremendous grieving that can be read on both sleeves. It is like a rose whose petals have died and been swept away, but its thorns prove eternal. A thorn bush.
The Lion and the Cobra
1988. Standing in the shower with my Mom's shower radio on listening to WBCN/104.1. Out of the clear blue airwaves..."I don't know no shame...I feel no pain...I can't see the flame."-Mandinka. O'Connor's first world-wide release, and my first awareness of the possibility that I could sing like that, too. I knew it instantaneously. I felt like I'd been mirrored. This album set the thorn bush aflame. No going back.
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
"Nothing Compares 2 U." The first single. The third best selling single of 1990. Platinum in the U.S. in 6 weeks. Peaked at #1 in its first week on Billboard. Catapulted O'Connor to the top. Grammy winner for Best Alternative Song. Stirred much controversy from its writer, Prince. O.k. at the time Prince was already a living legend and near billionaire. Why was it that he found it necessary to begrudge O'Connor's success? Jealousy seems absurd. Mental instability? Who knows? Anyway, guess how many times she had to sing that song? Countless. There are some other great songs on the album, too. "I am Stretched on Your Grave." Sung a cappella-even better.
Am I Not Your Girl?
WOW. Sinead singing old big band pop songs...her way. The accompaniment-outstanding. Top-notch musicians put together. Definitely a grown up album. O'Connor seems to mature about 10 years with each album.
Universal Mother
Double WOW. More electronics used on this one. Fun. Heavy mixing. Love it. Actually, her last best work. Have to be choosy, however, with the listening selections.
"A lark born only for you
Who sings only to you
My love, my love, my love."
-SOC
Technicalities
Vocal Range: Soprano
G3-F5
Projection: The edge of your soul
Style: Alternative pop+traditional folk
"She pictures the broken glass
She pictures the steam
She pictures a soul
With no leak at the seam."
-peter gabriel
Innocence-lost. Devotion-eternal. An inclination of virtuosity. Within the scope of accomplished vocalists, God's world set its gaze upon such a lass that made our heads spin. The name of the one that caused such a rotation is Sinead O'Connor. It is difficult at best to pen the exact words and/or description of what Sinead did for me personally. But I will try. The feelings, the inspiration, the recognition of the importance of emotional self-sufficiency, but above all, capability.
In and of itself, Sinead's upbringing was raucous to the point of sheer rupture and to this day must endure the backlash of what we could call,"severe left-over emotional baggage." I won't dive too deep into the facts, but understand as someone who was thrust into the limelight brings with her tremendous grieving that can be read on both sleeves. It is like a rose whose petals have died and been swept away, but its thorns prove eternal. A thorn bush.
The Lion and the Cobra
1988. Standing in the shower with my Mom's shower radio on listening to WBCN/104.1. Out of the clear blue airwaves..."I don't know no shame...I feel no pain...I can't see the flame."-Mandinka. O'Connor's first world-wide release, and my first awareness of the possibility that I could sing like that, too. I knew it instantaneously. I felt like I'd been mirrored. This album set the thorn bush aflame. No going back.
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
"Nothing Compares 2 U." The first single. The third best selling single of 1990. Platinum in the U.S. in 6 weeks. Peaked at #1 in its first week on Billboard. Catapulted O'Connor to the top. Grammy winner for Best Alternative Song. Stirred much controversy from its writer, Prince. O.k. at the time Prince was already a living legend and near billionaire. Why was it that he found it necessary to begrudge O'Connor's success? Jealousy seems absurd. Mental instability? Who knows? Anyway, guess how many times she had to sing that song? Countless. There are some other great songs on the album, too. "I am Stretched on Your Grave." Sung a cappella-even better.
Am I Not Your Girl?
WOW. Sinead singing old big band pop songs...her way. The accompaniment-outstanding. Top-notch musicians put together. Definitely a grown up album. O'Connor seems to mature about 10 years with each album.
Universal Mother
Double WOW. More electronics used on this one. Fun. Heavy mixing. Love it. Actually, her last best work. Have to be choosy, however, with the listening selections.
"A lark born only for you
Who sings only to you
My love, my love, my love."
-SOC
Technicalities
Vocal Range: Soprano
G3-F5
Projection: The edge of your soul
Style: Alternative pop+traditional folk
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The History Of A Passion III
PJ Harvey
My friends are always telling me that my taste in music is very raw and intense. Perhaps. And perhaps I am raw and intense. So, that would just explain my taste in music, I guess. We arrive at PJ Harvey. Now, PJ Harvey is the name of the band, and the name of the girl behind it all is Polly Jean Harvey. I just want to make that clear because my adoration for this singer runs very deep. She doesn't like to be called PJ. And I want the full respect that she deserves noted.
The first single introducing her to the world was called, "Sheela-Na-Gig." Looking back it is not my favorite song, but it was that song that confirmed that in the 90's, a female from England was about to set a new standard. Polly's arrival upon the music scene was like a supernova that took up tenancy in the galaxy and shines with the flare of brilliance onto all that has the ability to gaze upwards and inwards. It is pure rock coming from the voice and an era believed to be quite forgotten. This girl, the mastermind behind ALL the songs, began to invite us into what was her interpretation of the conglomerate we call rock music. The chords, melodies, progressions are standard and catchy, but add a singer who has the ability to not only catch your ear, but your full attention. She is not the most intense of singers, but she is definitely up there in the rankings as raw and powerful. I will love this one until death.
DRY
Debut 1992
Not quite the later masterpieces that were to come, but now she had her shot-her audience. The beginning of what was to become a musical dynasty.(3+albums that are stellar workings of a true artist) The last song on this album entitled, "Water," in my opinion is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. After listening to it in its entirety, I remember saying, "I think that is the best song ever written." I didn't just think it-i said it out loud. It was a true awakening.
Rid of Me
Good God, woman. Polly's sophomoric effort. On a scale of 1-100, this one is about 1,000. Each and every track reeling with the essence of a songstress on a mission. Although, difficult to describe what gives these songs their oh je ne sais quoi, for any rock musician or fan of, listening is imperative. Could be a broken heart, a crushed dream, or a simple burning with the fuel of sheer soul.
4-Track Demos
An album of acoustic outtakes from the recording of "Rid of Me." Also, with a couple extra songs-one of which I think happens to be my favorite only able to surmise after these last years-"Goodnight." Polly paints this album with invaluable strokes of a genius. The voice, the guitar, the lyrics, etc. You can gauge the authenticity in the acoustic versions as where she saw her music going and as always what a polished studio rendition of an idea will produce. I, personally believe if done correctly, studio management is itself an artform. There are few "studio artists" on the scene anymore with all the latest technology seemingly taking over the touch or the ear of an actual human.
To Bring You My Love
Alright people, put whatever it is you are holding in your hand at the moment down and sit down. This album is one of those that will lift you up, bring you down, break your heart-rip it right out of your chest, stomp on it on the ground and then kiss you goodnight. On our scale of 1-100. 1,000,000. Polly's finest. It did, however, sort of break away for a moment from her down and dirty guitar and voice twanging pre-efforts lending itself to a more tightly knit page of prose if you will with smoother edges. Regardless, this album catapulted her into a cult icon. Thank Goodness.
Dance Hall At Louse Point
Beauty, beauty, beauty. She reverts on some of the tracks to the harder edged-Polly that we were first introduced to. She collaborates on this one with friend, John Parish. It is special because it would be the last album that quite frankly was more good than bad. Oh, Polly, where hast thou gone? Pick it up-it is worth the listen.
Technicalities:
Vocal Range:
Diffilcult to gauge, mezzo-soprano-contralto
Projection:
Your insides
Style:
Pure rock-n-roll
Difficult to gauge
My friends are always telling me that my taste in music is very raw and intense. Perhaps. And perhaps I am raw and intense. So, that would just explain my taste in music, I guess. We arrive at PJ Harvey. Now, PJ Harvey is the name of the band, and the name of the girl behind it all is Polly Jean Harvey. I just want to make that clear because my adoration for this singer runs very deep. She doesn't like to be called PJ. And I want the full respect that she deserves noted.
The first single introducing her to the world was called, "Sheela-Na-Gig." Looking back it is not my favorite song, but it was that song that confirmed that in the 90's, a female from England was about to set a new standard. Polly's arrival upon the music scene was like a supernova that took up tenancy in the galaxy and shines with the flare of brilliance onto all that has the ability to gaze upwards and inwards. It is pure rock coming from the voice and an era believed to be quite forgotten. This girl, the mastermind behind ALL the songs, began to invite us into what was her interpretation of the conglomerate we call rock music. The chords, melodies, progressions are standard and catchy, but add a singer who has the ability to not only catch your ear, but your full attention. She is not the most intense of singers, but she is definitely up there in the rankings as raw and powerful. I will love this one until death.
DRY
Debut 1992
Not quite the later masterpieces that were to come, but now she had her shot-her audience. The beginning of what was to become a musical dynasty.(3+albums that are stellar workings of a true artist) The last song on this album entitled, "Water," in my opinion is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. After listening to it in its entirety, I remember saying, "I think that is the best song ever written." I didn't just think it-i said it out loud. It was a true awakening.
Rid of Me
Good God, woman. Polly's sophomoric effort. On a scale of 1-100, this one is about 1,000. Each and every track reeling with the essence of a songstress on a mission. Although, difficult to describe what gives these songs their oh je ne sais quoi, for any rock musician or fan of, listening is imperative. Could be a broken heart, a crushed dream, or a simple burning with the fuel of sheer soul.
4-Track Demos
An album of acoustic outtakes from the recording of "Rid of Me." Also, with a couple extra songs-one of which I think happens to be my favorite only able to surmise after these last years-"Goodnight." Polly paints this album with invaluable strokes of a genius. The voice, the guitar, the lyrics, etc. You can gauge the authenticity in the acoustic versions as where she saw her music going and as always what a polished studio rendition of an idea will produce. I, personally believe if done correctly, studio management is itself an artform. There are few "studio artists" on the scene anymore with all the latest technology seemingly taking over the touch or the ear of an actual human.
To Bring You My Love
Alright people, put whatever it is you are holding in your hand at the moment down and sit down. This album is one of those that will lift you up, bring you down, break your heart-rip it right out of your chest, stomp on it on the ground and then kiss you goodnight. On our scale of 1-100. 1,000,000. Polly's finest. It did, however, sort of break away for a moment from her down and dirty guitar and voice twanging pre-efforts lending itself to a more tightly knit page of prose if you will with smoother edges. Regardless, this album catapulted her into a cult icon. Thank Goodness.
Dance Hall At Louse Point
Beauty, beauty, beauty. She reverts on some of the tracks to the harder edged-Polly that we were first introduced to. She collaborates on this one with friend, John Parish. It is special because it would be the last album that quite frankly was more good than bad. Oh, Polly, where hast thou gone? Pick it up-it is worth the listen.
Technicalities:
Vocal Range:
Diffilcult to gauge, mezzo-soprano-contralto
Projection:
Your insides
Style:
Pure rock-n-roll
Difficult to gauge
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